Thus far, the State Health Plan has seen good participation levels during this enrollment period. During this enrollment, members have the opportunity to change their plan elections and add eligible dependents. However, please remind employees who wish to remain on the plan in which they are currently enrolled that they do not need to do anything during this enrollment period. The identification cards employees received at the end of June reflect the plan in which they are currently enrolled. Plan elections are located on the bottom left hand side of the card. "Standard" indicates 80/20 and "Basic" indicates 70/30.

Important Reminders

• The Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI) has been eliminated. Therefore, effective September 1, 2011, the tobacco and weight management component will no longer determine the plan in which members may enroll. If members previously elected to enroll in the 70/30 Basic plan due to CWI, they will now have the opportunity to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan.
   
• Effective September 1, 2011, active and retired employees who wish to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan will be required to pay a premium for subscriber only coverage. However, there will be a premium-free option for the 70/30 Basic plan for employees and retirees. In addition to these changes, there will be a 5.3 percent increase in dependent premiums for the 2011/2012 benefit plan year, beginning September 1, 2011. Rate charts and plan comparisons are available on the State Health Plan website.

BCBSNC Customer Service (1-888-234-2416) hours are extended every day this week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Questions? HBRs can contact the Plan via the HBR inquiry mailbox at HBRInquiries@shpnc.org or call the HBR Hotline at 1-800-422-5249 (for benefit questions) or 1-800-245-7319 (for membership or billing questions).