State Health Plan Update
Health benefits for teachers and state employees are determined by the North Carolina General Assembly. Senate Bill 323 became law May 23rd and House Bill 578 was signed into law by Governor Perdue May 26th, making changes to premiums, copays and deductibles. Due to these changes, which will go into effect September 1, 2011. During this period, members will have the opportunity to change their plan elections and add eligible dependents.
Along with other changes, the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI) has been eliminated. Therefore, effective September 1, 2011, the tobacco and weight management component will no longer determine the plan in which members may enroll. If members previously elected to enroll in the 70/30 Basic plan due to CWI, they will now have to opportunity to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan.
Members who wish to remain on the plan in which they enrolled during Annual Enrollment and concluded June 8, 2011, will not need to do anything during the Follow-up Enrollment period.
For the first time, effective September 1, 2011, active and retired employees who wish to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan will be required to pay a premium for subscriber only coverage. However, there will be a premium-free option for the 70/30 Basic plan for employees and retirees. In addition, to these changes, there will be a 5.3 percent increase in dependent premiums for the 2011/2012 benefit plan year, beginning September 1, 2011.
Members can expect to receive new identification cards by July 1, 2011, which will reflect benefits changes selected during Annual Enrollment. Members will also receive new identifications cards by September 1, 2011 reflecting the changes that are outlined below.
Members will be receiving additional information regarding the enrollment period via mail.
A word document with the above information is linked below.
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