Editor's note: A previous version of this article contained information about changes based on outdated information Human Resources has since corrected
By MARTY LEVINE
Health-care premiums are headed up slightly next year as Pitt’s open enrollment period begins. The period to enroll is shorter than usual — just two weeks — and has already begun. It ends on May 15.
Those who wish no changes need do nothing, but employees who want to make a shift in health-care, vision, dental or other benefits now have the opportunity to do so by the deadline via Pitt Worx, with enrollment information available at openenroll.hr.pitt.edu. This site includes a link to a May 9 information session from noon to 1 p.m. about the plans and process, as well as a recording of the session already held on May 1 (available with a Pitt sign-on).
New benefit offerings include Price Assure from the UPMC Health Plan, offering lowered costs on some prescriptions. COVID-19 vaccines also will be among the activities that earn points for Health Incentive Reward Dollars.
For Panther Gold, Pitt’s most popular health care plan by far, monthly premiums in the coming academic year will have small increases for the coming year:
Individual: Up $2
Parent/children: $12
Two adults: $15
Family: $23
The Panther Plus plan, or PPO, similarly will rise $2 for individuals, $10 for parent/children, $12 for two adults and $20 for the family option. The Panther Basic plan is still free for individuals, but will cost $2 more per month for the parent/children option, $3 more for two adults and $6 more for the family plan.
What is covered in each of the plans is the same as last year.
An administration spokesperson explained that lengthier open enrollment periods in the past were in place to allow for enrollment materials that used the mail and might have been subject to delays. Asked whether the recently concluded faculty union negotiations, for which benefits have been one of the sticking points, also caused a delay, the administration chose not to address that.
Marty Levine is a staff writer for the University Times. Reach him at martyl@pitt.edu or 412-758-4859.
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