Benefits Reports

March 2007

University of Nebraska Emeriti Benefits

 1.     Free UNL Area A parking permit, to be renewed annually.

2.     Parking permit holders may obtain free bus passes that are valid both for UNL intercampus buses and Lincoln Startran buses.

3.     Continued discounted tickets to athletic events for faculty members who hold discounted season's tickets at the time of retirement.

4.     Office and laboratory space.  Comment: the availability of such space varies widely across campuses, but in general, departments do their best to provide at least some desk space for emeriti.

5.     Library facilities.  Comment:  Emeriti continue to have access to the University's library facilities.

6.     Medical and dental insurance.  Comment:  By assuming the full cost of premiums, emeriti may continue to participate in the University's medical and dental  insurance program.

7.     Senior Learning Passport.  Comment:  Upon payment of a $25 annual fee, and with permission of the respective instructor(s), emeriti may audit certain UNL undergraduate courses with a maximum of two per semester.

8.     Free luncheons.  Comment:  These annual luncheons are sponsored by the University President for retirees from all campuses of the university each spring, and by the UNL Foundation and the UNL Chancellor for UNL emeriti each fall.

9.     Bookstore. Faculty discounts are offered to emeriti with emeritus/emerita photo ID card.

10.   Recreation Center. Faculty access is allowed with emeritus/emerita photo ID card.

11.   Email. Continued use of our Univ. email address, now with improved spam jam

 
University of Nebraska Lincoln Emeriti Association Benefits

 1.     The individual cost of $50 for new Emeriti Assn. members to enroll in OLLI for the upcoming program series.

2.     Financial support from the Maude E. Wisherd Fund established through the trust agreement of Zelma Wisherd.  The agreement authorized that income from the fund was "to used for the welfare and comfort of the Emeriti Association of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln". In the past these funds have been used to support scholarly activity and help with medical expenses.

3.     University of Nebraska Emeriti Association Foundation Fund established for the benefit and support of the Association.

4.     Invitation to attend membership monthly meetings for conversations and presentations by distinguished guests on topics that are relevant to the welfare of the members.

5.     Cares for relicts and affords them membership privileges.

6.     Mindfully watches obits and post the results of our discovery on the website as well as having a moment of silence at membership meetings.

7.     Posts all the information on the emeriti/unl.edu website--a benefit available to all but maintained by the Association and advertised to Association members.

8.     Can become a member of the Emeriti electronic list service.

9.     The EA Courtesy Committee works at cheering up the ill, condoling with the grieving, and congratulating emeriti on their lustral birthday celebrations.

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November 2005

Information about 2006 medical insurance premiums for University of Nebraska retirees is now available. 

Following are the new monthly rates for the Basic Option for single individuals and couples, all having Medicare (these categories probably include a majority of retirees who have retained their U of N medical insurance): for individuals, $386; for couples, $770. These amounts represent increases of 8.4% and 8.1%, respectively, from 2005 levels. Compared to rates that were in effect for 2003, for example, the rates for single persons have increased 35.4%, and for couples, 59.4%.

Prescription coverage under the U of N program remains the same in 2006 as it was in 2005.  As a matter of possible interest, for a couple in their 80's, both on Medicare, the current monthly rate for Plan F coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska is $320.48. Of course, this plan has no prescription coverage.
 
With regard to prescription coverage, much information about Medicare Plan D is now being distributed by mail, in special meetings, and via the internet. 

The November 17 meeting of the Emeriti Association will consider these matters in great detail.  Among the numerous items that individuals will need to consider in making decisions about Plan D are:

1) The amount likely to be spent for needed drugs,

2) The cost of premiums, and

3) Tthe extent of  the formulary for the particular plan(s) being considered.

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September 2005

Note from Francis Haskins, Chair, Benefits Committee:

On August 30, 2005 David E. Lechner, Vice President for Business and Finance, sent the following letter to all University retirees who are still participating in the University's medical insurance plan. The letter is about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, and it is of interest also to retirees who no longer participate in the University's plan.

UNIVERSITY of NEBRASKA
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE

August 30, 2005

Dear University of Nebraska Retiree:

Recently the media has been reporting on upcoming deadlines for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit called “Part D.”  We want to let you know which of these dates are important and also what the University is doing to combine Part D and the University’s retiree medical insurance plan.

Enrollment for Part D coverage will begin on November 15, 2005. Actual Part D coverage begins January 1, 2006.  

You will receive a great deal of information about Part D from Medicare in the upcoming weeks.  Various insurance companies will also be advertising, wanting you to select them as your provider of prescription drugs.  You need to be well informed of your options. However, you do not need to make any decision prior to November 15.

The availability of Part D coverage will affect the University’s medical insurance plan because our plan already provides prescription drug coverage. There are several options available to fit Part D benefits in our health benefits plan and we are studying the options with our actuaries and Caremark.

You will receive information from us about what option the University will be offering and what this means to you by the end of October, 2005. As soon as the best option has been determined, we will notify you.

Sincerely,

David E. Lechner
Vice President for Business and Finance