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Show r - r LIFETIMES Nov. 8, 1991 Hilltop Times Cue fcir 5ims by Evelyn D. Harris American Forces Information Service Open season for the 1992 federal employees' health benefits program begins Tuesday and ends Dec. 9. This year, 325 national or local insurance programs offer coverage, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Because many plans are local, however, any given employee choices are narrowed to about 20 fee um hike of 8 percent this year. The federal government will contribute an estimated $20.6 billion to employee and retiree health benefits in 1992, compared to SI 9.6 billion in 1991. and $32.82 standard family, up $4.27. To give an example of how much Uncle Sam helps out, the full premium for Blue Cross high family is $299.67 per month; the government pays $130.58, leaving the employee to pay $169.09. The biweekly rates for the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan are $16.12 for high self, up $1.46; 35.94 for high family, up $3.27; $12.31 for standard self, up 36 cents; and $26.72 for standard family. The biweekly rates for GEHA Benefit Plan are $23.64 self, up $3.50; and $46.54 for family, up $5.16. Another popular plan. Alliance, is merging its high and low options in 1992. The rates: $21.47, self; $67, family. According to Reginald Jones, OPM's assistant director for insurance programs, the three most heavily subscribed national plans are Blue Cross, Mail Handlers and Government Employees Hospital Association. Some plans require subscribers to or health maintenance orpay dues to a union or association. ganizations. Mail Handlers, for instance, charges An OPM spokeswoman said she be- insurance enrollees $30 for associate lieves the task of choosing will be a bit dues. less overwhelming this year because emIn 1992, the biweekly materials improved Blue Cross for and Blue rates ployee should be easier to read. Shield will be $81.95 high self, down DOD and other em$14.35; $169.09 high family, down can ployees expect an average premi $30.84; $18.95 standard self, up $2.03; for-servic- e non-post- al plan-informati- non-post- and benefit information for all plans offered. Their phone number is Ext. 76142. g A new change for next year is a statutory limit on the amount cost-cuttin- hospitals may charge federal health insurance enrollees age 65 and older who don't have Medicare. As of January 1992, hospitals may not charge these patients more than Medicare patients. All 1992 plans must cover mammography screening and bona fide smoking cessation plans. The plans must also provide a $40,000 minimum lifetime benefit for mental conditions. OPM officials advise employees to compare plans to see if they are getting the best coverage for their money. They also suggest comparing the various plans' coverage of anticipated health problems. Health maintenance organizations are local by nature and vary widely in services and premiums. The employee entitlements office has complete rate al at' ( nrrtrtTTTtTTTTiiiniTi mm- - GAESAS v A tw Of lllllllllllllllll :M0N 11 RI.-SA- 11:00-10:0- FUIXDMN ER T. iiiiimiiiiiiiiiirrrrrn 0 135 East 200 South Clearfield (Southwest gate, west 12 mile) 773-235- 3 270 No. Main Kaysville (Corner of Crestwood & Main) Garcia's Full Dinner Includes: Two Chicken Taquitos Cheese Enchilada 544-379- 9 MOTJ OPEN IN Beef Burro Mini Taco Spanish Rice Refried Beans And a Poco Fried Ice Cream Hurry, expires December 5, 1991! to FRI. -- SAT. VIDEO RENTALS DUE MONDAY o (Closed Sunday) Reservations Accepted Q 10 SPECIALS EVERY DA Yl ONE KIDS CARTOON 49c ONE COUPON PER FAMIL Y PER DA Y NO NEW RELEASES-PLE- ASE Not good with any other offer (Expires 112391) - MUJMB RENT ONE MOVIE ONE FREE!! 7 GET ONE COUPON PER FAMIL Y PER DA Y SORRY, NO NEW RELEASES FREE Not good with any other offer (Expires 112391) I HAS Layton Nacho onmwy mskmrart' L A S RENT ONE NINTENDO-G- ET ONE FREE!! Reservations Gladly Accepted 546-639- 0 ONE COUPON PER FAMIL Y PER DA Y Not good with any other offer (Expires 112391) 1075 N.IMfield Road S 1 -- F I E D FORM M. 0 fcMATJO'W QH'.HQW. TO 01 CAN. S P.ITA C E ;. WORK! 0.0 R ;A D , 1 C.U'L : S24-C55- 5 I unMi11 - i |