2023 Healthcare Benefits
Important 2023 Benefit Information
Visit the SMC Benefits Website
2023 Insurance Renewal Summary
Blue Shield, Kaiser, Delta Dental, and VSP will remain our healthcare partners in 2023. Delta Dental and VSP premiums will not increase. Kaiser and Blue Shield both provided double digit increases to premiums for 2023. While the monthly premiums for both the College and employees will increase, the College will maintain the current cost sharing percentage of premiums in 2023. Factors impacting the medical plan premium increases include:
- Inpatient Hospital Costs
- Hospital Admissions
- Outpatient Costs/Visits
- Pharmacy Claims
- High Cost Claims
Access to quality care, limited disruption, and affordability, remain top priorities for the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (EBAC) when reviewing and recommending plan design and cost sharing for the upcoming year. EBAC encourages employees to make time to educate themselves on the differences between the medical plans; there will be educational opportunities before and during open enrollment. A thorough understanding of the medical plan options could lead to the selection of a different plan and for some employees that could equate to an annual savings of up to $2,000.
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The Kaiser HMO renewal increase is 12.7% for 2023. This is the most popular plan among employees; 47% of employees elect this plan. The College will keep the cost sharing as is in 2023: employees will continue to pay 17% of premium for single coverage, and 32% for dependent level coverage.
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The Kaiser HRA renewal increase is 10.8% for 2023. The College will continue to fund the full deductible for both single ($2,500) and dependent ($5,000) level coverage. Employees will continue to pay 10% of the premium for single coverage and 30% for dependent level coverage.
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The Blue Shield Trio 20 HMO renewal increase is 9.9%. In order to maintain costs, the College will be shifting to a Blue Shield Trio 40 HMO plan which provides for a 1.7% premium increase. While cost sharing will remain as is, and payroll deductions will remain almost flat, co-pays will increase from $20 to $40, ER visits will remain at $150 copay, and hospitalization will increase from a $250 to $1,000 copay.
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The Blue Shield PPO - HRA 1500/3000 renewal increase is 12.8%. In order to maintain costs, the College will be shifting to a Blue Shield PPO - HRA 3000/6000 plan design, or a $3,000 deductible for single coverage, and a $6,000 deductible for dependent level coverage. This change allows for a < 1% premium increase. The College will continue to provide $1,500 towards the deductible for singles and $3,000 toward the deductible for dependent level coverage.
2023 Resources
Recorded webinars by SMC benefit partners, and employees are available to help aid employees in understanding various benefit options. Click on the links below to listen.
- Kaiser HRA vs Kaiser HMO - Employee Testimonial (provided by Ron Ahnen) - NEW!
- Kaiser 2023 Plans Presentation
- Blue Shield 2023 Plans Presentation
Mutual of Omaha
- Voluntary Plans Enrollment Form (please return to benefits@stmarys-ca.edu)
- Mutual of Omaha 10/21/20 Recorded Webinar
Navia - Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Partner
Medicare
Questions?
- Please email benefits@stmarys-ca.edu with questions.