During the state of Tennessee’s open enrollment period, starting Oct. 2 and running through Oct. 13, UT faculty and staff will have the opportunity to sign up and make changes to health, dental and vision insurance. Employees also will have the opportunity to make changes to their term life insurance, long-term care and optional special accident programs, and sign up for the new state short-term disability program.
Things to Know for 2018
- Premiums are changing for all plan options.
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Partnership PPO is changing to Premier PPO—but the new plan has the same bene ts, coverage and out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) as the 2017 Partnership PPO.
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Current Partnership and No Partnership PPO members will be automatically moved to the Premier PPO unless they make a change. Members will receive a notice that they are enrolled in the Premier PPO. It’s particularly important that current PPO members take a look at the Premier PPO plan, as monthly premiums will increase.
- Vision insurance vendor will change to Davis Vision, and premiums will decrease.
- Dental insurance premiums will increase.
- New short-term disability insurance will be offered.
Health Plan Options
There are three health options for 2018 coverage. Each has different out-of-pocket costs for co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.
PREMIER PPO:
Highest premiums, but YOU pay LESS for co-pays at the doctor’s office and pharmacy than the Standard PPO and LESS in coinsurance than the Standard PPO and CDHP. It has the same coverage and cost sharing as last year’s Partnership PPO.
STANDARD PPO:
Lower premiums than the Premier PPO, but YOU pay MORE for co-pays at the doctor’s office and pharmacy. It has the same coverage and cost sharing as last year’s Standard PPO.
CONSUMER-DRIVEN HEALTH PLAN (CDHP)/ HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA):
Lower premiums and a lower out-of-pocket maximum, but you have a higher deductible. You get an HSA—to use for qualified healthcare expenses, including your deductible.
- The state contributes to your HSA ($250 employee only/$500 family tiers), and you can contribute to this account with pre-tax dollars from each paycheck.
- Instead of paying a high premium, you could take the money you save in premiums for this plan versus a PPO and put it in your HSA. You can use your HSA money to pay for your deductible and other healthcare costs or save it.
- And the account rolls over—you keep the money in your HSA at the end of the year.
| Plan | Primary Doctor’s Visit Co-pays | Coinsurance (after deductibles) | Deductibles | Out-of-Pocket Maximums (Medical and Pharmacy) | State Contribution to Tax-Free Health Savings Account | Monthly Premiums (Cost may vary based on plan type and insurance carrier/network) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier PPO | $25 | 10% | $500 individual; $1,250 family | $3,600 individual; $9,000 family | N/A | $150–$389 (BCBST & Cigna LocalPlus) $190–$469 (Cigna Open Access Plus) |
| Standard PPO | $30 | 20% | $1,000 individual; $2,500 family | $4,000 individual; $10,000 family | N/A | $102—$266 (BCBST & Cigna LocalPlus) $142—$346 (Cigna Open Access Plus) |
| Wellness HealthSavings CDHP | 20% coinsurance (after you meet the deductible) | 20% | $1,500 individual; $3,000 family | $2,500 individual; $5,000 family | $250 individual; $500 family | $66–$170 (BCBST & Cigna LocalPlus) $106–$250 (Cigna Open Access Plus) |
For more details, refer to the plan breakdown in the state’s 2018 Decision Guide, mailed to home addresses in early September and available at partnersforhealthtn.gov/ess.shtml. What’s included here is just a summary.
If you want to MAKE CHANGES…
You must make changes online by 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, Oct. 13 using the state’s self-service program. Instructions are available on page 23 of the state’s 2018 Decision Guide – mailed to home addresses in early September- and at partnersforhealthtn.gov/ess.shtml. A toll free help desk can be reached at 865-376-0104.
If you DO NOT want to make changes…
You will keep your current health benefits. This means you will stay in your current options with your current networks.
But it’s still a good idea to look through the information because several changes are being introduced. Also, check provider networks to make sure your preferred doctors, hospitals and medical centers are still in network.
NOT SURE which plan is right for you?
Everyone’s needs are different, and there’s a lot to consider. Read through the detailed information in the state’s 2018 Decision Guide—mailed to home addresses in early September and available at partnersforhealthtn.gov/ess.shtml to help you decide.
