The university’s annual benefits enrollment period is Oct. 29 to Nov. 16. To help employees prepare for enrollment and to discuss new carriers for health and dental insurance, a series of open houses will begin Oct. 9.

Following a comprehensive review of its benefits plan and vendors, the University of Nebraska has selected new carriers for health and dental insurance beginning Jan. 1.

The university’s health insurance carrier will change from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska to UMR, a United Healthcare company. The university’s dental insurance carrier will change from Blue Cross to Ameritas. CVS Health will continue to provide pharmacy insurance.

“We know any change of this nature, particularly one related to health care, will raise questions,” said Bruce Currin, associate vice president of human resources for the NU system. “We want (employees) to know that we expect minimal disruption.”

Under the new plan, employee health and dental premiums will not go up in 2019. No significant changes in the university’s benefits plan design, including deductibles and copayments, are expected.

Open houses to discuss benefits are 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 9 in the Gaughan Multicultural Center’s Unity Room; and 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Nebraska East Union’s Great Plains Room.

The open houses will allow employees to learn and ask questions about the new vendors and benefit options. Representatives from UMR, Ameritas, CVS Health, Assurity (life insurance), UNUM (long-term disability) and the human resources/benefits office will attend.

An online open house is noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17. The session will include representatives from UMR, Ameritas and human resources/benefits. A question and answer session is included. The online presentation will be recorded and made available for viewing.

The online session will be available via Zoom.

https://unl.zoom.us/j/492447215

The university will also host open houses to assist employees with the enrollment process. Those sessions are 8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 30 and noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 12. Both are in Canfield Administration Building, Room 316.

Learn more about the University of Nebraska’s benefits changes and open houses.