Medical Insurances - Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medical Mutual of Ohio
What medical insurances does Kent State University offer?
The University offers six PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) medical insurance plans, all of which provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, prescription drugs, mental health, and substance abuse with no lifetime maximum. Choosing and personalizing your benefits depends on your specific health care needs, doctor preferences, budget, and the type of plan you prefer.
The following plans are available for 2017:
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield - 90/70
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield - 80/60
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield - HDHP
- Medical Mutual of Ohio - 90/70
- Medical Mutual of Ohio - 80/60
- Medical Mutual of Ohio - HDHP
What is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)?
A PPO gives you freedom of choice and greater flexibility. You are not required to choose a primary care physician and do not need a referral to see a specialist.
The PPO offers a large network of contracting doctors and hospitals to choose from when care is needed. When a contracting network provider is used, the care is considered “in-network,” out-of-pocket costs will be less, and the highest level of benefits is received. If a doctor outside the network is used, the care is considered “out-of-network” and coverage is still provided, but the out-of-pocket costs will be significantly higher. In addition, PPO members have access to care anywhere they live, work, or travel, across the country and around the world.
What's NEW for 2017?
Both Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medical Mutual of Ohio are offering the HDHP (high deductible health plan). View the videos to learn more about what each plan has to offer.
Starting January 1, 2017, we’re introducing a new type of plan at Kent State University- the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). With the HDHP you pay a low monthly premium in exchange for a high deductible.
For more information, review the Anthem flyer and Medical Mutual video.
What is the cost (premium) for the HDHP plan?
On the 2017 Medical and Dental Contribution Chart the HDHP monthly premium cost is quite low. If you typically choose your health plan by monthly premium alone, be sure you understand the trade-off for a low monthly premium before you enroll in a high deductible plan. With the HDHP the annual deductible is higher than all the other medical plan options. You have to satisfy the deductible with money out of your own pocket before the HDHP begins to share the cost of covered health care services.
What is an HSA (Health Savings Account) and how does it work?
A health savings account (HSA), which is administered by our financial partner PNC Bank, is like a savings plan for your healthcare. The combination of the new HDHP and an HSA gives you greater flexibility and control over how you pay for and save for health care. When you enroll in the HDHP plan an HSA account is established which works with your medical and prescription drug insurance plan.
Each year, you can choose the amount you wish to contribute to your HSA. Contributions you make to your HSA through payroll deduction are made using pre-tax dollars (money that has not been subject to income tax). Then, use your PNC Visa debit card to get instant access to your HSA dollars to pay for qualified out-of-pocket expenses quickly and easily. Or, pay your expenses out-of-pocket until you reach your deductible and let your HSA grow and earn interest for future qualified expenses, including certain retiree health expenses. Thus, they are not considered taxable income and are non-taxable.
Best of all, you own your HSA so you keep it, even if you change health insurance plans or jobs. And, at the end of the year, money left in the account rolls overs to the next year. Unlike, the flexible spending account there is no “use it or lose it.” From job to job… plan to plan… your HSA goes with you.