Medical Plan Overview

The medical plan options available to you vary by geographic location. You can select your medical plan based on where you live or work. The University defines your work location as where the majority of your work is performed.

A quick overview of the base plans:

• The Elect/Essential and Choice Regional provider networks are available based on where you live or work. These form the provider network for the Base Plans.
• Benefits-eligible employees can choose the University Base Plan, which offers lower biweekly rates and higher out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
• Starting in 2027, benefits-eligible employees represented by AFSCME, LELS, and Teamsters can also choose the CBA Base Plan, which has higher biweekly rates and lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.

A quick overview of your other plan options:

• ACO Plan is a defined network plan available in specific geographic locations.
• Choice National is an open-access network plan with providers available statewide and nationwide.
• HSA Plan is a high-deductible plan with a health savings account and an open-access network available statewide and nationwide. 

Visit the Medical Plan Options webpage for full descriptions.

The plans cover the same set of healthcare services, so you’ll want to pay attention to differences in provider networks, biweekly rates, and the out-of-pocket amounts that you pay up front, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. Questions to consider as you review your options include:

• Does the plan meet the needs of you and your family? Some plans require everyone in the family to use the same health care network.
• Is your current doctor or clinic within the network?
• Do you want the flexibility to choose any in-network provider? Some plans have more flexibility in choosing providers, while others have specific care systems or primary care requirements.
• Do you want to choose a plan based on where you work or where you live?
• Would an HSA plan work for you? Consider whether you’re comfortable paying more for care before you meet the deductible in exchange for the ability to contribute to an HSA and save pre-tax money for future health care expenses.

Visit the Medica website for more information to help you select a medical plan or call their Customer Service at 952-992-1814 or 877-252-5558; TTY users, please call 711.

• Guide for Benefits Enrollment (PDF) provides an overview of your options.
• Medical Plan Comparison (PDF) gives you a side-by-side look at each plan's coverage for services. 
• Medical Summary of Benefits (PDF) has the details on the full range of benefits in your medical plan.
• Member Guide to Medica (PDF) explains some of your health care options and has important information about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer. It also tells where to find more information if you need it.
• Medical Plan biweekly rates are found on the Plan Options page.

Take Action During Your First 30 Days

You have 30 days from your date of employment or your newly benefits-eligible job to enroll in a medical plan through MyU. Your medical coverage starts on the first day of the month following your first day in your new job.

If you’re not happy with your first choice, you can choose a different plan if you’re still within the first 30 days, and it will be retroactive to your initial date of coverage. If you choose to not pick a medical plan during your first 30 days, then you will only be able to sign up for medical insurance during open enrollment in November. 

Enroll Your Family

If you have a family, you can add your spouse and your dependent children from birth through age 25 (up to 26th birthday) to your coverage. Go to the Dependents and Verifying Their Eligibility section for the full definition of eligible dependents. The University will ask you to verify that your dependents are eligible. Typically, it means sending copies of your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or tax forms.

You have about four weeks to provide proper documentation. If documentation isn’t received by the deadline, your dependents will be removed from benefits coverage.

Learn More

Check the schedule for the Benefits Workshop if you would like a walkthrough of your benefit options.