This week, UAB HR Benefits begins its step-by-step process of rolling out information about Open Enrollment for benefit-eligible employees. Weekly communications in the UAB Reporter and Monday Mailing will provide employees more time to review available benefits and upcoming changes and make informed decisions for themselves and their families. As communications roll out, additional information will be available in the UAB for Me portal under the open enrollment toolkit.
1. Open enrollment dates are set
UAB’s annual open enrollment for benefits will begin 7 a.m. Oct. 27 and conclude 5 p.m. Nov. 13. Eligible employees can choose among dental, vision and health insurance plans, plus voluntary life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance and tax-deferred spending accounts for health and dependent care for 2018. You can review your benefit detail report anytime on the UAB for Me portal.
2. Action is required
This is an active open enrollment, which means any benefit-eligible employee who does not select a 2018 health care plan option during the enrollment period will not have UAB-provided health care coverage (medical, dental, vision) beginning January 2018. Detailed offerings of these plans will be provided in coming weeks to better enable you to make the best choice for your household.
3. Changing tiers
This past year, UAB announced it would realign its coverage options to offer three premium tiers: 1) Single, 2) Employee + Children and 3) Family. To ease the cost increase for covered spouses, UAB will offer a fourth, temporary tier for employees covering only a spouse or a spouse and one child. More details to come.
4. Premium assistance
To ease premium cost for qualified employees, UAB will offer a premium-assistance program for eligible employees in 2018. Details to come.
5. Get answers at the Benefits Fair
The UAB Benefits Fair will be held 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27 in the UAB Hospital West Pavilion Atrium to help answer any questions you may have before choosing your benefits for 2018. Can’t make it but have individual questions? HR consultants and benefits representatives will be available in schools/ departments for your convenience. A full schedule of times and locations will be available by Oct. 23. Contact your HR consultant or the UAB Benefits office, benefits@uab.edu or 934-3458.
