What time period is associated with benefit choice costs?

All amounts shown are calendar-year costs and will be deducted on that basis from the number of 2009 pays you receive.

What are some of the things I should take into consideration when deciding whether an HMO or a PPO is right for me and my family?

An HMO requires the selection of a primary care physician for each member of the family from the HMO provider directory. This primary care physician is responsible for coordinating all medical care and hospitalization. Should an HMO member choose to use a provider who is not a part of the HMO network, he or she would be responsible for the total charge. HMOs do not require annual deductibles and typically offer a wide variety of preventative health care.

A PPO offers in- and out-of-network benefits. Services rendered by an in-network provider will result in lower out-of-pocket costs to the member than those services received from an out-of-network provider. In-network expenses other than office calls and prescription drugs are subject to an annual deductible and a 10 percent co-insurance. Out-of-pocket maximums are also available to assist with catastrophic heath care cost. Services rendered by a non-network provider have a higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum and 30 percent co-insurance.

My confirmation shows "3 Emp/Child(ren)." What does this mean? I have only two children. Should I be concerned?

The "3" Emp/Child(ren)" is a code used in PeopleSoft. It does not reflect the number of children enrolled in your plan. Instead, refer to the Dependent/Beneficiary Section of your confirmation for verification of enrollment.

What happens if I do not make any 2009 benefit elections?

If no elections are submitted by Oct. 31, 2008, then all 2008 elections will be carried over to 2009, with the exception of Flexible Spending Account participation, which will be canceled.

How do I make a change of beneficiary?

Complete this form and return it to Benefits Administration via campus mail (+0602) or by fax: 330-972-2336.

What is the definition of dependent for Medical, Dental Vision and Dependent Life Insurance?

If an employee is insured, eligible dependents may be:

• spouse unless legally separated;
• unmarried children under age 19, and children who are 19 years of age until the end of the month after reaching age 25 provided they are unmarried, dependent, full-time students;
• the term "spouse" refers to individuals who have contracted the legal status of a marital relationship through religious or civil solemnized marriages and complied with all the statutory requirements pursuant to applicable law; and shall not include common law marriages which may be otherwise recognized under Ohio law or other relationships between persons not legally capable of making a marriage contract under Ohio law;
• the term "children" includes stepchildren and foster children who are wholly dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance and live with the employee in a normal parent-child relationship; or
• if the child is mentally retarded or physically handicapped, insurance may be continued under the circumstances described in the group policy. Benefits Administration must be notified within 31 days before termination of the child's insurance to continue coverage.