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Open enrollment set for govt’s health insurance
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Posted on Dec 05 2008
The NMI Retirement Fund has announced an open enrollment period for employees and retirees wishing to participate in the government’s group health insurance program.
The Group Health and Life Insurance Trust Fund and Aetna Global Benefits will hold the open enrollment throughout this month.
Government employees and retirees may apply for enrollment for themselves and their dependents, or change their benefit and enrollment options in the health insurance program during December, Fund administrator Mark Aguon said.
“Active employees and retirees who are already enrolled and do not wish to change benefit and enrollment options are not required to take any action,” Aguon added.
New enrollments or changes made during the “open season” will become effective on Jan. 1, 2007.
Aguon also said an orientation program will be held from 8am to 4:30pm at the Multi Purpose Center in Susupe on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Wednesday, Dec. 10. A representative from Aetna will be available on these days to answer questions about the government’s health insurance program.
Aetna used to serve as a third-party administrator of the group health insurance program. On Nov. 1, 2007, the program was privatized and awarded to Aetna, through the competitive bidding process.
On Nov. 1, 2008, Aetna implemented a 12.9-percent increase in health insurance premiums.
Aguon has said the increase is expected to cost the government and the employees an additional $1.5 million in health care premiums. Last year, health care premiums amounted to approximately $12 million.
He has said the increase will have varying impacts on government agencies. Some agencies pay a higher percentage of the premiums than others. The government share in health care premiums ranges from 30 percent to 50 percent.
