The University offers self-funded medical insurance with a choice between two plans, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Both medical plans include carved-in pharmacy benefits administered by Prime Therapeutics.
One comprehensive dental insurance plan is offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The plan benefits includes a low deductible and generous annual maximum benefit, and allows participants the freedom to seek care from any dentist, subject to network limitations.
The University offers one vision plan administered by UnitedHealthcare Vision. The plan utilizes a provider network of more than 30,000 private practice and retail chains nationwide. Participants are eligible to receive a comprehensive eye exam and a pair of lenses once every year, with generous frame and contact allowances.
Tax-Favored Accounts
Money set aside in these accounts will reduce taxable income, providing participants with more value for the dollar. When enrolling, employees must decide how much money to contribute to each account. The money will be withheld pre-tax from your pay, providing more value for the dollar. The result is that you’ll save federal income tax, state income tax and Social Security tax on the amount you contribute to the account. The more you contribute – the more you can save!
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employer-Owned Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSAA Healthcare Flexible Spending Account is a voluntary tax-favored benefit available to employees enrolled in UA’s Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health plan, or other low deductible medical insurance plans. The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account provides a way to save money on childcare or eldercare expenses.
Health Savings Account
Employee-Owned HSAA Health Savings Account is a voluntary tax-favored benefit available only to employees enrolled in UA’s qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). The University provides a generous amount of employer-funded seed money to HSAs once per year, based on coverage tier. HSAs offer triple tax savings, including investment options.
Disease Management Programs
The University of Alabama continues to look for new ways to reduce costs for our self-funded medical plans, and prioritizes resources for people living longer with chronic medical conditions. As a result, The University offers free disease management programs designed to improve the health of persons with specific chronic conditions and to reduce health care service costs associated with avoidable complications, such as emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The programs target conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and musculoskeletal/joint pain.