Healthcare costs continue to rise nationwide, driven by increases in medical cost inflation, prescription drug pricing and increased utilization. These sustained cost pressures directly affect the University’s retiree health plans and the overall expenses of providing medical coverage. At the same time, reductions in state funding for all higher education institutions and the University’s commitment to keeping tuition flat during a period of static enrollment have created additional strain on the University’s financial model.
While we remain committed to offering access to high‑quality, affordable benefits, we have made some changes to the benefit plans offered and a portion of this year’s increased cost will be reflected in retiree premiums. We understand that any increase affects household budgets, and this decision was made only after careful analysis and thoughtful consideration of all available alternatives.
We will continue to remain vigilant in evaluating plan design and vendor partnerships to help manage these pressures while preserving access to high‑quality care.
New rates for health plans are listed in the Retiree Benefits Guide.
Deductibles will increase to:
$1,250 for single coverage
$2,500 for family coverage
Out-of-pocket maximums will increase to:
$5,000 for single coverage
$10,000 for family coverage
Certain copays will increase to:
Primary Care: $35 copay
Specialist Visits: $45 copay
Chiropractic Care: $35 copay
The prescription drug plan will transition from CVS Caremark to Express Scripts effective January 1, 2027. Please watch for your new combined medical and prescription drug card arriving by mail in late December.
Dental rates and plan design remain unchanged for 2027. HRI Dental and Vision will continue as the plan administrator.
Out-of-pocket maximums will increase to:
$5,000 for single coverage
$10,000 for family coverage
Certain copays will increase to:
Service | Cost |
|---|---|
Inpatient: | $1,600 |
Outpatient: Medical: | $15-$2,500 |
Emergency Room: | $450 |
Specialty Care Virtual Visits: | $0-$65 |
Primary Care Visits: | $10-$65 |
Specialty Care Visits: | $10-$65 |
Chiropractic Care: | $35 |
Urgent Care: | $35 |
Complex Imaging: | $75-$950 |
Advanced Testing: | $5-$1,000 |
Chemotherapy: | $5-$400 |
Category | Cost |
|---|---|
Tier 1 | $10 |
Tier 2 | $40 |
Tier 3 | $60 |
Tier 4 | $150 |
Mail Order (Tier 1/2/3) | $20/$80/$120 |
You can view copays, search for doctors and explore covered services by visiting the Surest Indiana information page.
Select “Preview a plan”. When prompted, enter the following access code:
Access Code: Indiana2027