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Human Resources
Division of Administration
  2. Benefits
  3. Health Care Plan

Health Care Plan

Please note: cost coverage for copays and co-insurance will end May 11, 2023.  Beginning May 12, normal copays and co-insuranace will apply for all COVID tests and vaccines. 

Effective immediately, Aetna will waive copays and co-insurance costs for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.
OTC COVID-19 tests now covered at no cost. Read FAQ.
Members inside the United States can also get four free tests through COVIDTEST.gov. These government provided tests do not count towards the minimum benefit of eight tests per member per 30 days. Read our know your test kit options informational pdf. 

Aetna is taking significant steps in response to COVID-19. Effective immediately, Aetna will waive copays and member cost-share for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.  This will cover the test kit for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing, which can be performed in any approved laboratory location. You can find an approved laboratory location at your state’s Department of Health website.

TN Resources:

Vanderbilt University Medical Center: If you are a Vanderbilt employee or VUMC patient with fever, cough or shortness of breath and are concerned about the coronavirus, call (888) 312-0847 to be assessed. This line is available daily, 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest status and recommendations.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Learn more on the Aetna website or contact HR at human.resources@vanderbilt.edu

 

Aetna Choice Plan (CDHP)

  • Default plan if you do not complete new hire enrollment
  • Lower monthly premiums
  • Higher deductibles
  • Health Savings Account with seed money from Vanderbilt
  •  Aetna automatically issues health insurance cards for the ‘default’ health plan option (Aetna Choice plan at the 'employee-only' coverage tier) to new fully benefits-eligible employees.)

Aetna Select Plan (PPO)

  • Higher monthly premiums
  • Lower deductibles
  • Flexible Spending Account available

Aetna International Plan (J1T Visa holders only) 

See Benefits Eligibility. 

You must complete New Hire Enrollment in My VU Benefits within 30 days of your hire or eligibility date (see "How to Enroll" below). If you elect another health plan option, you may disregard the Aetna Choice card. If you choose the Aetna Choice health plan option, keep the card for your use.

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Prescription Drug Benefit

Both health plan options include Prescription Drug Benefit coverage, but costs apply differently, depending on which plan you choose. The Vanderbilt Health Plan includes a prescription drug benefit managed by Capital Rx for faculty and staff enrolled in either health plan option.

Other Benefits

Preventive Care Program. Both health plan options include a comprehensive Preventive Care Program that covers such things as annual well-checkups and well-baby visits for covered dependents.

Tobacco Cessation Benefit. Vanderbilt helps to pay for a tobacco cessation program for employees and their dependents covered on the health plan. Learn more.

Brightline Mental Health Services for Children. Aetna members have access to mental health support for kids (18 months – 18 years old) with Brightline.  Whether your kid needs help building new skills through personalized coaching, sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist, or you need coaching for challenges with younger kids, our expert care team is here to help.  Plus, your family can take video visits right from home or on-the-go.  Chat with an expert within minutes and schedule a video visit within days. Learn more. 

*Please note: Brightline’s services are covered benefits via Aetna® and Vanderbilt, for children covered as dependents on your benefits. Brightline will check your eligibility when you sign up. Deductibles and copays apply. Participants in the Aetna International Plan are not eligible. 

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CHIPRA

Special Enrollment Rights under CHIPRA. The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) was enacted by the United States federal government on February 4, 2009. CHIPRA created new special enrollment rights effective April 1, 2009. CHIPRA extended the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through 2013 and renamed it the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn more about CHIP. The special enrollment rights under CHIPRA allow the following for qualified Vanderbilt Group Health Plan members:

  • If you or your dependent become eligible for state-granted premium assistance, or, you or your dependent's coverage terminates due to a loss of eligibility (as opposed to termination due to failure to pay premiums) under Medicaid, Tennessee's CoverKids program, or a State Children’s Health Insurance Plan, you may enroll in the Vanderbilt Group Health Plan. You must request coverage within 60 days of this special-enrollment qualifying event by making a Family Status Change.
  • If your dependent becomes eligible to receive a premium subsidy from the Child Health Insurance Program, you will be allowed under CHIPRA to disenroll (drop) your dependent from the Vanderbilt Group Health Plan. You must request this coverage change within 60 days of this special-enrollment qualifying event by making a Family Status Change.

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How to Enroll

To enroll, use My VU Benefits within 30 days of your hire date:

  1. Go to My VU Benefits and log in with your VUnetID and ePassword
  2. Make your benefits selections
  3. Print your benefits enrollment receipt and keep it for your records

Medicare

  • Medicare and You
  • Medicare.gov
  • Have more in depth questions? Visit TN SHIP. SHIP is a national program that provides free and objective one-on-one counseling, information and help to people with Medicare, people who may need Medicare, and people looking into Medicare with someone else in mind.

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Resources


Links to Vendors

The Transparency in Coverage final rule, released on 10/29/20, requires health plans and issuers to publicly disclose pricing information via machine-readable files (MRF). Vanderbilt's MRF can be found here. 

Children up to age 18 under legal guardianship or custody of the employee must meet the definition of dependent under the Federal Tax Code for income tax purposes and be able to show supporting documentation (such as the employee’s claim of dependency for the child on the relevant portion of your most recent IRS Form 1040 federal income tax return) in order to be eligible under the Plan. Children under legal guardianship or custody, who do not meet eligibility requirements above in (a), will lose their coverage eligibility the first day of the month following the month in which they turn 18 years of age (age of majority).

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