Syracuse University partners with Excellus BCBS (medical claims administrator) and Optum Rx (pharmacy benefit manager) to manage claims, provider networks and utilization management programs. You have the choice of three health plans, SUBlue, SUOrange and SUPro. Each plan option covers the same services, but differ in member cost-sharing:
| Plan Detail | SUBlue | SUOrange | SUPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-Network Coverage | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost-Sharing Structure | Deductible and copays | Deductible and copays | Deductible and coinsurance |
| Schedule of Benefits | SUBlue [PDF] | SUOrange [PDF] | SUPro [PDF] |
Coverage Details
When using your medical coverage through the University, it is important to keep in mind:
- Medical Policies: Excellus BCBS uses internal policies to guide coverage decisions, which are subject to updates. To get a copy of a policy, visit Excellus BCBS or call the dedicated line at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220).
- Pre-certification: Certain services may require pre-approval. Check plan documents on MySlice, visit Excellus BCBS’s website or call the dedicated line.
- Referrals: Not required under the plan, but your provider may request one.
- Preventive Care: Many in-network preventive care services are covered at no cost.
- Full Coverage Details: Refer to the Medical Benefits Summary Plan Description (SPD) and the Medical Benefits Booklet on MySlice under Employee Resources. Copies are also available through HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.
Member Services
Health coverage through the University provides you with access to:
- Telehealth Coverage: Access virtual care through MDLIVE by contacting 866.692.5045 (TTY: 800.770.5531) or through your own provider’s telehealth services. Cost-sharing is the same as in-person visits.
- 24/7 Nurse Line: Get health guidance from Excellus BCBS’s registered nurses by calling 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220).
- Member Tools: Access your account anytime through Excellus BCBS or download the Excellus BCBS mobile app to view your coverage and benefits, review medical claims, view your ID card, locate in-network providers and more.
- Excellus BCBS Customer Care: For questions regarding your health coverage, call the University’s dedicated team at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST or Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EST.
Provider Network
Maximize your benefits by using in-network providers. Consider the following when selecting a plan:
- SUBlue and SUPro cover out-of-network care but with higher out-of-pocket costs.
- SUOrange does not cover out-of-network services—you pay the full cost.
If your provider is out-of-network, SUBlue or SUPro may be better options. To check in-network provider status or request provider recruitment, contact Excellus BCBS at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220).
Member Contributions
The University covers a significant portion of the cost of your medical coverage, with the remaining cost shared by you through payroll deduction. Schedule A contributions apply automatically unless you qualify and are approved for reduced Schedule B contributions. Certain employees represented by the SEIU collective bargaining agreement are automatically enrolled in Schedule B.
2025 Monthly Health Plan Contributions
Schedule A
| Coverage Tier | SUBlue | SUOrange | SUPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $181.73 | $176.44 | $165.73 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner | $463.76 | $450.44 | $425.58 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $404.11 | $392.48 | $370.61 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren) | $669.06 | $649.90 | $614.72 |
Schedule B
| Coverage Tier | SUBlue | SUOrange | SUPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $150.50 | $146.12 | $137.25 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner | $331.10 | $321.46 | $301.96 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $290.46 | $282.01 | $264.90 |
| Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner + Child(ren) | $471.05 | $457.35 | $429.59 |
Monthly costs are based on a 12-month calendar year. Actual paycheck deductions vary by deduction cycle (e.g., weekly, semi-monthly, academic year or calendar year).
Should you have any questions, or require accommodations to access any information on this webpage, please reach out to our HR Shared Services team at 315.443.4042.
Helpful Links
Summary of Benefits and Coverage; Other Comparison Guides
- Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
- 2025 SUBlue and SUOrange Schedule of Benefits [PDF]
- 2025 SUPro Schedule of Benefits [PDF]
- 2025 At a Glance: A Comparison of Health Care Plans [PDF]
Excellus BCBS
- Excellus BCBS Participating Provider Directory Instructions
- Excellus BCBS website
- International Medical Coverage: Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
- MDLIVE: Telehealth Benefit
- Medical Claim Forms
Marketplace Coverage Notice
Other Helpful Links
- Benefits Eligibility Policy
- Reduced Medical Contributions (Schedule B)
- As required by the Federal transparency in coverage requirements, as of July 1, 2022, we are posting in-network and out-of-network pricing information that is maintained on an Excellus BCBS website. Please note that, as required by Federal regulations, the information is posted in a machine-readable format and may not be of practical use to you. If you are enrolled in Syracuse University medical benefits, you may find it more useful to login to your online Excellus BCBS account.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this website is accurate. However, benefits are governed by legal documents (which, in certain circumstances, may include insurance contracts). If there is any difference between the information in this website and the official documents, the official documents will control. As is the case with all of Syracuse University’s employee benefit plans, the University reserves the right to modify or terminate these benefits at any time.