ANNUAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT
10/31/22 to 11/18/22
PLANS THAT EVOLVE WITH YOUR NEEDS
Designed with you in mind, our 2023 plan options offer better choices, improved access and quality care—for everyone. We listened to your feedback and enhanced our offerings this year to meet the changing needs of you and your family.
NOW FOCUSING ON:
A commitment to upgrading your health
We've designed our benefits to simplify the experience of accessing affordable, quality healthcare. The health of our employees and their families is our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Excellence ongoing
For this year's plan offerings, we continue to emphasize quality-based networks and affordable, sustainable plans. We will also continue to offer concierge support through your selected plan and you'll still have access to health and wellness programs to help you stay healthy.
Your dental and vision plans and providers will remain the same. Also, additional benefits designed to provide financial security for you and your family will not change. These include life insurance, personal accident insurance, hospital indemnity and long-term disability.
Make the most of your benefits
Because the medical plans we offer are some of the industry's best, it's important that you actively enroll. That means carefully reviewing your plan options even if you're satisfied with your current coverage. Make sure your preferred doctor is in your network.
To make the most of your benefits, it's important that you review all your options carefully. Consider what's most important to you—whether it's a favorite doctor, lower monthly premiums or more hands-on support for your health issues. Whatever your priorities, there's a health plan that fits your needs.
*Depending on your plan, there may be changes to your pharmacy prescription benefits effective 1/1/2023. If your plan has changes, you'll receive a letter from CVS or your carrier. Go to the CVS website to learn more.
NOW ANSWERING:
Frequently asked questions
Updated as of Nov. 11, 2022
What's new for 2023?+
Designed with you in mind, our 2023 plan options offer greater choices, improved access and quality care—for everyone. We listened to your feedback and enhanced our offerings this year to meet the changing needs of you and your family.
Overall, we've kept changes to a minimum for 2023. But the few changes we did make will benefit you—like adding copays to plans to help better predict costs, providing more choices for quality care by bringing back a preferred PPO plan and reducing some out-of-pocket maximums to make care more affordable. We've also added doctors to some networks and improved search tools to make finding a quality provider easier in 2023.
Can I have tomorrow what I have today?+
Yes. You'll still have a choice of the same plans (PPO, EPO and HMO) but some of the cost-sharing amounts and out-of-pocket maximums have improved since last year. You may also have a new insurance carrier for your medical plan depending on where you live and which plan you select for 2023.
How can I decide which medical plan is best for me? Where can I go to learn more about my options?+
We're committed to providing the answers, with a multitude of resources available for employees from concierge services, tools to confirm that doctors are in-network, personalized communications, proactive outreach, educational sessions, virtual presentations and more.
Utilize Accolade to help you choose the plan that best fits you and your family's needs. Visit Your Benefits Resources (YBR) at benefits.ual.com to learn more about your plan offerings, comparison charts and more.
In addition to plan support, United has a new partnership with AccessHope, a comprehensive virtual cancer support tool that offers services across the continuum of care including prevention screenings, post-diagnosis support and survivorship.
Are employee premiums going up significantly?+
Employee premiums on average will increase less than one percent across our plan offerings. This is considerably lower than current medical inflation rates.
How do networks differ across plan types? Will I have to change my doctor next year?+
Nearly 100% of primary care physicians and mental health specialists offered in our 2022 plans will be available in-network in one or more of our 2023 plans. Employees will have a choice between plans with a broad network, plans with a narrow network and will have provider search tools as well as concierge services available to help find their preferred specialists. Be sure to use the "Find a Doctor" tool on YBR to make sure your preferred doctor is in-network or to find a new doctor for 2023.
What do I need to do?+
Here's a list of action items to remember for this year's Annual Benefits Enrollment:
- Annual Benefits Enrollment takes place October 31 - November 18, 2022.
- Employees can find everything they need to educate themselves and enroll on YBR—no need to call the United Airlines Benefits Center (UABC) unless your question cannot be resolved through YBR.
- The Alight Mobile app and texting with the United Airlines Benefits Center (UABC) are both available, providing employees with hands-on access to their benefits.
- The Find a Doctor tool is available on YBR to confirm if a doctor will be in-network for 2023. The tool will be available during pre-enrollment and through the enrollment period. Employees can also call Accolade for assistance in finding a doctor.
- Benefits guides will be available on YBR October 24, 2022.
What is a health concierge?+
A health concierge is your personal health assistant. They can help with any healthcare needs you and your family may have. They can help you find a doctor, decide where to go for a procedure and find lower-cost options for prescriptions and other care. Your concierge can also answer health questions, as well as help you understand your benefits and check on claims. When you enroll, you'll receive information about your concierge provider.
I am happy with my coverage for 2022 and would like to stay in my same plan. What do I need to do?+
Your elections will automatically roll over to 2023 if you do not enroll before November 18—no action is required on your part if you would like to keep your coverage for 2023. However, we encourage all employees to actively enroll in YBR and make sure your coverage still meets you and your family's needs for the upcoming plan year. Also, even if you plan to keep the same coverage, confirm your providers are in-network.
What is an HSA? How do I know I have one?+
Think of an HSA as a way to build a "nest egg" for future health expenses. Any money you set aside each month to your HSA can be used for out-of-pocket healthcare costs within that same year or well into retirement. As an added benefit, United will also contribute to your HSA each year, making your healthcare dollars stretch further. Visit YBR>Your Spending Accounts>Eligible Expenses to confirm what kind of expenses would be eligible for your HSA.
You have an HSA through United's HSA administrator if at any point you have been enrolled in the United Savings PPO or a United-sponsored health plan that included an HSA.
I'm hearing about wellness incentives United offers. What do I need to do to receive the $800?+
This incentive applies to those who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in the United Savings PPO plan for 2023:
- If you are currently enrolled in the United Savings PPO plan and complete your annual physical by December 31, 2022, you are eligible to receive $800 into your Health Savings Account (HSA)—$1,600 if covering yourself and any dependents.
- If you choose to enroll in the United Savings PPO plan for 2023, you must complete your physical between January 1, 2023 and March 31, 2023 to receive the incentive amounts ($800 for yourself, or $1,600 for you and dependent(s)).
I have dependents. For our family to get the full $1,600 into our HSA by participating in the United Savings PPO, do my dependents also need to complete the physical exam by the dates above?+
If your spouse is enrolled, they must also complete their physical exam to receive the additional incentive. If only you and your dependent child[ren] are enrolled, you can complete the physical and receive the full $1,600.
Where can I learn more about dental and vision insurance? Where do I go if I have dental and vision questions?+
Check out the Price and Compare tool in YBR to compare dental and vision options side-by-side. You will be able to select dental and vision insurance at the end of your enrollment journey—it is the final step before confirming your Annual Benefits Enrollment for 2023 in YBR. You can call the United Airlines Benefits Center (UABC) or call the number on the back of your insurance card if you have any questions.
I'm a new hire and have questions about enrolling in my benefits for 2022 and 2023.+
Welcome to United! New employees hired August 1, 2022 or later are eligible for personalized counseling with licensed benefits counselors that you can schedule during your first 45 days of employment. Benefits counselors will walk you through 2022 and 2023 benefits offerings and can also help you enroll.
- Get the information you need: Shortly after your start date, you'll receive information via email and a postcard in the mail outlining where to go to schedule your appointment, as well as reminder calls and emails. You can also make your personalized appointment via the Get Enrolled page on lifeatunited.com, by direct access through united.myenrollmentinfo.com or by calling 877-260-7563.
- While the process to enroll with a counselor is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for all our new benefit-eligible employees to participate. The Your Benefits Resources (YBR) enrollment platform is available if you choose to enroll in benefits on your own outside of setting an appointment.
How can I get benefits information and reminders?+
Download the Alight mobile app and sign up for text messaging. The Alight mobile app gives you coverage info on demand and opting into text messages from Alight ensures you receive enrollment updates as soon as we have them.
The Alight app is available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store for employees to download to their personal devices.
- To enroll in text messaging, access YBR and navigate to the "Your Profile" drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Manage Communications" option.
- Under the "General Benefits" section, scroll down to "Text Messages for Benefits."
- Click the change button, review the opt-in authorization language, check the box to opt-in and then click "Save and Return."
- A confirmation text will be sent to you within moments to confirm you accurately signed up.
FINANCE 101:
Understanding healthcare costs
Know who pays and when
As consumers, we pay for healthcare in different ways:
Premiums
The amount you pay for your health insurance every month.
Out-of-pocket (OOP) costs
What we pay when we see a doctor or receive a healthcare service. OOP costs can be in the form of:
Copays
flat-fee payments we pay before we see the doctor
Coinsurance
percentages of the total discounted cost of the service
Deductibles
a set dollar amount you must pay before the plan starts to pay
To consider the cost of a plan, it's important to consider premiums, copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
A plan with lower premiums, like a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), usually has higher out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Other factors like the doctors and hospitals you can choose from play into healthcare decisions as well.
If you pay high premiums but don't go to the doctor, you are paying for care you don't use. Some high-deductible health plans can be costly. However, United's HDHP, the United Savings PPO with HSA, offers a great way to save. With the United Savings PPO plan, individuals earn up to $800 for their HSA from United when they get their annual physical. Individuals also recieve up to $3,000 in critical illness insurance. With the Core HDHP plan, individuals earn funding for their HSA when they complete their annual physical, but the Core HDHP plan does not include critical illness insurance.
Note: Unused money in your HSA rolls over from year to year (if you're enrolled in the Core HDHP or United Savings PPO with HSA). The money remains yours even if you leave the health plan or move to a different employer.
You can choose from four different types of health plans in 2023
All plans offer prescription drug coverage, a network of doctors and hospitals with a demonstrated track record of delivering quality healthcare, access to virtual primary and mental healthcare, an on-call medical concierge, and free health and wellness tools.
PPO (HSA)
United Savings PPO
offers you the most freedom when it comes to choosing the doctors and hospitals you want to use—both in- and out-of-network—at one of the lowest premiums of all the plans. It's a high-deductible health plan that works with an HSA account that is yours for life.
- You are responsible for paying your annual deductible before plan pays percentage of covered costs
- HSA funds can be used to offset deductible and out-of-pocket costs
- United deposits money into your HSA after completion of your annual physical
- Unused funds roll over year to year, allowing you to build a healthcare "nest egg"
- Additionally, with this plan United offers $3,000 in critical illness insurance, including coverage for COVID-19
PPO
United PPO and United PPO 1250
offer the ability for you to use both in- and out-of network doctors, specialists and facilities.
- Like the United Savings PPO, but without the HSA
- Features some of the highest premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs
EPO
Centivo Platinum Plus EPO, United Silver Plus PPO and Bronze EPO
offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than the PPO, but limits you to providers within an exclusive network of doctors, hospitals and specialists that meet the highest quality and cost standards. To be clear, there are no out-of-network benefits, except in the case of an emergency.
- No out-of-network benefits
- Features coverage for preventive care
- Smallest network of doctors and hospitals, but all meet strict quality requirements
- With United Silver Plus EPO, you have access to high-quality providers within a narrow network
- Centivo Platinum Plus EPO plan available only in select parts of CT, NJ, NY, and PA surrounding EWR and MCO, and select zip codes around LAX and DEN
HMO
HMO Plans
offer the benefit of lower premiums and generally predictable out-of-pocket costs for individuals willing to work closely with their primary care physician (PCP) to manage their health. HMO options are available only to employees within defined states.
- Available only in CA, CO, DC, GA, HI, IL, MD, OH, OR, TX, VA, WA, and WV
- Copays may be lower than with other health plans
- May be a good option for those with multiple or complex health issues
- You are required to choose a PCP; referrals are needed prior to seeing a specialist
In some regions, employees may have access to plans unavailable elsewhere. Visit YBR at benefits.ual.com during Annual Benefits Enrollment to compare all of your plan options in detail.
Things to consider while choosing your plan:
Need help choosing?
During Annual Benefits Enrollment, use the Enrollment Reimagined tool on Your Benefits Resources (YBR) to help you decide. Answer a few simple questions about your healthcare usage, and the tool will look at your past claims to see what plan best fits your needs.
Do you go to the doctor a lot?
If you have small children or an ongoing health issue, you may find yourself in a doctor's office every few weeks or so. In that case, you might prefer a plan like the United Silver Plus EPO, with higher premiums but lower deductibles, copays and coinsurance, so you spend less for each doctor visit. However, there is no coverage for out-of-network doctors, hospitals or facilities except in the case of an emergency. You'll have access to those with a track record of offering high-quality care. And in the end, the best care costs less because patients get better outcomes.
Are you good at saving or don't go to the doctor very often?
Then a plan like the United Savings PPO with HSA might be perfect for you. When you set aside the money you're saving on premiums each month and apply it to your HSA, you will build up a healthcare "nest egg" that carries over from year to year to cover your out-of-pocket costs. As an added benefit, United will also contribute to your HSA each year, making your healthcare dollars stretch further. And if you don't need it now, you can save it to cover healthcare costs in retirement. It is your money, set aside for your healthcare. You also have your choice of in- or out-of-network doctors and hospitals, although you'll save more when you choose from in-network providers.
Willing to pay a little more for a broader network?
The United PPO 1250 offers the broadest selection of doctors and hospitals, although you will always pay less when you stay in-network. Unlike the United Savings PPO, however, it is not eligible for an HSA. While it features a higher premium, the deductible and out-of-pocket costs are lower.
Prefer a balance?
Consider the United PPO. You have the freedom of choosing from any doctor or hospital (although choosing an in-network provider saves you more), with middle-of-the-road premiums, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Why an HSA might be the way to go
An HSA (Health Savings Account) is an account that helps you pay for qualified medical expenses and is designed to work with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This option is specific to the United Savings PPO and Core HDHP with an HSA.
Some of its many benefits include:
- Low premiums
- Triple-tax savings
- Earning wellness incentives up to $800 for individuals, $1,600 for families ($750/$1,500 in the Core HDHP plan)
- Automatic critical illness insurance is included in the United Savings PPO with HSA
- No "use it or lose it" rule
Triple savings.
With an HSA your money goes in tax-free, it earns interest tax-free, and it's also tax-free when you withdraw money—as long as you use it for eligible healthcare expenses. You can also roll over funds from year to year, and the money is yours to keep even if you leave United or retire.
A few ways you might use an HSA:
If you're anticipating a big healthcare expense in the future, such as having a baby, an HSA is a good strategy for setting aside money, so you don't have to worry about unexpected expenses later.
If you were previously spending $300 a month on your monthly premiums, but the United Savings PPO has reduced that amount to $200, you can apply those savings to your HSA to offset your deductible or out-of-pocket costs.
If you plan on changing jobs or using the money next year, your HSA will always be there. It is a rollover account, which means unused funds are never lost and are tax-deferred.
Note: If you have an HSA and also elect to contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), the HCFSA will become limited in purpose.
No matter which option you choose, you benefit from:
- 100% coverage for preventive care
- Health and wellness tools and programs provided free of charge
- Prescription drug coverage
- A network of doctors and hospitals with a demonstrated track record in delivering quality healthcare to patients
- Convenient access to virtual primary and mental healthcare
- An on-call concierge to help you manage your healthcare and health plan details
NOW ARRIVING:
Annual Benefits Enrollment: October 31 - November 18, 2022
It's time to take action. Whether you're satisfied with your current coverage or expect to have different needs in 2023, this is the time to learn about your options and actively choose your health benefits plan for next year.
Remember, you must actively enroll to elect a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) account for 2023.
Note: The wellness credit 1 and spousal surcharge2 2022 elections roll over for 2023
Visit Your Benefits Resources (YBR) for your personal coverage and plan details, as well as to compare your health plan premiums on YBR, beginning October 24, 2022.
Access YBR through Flying Together > Employee Services > Health & Insurance (YBR) Access YBR through or go to benefits.ual.com, or download the Alight Mobile app.
1 If you have previously indicated that you (and, if applicable, your covered spouse / qualified domestic partner) are tobacco-free, you will not have to indicate this again, as 2022 elections will roll over.
2 If you have previously indicated that your spouse/qualified domestic partner does not have access to subsidized health coverage through their own employer, you will not have to indicate this when you actively enroll for 2023, as 2022 elections will roll over.
United offers a wide variety of tools and resources to help you make the most of your 2023 benefits.
Over the next few weeks, a series of onsite pop-up sessions will help you learn more about healthcare options, find the best provider for you and your family and decide which medical plans are the best fit. United representatives will be able to answer questions you may have.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR FINDING AN IN-NETWORK DOCTOR
- Narrow your search by using the filters for specialty, language, gender and distance preferences.
- For best results, search by the doctor's last name, and look for the green check mark to confirm they are in-network for the plan, instead of the name of the practice where they work.
- Be sure to double check spelling.
- If you're not seeing many options, increasing the search distance will show more in-network doctors.
- Be sure to confirm the address of the location you wish to visit as doctors may practice at more than one facility. Keep in mind, even though your doctor may be in-network with a specific practice or hospital, this does not mean that the entire facility is in-network.
- Remember that each medical plan has a different provider network. While not all doctors participate in the networks of all plans, most will participate in one or more plans offered by United.
TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT PROVIDER
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BENEFITS
Key Dates | Onsite pop-up sessions
- LOCATION: ORD
- DATE: 11/1/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 CDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Walkway between concourses B & C, under B escalators
- LOCATION: SFO
- DATE: 11/1/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 PDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: United Baggage Service in Terminal 3 Hallway Between Employee Bus stop and Carousel #1
- LOCATION: DENTK
- DATE: 11/1/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1400 MDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: FTC Cafe
- LOCATION: SFO-MX
- DATE: 11/2/22
- TIME: 0530 - 1300 PDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Open Area Next to Main Cafeteria
- LOCATION: DEN
- DATE: 11/2/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 MDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: B36 Breakroom
- LOCATION: LAX
- DATE: 11/3/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 PDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Ramp Breakroom T7
- LOCATION: CSC
- DATE: 11/3/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 CDT
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: 4th floor Social Room
- LOCATION: HSC
- DATE: 11/8/22
- TIME: 0800 - 1300 CST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: 12th floor conference area - Rooms 12102 & 12112
- LOCATION: IAH-MX
- DATE: 11/9/22
- TIME: 1300 - 2000 CST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Hangar E Floor
- LOCATION: IAH
- DATE: 11/10/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 CST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Near gate C30
- LOCATION: Chicago RES
- DATE: 11/15/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 CST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: First floor lunch room
- LOCATION: IAD
- DATE: 11/15/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 EST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Conference rooms A & B (across from claim area 1)
- LOCATION: Houston RES
- DATE: 11/16/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 CST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: TBD
- LOCATION: EWR
- DATE: 11/16/22
- TIME: 1000 - 1600 EST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Liberty Conference Room
- LOCATION: MCO
- DATE: 11/17/22
- TIME: 0700 - 1500 EST
- EVENT SPACE LOCATION: Hangar Floor
Important dates to remember
Timeline for enrollment:
