IU’s medical and dental plans go beyond basic coverage. They’re designed to support your health and well-being with flexible options and exclusive programs that empower you and your family to take charge of your health.

In this week’s Benefits Spotlight, we’ll break down the medical and dental coverage available to employees and share tips on making the most of your benefits in 2025.

Medical coverage

The university offers two voluntary medical plans for employees and family members: the Anthem PPO High Deductible Health Plan and the Anthem PPO $500 Deductible Plan. Both cover the same medical, prescription, vision and mental health services; include access to Anthem’s broad nationwide and overseas network of providers and facilities; and offer out-of-network benefits.

The HDHP has higher deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, but much lower monthly premiums. The PPO $500 Deductible Plan offers lower deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, but much higher monthly premiums. Enrolling in the HDHP also allows you to open a health savings account, a tax-advantaged account that can be used to pay for eligible health expenses tax-free. The HSA option isn’t available for PPO $500 Plan members.

Complimentary programs and services

When you enroll in either IU medical plan, you gain access to these added benefits:

• Sydney Health app: Find doctors, view claims and access telehealth.
• LiveHealth Online telehealth: 24/7 virtual visits with board-certified providers for urgent, allergy and dermatology care. You can also schedule appointments with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Marathon Health employee health centers: Access comprehensive preventive and acute care, chronic condition management, lab services, health coaching, and mental/behavioral health counseling, with the added flexibility of both in-person and virtual appointments. Most visits cost $35 or less and are billed through your medical plan like any other claim.
• Mental/behavioral health support: Specialized programs for mental and behavioral health conditions, substance use disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Diabetes and hypertension management: Free, expert support for diabetes and hypertension, including free monitoring tools and supplies.
• Discounts on wellness products and services: Savings on vision and hearing services, fitness trackers, gym memberships, and other products/services that promote better health and well-being.

 

Maximize your benefits

• Preventive care at no cost: Most routine checkups, screenings and vaccinations are covered at no cost and can help detect more serious conditions early.
• Tax-free accounts to pay for care: Funds in health savings accounts and healthcare flexible spending accounts can be used to pay for eligible health expenses tax-free. Read a previous Benefits Spotlight to compare these accounts.
• Telehealth for non-emergency care: Telehealth visits offer a convenient, affordable alternative to visiting an urgent care clinic. Telehealth visits through Anthem LiveHealth Online are available 24/7 for minor illnesses or injuries for adults and children. Help is also available for Spanish speakers. Marathon Health also offers virtual appointments for primary and sick care and mental health counseling.

 

Dental coverage

The university offers one voluntary dental plan for benefits-eligible employees and family members through Cigna. When you visit an in-network dentist, there’s a $25 annual deductible, and other services are covered at 50% up to the annual benefit limit. Coverage also includes two free routine exams/cleanings per year.

Complimentary programs and services

Enrollment in the IU dental plan through Cigna also includes access to:

• MyCigna App: Find an in-network dentist, review your coverage, estimate your dental care costs and access your ID card.
• 24/7 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: If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that’s associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, maternity or chronic kidney disease, this program reimburses you for certain out-of-pocket dental costs used to treat gum disease and tooth decay.

Maximize your benefits

• Free preventive care: When you receive at least one preventive exam/cleaning during the year, your annual benefit limit will increase by $100 in the subsequent year, up to a maximum of $1,500.
• Virtual visit with dentist for urgent care: If you experience an urgent dental concern such as pain, swelling or infection, you can speak with a dentist virtually 24/7 who can address your concerns and write a prescription for antibiotics, if needed.

Learn more

By taking advantage of these valuable resources, 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 2025 plan year will take place Nov. 4 to 15. Visit the Open Enrollment website for detailed information on each plan and resources to help you make informed decisions. For questions about Open Enrollment or IU benefits, contact AskHR at askhr@iu.edu.