Your health doesn’t start or stop with Annual Benefits Enrollment. Now’s the time to compare your options, select the plan that’s right for you and then put your benefits to work.
Annual Benefits Enrollment for 2024 is October 30 - November 17.
Onsite pop-up event information
Stop by to get your top benefit questions answered, meet our partners and learn about Wayfinder, your one-stop-shop for all physical, emotional and financial wellness programs at United.
CITY | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
---|---|---|---|
ORD | 10/24/2023 | 0800-1700 CDT | C-Side Cafeteria |
Houston NHC | 10/24/2023 | 1000-1600 CDT | Breakroom |
Chicago RES | 10/24/2023 | 1000-1800 CDT | First floor lunch room |
NOC–Arlington Heights | 10/26/2023 | 0800-1600 CDT | Canteen area to the left when entering the turnstiles |
MCO | 10/26/2023 | 0700-1400 EDT | South Hangar floor |
CSC-Willis | 10/26/2023 | 1000-1600 CDT | 10.49A. NE |
HSC-Houston | 10/31/2023 | 1000-1600 CDT | 12th floor conference area - 12102 and 12112 |
SFO-MX | 10/31/2023 | 0530-1300 PDT | Open area next to main cafeteria |
SFO | 11/01/2023 | 0930-1530 PDT | United baggage service in Terminal 3 hallway between Employee bus stop and Carousel #1 |
IAH-MX | 11/01/2023 | 1300-1800 CDT | Hangar E floor |
IAH | 11/02/2023 | 0900-1600 CDT | C45 group room |
IAD | 11/07/2023 | 0900-1500 EST | MWAA Conference Rooms A and B, in the baggage claim area, across from Claim Belt 1 |
DENTK | 11/07/2023 | 1000-1600 MST | FTC Café |
DEN | 11/08/2023 | 0800-1630 MST | Mezzanine area between Gates B21 and B23 |
EWR | 11/08/2023 | 1000-1600 EST | Liberty conference room |
LAX | 11/08/2023 | 1000-1600 PST | Large ramp breakroom T7 |
Understanding the plan terms and specifics
Deductible
The amount you are responsible for paying before the plan begins to pay a percentage of covered expenses. Typically, if you select a higher deductible plan, it means you’ll pay a lower monthly premium.
Coinsurance
The percentage you pay for covered services or prescription drugs after you have met your deductible.
Preventive care
Annual preventive visits and age-appropriate screenings are always covered at 100% for all plan options.
Out-of-pocket maximum
The most you’ll have to pay for covered medical expenses in a plan year; after you meet this amount, the plan will cover any additional eligible expenses at 100%.
Copay
A fixed amount you pay for covered services or prescription drugs, typically at the time you receive the services.
Premium
The amount you pay per month for your health insurance plan. You continue to pay the premium even after you’ve met your deductible.
Who pays and when
Choose from four different types of health plans
All these plans offer prescription drug coverage, a network of reputable doctors and hospitals, access to virtual primary and mental healthcare, an on-call medical concierge, and free health and wellness tools.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) with an HSA
The United Savings PPO offers the most freedom when it comes to choosing the doctors and hospitals you want to use both in- and out-of-network at one of the lowest premiums of all the plans. It’s a high-deductible health plan that works with an HSA account that is yours for life.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
The United PPO and the United PPO 1250 offer the ability for you to use both in- and out-of-network doctors, specialists and facilities.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
The Centivo Platinum Plus EPO, the United Silver Plus PPO and the Bronze EPO offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than our PPO plan options, but limit you to providers within an exclusive network of doctors, hospitals and specialists that meet the highest quality and cost standards. There are no out-of-network benefits, except in the case of an emergency.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
The HMO Plans offer the benefit of lower premiums and generally predictable out-of-pocket costs for individuals willing to work closely with their primary care physician (PCP) to manage their health. HMO options are available to employees within defined states.
Before selecting a plan, ask yourself:
Do you need help selecting the plan right for you?
Do you go to the doctor often?
Are you good at saving and don't have a lot of health care needs outside of your annual physical?
Remember that before you enroll:
It’s time to pick the health plan that’s right for you and your family, so you can use these benefits resources to push your health forward all year long. So before enrolling in a plan, remember that:
Why an HSA might be the way to go
An HSA (Health Savings Account) is an account that helps you pay for qualified medical expenses and is designed to work with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This option is specific to the United Savings PPO and Core HDHP with an HSA.
Triple-tax savings.
With an HSA, your money goes in tax-free, earns interest tax-free, and is tax-free when you withdraw money—as long as you use for eligible healthcare expenses. You can roll over funds from year to year, and the money is yours to keep even if you leave United or retire.
Keep in mind, if you elect to use the HSA investment platform, there is a nominal service fee you are responsible for paying. However, gains on your investments are tax-free.
Some of its many benefits include:
A few ways you might use an HSA:
If you’re anticipating a big healthcare expense in the future, such as having a baby, an HSA is a good strategy for setting aside money, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses later.
If you were previously spending $300 a month on your monthly premiums, but the United Savings PPO has reduced that amount to $200, you can apply your monthly savings to your HSA to offset your deductible or out-of-pocket costs on a pre-tax basis.
If you plan on changing jobs or using the money next year, your HSA will always be there. It is a rollover account, which means unused funds are never lost and are tax-deferred.
How Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help you save in 2024:
An FSA provides you with a tax-free way to set money aside and pay for health care expenses that are not covered under the Medical, Dental or Vision plans and/or pay for dependent care expenses.
How it works:
FSAs allow you to contribute a portion of your salary to:
A few things to keep in mind with FSAs:
Note: In 2024, Your Spending Accounts (YSA) will be rebranded as Smart Choice.
Find the right health plan, then put it to work.
Let’s compare plans
Have you checked in on your wellness?
Be sure to check out Wayfinder Wellness by United, your one-stop-shop for all physical, emotional and financial wellness programs we offer to find out about benefits you may not even know we have! Wayfinder’s dedicated microsite is within YBR (Flying Together > Employee Services > Wellness- Physical, Emotional and Financial (Wayfinder)) and customized to you based on which health plan you’ve selected.
Did you know? Dependents are generally eligible for our wellness programs offered within Wayfinder. Explore each condition-specific page for more information on eligibility.
How it works (Example):
1. U.S. based employees and their covered dependents enrolled in a PPO or EPO plan with BCBS, Aetna or Centivo are eligible for 2nd.MD
Frequently asked questions
Good news – we’ve made little to no changes for 2024 as we continue to focus on your physical, emotional and financial wellness through Wayfinder.
Can I have tomorrow what I have today?
Yes. You’ll still have a choice of the same plans (PPO, EPO and HMO options) with no changes in carriers for each state for 2024.
Where can I learn about my plan options?
We’re committed to providing you with resources to help you make informed decisions. We’re hosting virtual and in-person pop-up events to get your top benefit questions answered, have a provider finder tool that allows you to confirm whether doctors are in-network, and offer educational resources such as Now Boarding Benefits to provide the key benefit information all in one place.
How do networks differ across plan types? Will I have to change my doctor next year?
Nearly 100% of primary care and mental health providers offered in our 2023 plans will be available in-network in one or more of our 2024 plans. Employees will have a choice between plans with a broad network and plans with smaller, high quality networks. Be sure to use the “Find a Doctor” tool on YBR to verify if your preferred provider is in-network or to find a new provider for 2024.
What do I need to do?
Here’s a list of action items to remember for this year’s Annual Benefits Enrollment:
What is a health concierge?
A health concierge is your personal health assistant. They can help with any healthcare needs you and your family may have. They can help you find a doctor, decide where to go for a procedure and find lower-cost options for prescriptions and other care. Your concierge can also answer health questions, as well as help you understand your benefits and check on claims. Dial the customer service number on the back of your health insurance ID card to be connected with your healthcare concierge or visit Wayfinder for more information.
I am happy with my coverage for 2023 and would like to stay in my same plan. What do I need to do?
Your elections will automatically roll over to 2024 if you do not enroll before November 17—no action is required on your part if you would like to keep your coverage for 2024.
However, we encourage all employees to actively log into YBR and make sure your coverage still meets you and your family’s needs for the upcoming plan year. Even if you plan to keep the same coverage, we ask you to confirm your providers are in-network.
What is a HSA? How do I know if I have one?
Think of a HSA as a way to build a “nest egg” for future health expenses. Any money you set aside each month to your HSA can be used for out-of-pocket healthcare costs within that same year or well into retirement.
As an added benefit, United will also contribute to your HSA each year, making your healthcare dollars stretch further. Visit YBR>Your Spending Accounts>Eligible
Expenses to confirm what kind of expenses would be eligible for your HSA. You have a HSA through United’s HSA administrator if at any point you have been enrolled in the United Savings PPO or a United-sponsored health plan that included a HSA.
Note: In 2024, Your Spending Accounts (YSA) will be rebranded as Smart Choice. You will receive more information if you currently have an account with YSA. If you do not currently have an account with YSA and contribute to an FSA or enroll in a health plan with an HSA, you will be enrolled in Smart Choice and no additional action will need to be taken.
I'm hearing about wellness incentives United offers. What do I need to do to receive the $800?
This incentive applies to those who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in the United Savings PPO plan for 2024:
I have dependents. For our family to get the full $1,600 into our HSA by participating in the United Savings PPO, do my dependents also need to complete the physical exam?
If your spouse is enrolled, they must also complete their physical exam to receive the additional incentive. If only you and your dependent child[ren] are enrolled, you can complete the physical and receive the full $1,600.
Where can I learn more about dental and vision insurance? Where do I go if I have dental and vision questions?
Check out the Price and Compare tool in YBR to compare dental and vision options side-by-side. You will be able to
select dental and vision insurance as you enroll – it is the final step before confirming your Annual Benefits
Enrollment for 2024 in YBR.
If you have further questions about dental and vision insurance, you can attend one of our pop-up events, call the
United Airlines Benefits Center (UABC) or call the number on the back of your insurance card.
Note: In 2024 United’s dental and vision carriers will no longer be sending physical ID cards.
I'm a new hire and have questions about enrolling in my benefits for 2023 and 2024?
Welcome to United!
New employees are eligible for personalized counseling with licensed benefits counselors that you can schedule during your first 45 days of employment. Benefits counselors will walk you through 2023 and 2024 benefits offerings and can also help you enroll.
Get the information you need:
Shortly after your start date, you’ll receive information via email and a postcard in the mail outlining where to go to schedule your appointment, as well as reminder calls and emails. You can also make your personalized appointment via the Get Enrolled page on lifeatunited.com, by direct access through united.myenrollmentinfo.com or by calling 877-260-7563.
While the process to enroll with a counselor is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for all our new benefit-eligible employees to participate. The Your Benefits Resources (YBR) enrollment platform is available if you choose to enroll in benefits on your own outside of setting an appointment.
How can I get benefits information and reminders?
Download the Alight mobile app and sign up for text messaging. The Alight mobile app gives you coverage information on demand and opting into text messages from Alight ensures you receive enrollment updates as soon as we have them.
The Alight app is available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store for employees to download to their personal devices.
What happens if I have a dependent on my coverage who is turning 26 in 2024?
You should enroll as normal for 2024, including coverage for your dependent that will be aging out of coverage. At the beginning of the month that your dependent turns 26, the Benefits Center will send you notification that their coverage will be ending. The coverage will then run through the end of the month that they turn 26. Once the coverage ends, you dependent will receive COBRA enrollment information. If they choose to enroll in COBRA, a separate account will be created for them and coverage will begin the day after their other coverage ended so they have no gap. After their account is created, all future communications about the coverage and billing will go to them directly. If they choose not to continue through COBRA, they will need to pick up other coverage outside of United.
I am turning 65 in 2024. How does this impact my benefits?
While you are actively working for United, Medicare will always remain secondary to your United medical plan. This means that you can decline Medicare A and B while you are actively working and continue your United plan without any penalty from Medicare. Once you choose to separate service from United, you will need to contact Medicare to begin the enrollment process. Medicare will provide you with a CMS-L564 Form that will need to be completed to prove that you had were continuously enrolled in an active employer health plan since the date you became eligible for Medicare. As long as this form is completed and returned back to Medicare prior to your start date, you will be able to pick up Medicare B without any late enrollment penalty.
How can I tell which EPO and PPO plans are Aetna and which plans are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL)?
Each carrier is outlined in the maps within the Decision Guides, listed on the Price & Compare tool and within the enrollment process. The Decision Guide and Price & Compare tool are located on the welcome page when you begin enrollment for your convenience.
I noticed the price and compare comparison tool has both embedded and aggregate deductibles listed for United’s plans. What does this mean?
Embedded: All United health plans other than the United Savings PPO and Core HDHP have an embedded deductible where when an individual in a family plan meets the individual deductible, their insurance begins paying co-insurance for just that individual. For the United Savings PPO that number is $2000. When one or more additional covered family members either meet or combine to meet their individual deductibles, the family deductible is met, and the plan begins paying co-insurance for all covered family members. The deductible will not exceed a combined $4000 for a family under the United Savings PPO.
Aggregate: The United Savings PPO and Core HDHP have an aggregate deductible. With an aggregated plan, there is one deductible that applies to all covered family members. Once expenses for one person or any combination of covered family members meet the deductible, the plan begins paying co-insurance for all covered family members.
I have an HRA account and don’t know how to get reimbursed. What do I do?
You can submit claims online or swipe your YSA card to use your HRA funds. Some populations are able to set up automatic premium reimbursement for all three combined premiums of medical, dental and vision. Those eligible would be reimbursed for the previous month’s premiums around the 5th of every month.
Remember: If you are enrolled in a plan that has an HSA, your HRA dollars become limited use.
If I have an HRA and HSA what do I do and how does that impact how I get my funds?
When you elect an HSA and have an HRA, the HRA dollars become limited use. This means that you will only be eligible to be reimbursed for dental and vision claims from HRA when you are enrolled in a plan for that includes an HSA.
Important dates to remember
Timeline for enrollment:
10/23 | Decision Guide and "Price & Compare" tool available on YBR |
10/30 | Enrollment begins |
11/17 | Enrollment ends |
01/01 | Your 2024 benefits begin |