UI employees to expect higher rates for healthcare coverage

Along with a slew of changes the new year brings, University of Idaho employees will see one significant difference — an increase in their healthcare costs. 

While medical plan rates for most employers in the area have steadily increased over the last few years, the amount paid for university medical coverage has stayed the same, until now.

“The changes affect faculty and staff who are benefit-eligible and covered by the University of Idaho Employee Health Plan,” said Brandi Terwilliger, university director of Human Resources.

These adjustments, effective Jan. 1, 2020, include higher annual deductibles, cost-share maximums and co-pays, along with changing the amount university employees will pay for medical, dental and vision coverage. The extent of this increase is still being determined, but will be announced when annual enrollment begins Oct. 21.

The increase in costs is largely due to a projected general education budget deficit of $14 million in the coming year. State health insurance funding to the university is expected to decrease by $1.2 million and employee benefit expenses are expected to go up, to the tune of $5.9 million.  

“Rate increases for 2020 are necessary to keep up with claims experience and address a state budget reduction to the university for benefits,” Terwilliger said. 

Annual enrollment for 2020 benefits will be Oct. 21 to Nov. 5.

Correction: The photo attached to this story has been updated to better reflect the content of the article.

Angela Palermocan be reached at [email protected]