Most University of Iowa employees will see little difference in their benefits options this year. A few, however, will notice considerable changes—but they will add value.

Richard Saunders, UI assistant vice president for human resources, talked about what faculty and staff can expect as they complete the annual open enrollment process.

First, what’s the big picture on benefit changes?

For merit staff, there are small reductions in health insurance premiums, and small increases in the dental premium, but no changes in health or dental coverage. There is a reduction in accidental death and dismemberment insurance premiums, and a reduction in the health care spending account maximum that applies all employees.

For faculty, professional and scientific, and merit supervisory staff, there are no changes for most, but substantial changes for a few. Those changes bring opportunities for savings and increased value for both employees and the university.

What are these substantial changes?

We are moving to one plan for dental insurance and one plan for health insurance. This means a change for the relatively small number of employees currently covered under the plans being phased out—Dental I and CHIP II.

Regarding dental coverage, we’ve seen a growing majority of eligible employees choosing Dental II—more than 1,000 left Dental I last year. Premiums for Dental I had increased to the point where the plan cost the university almost as much as the more robust Dental II plan.

As we move to Dental II for everyone, single employees will see no increases in cost. Other employees will pay at most $5 per month more. For that, they’ll basically double coverage for restorative services and increase their orthodontia coverage.

As for health insurance, more than 99 percent of eligible employees are already in UI Choice; CHIP II has only about 300 enrolled. When we saw what the CHIP II premiums would be for 2013, we realized there was basically no way the plan could be better than UI Choice for any employee.

UI Choice covers all the same providers as CHIP II and is good worldwide, but we know there will still be some concerns. We are holding meetings around campus to answer any questions.

You mentioned a change in health care spending accounts—can you elaborate?

The federal government has changed the maximum you can deposit into a health care spending account. For 2013, the maximum contribution will be $2,500 per year. The changes will impact a small number of UI employees, but will be a substantial change for some. We will be contacting them to ensure they understand and adjust.

Any other notable benefits news this year?

This is odd, but in a good way—the university is self-insured, and this year premiums for the health plan that covers 99 percent of faculty and professional and scientific staff are not increasing. It’s only the second time in 26 years that I remember that happening.

We believe it’s due to a mix of positive developments. The UI QuickCare clinics have reduced our number of emergency room visits. Our health plan’s preventive components—like free generic medications—have helped hold costs in check. We have had good luck this year and had fewer catastrophic medical claims.

We also have a great number of employees who are taking advantage of wellness programs and classes, including the Campus Recreation Services Membership Incentive Program. The resulting changes in behavior help with our health costs.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If you’re in one of the plans being eliminated, make sure you complete the open enrollment online—we will not auto-enroll anyone in a different plan. Even though there isn’t a wealth of change for most people this year, I encourage everyone to review their dependents and beneficiaries and examine their benefits options to make sure the choices they have made continue to be best for them.