Duke HR - Open Enrollment 2010

Learn about the new health care card, get help in determining which medical plan is best for you and your family, or learn how you can save money through a reimbursement account during an information session.

Watch a Recording of an Information Session

Review "My Health. My Life." information packets being mailed home
Enroll and make changes to medical, dental and vision coverage — and enroll and renew Dependent Care and Health Care Reimbursement Accounts — beginning Oct. 19
Enroll and make adjustments at the Duke@Work self service web site or call the Duke Enrollment Service Center at (919) 684-5600 to speak with a customer service representative. For call center hours, please check the information packet

The United States government recently issued guidelines for changes in reporting of race and ethnicity to capture a more accurate picture of diversity of the U.S. population. As a result, Duke updated its systems, and all employees are encouraged to review and update their race and ethnicity as well as other personal information during open enrollment through the Duke@Work self-service web site or by calling the open enrollment call center, (919) 684-5600.

Health Benefits Open Enrollment Begins October 19

Premium Increases: Half the National Average

Despite cost increases in health care driven by higher utilization and increased cost of prescription drugs, Duke's four medical insurance plans will continue to offer comprehensive coverage for 2010.

"A significant amount of analysis and discussion have taken place during the last several months," said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources. "The result of this work is that Duke's premium increases will be only half of the average increase nationally, while maintaining the overall structure of the plan."

Duke offers faculty and staff four different medical insurance plans that enable individual choice for coverage based on cost and unique needs, including a low-cost option that offers individual coverage starting at $23 a month.

Premium increases for 2010 will range from $2.03 to $6.43 per month for individual coverage and from $12.80 to $25.64 per month for family coverage, depending on the plan selected (see chart below).

"We have been able to keep some key co-pays flat for 2010, including primary care and urgent care visits, generic drugs, and mental health visits, reflecting the importance of preventive care and efficient use of resources," Cavanaugh said. "However, in order to keep the plan financially viable and available, other co-pays and deductibles have been adjusted."

Duke has made efforts to rein in prescription drug costs, a major driver for increasing cost. While the co-pays for generic drugs will remain the same, co-pays will increase for retail purchases of brand and non-formulary medications.

A new annual deductible of $100 will apply for brand and non-formulary drugs purchased at retail pharmacies. That deductible is waived for prescriptions purchased through the Medco mail delivery program (except for Duke Basic participants). In addition, those who continue to purchase maintenance prescriptions at retail locations will have a co-pay of 50 percent of the cost of the drug after the first 90 days (subject to a minimum and maximum per month).

Faculty and staff can save on health expenses by signing up or renewing reimbursement accounts during open enrollment. Employees are eligible to enroll in reimbursement accounts whether or not they participate in a Duke-sponsored medical insurance plan. Reimbursement accounts do not automatically renew each year; open enrollment is the only time to enroll or renew.

"All employees should consider signing up for a reimbursement account, which helps participants save about one-third on eligible health or dependent care expenses, including copays and deductibles," Cavanaugh said.

Duke's continued focus will be to encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of resources available to manage and improve their health, which has a direct impact on health benefit costs, Cavanaugh said. These resources include wellness programs and information sessions through LIVE FOR LIFE and Duke Prospective Health.

"Not only do Duke employees have access to cutting edge medical care available through Duke University Health System, they also have access to innovative programs," Cavanaugh said. "These disease management and wellness programs have helped us slow down the rising costs of medical care for the individual and, in the long term, for everyone at Duke."

Health Benefits Open Enrollment Begins October 19

Premium Increases: Half the National Average

2010 Health Plan Highlights

2010 Monthly Health Care Premiums