Health coverage for academic and administrative faculty begins on the first day of the month concurrent with, or following, the effective date of your date of hire. If your position begins after the first day of the month, your coverage will not begin until the first day of the following month.

Family and dependents are eligible to be added to the plan at the same time an employee elects coverage. For additional eligibility guidelines, review the overview section.

Family and Dependent Eligibility Overview

Coverage ends the last day of the month in which your employment ends.

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits-eligible employees can elect to participate in voluntary benefit programs. Enrollment with Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP) health insurance is not required to enroll in any of these products.

Voluntary Benefits Overview

Medicare Plans

Individuals become eligible for Medicare coverage when they turn 65. Enrollment is not required if enrolled in a group medical plan with the Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP).

Medicare and PEBP Coverage Overview

Additional Resources

• Plan Resources
• Public Employees Benefits Program Newsletters and Mailings
• Open Enrollment

Medical Plan Options

There are three medical plan options for you to choose from so you can find coverage that meets your needs.

Prescription Benefits

Prescription benefits differ based on the medical plan you choose. The Statewide CDHP - PPO and Low Deductible PPO plan use Express Scripts and the HMO plan uses OPTUM Rx to manage prescription benefits.

Prescription Benefit Overview

Vision Benefits

Vision benefits, copays, and coverages differ based on the health plan that you choose. Most plans cover all or part of the cost of prescription eyeglasses or contacts on a bi-yearly basis.

Vision Benefit Overview

Dental Benefits

Dental coverages are the same for all three medical care plans. Coinsurance rates differ based on whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network.

Dental Benefit Overview

Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangements

If you select the PPO - Consumer Driven Health Plan, you may choose a health savings account or a health reimbursement account to assist you in overing medical bills.

Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangement Overview

Employer-Sponsored LTD Benefit

(NSHE Academic and Administrative Faculty employed at 50 % FTE or more is eligible)

The Long-Term Disability (LTD) program for NSHE Academic and Administrative faculty employed at 50 % FTE or more became
effective on January 1, 2024. This employer-paid LTD coverage provides a portion of your monthly income if you have a covered illness or injury and are unable to work for a few months or even longer.

Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Benefit Overview

Key Information about the Employer-sponsored LTD Benefit:

• LTD benefit of 60% of salary up to $7,500 per month
• 180-day waiting (elimination) period: This is the number of days that must pass after a covered accident or illness before you can begin to receive benefits.
• Pre-existing condition provision: You received medical treatment, consultation, care, or services including diagnostic measures for the condition, or took prescribed drugs or medicines for it in the three (3) months before your effective date of coverage, and the disability begins in the first 12 months after your effective date of coverage.
• The LTD benefit in this program will be offset by any voluntary disability program or a PERS disability benefit.
• NSHE will automatically enroll eligible participants into this plan. No action is required from academic and administrative faculty.
• The plan is administered by Unum.

NSHE Employer-Paid LTD Claims Process Communication FAQ

Academic and administrative faculty who selected the PEBP voluntary group LTD plan should evaluate their participation. PEBP’s vendor, The Standard Insurance, requires a thirty (30) days' notice to discontinue enrollment or during the Open Enrolment period. Employees who want to cancel their PEBP plan can do so through the PEBP portal by going to The Standard Long-Term Disability Insurance page, clicking the enrollment link, and choosing “Cancel.” Employees may also contact customer service at (775) 249-0716.