Planning the Future of the UC Retirement Plan

While news stories last year told of ailing pension plans and a growing number of large companies across the country freezing or terminating retirement benefits, an annual checkup found the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) financially fit but in need of preventive care to ensure a healthy future. More>>

LANL management contract awarded to UC-industry team
On December 21, 2005, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of Los Alamos National Security LLC (LANS), a team that includes the University of California, Bechtel National, BWX Technologies and the Washington Group International, as the contractor to manage and operate the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANS has begun implementing a transition plan so that it can assume contractor responsibilities at LANL on June 1, 2006. The University of California will continue to manage and operate LANL through May 31, 2006, and work with LANS to assure a smooth transition to the new contract.

For more information about the contract, see universityofcalifornia.edu/news/labcontract/lanlcontract.html

Information for LANL employees about the transition to LANS LLC management is available at transition.lanl.gov/

New 403(b) Plan Summary Plan Description available
A revised 403(b) Plan Summary Plan Description is now available online. The revised publication reflects service enhancements that were implemented as part of the transition to a new recordkeeping arrangement with Fidelity Investments Tax-Exempt Services Company (FITSCO). More>>

UC Families - An Online Newsletter

2006 health & welfare audit
In May 2006, UC will conduct its annual random audit of employees, retirees, and their family members enrolled in UC-sponsored health and welfare plan(s). This audit helps ensure that your family members enrolled in health and welfare plans are fully eligible for coverage as described in UC's Group Insurance Eligibility Factsheet More>>

Prior authorization for prescription drugs

New grace period for HCRA and DepCare claims
UC has added a grace period to the 2005 plan year for the Health Care Reimbursement Account and DepCare plans. Eligible expenses incurred for either plan through March 15, 2006 may be reimbursed from any balance remaining in the 2005 year account. Claims must be filed by June 15, 2006, but UC recommends you file early to avoid unnecessary problems. Always check the SHPS website for the status of your claims. More>>

HIPAA notification of medical program eligibility
(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
Due to an expansion in the provisions of HIPAA, employees and eligible family members have "special enrollment opportunities" to enroll in a UC medical plan because of loss of other medical coverage and new opportunities to transfer from one UC medical plan to another UC medical plan. More>>

Delta Dental and PMI website username and password
Delta Dental and PMI Dental now offer alternate identification numbers to UC members who do not wish to use their social security number. The alternate identification number can be used for both plans to obtain phone customer service and to verify benefit eligibility and coverage levels. More>>

Blue Cross, Definity mental health claims address change
For those who are enrolled in the Blue Cross PLUS, Blue Cross PPO, and Definity Health Plans, please note that the address to submit mental Health/Substance Abuse Claims has changed to:

United Behavioral Health
P.O. Box 30760
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0760

In addition, if you began mental health non-network outpatient services in 2005 and continue treatment in 2006, you are encouraged to notify United Behavioral Health (UBH) by calling 1-888-440-8225 to be sure your authorization is still in effect.

UC: Every day, everywhere
A new website (www.universityofcalifornia.edu/everyday) tells the story of UC's many contributions to California and the world. The site, which will be refreshed with new content throughout the year, highlights the contributions made "every day, everywhere" by UC's programs, academic initiatives, public service, and students and alumni. More>>

Academic personnel policy update
APM sections and proposals under formal review: Proposed revised APM - 220-18-b(4): Criteria for advancement to Professor, VI, and to Professor above-scale salary levels

Dependent Life Insurance change

Staff Advisor to the Regents applications
Reminder - The period to apply to be Staff Advisor to The Regents ends at 5:00pm on February 15, 2006. Information can be found

under "How to Apply". Those without internet access can get forms at their central Human Resources Office.

UC Human Resources & Allied Professionals Program

"We will examine Human Resources as a broad interdisciplinary field and UC resource rather than an organization," says conference planner/organizer Kay Miller, executive director of Client Relations and Diversity in Human Resources and Benefits. "This is a professional development program for those who touch the lives of UC's diverse workforce," she says, "and a primary program goal is to improve collaborative, interdependent partnerships among them."

For details, visit the conference website.

UC campus Recreation Centers are offering Free Trial Memberships to Faculty and Staff.

Start the New Year off with an investment in yourself!

More information on each UC campus recreational sports departments is available online. Read the November 2005 Briefing newsletter article about our Recreation Centers online.

Looking for a previous article?

Your Benefits Online

Personal UC retirement account, health and welfare coverage, and related information and tools are available on At Your Service. Select "Your Benefits Online."

For current balances in DC and 403(b) and 457(b) plans, go to the Fidelity Investments Tax-Exempt Services Company (FITSCO) website or call 1-866-682-7787.