Medical Plans

Human Resources provides many different health plans to its domestic faculty and staff. (See Medical Plan Comparison Chart) The plan that's right for you depends on:

• the current and anticipated health needs of you and your dependents
• the doctors and facilities that you prefer and that are in your area
• the monthly contributions required for each option

Selecting the Right Plan For You:

1. Select the carrier/network that includes the doctors and facilities you prefer (see below)
2. Select the type of plan that meets your needs (see below)
3. If selecting a PPO plan, select the level of coverage the meets your needs.
4. Determine which, if any, dependents you will cover under your plan.

Medical Insurance Carriers

We offer medical plans through three carriers. Providers who are part of the network agree to accept the plan's rate as payment in full, and will not bill you for additional payment. You will save money when you use in-network providers. If you have providers that you prefer, determine which insurance plans they accept - many accept multiple insurances. Our medical carriers include:

• UPMC Health Plan
  Phone: 1-877-381-3764 | 1-866-328-8762 (High Deductible PPO with HRA plan)
  UPMC Provider Search - search the UPMC Health Benefits PPO product
• HealthAmerica
  Phone: 1-800-735-4404 or 412-553-5575
  HealthAmerica Provider Search - HealthAmerica HMO or HealthAssurance PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  Phone: 1-800-472-1506 | 1-800-810-2583 (outside of Western PA)
  Highmark Provider Search

Types of Medical Plans

We offer several kinds of medical insurance plans:

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
  These plans provide a higher level of coverage when you use in-network providers. The deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are tracked separately for in-network and out-of-network services.
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO):
  HMO's involve few out-of-pocket costs, with low co-pays and no co- insurance or deductible. However, care must be received by in-network providers, and you must select a primary care physician.
• High Deductible PPO w/ Health Reimbursement Account (HRA):
  These plans pair a PPO plan with a high deductible with a university-funded HRA account to help pay for medical services before the PPO deductible is met. Unused funds in the HRA may be carried over, up to three years worth of contributions.
• Comprehensive (Indemnity) Plan:
  This plan provides the same level of coverage regardless of whether the provider participates in the plan or not. However, out-of-network providers may bill you for the cost of their services in excess of the plan's payment rate.