2027 ENROLLMENT
How to choose a medical plan
Medical plan features
Compare key features of the two HDHPs and the new Premier PPO to see how the plans differ. For complete details, review the medical plan comparison.
Basic HDHP
Core HDHP
Premier PPO
Choose the Plan to Fit Your Life
Everyone's healthcare needs are different. Review the scenarios below to see how the three medical plans may align with different priorities, healthcare needs and budgets.
“I want more predictable healthcare costs.”
Jordan’s Story 5
“I want flexibility and long-term savings.”
Marcus’s Story 5
“I want the lowest premium.”
Taylor’s Story 5
Jordan’s story
“I want more predictable healthcare costs.”
Jordan and her covered family members use healthcare regularly. Between preventive visits, prescriptions, specialist appointments and ongoing care, she values knowing what she'll pay when care is needed.
What matters most to Jordan:
- Copays at the time of service instead of paying the full cost until a deductible is met
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- Access to preferred providers
- Lower costs when her family receives care but higher monthly premiums
Jordan may want to consider: Premier PPO
Marcus’s story
“I want flexibility and long-term savings.”
Marcus wants to balance healthcare costs today with saving for the future healthcare expenses. Because his medical needs may vary from year to year, he values the flexibility and triple-tax advantages of an HSA along with comprehensive coverage.
What matters most to Marcus:
- Balancing premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Saving through an HSA
- Preparing for future healthcare expenses
- Financial protection if a serious illness or injury occurs
Marcus may want to consider: Core HDHP with HSA
Taylor’s story
“I want the lowest premium.”
Taylor wants to keep paycheck deductions as low as possible. She typically only needs preventive care, is comfortable taking on more financial responsibility if care is needed and values the tax advantages of an HSA.
What matters most to Taylor:
-
Lowest monthly premiums
-
Maximizing take-home pay
-
Saving through an HSA
-
Financial protection if an unexpected illness or injury occurs
Taylor may want to consider: Basic HDHP
HELPFUL TIP: Employees who choose the Basic HDHP and earn less than $100,000 annually receive the Critical Illness Plan and the Accident Plan at no cost.
Confirm your providers.
Use Aetna DocFind to verify that your doctors, specialists and hospitals participate in your plan's network. If you are considering the Premier PPO, look for preferred providers with the Quality & Effective Care badge in the Aetna Choice® POS II (Open Access) network to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.