Dental Coverage:

October 2006 issue

Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage (PPO) In my experience it appears that for the past few years, Blue Cross Blue Shield has not kept pace with rising medical and dental costs. In particular, the dental allowance for one year is only $1,000 for the PPO plan. Payments for benefits are deducted from our pay each pay period. If there are regular exams and cleanings as well as fillings, crowns, etc., that small amount of $1,000 runs our quickly and the employee has to pay out-of-pocket. It is time for a cost of living adjustment to our coverage, both medical and dental. This matter should be addressed immediately so that a change can be implemented 'before' the next open enrollment time which is in November. Thank you.

Response

Source: Human Resources
Extension: 2-7146

Response: The concern you raise as well as other issues were surfaced by the Benefits Survey conducted last spring. All of these concerns have been added to the agenda of the University Benefits and Compensation committee for further discussion and prioritization.

Unfortunately, it is not as simple as changing one benefit provision such as the dental plan cap. Each benefit change must be considered in light of its relative importance to faculty and staff, the associated cost and available budget.

For January 1, 2007, the focus of plan changes was the new Second Domiciled Adult coverage. This was given the highest priority since faculty and staff have requested the addition of a similar benefit for years and the Benefits Survey results indicated that this was an important change to DePaul employees.

Please contact your University Benefits and Compensation Committee (UBCC) representative with any concerns regarding the urgency of raising the dental plan cap. The UBCC membership is:

Staff Representatives:
• Lon Batelli
• Donna Del Giudice
• Lauren Schielke

Faculty Representatives:
• Phyllis Griffin
• Morris, Angella
• Barbara Speicher

Other:
• Kelly Johnson - Academic Affairs
• Ortiz, Elizabeth - Diversity
• William Seithel – Chair (Human Resources)
• Bob Kozoman – CFO