Incoming medical student Alan Powers is happy to receive his white coat from VUSM Dean Steven Gabbe, M.D.
Photo by Dana Johnson
New benefit plans’ cost information now available
Cost information about the new health plans being offered to Vanderbilt employees is available online today at http://hr.vanderbilt.edu/benefits.
A VUnet ID and e-password are required for access.
During this fall's Open Enrollment (Oct. 1-16) all benefits-eligible employees must select a new health plan option, as the University's contract with current plan providers expires Dec. 31.
Three new plan options, as well as the addition of vision benefits, are being offered and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2007.
Information packets will be mailed to benefits eligible employees Sept. 26.
“Our two important messages are that all employees have to submit their form by the Oct. 16 deadline and that all employees must take a close look at the health plan options to make sure they choose the one that best fits their health care needs,” said Kevin Myatt, associate vice chancellor and chief Human Resources Officer.
“The three options offered for 2007 are all quite different from each other, unlike the options that have been in place since 2004. Now, faculty and staff will have real alternatives,” Myatt said.
The three new plans options are Aetna Standard Option, Aetna Choice Option and BlueCross Advantage P Option.
In addition to the information packets mailed to employees, Vanderbilt's Office of Benefits Administration also has several events scheduled where employees can learn more details about the new options.
• The Benefits Fair will be held in two locations: in the second floor breezeway in Light Hall on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Oct. 11, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and at the Law School on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Lunchtime question and answer sessions will be held Oct. 3 and 4 at the Courtyard Café from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at the performance area of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt on Oct. 5 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.; and at the Sarratt Promenade on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dozens of Open Forums are scheduled at many Vanderbilt facilities throughout September, and more may be added. Check the HR Web site at http://hr.vander-bilt.edu for the current schedule.
— Information for this story was contributed by Ginny McLean-Swartsell, health plan communicator in Benefits Administration