UNMC Benefits will be providing an employee forum for individuals who have insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE). A representative will be on campus Friday, Aug. 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. to discuss the impact on our health care plan if an agreement is not reached between BCBSNE and Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI).
Contract negotiations between BCBSNE and Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) are ongoing, but BCBSNE representatives are not optimistic that the negotiations will be resolved before the Aug. 31 deadline.
If the two parties do not reach a resolution by the end of the month, then beginning on Sept. 1, University of Nebraska employees and their dependents who continue to use the services of CHI providers will be responsible for additional costs for out-of-network services that currently are not employees’ responsibility. Your out-of-pocket limits would not apply for out-of-network charges above the amounts allowed by our medical plan. All charges above that amount would be your personal responsibility on top of your deductible and coinsurance limit. The change could have a significant financial impact.
In order to attend the Aug. 22 employee forum, sign up by logging on to UNMC Employee Services, click on the Education tab, then on Event Registration. Employees wishing to watch via live stream may do so by using this link. Viewing will not be available until approximately 10 minutes before the session begins.
This presentation will also be recorded and available for viewing at this link.
Please allow approximately 48 hours for the link to become active.
You will need Quicktime to view the videos. To download it, click here. For instructions on streaming the videos, click here.
BCBSNE recommends speaking with your medical provider right away to discuss whether their services are impacted by this situation. You should also ask whether an Application for Continuity of Care is an option for you and your dependents. The most common conditions that may qualify for continuing care, such as serious health conditions, are listed on the Blue Cross Blue Shield website. Applications are available here and must be submitted by Aug. 31.