Why has Marquette introduced two new medical plans?
As you’ve probably read in the news, employers evaluate their health care strategy throughout the year, not just during annual enrollment. Marquette is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that address the diverse needs of our employees. Human Resources, together with the Health Care Task Force (a team made up of faculty and staff representatives), worked on this year’s offerings with the goal of ensuring that employees continue to have access to quality care, choice of plans and providers, and affordable options. The changes in this year’s plan designs help us mitigate the increasing costs of healthcare for our employees and their families.
In 2024, Marquette is introducing two new medical plans: the PPO and HDHP. Everyone who wants medical coverage in 2024 must enroll during annual enrollment. The two plans offer the same benefits at a different cost to you. With the PPO plan, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium, but the plan will pay benefits sooner. With the HDHP plan, the premium will be lower, but you’ll need to meet a higher deductible before the plan will pay for your care. To decide which plan to elect, it will be important for you to:
- Understand what type of health care services you may expect in the coming year.
- Evaluate the deductibles and your out-of-pocket costs including premiums or the cost as you seek care.
- Determine funding a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) based on the plan you choose.
See the chart on page 13 of the 2024 Annual Enrollment Guide for help selecting a plan.
The two new plans encourage you to work with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) whenever you need care. Although you won’t need to formally request a referral from your PCP to see a specialist, it’s in your best interest to do so. Having one central person to care for you ensures you will receive the right care, at the right time, from the right provider.
What is the NexusACO provider network?
UMR created a new provider network called NexusACO. ACO stands for Accountable Care Organization. This new network of high-efficiency providers is a subset of the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Network you’ve been familiar with for the last several years. In Southeastern Wisconsin, the NexusACO Tier 1 providers include those contracted with Advocate Aurora, Children’s Wisconsin, Froedtert (excludes Froedtert South) and the Medical College of Wisconsin. If receiving care outside of Southeastern Wisconsin, look for a Tier 1 provider in the national NexusACO network in that area to receive the Tier 1 benefit.
For additional information about Annual Enrollment, see the full announcement on Marquette Today.
