Special Accident Plan revised, premiums on summer break

A review of medical reserve accounts indicated that the reserves should be reduced, says Benefits Manager Jill Freeman. CIGNA medical premiums are being suspended for a three-month period.

Earlier, it was announced that group life and dental plan premiums would be suspended starting June 4 as a result of compensation received from Metlife.

According to Freeman, for individuals paid on a weekly basis, the medical premium suspension will start with the payroll period ending July 2. Both suspensions continue through the payroll period ending September 24. Normal premium deductions will resume with the payroll period ending October 1. For individuals paid on a monthly basis, medical premiums will be suspended for the period July through September 2000. This premium suspension is independent of any change in premium rates that may be required for calendar year 2001.

Special Accident Plan changes are effective July 1:

• Premiums will decrease. Currently, the cost of a single contract is $ 0.40 per $10,000 and a family contract is $ 0.60 per $10,000. As of July 1, a single contract will be $0.30 per $10,000 and a family contract will be $0.58 per $10,000.
• If you elect family coverage, the benefit payable to dependents will increase. The benefit amount for family members is a percentage of your elected amount of coverage and is based upon the composition of your family at the time of loss.

Questions may be directed to the OneCall Benefits Services Center, locally at (865) 574-1500 or 1-877-TO-1-CALL (1-877-861-2255) for those out of area.