Faculty and Staff Information

Nationwide, increasing health care costs and changes to health care are creating significant challenges for both employers and employees. In response, the University is adjusting its health plans and will absorb a greater percentage of the expected overall costs to limit the increases employees will incur.

University Actions:

• University absorbing more of the cost: The University will shoulder more of the cost for faculty and staff health plan contributions including an increase in its subsidy of reduced contributions under Schedule B.
• Limiting increases: Contributions will increase by $10 to $61 per month depending on the plan and coverage tier. (This is based on a 12-month calendar year and your actual paycheck contribution will depend on your payroll cycle.)
• No increases to copays or coinsurance: There will be no increases to copays or coinsurance for any health plan.
• In-network deductibles: Annual in-network medical plan deductibles for SUBlue, SUOrange and SUPro will increase by $50 per individual and $100 per family to ensure costs are distributed equitably amongst all covered individuals.
• GLP-1 medications: These medications used for the sole purpose of weight loss management will not be covered under the health plan. The cost of these medications is among the most expensive drugs covered by the plan and is a leading reason why overall costs are increasing.
  • The cost and other aspects of this new weight loss drug therapy are presenting challenges for many employers. Until this can be further studied, working with the Employee Benefits Assessment Council and the University’s health benefit vendors, it is best to no longer cover these drugs under the health plan.
  • Coverage will continue for GLP-1 medications for individuals managing diabetes and other approved conditions.
  • The University will continue to provide numerous resources for those interested in weight management including coverage of other weight loss medications, nutritional counseling and wellness programs. For more information, visit the Weight Loss and Diabetes Management Support Resources webpage.

The University offers benefits-eligible faculty and staff three health plan options: SUBlue, SUOrange and SUPro.  All three options include medical coverage administered by Excellus BCBS and prescription drug coverage through Optum Rx. The same health care services are covered under all three plans, but your share of the cost will be different.

The following table highlights some key differences among the plans:

For a high level overview, please review the University’s At a Glance: A Comparison of Health Care Plans [PDF] which highlights frequently used services and their associated costs.

It is important to keep in mind that SUOrange does not provide coverage for services with an out-of-network provider. If you are seen by an out-of-network provider, the cost of the visit will not be covered, and you will be responsible for paying the entire amount. If your provider is currently in-network and may decide to no longer participate with Excellus BCBS in 2025, it is recommended that you consider enrolling in SUBlue or SUPro to have access to out-of-network coverage. Alternatively, you can locate other in-network providers by visiting the Excellus BCBS website.

As a reminder, for those who are eligible for prescription drug coverage, Optum Rx regularly evaluates and makes changes to the prescription drug formulary and programs that focus on safety and proper usage of certain prescriptions. If there are changes that may impact you, Optum Rx will notify you prior to Jan. 1 with additional information.

2025 Monthly Health Plan Contributions

The following rates apply to benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Contributions are based on the 12-month calendar year. The actual deduction from your paycheck depends on your payroll deduction cycle.

Schedule A

Qualifying for Reduced Employee Health Plan Contributions

Depending on your household income and size, you may be eligible for lower health plan contributions under Schedule B. For 2025, faculty and staff with household incomes under $55,061 for a household of one to under $165,182 for a household of six or more will qualify for reduced contributions.

If you think you may qualify, complete the application by Dec. 6. You will be notified after this date if your application is approved. You must apply each year to receive a reduced contribution. For more information and the application, visit the Schedule B webpage. If you need assistance with completing the application, contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Schedule B

The University is aware that both FamilyCare Medical Group (FCMG) and St. Joseph’s Health have separately notified their patients, Excellus BCBS and the community that they may leave Excellus BCBS’s network effective Jan. 1, 2025, if agreements are not reached.

While the University is not privy to the contract terms and negotiations between Excellus BCBS and providers, nor can it control a provider’s decision to participate in any network, it has expressed concerns directly to Excellus BCBS. The University continues to encourage both parties to reach a positive resolution and is hopeful mutually agreed upon contracts can be reached soon.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the dedicated HR webpage.

If providers, such as FCMG and St. Joseph’s, are no longer in Excellus BCBS’s network, they will be considered an out-of-network provider, so it is important to consider the following:

• The SUBlue and SUPro health plans cover eligible services provided by these providers but the claims will be processed as out-of-network. This means you will generally be responsible for higher out-of-pocket costs.
• The SUOrange health plan does not provide coverage for services through an out-of-network provider.  If you are enrolled in SUOrange and are seen by an out-of-network provider, the cost of the visit will not be covered, and you will be responsible for paying the entire amount.
• If your provider is currently in-network and may decide to no longer participate with Excellus BCBS in 2025, it is recommended that you consider enrolling in SUBlue or SUPro to have access to out-of-network coverage. If you would like to learn more about in-network providers, call the University’s dedicated customer care team at Excellus BCBS by calling 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220). You can also visit the Excellus BCBS website to locate care options. Additionally, you can meet in-person, on campus with Excellus BCBS representatives for assistance. 

The University self-insures its health plan for the benefit of its faculty and staff. With a self-insured plan, costs are generally lower than a fully insured plan, as the University pays only for the health care claims of its own participants. Additionally, the plan has more flexibility to customize benefit plan design, as it is not regulated by most state requirements.

Faculty and staff share in the cost of the health plan in the form of deductibles, copays, coinsurance and paycheck contributions.

What is the difference between a self-insured vs. fully insured health plan?

• Under self-insured health plans, employers assume all financial risk for providing benefits to employees, allowing for more flexibility in plan design and potential cost savings, but also carrying more financial risk and administrative burden.

• Fully insured health plans involve employers paying a fixed premium to a health insurance carrier for their employees’ medical expenses, offering financial predictability but at higher premium to cover the cost of medical claims, their associated risk, and the insured costs, fees and taxes.

The University will offer a new plan with the largest dental provider network in Central New York. After an extensive review, including an independent analysis by a nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm and supported by the Employee Benefits Assessment Council, Excellus BCBS was selected as the dental insurance provider for faculty and staff effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Through Excellus BCBS, faculty and staff will have:

• Reduced costs: Depending on plan selection, individuals who enroll will experience a decrease in their paycheck contributions for both the preventive and comprehensive plans by $1 to $17 per month. This plan also guarantees no increase in rates through 2026.
• Orthodontia coverage: Orthodontia coverage will now be available to enrolled adults and dependents under the comprehensive plan.

As a reminder, this is the year to make changes to your dental and vision coverage—for a two-year commitment—unless you experience a qualifying life event. Elections will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.

For more information including, how to locate in-network providers, obtain member ID cards, and review important coverage details, visit the Dental Plan FAQs webpage.

The University offers a preventive dental plan, which covers two cleanings per year and other basic services, as well as a comprehensive plan that provides for both basic and major restorative services, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and orthodontics.

Your enrollment in either of the dental plans includes access to both in-network and out-of-network providers. To maximize your plan benefits, you may want to consider seeking care from an in-network provider.

Be sure to check out the benefit summaries for both the preventive and comprehensive plans to learn more about the dental coverage and understand the options available to you.

For more information including, how to locate in-network providers, obtain member ID cards, and review important coverage details, visit the Dental Plan FAQs webpage.

2025 Monthly Dental Plan Contributions

The following rates apply to benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Contributions are based on the 12-month calendar year. The actual deduction from your paycheck depends on your payroll deduction cycle.

For more information including, how to locate in-network providers, obtain member ID cards, and review important coverage details, visit the Dental Plan FAQs webpage.

• To provide faculty and staff with more flexibility and choice, vision coverage will be offered as a standalone benefit. Faculty and staff will no longer be required to enroll in dental to have vision coverage through VSP.
• There will be no increase in contributions for 2025.
• As a reminder, this is the year to make changes to your dental and vision coverage—for a two-year commitment—unless you experience a qualifying life event. Elections will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.

The VSP vision care plan provides coverage for routine eye exams, contact lens care, glasses and frames. Contributing to a health care flexible spending account (FSA) for 2025 may help to offset your out-of-pocket costs for vision and dental. Review our online resources to ensure you’re using your dental and vision benefits to the fullest.

2025 Monthly Vision Plan Contributions

The following rates apply to benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Contributions are based on the 12-month calendar year. The actual deduction from your paycheck depends on your payroll deduction cycle.

If you expect to have health care or dependent care expenses next year, setting aside money in an FSA is a great way to save on taxes—whether you enroll in the University’s health plans or have other coverage.

Under federal regulations, FSA elections will not continue into 2025 unless you take action during Open Enrollment. Unused funds from 2024 health care FSAs of up to $640 will carry over to 2025.There is no carryover option for dependent care FSAs.

2025 Flexible Spending Account Limits:

A Health Care FSA can be used for:

• Copays, coinsurance and deductibles from your health plans (even if you are not on the University’s health plan)
• Dental and vision expenses, including out-of-pocket costs
• Prescriptions and eligible health care products

A Dependent Care FSA can be used for:

• Day care expenses for a child under age 13 or adult dependent

Health care and dependent care FSAs have different rules. Be sure you read and understand which expenses are eligible when you can access the funds and how to file claims by the deadline. Details, online calculators and tips can be found on the HealthEquity website or on the FSA webpage.

Through the Dependent Care Subsidy Program, the University provides assistance to households with an annual income of less than $150,000. If approved, the subsidy amount listed below is per dependent, with an annual maximum benefit of $3,000.

• You may qualify for an annual tax-free dependent care subsidy of $1,500 for children under age 6, $750 for children ages 6 through 12 or $750 for adult or disabled dependents, when provided by qualified caregivers.
• If approved, the subsidy will be deposited by the University into a Dependent Care FSA on your behalf for use in 2025.
• If you think you may qualify, complete the application and return it to HR Shared Services by Dec. 6. You will be notified after this date if you are approved. For more information, visit the Dependent Care Subsidy Program webpage.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D):  The University provides you with life and AD&D insurance through MetLife, with options to purchase supplemental coverage for yourself and your family members at favorable group rates. Visit the Life Insurance webpage or the Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance webpage to learn more. A Statement of Health must be approved by MetLife before certain coverage is effective. With supplemental life insurance you also have access to a valuable additional benefit—free will preparation [PDF].

Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance. Offered through The Standard Life Insurance Company, this benefit provides supplemental income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Review information about the policy and how this benefit integrates with the University’s other disability programs.

Although you can change your retirement plan contributions at any time, Open Enrollment is a perfect time to evaluate what you’re setting aside for retirement and ensure you’re on track to meet your future goals. You can log in and review your retirement account balance online with TIAA and update your voluntary contributions during Open Enrollment through the Open Enrollment tile in MySlice. During the year, you can make changes to your voluntary contributions through the HR/Benefits tile in MySlice or by submitting the Voluntary Salary Reduction Form to HR Shared Services.

New for calendar year 2025:

• The maximum contribution is capped at $23,500*. If you are over age 50, or turn age 50 during calendar year 2025, you are permitted to make additional catch-up contributions of up to $7,500, for a total of $31,000*.
• Additionally for calendar year 2025, the University adopted an additional age-based catch-up provision available under the SECURE Act 2.0 provisions. This catch-up allows individuals ages 60-63 to be able to defer a greater portion of their salary to the Voluntary Retirement Plan. The higher catch-up amount is based on 150 percent of the regular age 50+ catch-up limit, as indexed. Therefore, if you reach age 60, 61, 62 or 63 during calendar year 2025, you may contribute a total of $34,750*.
• Shortly, you will receive an email from TIAA announcing your personal 2025 maximum retirement plan contribution limit. This email will be sent to your University email account.

*Employees who have completed at least 15 years of service with the University may be able to contribute additional catch-up amounts.

Provides faculty and staff with valuable access to advance both their own and any eligible dependents’ educational pursuits. Learn more about each policy on the tuition benefits webpage.

Programs and resources are available throughout the year to help faculty and staff find and support their healthiest, best self.

• Syracuse University Wellness Initiative. Provides learning opportunities, activities, programs and other resources to empower and encourage faculty and staff to make choices and changes that lead to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
• Carebridge, our Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Provides comprehensive counseling, worklife services, resources and events to you and your dependents. Licensed, credentialed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by calling Carebridge at 800.437.0911 (TTY: 711). 
• Financial Wellness Resources. The University provides faculty and staff with a variety of financial wellness resources to help navigate the financial demands of many of life’s most significant events. Resources include services such as financial counseling and educational opportunities through TIAA and Carebridge.
• Care. for Business. Eligible faculty and staff have access to a free premium membership for Care. for Business, where they can get help finding child care providers, tutors, elder caregivers, pet sitters, house cleaners and more through the world’s largest network of caregivers.
• Syracuse University Child Care Centers. Provides on-site, full-day early childhood education and care to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. For more information, visit the Syracuse University Child Care Centers webpage.
• Additional Resources. Please visit Human Resources’ WorkLife Benefits and Resources webpage to view the entire benefits program and all available resources to help support faculty and staff.

Provides expanded home ownership assistance to faculty and staff seeking to purchase, improve and live in homes in convenient proximity to campus. More information can be found on the Live Local webpage or by contacting the Office of Real Estate at realestate@syr.edu.

Find out about adoption assistance, auto and home insurance, discounts—including a season ticket discount for football, basketball and lacrosse—and more on the additional benefits webpage.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be offered on campus to faculty and staff on Nov. 14 and Nov. 20, in partnership with Wegmans Pharmacy. Appointments are required. Learn more on the wellness webpage.

There are several ways to connect with resources that will enable you to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. Please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with any questions or requests for accommodations.

• Meet in person on campus with representatives from Excellus BCBS and Human Resources to discuss any personal medical, dental or other benefit related questions. Members from the Employee Benefits Assessment Council will also be available to receive your input on the University’s benefits program for faculty and staff.
• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request. Walk ins are welcome.
• Review the on-demand information session to learn about your 2025 benefits.
• Call the University’s dedicated Excellus BCBS customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical or dental plan questions. Excellus BCBS’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.
• TIAA offers personalized advice and education to help you achieve your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (2873) (TTY: 800.842.2755) or sign up online.
• View the entire list of our benefit partners and all their contact information online.

Life circumstances can change from year to year, and Open Enrollment is a time to review who is covered under your benefits, add or remove dependents and update your other personal information. A few reminders:

• To review your personal information and beneficiary designations for your life insurance, go to the Employee Home page of MySlice. Here, you can:
  • Select the Personal Profile tile to review and update your personal information, such as your address, emergency contacts and military status.
  • Select the Payroll tile to review and update your tax withholding and direct deposit information.
  • Select the Open Enrollment tile to review and update your life insurance beneficiaries during Open Enrollment. To update your life insurance beneficiaries during the year, complete the MetLife Beneficiary Designation form [PDF] and return to HR Shared Services.
• Beneficiary designations for your retirement plan account are made through TIAA.
• If you add a dependent to any benefit plan, you must provide proof of eligibility (i.e., marriage license, domestic partner documentation, birth or adoption certificate, legal custody paperwork, etc.). Eligible dependent criteria can be reviewed at the Benefits Eligibility Policy webpage.

After reviewing all the important benefit highlights provided for 2025, follow these simple steps to make your selections for next year:

1. Log in to MySlice. From Oct. 28-Nov. 8, click the Open Enrollment tile located on the Employee Home page within MySlice to begin the enrollment process. If you do not know your NetID or password, visit Self-Serv or call 315.443.2677.
2. Select Your 2025 Benefits. Be sure to maximize your benefits! Don’t forget you can add/change/drop your plan options and dependents, elect an FSA, update your beneficiaries and more.
3. Click Finish. Be sure to update your selections by clicking FINISH to replace your prior choices. You can update your benefits as often as you like before the deadline of Nov. 8.
4. Review Your Confirmation Statement. Review the email sent to your Syracuse University email account. This will confirm your 2025 plan choices and pre/post tax costs