USNH is adding a new medical option called the Choice Plan* for 2014.  With Benefits Open Enrollment just around the corner, we invite you to attend one of the remaining information sessions being offered to learn about this NEW medical plan option that will be offered to assist you in making the choice that is right for you during Open Enrollment.  The new Choice Plan will be offered to employees in addition to our current Harvard Pilgrim HMO and POS plans as another medical coverage option.

UNH HR is hosting sessions on the Durham campus in an effort to assist you in making the choice that is right for you this fall during Open Enrollment – October 21st to November 1st, 2013.

NOTE: Registration is NOT required for any of these drop-in sessions listed.

If you need more information after attending or are unable to attend any of the informational sessions, we recommend you view the new online tutorials on both the Choice Plan and Health Savings Account available, as well as utilize the plan cost estimator to get a side by side comparison of estimated plan costs between the HMO, POS and the PPO (Choice Plan).  These are all on the USNH HR's Choice Plan information page:   www.usnh.edu/hr/benefits/2014-openenrollment/choice_plan.html

Choosing your benefits – especially your medical plan – involves consideration of what services you expect to use in the coming year, as well as what you expect to pay out-of-pocket, with the goal of making the best choice for you and your family. The new USNH medical plan option, the Choice Plan, provides comprehensive coverage with the flexibility to use any provider you wish and more control over your expenses.

When you elect to enroll in the Choice Plan, USNH will review the eligibility requirements to set up a new Health Savings Account (HSA for you. An HSA is a tax-free savings account owned solely by you that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.  It earns interest and can be invested once a certain threshold is met. USNH will fund an annual deposit into your HSA of $500 for Individual coverage, or $1000 for Two-Person or Family coverage (prorated for mid year elections). This account can cover a portion of your out-of-pocket expenses under the Choice Plan, and/or you may make contributions into the account. The funds roll over from year-to-year and are portable when employment ends.

Features of the new plan include -

• Lower per paycheck premium contributions than the HMO or POS plan
• A Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Eligible to participate in the Wellness Connection Program – includes Gym, Health Education & Member Rewards benefits
• The option to visit any provider of your choice, without a referral from a primary care physician

*The Choice plan medical option will be available to eligible faculty and staff not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

USNH Choice Plan Information Sessions postcard mailed week of September 16th.

USNH Choice Plan informational flyer mailed to employee home addresses week of September 9th.