As I mentioned to all of you in our informational meetings held in the Bldg 50 Auditorium back in July, a Laboratory committee started looking at options for improving Visiting Postdoc health and welfare benefits back in January 2004, with the intent to enhance these benefits in order to achieve parity with Postdoc benefits provided at the UC campuses. I also mentioned that the Lab had submitted a proposal for an enhanced Postdoc benefits program that was under review by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of California (UC) Office of the President.

I am happy to report that this proposal has been approved by both the DOE and UC. These supplemental benefits will become effective January 1, 2007. Elements of this enhanced benefits package include dental care, vision care, disability insurance and additional life insurance. Informational meetings to explain the additional benefits coverage being offered are scheduled for October 17 and October 19 in Bldg 50 Auditorium starting at 2:00 pm on both days. Richard Takahashi, the Laboratory’s Benefits Manager, will be on hand to provide an overview of this enhanced benefits package, along with Garnett Powers and Associates, the benefits plan administrator.

A special open enrollment period will be held November 1 through November 17, 2006, specifically for Visiting Postdocs to enroll in these new benefits (available only for Visiting Postdocs).  These supplemental benefits are provided by the Laboratory, and will not affect your UC-provided medical, core life insurance, and optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits. Please note that this enhanced benefit program is not applicable to postdocs who are enrolled in UC’s full benefit coverage. 

More information will follow from our Benefits office and Garnett Powers and Associates.  If you have any questions, please plan to attend one of the aforementioned informational meetings.