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Postdoc Medical Plans

Medical Plans Offered The University of Chicago offers two different types of medical plans to choose from, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan.  You can compare the two plans in the Postdoc Benefits Guide to determine which plan best suits your medical needs.

The PPO provides true insurance for the cost of medically necessary treatment for illness and injury, while maintaining your freedom to choose providers.

The HMO reduces medical care costs by keeping you healthy and managing the costs that are incurred by monitoring your care and limiting your choice of providers.

Medical Plans Offered (see documents below for details)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Plan

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Advantage HMO Plan

Cost of Coverage

The amount you pay for your coverage depends on a number of factors, including:

  • The plan you choose;

  • The coverage level you choose (yourself only, yourself + spouse/partner, yourself + child(ren), yourself + family);

  • Your appointment status as a Postdoc Scholar, Postdoc Fellow, Postdoc Fellow (Direct Pay) or Visiting Scholar; and

  • Any grant funding designated for payment of the cost of your health insurance coverage.

Your cost is automatically deducted from your paycheck before income taxes are withheld. The premium may be adjusted each year.

Compare the Plans

 Core Benefits  HMO PPO

In-Network In-Network Out-of-Network
Deductible (Single / Family) None  $250 / $600 $5,000 / $10,000 
Out of Pocket Maximum (Single / Family) $1,500 / $3,000 $2,500 / $5,000 $10,000 / $20,000
Preventive Care No Charge No Charge 50%*
Office Visit $15 / $25 Copay 20%* 50%*
Diagnostic Test (X-Ray, Blood Work) No Charge 20%* 50%*
Inpatient Hospital $250 per admission 20%* $300 Copay + 50%*
Outpatient Surgery No Charge 20%* 50%*
Emergency Room

$100 Copay

(waived if admitted)

 $100 Copay + 20%

(Copay waived if admitted)

 $100 Copay + 20%

(Copay waived if admitted)

Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse

Inpatient

Outpatient

 

$15 per visit

$250 per admission

 

20%*

20%*

 

50%*

50%*
Prescription Drug (Retail / Mail)      (Retail Only)

Tier 1

 $10 / $20  $10 / $20 $10 + 25%
Tier 2 $30 / $60 $30 / $60 $30 + 25%
Tier 3 $50 / $100 $50 / $100 $50 + 25%
Tier 4 $75 (Retail Only) $75 (Retail Only) $75
 Prescription Drug Expense Limit $5,100 / $10,200 $4,600 / $9,200 $4,600 / $9,200

 

Cost of Coverage

Your cost for the plan depends on the coverage you select, your status as a Postdoctoral Scholar, Postdoctoral Fellow, Postdoctoral Fellow (Direct Pay) and any grant funding received to pay for all or part of your health insurance. Scholars pay for their premiums through pre-tax payroll deductions. Fellows pay for their benefits on a post-tax basis.

Monthly Medical Rates

  Postdoctoral Scholars   Postdoctoral Fellows (Salary Paid by Outside Source)
Coverage Level Medical HMO Medical PPO   Medical HMO  Medical PPO
Yourself Only $101 $117   $496.85 $531.70
Yourself + Spouse/Partner $207 $248
$1,029.69 $1,106.47
Yourself + Child(ren) $198 $238   $988.15 $1,061.83
Yourself + Family $307 $361   $1,528.82 $1,642.83

If you are a Fellow who is grant funded and the grant contributes to your coverage, your premium will be the balance of the amount listed above for Postdoctoral Fellows less the portion paid by the grant.


Documents