What’s Changing
for 2024?

A. Cigna Not Offered in 2024 | New Anthem Exclusive Provider Organization

Cigna will no longer be offered in 2024. This decision was made to simplify offerings and provide more meaningful and cost-effective options for employees.

In deciding to discontinue Cigna coverage, Pearson Benefits performed an extensive analysis and determined that Anthem’s broad BlueCard network, that we currently offer, provides over a 90% network match with Cigna. This means that, if you are covered under Cigna today, there is a very good probability that your provider is in Anthem’s BlueCard network; however, for some Cigna plan members, a change in providers may be necessary. Whether you are a current Cigna member who will have to make a change or not, it is always best to check with your health care provider about the insurance they will accept for next year.

New! We are pleased to announce the addition of Anthem’s Blue High Performance (HPN) network. Anthem’s HPN is an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) that provides a narrow network of hand-selected doctors and facilities, curated to provide access to higher-quality, more affordable care. This lower cost option provides in-network-only coverage. However, urgent and emergency care are covered even if you are seeing a provider that is not in the network. And, like the other national plans offered through Pearson, you do not need a referral from your Primary Care Physician to see a specialist (although we highly recommend you do so!).

Transition of Care

If you are in the middle of a course of treatment on December 31, 2023, switch to a new medical administrator for 2024, and your current provider does not participate in the new administrator’s network, you may be eligible to continue your care with your current provider under a “Continuity of Care” or “Transition of Care” program. These programs allow a member to continue treatment with a non-network physician or other healthcare provider. You will still receive in-network benefits during a transition period before being required to transfer to a network physician or other healthcare provider. Visit the Transition of Care page on the US benefits website, or call the member services department of your 2024 medical administrator for more information.

As an added resource, register for a special webinar (presented by Health Advocate) to help you understand what you need to know before changing to a new medical administrator. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 3 p.m. Eastern.

Below you’ll find a brief overview of the medical options available through Anthem HPN. CVS Caremark will provide prescription services for all Anthem HPN plans. A more detailed summary of all the national plans offered is available on the US benefits website.

Take this brief, interactive quiz to learn more about Anthem’s HPN network and view information on providers in more than 60 markets nationwide. You can view the online directory to see if your doctors participate in Anthem’s HPN network.

National Plans offered in 2024

Depending on where you live, you may see all or a portion of the following national medical options available to you when you enroll:

• Anthem PPOs (BlueCare Network) — $400, $900, $1,850 and $3,200 PPO plans
• Aetna PPOs (Premier Care Network) — $400, $900, $1,850 and $3,200 PPO plans
• Anthem EPOs (HPN network) — $400, $900, $1,850 and $3,200 EPO plans

B. Dental and Vision Coverage Update

Dental plan choices remain the same, and there will be no change in premiums for Cigna DHMO coverage. The Delta Dental plan will increase 1.3% with an average cost increase of $0.43 per month.

For vision coverage, you can expect these changes:

• The allowance for frames is increasing to $200
• Enrollees will experience, a 5.9% increase which averages out to about $1.18 per month.
• Copays for materials next year will be $25
• New feature — “VSP Lightcare” allows you to use the full frame allowance towards non-prescription blue light-filtering glasses or UV protecting-sunglasses

C. Other 2024 Updates

Deductible and Plan Name Change

The in-network deductible for the $3,000 plan administered by Anthem, Aetna and Kaiser will increase to $3,200 single/$6,400 family (the out-of-network deductible will change to $6,400 single / $12,800 family). There are no changes to the out-of-pocket maximums. This change is required to make the plan compliant with revised IRS guidelines. The plan will now be called the $3,200 Deductible Plan to coincide with the deductible change.

Expanded Coverage for Hearing Aids

In August of last year, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released its final rule establishing a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This ruling will enable consumers to have greater control over their hearing aid purchasing decisions at stores nationwide or online. Pearson will include coverage of OTC hearing aids effective January 1, 2024, under all plans administered by Anthem and Aetna. You will now have a greater variety of less expensive hearing aid options to choose from.

Supplemental Medical Coverages

Good news! In 2024, your cost for Critical Illness coverage will decrease by 10% and more than 20 new conditions are being added for reimbursement including Cystic Fibrosis, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. View the summary for more information.

You will also see a notable decrease in cost in Accident Insurance, which will be lowered by 15% for 2024, as well as Hospital Indemnity, which will decrease 14.5%. The Hospital Indemnity coverage will also provide a higher level of reimbursement for hospital confinement, ICU daily and step-down benefits. Please refer to the Accident Insurance and Hospital Indemnity summaries to learn more.