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Show I Page ampus 2 February 24, 1999 ews Editor: Jennifer Peltz jennpeltzhotmail.com Faculty Searches for Solutions to EMIA Insurance Problem By Jennifer Peltz jennpeltzhotmail. com Since Educators Mutual Association, Dixie College's insurance company, broke their contract with Dixie College last month, faculty and staff have been trying to decide the best course of action to take. "We'll have insurance, but it won't look like it used to," said Debra Bryant, Executive Director of Human Services at Dixie College. "We are trying to figure out how to pay for the benefits," said benefits committee member Linda Rogers. "The employees either have to forfeit a salary increase or pay out of their pockets." "We're currently looking at other companies and seeing what they have to offer," said Rogers. The benefits committee compiled a ballot vote on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and will present it to the faculty and staff to vote on Wednesday, Feb. 24. U1 ii 6 iff nm Several models were put together to requested bids on a benefits package. offer the faculty and staff to compensate At the time, EMIA gave a five year guar-ente- e for the loss ratio. for benefits. "We didn't realize it was a bad "The low plan" This plan would allow only a 2.5 percent salary increase for faculincrease ty and staff for the year. o effected colleges benefits A doctor's visit increase from next There is a $100 $5 to $20. deductible for a single person and The $300 for a family. plan College of Eastern Utah - 73 would cover 30 percent of generic Dixie College - 47 medicine prescriptions, and 35 percent of brand name prescriptions. Salt Lake Community College - 35 "The low, low plan" Weber State University - 33 This option would allow a 1 Utah Valley State College - 20 percent increase in salary, but with no swing options. Southern Utah University - 13 If this plan is accepted, a visit to Snow College - 5 the doctor will cost $15., with a $200 deductible for a single person and $600 for a family. idea," said Bryant. "EMIA, at that time, It would be required to pay 15 perlost some public schools and colleges cent of hospital costs, and covers 20 perand they wanted business." cent of generic prescriptions. Then things started to change. The Four years ago, Dixie College loss ratio, the difference between how Predicted for r l w sm f of medical year: much money they were bringing in and how much money they lost, changed. it EMIA is a company, and they to lose more money than they began took in. There are several reasons for this, said Bryant. Several catastrophic cases amongst members occured last year, which in turn meant large medical claims. There is also an increasing trend in drug utilization nationally; providers require more money, and doctors prescribe more drugs. Drugs are becoming more and more expensive, increasing at a rate of 15 percent per year, according to Bryant. EMIA found out they could legally break their contract with Dixie if they declared insolvency (the unability to pay their debts). They would then have to go into receivership, in which case the insurance board takes over the company. "This is the worst time of year for this to be happening to us," said Bryant non-prof- From the Last Weeks Campus Security Incident Reports. u 1 was arrested for giving false information and disorderly conduct with a laser light at a basketball game. Feb. 17- Ben Fuimaono was arrested on two outstanding warrants out of Salt Lake City, and assault on a fitness center stuTan. 30 - A juvenile dent. Feb. 19 - Chad Hayden was arrested for outstanding Classifieds Wanted: APs, ZLs, Eagle Scouts, cross-countr- y officers. Looking for summer employment? $1 1 '000 last summer. For information call 688-748- Government Student for Sign up runners, former student body First year associates earned over 6. Dental Asst No Experience? You will be trained in a practicing dental ofc. to become an assistant in 10 weeks. Using the latest equipment & techniques, this Saturday course enables you to continue working while training for your new career. Tuition $1,795. Call Southern Utah Dental Careers 656-590-0. Looking for a great summer job? Living Scriptures provides an excellent ' work atmosphere. Work with products that change peoples lives. Last years associates averaged over $16,50 an hour. For more information call Charlie 688-748- 6. To purchase a classified ad, call The Dixie Sun $4.50 per insertion up to 25 words. at 652-781- 8. All Classifieds are |
