Important Information: 2023 Benefits Enrollment

The annual Open Enrollment period for benefits allows you to choose your participation in many of the employee benefits provided by the University. During Open Enrollment, you can change health care plans, elect to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), increase or decrease your plan coverage, and enroll in Group Universal Life Insurance (GUL) or several other voluntary benefits.

Open Enrollment for benefits effective January 1, 2023 will run November 1 through November 15. Below is an overview of key plan changes and new programs for the coming year.

Health Care Contributions

Just as many of you are contending with rising costs and inflation, the University is experiencing the same effects in virtually every aspect of our operations. Increasing health care costs coupled with increasing claims trends year over year makes it necessary to increase health plan premiums in the coming year. The cost to the University to subsidize health care costs at the current rate will substantially increase as well. The University covers an average of 87% of our faculty and staff health care costs, which continues to be above national benchmarks of 75% to 80% of costs. Recognizing the financial pressures our employees are facing, however, the University will delay for six months the premium increases that would normally go into effect January 1, 2023, effectively providing a full year of health plan benefits with only half a year of increased cost. New premium rates will not start until July 1, 2023.

The amount by which your premiums will increase depends on your salary and health care plan election. The 2023 Rate Sheet describes all of the contribution costs at every salary level. We understand that no increase is inconsequential, but overall, our premium increase average is consistent with what we are hearing about other health plan increases across the state.

We are also taking steps to contain costs and provide other benefit options that you have told us are important to you. We have been able to keep dental plan rates stable, to offer additional insurance and child care options for eligible employees, and to make the University’s employee healthcare contribution structure more balanced, while at the same time maintaining a higher subsidy at lower salary levels. Based on recommendations from an ad hoc faculty and staff advisory group that was convened this year by the University’s Health Plan Committee, the University is adopting a multi-year initiative to better align cost-sharing among the different salary bands.

Other Benefit Plan Highlights and New Programs in 2023

Dental plan rates will remain the same in 2023 as they were in 2022.
Lower Rates for Group Universal Life Insurance Benefit: The cost for employees to purchase Group Universal Life Insurance has been reduced by 20% for 2023, due to favorable claims experience.
New Child Care Subsidy Program: In recognition of the rising costs of child and dependent care, starting January 1, 2023, the University will offer this new subsidy program, which had an early open enrollment application period of September 14 – October 12. This program will provide financial assistance by providing annual funds of up to $3,600 a year—depending on total household gross income—to eligible employees to help assist with child care expenses. For more information, visit the Family Care page.
New Subsidized Backup Care Program: Starting January 1, 2023, the University of Rochester will offer eligible employees access to Subsidized Backup Care through Care.com for children and adults when there is a temporary breakdown in normal care arrangements. You can start to request backup care on January 1, 2023 through Care.com.

Preparing for Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment materials will be distributed the week of October 17. You can prepare for Open Enrollment by utilizing ALEX, an interactive tool that can help you make decisions about the right benefits for you and your family. Please also review the 2023 Open Enrollment Planning Steps [LINK]. Visit the Open Enrollment website to find out more about:

We continue to be committed to offering our faculty and staff a comprehensive, competitive, and equitable total rewards package to support your health and well-being. If you have questions about Open Enrollment, please contact ASK-URHR or the Office of Total Rewards.

In closing, we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks for all that you do for the University of Rochester. In these challenging times, we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to the University and its educational, research, and healthcare missions. We will continue to work to provide cost-effective, comprehensive employee benefit options that best meet your needs.