With comprehensive medical and dental coverage, tax-advantaged savings accounts and more, IU’s health plans work together to support employees’ well-being — physically, emotionally and financially.

To help you make the most of your coverage, IU Human Resources is highlighting the plan options, what’s included with each, and the complimentary programs and services available to help you prioritize your health.

Medical insurance

During Open Enrollment, Nov. 3 to 14, employees can choose from two medical plans: the Anthem PPO High Deductible Health Plan and the Anthem PPO $500 Deductible Plan.

Similarities between plans

Both plans cover the same medical, prescription, vision, transplant and mental health services; include nationwide and overseas coverage; offer preventive care at no cost; and provide prescription benefits through CVS Caremark and Archimedes Specialty.

Each plan also includes access to Marathon Health, a national network of health centers offering high-quality primary and sick care, chronic condition management, labs, health coaching and mental health counseling. Preventive care and labs are free, while most other services cost just $35. Many centers also offer same- or next-day appointments for urgent needs, either in person or virtually.

In 2026, Marathon Health is expanding its services to include:

• Diabetes and hypertension management: Employees with diabetes or high blood pressure can receive ongoing, personalized care through Marathon Health. The program emphasizes education and early intervention, and includes a free glucose meter and supplies for diabetics. Employees currently enrolled in Teladoc Health (Livongo) will receive direct communications about transitioning to Marathon Health.
• On-site dispensing of common medications: Marathon Health will also begin dispensing a select number of common prescriptions when prescribed during a visit. Examples include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, topical treatments, and medications for high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Availability may vary by location.

These new services build on Marathon Health’s commitment to whole-person care by providing quick and affordable access to essential treatment, preventive care and medications.

All IU medical-plan members also have access to these complimentary programs and services:

• Sydney Health app: Find doctors, view claims and access telehealth.
• LiveHealth Online telehealth: 24/7 virtual visits with board-certified providers for urgent, allergy, dermatology and mental health care.
• Mental/behavioral health support: Specialized programs for mental and behavioral health conditions, substance use disorder, eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder.
• Discounts on wellness products and services: Access savings on vision and hearing services, fitness trackers, gym memberships and other products/services that promote better health and well-being. Learn more by logging in to anthem.com; choose Care and select Discounts.
• Complimentary clinical review: If you are facing a complex medical condition, you can request a complimentary clinical review from specialists at the Cleveland Clinic. To request a review, call 833-355-0454, or email anthemreferral@ccf.org.

Differences between plans

When comparing IU’s medical plan options, it’s important to consider the total cost, which includes both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

• The HDHP has a higher deductible but much lower premiums. Enrolling in this plan also allows you to open a health savings account. This tax-advantaged account funded by you and IU can be used to pay for eligible health expenses now or in the future.
• The PPO $500 plan features lower deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, as well as predictable copays for urgent care/ER visits and prescriptions, but much higher monthly premiums and no HSA option.

The HSA, which is only available if you enroll in the HDHP, can be used to pay for expenses such as deductibles, copays, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and even certain over-the-counter products. Each year you’re enrolled, you’re required to make pre-tax HSA contributions between $300 and the IRS limit.

IU also contributes to your HSA account each year: $1,000 for employee-only coverage and $2,000 for all other levels in 2026. Your full balance rolls over each year, and the funds in the account remain yours, even if you leave IU or retire. This makes it a powerful tool for both short-term savings and long-term financial wellness.

Dental insurance

The IU Dental Plan offers comprehensive coverage for preventive and restorative care. In-network benefits include two routine cleanings/exams per year at no cost, a $25 annual deductible, and most other services covered at 50% up to the annual limit. You can increase your annual limit by receiving a preventive cleaning/exam each year.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, enrolling in the IU dental plan includes access to these complimentary programs and services:

• Virtual Dental Care: Meet with a dentist over video to address urgent dental concerns such as pain, swelling and infection.
• Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program: This program reimburses you for certain out-of-pocket dental costs used to treat gum disease and tooth decay. The program is for people with certain medical conditions that have been found to be associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, maternity and chronic kidney disease.
• MyCigna App: Find an in-network dentist, review your coverage, estimate your dental care costs and access your ID card.
• SmartScan home dental screening tool: Smart Scan is a new, free screening service available to Cigna Dental members that allows users to take a guided series of pictures of their teeth with any smartphone or web cam. These pictures are evaluated by AI and a licensed, in-network Cigna dentist to provide the user with an assessment of their current oral health.

Enroll in benefits Nov. 3 to 14

By taking advantage of these valuable programs, you’re not only getting the most out of your benefits, but you’re also investing in your well-being and becoming a more informed consumer of health care.

Open Enrollment for the upcoming plan year is Nov. 3 to 14, 2025. To explore the plan changes and premiums for 2026, or to sign up for virtual information sessions, visit the Open Enrollment website. For questions about Open Enrollment or IU benefits, contact AskHR at askhr@iu.edu.