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Making the Most of Your Benefits

At Western Governors University (WGU), we pride ourselves on helping people achieve their dreams. This isn't an aspiration limited to our students. It extends to every member of our team. We're proud to have a role in providing the benefits and services that help you reach your total health and wellbeing goals so you can achieve your dreams, too.

Because of inflation across every category of health care, organizations and their employees across the U.S. continue to face the challenge of benefit costs increasing faster than other business costs. Medical plan costs alone continue to represent a significant percentage of overall benefits expense. At WGU, we expect to spend over $100 million on medical benefits in 2024, which is 67% of our total benefits cost. While WGU has absorbed cost increases over the last two years and generously covers over 82% of total plan costs, you will see a moderate increase to your pay period contributions for all medical plans in 2024. If you elect the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), the annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum for 2024 will increase as well.

When something impacts your costs, we're mindful of how that might change your personal decisions. WGU continually evaluates ways to mitigate the rising cost of health care and acts on opportunities likely to help impact future costs. For example, our partnership with Omada provides specialized support for conditions like diabetes and hypertension that impact many of our plan members.

Many of our benefits are not changing at all in 2024, but a few are expanding. Participants in our Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity supplemental plans will see improved coverage terms and wellness incentives. Carrot, WGU’s partner for inclusive fertility health, hormonal health, and family-forming benefits, will offer even more personalized support, and Cigna's Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies program will be available to all expectant parents enrolled in WGU medical coverage.

Our organization is fortunate to be in a position to offer a comprehensive and affordable employee rewards package. To make the most of our health care coverage in 2024, and to maximize your own health, please take full advantage of the WGU Wellbeing program and engage with all the resources that are available on this site.

Bonnie Pattee
Senior Vice President, People & Talent

 

WELCOME TO YOUR 2024 BENEFITS

Every year, we take a close look at our benefits and consider what changes are necessary. Sometimes that involves cost increases to meet our fiscal responsibility objectives. We have to be good stewards of our finances so we can continue our mission and vision, just as you should to maintain your health and wellbeing. Review the chart below for a high-level overview of what’s new for 2024.

What’s Changing for 2024
Employee Contributions At WGU, we work hard to make smart decisions about managing costs while offering competitive, comprehensive benefits for our employees. The cost for health coverage continues to rise year-over-year, and WGU absorbed the cost of overall premium increases for the last two years. Striking this careful balance can translate to increased employee contributions from time to time. While these decisions are never easy, they allow us to continue providing the benefits employees value most and reinvest in new and improved offerings. For 2024, you will see a modest increase in your payroll deductions for WGU medical coverage. Depending on your wellbeing incentive participation and coverage election, your payroll deductions will be between $5 and $20 per paycheck, with most increases under $10. All other benefit plan premiums paid via payroll will remain the same.
Medical Increased Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum for the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
The 2024 in-network deductible for the HDHP will increase from $1,500 to $2,000 for employee-only coverage and from $3,000 to $3,500 for family coverage.

The 2024 limit on out-of-pocket expenses for HDHP coverage (including items such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance, but not premiums) will increase from $3,800 to $4,000 for individual coverage, and from $7,600 to $8,000 for family coverage.

Note: The deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for out-of-network services will also increase for the HDHP in 2024.
Prescription Drugs Employees automatically receive Cigna ‘s Price Assure, Powered by GoodRx® for discounted pricing on certain medications. Shopping around for coupons or discount cards at the pharmacy counter is a thing of the past, and it includes most commonly used generics filled at any in-network retail pharmacy where GoodRx®discount cards are accepted. No discount card required!
Fertility, Adoption & Surrogacy Carrot will be enhanced and expanded to provide support for perimenopause/menopause, low testosterone, 1:1 pregnancy coaching, expert-led small group sessions, access to in-person doula care, and more. Some services may require WGU medical coverage.
Healthy Pregnancy Support Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies program through Cigna: You and your baby get expert help to stay healthy during your pregnancy and in the days and weeks following your baby’s birth. As a participant, you will have opportunities for education and support through your entire pregnancy and after. Visit the Family Planning section for more information.
Health Savings Account (HSA) The annual HSA contribution limits will increase from $4,150 to $4,150 for employee-only coverage and from $8,300 to $8,300 for family coverage.
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) The health care FSA limit for 2024 is $3,200. If you elect the maximum FSA amount, your contributions will be updated to the new maximum when released. Remember that any remaining balance of $640  or less will be carried over to the next year. You will lose any funds in excess of $640. 
Business Travel Accident Insurance Business travel accident insurance offers coverage in the event of sickness or accidental death or dismemberment when you’re traveling on WGU business. This is a WGU-paid benefit covering all employees who travel on WGU business. This coverage provides many benefits, including:
  • 24-hour worldwide business travel protection
  • Medical coverage for injury or sickness while traveling outside the U.S.
  • Travel assistance services
  • Emergency medical evacuation
Life Insurance No changes
Disability Insurance No changes
Expanded Bereavement Policy WGU’s bereavement time off policy has been increased to up to 10 days per incident with manager approval. For details on WGU’s expanded Bereavement Policy, please reference the Employee Handbook that is available in the WGU People Center.
New Digital ID Cards Starting in 2024, Cigna will not automatically issue physical ID cards for medical or dental coverage. Instead, you have immediate access to your digital ID cards and proof of coverage anytime via myCigna.com or the myCigna mobile app. You can view your cards and digitally share it with your providers. If you would like a printed card, you may still request one through myCigna.com or by calling 800-244-6224.

Under WGU’s vision plan through EyeMed, you don’t need an ID card as long as you use an in-network provider. Your provider will be able to locate your coverage record by your name and other details. If you would like a printed vision plan ID card, you can still request one through eyemed.com/member.
Enhancements to Supplemental Protection WGU’s supplemental coverages (Accidental Injury, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity) are primarily intended to help safeguard your personal finances. They are designed to complement your medical plan by providing financial protection in the event of a serious health problem or accident. These plans are not intended to replace true medical coverage.

For 2024, these supplemental protections will be enhanced with improved wellness incentive amounts and payment methods, and will be expanded to apply to more wellness check-ups. Other special improvements will also be implemented for COVID-19 illness, certain hospital or skilled nursing stays, and improved tracking of submitted claims.
Spring Health Coaching Effective January 1, 2024, in addition to 10 free therapy sessions each calendar year, 10 motivational coaching sessions will be available at no cost for you and your covered dependents aged 18 and older. Motivational coaches can help you set and meet goals around managing stress, relationships, parenting, and more. Watch for more information about this enhancement in the coming months. Visit wgubenefits.com or wgu.springhealth.com to start exploring the full spectrum of Spring Health services.

2024 Employee Contributions for Medical Coverage

Plan/Tier Employee Cost Per Paycheck (Biweekly Rates)
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Employee Only $35.71
Employee + 1 $104.83
Employee + Family $174.94
Cigna HDHP enrollees can quality for the HSA contribution from WGU
WGU HSA Match Employee Only: $38.46 per paycheck ($1,000/yr max)
Employee + 1 or Family: $76.92 per paycheck ($2,000/yr max)
WGU HSA Wellbeing Contribution $750 Annual
Traditional Low Deductible Plan (LDHP) without Wellbeing Credit
Employee Only $149.90
Employee + 1 $262.93
Employee + Family $338.53
Traditional Low Deductible Plan (LDHP) with Wellbeing Credit
Employee Only $75.91
Employee + 1 $188.94
Employee + Family $264.55