Brown University Health Insurance Plan Update
Effective January 1, 2008, Brown University will fund all the health insurance plans offered to employees as self-funded plans. There will be NO CHANGES to the plan choices, scope of coverage, co-payments or provider network* that are currently available to you. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthcare of New England will administer the University’s health insurance plans and will process all claims as they have in previous years.
See below for a list of frequently asked questions that will help you better understand self-funded plans. If you still have unanswered questions after reading the information below, please contact the Benefits Office at 3-2141.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Funded Health Plans
What is a self-funded health plan?
The plan sponsor, in this case Brown University, accepts claims risk, as opposed to the fully-insured arrangement under which the plan sponsor pays the insurance carrier a set premium and the carrier accepts the claims risk. There is no change in the process when you are receiving service: all you need to do is present the insurance card and the claim will be processed accordingly.
Will I receive a new subscriber card(s)?
Yes, you will receive a new subscriber card in the mail in January 2008. Until then, please continue to use your current card(s). Your subscriber number will not change.
Will the plan benefits change due to the self-Funding of health insurance?
No, the plan choices, scope of coverage, copayments, provider network* and other benefits will remain unchanged in 2008.
Who processes the claims?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI and UnitedHealthcare of NE will continue processing claims as they did in previous years.
If a claim is denied, will the University be involved in the appeal process?
Brown University is not currently involved in the appeal process, and this will not change. If you would like to file an appeal, you will need to contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI or UnitedHealthcare of NE directly. For information on how to file an appeal, please refer to the Subscriber Agreement for your plan available at the health insurance web page.
Will the state-mandated benefits still be covered?
All of the University health insurance plans will continue to cover the state-mandated benefits in 2008. (In some cases, Brown’s coverage exceeds state mandates.)
What about my payroll deductions?
The contribution for your health coverage will continue to be deducted from your paycheck without any changes. To determine your contribution, please refer to the health insurance rate sheet for your employee group available at the health insurance web page (scroll down to Other Resources).
Why did the University choose to self-fund its health plans?
Self-funding has been increasingly used in the past several years by medium-to-large employers trying to control the rising costs of health coverage, while maintaining plans that meet the needs of their workforce. By choosing the self-funding option, the University aims to minimize future premium increases for the University and its employees.
What if I have a question about my claims?
Please contact the insurance company for your plan at the following numbers:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI: 401-459-5000
- UnitedHealthcare of NE: 1-800-705-1691
Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?
If your questions relate to claims or other operational processing, please contact the insurance company for your plan using the Customer Service phone numbers above.
If you have other questions about the benefits provided under the University’s health insurance plans, please refer to the Benefits Enrollment Decision Guide or contact the Benefits Office at 401-863-2141.
*The UHC Choice Plus provider network will change from the current regional provider network to UHC’s national network. The national network includes 100% of the regional network providers plus additional providers in other states.