Return to Main Menu

Medical Center's benefits fair to be held Oct. 17 During the month of October, Medical Center employees have the opportunity to change insurance carriers.  This is not an “open” season to add or delete dependents from health or dental insurance plans. All changes made during the month of October are effective Jan. 1.  The Medical Center Benefits Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17,  in room 107 of the Administration/Library Building. Changes may be made at the fair, or in the Medical Center Benefits  Office, room 109 Clinical Sciences Building throughout the month of October.  Complete information, the Insurance Advantage newsletter, and your personal benefits statement will be sent from the Employee Insurance Programs office in Columbia and distributed to your department by mid-September. Please read and review this information carefully.  Changes Effective Jan. 1, all health insurance premiums, except Companion, will increase for all enrolled employees and retirees, regardless of level of coverage. Premium increases are necessary because of rising health care costs and the number of paid claims. The premium increase is definitely a more favorable option than reducing benefits. A summary of benefits and premiums is on the Medical Center Human Resources Management Website.  http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/human_resources/main.html To minimize the impact of the premium increases, employees should, if not already enrolled in Part A, enroll in the pretax insurance option under MoneyPlu$.  MoneyPlu$, the flexible benefits plan, will be administered by the Fringe Benefits Management Company for the 2003 plan year. You will continue to file your 2002 claims with Hunt, DuPree and Rhine. The filing deadline for 2002 claims is March 31.  Anyone wishing to continue their dependent daycare or medical spending  accounts must re-enroll in the month of October.  For employees who are not enrolled in MoneyPlu$ Part A, which shelters health, dental and optional term life insurance premiums from your taxable income, you are strongly encouraged to enroll during the month of October.  For information, call Katy Kuder at 792-0858.       Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.