Health Insurance Contract

Jack Heidler, Director of University Personnel Services

Recently, the Unisys Corporation won the contract award for the administration of the state selfinsured Preferred Patient Care (PPC) network that services state employees. Unisys is scheduled to assume these administrative duties beginning January 1, 1996. The current contractor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BC/BS), will continue servicing state employees as usual through December 31, 1995.

We have been advised by the Division of State Employees’ Insurance (DSEI) that this contract only is for service and in no way affects the levels of coverage within the plan, including premiums and co-payment percentages, which are set by the legislature.

Recent newspaper articles and radio reports have indicated that BC/BS is filing a formal protest of this award. While we have been told that the protest hearing began on August 3, there is no way of knowing how long this process will last. DSEI has indicated that should the protest process not be completed by January 1, 1996, the current provider contract with BC/BS will be extended.

On a separate note, we also have been informed that negotiations continue for new Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) contracts that will be effective January 1996.

In addition, we have been advised that the annual fall open enrollment period for all state sponsored benefit plans will be held as previously scheduled from October 2-31, 1995. All employees should receive specific information about open enrollment from both DSEI and the insurance carriers during the month of September.

Please know we are maintaining contact with both the Agency for Health Care Administration, which is responsible for the PPC contract award and DSEI which is responsible for the day-to day employee enrollment process. When more specific information is available concerning this matter, we will pass it on to you. In the interim, please feel free to contact the University Benefits Office at 392-1225, Suncom 622-1225 should you have specific questions.