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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: August 11, 2016
404.894.4847
Summary Sentence:
On Aug. 10, the Board of Regents approved 2017 University System of Georgia (USG) health care plan design changes and premiums for active employees, pre-65 retirees, and subsidies for Medicare-eligible retirees/dependents.
Full Summary:
On Aug. 10, the Board of Regents approved 2017 University System of Georgia (USG) health care plan design changes and premiums for active employees, pre-65 retirees, and subsidies for Medicare-eligible retirees/dependents.
University System of GeorgiaThe Board of Regents approved 2017 University System of Georgia (USG) health care plan design changes and premiums for active employees and pre-65 retirees at its meeting Aug. 10.
The Board also approved the 2017 USG funding for the contribution to the HRA for Medicare eligible retirees age 65 and older. This year, USG is taking the final step in moving to the defined contribution pricing model for health care premiums. This means that the employer subsidy will be the same for each plan, at each tier.
All plans have an increase in premium, except for the employee only coverage tier for the Consumer Choice HSA. Only the Consumer Choice HSA plan deductibles are increasing. Co-pays are increasing in the Blue Choice HMO plan for specialist office visits, urgent care, and emergency room. Premium increases will depend on the plan and coverage tier an employee is enrolled in. USG Pre-65 retirees and Pre-65 dependents will have the same health care plan choices as active employees. Similar to 2016, separate premium rate charts will apply.
The USG continues to manage rising health care costs while providing high quality, affordable, and comprehensive health coverage. Both the employer and the employee are sharing in the increase in health care costs. Overall, national health care costs are increasing at a rate of approximately 6.5 percent.
For those currently enrolled in Aon Retiree Health Exchange Plans, the Board of Regents approved USG HRA funding for 2017 at $2,736 per year, for each eligible age 65 and older USG Medicare retiree and any age 65 and older Medicare covered dependent(s). This is identical to the amount funded for 2016. To receive the USG HRA funding, the retiree and/or dependent must continue to be enrolled in Medical or Pharmacy coverage through the Aon Retiree Health Exchange for 2017. HRA balances do not expire and carry over year to year.
The Medicare Open Enrollment period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2016, for a Jan. 1, 2017, coverage start date. Premium rates and plan information for 2017 will also be mailed to Medicare retirees and Medicare dependents currently enrolled in USG dental, vision, and/or life insurance, prior to the USG Open Enrollment period.
Georgia Tech Human Resources will continue to keep employees updated and share information as it becomes available. Employees can refer to the University System of Georgia’s website for further benefits changes and premiums for 2017.
Employees are also encouraged to attend the Georgia Tech Benefits Fair on Wednesday, Nov 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
