HEALTH INSURANCE
Overview l Plans l Eligibility l Buyout l Contributions l Documents l Directories l Decision Guide [2009] [2010] l Enrollment Form [2009] [2010]
Overview
Eligible employees may elect health insurance coverage through Brown University. Health insurance becomes effective the first business day of the month coinciding with, or next following, the date of hire. Coverage ceases at the end of the month in which eligibility ends.
Eligible employees' paychecks are generally reduced on a pre-tax basis by the amount of their appropriate health insurance contribution. This pre-tax plan is governed by Internal Revenue Service regulations and, as a result, there are certain limitations on an enrollee's ability to make changes to coverage levels during the year. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary or desirable to deduct premiums on a post-tax basis.
An Open Enrollment period is usually held on an annual basis (during the fall), at which time employees can change their level of coverage and/or health insurance carrier.
Health Insurance Plans
Eligible employees may select coverage under any of the three plans listed below. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in any of these plans.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island - HealthMate Coast-To-Coast 100/80 (comprehensive coverage)
- UnitedHealthcare - Choice Plus (comprehensive coverage)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island - HealthMate Coast-To-Coast 80/60 (catastrophic, high deductible coverage)
Comparison of Health Insurance Plans [2009] [2010]
Benefits Enrollment Decision Guide,
Pages 18 - 21
Please note that HealthMate 80/60 is a catastrophic coverage (also referred to as high-deductible) insurance plan that generally has a lower insurance premium than a comprehensive coverage insurance plan because the benefits provided by this type of coverage, for certain types of services, are significantly reduced. Additionally, this type of plan is generally characterized by high deductible amounts and out-of-pocket maximums. Brown offers this type of plan as an alternative to its comprehensive health insurance plans.
All plans have an in-network and an out-of-network option. In-network services require a nominal copayment; out-of-network services involve claim forms, deductibles, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximums.
Eligibility
Employees of Brown holding positions on the regular payroll are eligible to elect group health insurance coverage through the University. Eligibility is subject to status and hours worked per year. Please refer to the Benefit Eligibility and Contribution Schedule for more details.
In addition to themselves, employees may elect to cover their spouse or same-sex domestic partner (subject to defined eligibility criteria) as well as dependent children.
Spouses may include those who are legally married and those who fit the definition of common-law spouse. Dependent children may include the employee's unmarried, natural and/or legally adopted children, or children for whom the employee has been granted legal guardianship. Except in certain circumstances, children must be under the age of 19 or students under the age of 25.
Health Insurance Buyout
Eligible employees who certify that they are covered by alternate health insurance may be eligible to receive a cash payment if they decline to enroll in a Brown group health insurance plan. This money (referred to as the Buyout) is considered taxable income and is prorated for employees hired after January 1st.
Contributions
Eligible employees covered under the Brown University Health Plan pay a portion of the monthly premium. The amount varies according to the individual's employee group, salary, status, and hours worked. See below for details:
Rate Sheets:
- Faculty and Staff [2009] [2010]
- Dining Services [2009] [2010]
- Facilities Management [2009] [2010]
- Library [2009] [2010]
- Public Safety [2009] [2010]
Health Insurance Contribution Calculator [2009] [2010]
For Faculty and Staff only. Does not apply to Unions.
Health Plan Documents
Below are helpful documents that will provide you with important information about the Brown University Health Plans.
- 30.001 - Health Insurance Policy
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Summary Plan Description
- Subscriber Agreements:
Plan Carriers & Provider Directories
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
When using the online directory to find providers outside Rhode Island, please select Blue Card PPO from the product list.
UnitedHealthcare of New England
When using the online directory to find a participating provider, please choose the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus plan.