Tuesday, November 01, 2011

New Tribune Co. Benefits Update

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 12:57 PM
Subject: Message from Mike Bourgon/New Benefits Update

As you know, during next month’s open enrollment process, Tribune will offer employees a “High Deductible Health Plan” through Blue Cross Blue Shield known as the “BlueEdgeSM HSA Plan.” While these types of plans are increasing in popularity, we recognize that they may be unfamiliar to you and that you’re likely to have questions about how the plan works and whether it is right for you and your family.

Today, we want to provide you with the attached brochure, which contains answers to some basic questions we’ve gotten from employees about the BlueEdgeSM HSA Plan. The brochure also contains information about the cost of premiums under the plan, which can be as much as 40 percent lower than the premiums under the standard Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. (This is the same information on premiums that you received last week. Please remember that these rates apply to non-union employees. Rates for union-represented employees are subject to collective bargaining and may be different.)

Over the next several weeks, we’ll offer you more detailed information about the BlueEdgeSM HSA, along with specific examples of how it will work, and how you can maximize your pre-tax contributions and derive the most from your benefits under the plan. We’ll also provide you with an online tool that will allow you to estimate your annual health care expenses and help you determine whether the BlueEdgeSM HSA Plan is the right choice for you and your family.

Later this month, Blue Cross Blue Shield will establish a customer service center to take your questions by phone; in the meantime, if you have questions, please contact the Benefits Service Center at 800/872-2222.

We’ll have more information on our benefit plans to you soon.

Mike Bourgon

VP/Human Resources

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