What are the medical plan changes for 2024?
See the Annual Election Highlights on the Benefit Connections website.
Will I receive a new medical ID card prior to January 1, 2024?
New medical ID cards will be mailed to all participants in the Self-Directed Heath Plan and brand new UHC sponsored plan subscribers for the 2024 plan year. If you were previously enrolled in a medical plan and have paperless selected for required communications, your preferences are automatically set to paperless ID cards as of October 2023. This can be changed at any time and a physical ID card will be available upon request. To access your digital ID card or change your settings, log on to www.myuhc.com.
What should I think about when choosing my medical plan option?
You may want to consider the following when making decisions about your 2024 elections
- If you are in a network area are family members able to use the option that you elected?
- Is there a covered family member who may live outside of the network area? If so, the person may need to receive their care on an out-of-network basis.
- If you are in the network area, are you willing to pay more for coverage that allows you to choose providers that are out-of-network?
- Do you have other medical coverage available to you or any of your family members? If so, how will the coverage and costs of that plan compare to your Company plan options?
- Can you add family members to the other plan?
I'm enrolled in the Choice EPO or Choice Plus. I'm on vacation away from home. What do I do in case of an emergency?
If the emergency is considered “life or limb”, you should go to the nearest emergency facility at which time your physician should be notified of your condition. You or a family member should also contact United Healthcare at 1-866-317-6359 within two (2) business days.
What services are covered under preventive care?
A list of preventive care services will be available online at the Benefit Connections website.
What is the SDHP?
The SDHP is a health plan that satisfies the IRS tax requirements with respect to deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. The SDHP option is the CITGO high-deductible health plan that, when combined with a Health Savings Account, provides health coverage and a tax-advantaged way to help save for future medical expenses. The CITGO SDHP with HSA gives you greater flexibility and discretion over how you use your health care dollars.
Can you tell me more about the Self Directed Health Plan (SDHP) option?
The SDHP option is best suited for individuals who don’t expect to need much medical care in the coming year, but want to have basic protection for unexpected events or for individuals who wish to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA) and have greater control over their own healthcare.
If I experience a qualifying status change can I change my medical plan from the SDHP to the EPO or PPO plan?
No, a qualifying status change does not constitute a change in your medical plan option. You may only change the coverage level of your current plan.
What is Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions?
Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions is an integrated, managed behavioral health program that provides around the clock access to master-level counselors. The program provides management and oversight of outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse care to better serve participants and improve their care. You must contact Optum Health prior to seeking counseling services (1-888-231-4886).
Is the SDHP with an HSA right for me?
If you are looking for a low cost plan with 100% coverage for in-network preventive care, no co-pay for covered preventive prescriptions, nationwide coverage in and out of network, then the SDHP with HSA could be right for you.
Consider the following:
- Review your past year's medical services use and expenses. Be sure to include the cost of your prescription medications in your review.
- Estimate any expected changes in your medical expenses for the coming year.
- Compare the out-of-pocket costs (employee contributions, deductibles, coinsurance, etc.) for the SDHP with HSA and other health insurance plans available to you.
- Compare dental and vision benefits available with the SDHP with HSA and other health benefits plans available to you.
Consider whether you are ready to participate in an SDHP, knowing that you may save through tax-free payments on health expenses.
How do you educate yourself on United Healthcare?
Employees can learn more about the medical plans offered through United Healthcare by reviewing their Annual Election benefit summary, Summary Plan Description and FAQ’s available online on Benefit Connections. You may also visit UnitedHealthcare’s website at www.myuhc.com.
What is the coverage for chiropractic care under the SDHP plan?
Chiropractic care is covered at 80% (in-network) and 60% (out-of-network) after the deductible is met with a maximum of 60 visits per year.
How is prenatal care covered?
Coverage for maternity care varies by medical plan. Review your annual election benefits booklet or visit www.myuhc.com for additional information.
Does the medical plan cover hearing aids?
No, hearing aids are not covered under our medical plans. However, CITGO offers a hearing aid discount program through UnitedHealthcare Hearing. Take advantage of discounted pricing by contacting 1-855-523-9355 or www.UHCHearing.com. See additional information under Health & Welfare and Medical.
What national chains can we go to for our prescriptions?
You can view the list of participating pharmacies available within the Optum Rx network on www.myuhc.com.
What is a qualified vs. non-qualified medical expense?
You can access IRS publication 502 to review qualified medical expenses at
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html.
Is the SDHP plan the only plan that covers preventive expenses at 100%?
All 4 medical plan options cover preventive care at 100% in network.
How can I access more information regarding preventive care?
You can obtain more information regarding preventive care on the Benefit Connections website under Annual Election Resources.