Together. Better Health.

November 1, 2016

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(This article first appeared in the November-December 2016 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

The 2016 Open Season will run Nov. 14 - Dec. 12.

If you are enrolled in a different plan, consider joining the union-owned APWU Health Plan – a not-for-profit organization, where your health care needs are our #1 priority.

THE HIGH OPTION at a Glance

Since 1960, the High Option has offered comprehensive benefits to postal employees, featuring low co-pays and deductibles, with a vast nationwide network using Cigna’s doctors and hospitals. Members have access to 1 million providers. The High Option is the premier plan in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

The APWU Health Plan’s #1 priority is to serve your family’s health care needs. Advocating on your behalf is what drives us.

Remember: Self Plus One enrollment allows you to cover yourself and one eligible family member.

High Option Highlights

You pay nothing for these services when you choose a network doctor:

  • Preventive care and screenings
  • Maternity care
  • Treatment of accidental injuries within 24 hours
  • Lab tests when you use LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics
  • Programs to help you manage diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, 
    pregnancy and tobacco use

Other Plan Highlights:

  • $20 co-pay for office visits, including specialist and virtual visits
  • $40 co-pay for all urgent care centers
  • $10 co-pay for retail generic drugs; for extra savings mail order is available
  • $350 deductible for Self Only or $700 for Self Plus One and Self and Family (in-network)
  • Routine dental coverage paid at 70%
  • Cancer Centers of Excellence paid at 95%
  • Discount vision program
  • Extra dental discount when you complete a Health Risk Assessment online

The American Postal Worker High Option Rates 2017

YOU PAY

Self Only 
471

Self PLUS ONE
473

Self AND FAMILY 
472

APWU Career biweekly

$85.06

$167.90

$232.04

Retiree monthly

$204.29

$406.75

$548.39

THE CONSUMER DRIVEN OPTION at a Glance
The Consumer Driven Option is APWU Health Plan’s solution for affordable yet comprehensive care. Our members are the primary decision-makers in the healthcare they receive. You have greater control in how you use your health care funds.

APWU members benefit from APWU preferred rates. No other federal or postal employees have access to these rates. The Postal Service pays 95% of the premiums for career employees and 75% for Postal Support Employees (PSEs). With other plans, PSEs pay 100% of the premiums.

 
Consumer Driven Option Rates 2017

YOU PAY

Self Only 
474

Self PLUS ONE 
476

Self AND FAMILY 
475

APWU Career biweekly

$12.36

$27.20

$39.01

APWU Career

(less than 1 year in FEHB)
biweekly

$53.77

$118.30

$129.05

APWU Non-career (PSE) biweekly

$61.81

$135.98

$148.34

Retiree monthly

$133.92

$294.62

$321.40

Consumer Driven Option Highlights

Your Personal Care Account (PCA):

  • Members are given an account on day one of coverage that is fully funded, and provided annually by the Health Plan
  • The PCA provides $1,200 for Self Only and $2,400 for Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment
  • The PCA pays for covered medical expenses at 100% as long as there are funds in the account
  • Any unused funds will rollover to the next year, provided you remain a Health Plan member

You pay nothing for these services when you choose a network doctor:

  • Preventive care and screenings
  • Maternity care
  • Programs to help you manage diabetes, pregnancy and tobacco use

Other Plan Highlights:

  • No upfront deductible, coinsurance or co-pay until your PCA is exhausted
  • Virtual visits
  • Completing a Health Risk Assessment online adds $50 to your PCA for each 
    covered individual 18 years of age
  • Cancer Centers of Excellence paid at 95%
  • Dental and vision coverage is available under your PCA
  • Prescription drugs paid at 75%

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