This is a summary of the plan benefits. Complete benefit information is available in the HSA Essential Booklet (will be available closer to the start of the plan year) and Summary of Benefit Coverage (SBC) 2026.

Those enrolled in the HSA Essential are eligible to contribute to the Health Savings Account with matching University funds.

HSA Essential benefits by network.

	In-Network	Out-of-Network
Deductible	$4,000 member, $8,000 family	$8,000 member; $16,000 family
Coinsurance	20%	40%
Out-of-Pocket (OOP) Maximum	$7,000 member, $14,000 family	$14,000 member; $28,000 family
Prescription OOP Maximum	Included in health OOP max	N/A
Wellness Checkup	Covered 100% according to age/sex guidelines	Deductible + 40% coinsurance
Office Visit	Deductible + 20% coinsurance	Deductible + 40% coinsurance
Emergency Room Costs	Deductible + 20% coinsurance	Deductible + 20% coinsurance

 

Find a Doctor

In-network provider search

1. Navigate to the UHC Find a Doctor website
2. Select Search as a Guest found on the right side of the page
3. Select either Medical Directory or Behavioral Health Directory based on the type of care you need
4. Select Employer and Individual Plans
5. Scroll and select Choice Plus
6. Select Change Location, enter your ZIP code in the search bar, click Update
   Location.

Price a medication

• Use CVS Caremark online pricing tool to price current or future medications.  Shopping around may save you money. 

HSA Plus vs. HSA Essential: Key Similarities and Difference

Similarities

• Both are High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) eligible for Northwestern’s HSA with same matching contributions.
• They use the same UHC Choice Plus PPO network and cover the same services.
• If you cover dependents: Each family member has an individual out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM). Once met, the plan pays 100% for that member, regardless of whether the full family OOPM is reached. The remaining OOPM must be met by other members before their coverage reaches 100%.

Differences

• Deductibles and OOPMs vary between plans.
• If you cover dependents: HSA Plus requires the full family deductible to be met before coinsurance begins for any member. HSA Essential allows coinsurance to begin for a member once their individual deductible is met, regardless of the overall family deductible. Remaining family members must meet the rest of the family deductible before their coinsurance begins.

Virtual Visits

UHC offers access to virtual care for a variety of care needs.  To get started, sign in at myuhc.com/virtualvisits, call the number on your health plan ID card, or download the UnitedHealthcare app.

• 24/7 Virtual Visits are a way to schedule same-day, urgent care visits, so you can talk with a provider 24/7 for common urgent care needs or when your primary care provider (PCP) is not available.
• Access to primary care and specialist providers without the office visit.

Benefits

Prescription coverage

• CVS Caremark- administered prescription plan
• Use CVS Caremark online pricing tool to price current or future medications.  Shopping around may save you money. 

Health Savings Account

• Those enrolled in the HSA Essential are eligible to contribute to the Health Savings Account with matching University funds.

Discounts and Programs

• Calm App - included in your health plan and available at no additional cost
• One Pass Select - offers a variety of discounts on gym memberships
• Hearings aids coverage available

Virtual Visits

UHC offers access to virtual care for a variety of care needs.  To get started, sign in at myuhc.com/virtualvisits, call the number on your health plan ID card, or download the UnitedHealthcare app.

• 24/7 Virtual Visits are a way to schedule same-day, urgent care visits, so you can talk with a provider 24/7 for common urgent care needs or when your primary care provider (PCP) is not available.
• Access to primary care and specialist providers without the office visit.

Immunizations

• Covered under the Well Child Care provisions for children up to age 16

Routine mammogram and pap smear

• Covered at 100% in-network. Deductible does not apply

Laboratory tests and x-rays

• Coinsurance after deductible is met

Physical therapy and chiropractic care

• Coinsurance after deductible is met
• Member's condition must show continued improvement with physical therapy

Minor surgery in doctor's office or outpatient surgical operations

• Coinsurance after deductible is met

Diabetes treatment

• Covered at coinsurance after deductible is met
  • Self management training services rendered by a physician or licensed health care professional with expertise in diabetes management
  • Regular foot care examinations by a physician or podiatrist

Exclusion examples

• Acupuncture
• Dental care
• Long-term care
• Routine eye care
• Routine foot care (with the exception of person with diagnosis of diabetes)
• Weight loss programs