Faculty, staff, retirees and survivors will have additional health plan choices in 2027. The university will add the Priority Health Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) to the lineup during this year’s Open Enrollment from Oct. 12-23. For Medicare-enrolled retirees and survivors, the Priority Health Advantage with Medicare Part D plan will be added. 

The Priority Health EPO plan combines key features of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). Like an HMO, members have a primary care provider and utilize in-network providers in the state. Unlike an HMO, you do not need a referral to see an in-network specialist. 

The Priority Health Medicare Advantage with Part D plan provides prescription drug coverage through Priority Health rather than the U-M Prescription Drug Plan.

“We regularly evaluate all benefits plans for cost-effectiveness, quality and member satisfaction,” said Kent Seckinger, interim assistant vice president for benefits and well-being services. “This addition gives our community even more choice among top-quality healthcare plans.” 

Learn More About Health Plans

The Priority Health EPO is one of five U-M health plans available to employees:

• U-M Premier Care

• Priority Health EPO

• Community Blue PPO

• Comprehensive Major Medical (CMM)

• Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA)

The Priority Health Medicare Advantage with Part D plan is one of three post-retirement U-M health plans: 

• U-M Premier Care Advantage

• Priority Health Medicare Advantage with Part D

• Medicare Advantage PPO

View a new “U-M Medicare Advantage Plans” video on the Medicare-Enrolled Retirees, Survivors and LTD Participants web page for a snapshot of the university’s post-retirement plans. 

To view your personalized 2027 rates, use the Employee Self-Service section in Wolverine Access. 

Are Your Providers in Plan Networks?

The Priority Health EPO and Priority Health Advantage plans include access to Michigan Medicine healthcare providers and thousands of other providers in one network. The in-network benefit level is the same regardless of which in-network provider is chosen.  

Online directories for the new Priority Health EPO and Advantage plans are available now at priorityhealth.com/umich. 

Open Enrollment is October 12-23

Faculty, staff, retirees and survivors eligible for benefits may enroll in U-M health plans and additional benefits during the annual open enrollment period in October. Coverage will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.