Q: What’s happening?
A: UO employees have until 5 p.m., Oct. 31, to enroll in a medical, dental and vision plan for Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014. Enroll online in the PEBB.benefits system, print forms online or pick them up from Human Resources at 677 E. 12th Ave. Learn more in the September newsletter of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board.
Q: Clearly, my decisions will affect my benefits – should I rush through each section in a blur or slow down, read everything carefully and follow the instructions?
A: You should take your time, read the information carefully and make informed decisions.
Q: If I’m already enrolled, do I have to do it again?
A: Yes. This applies to all new, current and returning benefit-eligible employees. If you don’t enroll, you’ll pay an additional $100 medical deductible per person and a tobacco use surcharge – even if you don’t use tobacco. And remember, those premiums start with the December paycheck because they’re paid a month in advance.
Q: I have lots of questions. What should I do?
A: Attend an Open Enrollment meeting. They’ll be held in the EMU Walnut Room from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2; 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15; and 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24. Also, you can talk to the benefit representatives who will be available at the Annual Fall Benefits Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 8, in the EMU Fir Room.
Q: Are there changes to benefits for 2014?
A: Deductibles and co-pays remain the same. There is a name change for the dental plan: ODS Traditional becomes ODS Moda Premier and ODS Preferred becomes ODS Moda PPO. New ID cards won’t be automatically issued.
For those who use PEBB Statewide or Providence Choice, in 2014 there will be no limit on visits to a naturopath but caps on acupuncture and spinal manipulation. You can also pay an additional $100 for coverage of knee viscosupplementation, bunionectomy, surgery for hammertoe and Morton’s neuroma.
For those who use Kaiser, substance abuse will be covered in full and bariatric surgery will be covered for those with diabetes and a body-mass index of 35 or higher.
Q: What’s this I’m hearing about the Health Engagement Model program?
A: The HEM is an effort to help people get healthier, which contains health care costs for everyone. If you participate, you can get the lowest-deductible medical plan and you’ll get a financial incentive in your pay starting in January ($17.50/month/employee or $35/employee and spouse or domestic partner). If you don’t, your 2014 medical coverage will include an additional $100 deductible per covered individual and a tobacco surcharge of $25 for employee or $50 for employee/spouse or partner.
Q: OK, what do I do?
A: First, you complete a confidential health assessment before 5 p.m. Oct. 31; then, you choose and complete two healthy actions next year.
Q: Do I have to do the health assessment if I did it last year?
A: Yes. It takes about 15 minutes. And if you’re covering a spouse or partner, they have to do it, too. The assessment can only be done online; if you don’t have a computer, ask a family member, friend or department supervisor or contact the UO Benefits Office for access to one.
Q: OK, then what?
A: If you already participate in the HEM, during the online process you’ll be asked to answer “yes" or "no” to the question “Did you complete your two additional healthy activities for 2013”? If you answer “yes” you will be enrolled in the lowest deductible medical plan for 2014 and continue to receive the monthly HEM subsidy. If you answer “no,” you can’t participate – and that means no incentive and you’ll automatically have the highest-deductible plan.
If you are currently not participating, you’ll have the option to start participating – just click the “Change” button next to your medical plan.
Q: What do I have to do as my two “healthy actions”?
A: You’ll see options when you enroll, including weight loss, smoking cessation, physical activity, screenings for cancer and other concerns and community-based health improvement programs such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program and “Healthy Team Healthy U,” a team-based workplace program that counts as two health actions.
But almost any activity qualifies, so be creative – regular walking, biking or swimming, Weight Watchers, health club membership … just remember, you’re on your honor to actually do them – and to keep track in some fashion.
Q: What’s this about a gym subsidy?
A: Starting Oct. 1, if you go to a gym at least 12 times per month, you’ll be eligible to receive a $15 reimbursement per month. If your partner or spouse goes to the gym at least 12 times per month, they will also be eligible to receive a $15 reimbursement per month. Reimbursement is made on a quarterly basis. Participating gyms will reimburse automatically; for nonparticipating gyms, you’ll have to submit reimbursement paperwork.
If you are interested, please read the following information to see how the program works http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/2014Benefits/M930-034B-PEBB%2520Promotional%2520Brochure.pdf. You will also need to create an account on the ExerciseRewards website at https://www.exerciserewards.com. If you have questions or would like additional information, call 1-877-810-2746.
Q: On another subject, I use Providence Health Plan and I had a devil of a time last year working with my username and password to complete the health questionnaire.
A: That’s not really a question, but you’ll be happy to know retrieving your username and password is much easier now.
Q: This has been very helpful. But I still have some questions.
A: For more information, contact Cindi Peterson, Lynn Petersen or Ernie Pressman in the UO Benefits Office at 541-346-3159.
- by Matt Cooper, UO Office of Public Affairs Communications