It is anticipated that the 2005-2006 Open Enrollment (OE) period will begin on May 25, 2005 and end on June 15, 2005. As soon as the State of Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announces the final dates, premium rates, and other details, they will be published in future Benefits Bulletins on Daily Digest.
In the meantime, faculty and staff members should plan on attending the
Benefits Festival on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the University Union?s Chesapeake Rooms. All of the Maryland State benefits providers have confirmed their attendance at our festival, so take advantage of the opportunity to meet with them and find out about coverage (and hopefully the rates) for the 2005-2006 plan year.
Even though the actual dates and rates have not been officially announced, DBM has informed us that there will be major changes to the Prescription Drug benefit beginning July 1, 2005, including increased co-payments, maximum quantities per co-payment, a voluntary mail order program and a family limit on co-payments.
Based on information from the State Employee Benefits Division (EBD) we expect to receive OE materials sometime after May 16. OE information packets will be delivered to all regular faculty and staff members at their campus address. If you know that you will be away during that time frame, please arrange to have your materials forwarded to you as soon as possible. Remember that all regular faculty and staff members as well as retirees will have to use the State?s IVR system to make any changes or elections during OE and that EBD?s Web site ({http://www.dbm.maryland.gov} — click on Employee Services then Health Benefits and Open Enrollment) will also have all the details concerning this OE activity.
Be sure to check Daily Digest for more information about this upcoming Open Enrollment.
Questions should be directed to Dave Curtis, x4-6018 or {dcurtis@towson.edu}, or Gail Price, x4-6017 or {gprice@towson.edu}.
