Howard University and Howard University Hospital
Employee Benefits

Capital Choice Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Under the Capital Choice HMO plan, coverage is provided through a select network of providers. To receive covered benefits, you must use In-Network providers and facilities and must choose a primary care physician (PCP). There is no annual deductible and no claims to file. There is no coverage for care received from Out-of-Network providers, unless due to a life or limb-threatening emergency.

A prescription drug program is included with your medical coverage. You may purchase a 34-day supply of generic, preferred brand, or non-preferred brand drugs through local participating pharmacies. You will pay $10 (generic), $15 (preferred brand), or $25 (non-preferred brand) co-payments. Mail order drugs are available for a $15 (generic), $20 (preferred brand), or $35 (non-preferred brand) co-payment for a 90-day supply.

If you use a Howard University Hospital (HUH) HMO Provider, 100% of most expenses (excluding out-of-pocket expenses) will be paid for services received at HUH or from an HUH physician in his/her office.

Capital Choice Point of Service Plan (POS)

Under the Capital Choice (POS) plan, you have a choice between in-network and out-of-network benefits. If you use in-network benefits, you must choose a primary care physician (PCP) from Capital Choice providers or facilities. There is no annual deductible and there are no claims to file. As stated earlier, you may use out-of-network providers. You are not required to choose a PCP, but must meet an annual deductible before your benefits begin. Once your deductible is met, you pay a percentage of the cost for services, and you must file claim forms.

A prescription drug program is included with your medical coverage. You may purchase a 34-day supply of generic, preferred brand, or non-preferred brand drugs through local participating pharmacies. You will pay a $12 (generic), $20 (preferred brand), or $30 (non-preferred brand) co-payment. Mail order drugs are available for a $12 (generic), $32 (preferred brand), or $45 (non-preferred brand) co-payment for a 90-day supply.

If you use a Howard University Hospital (HUH) HMO Provider, 100% of most expenses (excluding out-of-pocket expenses) will be paid for services received at HUH or from an HUH physician in his/her office.

CareFirst Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Under the CareFirst PPO plan, coverage is provided through a network of providers. You are not required to choose a primary care physician (PCP). You may select any provider or specialist you want, but you pay lower out-of-pocket costs when you use a CareFirst provider or facility. You must meet an annual deductible before your benefits begin. Once your deductible is met, you pay a percentage of the cost for services, and you must file claim forms for non-CareFirst/Howard University Hospital (HUH) providers and facilities.

A prescription drug program is included with your medical coverage. You may purchase a 34-day supply of generic, preferred brand, or non-preferred brand drugs through local participating pharmacies. You will pay a $10 (generic), $16 (preferred brand), or $28 (non-preferred brand) co-payment. Mail order drugs are available for a $14 (generic), $28 (preferred brand), or $38 (non-preferred brand) co-payment for a 90-day supply.

If you use a Howard University Hospital (HUH) PPO Provider, you do not have to meet a deductible and most services are covered at 100% (excluding co-payments).

Vision care through Spectera covers in-network routine eye exams every 12 months for only $10, and eyeglass lenses or a pair of contact lenses for $25. You may purchase new eyeglass frames every 24 months.

Out-of network services are also available, but at a higher cost. You may be reimbursed for a portion of these costs.

With Delta Preferred you must meet an annual deductible before benefits begin. Delta Preferred includes orthodontia services of up to a $2,000 lifetime maximum benefit per person. Your annual maximum benefit (excluding orthodontia) is $2,000 per person.

With Delta Premier, you must also meet an annual deductible before benefits begin. Your annual maximum benefit is $1,500 per person. Orthodontia benefits are not offered through Delta Premier.

Under both plans you may choose in-network and out-of-network dentists. Your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher if you use an out-of-network dentist.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit provided to you and your dependents. Help is available through the EAP program for virtually any work/life issue including legal matters. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You or your family members are entitled to 5 free counseling sessions per year for each concern. Stress would count as one concern and family matters would count as a separate concern. All services are available through a confidential, single point of contact. Call 1-800-888-CARE (2273) or access the Magellan web site at www.magellanassist.com.

You may contribute $3,000 annually toward your pre-tax Health Care Spending Account and $5,000 annually toward your Dependent Care Spending Account. Health expenses such as drugs, chiropractic care, wheelchairs, health care co-payments, and hearing aids can be reimbursed.

You may be reimbursed for certain over-the-counter drugs such as antacids, allergy medications, pain relievers and cold and flu remedies.

Dependent Care expenses such as preschool and day care for your child or disabled spouse or parent while you are at work are also generally reimbursed. For a complete list of eligible expenses, contact the Office of Total Compensation.

Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage provides you with income replacement after you have been disabled at least 30 days due to illness or a non-job related injury. STD pays 50% of your base salary, up to $500/week over a maximum period of 22 weeks.

If you are disabled for six months, you may be eligible for the Long-Term Disability (LTD). LTD pays 60% of your base salary, up to $5,000/month. The minimum benefit is $100/month. LTD benefits may continue until you reach your normal retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration.

Basic Group Life Insurance Coverage

You automatically receive Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage equal to one times your base annual salary, to a maximum of $50,000. Life insurance provides a benefit to your beneficiary upon your death. AD&D coverage provides additional death benefits and benefits to you if you suffer a covered dismemberment as the result of an accident.

Supplemental Life Insurance

You may purchase additional coverage equal to 1,2,3,4 or 5 times your base annual salary, to a maximum of $500,000. (Maximum Basic and Supplemental should not exceed $550,000).

Spouse Life Insurance Coverage

You can purchase up to $25,000 or up to $50,000 in Life and AD&D coverage for your spouse. Coverage may not exceed one-half of your total coverage, up to $50,000.

Dependent Life Insurance Coverage

You can purchase Life and AD&D coverage for your dependent children, up to age 19 (23 if full-time student in an accredited college or university), equal to $10,000 for each child.

The University's paid leave programs consist of leave for vacations, holidays and sickness. The wide range of events for which paid or unpaid leave may be granted (e.g., subpoenaed court appearances, jury duty, medical problems, funerals, care for sick child, spouse or parent; work-related illnesses or accidents, military duty, and religious observances) permits flexibility for individual needs.

A faculty member or administrator/staff member with faculty rank will receive vacation and sickness benefits only at the discretion of his/her departmental head.

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