秘密研究所

USA Health and Dental Plan

 

 


 

Transparency in Coverage Rule

The link below leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.

USA Choice Plan

秘密研究所

63-0477348

 

Frequently Asked Questions

鈻   Are employee premiums changing for 2025? NEW!!!!

Due to increased claims expenses, the USA Fringe Benefits Committee (FBC) recommended, an employee premium increase of $3 per month for single coverage and $9 per month for family coverage. In addition to the premium increases, it is necessary to make benefit design changes for the USA Choice Plan.

Below are the approved benefit design changes for the USA Choice Plan, effective January 1, 2025:

  • The medical emergency facility copay of $200 will apply to both the USA Health Network and the BCBS PPO Network, which will result in a decrease in copy for the BCBS PPO Network. 
USA Choice Plan - Base Premiums   
  • Single coverage premiums will be $137 per month ($187 per month without the non-tobacco wellness incentive)
  • Family coverage premiums will be $454 per month ($504 per month without the non-tobacco wellness incentive)
USA Choice Plan - Standard Premiums   
  • Single coverage will be $157 per month ($207 per month without the non-tobacco wellness incentive)
  • Family coverage will be $518 per month ($568 per month without the non-tobacco wellness incentive)

Premiums for health and dental coverage are paid one month in advance and the employee contribution for bi-weekly paid employees is split equally between the first two paydays of the month. The employee contribution is exempt from federal, state and FICA taxes with participation in the Premium Conversion Plan (automatic enrollment).

Wellness Incentive

The USA Choice Plan implemented a Tobacco Cessation Program to help participants stop the use of tobacco. The program includes a wellness incentive that reduces the employee premium cost sharing by $50 per month, if both the employee and covered spouse do not use tobacco products. As a current USA health insurance member, if you are not receiving the wellness incentive and both you and your covered spouse do not use tobacco products (and have not for at least six months), you must update your status is .  No action is required by employees that currently receive the wellness incentive.

The USA Choice Plan is committed to helping you achieve your best health. Rewards for participating in the Wellness Incentive Program are available to all employees. If you think you may be unable to meet the standard for the reward under this program, you may qualify for an opportunity to earn the same reward by different means. Contact the Human Resources Department for additional information.

The USA Choice Plan along with other plan information is available in Human Resources on campus and at USA Health Human Resources.

秘密研究所
USA Choice Plan - Plan Benefits 


Human Resources office addresses

 

鈻   Pharmacy Benefit: Deductible and 6-tier copay structure

The USA Choice Plan pharmacy annual deductible is $100 per individual (maximum of 3 per family).

The USA Choice Plan copay structure 6-tier plan6-tier plan:

鈥 Generic (preferred) COPAY $10
鈥 Generic (non-preferred) COPAY $10
鈥 Preferred Brand Name COPAY $50
鈥 Non-Preferred Brand Name COPAY $75
鈥 Specialty (preferred) COPAY $150
鈥 Specialty (non-preferred) 50% COINSURANCE

鈻   Who is eligible for health insurance coverage?

Employees are eligible for participation in the USA Choice Plan or the USA Select Plan based solely on hours of service. The Affordable Care Act requires an offer of coverage to employees credited with 30 hours of service per week or 130 hours of service per month on average. The Plans may defer the offer of coverage if the employee is determined as having 鈥渧ariable hours鈥 in which case benefits-eligible status will be determined using a 12-month measurement period with a corresponding 12-month coverage period in compliance with the Affordable Care Act.

Eligible Employees include:

  • An employee with a specific appointment with no termination date, occupying a permanently budgeted position, and working a minimum of 20 hours per week on a regular basis.
  • An employee with an employment start date on or after January 1, 2013, who is credited with 20 hours of service per week or 87 hours of service per month on average.

Eligible Employees may also enroll their legal spouse, as recognized by the state of Alabama, and children under age 26. Coverage with the selected Plan will begin on the first day of the month following the first day of employment, contingent upon timely application to the Human Resources department and payment of any required employee contribution.

鈻   When will my medical/dental coverage be effective if I am a new employee?
Coverage with the selected Plan will begin on the first day of the month following the first day of employment, contingent upon timely application to the Human Resources department and payment of any required employee contribution.
鈻   What is premium conversion?
The USA Choice Plan premiums are deducted before any Federal, State or Social Security taxes are withheld. Your gross income is reduced by the amount of your premiums and therefore, you pay fewer taxes. New employees are automatically enrolled in Premium Conversion. However, Premium Conversion is optional for employees. Contact the Human Resources department for information regarding opting out of Premium Conversion.
鈻   Who are eligible dependents for the USA sponsored health plans?
  • Spouse 鈥 As recognized by the state of Alabama.
  • Dependent child 鈥
    • Your natural-born child under the age of 26.
    • Your stepchild under the age of 26.
    • Your legally adopted child, including a legally adopted child living with you as the adopting parent, during a period of probation.
    • A child under age 26 over whom you have legal guardian status by court appointment.
    • A child under age 26 for whom you are legally required to provide health insurance coverage pursuant to a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO).
    • Your disabled child of any age provided the disability commenced prior to age 19. Coverage under the Plan continues without interruption for the duration of the disability as long as the employee maintains dependent coverage.
鈻   If I am not a new employee, when can I enroll in the USA sponsored health plans?

You may enroll in a selected plan, enroll your eligible dependents or terminate coverage for yourself or a dependent when certain events cause a Change-In-Status. To make an enrollment change due to a Change-in-Status event, you must make application and provide documented proof of the Change-In-Status event to the Human Resources department within 30 days of the event. The effective date of the election would be the date of the qualifying event. If you fail to notify Human Resources within 30 days of the qualifying event, you must wait until the Open Enrollment Period.

Some examples of qualifying events include, but are not limited to:

  • Marriage / Divorce
  • Birth of Child
  • Adoption or placement for adoption
  • Death
  • Change in your spouse鈥檚 employment status
鈻   When is the Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period is offered annually during which an employee may enroll in the USA Choice Plan, and/or add eligible dependents. During this period, you may file an application with the Human Resources department and coverage will begin on the first day of the following calendar year. During this time, employees can also re-enroll in SouthFlex Flexible Spending Accounts if they wish to participate the following calendar year.

鈻   How do I sign up for my benefits?

All new employees must complete New Employee Orientation. During orientation, you will have the opportunity to complete enrollment forms. You will be notified as to the date/time of your scheduled orientation.

鈻   How much is the monthly premium and how is it deducted from my paycheck?
USA Choice Plan - Base Premiums         Single Family
Non-Tobacco $137 $454
Tobacco $187 $504
USA Choice Plan - Standard Premiums  Single Family
Non-Tobacco $157 $518
Tobacco $207 $568

Note: Premiums for health & dental insurance are pre-tax dollars and are paid one month in advance so the initial deduction may reflect a retroactive adjustment.

鈻   How does the Tobacco Cessation program/wellness incentive work?

The 秘密研究所 encourages all employees to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. That effort will benefit you, your family and your fellow employees. The University鈥檚 Fringe Benefits Committee recommended, and the University adopted, a tobacco cessation program which is intended to help employees stop using tobacco products. Tobacco use and especially smoking will increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis, as well as cancer including: lung, throat, mouth, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and leukemia. The benefits from stopping the use of tobacco are almost immediate regardless of how long you have been smoking or using tobacco.

For new employees the Tobacco Declaration information/election is made in Employee Navigator.

Existing employees that do not currently participate in this wellness incentive may begin participation by updating their tobacco status in . Employees will declare that they and their covered spouse do not use tobacco products; and have not used tobacco products within six months prior to the date on the form. This will qualify for a wellness incentive of $50 per month (one per family). The wellness incentive will be applied to the monthly insurance premium effective the pay period following the date of the new election (payroll deadlines can affect when this discount will be applied).

For employees enrolled in any of the University sponsored health plans seeking assistance with tobacco cessation please visit and use access code: bcbsal6. The Program is provided at no cost to employees and covered spouses who want to stop using tobacco products and offers a personalized choice of tools and support. 

For additional tobacco cessation resources you may also contact the Employee Assistance Program office at 461-1346.

鈻   If I resign, terminate employment or retire, when would my coverage end?

Premiums for health & dental insurance are paid one month in advance. Your cancellation date will be based on your last day of employment. Example: If your last day of employment is December 14, your last paycheck will be December 30. Premiums paid in December through payroll deduction have paid for coverage for January. Your insurance will cancel effective January 31.

Note: The above information applies only to employees in a paid status. For employees on a leave of absence in an unpaid status, please contact Human Resources for an effective date of cancellation. 

鈻   BCBS of Alabama Mobile Apps and Online Tools

: Get on-the-go access to health information and tools available on your smartphone or mobile device. Members and non-members can download for free to access must-have tools and features. They'll help you be prepared for almost anything!

: Track your pregnancy and baby's development to ensure the best possible health during pregnancy. This app is available to all expectant mothers鈥攎embers and non-members.

myBlueCross: Log in to , where it really is all about you!

 

General Information
Identity Protection Services
USA Health and Dental Plan Notice of Privacy Practices
秘密研究所 Notice of Exchange
HealthCare Management, LLC Notice of Exchange
Health Care Authority Notice of Exchange
Notice of Nondiscrimination