Health Insurance

NOTE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield (health plan administrator) has a dedicated toll-free customer service number for all 4 insurance plans for University System of Georgia employees: 1-800-424-8950.

The University of Georgia offers its benefit-eligible employees a choice of four medical plans provided by the University System of Georgia. The University System health plans are specifically designed to help employees avoid severe financial difficulty when facing catastrophic medical expenses.

The University (through state funding) contributes approximately 75% of the health insurance premium while the employee contributes approximately 25% of the premium through payroll deduction. Premium rates are adjusted periodically to maintain the plans on a sound financial basis. Premiums are deducted from your payroll check before federal, state, and FICA taxes are applied.

Eligible employees may choose one of 4 health insurance plans:

For Indemnity Plan Participants: MedCall provides emergency room referral and medical information from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-800-785-0006 For mental health issues, please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at 1-800-424-8950. Premium and coverage information (for plan year 2008) Express Scripts Pharmacy Plan (for plan year 2008) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia provider directory (select "Traditional Health Plan" and provider type of your choice) Blue Cross Blue Shield national provider directory

For PPO Plan Participants: MedCall provides emergency room referral and medical information from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-800-785-0006 For mental health issues, Magellan provides 24 hour, toll-free telephone access to clinical assessment and referral services for treatment/care of mental health/substance abuse conditions: 1-800-631-9943. A "Consumer choice" option permits a PPO participant to nominate an out-of-network healthcare provider to render medical care to a covered member at the in-network level of benefit coverage Consumer choice premiums are higher. WARNING: If an out-of network provider declines a member’s PPO Consumer Choice nomination, or if 1st Medical Network does not approve the physician's nomination, then services from that provider will be considered as out-of-network. Consumer choice information (page 14) Consumer choice premiums (page 3) Premium and coverage information (for plan year 2008) IMPORTANT--Loss of lab work provider effective Nov. 1, 2007 Express Scripts Pharmacy Plan (for plan year 2008) Provider directory (For best success, enter the name of the area you wish to search for providers; for example, town, city, zip)

For HMO Plan Participants: BlueChoice On-Call (24-hour nurse line): 1-888-724-2583 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Behavioral Health: 1-800-292-2879 A "Consumer choice" option permits an HMO participant to nominate an out-of-network healthcare provider to render medical care to a covered member at the in-network level of benefit coverage. Consumer choice premiums are higher. WARNING: If an out-of network provider declines a member’s HMO Consumer Choice nomination, or if Blue Cross Blue Shield does not approve the physician's nomination, then services from that provider will be considered as out-of-network. See page 14 to read more about the consumer choice option. View the HMO consumer choice premiums. HMO summary for plan year 2008 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia provider directory (select "BlueChoice Healthcare Plan (HMO)" and provider type of your choice) Preferred Drug List | National Pharmacy Listing Coverage information (mail order drug provision not available for University System of Ga. participants)

For High Deductible/Health Savings Account (HSA) Plan Participants: BlueChoice On-Call (24-hour nurse line): 1-888-724-2583 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Behavioral Health: 1-800-292-2879 Premium and coverage information for plan year 2008 Frequently asked questions about health savings accounts Pharmacy manager for the High Deductible Plan (select "BlueChoice Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)" and under Provider Type, select "Pharmacies") Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia provider directory (select "BlueChoice Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)"

Health insurance while traveling: View information about how to use your health insurance while traveling locally, nationally, and internationally.

Continuation of benefits for non-active employees
Under certain circumstances, non-active University employees may be able to continue health, dental, and a reduced amount of life insurance. View additional information.

Print the HRconnection enrollment guide for NEW EMPLOYEES	Print the HRconnection enrollment guide for CURRENT EMPLOYEES
Health plan enrollment If you desire health insurance, you must enroll within 31 days of employment, or you may enroll during the annual enrollment period for coverage to become effective the following January 1. To enroll as a new employee, select "Time to Enroll!" on the HR Connection Web site	Health coverage changes You may drop or change your coverage during the annual open enrollment period, but at no other time during the year, unless you experience an IRS-approved change in family status. To request a change in your health coverage, select the "Change coverage" button on the HRConnection Web site

View other forms related to your health insurance.

Questions about the University System health insurance plans may be directed to Employee Benefits at 706-542-2222 or to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia's dedicated customer service department at 1-800-424-8950.

If you have any questions about your benefit options, please contact Employee Benefits
at 706-542-2222 or e-mail benefits@uga.edu.

June 3 , 2008