Members of the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) will be able to participate in a special open enrollment for health insurance as part of a grievance settlement with the University.

GEO’s contract calls for its members to have access to the same health plans, at the same contribution rates, as other members of the instructional staff. GEO filed a grievance over changes in U-M health insurance for 2004 that required all employees to pay a small share of health premiums—in most cases 5 percent. In settling the grievance, the University offered to allow GEO members to elect the GradCare insurance plan at the same premium contribution rates as graduate students who are recipients of fellowships.

GradCare is offered by M-CARE, but its premium rates and plan features have been developed specifically for a student population. In 2004, GradCare subscribers will pay no premium for coverage of one or two individuals; the premium contribution will be $20 a month for coverage of three or more individuals.

A letter has been sent to all GEO members who elected other insurance plans, offering them the chance to switch to GradCare if they do so by Dec. 15. Those who have questions or did not receive the letter should call (734) 615-2000 or (866) 647-7657.

GEO members will continue to have access to all the other health plans available to faculty. If they elect a plan other than GradCare they will pay the same premiums as other instructional staff members.