Open Enrollment 1999-2000: April 19-30

You will soon have the opportunity to elect your benefits for the new plan year, July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 during Open Enrollment which begins April 19 and runs through April 30, 1999.

You will find enrollment this year easier than ever with two convenient choices--use the Internet or call the Penn Benefits Center. In response to requests by faculty and staff, we have created an Internet web page with links to provider directories, to allow you to enroll on-line, 24-hours-a-day, and print your confirmation statement at the time of your enrollment. You can log on from your home or office or use a computer at either of the following locations: Rosengarten Reserve (ground level of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library) or Today's Penn Partnership Office (3550 Market Street, Suite 110). You may also enroll by calling the Penn Benefits Center at

1-888-PENNBEN (1-888-736-6236).

Look for additional Open Enrollment information in Almanac in upcoming weeks. We will publish medical/ dental rates, provide a dental plan comparison and information on the new vision care program.

--Division of Human Resources

  We are pleased to offer the following changes/additions to the benefits program for 1999-2000:

· OptiChoice Vision Care coverage will be available through Clarity Vision. You can visit a network provider, including Scheie Eye Institute, or receive a reduced reimbursement when you go to an out-of-network provider.

· MetLife replaces Prudential as administrator for the Dental Plan for 1999-2000. The level of coverage in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program will be the same as that provided under the Prudential Dental Plan.

· The three-year waiting period for Family Dental coverage is discontinued effective July 1, 1999.

· Health Care and Dependent Care Pre-Tax Expense Account current elections will automatically continue for the same amount for the new plan year unless you cancel or change your elections during Open Enrollment.

Benefits Fairs
The following Benefits Fairs will give you the opportunity to talk with providers and pick up new provider directories:
- Faculty Club, Alumni Hall, Monday, April 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, Wednesday, April 21, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Health and Welfare representatives will be available from:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Penn Faculty Practice Plan
PENNCare MetLife
Keystone Clarity Vision
Aetna US Healthcare CNA Insurance
Additional information on other benefits/programs not subject to open enrollment will be available from:
TIAA/CREF Vanguard
Financial Planning Services Social Security Administration
U.S. Savings Bonds HR Benefits
PennFriends Quality of Worklife
Fire & Occupational Safety CGS (tuition benefit)


Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 26, March 30, 1999

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