Benefits Open Enrollment will return October 13-31. With health care ranked as a “highly valued” benefit, according to the ’Canes Total Rewards assessment, the University has released the 2015 health care plan highlights to enable you to make informed decisions about your coverage for next year.

What’s staying the same in 2015?

• Same three medical plans: Aetna Select 1, Aetna Select 2, and the Aetna Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Free preventive care services for UM/Aetna medical plan members.
• No increase to medical plan copays or deductibles.
• Lower copays at UHealth.
• Low-cost services for sick care, and free annual physicals and immunizations at the on-site walk-in Healthy ’Canes Employee Clinics.
• Free generics and reduced-price brand medications through Aetna Health Connections.
• Well ’Canes Incentives Program will continue in 2015, allowing you to earn up to $300 per year by getting engaged in your well-being.

What’s changing in 2015?

• Minimal increases to health care premiums.
• Spousal surcharge. The medical plan’s spousal surcharge, which allows you to cover a spouse/same-sex domestic partner who has access to his/her own employer-provided medical plan, will increase to $250 per month.
• Smoker’s surcharge. The medical plan’s smoker’s surcharge, which applies to adult smokers covered under the UM/Aetna medical plan, will increase to $100 per smoker, per month. Complete the complimentary BeSmokeFree program by October 31, 2014, to avoid the surcharge.
• NEW: Aetna Select 1 and 2 out-of-pocket maximums will now include prescription copays. This enhancement will help reduce overall cost for participants.
• NEW: Generic Choice incentive program for UM/Aetna members. Save money and avoid out-of-pocket costs by choosing generic medications, if available. If you fill a brand name medication when a generic is available, you will be responsible for the higher copay, plus the difference in cost between the generic and the brand name medication. If you’re currently taking a brand name medication for which a generic equivalent is available, you will receive more information about this program at your home within the next few months.
• NEW: Rx Step Therapy program. Expensive medications aren’t always best. For a small group of medications, UM/Aetna plan members will be required to try a less expensive but equally effective medication before trying higher-priced alternatives. If the less expensive medication has not been tried, the plan may not cover the more expensive medication. If you’re currently taking a medication that may be part of the Rx Step Therapy program, you and your doctor will receive more information about this program within the next few months.
• Minimal increase to some prescription drug copays. Generic drug copays will remain at $10. The copay for tier 2, brand-preferred drugs will be $45, and for tier 3, non-preferred brand drugs, it will be $75.
• NEW–Guardrails Screenings at Healthy ’Canes Employee Clinics. The Guardrails Prevention Initiative will offer free, 10-minute health assessments for faculty and staff. Visit healthycanesclinic.com to locate a clinic near you and see the Guardrails evaluation schedule.

The University will continue to monitor health care reform requirements and changes to the health care environment while working to ensure that the UM health care plans remain competitive.

In September, you will receive additional information about the 2015 Benefits Open Enrollment via email, interoffice mail, and through e-Veritas and e-Update. We thank you for your continued partnership and engagement in advancing your well-being as we work together to maintain high-quality health benefits. If you have any questions about the University’s health care plans or how these changes may affect you, please click here or contact HR-Benefits at miami.edu/benefits/ask or 305-284-3004.