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January 18, 2006                                                     Vol 7. No. 10

Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, all group health plans that provide medical and surgical benefits for mastectomies must also provide coverage (in the manner determined by the attending physician and the patient) for the following:

  • Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed, 
  • Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, and
  • Prostheses and physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema.
Annual deductibles and co-insurance provisions may be applied, so long as they are consistent with those established for other benefits.  Please direct inquiries to your health insurance carrier as follows:

Blue Cross/Blue Shield  884-0774
Community Blue   884-2800
Univera (Health Care Plan)  857-4448
Independent Health    631-5392

Health Insurance Reminder
Faculty and staff who are current health insurance participants and/or their covered spouses who will become age 65 in 2006 must complete a TEFRA/DEFRA form which alerts their health plan carrier that they wish to keep their coverage in the college’s group as primary and Medicare secondary.  (TEFRA pertains to the employee and DEFRA to the dependent).  Forms are available in the Human Resources Office, Bagen 108.

Tax Tips:
If your tax status has changed (i.e., marital status, number of dependents, etc.) or you wish to change withholding amounts, a new tax-withholding certificate (W-4 form) must be completed for 2005.  W-4 forms are available from the Payroll Office by calling Ext. 2841.