It’s the time of year when some of our members need to make that difficult decision on which health care plan to choose.

By now, you should have received your Choices Guide. Included in the guide is a checklist you can use to help you make a decision. Some of you may be adding a young adult this year, which may alter the way you select a health care plan this time around.

To make sure that the plan you chose is tailored to you and your family’s needs, it’s best to compare apples to apples. I suggest you look at coverage vs. non-coverage, copayments, and drug formularies. For example: the Empire Plan only changes its prescription drug list on an annual basis, while HMO changes are more frequent; and the Empire Plan allows out of network services (subject to deductibles and co-insurance), and HMOs do not. Also, the Empire Plan has Centers of Excellence, along with federal reimbursement rates for travel to and from the centers, lodging and meals; HMOs do not.

These are just some of the items you should take into consideration when making your choice.

If you have any questions about any of the plans, you should feel free to call the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) for clarification.

When 2011 rates are approved, you will have 30 days from the date your agency receives the rates. Information about the cost of each option will be sent to your home. The rates will be posted at https://www.cs.state.ny.us — from the home page, choose Benefit Programs then NYSHIP Online and select UUP. Rate information is posted under Health Benefits & Option Transfer.

Please note that there have been some changes in the flex spending account for 2011, such as the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount). Before you enroll, carefully review the information on the flex spending account website concerning restrictions on over-the-counter drug reimbursement, as this may affect the amount of money you wish to contribute to your account.

The open enrollment period for the Flex Spending Account runs through Nov. 15, 2010.

As a result of federal health care reform legislation, your young adult child under age 26 who is not eligible for health insurance through his or her employer may be eligible to be enrolled as a dependent under your NYSHIP family coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2011, regardless of his or her student or marital status. NYSHIP will mail a special report with details on eligibility requirements, enrollment instructions and the special enrollment period for young adult children that begins Nov. 1, 2010.

If you have any questions regarding option transfer, you may also contact the UUP Benefit Trust Fund at (800) 887-3863.

— Doreen Bango, manager, UUP Member Benefits and Services