(This article first appeared in the November-December 2015 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)  

The 2015 Open Season will run Nov. 9 - Dec. 14. If you are currently with a different health plan, consider your union plan - the APWU Health Plan. 

All postal employees are welcome.

You have two smart plans to consider: 

HIGH OPTION AT A GLANCE

The Consumer Driven Option is the APWU Health Plan’s solution for affordable yet comprehensive care. Our members are the primary decision-makers in the healthcare they receive and pay for. You have greater control in how you use your healthcare benefits.

This is a different model of healthcare that, when used properly, can save you money. With UnitedHealthcare’s expansive national network, the Consumer Driven Option is an excellent alternative to traditional healthcare plans.

You are covered 100% for these services when you choose network doctors:

• Personal Care Account (PCA) provides 100% coverage for the first $1,200 of your annual medical expenses for Self Only coverage or $2,400 for Self Plus One and Self and 
  Family coverage
• Preventive care and 
  screenings
• Maternity care
• Programs to help you manage pregnancy, diabetes, and tobacco cessation

Other Plan highlights:

• No upfront deductible, coinsurance or copay until your PCA is exhausted
• Completing a Health Risk Assessment online adds $75 to Self Only PCA or $150 to Self Plus One and Self and Family coverage
• Cancer Centers of Excellence paid at 90%
• Dental and vision coverage is available under your PCA
• Prescription drug paid at 75%
• A Plan SmartChoice Winner four years running

APWU Career Rates:

APWU members benefit from APWU preferred rates. No other federal or postal employee has access to these discounted rates. Self Plus One is a new enrollment type in the FEHBP that allows you to cover yourself and one eligible family member you designate to be covered.

2016 Premiums 

*Postal Category 1 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees (other than APWU).

**Postal Category 2 rates apply to career non-bargaining unit employees.

CONSUMER DRIVEN OPTION AT A GLANCE

The Consumer Driven Option is the APWU Health Plan’s solution for affordable yet comprehensive care. Our members are the primary decision-makers in the healthcare they receive and pay for. You have greater control in how you use your healthcare benefits.

This is a different model of healthcare that, when used properly, can save you money. With UnitedHealthcare’s expansive national network, the Consumer Driven Option is an excellent alternative to traditional healthcare plans.

You are covered 100% for these services when you choose network doctors:

• Personal Care Account (PCA) provides 100% coverage for the first $1,200 of your annual medical expenses for Self Only coverage or $2,400 for Self Plus One and Self and 
• Family coverage
• Preventive care and 
• screenings
• Maternity care
• Programs to help you manage pregnancy, diabetes, and tobacco cessation

Other Plan highlights:

• No upfront deductible, coinsurance or copay until your PCA is exhausted
• Completing a Health Risk Assessment online adds $75 to Self Only PCA or $150 to Self Plus One and Self and Family coverage
• Cancer Centers of Excellence paid at 90%
• Dental and vision coverage is available under your PCA
• Prescription drug paid at 75%
• A Plan SmartChoice Winner four years running

APWU Career Rates:

APWU members benefit from APWU preferred rates. No other federal or postal employee has access to these discounted rates. Self Plus One is a new enrollment type in the FEHBP that allows you to cover yourself and one eligible family member you designate to be covered.

2016 Premiums

*Postal Category 1 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees (other than APWU).

**Postal Category 2 rates apply to career non-bargaining unit employees.