Tufts to administer employee health plans beginning Jan. 1

Effective Jan. 1, 2016, the University will join the Ed Health Group comprised primarily of Boston Consortium schools, and Tufts Health Plan will administer the University’s health plans. Tufts was rated the No. 1 health insurance plan in the country by the National Committee for Quality Assurance Private Health Insurance Plan Rankings for 2014-2015.

Tufts and Benefit Strategies (who will administer the HSA) will conduct mandatory meetings for employees with health insurance coverage through the University and for those who wish to enroll for coverage for Jan. 1, 2016. Meetings are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall.

Tufts will offer three health care plan designs – two similar to the current plan designs, and the addition of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a corresponding Health Savings Account (HSA).

Some enhancements not included in the University’s current plans (not applying to the HDHP) include:

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy will be covered at a fixed copay instead of at 80 percent after the deductible.
• Ambulance service will be covered at 100 percent after the deductible instead of 80 percent after the deductible.
• Nutrition counseling will be a covered benefit when prescribed by a physician.
• Chiropractic “evaluations” will not count towards the 12 visit per calendar year limit.
• A lower copay at urgent care facilities (depending on the plan elected, $15 instead of $25 or $25 instead of $50).
• A new $150 fitness benefit per family per benefit year for reimbursement for being a member of a fitness facility for at least four months while insured with Tufts.

Representatives from Tufts and Benefit Strategies will also be available at the Employee Benefits/Wellness Fair scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Ochre Court.