Table of Contents
START HERE: 2027 CHECKLIST
Changes effective January 1, 2027.
- Review what is changing for 2027. Learn more by watching the informational video, attending an in-person session, or using the drop-in help sessions. Details in the FAQs.
- Make sure the address on file is current. Your ASR card will be mailed to the address on file. Update your address here.
- Considering The Samaritan Fund? Get started by completing the HIPAA release. Please allow up to two weeks for an initial response during this busy enrollment period.
BEGINNING JANUARY 1: Get Ready to Use Your 2027 Benefits
- Verify your providers and prescriptions.
- Check whether your medical providers are Tier 1 providers through Nomi Health using the provider search. Group ID: 1013.
- Beginning January 1, set up an Evo/AroRx prescription account for each covered family member at evofirst.com.
- Use your new ASR ID card for your 2027 medical, prescription, dental, and/or vision coverage.
Watch for “Using Your Benefits” information sessions in January for tips on maximizing your benefits. A recording will also be available.
What is changing for 2027?
| Item | What could this mean for you? | Action to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| One revised Black Plan replaces the Black and Orange plans. | The only question to answer: Do you want to be on Kalamazoo College’s Medical Plan? | Yes: Do nothing. No: Complete the Change Form |
| 2027 Medical premiums | Your medical premiums are changing for 2027. | See the Standard and Grandfathered rates in first question below. |
| Tier 1 (Nomi) providers remain free, except for urgent care and emergency room visits. Tier 2 provider have a higher deductible and higher copays for some services. | If you use Tier 1 (Nomi) providers, it means no change for you. If you use Tier 2 or out-of-network providers, you may experience increased out of pocket costs. | Click HERE to find a Tier 1 (Nomi) provider – Group #1013 or Call a Nomi Network Care Guide: 855-601-1900 |
| Evo and AroRx pharmacy transition effective January 1. Tier 3 prescription copays increase. | Prime Therapeutics will no longer administer the prescription program. | Register at evofirst.com on or after January 1, with a separate account for each covered family member. Review the pharmacy copays below. |
| New voluntary Samaritan Fund option. | Samaritan is voluntary financial assistance for qualifying people with serious medical conditions. | To get started, complete the HIPAA authorization. An initial response from The Samaritan Fund may take two weeks due to the time of year. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Select the question for the answer.
How much will coverage cost per month?
Standard Medical Rates
Single: $596.13
Double: $1,430.71
Family: $1,788.39
Grandfathered Medical Rates
Single: $196.13
Double: $1,030.71
Family: $1,388.39
Retirees who began eligible employment at K before October 2001. Rates effective January 1, 2027.
COBRA Medical Rates
Single: $827.63
Double: $1,986.30
Family: $2,482.87
I want to stay on K’s medical, dental, and/or vision plan. What do I need to do?
Nothing. Anyone enrolled in K’s medical, dental, and/or vision plan will be auto-enrolled into the corresponding plan for 2027.
I have been enrolled in the premium Orange plan. What do I need to do?
Nothing. Anyone enrolled in K’s Orange medical plan as of December 31, 2026 will be auto-enrolled into the medical plan for 2027.
What are some of my cost differences between Tier 1 (Nomi) and Tier 2 medical providers?
| Tier 1: Nomi | Tier 2* | |||
| Single | Family | Single | Family | |
| Deductible | $0 | $0 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Coinsurance maximum | $0 | $0 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | $7,900 | $15,800 | $7,900 | $15,800 |
| Common services | You pay… | You pay… | ||
| Your share | 0% | 30% after deductible | ||
| Amwell virtual visits | $0 | $0 | ||
| Primary care | $0 | $30 | ||
| Specialist | $0 | $60 | ||
| Urgent care | $35 | $50 | ||
| Emergency room | $400* | $400* | ||
What do I need to know about the prescription medication change to Evo/AroRx?
Evo/AroRx replaces Prime Therapeutics on January 1, 2027. Tiers 1 and 2 stay the same. Tier 3 copays increase by $25. Prior authorizations already in place will carry over to Evo/AroRx.
| Drug Tier | 1-30 day supply copay | 31-90 day supply copay |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 – Generic | $15 | $35 |
| Tier 2 – Preferred Brand | $40 | $100 |
| Tier 3 – Non-Preferred Brand | $100 | $250 |
Tell me more about the Samaritan Fund.
All may apply. Some will be accepted.
Samaritan is voluntary financial assistance for qualifying people with serious medical conditions. Eligibility is reviewed confidentially by Samaritan Fund. To get started, complete the HIPAA authorization. An initial response from The Samaritan Fund may take two weeks due to the time of year.
Before waiving College coverage, get policy dates, support terms, and any return rights from HR in writing. An application is not an insurance election. Visit samaritanfundprogram.com for more information.
Common Samaritan Fund questions:
How does Samaritan Fund Work?
- If you have a serious medical condition with high cost treatment, electronically submit a confidential Medical Insurance Release form.
- A Samaritan Fund Program Representative reaches out to explain the program, answer questions, and gather your information.
- If approved a personalized Samaritan Fund Program offer is issued.
- If you wish to accept you will sign and submit your offer letter.
- Your account is set up and we issue your debit card for medical expenses.
- Enjoy the Peace of Mind to Heal.
I am interested in Samaritan Fund. How should I handle open enrollment now?
Make your Kalamazoo College open enrollment decisions just as you would if Samaritan Fund was not available. Obtaining other coverage is a permissible reason to drop Kalamazoo College coverage. Losing other coverage is also a reason to come onto Kalamazoo College’s medical insurance. Notice to Human Resources must be provided within 30 days of obtaining or losing other coverage.
I was approved and accepted coverage through Samaritan Fund. What do I do now?
Obtaining other coverage is a permissible reason to drop Kalamazoo College coverage. Notice to Human Resources must be provided within 30 days of obtaining or losing other coverage.
How strong is Samaritan Fund’s financial position? Will they run out of money and I’ll be left with no health insurance?
The Samaritan Fund is in a strong financial position.There are no concerns about funding or access to medical coverage.
I want to communicate directly with someone from Samaritan Fund. How do I get in contact with someone?
Contact Samaritan Fund anytime. 866-764-9290 | service@samaritanfundprogram.com
Is anything changing with dental or vision coverage?
No. Same program details.
I have questions. How can I get help?
Information sessions in Mandelle Hall, Olmsted Room:
- Thursday, Nov 12, 11:00 AM.
- Friday, Nov 13, 1:00 PM.
- Tuesday, Nov 17, 10:30 AM.
Drop-in help in Mandelle Hall, Room 112:
- Thursday, Nov 12, 3:00–4:30 PM.
- Friday, Nov 13, 11:00 AM–noon and 3:00–4:30 PM.
- Monday, Nov 16, 9:00–11:00 AM and 3:00–4:30 PM.
- Tuesday, Nov 17, 3:00–4:30 PM.
Can I only make changes to my healthcare during open enrollment?
You do not need to make a change simply because the 2027 plan year is beginning. However, this is a good time to review your current coverage, understand the 2027 medical plan and provider networks, and decide whether your current elections continue to meet your needs.
Important for pre-65 retirees: Unlike active employees who generally make benefit changes during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event, pre-65 retirees paying premiums with post-tax dollars may make changes to their healthcare coverage throughout the year. You do not lose your opportunity to make a change if you do not make one during the November enrollment period.