Despite initial health care premiums offered to Case Western Reserve University for 2004 that reflected cost hikes as high as 35 percent, the university is providing nearly all of its insurance plans at only a 10 percent increase.

Case employees can enroll for 2004 health insurance benefits beginning at 7 a.m. November 17 through 8 p.m. December 2. During Benelect 2004, benefits-eligible faculty and staff also have the option to make decisions on whether to sign up for DenteMax dental insurance for the next two-year enrollment period.

Using the Web-based Benefits Enrollment Network (BEN), employees will be able to register for their 2004 benefits at their desktop or during the university's annual Benefits Fair from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 18 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 19 in rooms 13 and 14 of Crawford Hall.

Overall, Case health insurance premiums for MMO Traditional and QualChoice POS will increase 10 percent above 2003 rates, while Kaiser HMO premiums are up 8 percent. While SuperMed PPO premiums will increase 20 percent, dental and life insurance premiums will remain unchanged for 2004.

"We remain deeply committed to maintaining access to quality health care and to preserving a range of choices that serve diverse needs," Anthony D. Kinslow, vice president for human resources, said in a statement, "but a difficult economic environment and significant budget constraints affect the university's ability to hold the line on benefit costs for faculty and staff."

As a result of soaring medical costs, driven largely by an aging population, increased consumer demand and rising prescription drug prices and usage, the university in 2004 will reduce its share of the premium cost for single coverage slightly from 100 percent to 90 percent.

Case also will reduce the Benelect dollars allocated to those who opt out of the benefits program -by showing proof of insurance with another organization-from $228 to $142 per month (prorated for part-time employees). Benelect dollars, which can be applied toward life insurance or transferred into health or dependent care spending accounts represents 50 percent of the 2004 average single health and dental premiums paid by Case for university employees.

In addition, a 16.5 percent jump in prescription drug costs mandates an increase in the co-payment structure of the university's prescription plan for those with Advance PCS. New rates are $10 for generic, $20 for formulary and $45 for non-formulary prescriptions. For those with Kaiser health insurance, the co-payment will increase to $10.

"We assure you that we will continue to explore and apply best practices to offset the escalation of health care expenses," Kinslow said. "Please join us in this effort by doing everything you can to promote a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones."

The university's Staff Advisory Council will host an open forum with Kinslow and Hossein Sadid, chief financial and administrative officer, to discuss the health insurance benefits from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the 1914 Lounge of Thwing Center.

Faculty and staff will be able to speak with health plan representatives and receive information about employee services and special discounts during the Benefits Fair.

Free flu vaccinations will be available in room 209 of Crawford Hall throughout the fair, while 150 people each day can receive a free cholesterol test and diabetes screening-no fasting is necessary-from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 18 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 19 in 14 Crawford Hall.

Bone density tests also will be available for $15 from 2-4 p.m. November 18 in 14 Crawford.

For more information on the university's health insurance plans, open enrollment or the Benefits Fair, go to . Details on the forum are at http://www.cwru.edu/president/sac/sac.html.

Return to the online edition of the 11-13-03 Campus News.