Annual Benefits Enrollment opens July 15 and runs through July 31. This is your once-a-year opportunity to make any changes to your insurance coverage, including adding or dropping dependents or selecting a new plan. Outside of Annual Benefits Enrollment, employees can only make changes to their benefits due to a qualifying life event.
There will be an increase in premiums and copays for the SELECT Medical Plan this year. Specific detail, including the cost information, is expected from the UT System Office of Employee Benefits in the next several business days. This change will impact part-time employees and those who cover spouses and dependents. Employee-only coverage remains free for those working 30-plus hours per week.
In the meantime, here is what you can do now to prepare for Annual Benefits Enrollment:
- Review the available plans and your current coverage. Needs can change over time, so make sure you have the coverage that is right for you for the next fiscal year.
- Gather supporting documents such as marriage or birth certificates if you’re adding a dependent to your coverage for the first time.
- Estimate the amount of medical or dependent care expenses you’ll have in the next fiscal year to see if you would benefit from a flexible spending account? This calculator can help you decide.
Why are we seeing an increase?
The increases are due to the rising cost of health care and plan utilization. UT SELECT Members (Blue Cross Blue Shield) across the UT System should have experienced rate increases in fiscal year 2021 and 2022. However, due to the pandemic, these rate increases were not passed on to the employee. COVID-19 caused a pent-up demand for health care services and caused many people to delay tests and treatments, resulting in an increase in utilization as well as more severe illnesses.
When will we know more?
UT System is working to let HR know what the percentage increase will be, and it will be communicated to you as soon as the information is available. Please note that the HR team (inclusive of Strategic HR Partners and HR Generalists) and AskHR do not have any additional information at this time. Keep an eye out for details, which will be provided as they become available.
Mark your calendars for Benefits Fairs
Register to attend Benefits Fairs hosted by our Benefits representatives and health and financial providers to learn about this year’s benefits offerings and how to make the most of them. In-person and virtual benefits fairs are offered on the dates below. Find a full schedule and Zoom meetings links for each event.
In-Person Benefits Fair
July 14, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holly Auditorium, UT Health San Antonio Long Campus
Virtual Benefits Fair
July 21, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Event with Zoom Meetings
Retirement Benefits Fair
July 26, 2022 from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Virtual Event with Zoom Meetings
For other questions about the benefits enrollment process or the upcoming benefits fairs, you may connect with AskHR.