Source: University Human Resources. Larger image.
To help employees who may be unfamiliar with the new elements of ISU's medical insurance plans, two resources compliment other resources available and help employees navigate the changes to the 2024 plans and better understand the terminology involved in the plans.
Both are available on the university human resources (UHR) benefits website:
- A Medical Insurance Glossary includes definitions of a dozen key terms related to ISU's medical insurance plan, including terms like copay, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum and premium.
- A five-minute video, Understanding Your Medical Coverage Costs, explains basic terminology and uses example scenarios and explains how these elements interact and apply to care received.
Use the myWellmark member portal
The myWellmark member portal is a resource that can help you stay on top of your ISU plan benefits and usage. The site allows you to easily manage your health, your health plan and your health care costs -- all in one place. This secure member website is available 24/7 and lets you track your expenses, learn more about wellness and get the tools to help you reach your health goals. Plus, you get access to Wellmark's secure message center and digital notification preferences for important information about your health plan.
The site is a convenient, one-stop destination where you can do everything such as check your claims, find providers, see if a procedure is covered and check the prices of your prescriptions. You'll also find answers to many commonly asked questions, including:
- How do I find my benefits plan information?
- Where do I find my claims information?
- Where do I find how much of my deductible I have met for the year?
- How do I print my health plan ID card or request a replacement card?
If you have not already registered for the portal, you can do so by visiting myWellmark registration. You can also download the myWellmark app on the App Store or Google Play.
Explanation of Benefits: An explanation
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a recap of what your insurance has paid. You will receive an EOB after you receive service, but it is important to note that this is not a bill. It is simply a summary of the services provided, along with a detailed breakdown of who is responsible for which portion of the costs, as detailed in the linked sample. If your EOB shows that you are responsible for some of the cost, your provider will bill you separately. When you receive your EOB, it's important to review it, to make sure you're getting the most value out of your health care spending.
These three tips could help reduce the amount you pay out-of-pocket:
- Select an in-network provider. Use the Find a Doctor or Hospital tool on Wellmark.com to find an in-network provider, so you can get the best savings from your health plan.
- Compare charges. If you receive a bill from your provider, compare changes on your EOB to charges listed on the provider bill to confirm that services and charges listed are correct.
- Register for myWellmark. Review your health plan information online so you are familiar with your plan. The myWellmark website is your personalized site to make the most out of your coverage.
Questions?
Employees with questions on these or other benefits-related items are encouraged to call the UHR service center, 515-294-4800, email the benefits team at benefits@iastate.edu or schedule a virtual or in-person meeting with a UHR benefits staff member via the Microsoft Bookings app (see the bottom of the open enrollment website for a link to your benefits consultant).
