What’s New in 2021

What’s New in 2021

Your total well-being – mind, body and spirit – is important to Texas Health. That’s why we provide benefits that help you live your best life. Below summarizes the changes that were made for the 2021 plan year. 

To view a copy of the 2021 Benefits Enrollment mailer sent out in October 2020, click here .

Changes for 2021 include:

MEDICAL PLAN CHANGES

  • COVERAGE ADDED: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
    • ABA therapy is now be covered to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder under all medical plan options. The current limitations to the physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy options already offered apply and ABA therapy will be supported by each medical provider through a condition management program. Please contact Texas Health Aetna and UHC before seeking treatment.
  • Cancer Support Center for Texas Health Aetna
    • Participants in the Texas Health Aetna medical plan options have a new Cancer Support Center to provide guidance and support for women’s reproductive system cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancers. (Note: The UnitedHealthcare plan options already have a similar program called Cancer Support Nurse.)
  • New Payment Integrity Program for UHC Options
    • A Payment Integrity Program was added to UnitedHealthcare medical plan options to help prevent fraud and abuse in submitted medical claims.
  • Additional 2nd Opinion Services for UHC Options
    • 2nd Opinion Services for cardiac, GI and women’s health diagnoses will be added to the UnitedHealthcare medical plan options. These services provide members with a second opinion of their diagnosis from a board-certified medical expert.
  • Increased Annual Limits
    • The annual contribution limit for the Health Savings Account increased to $3,600 for individuals and $7,200 for families. The annual contribution limit for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account increased to $2,750.
  • Medical Premiums
    • Paycheck costs for medical insurance increased slightly for all plan options.

For more information on your medical plan options:

NEW BENEFITS IN 2021

  • Paid Parental Leave
    • Beginning Jan. 1, 2021 a three-week Paid Parental Leave is available for benefits-eligible employees who have or adopt a baby. The leave start date must occur after Jan. 1, 2021, and the employee must have continuously worked for Texas Health for at least 6 months.
  • Student Loan Debt Repayment Program
    • Beginning Jan. 1, 2021 a Student Loan Debt Repayment program ($50 per month) is available to help eligible employees pay down their student loan debt.

OTHER CHANGES

  • Dental Premiums
    • Your paycheck cost for dental insurance increased slightly.
  • Vision Premiums
    • Your paycheck cost for vision insurance decreased slightly.
  • Paid Time Off
    • Paid Time Off for Executives: Executives no longer accrue Paid Time Off.
    • Maximum Bank: The maximum number of hours that can be accrued in your PTO bank was reduced from 350 to 300.* Accrued time off above 275 hours was paid out on the Dec. 11, 2020 paycheck. Employees impacted by this change received an additional communication with details about this payout.
    • Clinic Practice Staff: Time off balances will be taken down to 80 hours in July rather than December to help to avoid issues with using time off during the holidays.

*Applicable to all Texas Health employees except Clinic Practice Staff and those not eligible for PTO.