Benefits Update

All this is subject to school board approval but there is some good news regarding benefits for the coming year.

• There will be no rate increase in any of the medical plans. We will not be subjected to increased medical insurance costs in a year where there is no pay raise.
• As of July 1, 2011 dependents covered on an HISD plan are eligible to use the new district clinics. This is an underutilized service that can be a real cost saver for basic medical needs.
• While this is not yet finalized it appears that coverage eligibility will be extended to domestic partners to whom Texas will not issue a marriage license.
• Open enrollment will be from November 3, 2011 until November 17, 2011.

There will be significant decreases in nearly all the voluntary benefit plans. Only in the Dental is there a small rate increase in one plan and some increased copays in others. The voluntary benefit changes are as follows:

2012 and 2011 Dental HMO

• Changed to standard fee schedule with slightly higher copays; increased Orthodontia coverage from$1800 to $2100 for Child and from $2000 to $2200 for Adults.
• 0% rate increase

2012 and 2011 Dental PPO

• No plan changes
• 3% overall rate increase

2012 and 2011 Discount Dental 

• No plan changes
• 0% rate increase

 2012 and 2011 Vision High Plan

• Increased contact lens benefit from $105 to $125
• 19% rate decrease

2012 and 2011 Vision Low Plan

• Increased contact lens benefit from $105 to $125
• 19% rate decrease

2012 and 2011 Life and AD&D

• Increased Employee maximum to up to 5x Basic Annual Earnings to $600K
• No change in AD&D rates; Child Life rate decreased from $o.150 to $0.099/$1,000
• 26% rate decrease overall for all plans

2012 and 2011 Disability

• No Evidence of Insurability (EOI) rules
• Subject to 3/12 preexisting condition exclusions
• 27% rate decrease overall for all options

2012 and 2011 Legal Plan (Remember your Union is your best legal plan)

• No plan changes
• 6% rate decrease