June 2011
Legislative Watch
Wrap-up on the 82nd Legislative Session: Effects on the UT SELECT Medical Plan
The 82nd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature ended on May 30th. With the commencement of a special session on May 31st, the UT System Office of Employee Benefits (OEB) is currently waiting to determine what impact the special session will have on the UT Benefits program. Read More.
Annual Enrollment Update
Annual Enrollment Update: Changes to Benefits Enrollment Period
As stated in the May 2011 “A Matter of Health” newsletter and in paper letters distributed to all UT benefits-eligible employees and retirees, the start of Annual Enrollment (AE) for benefits will be delayed this July 2011. Read more about what to expect within the next few months.
Reminder of Health Care Reform Changes to UT Benefits
As reported in the May 2011 edition of A Matter of Health: Connecting Work & Life, several provisions of Health Care Reform enacted in March 2010 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) go into effect for the UT SELECT Medical plan effective September 1, 2011. Our medical plan, being quite robust, is ahead of compliance in some areas such as no annual dollar limits on essential health benefits. There are, however, a few portions of the Act resulting in some notable positive changes that you don’t want to miss. Learn more.
No Changes Planned for Life, AD&D, Disability, Dental, Vision, or Long Term Care Coverage
The plan design and premium levels for the self-funded UT SELECT Medical plan are currently in the final stages of review based on the outcome of the 82nd Legislative session. However, all optional UT Benefits plans have now been fully reviewed and finalized for the upcoming 2011 – 2012 plan year. The UT System Office of Employee Benefits is pleased to announce that all of the available optional plans will continue to offer the same complete package of benefits during the upcoming plan year, providing robust protection and financial value for you and your family, with no changes to any of the premium rates. Learn more.
Be a Wise Healthcare Consumer
On the lookout for ways to save money? Enroll in UT FLEX!
UT FLEX Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA): As a benefits-eligible employee, you can participate in the UT FLEX Medical Expense Reimbursement Account and pay for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses with funds set aside from your pay before taxes are withheld. Read More.
What’s the current status of your UT FLEX account?
If you have a PayFlex Debit Card, the card may only be used for eligible healthcare expenses. If you make a debit card transaction that does not match a UT insurance deductible, copayment or the carrier’s EOB information, you may be asked to provide documentation to substantiate the eligibility of the purchase. Understand what to do if you have transactions that require substantiation.
Retirement Corner
The Blindside
Did the downturn in the market blindside your retirement plans? Since March 2009 the market rallied somewhat. If you stayed invested and kept contributing, you are quite likely above where you were before the downturn. But if you moved your assets to the sidelines, or you just haven’t been able to overcome the set back yet, it may be time to make some choices. Learn steps to help you with retirement saving opportunities.
Wellness Wise
Not just an apple a day!
Recent recommendations indicate we should fill half our plates with fruits and vegetables at every meal. Unfortunately, most of us are not getting anywhere close to enough of the good stuff. Learn a few ways you can start improving your diet and tools that could help you and your family!
Healthy Recipe of the Month
12 Smart Ideas for Breakfast On the Go
Set yourself up for healthy-breakfast success by stocking your shelves with items you can grab and go. Learn more.
Copyright 2010 ©