The University offers comprehensive medical, prescription drug and vision coverage. The University pays a percentage of the premium cost for single coverage and employee/dependent coverages; employee shares may be paid free of federal income tax. If you have coverage elsewhere, you may elect not to participate in the medical plan.

Coverage for full time staff/faculty is effective immediately on the first day of the month following the first day of work, unless otherwise noted.

Your medical plan choices are: a health maintenance organization (HMO), a direct point-of-service (DPOS), or a preferred provider organization (PPO).

1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

The University currently offers membership in the Keystone Flex HMO. An HMO provides a wide range of health care services through an organized network of physicians and hospitals. You are required to select a primary care physician (PCP) to guide your care.

Under the HMO plan, most services are paid at 100% with no deductibles or 100% after a small co-payment for physician visits. Referrals from the PCP are required for specialist visits.

2. Direct Point of Service (DPOS)

The Keystone Direct POS plans provides you in and out of network benefits and allows you to select your own doctors and hospitals. You must select a primary care physician (PCP) from the Keystone network but can utilize most services in-network or out-of-network without a referral.

3. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

The Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice PPO plan utilizes a network of doctors and hospitals. A PPO offers a high level of benefits when services are provided by a participating physician or hospital within the network. Higher costs are incurred when services are provided outside the network. A PPO differs from an HMO, in that you are NOT required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) or obtain a referral to see a specialist.