Learn What’s New for 2016

Before Annual Enrollment begins next week, we want to let you know about the 2016 benefits changes. We’re adding a vision plan, simplifying eligibility for adult dependent children and changing our medical plan vendor. Beyond that, nothing is changing. Your medical options, premiums (except dental premiums) and other benefits, including CVS/caremark pharmacy benefits, will stay the same.

Here’s a look at what is changing, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

New Vision Plan

We’re introducing a new Rockwell Automation vision plan, administered by UnitedHealthcare (UHC), that will:

  • Cover an annual eye exam.
  • Pay toward the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
  • Provide discounts on extra glasses and laser vision correction.

Children Covered to Age 26

Eligibility for dependent children will be the same for all our benefits—medical, dental, vision and life insurance. You will be able to cover dependent children to the end of the month in which they turn age 26 regardless of student status.

This means that during Annual Enrollment you can re-enroll any adult children, up to age 26, who were dropped previously from dental or life insurance due to age or student status.

New Medical Plan Vendor

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will replace Aetna and Humana as our medical plan vendor next year. Your medical premiums are not changing, and CVS/caremark will continue to manage your prescription drug benefits. Overall, the change means you’ll have more access to quality and cost information than ever before. Check out these new features:

  • UHC Choice Plus network. You’ll have a new provider network, the Choice Plus network, which is one of the largest in the country. This means you’ll have access to doctors who aren’t in other networks. And, no matter where you are, a UHC network doctor, hospital or urgent care facility is likely nearby.
  • Resource to help you find new providers. UHC’s premium designation program makes it easier to find providers who are shown to offer the best combination of quality and cost. In 27 specialties, UHC analyzes provider claims each year to find health care providers who demonstrate greater quality of care and cost efficiency based on evidence-based medicine, national industry guidelines and local benchmarks. UHC designates them “Premium® Tier 1 providers” and puts a Tier 1 symbol next to their names in the provider directory so you can find them easily. 

    The availability of Premium Tier 1 providers varies by specialty and location, and using them is optional. When you use one, however, your medical option will pay a higher benefit after you meet the deductible—85% instead of 80%. To learn more about Premium Tier 1 providers, including where they’re available, which specialties are included and how providers are evaluated, visit
    UnitedHealthPremium.com.
  • Freestanding Facilities. You can save money by choosing to receive lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and minor outpatient procedures from a Freestanding Facility instead of a hospital or doctor’s office. UHC defines Freestanding Facilities as outpatient facilities, diagnostic and ambulatory centers, and independent labs in the Choice Plus network that are not part of a hospital. These clinics tend to charge less for the same services, and your medical option will pay more of the cost—85% after the deductible instead of 80%—whenever you use a Freestanding Facility. (Note: The Freestanding Facility benefit will replace our current lab card benefit.)
  • New tools and resources. Next year, you’ll have access to a variety of online tools—including com and a mobile app—that will let you:
    • Estimate costs before going to the doctor.
    • Search and track claims and expenses.
    • Search for Freestanding Facilities, Premium Tier 1 providers and other in-network doctors.
    • Search for providers, find cost and quality information, and show your medical ID card on your phone.

For more information about these changes, see the What’s Ahead for 2016 mailer and your 2016 Annual Enrollment Guide. Both should arrive at your home before Annual Enrollment (Oct. 24 – Nov. 15).