Ellen Allen of Radiology gets her fat content checked by Healthsource’s Kimber McDonald.

There is still time for employees to change their state benefits. Employees can either switch health plans or add or delete health and dental coverage for themselves and their dependents. All changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 1998. If employees have not reviewed their plan, they must do so immediately. This opportunity will not be available until October 1999, with a January 2000 effective date.

No medical evidence of good health is needed, however, certain preexisting conditions may be applicable. Premiums will not increase for either plan, however, the they will change for the HMOs, increasing in some categories and decreasing in others.

Participants in the MoneyPlu$ program who have Dependent Care Spending Accounts and/or Medical Spending Accounts must re-enroll if they wish to continue these plans for the 1998 year. Employees may also enroll in either of these plans or the health and dental premium account for the first time. A minimum of one year's service in a benefits eligible position is required to establish a Medical Spending Account.

If employees missed the benefits fair on Oct. 9 and 10, they can still attend several enrollment briefings. Benefits specialists from the Department of Human Resources Management will discuss changes, answer questions and aid in the paperwork. The next briefing will be held on Oct. 21, at 2 and 5 p.m. in the Basic Science Building., room 100. If employees want to just enroll; the following meetings are scheduled: Oct. 30 and 31 from 7-10 a.m. in the Administration Building, room 100. Employees should bring their benefits statements.