Benefits > Health Insurance

Group Insurance Plan

This plan is provided for employees of the State of Tennessee and includes term life insurance, basic special accident insurance, and medical/hospitalization coverage. Employees and dependents will only be allowed to enroll during their initial eligibility period or if they have a qualifying event specified in the special enrollment provisions. Otherwise, employees must provide proof of insurability and be approved through late applicant procedures.  The life and accident insurance is handled by Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company, Chicago, Illinois. The medical care portion is self-insured by the State, and several medical plans are available. Information and benefit material regarding the State Group Insurance Program can be accessed at www.state.tn.us/finance/ins/ins.html

The Blue Select (PPO-Preferred Provider Organization) medical plan is administered by BlueCross and Blue Shield and is a comprehensive medical and hospitalization program. This plan has a six-month pre-existing condition clause.***

The second medical plan, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is handled by CIGNA Healthcare of Tennessee. Employees who elect to participate in an HMO agree to use the HMO doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. In-patient medical and hospital care is provided at $100 co-payment. Under the HMO Plan, subscribers are required to pay a $15 co-payment for an office visit, $20 co-pay for specialist, $50 co-pay for emergency room treatment, $5 for generic drugs, $20 for preferred brand name drugs, and $40 for non-preferred brand name drugs. Special benefits apply to mental health care and physical and speech therapy. HMO's do not have a pre-existing condition clause and there are no deductibles.

The Point of Service (POS) medical plan operates like an HMO with one added features:

-- you have the option of receiving care outside the POS network at a reduced benefit level and no referrals or PCP selections are required.

The POS plan is administered by CIGNA Healthcare of Tennessee. The plan has a six-month pre-existing condition clause. ***

The premium for the Group Insurance Plan is based on salary. The employee pays approximately 20% of the cost, and MTSU pays the balance.

***Any employee who provides certification of medical coverage that was in effect within 63 days of their employment with MTSU will not be subject to the pre-existing condition clauses under the PPO and POS health programs.