SUBJECT:

Open Enrollment & Supplemental Disability Election

Dear Colleagues,

November is the University Open Enrollment month - the time of year when you can change many of your UC health and welfare benefits for the coming year. Although November is drawing to a close, there is still time to take advantage of this opportunity.

During Open Enrollment active faculty can:

*Change to a different medical plan.

*Change to a different dental plan (California residents only).

*Enroll in Supplemental Disability or reduce your waiting period without a statement of health; OPEN ONE-TIME ONLY THIS YEAR.

*Enroll or re-enroll in the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA); if currently enrolled, you must re-enroll if you want to participate in 2006.

*Enroll or re-enroll in the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DepCare); if currently enrolled, you must re-enroll if you want to participate in 2006.

*Change participation in the Tax Savings on Insurance Premiums (TIP) program.

*Enroll eligible family members in your health plans.

*Opt out of your medical, dental, and/or vision plan, or enroll in a new plan if you previously opted out.

*Cancel health plan coverage for currently enrolled family members.

Faculty Retirees can:

*Change to a different medical plan.
*Change to a different dental plan (California residents only).
*Suspend your UC-sponsored medical coverage *Cancel health plan coverage for currently enrolled family members.

Supplemental Disability Insurance has been closed for many years, and this window of opportunity will likely not be open again for many years. You have just one month to make this election, without any questions being asked, and change your enrollment. Additional information can be found below and at:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/open_enrollment

The following links may be helpful in seeking information about your open enrollment options. The main Open Enrollment webpage can be found at:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/news/general/open_enrollment_2006.html

The Committee on Faculty Welfare urges you to give serious consideration to the open window for supplemental disability enrollment.

Morton Printz Chair Committee on Faculty Welfare

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The information reprinted below is reprinted from the UC Benefits website on the Supplemental Disability Plan.

BACKGROUND: This plan has not been open for enrollment in nearly 15 years and is not likely to be open again. In November, you can enroll in the plan or reduce your waiting period without having to submit a statement of health.

EIGHT REASONS TO ENROLL in Supplemental Disability

1. This is your only chance.
2. This benefit replaces up to 70% of your income during a disabling illness or injury.
3. This benefit provides 70% of income during pregnancy disability with a 7- or 30-day waiting period.
4. UC does not participate in California State Disability Insurance.
5. The maximum UCRP long-term disability benefit is 40% of income with 12+ years of service credit (minimum eligibility is five years of service).
6. The maximum UC-paid Short-Term Disability benefit is only $800 per month for six months.
7. You need 500+ hours of sick leave and/or vacation to cover three months of salary if you are sick or injured.
8. You may enroll without a statement of health.

REASONS NOT TO ENROLL in Supplemental Disability

1. You have enough other continuing income or example, a spouse or domestic partner income.
2. You would retire if you became seriously ill or injured.
3. Your UCRP basic retirement income is currently 70% or more of your salary; e.g., if you are currently age 58, you would need 32 years of service credit to receive 70% of your salary.