IMPORTANT CHANGES DETAILED INSIDE
ACTION REQUIRED!
NAVIGATING YOUR BENEFITS
OPEN ENROLLMENT • EXPLORE WHAT’S NEW FOR 2015
HRNAVIGATOR
BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT
October 14 – November 14, 2014
NEW: Medical and Dental plan offerings
NEW: Online Coverage Advisor tool for Medical insurance
ACTION REQUIRED: All faculty and staff currently enrolled
in medical and dental plans must take action.
WHAT’S INSIDE
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
MEDICAL4
Within New England
CHOOSING YOUR PLAN Coverage Advisor Tool
7
ATTEND THE BENEFITS FAIR!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014
10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
CSC BALLROOM
MEDICAL8
Outside New England
MEDICAL PLAN GLOSSARY
10
DENTAL11
LEARN MORE
Attend a Coffee Talk, Q&A, and/or Drop-in Session!
LIFE INSURANCE
12
KEY DATES
13
members of HRM’s Benefits Team and representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Learn
about your new medical plans and what you need to do to take advantage of all your benefit
options. Get answers to frequently asked questions and take home a free travel mug!
14
Drop-in Session: Stop by for answers to your questions and use our computers to
SET YOUR COURSE
ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS
CHECKLIST15
Coffee Talk Information Session followed by a Q&A Session: Get the scoop from
complete your online enrollment.
HRNAVIGATOR
E X PLO R E YO U R O P TIO NS
Northeastern is committed to providing you with competitive benefits
programs that offer value, quality, and choice. We are also dedicated
to supporting your health and wellness. That is why we are introducing
important benefit changes effective January 1, 2015. This guide is
designed to help you understand what is changing, what is not changing,
and what actions you need to take.
Five things to know for open enrollment
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EASY
PATHS TO A HEALTHY YOU AND
A HEALTHIER POCKETBOOK!
»Enroll in the Healthy You Virgin Pulse
program and earn up to $75 each
quarter just by walking
» Use a Hubway bicycle
» Join a gym
LEARN MORE
» Visit northeastern.edu/hrm
1
Medical and dental programs are changing in 2015
Broader range of choices, including plans with lower premiums in exchange for higher
» out-of-pocket costs
» New online Coverage Advisor tool for medical insurance can help you determine the medical
option that’s right for you
Required action: Anyone currently enrolled in a medical and/or dental plan must make active
» selections or be automatically enrolled in a plan
2 All medical plans cover the same services, including preventive care and screenings
at no cost
3 You can keep your same doctors since all medical plans remain with Blue Cross
Blue Shield
» Attend a Coffee Talk followed by a
Q&A information session
» Attend the Benefits Fair, Tuesday,
October 14, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00
p.m., CSC Ballroom
» Email [email protected] or call
the HRM Open Enrollment Info Line at
617.373.7706
Remember: The HRM Team is here to
support you in making the best choices
for you and your family.
4 If you enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), Northeastern’s contribution to
the Health Savings Account (HSA)—$500/Individual, $1,000/Family—will be provided
in full at the beginning of the calendar year
5
Life insurance benefits are changing
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
3
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
MEDICAL » IF YOU LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND
What’s changing for 2015?
What’s not changing?
» Replacing HMO and POS plans with a
» Medical plans will remain with Blue Cross Blue Shield, which means you can keep your same doctors
Core plan and an Enhanced plan
» More meaningful differences in plan
design and per-paycheck costs
» ALL plans allow you to see any provider
who has a payment agreement with
Blue Cross Blue Shield (both locally and
across the United States) without a
PCP referral (higher out-of-pocket costs
apply for Core and Enhanced plans)
» Check-ups and preventive screenings are covered 100%
» Dependents are covered to age 26
» High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA)
» Flexible Spending Accounts that allow you to contribute up to $2,500 annually on a pre-tax basis
Consistent premium contribution
Our 70% premium contribution will continue. In 2015, we will offer a fixed-dollar premium contribution
»
that is equal to 70% of the cost of the Core plan.
» Northeastern’s contribution to the
Health Savings Account (HSA), which is
paired with the High Deductible Health
Plan (HDHP), will be provided in full at
the beginning of the calendar year
How your plans compare
All three plans cover the same services. It’s up to you to choose the plan that best meets your needs
and preferences.
1.CORE PLAN: Lower premium, moderate deductible, and coinsurance for certain services
2.ENHANCED PLAN: Similar to the current POS plan, with no deductible or coinsurance, but a higher
premium than the Core plan
3.HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN (HDHP) WITH HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA): Plan
with the lowest premium and highest deductible; Northeastern makes a $500/Individual or $1,000/
Family contribution to your HSA in full at the start of the calendar year
4
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
HRNAVIGATOR
E X PLO R E YO U R O P TIO NS
How your plans compare
2014 Election
2014 Monthly
Premium
2015 Election
2015 Monthly
Premium
$ Change
% Change
» » Currently enrolled in the HMO or POS
plan? You will have a lower premium cost
option in 2015.
Enhanced Plan
HMO
S HORTCUT
UNDERSTANDING YOUR COSTS
Individual
$193.13
Individual
$212.50
$19.37
10%
» » Are you in the POS plan? You will have
Family
$511.80
Family
$564.58
$52.78
10%
reduced premiums in 2015 no matter
which plan you choose.
Core Plan
» » Are you in the HMO? Choosing the Core
Individual
$181.80
-$11.33
-6%
Family
$480.60
-$31.20
-6%
Individual
$131.50
-$61.63
-32%
Family
$349.58
-$162.22
-32%
plan may save you money due to a lower
premium, coupled with similar copays for
office visits and prescription drugs.
HDHP
Enhanced Plan
POS
Individual
$222.35
Individual
$212.50
-$9.85
-4%
Family
$588.56
Family
$564.58
-$23.98
-4%
Individual
$181.80
-$40.55
-18%
Family
$480.60
-$107.96
-18%
Individual
$131.50
-$90.85
-41%
Family
$349.58
-$238.98
-41%
Core Plan
HDHP
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
5
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
SHORTCUT
UNDERSTANDING EXPANDED
PROVIDER ACCESS
How out-of-pocket costs compare
ALL plans now allow you to self-refer
in Massachusetts and across the
United States:
» Current HMO participants will enjoy expanded
provider access and access to care without
a referral from a PCP
» If you enroll in the Enhanced or Core plan,
you have the option to self-refer; however,
you will have higher out-of-pocket costs than
if your PCP coordinates your care
» Enhanced and Core plan members must
seek care from providers that have a payment
agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield
» HDHP continues to provide in-network
and out-of-network coverage without any
referral requirements
» For complete information about network
options, please visit northeastern.edu/hrm
Enhanced
Core
HDHP w/ HSA
PCP Referred/
In-Network
PCP Referred/
In-Network
In-Network
HSA University
Funding
N/A
N/A
$500 Individual
$1,000 Family
Annual Deductible
None
$250 Individual
$500 Family
$1,500 Individual
$3,000 Family
Out-of-Pocket
Maximum
$2,000 Individual
$4,000 Family
$2,500 Individual
$5,000 Family
$2,500 Individual
$5,000 Family
Hospital Inpatient
Covered in full
90% after deductible
90% after deductible
Outpatient Day
Surgery
Covered in full
90% after deductible
90% after deductible
High-Tech Imaging
Freestanding: covered in full
Hospital: $100 copay
90% after deductible
90% after deductible
Emergency Room
$100 copay
$100 copay
90% after deductible
Preventive Care
Covered in full
Covered in full
Covered in full
PCP Visit
(non-preventive)
$20 copay
$25 copay
90% after deductible
Specialist
$30 copay
$35 copay
90% after deductible
Prescription
Drugs - Retail
$5 / $30 / $50
$5 / $30 / $50
$5 / $30 / $50 after
deductible
Prescription
Drugs - Mail
$10 / $60 / $100
$10 / $60 / $100
$10 / $60 / $100 after
deductible
Office Visits
Employees pay
HIGHER premium
than Core plan
6
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
70% University
contribution
Employees pay
LOWER premium
than Core plan
HRNAVIGATOR
E X PLO R E YO U R O P TIO NS
CHOOSING YOUR PLAN
Looking for good directions?
Use the new Coverage Advisor tool for medical insurance.
» Access the online Coverage Advisor tool for medical insurance on HRM’s website
YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT!
Remember: If you’re currently enrolled in
a medical plan offered by Northeastern and
you don’t make an election by November 14,
2014, you will be automatically enrolled in
the Core plan (unless you’re currently in the
HDHP, in which case your choice will carry
over into 2015).
» Enter your information; this takes less than 15 minutes
» Receive a medical plan recommendation based on your stated needs and preferences
SHORTCUT
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
7
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
MEDICAL » IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE NEW ENGLAND
If you reside outside of New England, your plan options remain the same: HDHP with HSA and a PPO. You still should review your options and enroll
or re-enroll no later than November 14, 2014. If you select the HDHP with an HSA, Northeastern’s contribution to the HSA will be provided in full at the
beginning of the calendar year, $500/Individual, $1,000/Family.
Medical: Monthly premiums
HDHP 2014
HDHP 2015
$ Change
% Change
Outside of New England
8
PPO 2014
PPO 2015
$ Change
% Change
Outside of New England
Individual
$120.14
$131.50
$11.36
9.5%
Individual
$232.42
$231.80
-$0.62
-0.3%
Family
$316.80
$349.58
$32.78
10.3%
Family
$615.88
$616.60
$0.72
0.1%
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
HRNAVIGATOR
E X PLO R E YO U R O P TIO NS
How out-of-pocket costs compare
HDHP w/ HSA
PPO
In-Network
In-Network
HSA University Funding
$500 Individual
$1,000 Family
N/A
Annual Deductible
$1,500 Individual
$3,000 Family
None
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
$2,500 Individual
$5,000 Family
$2,000 Individual
$4,000 Family
Hospital Inpatient
90% after deductible
Covered in full
Outpatient Day Surgery
90% after deductible
Covered in full
High-Tech Imaging
90% after deductible
Freestanding: covered in full
Hospital: $100 copay
Emergency Room
90% after deductible
$100 copay
Preventive Care
Covered in full
Covered in full
PCP Visit
(non-preventive)
90% after deductible
$25 copay
Specialist
90% after deductible
$25 copay
Prescription Drugs - Retail
$5 / $30 / $50 after deductible
$5 / $30 / $50
Prescription Drugs - Mail
$10 / $60 / $100 after deductible
$10 / $60 / $100
Office Visits
Employee pays
LOWER premium
Employee pays
HIGHER premium
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
9
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
SHORTCUT
UNDERSTANDING TERMS
MEDICAL PLAN GLOSSARY
A PREMIUM is the amount you pay for insurance, using pre-tax dollars paid via automatic
paycheck deductions.
A COPAYMENT (copay) is a fixed amount you pay for a healthcare service.
A DEDUCTIBLE is the amount you owe before your insurance begins covering certain services
such as hospitalization or outpatient surgery.
COINSURANCE is the amount you pay, as a percentage of the cost of your services, after you
reach the deductible.
AN OUT-OF-POCKET MAXIMUM is the most you pay per plan year for health expenses,
including prescription drugs, before the plan pays 100%.
A HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN (HDHP) features a higher deductible than traditional
insurance plans and can be combined with a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for qualified
out-of-pocket expenses on a pre-tax basis. All non-preventive services (including prescription
drugs) are subject to the plan deductible.
A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) is a medical saving account that’s available to employees
who are enrolled in an HDHP. Funds are used to pay for eligible healthcare expenses on a tax-free
basis. Northeastern contributes $500 for Individual coverage and $1,000 for Family coverage.
A POINT OF SERVICE (POS) PLAN allows members to self-refer to any provider who has a
payment agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
10
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
HRNAVIGATOR
E X PLO R E YO U R O P TIO NS
DENTAL
CHOOSE YOUR OWN DIRECTION!
Remember: If you are currently enrolled
in the dental plan offered by Northeastern
and you don’t make a dental plan election
by November 14, 2014, you will be
automatically enrolled in the Value plan.
What’s changing for 2015?
» Choose from two dental plans
What’s not changing?
» Dental program remains with Delta Dental, which means you can keep your same dentists
» Diagnostics and preventive care are covered at 100%
» Dependents are covered to age 26
Consistent premium contribution
Our 70% premium contribution will continue. In 2015, we will offer a fixed-dollar premium contribution
»
equal to 70% of the cost of the Value plan.
Choose from two dental plans:
1.NEW: VALUE PLAN: Lower premium costs, annual benefit maximum of $750 per covered family
member. Covers preventive and basic services only. No coverage for major services or orthodontia.
2.ENHANCED PLAN: Similar to current plan; the annual benefit maximum will increase by $500 from
$1,500 to $2,000 per covered family member.
How out-of-pocket costs compare
2014 Election
2014 Monthly
Premium
2015 Election
2015 Monthly
Premium
$ Change
% Change
» » Families who select the Enhanced plan
Enhanced Plan
Dental
S HORTCUT
UNDERSTANDING YOUR COSTS
Individual
$11.03
Individual
$19.95
$8.92
81%
Family
$34.30
Family
$62.04
$27.74
81%
Individual
$7.69
-$3.34
-30%
Family
$23.90
-$10.40
-30%
will pay an additional $333 in annual
premiums for an additional $500 in
benefits per covered family member.
Value Plan
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
11
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
LIFE INSURANCE
Northeastern provides you with a basic life insurance benefit at no cost to you. You also have the option to
purchase additional coverage for yourself, your spouse, and children.*
What’s changing?
University-paid basic life insurance equal to 1x your annual base salary. This is a change from the current
»
benefit of 2x your base salary. This year, you will have a one-time opportunity to purchase an additional
1x coverage with no Statement of Health required.**
Supplemental life coverage increased to 5x your annual base salary. You may now purchase up to 5x
»
(from 4x) your annual base salary in supplemental life insurance.
Increased maximum on supplemental life coverage. The maximum coverage is increasing to $750,000
»
(from $500,000). The combined maximum of employer-paid basic life ($500,000) and employee-paid
supplemental life ($750,000) is also increasing to $1.25M (from $1M).
SHORTCUT
UNDERSTANDING LIFE
INSURANCE RATES
» » Rates for the supplemental employee and
optional spouse/same-sex spousal equivalent
insurance are based on an age-banded
schedule and coverage amount. The optional
spouse/same-sex spousal equivalent
insurance is also based on the spouse/
same-sex spousal equivalent age. The rates
will increase the first of each year following
a salary increase and/or movement to
a different age band. The age reduction
schedule continues to apply at ages 65 and
70; benefit reduced to 65 percent at age
65 and 50 percent at age 70.
12
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
Age
Monthly Rate per $1,000
Under 25
0.067
25-29
0.060
30-34
0.080
35-39
0.090
40-44
0.117
45-49
0.184
50-54
0.290
55-59
0.443
60-64
0.773
65-69
1.270
70-74
2.388
75 and over
4.696
How do I calculate the cost of buying
1x life insurance?
For example, a 51 year old with an annual base salary of
$60,000 would pay $17.40/month (60 x $0.29 = $17.40).
Children rates, to age 26
Optional child life insurance provides the opportunity to
purchase $10,000 or $20,000 in coverage for children to
age 26. The rate is $1 per $10,000 of coverage per month.
Please note that separate elections for each child are not
necessary; one election will cover all eligible children.
Benefits for infants under six months of age are limited to
$1,000 in coverage. Statement of Health is not required.
* Subject to underwriting and plan maximum.
** Subject to plan maximum.
LEARN MORE » INFORMATION SESSIONS
MAP LEGEND
ATTEND A COFFEE TALK, Q&A, AND/OR DROP-IN SESSION!
COFFEE TALK INFORMATION SESSION FOLLOWED BY A Q&A SESSION: Get the scoop from members of HRM’s Benefits
Team and representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Learn about your new medical plans and what you need to do to take
advantage of all your benefit options. Get answers to frequently asked questions and take home a free travel mug!
COLUMBUS
PLACE
DROP-IN SESSION: Stop by for answers to your questions and use our computers to complete your online enrollment.
OCTOBER
MONDAY
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
10 COFFEE TALK / Q&A
CSC 333, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
14 BENEFITS FAIR
17 COFFEE TALK / Q&A
CSC BALLROOM, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Representatives from the HRM Benefits
Team and Blue Cross Blue Shield will
be available in CSC 333 to answer
questions about the new medical plans.
21 C OFFEE TALK / Q&A
CSC 442, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
28 D ROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY
CURRY STUDENT
CENTER
MONDAY
TUESDAY
CSC 442, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
22 D ROP-IN SESSION
29 C OFFEE TALK / Q&A
Dodge Hall 450, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30
p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
3 D ROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CP 250, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
30 D ROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
6 COFFEE
TALK / Q&A
CP 250, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
10 DROP-IN SESSION
24 D ROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
7 D ROP-IN SESSION
CSC 442, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
12 DROP-IN SESSION
CSC 442, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
C
OFFEE TALK / Q&A
CSC 442, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
13 DROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CP 250, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
14 L AST DAY OF BENEFITS
OPEN ENROLLMENT
D
ROP-IN SESSION
CP 250, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online enrollment system closes
at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
13
SET YOUR COURSE
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO A
BETTER FUTURE
Select your 2015 benefits using the online enrollment tool
» » Enroll in a medical and dental plan
» » Enroll in supplemental life insurance and verify and/or change your beneficiaries
» » Select pre-tax amounts to contribute to your reimbursement account(s)
Ready to take control?
Let’s get started!
1. Go to myNEU
2. Enter your username and password
3. Click on the Services and Links tab
4. Click on Benefits Open Enrollment
5. A welcome screen provides enrollment instructions and displays your benefits status
Want more info?
Get step-by-step online enrollment instructions available at northeastern.edu/hrm.
Annual Notices
The HRM website contains the Summary Annual Reports for the university’s welfare benefits and
retirement plans and CHIP Notice.
14
For more information, make your way to
northeastern.edu/hrm
OPEN ENROLLMENT IS
OCTOBER 14 – NOVEMBER 14, 2014
BENEFITS CHECKLIST
GO
�Explore your options at
northeastern.edu/hrm
�Use the new online Coverage
Advisor tool for Medical Insurance
�Attend the Benefits Fair
October 14, 2014
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Curry Student Center Ballroom
�Attend a 30-minute Coffee Talk
followed by a Q&A; Get your
free travel mug by attending!
�Email [email protected]
or call the Open Enrollment
Info Line, 617.373.7706,
with questions
DECIDE
�Select a medical plan
DO
�Take full advantage of the
retirement plan—including a
10% employer contribution if
you contribute 5% and have
completed two years of
benefits-eligible service
�Choose a dental plan
�Enroll in Reimbursement
Accounts: Flexible Spending
Account (FSA) and/or
Dependent Care Account
�Use a Healthy You Virgin
Pulse digital pedometer; earn
up to $75/quarter by walking
�Consider additional life
insurance; provide required
documentation (if necessary)
�Be reimbursed for gym
membership and/or weight
management expenses
�Verify and/or change your
life insurance beneficiaries
�Utilize the medical program for:
TIP: If you elect the HDHP with an
HSA for 2015, you’ll need to deplete
the balance in your 2014 healthcare
FSA by December 31, 2014 in order
to make or receive contributions.
• Pharmacy mail orders
• Free medical and vision
check-ups and preventive
screenings
SAVE
�Receive insurance discounts
for your home, apartment,
and/or car
�Save on commuting costs
using pre-tax dollars for public
transit passes and parking
�Buy or refinance a home with a
preferred mortgage provider
� Get confidential guidance on
legal matters, elder care, grief
counseling, and more—at no
or reduced costs through
the Employee Assistance
Program (EAP)
�Get on the path to wellness;
participate in the Healthy
You programs
Have questions? Email [email protected]
or call 617.373.7706
15
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
northeastern.edu/hrm • [email protected] • 617.373.7706
HRNAVIGATOR