USU works with Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer three (3) medical insurance plans with two (2) medical networks to choose from. These plans are available to benefited and ACA eligible employees. Please direct questions to the Benefits Helpdesk at (435) 797-0122.
Plan Comparison
USU offers three (3) medical insurance plans: High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), Wellness (White), and High Premium (Blue). The HDHP is a non-traditional plan with the option of a Health Savings Account. With the Wellness (White) and High Premium (Blue) plans you have the option to also enroll in Flex Spending. All three plans include Vision Care.
Medical Plans
| Details | High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) | Wellness (White) | High Premium (Blue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinsurance Rate | 80/20 | 70/30 | 80/20 |
| Deductible Per Person | $1,600 (employee only plan) | $750 | $500 |
| Deductible Per Family | $3,200 (2+ people) | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Doctor Visit Co-Pay (after deductible) | 20% | $35 | $30 |
| Hospitalization Co-Pay (after deductible) | 20% | $250 + 30% | $200 +20% |
| Maximum Out-of-Pocket per Person | $5,000 | $4,000 | $3,250 |
| Maximum Out-of-Pocket per Family | $10,000 | $8,000 | $6,500 |
| Generic Prescriptions | 20% (after deductible) | $10 (30 day) $15 (90 day) |
$10 (30 day) $15 (90 day) |
| Emergency Room | 20% | $250 | $200 |
| Formulary Prescription | 20% (after deductible) | 35% | 35% |
| Non-Formulary Prescription | 20% (after deductible) | 50% | 50% |
| RX Co-insurance Maximum per Person | NA | $1,750 | $1,500 |
| RX Co-insurance Maximum per Family | NA | $3,500 | $3,000 |
|
HSA (Health Savings Account)/Flex Spending |
HSA (optional) | Flex Spending (optional) | Flex Spending (optional) |
|
Summary of Benefits and Coverage |
HDHP PVC / HDHP PAR HDHP PVC (Spanish) / HDHP PAR (Spanish) |
White PVC / White PAR White PVC (Spanish) / White PAR (Spanish) |
Blue PVC / Blue PAR Blue PVC (Spanish) / Blue PAR (Spanish) |
Pharmacy
| Details | High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) | Wellness (White) | High Premium (Blue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Shared w/Medical | $1,750 | $1,500 |
| Pharmacy Network | Participating / Broad | Participating / Broad | Participating / Broad |
| Tier 1 | 20% (after deductible) | $10 | $10 |
| Tier 2 | 20% (after deductible) | $10 | $10 |
| Tier 3 | 20% (after deductible) | 35% | 35% |
| Tier 4 | 20% (after deductible) | 50% | 50% |
|
Tier 5 |
20% (after deductible) | 20% up to $150 Max Copay | 20% up to $150 Max Copay |
|
Tier 6 |
20% (after deductible) | 35% up to $300 Max Copay | 35% up to $300 Max Copay |
Effective July 1, 2025, Regence vision exam coverage has been updated. Previously, a member’s first eye exam each year was covered at 100%, regardless of diagnosis. To comply with Affordable Care Act requirements, coverage has been adjusted so that only preventive vision exam codes are now covered at 100%. Any other vision exam codes will be processed according to the Summary Plan Description.
If you believe your claim was processed incorrectly, please contact either your provider or Regence and ask that the claim be resubmitted with the correct coding.
Networks & Resources
Utah State University works diligently to provide you with the best possible medical insurance options at the lowest cost. USU and Regence BCBS offer two (2) insurance network options to benefit eligible employees. You can also view a side-by-side hospital network comparison between the two plans.
Preferred ValueCare (PVC) Network (Local) / BlueCard PPO/EPO Network (National)
Provides access to 40 Utah hospitals including Logan Regional Hospital, Cache Valley Hospital, University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Primary Children’s Hospital.
Participating (PAR) Network (Local) / BlueCard Traditional Network (National)
This is the broadest network offered. It currently provides access to 49 Utah hospitals including Logan Regional Hospital, Cache Valley Hospital, University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital and McKay-Dee Hospital.
Meet with a Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Representative
Meetings held virtually between 11 am and 2 pm twice each month. An appointment is required and made on a first come first served basis.
Tools
- Regence Telehealth Doctor's appointments over the phone or internet
- Find a Doctor Online (When looking for a provider and not logging in, look at either the Preferred ValueCare or Participating under Utah Preferred, Bluepoint, Innova, Engage, Evolve, RealValue, HSA 2.0, or HSA 3.0)
- Regence App (download)
- Pharmacy (all Regence plans)
- RxBIN: 610648
- RxPCN: 01890000
- Customer Service: (866) 240-9580
- Find a Pharmacy
- Video: How to optimize your pharmacy benefits
- USU Benefits Helpdesk: (435) 797-0122
- Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Customer Service: (866) 240-9580
- Regence Website Create a login, access your account, find a doctor, etc.
- Summary Plan Description
- Transparancy in Coverage Machine Readable Files: Machine-readable files are provided in support of the federal Transparency in Coverage rule and contain in-network negotiated rates and out-of-network allowed amounts. Regence PEHP
Bonus Features
- Regence Advantage Health-related products and services available for Regence members
- BlueCross BlueShield Global: Healthcare coverage when you are traveling or living abroad
Dual Coverage Plan
When both spouses or domestic partners work for USU they have the option of selecting a dual coverage medical and dental plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to be on your insurance?
- Spouse or domestic partner. Please note that when you elect to cover a domestic partner on health insurance there is an extra tax you are subject to. If dual coverage is elected with a domestic partner, both employees will be subject to the domestic partner health insurance tax. Contact HR for details by calling (435) 797-0216.
- Children under age 26. Natural, Step, Legally adopted, Children for whom you have legal guardianship, Foster children, Children placed with you for adoption, Children of your domestic partner who depend on you for support and live with you in a regular parent/child relationship, Children to whom you are legally responsible to provide health coverage under the terms of a Qualified Medical Support Order (QMCSO).
- Unmarried children over the age limit if they are dependent on you for primary financial support and maintenance due to physical or mental disability. You may be asked to provide documentation or proof of disability. In most cases, coverage for a disabled child can continue for as long as the child is incapable of self-support, unmarried, and fully dependent on you for support.
How and when can I enroll in or change health insurance?
You may enroll when you begin employment, during open enrollment (held each May), or if you experience a qualifying life event. You, your spouse, and any eligible children may enroll for coverage within 30 days of a qualifying event. Qualifying events include: marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, placement for adoption, and loss or gain of other insurance coverage. Complete the Life Event Change Form to begin the change process.
To change your address with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield please call HR Benefits Helpdesk (435) 797-0122.
Can I waive medical coverage?
If you gain medical coverage elsewhere, or as a new employee already have coverage, you may choose to waive coverage by filling out the BCBS Enrollment/Change Form and marking WAIVE Coverage section.