With only three weeks for open enrollment next month (Nov. 1-21), advance preparation has become even more essential this year. Much of that preparation will depend on individual initiative, but help is on the near horizon.

UCSB Human Resources will train Department Benefit Representatives on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 24 and 25, regarding benefit changes in 2007 to bolster department and office resources. The Benefits Office will also hold specially focused sessions in the HR Learning Center (SAASB 3101) for post docs on Thursday, Oct. 26, and for retirees on Nov. 9 and 13. Kaiser Permanente’s buy-out of Ventura-based Buenaventura Medical Group will receive attention on Nov. 6 in the UCen Flying A Room.

Go to <http://hr.ucsb.edu/benefits/pdf/OE_Employee_Flyer_2007.pdf> for the times and locations of these general and special information sessions.

Special sessions are also planned for those who want to learn about the new Health Care Reimbursement Account and customized “debit” card on Oct. 26 and Nov. 14, as well as those interested in the Definity Health Plan, on Oct. 31. For the vast majority of active employees, the three open enrollment overviews on Nov. 1, 8, and 16, and a comparison of medical plans on Nov. 2, will likely be the best for general orientation.