Health Care Plan

The purpose of the health care plan is to provide insurance protection from the financial burden of catastrophic illness or injury to eligible faculty and staff and their family members. The enrollment process must be completed within 31 days from the date of University employment or initial benefits eligibility. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of benefits eligibility, such as hire. Otherwise, individuals may elect or waive coverage by completing the enrollment process during Open Enrollment or within 31 days from the date of a qualifying change in employment or family status.

What plans are available?

Premier/Select PPO
Value PPO
HMO Illinois
Unicare
Cigna (Qatar)

For more information:

2009 Monthly Premium Rates

2010 Monthly Premium Rates

Summary Plan Description

Compare Plans

Plan Highlights

Health Care Decision Toolkit

Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Infertility Mandate

Area Hospitals

Coverage Outside Chicagoland

Protection of Personal Health Info

BlueCross BlueShield Premier and Select PPO

These plans give you the flexibility to choose any doctor/hospital that you wish without requiring a primary care physician or referrals. If you choose a BlueCross doctor, you will be charged the in network rates. Effective January 1, 2010, wellness procedures will be covered according to age/sex guidelines. The $500 annual limit will be removed.

Finding a Doctor:
Access the Provider Finder tool on the BlueCross BlueShield website. Select the Group health plan option and choose PPO from the drop down menu. Search by name or provider type.

Prescription Drug Program: The prescription drug program is administered through Walgreens Health Initiatives. Additional information can be found on the Prescription Drug Programs site.

Vision Care Coverage:
Davis Vision partners with BlueCross BlueShield to provide a discount plan that you may use to purchase corrective eyewear and laser surgery. Additional information can be found on the Vision Programs site.

BlueExtras:
There are various discounts available to you through BlueExtras on services that your medical plan may not cover. These include massage therapy, weight management facilities, hearing aids, etc.

Premier PPO Certificate of Coverage

Select PPO Certificate of Coverage


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BlueCross BlueShield Value PPO

This plan is a High Deductible Health Plan. The deductible has to be met in its entirety before BlueCross BlueShield will pay.

Prescription Drug Program: The prescription drug program is administered through Prime Therapeutics. Additional information can be found on the Prescription Drug Programs site.

Health Savings Account:
Only associated with the Value PPO, an HSA is a way for you to set aside the deductible on a pre-tax basis from your payroll deductions. May be used for medical, prescription, vision and dental payments or reimbursements

Value PPO Certificate of Coverage

Value PPO with HSA Certificate of Coverage


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HMO Illinois

A part of the BlueCross BlueShield network. This plan requires that you pick a primary care physician for yourself and family members and get referrals from them if needed.

Finding a Doctor:
Access the Provider Finder tool on the BlueCross BlueShield website. Select the Group health plan option and choose HMO Illinois from the drop down menu. Search by name or provider type.

Prescription Drug Program: The prescription drug program is administered through Walgreens Health Initiatives. Additional information can be found on the Prescription Drug Programs site.

HMO Illinois Certificate of Coverage


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Unicare

This plan requires that you pick a primary care physician for yourself and family members and get referrals from them if needed.

Finding a Doctor:
Access the Find a Doctor tool on the Unicare website as a visitor. Select the Large Group plan type and choose UniCare HMO as the plan. Search by provider type.

Prescription Drug Program: The prescription drug program is administered directly through Unicare. Additional information can be found on the Prescription Drug Programs site.

Vision Care Coverage:
UniView provides a discount plan that you may use to purchase corrective eyewear and laser surgery. Additional information can be found on the Vision Programs site.

Full Circle Health:
There are various discounts available to you through Full Circle Health on services that your medical plan may not cover such as massage therapy, weight management facilities, hearing aids, etc.

Unicare Certificate of Coverage

Unicare Certificate of Coverage Rider


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Cigna International

Faculty and Staff working on the Qatar campus may enroll in CIGNA's International Expatriates Benefits (CIEB) which provides international health and prescription drug benefits. Efforts have been made to make these plans comparable to their domestic or US alternative, but the plans are not identical. Qatar prohibits the extension of benefits to domestic partners. Additional information can be found on the Qatar Benefits site.

If you are transferring from another Northwestern University benefits eligible position, you must complete the Qatar Enrollment form up to 60 days prior to moving.

Finding a Doctor:
To find a provider, contact Cigna International at (800) 441-2668 or access the Provider Directory Search.

If you are an active member, you can create an online account at https://my.cigna.com and use the Provider Directory for better results.

Prescription Drug Program:
RxPrime is a component of the CIGNA international health care plan. The plan provides mail order services that enable the obtainment of up to a one-year supply of a medication.

When an individual needs a medication while in Qatar:
1) Use your host country pharmacy to get the medication
2) Pay for the medication in full at the time of purchase
3) File a medical claim to receive reimbursement

CIGNA International Health Plan - At a Glance

CIGNA Health Plan Highlights


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