Stanford Report, October 4, 2006

Employees urged to apply for health-care subsidy before the Oct. 6 deadline

The Benefits Department is encouraging employees who meet the eligibility requirements of the new Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP) to submit an application by 5 p.m. Friday. The university-sponsored program will provide an additional subsidy toward the cost of medical coverage for staff who work 75 to 100 percent time and whose family income is $60,000 or lower.

The program, which begins in 2007, is designed to address the impact of rising health-care costs on families in that income range. A targeted mailing that included an application and cover letter explaining the program was sent out on Sept. 15.

"We've received a lower-than-expected number of applications so far, and we want to make sure we've done everything we can to get the information out," said Robbie DeBastiani, benefits communication manager.

Applications and instructions are available in English and Spanish at the BenefitSU office at 655 Serra St. They also are available at the benefits office at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and online at http://benefitsu.stanford.edu/ under "BenefitSU News."

After Oct. 6, applications will be reviewed and a letter on the final status of each applicant's request will be mailed out before the beginning of Open Enrollment on Oct. 26.