See what’s new for employee benefits in 2023

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, and some changes to the Asante Health Plan are in store.

Published on November 1, 2022

Share:

open enrollment

The next calendar year is fast approaching, and with it employees will see changes to their 2023 benefits plan. During the Nov. 1–15 open enrollment period, you’ll be able to change your health plan options, speak with representatives from our many benefits vendors and get at-the-elbow support from the Asante Benefits team to complete your online enrollment.

Here’s what’s new for 2023

Price changes. Those enrolled in the Asante PPO Health Plan or Asante Reimbursement Health plan will see an 8% increase in premium costs in 2023. Premiums for the Asante Savings Health Plan will rise by 5% with an increase in deductibles for certain coverage categories. Premiums for the vision plans will decrease by 3%.

Pharmacy. Prescription drug benefits will change to a four-tier price structure (generic, preferred brand, non-preferred brand and now, specialty). Some tiers will see a change in cost structure. Refer to the 2023 benefits guide for details.

Travel benefit. Offered through Regence, this benefit will be expanded to cover up to $4,000 a year in transportation, lodging and meal expenses within the United States for eligible medical services that aren’t offered locally. Currently, the benefit is offered only to those needing organ transplants.

Urgent care. As of Jan. 1, Asante Urgent Care in Grants Pass will become Asante Three Rivers Medical Center Immediate Care. Services will be covered under the outpatient facility/professional benefit and subject to a deductible instead of the current co-pay.

Health savings account. The annual HSA contribution limit will increase to $3,850 for employee-only coverage and $7,750 for employees with covered dependents. Those 55 and older may contribute an additional $1,000.

ETO cash-out. Employees may now cash out their accrued earned time off four times a year instead of the previous two times, plus they can cash out larger amounts as part of the Asante employee retention initiative. The cash-out pay periods must be chosen during open enrollment, however.

Paid Leave Oregon. The new state law takes effect on Jan. 1 and allows employees working in Oregon to take paid time off to care for themselves or loved ones. Employees and Asante will be paying into this fund at 1% of the employees’ annual salary. Asante will cover 40% of that contribution. Employees may apply for the benefit beginning Sept. 3, 2023.

Short-term disability. Because of Paid Leave Oregon, the seven-day disability option no longer will be available after Dec. 31, 2022. Employees who still want short-term disability coverage may elect the 14- or 30-day options during open enrollment.

Employee Assistance Program. Beginning in January the benefit will be offered by SupportLinc. Besides offering free advice, counseling and support, SupportLinc offers discounts to Asante employees through its Work Life Benefit Program.

Tuition reimbursement. This past August, Asante boosted reimbursement for eligible full-time employees to $5,250 and part-time staff to $2,625. Those participating in the program are reminded to turn in their documentation no later than Dec. 14, 2022, to receive their reimbursement in their Dec. 23 paycheck. If you have questions, email

tu******************@as****.org

.

For instructions on how to enroll through myHR, see Page 4 of the 2023 benefits guide.

Virtual benefits fairs

Employees and their covered spouses can chat live with medical, dental, vision and voluntary benefits vendors. No appointment necessary.

Nov. 2: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nov. 7: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 10: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Drop in during these times by visiting asante.org/benefits-fair.

Do you need to participate?

Not necessarily. Enrollment is passive, meaning your current benefits elections will roll over to 2023 automatically. You will need to enroll, however, if you want to:

Enroll or re-enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA) for 2023.
Make changes to your current benefits.
Add or remove eligible dependents from coverage.
Cash-out earned time off (ETO).
Elect 14- to 30-day short-term disability coverage. (The current seven-day disability option will be discontinued in 2023.)

If you have questions, email Asante Benefits or call (541) 789-4551. You can also submit a case in the Ask HR section of myHR.