Open Enrollment is Now Closed

The next opportunity to make changes is if you experience a qualifying life event or during the next Open Enrollment, usually in October.

Changes Outside of Open Enrollment

Outside of the annual Open Enrollment period, you may be able to make specific benefits changes.

Qualifying Life Event 

Outside of the annual Open Enrollment period, you may be able to make specific benefits changes within 30 days of a qualifying family status event. See Life Events for details on making benefits changes.

Retirement Savings Plans, Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

Retirement savings plans, life insurance, and long-term disability plans are not part of Open Enrollment. If eligible, you may enroll or make changes to these plans at any time.

U-M Retirement Savings Plan elections are not part of Open Enrollment and you can make changes at any time throughout the year. However, to avoid conflict with Open Enrollment benefit changes, initiating Basic Plan, 403(b) SRA, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan elections through Wolverine Access Self-Service will not be available on the last two days of Open Enrollment.

What's New for 2024

Medicare Advantage Plans

For Medicare eligible retirees and survivors, new Medicare Advantage Plans will replace Medicare supplemental plans January 1, 2024

• Copays will be the same, in some cases less, than the supplemental plans
• Provides the same coverage but includes added benefits like Silver Sneakers
• Most of the providers you currently see accept Medicare Advantage but be sure to confirm before selecting your health plan 

Services will be provided by:

• Physicians Health Plan (PHP) - Michigan Care Advantage
• Blue Care Network (BCN) - U-M Premier Care Advantage
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) - Medicare Advantage PPO

Important information for all Medicare eligible retirees: When making a health plan enrollment decision, you must submit your benefits enrollment changes through Wolverine Access or the paper form in the Open Enrollment retiree book you received in the mail from the University's Benefits Office. 

Learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans.

Consumer-Directed Health Plan With Health Savings Account

The university is offering a new, Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). This plan may appeal to those who prefer paying a higher deductible in exchange for lower monthly premiums. An HSA lets you put money away for future healthcare costs while saving on taxes. When you enroll in a CDHP, you’re also enrolled automatically into an HSA.

Learn more about the Consumer-Directed Health Plan.

Michigan Care Expansion

Jackson County and Stockbridge will now be included in the Michigan Care service area. The zip codes include 49237, 49241, 49246, 49259, 49269, 49272, 49277, 49283, 49284 and 49285. The expansion adds 400 new providers from Jackson Health Network and Henry Ford Allegiance.

Learn more about Michigan Care.

Legal Plan Enhancements

A number of new legal services will be added to the U-M Legal Services Plan, administered by MetLife Legal Plans. These include personal caregiving services, insurance claims, social security disability, expungement and more.  

Learn more about the Legal Plan.

Dental Plan Enhancements

Dental Plan enhancements, which include porcelain (white) crowns and bridges on back teeth, will be covered at a higher amount.

Learn more about the Dental Plan.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account

For 2024, you can contribute a minimum of $120 up to a maximum of $3,050 per calendar year to your Health Care FSA. 

If you enroll in the CDHP and a FSA you will automatically be enrolled in the HSA-compatible FSA, also called Limited Purpose FSA, that allows you to pay for vision, dental, and orthodontia.

Learn more about Flexible Spending Accounts.

Vision Plan Name Change

New name, same benefits. The Vision Plan will now be referred to as Davis Vision by MetLife. The change will not impact your scope of benefits, vision provider network or premiums.

Learn more about the Vision Plan.

Prescription Drug Plan Tier 3 Copay Increase 

The Tier 3 copay in the Prescription Drug Plan will increase from $45 in 2023 to $75 in 2024. Tier 1 and Tier 2 copays will remain the same. 

Learn more about the Prescription Drug Plan.

Tools to Help You Choose

Tools and resources are available to help you find the health plan that offers the most advantages to you and your family. Before choosing a plan, consider all the costs involved (including both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, coinsurance and copays), the plan’s service areas and access to your preferred doctors and hospitals, the anticipated health needs for you and your covered dependents and your financial needs over the next year. Access health plan resources.  

Reminders

• Keep your address current: Update your address through Wolverine Access by selecting Employee Self Service > Campus Personal Information > Addresses > Current Local.
• Update your beneficiaries: Check your beneficiary designations for your U-M life insurance and retirement savings plan accounts.
• Stay informed: To receive news from University Human Resources about benefits, programs, policies and other activities for faculty and staff, sign up to receive updates by email.
• Pay attention: Watch for information about all things Open Enrollment in UHR News, The University Record, emails and more.