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Benefits team available to assist with UMR transition
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln benefits team is available to assist faculty and staff with concerns or questions about the recent transition to a new health insurance provider.
As announced in May, the university’s health insurance carrier is UMR, a United Healthcare company, with dental insurance provided by Ameritas. Pharmacy coverage is provided by CVS Health. The changes went into effect Jan. 1.
“While UMR has a similar network as our previous administrator (Blue Cross Blue Shield), they are not identical,” Bruce Currin, associate vice president for human resources for the University of Nebraska system, wrote in a Jan. 11 email to employees. “We know that 98 percent of medical providers that were in network with BCBS are in network with UMR. However, if you find that your provider is not in network with UMR, there are options to consider.”
Processes available to faculty and staff include:
Ask a physician to become part of the network by completing an online request form.
Call the benefits office directly at 402-472-2600 and request that UMR the provider directly. This will help a provider learn more about joining the UMR network.
Complete a transition of care form. This will allow faculty, staff and dependents to see an out-of-network provider for up to six months with the provider being paid at the in-network medical plan benefit level. The deadline to complete the form is Feb. 28. Individuals must be under current treatment with the provider to receive this benefit.
Continue to see the provider, but pay the higher, out-of-network deductible, coinsurance and stop loss. The difference out-of-network and in-network deductible on the basic plan is $200 per year.
Contact UMR’s plan adviser services at 1-844-659-5059 for additional options on medical service from other providers in the area.
“The benefits office is here to help with your questions,” Currin said. “Please call or visit them with concerns or questions.”
The benefits office is in Canfield Administration Building, Room 32, and can be reached by calling 402-472-2600.
