Employee Current Health Plans Unaffected by Local Contract Talks

While the contract debate between Highmark, Inc. and UPMC about provider services continues in the local marketplace, there will be no changes to the established health benefits plans Duquesne employees have selected for the 2011-12 benefit year.

“Most of the hospital contracts with UPMC and Highmark are set to expire on June 30, 2012, so there will be no impact on any aspect of employee health plan coverage for the coming year,” said Donna Steed, benefits office manager. “The services, provider networks and coverage levels that employees selected during April’s Open Enrollment will remain in effect from July 1, 2011, until June 30, 2012.”

The process of designing a benefits plan for the 2012-13 year will begin next fall.  As they do each year, the benefits office, Benefits Committee and an industry consultant will carefully evaluate the current market factors, along with any new legislation and employee feedback, to develop a health care benefit package that continues to provide comprehensive coverage, promote employee wellness and improve awareness of the benefit costs shared by the University and employees.

Employees are reminded that they are permitted to make a change to their benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period only if they experience a qualified life event—a change to life, work or family status.