UA News

Updates on open enrollment will be announced as they become availble.

The state's Open Enrollment Benefit Guide, originally scheduled to be sent to state employees around Aug. 1, has been delayed due to a challenge to the state's contract awards for 2009-2010.

It is not clear how the delay will affect the original open enrollment period for benefits-eligible employees, scheduled for Aug. 10-30. The Arizona Department of Administration has posted the following notice on its Web site:

"Previously, we announced that you would begin to receive the Open Enrollment Benefit Guide on approximately August 1, 2009. However, there has been an unexpected delay in the issuance of the Benefit Guides due to a procurement protest. Open Enrollment Expos that are already scheduled may be affected by this delay. At this time, we cannot state the exact date for release of the Open Enrollment Benefit Guides. We apologize for this delay and modification to the Benefits Open Enrollment; however, it is unavoidable. As soon as we have an updated status on Open Enrollment, we will post the information on our Web site at www.benefitoptions.az.gov and mail out notices and Benefit Guides."

During open enrollment, all benefits-eligible UA employees may enroll, cancel or change elections for medical, dental, vision, supplemental life and short-term disability coverage.

An e-mail update sent to the University's benefits-eligible employees last month announced that there would be several changes in plan options for the 2009-2010 year, including new medical networks, a new pharmacy benefit provider, changes to premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, and a new Health Savings Account Plan Option.

"We will communicate with the University community as more information becomes available," said Allison Vaillancourt, vice president for Human Resources.