As we shared during the annual Open Enrollment period in November, with the turn of the calendar in January, several Lehigh benefits experienced changes. Here is a brief recap of those changes along with general reminders for the new plan year.
Flexible Spending Accounts
You have until March 31, 2025 to file claims for eligible services incurred in the 2024 plan year. The carryover of leftover funds in your Healthcare FSA from 2024 (up to $640) will occur after the runout period concludes on March 31, 2025, but you can begin using those funds now if you have eligible expenses for 2025.
Medical Plans
- Deductibles reset as of January 1, 2025
- The deductibles in the PPO and HDHP plans increased
- A deductible was introduced in the Keystone HMO plan
- The emergency room copay in the PPO and Keystone HMO plans has increased
- 1095-C forms will no longer automatically be mailed to employees. You can request your form by reviewing the following information here.
Prescription Plan
The percentage of the charge for a prescription that you pay, known as coinsurance, increased. This means that you may pay more for a prescription drug this year than you did in 2024. However, the maximum you will pay per prescription has not increased.
If you are a HDHP participant, you will be charged full cost for your prescriptions until your deductible is satisfied.
Retirement
If you are aged 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2025, you are eligible for a higher catch-up contribution limit for voluntary retirement plan contributions. Tap here for more details on the increased limits, or contact TIAA at 800-842-2252.
Vision Care
Lehigh’s vision insurance provider, Davis Vision, has increased their benefits on frames and contact lenses. Warby Parker is now in-network as well.
Voluntary Benefits
Voya is now the administrator of the university’s voluntary benefits. These benefits are available for an additional fee and include:
- Critical Illness
- Accident
- Hospital Indemnity (new this year)
If you had critical illness or accident benefits through Aflac, your coverage has been transferred to Voya. Learn more about Voya benefits here.
Don't forget! If you're enrolled in the Critical Illness and/or Hospital Indemnity coverage, you can claim an annual wellness benefit. The wellness benefit will pay you and covered dependents an annual benefit if you complete an eligible health screening, such as routine eye or dental exams, certain preventive vaccinations, a mammogram and more. The benefit is $50 per individual, and can be claimed under both the Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity plans for the same service. You can submit a claim for the wellness benefit here.
For More Benefits Information
- Visit the HR website
- Download the 2025 Quick Reference Guide
- Download the 2025 Enrollment and Reference Guide