Open enrollment for health insurance and flexible spending accounts ends May 15

From: Human Resources

Open enrollment for state-provided health insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSA) ends May 15. 

No action is required for those who wish to continue the same insurance; however, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care and the premium rewards discount must be renewed each year. Any changes made during open enrollment will be effective July 1, 2024.

Following is an overview of the changes for the 2024-25 plan year:

• Employee premiums have changed. See the premiums list, which shows both the current and new premiums.
• All plans: Hearing aids and related services are available for children age 18 and younger.

Cova Care, Cova HDHP, and Cova HealthAware

• PreventiveRx Plus: Certain medications and supplies at no cost to the member.
• Talkspace allows you to message a therapist at any time, from any place, on any device with mobile connection using Talkspace's secure messaging platform.
  

Cova Care and Cova HealthAware

• Earn premium rewards by submitting a health assessment during Open Enrollment via the Anthem Sydney Health, Aetna Health app, or the health plan's website.
• Value-Based Incentive Design (VBID): You will no longer have to meet VBID requirements to receive certain medications and supplies at no cost for hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and COPD.
  

COVA Care and COVA HDHP

• Building Healthy Families replaces the Future Moms Program.
• Cancer Care Navigator provides concierge cancer assistance.
  
• LiveHealth Online Healthy Back & Joints (powered by Sword) provides virtual in-home physical therapy.
  
• Removed member liability for after-hour charges at in-network free-standing emergency room and urgent care.
  

Cova Care

• Emergency room copay increases from $150 to $300.

Cova HDHP

• PPO provider network changes to HealthKeepers HMO provider network, which includes Out-of-Network coverage.

COVA HealthAware

• Aetna Cancer Support provides concierge cancer assistance.
• Teladoc Behavioral health allows you to consult a behavioral health provider virtually.
  
• SmartShopper replaces Aetna Informed Rewards.
  

Sentara Health Plans HMO (formerly Optima Health)

• Increased deductible, out-of-pocket limit, and copays.

Tricare Supplement

• Rates will be changing to a four-tier structure. See Spotlight on Benefits page 15 for the rates.

 Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

The contribution maximum increases: You can put aside up to $3,200 in the 2024-25 plan year. For more information, review the Spotlight on Benefits newsletter and visit the open enrollment webpage.

Human Resources will be offering Zoom information sessions for employees to review health insurance and FSA changes. Registration is not required for these sessions.

Employees are strongly encouraged to submit open enrollment changes through Cardinal Employee Self Service (ESS), the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management’s (DHRM) electronic submission portal, Changes must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2024.

Not sure which health plan is the best for you?
Talk to ALEX, an online benefits tool that evaluates your input and recommends a plan tailored just for you. Visit ALEX. On your smartphone, use ALEX-GO. 

Enrollment forms and supporting documents can also be submitted to Human Resources using their secure e-drop box. Paper forms should only be used if online access is unavailable. 

Employees are reminded to review their Cardinal account and Virginia Tech pay stubs to insure accurate health insurance and FSA elections. Health insurance and FSA deductions for the 2024-25 plan year will begin on the July 16, 2024 paycheck.

Please direct any questions to the HR Service Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or 540-231-9331.