May Is Month to Change Coverage

Employees are being asked to consider health care needs during the 2002 medical/dental plan open enrollment period, which runs May 1 through 24. Coverage selected will go into effect on July 1.

Four Medical Plans to Choose From
During the 2002 open enrollment, employees in the Puget Sound have a choice of the Boeing Traditional Medical Plan or three Coordinated Care plans:
· Alliant Plus (a partnership between Group Health and Virginia Mason);
· Health Washington (a partnership between Swedish Medical Services, MultiCare Health Systems, Evergreen Hospital and Stevens Healthcare).
· Selections (Regence BlueShield).

The Coordinated Care plans differ from the Traditional Plan in that you choose a primary care physician, who then coordinates all your medical care. You pay $5 for visits to your primary care physician or specialist (if you've been referred). If you chose the Traditional Medical Plan, monthly payroll deductions are required as follows: employee only $10, employee and spouse or one child $20; employee and family $30.

Study the plans carefully before selecting coverage. Each plan has submitted an article describing highlights of their plan. Neither the Union nor Boeing are recommending a specific plan; the decision is up to the individual.

Members can also visit the 751 web page, which has links to each of the provider's web pages for more information.

Two Dental Plans
Employees can also change their dental coverage during the open enrollment. Employees can chose from DeltaPremier Incentive Dental Plan and Boeing Prepaid Provider Dental Plan.

How to Enroll
If you do not make a change, Boeing will assume you want to remain in your current medical and dental plan.
This year you can learn about your coverage options, access plan comparisons and provider lists, and make changes using the Your Benefits Resources web site, which can be reached at http://resources.hewitt.com/boeing/ or go through the Boeing website (boeing.com) and click on the Boeing Compensation and benefits page.
You can change plans by phoning the Boeing Benefit Select Line at 1-888-747-2016 or visiting the web site between May 1 and May 24 (you will need to have your pin number or password to access information) or by visiting the web site. An open enrollment information packet was mailed out the last week of April.


NOTE: Any change in plans takes effect July 1, 2002.