As was shared in a recent Hornet Hive message, Kalamazoo College is reviewing possible changes to our 2027 health benefits. These are proposals, not final decisions. The Benefits and Compensation Review Group provided feedback, and your questions are welcome.

What would stay the same?

The following benefits and services would continue:

• Nomi Network (Tier 1): No-cost provider visits, except urgent care and emergency room visits.
• Amwell: No-cost telehealth across all plan tiers, regardless of geographic location.
• Telus Health: Behavioral health and Employee Assistance Program services.
• Teladoc diabetes management: Ongoing support, including free diabetes management supplies.
• Employee Care Center: Help with billing, eligibility questions, referrals, pharmacy issues, and understanding your plan.
• Dental and Vision: Same plan designs and maximum annual coverages for each – $1,300 for dental per person, and $350 for vision per person

What changes are under consideration?

• Adding the Samaritan Fund: This voluntary program would offer qualifying employees or dependents an individual insurance plan with no out-of-pocket costs. All ASR-eligible members could apply. Participation would require a program-eligibility review, and not everyone who applies would qualify. Members could accept or decline the offer, with eligibility reviewed annually. Members who decline the offer could still remain on K’s ASR insurance.
• A new pharmacy benefits manager: AroRx would replace Prime Therapeutics beginning January 1, 2027, if approved. The proposal aims to improve service and cost management, and includes carrying over approved prior authorizations.
• One revised Black Plan: The College would replace the current Black and Orange options with a single revised Black Plan. Under the proposed plan, Tier 1 (Nomi) no-cost provider visits and services would remain unchanged from 2026. The Tier 2 deductible would be $3,000 for individual coverage or $6,000 for family coverage. Tier 2 (non-Nomi) copays would be $30 for primary care, $60 for specialist visits, $50 for urgent care, and $400 for emergency room visits. The emergency copay would still be waived if admitted. Your overall costs would depend on your current plan, the providers you use, and your care needs.

What happens next?

The College still needs to finalize the proposals and, therefore, determine employee premium contributions while preserving salary-based premium sharing.

Please keep these dates in mind:

• November 5, 11am-1pm
  • Wellness Fair: Mandelle Hall, Olmsted Room
  • Flu and COVID vaccination clinic: Hicks Atrium
• November 12–17: Open Enrollment

Please share your questions or perspectives with Renee in Human Resources at renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu, especially about access to care, prescription continuity, or how the proposed changes could affect you.