Enhancements To A&M Care Plan Cut Out-Of-Pocket Costs

John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, announced new enhancements to the health plans offered to the Texas A&M University System employees and retirees, reducing out-of-pocket costs for many participants.

For the A&M Care Plan, the deductible will decrease to $400 (from $700) and copays will decrease to $20 for Primary Care Physician office visit copays and to $30 for Specialist office visit copays (from $30 and $45, respectively).

These enhancements to the benefits will result in minimal changes to the monthly premium amounts for full-time employees, and in fact, the monthly premiums are remaining the same or decreasing for most employees and retirees. For those electing Employee Only coverage, there will not be a monthly premium as opposed to recent years when it has been $10 per month.

The increased benefits for employees and retirees is the result of improved performance of the health plan, the impact of employee wellness programs and an increased contribution from the Texas Legislature and System members.

“It is exciting to bring this good news to our hardworking employees and our loyal retirees,” Chancellor Sharp said. “Attracting and keeping great people is one of the keys to a great A&M System, and providing good, affordable healthcare is part of the formula for success.”

In addition to these plan changes, the Texas A&M University System will be offering a new fitness program for retirees age 65 and older. The Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness program is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. This program will provide A&M System retirees a free, basic fitness membership with access to 15,000 classes in 13,000 locations nationwide. More information about the program and how to enroll will be made available in the annual enrollment materials provided to retirees.

These plan changes will be effective Sept. 1, but employees and retirees will start making choices about their health plan and other benefits during the annual enrollment period that begins on July 1.