COMPTROLLER'S MEMORANDUM NO. 99-23

May 10, 1999

TO THE HEADS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES

AUTHORIZATION: In accordance with the provisions of Section 5-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes and the SEBAC V Agreement, the following changes in premiums and plans have been approved for state-sponsored health care insurance plans.

PAYROLL EFFECTIVE DATES: The bi-weekly health insurance rates for the period July 1999 - June 2000 are based on 27 pay periods. The changes announced herein will be effective on the following payroll periods:

CHANGES IN MEDICAL PLANS: As a result of the implementation of the SEBAC V Agreement, there are a number of changes in the plan offerings and in the rate structure. A new medical insurance carrier, MedSpan Health Options, has been added for 1999-2000. As a result of the merger between Physicians Health Services (P.H.S.) and M. D. Health Plan (M.D.H.P.), P.H.S. Charter HMO is the new name for the former M.D.H.P. Point of Enrollment product. The following medical plans are available:

*The MedSpan Point of Enrollment - Gatekeeper plan will be offered effective January 1, 2000, only to those employees who prior to that date are enrolled in the MedSpan Point of Enrollment (no gatekeeper) plan. A special open enrollment period will be held in the Fall of 1999 only for those enrolled in the MedSpan POE.

DENTAL PLANS: There are no changes in the plans or benefits. The rates will increase effective July 1, 1999.

CHARTS: Attached are new and revised rates and charts "A" through "P". Rate changes will be made centrally. Paired D/OEs for both pre and post-tax deductions are provided on all charts.

NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES: The 1999 Employees Health Care Planner which is being mailed at this time includes a schedule of all applicable bi-weekly payroll deductions. Employees on other than a bi-weekly pay plan should be notified of the relevant rate changes.

PAYROLL PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC SITUATIONS:

A. Employees currently enrolled in M.D. Health Plan: As referenced earlier, the P.H.S. Charter HMO, is the successor to the former M.D. Health Plan Point of Enrollment offering. Employees enrolled in M.D.H.P. who take no action during this enrollment peiod will be automatically transitioned to the the P.H.S. Charter HMO Product. No payroll action is necessary unless the employee chooses to make a change. The present D/OE's and table numbers for M.D. Health Plan will be used for the P.H.S. Charter HMO Plan.

B. Kaiser New Enrollees - Employees whose effective date of coverage in Kaiser is on or after July 1, 1999 must be processed using Table P - Kaiser New Enrollees. For employees currently enrolled in the Kaiser plan, and who remain in Kaiser, continue to use Table F, only the rates will be changed. No payroll action is necessary unless the employee requests a change of plan or coverage class.

QUESTIONS: Personnel or payroll staff who may have questions concerning payroll related procedures should call the Comptroller's Payroll Services Division at (860) 702-3463. Questions regarding other health insurance issues should be directed to the Comptroller's Retirement and Benefit Services Division at (860) 702-3535.

PLEASE DO NOT REFER EMPLOYEES DIRECTLY TO THESE NUMBERS.

Attachments:
Rate Charts A-P
Rate Schedule

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