Benefits Open Enrollment Now Underway

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 26, 2016) — The University of Kentucky Benefits Open Enrollment is underway and ends May 13. Open Enrollment gives employees the opportunity to review and update their UK benefits.

If employees participate in a flexible spending account (FSA), they need to re-enroll each year. Otherwise, re-enrollment is not generally required unless employees wish to add or change plans or update their level of coverage.

Though UK’s underlying health plan costs have risen, the university continues to limit the impact on UK health plan members. This year, employees who receive the health plan credit on the UK-HMO, UK-RHP and UK-PPO plans will not see an increase on their share of the monthly premium. Employees on the UK-EPO plan will see a small increase.

“The university’s health plan realized an increase in cost this year of 4.8 percent, which is well below the national average,” said Gail Carbol, Human Resources benefits manager. “We attribute this fact, in part, to our Health and Wellness initiatives, which continue to build a culture of wellness within the university.”

For example, more than 10,000 employees have purchased a discounted Fitbit through a Health and Wellness subsidy.

Other UK Benefits programs have been beneficial as well.

“Our Know Your Rx pharmacists offer education on your medication and prescription benefit, along with money-saving advice,” Carbol said. “The university has developed a winning cycle of healthy behaviors, administrative efficiencies and reduced health care costs.”

To learn more about health plan rates and other benefit updates, please visit the Open Enrollment website. Employees will also receive mailings at home and work with more details.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu