Benefits-eligible faculty, staff, retirees and graduate students can change their University of Michigan benefits during Open Enrollment, which is underway and continues through 5 p.m. Oct. 27.
Changes can be made to health, dental, vision and legal plan enrollments. Faculty and staff also may add eligible dependents and enroll in a flexible spending account.
more information
Benefits changes and new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
Open Enrollment 2024 features new and revised benefit options. The university is offering a new Consumer-Directed Health Plan with a Health Savings Account, in addition to its existing health plans. While the CDHP has the lowest monthly premium cost, members may incur higher out-of-pocket costs, depending on the amount of care needed.
For Medicare-enrolled retirees and survivors, U-M will provide new, comprehensive Medicare Advantage health plans to replace current Medicare supplemental plans. Check eligibility, register for an educational webinar and review “frequently asked questions” at hr.umich.edu/medicare-advantage.
The Michigan Care health plan also will expand to include Jackson County and Stockbridge, Michigan, encompassing 10 new ZIP codes and 400 providers within Jackson Health Network and Henry Ford Allegiance Health.
The tier 3 copay in the Prescription Drug Plan will increase from $45 in 2023 to $75 in 2024. This is the first drug increase in nearly a decade. The copays for tier 1 and tier 2 prescription drugs will remain at $10 and $20.
Those enrolled in the Legal Services Plan will benefit from additional services, including:
- Felony defense.
- Misdemeanor defense.
- Probate proceedings.
- Personal caregiving services.
The dental plan offers a new esthetic restoration policy for 2024. Porcelain (white) crowns and bridges on back teeth will be covered at a higher amount. In addition, there are enhanced dental benefits for members with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Free webinars introducing the new Medicare Advantage and CDHP/HSA plans will take place throughout this month. For information and to register, go to hr.umich.edu/open-enrollment.
Before choosing a health plan, consider:
- All costs involved, including monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
- Service areas and access to preferred doctors and hospitals.
- Anticipated health needs for members and covered dependents.
- Financial needs during 2024.
Several resources are available to help employees and retirees find the health plan that meets their needs, and then to use these benefits wisely. Tools include Benefits Mentor, an interactive decision-support program; a health plan coverage comparison interface; and a health plan coverage comparison chart.
No action is required during Open Enrollment for faculty, staff and retirees to keep their current benefits, except for flexible spending accounts. Employees who are eligible and wish to participate in an FSA for 2024 must enroll annually.
Faculty, staff and benefits-eligible graduate students can make benefits changes through Wolverine Access self-service until 5 p.m. Oct. 27.
Retirees may make changes online or complete and return the enrollment form they were sent in September. Forms must be returned by fax or mail, and be received or postmarked by Oct. 27. Note that Wolverine Tower is not open to the general public, so no walk-in service is available.
For answers to benefits questions, call the Shared Services Center at 5-2000 on campus, 734-615-2000 or 866-647-7657 (toll-free) off campus, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. SSC is unavailable daily from 1-2 p.m.
