Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity for benefit-eligible employees to enroll, make changes, and add or drop eligible dependents from coverage without a qualifying life event. Changes made during open enrollment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
The 2023 open enrollment period has ended.
If you missed the 5 p.m. deadline yesterday, please watch for an email notification from University Benefits regarding your confirmation statement ready for review.
Changes
If a change needs to be made to your 2023 elections, you MUST submit them through your confirmation statement by 5 p.m. on Nov. 21. Do not delay if you need to make changes. There will be absolutely no exceptions after the Nov. 21 deadline.
Important Dates
OE begins 11/01/2022
OE ends 11/15/2022
Take effect 01/01/2023
Have a Question?
Open enrollment can be a confusing time, especially with plan design changes and new programs available. The Benefits Office is here to help you! Send us your Annual Open Enrollment question(s) by choosing the button below, filling out the contact form, and receiving a timely response to your question from a dedicated University Benefits HR Specialist.
2023 Highlights and Changes
What is Changing in 2023
Health Insurance
1. UIChoice and UISelect Monthly Premiums
There will be premium rate increases for both health plans. UISelect will remain the zero-cost premium option for Employee Only and Double Spouse Family coverage. The bolded numbers are the new 2023 premium rates that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
UIChoice Premium Rates | UISelect Premium Rates
| UIchoice | UISelect | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Employee Only | $77 | $81 | $0 | $0 |
| Employee+Spouse | $367 | $389 | $294 | $311 |
| Employee+Child | $299 | $317 | $239 | $254 |
| Family | $393 | $416 | $314 | $333 |
| Double Spouse Family | $196 | $208 | $0 | $0 |
2. UIChoice and UISelect Plan Design Changes
There will be design changes for both plans. Plan members will see changes in office visit copays, deductibles, and medical and pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums (OPMs). Below are three tables to show you the 2022 plan provision and what to expect in the 2023 plan year, bolded in the next column.
UIChoice Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) (pdf)
UISelect Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) (pdf)
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Copays
UIChoice Uiselect 2022 2023 2022 2023 Level 1 Office Visit
$10 $15 Primary Care: $10
Specialist: Care: $20Primary Care: $15
Specialist Care: $25Level 2 Office Visit $25 $30 Primary Care: $35
Specialist: Care: $50Primary Care: $40
Specialist Care: $55UI QuickCare $5 $10 $5 $10 UI Urgent Care $10 $15 $10 $15 Emergency Room $100, followed by 10% coinsurance $125, followed by 10% coinsurance $100, followed by 10% coinsurance $150, followed by 10% coinsurance
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Deductibles
UIchoice UISelect 2022 2023 2022 2023 Annual Deductible
N/A N/A Level 1:
$400 single / $800 familyLevel 2:
$800 single / $1,600 familyLevel 1:
$500 single / $1,000 familyLevel 2:
$950 single / $1,900 familyAnnual INPATIENT Deductible Level 1: $400, followed by 10% coinsurance
Level 2: $600, followed by 10% coinsurance
Level 3: $800, followed by 40% coinsurance
Level 1: $500, followed by 10% coinsurance
Level 2: $750, followed by 10% coinsurance
Level 3: $1,000, followed by 40% coinsurance
Visit Annual Deductible Above. Visit Annual Deductible Above.
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Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximums (OPMs)
UIchoice UISelect 2022 2023 2022 2023 Medical OPMs
Level 1, 2, 3 Blue Card participating providers combined: $1,700 single / $3,400 family
Level 3 Non-participating providers: $2,000 single / $4,000 family
Level 1, 2, 3 Blue Card participating providers combined: $2,000 single / $4,000 family
Level 3 Non-participating providers: $2,500 single / $5,000 family
Level 1 Providers: $2,000 single / $3,400 family
Level 2 Providers: $3,000 single / $6,000 family
Level 1 Providers: $2,300 single / $4,000 family
Level 2 Providers: $3,500 single / $7,000 family
Prescription OPMs $1,100 single / $2,200 family $1,600 single / $3,200 family $1,100 single / $2,200 family $2,000 single / $4,000 family
3. New Health Insurance ID Cards
Wellmark will send all health plan policyholders new insurance ID cards (even if you do not switch health plans) this December. Please review your residing home address in Employee Self Service to avoid delays in receiving your new cards.
Dental Insurance - Dental II
There will be a slight premium rate increase for the dental plan.
| Dental II 2022 | Dental II 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $0 | $0 |
| Employee+Spouse | $19 | $19.50 |
| Employee+Child | $20 | $20.50 |
| Family | $27 | $27.50 |
| Double Spouse Family | $0 | $0 |
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- The Health Care FSA maximum will increase to $2,850.
Dental Insurance
- No plan changes to the Dental II plan.
Flexible Spending Accounts
- The Dependent Care FSA maximum will remain at $5,000 per household.
-
If you want to participate in the FSA program, you MUST enroll (or re-enroll) each annual open enrollment period. Your 2022 contributions will NOT carry forward unless you have leftover benefit credits that default to create your FSA account.
AD&D, Group Life, Voluntary Life (VTL)
- There will be no rate or plan design changes to any of these plans in 2023.
New Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Claims Processor
The university is partnering with HealthEquity as the new FSA claims processor beginning with the 2023 calendar year. HealthEquity offers faster claims processing, 24/7 customer service, and a Visa debit card to use to pay for eligible health care expenses. Find out more about our new partner, HealthEquity on our FSA webpage.
Adoption Assistance Pilot Program
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the university will pilot an adoption assistance program. The purpose of the program is to reimburse eligible employees for a portion of eligible expenses resulting from the adoption of an eligible child. Benefit-eligible faculty and staff in permanent appointments of 50% time or greater will be eligible to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 of qualified adoption expenses per finalized adoption (limit of two adoptions with a lifetime maximum of $4,000). To learn more about the program, visit our adoption assistance pilot program webpage.
Open Enrollment 2023 Announcement
How to Enroll Online in Employee Self Service
Decisions to Make During Open Enrollment
The University Benefits Office encourages all eligible employees to log in to Employee Self Service and review their current benefit elections, even if they don't want to change anything. Here are a few reasons why:
- In 2023, both health plans, UIChoice and UISelect, will have plan design changes and an increase in monthly premium rates. This is a great time to compare health plan provisions and rates to determine which plan may be best for you and your family in the next year. The Dental II plan will see a minimal rate increase but no plan design changes.
- Did you have a big birthday this year? The Voluntary Term Life (VTL) insurance plan is age-rated. When an enrolled employee turns age 40, 50, or 60, rates will increase for each milestone. Review your current elections and determine the right amount of coverage you need going forward.
- Want to save on taxes? During this open enrollment period, you may enroll (or re-enroll) in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program. Making before-tax contributions to a health care and/or dependent care FSA can save an employee an average of 30 percent!
Don't forget, while you are in Employee Self Service, to review your beneficiary(ies) and your residing home address. Wellmark BCBS of Iowa will send all health insurance policyholders new ID cards even if they did not make a plan change for 2023.
REMEMBER: If you take no action during Open Enrollment, the elections you made for 2022 benefits will roll forward, except for your FSA health care and/or dependent care elections. The IRS requires an employee to make an active election every year, and you must re-enroll to participate in 2023.
Is your dependent 26 years old?
An eligible dependent may remain on your coverage until the end of the calendar year they turn 26. If they are not a full-time student or are disabled, open enrollment is the perfect time to remove them, effective 1/1/2023.
In need of a form?
Visit the Benefits Forms & Resources page for all you may need during this open enrollment period. Find the domestic partner affidavit, double spouse credit form, plan docs, and so much more.
What are University Credits?
Regular benefit-eligible employees receive a $90 general benefit credit each month. In addition, eligible employees can receive shared savings credits. Find out what credits are available and how they are used.
2023 Annual Benefits & Enrollment Guide
Other Helpful Resources
English Versions
- Real-world example - Rob (pdf)
- Real-world example - Selena (pdf)
- Side-by-side Health Plan Comparison (pdf)
Spanish Versions
Can't find your open enrollment emails?
Find all of the open enrollment communications we have sent out to benefit-eligible employees from Oct. 7, 2022 to the end of the year.
comms that were sent out to employees
Email sent on 10/7/2022 from the University Benefits Office (benefits@uiowa.edu) to benefit-eligible employees only.
Preview of 2023 benefits
The annual benefits open enrollment for faculty and staff will open at 8 a.m. on November 1, 2022, and close at 5 p.m. on November 15, 2022. The University Benefits Office is sharing this information with you now so you have time to consider your options before open enrollment when you need to make final decisions about your 2023 insurance benefits.
You will receive an email with additional open enrollment information on November 1, 2022.
The following summarizes plan cost and coverage changes for 2023:
- Dental insurance premiums will increase modestly.
- Health insurance premiums will increase, similar to national trends. However, UISelect will continue to have access to a zero-premium option for Employee Only and Double Spouse Family.
- Copayments for office visits, deductibles, and medical and pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums (OPM) are changing for UIChoice and UISelect health plans.
Visit the University Benefits website for new premium rates for Dental II, UIChoice, and UISelect. In addition, plan design changes for UIChoice and UISelect can also be viewed on the benefits website.
Flexible Spending Account Maximum
The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) maximum will increase to $2,850 for 2023.
If you wish to participate in the FSA program for 2023, you must re-enroll during the open enrollment period.
Benefits Continuing Unchanged
In 2023, coverage and rates for the following benefits will remain unchanged:
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Group life insurance
- Voluntary term life insurance
For more information about the above changes, premium rates, and additional open enrollment items for 2023, select the gold "More Information" button below to review our annual open enrollment landing page.
Thank you,
University Benefits Office
120 University Services Bldg
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-2676
benefits@uiowa.edu
Email sent on 11/1/2022 from the University Benefits Office (benefits@uiowa.edu) to regular benefit-eligible employees only (Does not include House Staff employees).
Annual benefits open enrollment begins today.
Jan. 1, 2023, marks the beginning of a new year for University of Iowa’s benefit plans. The annual open enrollment period for benefit-eligible faculty and staff began at 8 a.m. today, Nov. 1, and will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 15.
Open enrollment is your opportunity to make changes to benefits offered by the university. You can elect benefits or make changes in Employee Self Service.
If you do not make any changes during this open enrollment period:
- You will remain enrolled in the same plan and coverage options you currently have in 2022. The only exception is your Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- You must re-enroll in FSA if you would like to participate in 2023. The 2022 election(s) will not carry forward unless you have leftover credits defaulting into a health care spending account.
- You will be unable to change your benefits until next fall's open enrollment or until you experience a qualifying event.
A summary of important updates for 2023 is included below.
Health and Dental Insurance Premiums and Plan Changes
- Health insurance premiums will increase similar to national trends. However, UISelect members will continue to have access to a zero-premium option for employee only and double spouse family.
- There are plan changes for both health plans: copayments for office visits, deductibles, and medical and pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums are changing in 2023.
- Wellmark will be sending new ID cards to all health insurance policyholders, even if you do not switch health plans. Please review your contact information in Employee Self Service to ensure your mailing address is up to date.
- Dental insurance premiums will increase modestly, but there will be no plan changes for 2023.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 2023
- The Health Care FSA maximum will increase to $2,850.
- The maximum contribution for a Dependent Care FSA remains at $5,000 per family.
New in 2023: FSA Vendor and Adoption Assistance Pilot Program
FSA Vendor
The university is partnering with HealthEquity as the new FSA claims processor beginning with the 2023 calendar year. HealthEquity offers faster claims processing, 24/7 customer service, and a Visa debit card to use to pay for eligible health care expenses. Find more information on our FSA webpage.
Adoption Assistance Pilot Program
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the university will pilot an adoption assistance program. The purpose of the program is to reimburse eligible employees for a portion of eligible expenses resulting from the adoption of an eligible child. Benefit-eligible faculty and staff in permanent appointments of 50% time or greater will be eligible to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 of qualified adoption expenses per finalized adoption (limit of two adoptions with a lifetime maximum of $4,000). To learn more about the program, visit our website.
Benefits Continuing Unchanged
In 2023, the following plan details and rates will remain unchanged:
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Group life insurance
- Voluntary term life insurance
Open Enrollment Reminders
- All changes made during open enrollment will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.
- An employee who plans to add a spouse, partner, or dependent(s) to their health and/or dental insurance will be required to verify each persons eligibility. Review the verification process on the Dependent Eligibility Verification webpage.
- Watch your email for notification that your 2023 benefits confirmation statement is ready. Review this carefully and request any changes by 5 p.m. on Nov. 21.
- The voluntary vision insurance enrollment administered by World Insurance Associates occurs from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 each year with an effective date of Apr. 1. University Benefits will send an announcement email to all eligible employees once the enrollment period begins.
The University Benefits team is here for you!
To help employees understand their benefits, the University Benefits Office provides several resources, including an interactive PDF enrollment guide (English and Spanish versions), informational videos, real-life scenarios, and the “You Ask. We Answer” contact box that allows employees to submit their open enrollment questions on our webpage.
More about these resources is available on the 2023 open enrollment webpage.
The University Benefits Office
benefits@uiowa.edu
Email sent on 11/1/2022 from the University Benefits Office (benefits@uiowa.edu) to House Staff employees only.
Annual benefits open enrollment begins today
Jan. 1, 2023, marks the beginning of a new year for University of Iowa’s benefit plans. The annual open enrollment period for benefit-eligible faculty and staff began today at 8 a.m. today, Nov. 1, and will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 15.
Open enrollment is your opportunity to make changes to benefits offered by the university. You can elect benefits or make changes in Employee Self Service.
If you do not make any changes during this open enrollment period:
- You will remain enrolled in the same plan and coverage options you currently have in 2022. The only exception is your Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- You must re-enroll in FSA if you would like to participate in 2023. The 2022 election(s) will not carry forward.
- You will be unable to change your benefits until next fall's open enrollment or until you experience a qualifying event.
A summary of important updates for 2023 plans is included below.
Health and Dental Insurance Premiums and Plan Changes
- Health insurance premiums will increase similar to national trends. However, UISelect members will continue to have access to a zero-premium option for employee only and double spouse family.
- There are plan changes for both health plans: copayments for office visits, deductibles, and medical and pharmacy out-of-pocket maximums are changing in 2023.
- Wellmark will be sending new ID cards to all health insurance policyholders, even if you do not switch health plans. Please review your contact information in Employee Self Service to ensure your mailing address is up to date.
- Dental insurance premiums will increase modestly, but there will be no plan changes for 2023.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 2023
- The Health Care FSA maximum will increase to $2,850.
- The maximum contribution for a Dependent Care FSA remains at $5,000 per family.
- **New in 2023: The university is partnering with HealthEquity as the new FSA claims processor beginning with the 2023 calendar year. HealthEquity offers faster claims processing, 24/7 customer service, and a Visa debit card to use to pay for eligible health care expenses. For more information regarding this exciting update on our 2023 open enrollment webpage.
Benefits Continuing Unchanged
In 2023, the following plan details and rates will remain unchanged:
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Group life insurance
- Voluntary term life insurance
Open Enrollment Reminders
- All changes made during open enrollment will be effective Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023.
- An employee who plans to add a spouse, partner, or dependent(s) to their health and/or dental insurance will be required to verify each persons eligibility. Review the verification process on the Dependent Eligibility Verification webpage.
- Watch your email for notification that your 2023 benefits confirmation statement is ready. Review this carefully and request any changes by the 5 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2022.
The University Benefits team is here for you!
To help employees understand their benefits, the University Benefits Office provides several resources, including an interactive PDF enrollment guide (English and Spanish versions), informational videos, real-life scenarios, and the “You Ask. We Answer” contact box that allows employees to submit their open enrollment questions on our webpage.
More about these resources is available on the 2023 open enrollment webpage.
The University Benefits Office
benefits@uiowa.edu
Related Content Links
Life Insurance
Adding/Removing Dependent(s)
COBRA
Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Care FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
- HealthEquity (coming soon)
Domestic Partner Benefits
AD&D Insurance