3:27 p.m., April 11, 2007--The Office of Statewide Benefits recently announced several changes, effective July 1, for the state of Delaware Group Health Plan, which includes University employees and retirees. Aetna will be added as an HMO carrier replacing Coventry Health Care, and the Basic Plan will undergo some changes in coverage levels and name to become First State Basic. For the second year in a row employee/retiree premium contributions will remain at the same level.

The new First State Basic plan will offer prescription drug coverage and expanded services. It will have a $500 annual deductible for individuals and a $1,000 annual deductible for families. Services such as routine wellness visits and immunizations will be covered at 100 percent with no deductible in network. Aetna's HMO is very similar in design to the Coventry Health Care HMO, although the participating provider network may vary.

All benefits-eligible employees will have an opportunity to choose the health plan that best suits their needs during Flexible Benefits Open Enrollment scheduled for May 14-30 for coverage effective July 1. Information about the new options will be distributed to each employee's departmental address before the open enrollment period.

During open enrollment, employees currently enrolled in the Basic Plan or Coventry Health Care HMO should make an election to one of the other medical plan options (First State Basic, BlueCare HMO, Aetna HMO or Comprehensive PPO). If no election is made, employees in the Basic plan will be enrolled in the new First State Basic Plan and those with Coventry Health Care will be enrolled in the Aetna HMO.

The Aetna and BlueCare HMOs provide extensive lists of Primary Care Physicians (PCP). Directions to locate a PCP as well as information about the plans will be posted on the Office of Human Resources web site as it becomes available.

Representatives from Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, as well as many other benefit providers, will participate in UD's annual benefits fair to be held from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, May 17, in Multipurpose Rooms A, B and C of the Trabant University Center.

The Human Resources staff is available to help with any questions employees have about Flexible Benefits and/or open enrollment. Just call (302) 831-2171 or e-mail [ben-serv@udel.edu].