Open enrollment for employee benefits will begin on October 26. Employees will see some significant changes to their contributions for benefit plans in 2010. This year, employees should closely examine their health plan needs and make informed decisions about which plan's coverage and cost really suit them the best.

Due to costly claims and increased usage by Stanford employees, Health Net and PacifiCare HMO plans are going to cost employees more in 2010 for PacifiCare, considerably more. Unfortunately, the largest segment of SLAC employees currently is covered by this plan.

The Kaiser HMO plan remains the lowest costs option, with employee contributions essentially unchanged. Employee-only coverage through Kaiser is provided at no cost. Dependent coverage is covered at 82 percent by the university. Employees pay the additional costs for all other plans. The next largest segment of SLAC employees belong to Kaiser.

In 2010, employee contribution costs for the Blue Shield PPO and High Deductible PPO are actually going down. The Blue Shield High Deductible plan meets federal guidelines for a Health Savings Account, which allows tax-deductible funds for future health care expenses.

To help with these difficult choices, Stanford mailed enrollment information to employees on October 15. Stanford provides employees with a lot of information and tools to make the right decision. On the Stanford Benefits Open Enrollment Web site, MyBENEFITS page, you'll find a worksheet that you can use to see coverage and costs. On October 30 from noon to 1 p.m., a workshop will take place in the Orange Room at SLAC to answer any questions you may have. In addition, there will be several WebEx workshops for anyone who can't make the in person presentation.

Whatever you decide to do, take the time to consider the information provided. This is an important decision.