Regents approve new health, pharmacy insurance carriers

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents on June 22 approved new benefits providers for the University of Nebraska effective Jan. 1.

The university’s health insurance carrier will change from UMR to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. The pharmacy insurance carrier will change from CVS Health to EmpirRx Health.

The changes follow a competitive bidding process that attracted bids from multiple vendors. An NU systemwide committee of faculty and staff evaluated the bids with assistance of Gallagher Benefit Services, an outside consultant.

The university is currently working with Gallagher to re-evaluate proposals submitted for the dental plan after receiving clarifying information about one of the bids. The university intends to bring a recommendation for a dental insurance carrier to the regents in August.

Employees and their families should see minimal disruption with the transitions. About 99 percent of health providers used by university employees and their families last year were in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Network.

For more information, contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s benefits office.

Detailed information about benefits enrollment for 2024 will be shared with faculty and staff in the fall.