Prepare Yourself for Open Enrollment

July 1-31, 2002
Some important things to consider

1.  Inform us of changes in your name, address or telephone number.

Update your demographic information at the Human Resources Office by May 15.  If you plan to be away on vacation for a short time or the entire summer, please leave an address and/or telephone number where you can be reached with your department secretary.

2.  Watch for important benefit information in the mail.

Your Open Enrollment Packet will be delivered to your department sometime in late June.  The packet contains a 1) Annual Enrollment Booklet intended to serve as a summary of the benefits available to you as an employee or retiree; 2) Benefit Cost Worksheet you can use to estimate your monthly out-of-pocket cost for benefits; 3) Medical Plan Provider Directory that lists participating hospitals, ancillary providers, primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health practitioners, and supervised and sponsored providers; 4) Dental Plan Provider Directory that lists participating dentists; 5) Overview of Changes Flyer that provides a brief explanation of  the benefit changes that will occur effective September 1st;  6) Coverage Option Letter (PIN Letter) you can use to determine what plans you are currently enrolled in and what plans will or will not rollover into the new plan year.  The letter also contains a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you can use to gain access to the UT TOUCH Telephone and On-line Enrollment System and make your benefit selections during the Open Enrollment Period.  If you make changes to your benefits during the Open Enrollment Period, you will also receive a confirmation letter in the mail that verifies the changes that you have made to your benefits. 

3.  Read all necessary and relevant materials.

Be sure to READ all of the materials you receive during Open Enrollment to be fully informed of possible changes in insurance carriers, rates and plan structure.  No specific information is available at this time as to what the changes will be this year.  Changes in insurance plans are not public information until they are approved by the Board of Regents at their May meeting.  The Human Resources Office will disseminate information as it becomes available.

4.  Attend an informational meeting.

Please plan to attend one of the informational meetings scheduled to take place during Open Enrollment.  The Office of Human Resources will offer sessions in June and July to announce changes for the upcoming plan year, discuss current plans, and explain UT Touch telephone and on-line enrollment. A web demonstration of on-line enrollment will be provided for interested new or current employees.

5.  Submit required forms.

Be sure to submit your Evidence of Insurability Application Form if you plan to sign up for the Long Term Disability Plan for the first time, increase your life insurance coverage, or add a dependent(s) to your medical plan during the Open Enrollment Period.  Application forms are available at the Human Resources Office or online at www.utbtsc.edu/human_resources.  We encourage you to complete and submit your forms to Human Resources prior to the Open Enrollment Period or at the latest by July 31st.  Approval from the insurance company is required before these changes can be made to your benefits.

6.  Update your insurance coverage.

The Open Enrollment Period will take place from July 1-31, 2002.  You can make your benefits selections by UT Touch Telephone Enrollment at 1-800-888-6824 or online at www.utsystem.edu/egi/.

7.  Sign up for an individual meeting.

A Human Resources Representative will be available (see schedule below) to meet with new and current employees or retirees who have questions, do NOT have access to the internet at their workstation, or require assistance updating their insurance coverage during the Open Enrollment Period.  Individual meetings will be scheduled by APPOINTMENT ONLY, and will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.  Call Human Resources at extension 8205 or 8809 to schedule an appointment.

Individual Meeting Dates  (30 minutes per person)

Friday, July 5:  9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • Cortez #129
Thursday, July 11:  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Physical Plant
Friday, July 12:  9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • Cortez #129
Thursday, July 18:  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Duffey Plaza
Friday, July 19:  9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • Cortez #129
Thursday, July 25:  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Tandy VPBA Conference Room
Friday, July 26:  9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. • Cortez #129
Wednesday, July 31:  9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Cortez #129

Please remember to bring your Open Enrollment Packet and your Coverage Option Letter (PIN Letter) with you to your appointment.  You cannot make changes to your benefits without your PIN.

8.  Ask questions.

When in doubt, ask questions.  For questions, additional information or assistance during the Open Enrollment Period, contact Christina Logan at 544-8809 or send an e-mail to clogan@hp.utbtsc.edu.