Effective June 1, 2022, we are partnering with new health benefits providers in the United States: Aetna and Kaiser. Both Aetna and Kaiser are two of the largest health insurers in the US rated high on both customer service and health coverage. This update will offer competitive healthcare to team members in the US. Team members will have the option to select the provider based on their location.
Summary of the new providers: Aetna and Kaiser
- Aetna will be available across two healthcare plans in the whole of US with exceptions in some remote areas which will be covered by the Aetna EPO plan
- Aetna or Kaiser will be available to team members to choose from in California. Kaiser is offering two plans -- one each in Northern and Southern California. Kaiser is only available in the California region.
What are the improvements made to the coverage?
Below are some key improvements in the health coverage:
- Preventative care and immunizations at no charge
- No limitations on doctor and hospital visits
- Diagnostic services are now covered in and out of the hospital (co-insurance is applicable)
- Mental and behavioral health services are now covered (co-pay is applicable)
- Specialty drugs are now covered (co-pay/co-insurance is applicable)
- Acupuncture, physical, occupational & speech therapy are now covered (some limits do apply)
- Copays start at $25 dollars with Kaiser and $35 with Aetna
Coverage Brochures:
- Aetna National Plan 1
- Aetna National Plan 2
- Kaiser (California Only) Plan 1
- Kaiser (California Only) Plan 2
What is the pricing?
The new plans start at a minimum of $436 USD per team member/month. This will result in a minimum increase of $241 USD per team member/month in cost but comes with a host of coverage improvements. Both Aetna and Kaiser are also highly rated on customer service, accessible service, and comprehensive coverages and are well-known insurance brands in the United States.
How can team members be enrolled to the new plan?
- Our partner, Vensure will manage the enrollment. Team members will be invited to join an orientation session by Vensure on May 24, 2022 at 4pm ET and on May 30, 2022 at 3pm ET.
- The enrollment window is open between May 25-June 5, 2022. The coverage will be retroactive and will come into effect from June 1, 2022.
How can claims before May 31, 2022 be reimbursed?
Team members can submit any claims to HBA, their current healthcare provider, by May 31, 2022 to avail reimbursement.
Important dates to note:
- Aetna and Kaiser will be effective from June 1, 2022
- Migration process for Aetna and Kaiser will be handled by Vensure. Team members will be invited over email to join an orientation session by Vensure on May 24, 2022 at 4pm ET.
- The enrollment window is open between May 25-June 5, 2022. The coverage will be retroactive and will come into effect from June 1, 2022.
- New hires from June 1, 2022 will be enrolled into the health benefits plan by the Oyster customer support team and Vensure. Team members will have 30 days from their start date to enroll. The coverage will be retroactive and will come into effect from June 1, 2022.
