A view of the front of Old Main
Dec 14

2024 Benefits Reminders

University Park, PA. - As the new year approaches, Penn State HR would like to provide the following information/reminders to Penn State employees:

Insurance Contacts

  • Highmark Blue Shield: (844) 945-5509
  • United Concordia Dental: (800) 423-8217
  • EyeMed Vision: (866) 939-3633

Active Employee Health Plan ID Cards:

  • Full-time and part-time employees enrolled in a medical plan election for 2024, WILL receive new ID cards from Highmark Blue Shield, with an expected arrival date at their homes prior to January 1, 2024.
  • Highmark ID cards will be for both medical and prescription coverage on one card.

If you have not received your card by January 2, 2024:

  • You should first check/update your mailing address on file at accounts.psu.edu or contact HR Services at (814) 865-1473 for address change assistance.
  • Call Highmark at (844) 945-5509 to request additional ID cards be mailed to your home.
  • You may also download the app on your phone and contact Highmark Blue Shield directly at (844) 945-5509 to obtain your ID number.

Health Savings Account (HSA) Elections:

  • Employees newly enrolled in the Lion Advantage plan WILL receive Health Savings Account (HSA) Welcome Kits from HealthEquity at their homes, including a debit card, prior to January 1, 2024.
  • Employees who are remaining in the Lion Advantage plan for 2024 will NOT receive new debit cards from HealthEquity. The current cards will be replaced prior to the expiration date or report of loss/damage to the card.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Elections:

  • Employees newly enrolled in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) WILL receive a Welcome Kit/Debit Card from HealthEquity at their homes; those enrolled in the Dependent Care FSA will receive a Welcome Kit from HealthEquity at their homes prior to January 1, 2024.
  • Employees re-electing the Health Care FSA will NOT receive new debit cards. The current cards will be replaced prior to the expiration date or report of loss/damage to the card.

Dental and/or Vision Elections:

  • Newly enrolled employees in United Concordia Dental and/or EyeMed Vision plans WILL receive ID cards at their homes prior to January 1, 2024.
  • Existing employees remaining in the Dental and/or Vision plans for 2024 will NOT receive new ID cards, as the current cards are still active.
  • Technical Service employees opting into the Dental Plus and/or Vision Plus (per their Collective Bargaining Agreement) plans WILL receive ID cards at their homes prior to January 1, 2024.

​​​​COVID laboratory testing – Deductible & Coinsurance Apply 

As announced in Penn State Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ended the public health emergency on May 11. Starting on June 1, 2023, any COVID-related testing is no longer covered at 100% and are subject to deductible and coinsurance under the Penn State medical plans. 
As a result of the end of the emergency declaration, several health insurance coverage and cost-share waivers have changed including:

  • COVID-19 vaccines will remain covered through both of the Highmark Blue Shield plans at $0 cost share, when provided by an in-network provider as a preventive service. 
  • Over-the-counter COVID-19 testing will be an eligible expense through a FSA or HSA, or an employee can pay out of pocket.  
  • The federal government is providing four free at-home COVID-19 tests for every U.S. household through COVID.gov/tests. 

The services listed below will continue to be covered under the Penn State Highmark Blue Shield health care plans’ standard cost share amounts (copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance where applicable):    

  • COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing 
  • Related services to diagnose COVID-19 — office visit (in-person or telehealth), emergency room or urgent care
  • Prescription antiviral treatment

Please discuss with your physician the financial impact of any COVID-19 testing that may be prescribed – certain tests can cost ~$1,500 or more, which will apply to your 2024 deductible that begins January 1, 2024.

Benefits-eligible employees can contact the Penn State Highmark concierge customer service team at 844-945-5509 with further questions. 

Confidential Employee Resources Always Available

If you are in need immediate support during the winter break, please reach out to our Employee Assistance Program, Health Advocate by calling 1-866-799-2728 through the remainder of 2023. HealthAdvocate will take your confidential call for in the moment support and forward requests for counseling or continued support with our new EAP, SupportLinc, on and after January 1, 2024.