[ ENROLLMENT ]

The medical network is changing to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL).

What This Means for You
Starting 1/1/2027, your medical coverage will be provided through BCBSIL and its Blue Choice Options network of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

Blue Choice Options – Broad Access, Personal Choice, Cost Savings
You have access to a plan that is designed for members who want the benefits of a PPO and the flexibility to use a large network when the need arises — all at a price lower than our traditional PPO plan. Blue Choice Options offers the same range of health care benefits and member services as the larger PPO network, but may save you money over other PPO health plans.

To find a provider in the Blue Choice Options network, go to bcbsil.com, click “Find Care” and choose “Doctors and Hospitals”. Scroll down and click “Search as a Guest”. Enter your ZIP code, choose “Employer Plans”, enter the state you live in, choose “PPO”, then select the Blue Choice Options [BCO] network. Search for doctors, hospitals or medical specialties.

New medical ID cards will be mailed to your home address following enrollment.

With the transition to BCBSIL, BCU will maintain the PPO and HDHP options, but these plans will use a three-tier network. To receive the highest level of benefits, you and your covered dependents should use the independently contracted doctors and hospitals within the Blue Choice Options network (Tier I). You can receive care from a provider within the larger PPO network (Tier II) but will pay higher out-of-pocket costs. You will pay the highest out-of-pocket cost by choosing an out-of-network provider (Tier III) and may have to pay those fees up front.

Note for non-Illinois residents who don’t have the option to take advantage of the BCO: As long as you see In-Network BlueCard PPO providers in your state, you will be reimbursed at the Tier 1 BCO rate.

Tier 1: When you use Tier 1 Blue Choice providers, you’ll receive the highest level of benefits and pay the least.

Tier 2: Tier 2 includes providers in the broader BCBSIL PPO network, providing a lower level of benefits than Tier 1.

Tier 3: Tier 3 includes out-of-network providers and generally results in the highest out-of-pocket costs.

Members who choose the Blue Choice Options plan also get access to BlueCard® when traveling outside the state. This national network of independently contracted providers includes more than 90% of hospitals and 80% of physicians nationwide.

With the new three-tier plan design, note the new deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums for the PPO and HDHP options:

Note: Your prescription drug costs will count toward Tier 1 and Tier 2 deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Bi-weekly contributions for medical, dental and vision coverage will increase in 2027. BCU is proud to continue to cover the majority of the cost of coverage and to share in the cost of care.

• Dependent children will be eligible for coverage through the end of the month in which they turn age 26.
• Part-time employees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be eligible for benefits.

Wex will be our new administrator for the Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and COBRA. Note these important reminders:

• FSA elections do not carry over to next year and must be used by December 31, 2025. Claims can be submitted through March 31, 2027.
• HSA accounts can be transferred over to Wex. More information about how to transfer your HSA will be provided soon.
• If you are eligible for COBRA, a packet with information will be mailed to your home address following your last date of employment.

BCU recognizes that weight-loss specific GLP-1 medications can play an important role in weight loss, managing other health conditions and improving overall well-being. As of January 1, 2027, the BCU CVS prescription drug program under the medical/Rx plan does not cover these weight-loss GLP-1 medications; however, BCU provides financial support to employees and dependents covered under the bcu medical/Rx plan who are taking these medications. This program is managed through our partner RxSaveCard. This program allows BCU to continue to provide support to members who were previously received or would receive these medications by connecting members with lower “cash” prices for weight-loss GLPs directly from the manufacturer’s pharmacy or Amazon Pharmacy and facilitates the payment process through an electronic debit card.

BCU shares in the cost of these weight-loss GLP-1 medications by providing up to a $300 contribution per member per month when purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website. Plan member’s will receive an email invitation later this year with instructions on how to take advantage of the benefits, as follows:

1. Talk to your provider – Discuss whether GLP-1 treatment is right for your and which medicaitno and pharmacy option fits your prescription (Zepbound, Wegovy or Foundayo). Important: Your provider must send your prescription to the correct pharmacy (LillyDirect, NovoCare or Amazon Pharmacy).
2. Receive prescription confirmation – After your provider sends your prescription, you will receive a confirmation via email or text withing 24-48 hours with next steps to complete your order.
3. Activate your RxSaveCard – Activate your RxSaveCard account and access your vitual card loaded with BCU’s monthly contribution.
4. Pay with your RxSaveCard – Confirm the amount listed at checkout, including taxes and fees. Add personal funds to your RxSaveCard prior to making your purchase if your bcu contribution is not enough to cover the total cost.  Please note that your RxSaveCard is virtual and only works with online orders with home deliveries.
5. Your medication is delivered to you!

See details about RxSaveCard.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): You can contribute up to $4,500 for employee-only coverage or $9,000 for family coverage in 2027.
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA): You can contribute up to $XXXX in 2027.
• Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA): You can contribute up to $XXXX in 2027.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA): You can contribute up to $7,500 if married filing jointly or $3,750 if married filing separately.

When the Surcharge Applies
BCU charges a $125 monthly surcharge to employees who elect to cover a spouse who has access to other medical coverage, including spouses who:

• Are eligible for group medical coverage through their own employer, or
• Are retired and have access to a health plan through a previous employer or retirement plan.

Spousal Surcharge Exemptions
The surcharge does not affect spouses who are not working or who are not offered group health insurance by their employers. The spousal surcharge will be waived in the following instances:

• You do not enroll your spouse in the BCU medical plan.
• Your spouse is not employed and not eligible for an employer retiree health plan.
• Your spouse is employed but is not eligible for medical coverage through their employer.
• Your spouse is eligible for or enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid and is not offered a supplement through a retiree health plan.
• You and your spouse both work at BCU.

Attestation Requirement
You will annually be required to attest that the above information is true and correct. BCU reserves the right to request supporting documentation and any proof as it, in its sole discretion, deems necessary in order to verify the representations. Falsification of any information may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including employment termination.