Healthcare is front and center in Washington, D.C. and here at Pearson where it is almost time for Open Enrollment (OE) 2018. To help you prepare, this issue of For Your Benefit explains what’s new, what’s changing and what’s staying the same so you can make informed benefits decisions.
Here’s a preview:
As we’ve discussed before, each year sees healthcare costs continue to rise, and 2018 is no exception. You will see medical plan cost increases beginning January 1 but not all the news is about increases. Read on for more information.
Our new Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurer will be Securian, replacing MetLife as of January 1. On average, employees enrolled in Supplemental Life will see a 4.9% reduction in contributions. Plus, you have a one-time opportunity during Open Enrollment to increase your supplemental life enrollment.
We are making changes to our dental plan offerings in 2018, with the discontinuation of the MetLife PPO Dental Plan. Your options for the upcoming year are Delta Dental PPO and Cigna DHMO.
There is also news about our 401(k) plan. In 2018, while Pearson will no longer make an annual, discretionary contribution in the spring, you will have the opportunity to receive an additional 1% in employer match if you contribute up to 8%. You will realize the benefits of increased pre-tax savings and company match immediately without waiting until the spring, putting more money to work for you sooner.
Finally, we are re-introducing Surgery Decision Support (SDS), a program for five particular surgeries listed here. Because these surgeries are associated with significant treatment variation we are requiring participation or you will pay a $1,000 at the time your claim is processed The program makes you aware of possible alternatives so you feel comfortable that you are making the best decision for you. Please be assured that, while SDS gives you the opportunity to consider other treatment, you still have the final say about how to proceed. See more details.
As we continue to wrestle with healthcare challenges in the future, more change is necessary and inevitable. In the meantime, we hope you will continue to access the free preventive screenings we offer. Doing that might not solve all the healthcare issues we face, but it can make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those who mean the most to you.
Be well,
John R. Jacobs, Vice President, Global Benefits