The Benefits Bulletin
The Benefits Bulletin is your go-to source for the latest updates on the University of Iowa's benefits. Stay informed with news, tips, and resources designed to keep you and your dependents up-to-date on any changes or significant updates.
Know Your Health Plan and Providers
April 17, 2025
As University of Iowa Health Care continues to increase access, we are here to support you in understanding your health plan and provider network. By knowing your provider level, you can make informed health care decisions, maximize your benefits, and avoid unexpected costs—whether you’re visiting new locations or continuing with the care you know and trust.
Health Plans
The University of Iowa offers two health plans; UIChoice and UISelect.
- UIChoice covers Level 1, 2, and 3 providers.
- UISelect covers Level 1 and 2 providers only.
Provider Level Details
Some clinics or facilities, known as multi-specialty groups, may have providers that aren’t covered in your network. Before scheduling appointments or receiving services, we recommend verifying your health care provider’s participation status with Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield (BCBS).
- Level 1 providers include, but are not limited to, the following UI Health Care locations:
- Medical centers on the university campus (200 Hawkins Drive)
- Downtown campus* (formerly Mercy Iowa City)
- North Liberty campus (set to open April 28)
- Washington County Hospital and Clinics
- The Iowa Clinic
- Mission Cancer + Blood
For a complete list of locations, please visit the UI Health Care locations webpage. *Please note: Some providers at the downtown campus are community providers and therefore are designated as Level 2 or 3 providers.
- Level 2 providers: This level includes providers in Iowa that are not in Level 1.
- Level 3 providers (UIChoice only): These are providers outside of Iowa participating with Wellmark BCBS and non-participating providers that do not have a contract with Wellmark BCBS.
To look up a specific provider, visit the How to Search for a Provider webpage for further instructions.
Emergency Coverage
Visits to the emergency room have the same coverage and cost, regardless of location or provider level. If you are admitted after a visit to the emergency room, costs will vary based on the provider level.
Example:
- If you have UISelect, your plan will cover out-of-state emergency room services at the same rate as a Level 1 provider.
Why It Matters
Understanding your provider level is crucial for managing your health care costs effectively. Each level has different cost implications, and being informed can save you money while ensuring you receive the best possible care. By knowing which providers are in your network and how your plan covers services, you can make smarter health care decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
For a high-level summary and breakdown of costs and coverage under the UIChoice and UISelect plans, visit the UIChoice and UISelect plan comparison. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate your health care options confidently!
Open Enrollment: Vision Insurance (voluntary)
Jan. 01, 2025
Vision insurance open enrollment runs through Feb. 28, 2025. If you are currently enrolled and do not want to make changes, you do not need to take any action.
Complete a new enrollment form to enroll or cancel coverage, change the members covered, or switch plans. You can access the form on the University of Iowa World Insurance Associates website.
New enrollments take effect on Apr. 1, 2025.
Not all UI employees can enroll in the voluntary vision plan through World. Please visit the Voluntary Vision Plan webpage to review eligibility.
World Insurance Associates (World) administers our voluntary vision program. If you have questions about the plans, rates, or enrollment status, please contact World at 800-728-9620 or benefitiowa@worldinsurance.com.
Voluntary Vision Open Enrollment runs from Jan. 01, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2025, with an effective date of Apr. 1, 2025.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
- 2024 Flexible Spending Account Deadline - April 30, 2025
Archived Updates
2024 Archived Updates
Wellmark's primary care provider (PCP) requirement in 2024
Dec. 05, 2023
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, Wellmark will require all health plan members to choose a primary care provider (PCP) to designate for primary care visits. This designation can quickly be made in the myWellmark portal or by calling Wellmark Customer Service at 1-800-211-6771.
2023 Archived Updates
2024 Benefits open enrollment has ended
Nov. 15, 2023
Open enrollment for 2024 benefits closed at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.
University Benefits strongly encourages all employees to sign in to Employee Self-Service and complete their open enrollment event. Elections made during the open enrollment period will be effective Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.
If you did not make changes during this open enrollment period, you will remain enrolled in the same plan and coverage options you currently have in 2023. The only exception is your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), as you must re-enroll if you want to participate in 2024.
Benefits open enrollment begins today
Nov. 1, 2023
Open enrollment for 2024 benefits is now open. This is your annual opportunity to tailor the benefits package offered by the University of Iowa. Here’s how you can get started:
Elect benefits or make changes in Employee Self-Service.
A summary of updates and changes for 2024 is available on our annual benefits open enrollment webpage. Don’t forget to re-enroll in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you wish to participate in 2024.
Changes and new rates take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. You have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, to complete your open enrollment.
2024 benefits preview
Oct. 10, 2023
On behalf of University Human Resources, we are proud to offer you and your family a comprehensive and robust benefits package. We are excited to share a summary of what’s included in this year’s benefits open enrollment.
The annual benefits open enrollment for faculty and staff will begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 1, 2023, and end at 5 p.m. Nov. 15, 2023. We are sharing this information now so you have time to consider your options before you need to make final decisions about your 2024 insurance benefits.
You will receive an email with additional open enrollment information on Nov. 1, 2023.
Plan cost and coverage changes for 2024:
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Dental insurance premiums will increase modestly.
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Health insurance premiums will increase similar to national trends. However, UISelect will continue to offer a zero-premium option for Employee Only and Double Spouse Family.
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Because mental health and well-being is a top priority, both UISelect and UIChoice health plans will have zero dollar copays for mental health visits, along with free virtual mental health visits through Doc on Demand.
Free virtual mental health visits through Doc on Demand
Jul. 01, 2023
Effective Jul. 1, 2023, all UIChoice and UISelect health plan participants and their covered dependents can receive free virtual mental health visits through Doc on Demand. Choose from various licensed therapists or psychiatrists (for more complex issues) that can be available day or night. Get the help you need in days, not months.
2022 Archived Updates
June 30, 2022 | Wellmark's Transparency in Coverage Public Files
The Transparency in Coverage Rule (TCR) requires self-funded health plans and insurers to disclose rates and other price information for all covered billable services to improve health plan transparency in the cost of health services. Wellmark has provided two machine-readable files publicly available beginning July 1, 2022, including:
- In-network allowed amount
- Out-of-network allowed amount, if applicable, based on threshold requirement.
Review the public files effective July 1, 2022.
Downloading files
The files are a specific file type, JavaScript Object Notation (.json.gz file format), as the law prescribes. Wellmark cannot make the files available in other formats.
Please note as machine-readable files, they are not readily interpretable by consumers. As such, members are encouraged to use the more member-friendly Find Costs tool available through myWellmark.com. The tool can help you find providers and determine how much a visit will cost you before receiving services. The machine-readable files do not provide information on a member’s out-of-pocket charges.
June 27, 2022 | IRS increases FSA mileage reimbursement rate to $0.22/mile
The IRS announced on Jun. 9, 2022, that there will be an increase in the health care FSA mileage rates for the remaining six months of 2022. Effective July 1, 2022, the health care FSA mileage rate will increase from .18/mile to .22/mile. Any mileage expenses incurred before July 1, 2022, will be reimbursed at the .18/mile.
June 8, 2022 | Wellmark Update for all Health Plan Members
Wellmark's Legal Notice for all Health Plan Members
This notice explains member rights as it applies to surprise medical billing when you see a provider or visit a healthcare facility that is not in our health plan network as it relates to Emergency Services or certain services at an In-Network Hospital or Ambulatory Surgical Center.
To read the complete notice from Wellmark, please select the pdf link listed below:
To review other Wellmark updates, visit Wellmark Health Plan Updates for previous announcements.
June 3, 2022 | 3-year Pilot Phased Retirement Program Approved
The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, approved a three-year pilot phased retirement program for eligible University of Iowa faculty and staff. The two-year program, approved on July 1, 2017, remains normal.
Eligibility for either program:
- Faculty, P&S, and Merit employees hold regular appointments of 50% or greater for at least 15 continuous years of service.
- Employees must be aged 57 or older to participate.
Highlights of the Phased Program:
- Can phase for up to 3 years maximum.
- You must fully retire from the University at the end of your phased period.
- Reduce your time between 50-65%, with the last year of your phase agreement must be 50%.
- At the institution's discretion, up to an additional 10% salary incentive.
- Benefits will continue as usual for life, health, dental, and disability. Accrual of vacation and sick time will be based on your appointment percentage.
- If you have TIAA, the UI contribution will be based on your salary as if you were still in a full-time regular appointment.
Visit the Phased Retirement Program page for more information and how to begin the process.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information on our website describes only the highlights of the plans and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.