USNH has announced that beginning on Jan. 1, Cigna Health and OptumRx will be the new plan administrators for employee health and prescription coverage.
"They offer a national network, dedicated customer service teams and improved technology,” USNH Human Resources wrote in an email shared with faculty and staff last week.
Learn More About Your Benefits
USNH has scheduled information sessions over the next few weeks. All sessions are expected to last approximately one hour.
Dates include Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. in MUB Theater II; Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. in MUB 334/336; Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. in MUB 334/336 and at 1:30 p.m. on the Manchester Campus, Room 142; Sept. 13 at noon in MUB 334/336; Sept. 14 at noon in MUB 338/340; Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. in MUB 334/336.
Dates for members of the UNH Lecturers bargaining unit are Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. in MUB Theater II and Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. in MUB 334/336.
A recorded version of the information session will be posted on the USNH HR website for those unable to attend a session.
For more details, visit http://www.usnh.edu/hr/.
The foundation of existing medical benefit coverage will continue, according to USNH HR, with additional enhancements including the flexibility to visit in-network doctors without referrals.
“While healthcare costs continue to rise, the transition to Cigna Health and OptumRx provides USNH with a substantial reduction in projected expenses under the current state, allowing us to maintain our market-leading benefits while minimizing both employee disruption and overall increases in premiums for their medical and prescription drug plans in 2017,” USNH stated in announcing the changes.
Other details include:
- MyPath2Wellness: The $400 medical plan premium credit for completing a biometric screening and health questionnaire will continue as USNH HR works with Cigna to expand and enhance the MyPath2Wellness Program.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan Funds: USNH has contracted with CAPTRUST, an independent retirement consulting firm, to “keep the best of current options while adding several complementary funds, including a full suite of low cost index mutual funds and carefully selected actively managed options. TIAA and Fidelity representatives will be visiting UNH this fall to provide more information.
- Payroll Process Change: The types of compensation that are eligible for employee and employer retirement contributions has expanded. Beginning in fiscal year 2017, performance incentive awards and lump-sum payments for exceeding compensation range maximums will have retirement contributions applied.
“In February of this year, USNH conducted a competitive bid process for its medical and pharmacy providers. This process was the final step in a strategic review of our health and wellness benefits that began in 2015 and included ongoing feedback from the Human Resources Executive Council, the System Personnel Policy Council, which is comprised of members representing all the campuses, the Board of Trustees, campus executive leadership and employee councils from across the system,” USNH HR wrote in a message explaining the change. “It is important for USNH to periodically conduct a bid process to ensure that USNH has the best financial arrangement available in the market for USNH and its employees; improve upon current health and wellness programs; improve the employee experience in terms of customer service, tools, and technology.”
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Compiled By:
Jennifer Saunders | Communications and Public Affairs | jennifer.saunders@unh.edu | 603-862-3585
