Enrollment Instructions

Eligibility and Plan Options

The University contributes towards the cost of health insurance for regular benefit-eligible employees working 50% time or greater.

You have two health plan options:

• UIChoice (POS) 
• UISelect (HMO). 

Enrollment in the university health plan is optional.

Making Your Health Plan Election

If you want health coverage:

• If you do not want to elect medical coverage, select option 90 from the drop-down to waive UI health coverage. You will be prompted to answer a question about minimum value coverage. If you do not answer these questions, you will receive an error until you have answered the minimum value coverage questions.
  • If an employee wishes to waive coverage but does not work the enrollment event, they will default to no coverage for health. Please note you must go in each year during open enrollment to "WAIVE" your coverage. If you do not do this and answer the minimum value coverage, you will only receive a maximum of $500 in university credits for the following year. 
• If you want medical coverage, select the option code from the drop-down corresponding to your plan (UISelect or UIChoice) and coverage choice (Employee Only, Employee + Spouse, etc.). The option code is the number in the parentheses located to the right of the price.
  • You must live in Iowa to enroll in the UISelect plan. If you choose UISelect as your health plan, you will have a message box appear asking you to confirm your election and acknowledge that you live in the state of Iowa or will be within 30 days.
• Choose the recalculate function/button to refresh your current list of eligible dependents and beneficiaries if needed.

2025 Changes are listed below.

House Staff Residents / Fellows

The University contributes towards the cost of health and dental insurance for house staff residents/fellow physicians.

You have two plans: UIChoice (POS) and UISelect (HMO). 

Enrollment in the University health plan is optional.

• If you do not want to elect medical coverage, select option 90 from the drop-down. 
• If you want medical coverage, select the option code from the drop-down corresponding to your plan (UISelect or UIChoice) and coverage choice (Employee Only, Employee + Spouse, etc.). The option code is the number in the parentheses located to the right of the price.
  • You must live in Iowa to enroll in the UISelect plan. If you choose UISelect as your health plan, you will have a message box appear asking you to confirm your election and acknowledge that you live in the state of Iowa or will be within 30 days.
• Choose the recalculate function/button to refresh your current list of eligible dependents and beneficiaries if needed.

New for 2025

• Health Insurance
  • Premiums: Health insurance premiums will increase by up to $22 per month, depending on your plan and coverage options. However, UISelect will continue to offer a zero-premium option for employee-only and double spouse family plans.
  • Pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums will increase for both plans. Keep in mind, that this is the most you’ll pay in a calendar year for covered prescription drugs.
  • Wellmark implemented Jan. 1, 2025, changes for UIChoice: 
    • All level 3 providers, participating and non-participating providers are now grouped together under the Level 3 out-of-pocket maximum.
    • Routine physicals and preventive services will continue to have a $0 copay for all participating providers in levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 3 non-participating providers will have a 0% coinsurance, but balance billing may apply.
    • Health Insurance premiums will increase for UIChoice and UISelect.
    • Dental insurance premiums will increase.
• Dental Insurance:
  • Premiums: Dental insurance premiums will see modest increases, up to $1.20 per month depending on your coverage options.
  • Deductible: There will be a $15 deductible for dental services provided by premier or non-participating dentists. This deductible does not apply to check-ups, teeth cleanings, or orthodontics.
• The maximum of the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) will be $3,200.

Reminders:

• If you add new dependents to your health and/or dental plans, documentation will be required to verify dependent(s) eligibility. Once you have submitted your benefit elections, you will receive an email from University Benefits with further instructions.