University Times

This year's benefits enrollment period for Pitt faculty and staff runs from April 9 to May 25. During that time, faculty and staff may change their health benefits selections. Changes will go into effect July 1, the beginning of Pitt's fiscal year.

According to Human Resources, open enrollment information will be mailed to employees this week.

That information includes:

* The monthly rates employees will be charged for different types of health care coverage.

* Summaries of employees' current University benefits selections.

* Forms that faculty and staff must fill out to change their benefits choices.

Last spring the University agreed to an exclusive provider contract with UPMC Health Plan that runs from July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2003. But employees may switch UPMC Health Plan options during the open enrollment period.

Health plan and Human Resources staff also will offer educational sessions around the Pittsburgh campus in April and May, including April 18 (Kurtzman Room, William Pitt Union), April 25 (2M56/2P56, Posvar Hall), May 1 (100 Biomedical Science Tower), May 8 (7th floor art gallery, Masonic Temple) and May 10 (Ballroom, William Pitt Union).

All sessions are scheduled for noon to 2 p.m.

Benefits information sessions will be held at the Bradford campus on April 11, at Titusville April 12, at Greensburg April 26 and at Johnstown May 9, with sites and times to be announced.

The health benefits information sessions offer health screenings, massages and a confidential health assessment survey (offered to employees and family members over 18) in addition to guidance completing open enrollment forms.