The Division of Human Resources’ (HR) Open Enrollment period, which runs from Monday, April 15, to Friday, April 26, is a time for Penn faculty and staff to take a close look at the comprehensive array of healthcare options offered by the University to make sure they have the right types of benefits for their current situation.

Open Enrollment is the only time of year when Penn employees can make changes to their healthcare options, unless they have a life event such as marriage.

There are some changes for the 2013–2014 plan year.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for the Aetna Choice POS II plan are being reduced. For in-network coverage, the deductible will decrease by $200 per individual ($600 per family), while the out-of-pocket maximum will decrease by $800 per individual ($2,400 per family).

Some services under the Keystone HMO plan will now be subject to a deductible and coinsurance. For example, inpatient care will now be subject to a 10% coinsurance after a deductible ($100 individual/$200 family).

Penn’s prescription drug carrier is changing its name to Express Scripts/Medco. Medco and Express Scripts have come together as one company. The two companies have merged and the new company is in the process of updating its name to Express Scripts on communications. But during the transition, faculty and staff will continue to see the Medco name. The company merger will not affect employee prescription benefits in any way.

Several enhancements are being made to the Penn Faculty Practice dental plan without increasing premiums.

For a complete list of changes, visit the HR website.

On Tuesday, April 16, HR is hosting an Open Enrollment and Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall.

Representatives from Penn’s health care providers and administrators will be onsite to share information and answer questions. Faculty and staff can learn about medical plans, prescription drug coverage, dental plans, vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, and the Penn Benefits Center.

Sue Sproat, executive director of HR benefits, says there will also be wellness opportunities such as blood pressure screenings, chair massages, and nutrition information.

“The fair is your chance to ask questions and learn more about the University’s many benefits and resources to keep you well,” she says.

Faculty and staff should receive their Open Enrollment packet in the mail by the end of this week. Those who selected the green (“paperless”) option will be able to review their materials online.