EUTF Approves Multiple Health Premium Tiers and More Choices of Coverage

The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) Trustees have established separate premiums rates for a single person, two-party, and full family coverage for medical insurance. In addition, more choices of coverage are available.

The EUTF Board revised the rate structure and added a two-party rate. Historically, faculty members who enrolled only two people under the trust fund’s insurance programs had to pay the family premium.

The EUTF will shift from insured plans to self-funded plans for all medical & prescription drug plans, except for Kaiser and a dual coverage plan insured by Royal State thus reducing premiums and premium increases.

The EUTF Board will also be offering a choice of medical and hospital insurance (HMSA High Deductible Health Plan & Kaiser - Low Option) with a higher deductible but lower monthly premiums. There will be two additional HMO plans and an additional Preferred Provider Organization plan.

The new premium rates are effective July 1, 2007. The employer & employee contributions will be determined once collective bargaining of the other units are completed. The open enrollment period will be from April 16th through May 18th.

For more information on the various plan benefits and schedule of open enrollment meetings, go to the EUTF web site at http://www.eutf.hawaii.gov/.