Understanding your plan options

Option 1: Ascension+ Network Plan

The Ascension+ Network Plan (replaces the SmartHealth EPO) is designed to offer more predictable expenses and better coordination of care at a lower cost. This plan includes Ascension providers, along with specialty and mental health providers not available within the Ascension ecosystem.

Meet Molly

Molly lives a few miles from an Ascension hospital and receives most of her care from providers within the Ascension Network. She values predictable healthcare costs and prefers a plan with lower monthly premiums. Because she typically receives care close to home and doesn’t need out of area coverage, the Ascension+ Network Plan is a great fit for her needs.

Ascension+ Network Plan may be right for you if you:

Live near an Ascension hospital or clinic
Want lower monthly premiums
Prefer more predictable healthcare costs
Receive most of your care locally

The Ascension+ Network Plan is designed for associates who live in Ascension markets and are looking for a lower cost, high-quality plan.

Option 2: Tiered Choice Plan

The Tiered Choice Plan (replaces the SmartHealth PPO Plan) has higher premiums, but you have a broader, national network to choose from.

Meet James

James is the parent of two college-aged children, one of whom attends school out of state. He and his family travel frequently, and they want the freedom to access care wherever life takes them. While James understands that broader coverage comes with a higher cost, he values flexibility and the ability to continue seeing preferred providers who may not be part of the Ascension+ Network.

The Tiered Choice Plan may be right for you if you:

Have children or dependents who live away from home
Have a preferred provider who is not part of the Ascension+ Network
Travel frequently for work or personal reasons
Live outside an Ascension market for part of the year
Want access to a broader network of providers
Are willing to pay higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs in exchange for greater flexibility

The Tiered Choice Plan provides broader network access and greater flexibility when seeking care. While it has higher premiums and deductibles than the Ascension+ Network, it may be a better fit for associates and families who need healthcare options beyond the Ascension network.

Option 3: National Plan

Designed for associates who live outside an Ascension service area, the National Plan (replaces the Benefit Elevation Out-of-Area Plan) combines broad provider access with predictable coverage. The National Plan is the only available option for associates who live outside an Ascension service area, combining broad provider access with predictable coverage.

Meet Sheila

Sheila lives outside an Ascension service area and wants a health plan that provides dependable coverage wherever she receives care. She regularly uses healthcare services, takes prescription medications and prefers a plan with more predictable out-of-pocket costs. Sheila is looking for a straightforward plan that gives her access to a broad provider network and peace of mind when it comes to managing her healthcare expenses.

The National Plan is right for you if you:

Live more than 35 miles from an Ascension market or facility
Need access to a broad network of providers across the country
Have ongoing medical or prescription needs
Prefer a lower deductible and more predictable costs
Have previously enrolled in a traditional health plan and value a familiar experience

The National Plan offers access to a broad Blue Cross Blue Shield provider network, making it an ideal choice for associates who live outside an Ascension market. It provides a simple, streamlined benefits experience, helping make healthcare costs more predictable while maintaining access to care closer to home.

Offered with all plan options: High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Each plan type comes with a corresponding High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) option. These HDHP options offer lower premiums per pay period in exchange for a higher deductible, requiring you to cover your medical costs out-of-pocket until you reach your deductible.

A high deductible health plan option is available for all associates. If you are an associate within the service area, you can choose either the Ascension+ Network HDHP or the Tiered Choice HDHP plan. If you are an associate outside of the service area, you will have the option of the National Plan HDHP.

Meet Carlos

Carlos is healthy, active and doesn't visit a provider often. He prefers to keep more money in his paycheck through lower premiums and likes the idea of saving for future healthcare expenses. Because he doesn't have regular medical or prescription costs, he's comfortable taking on a higher deductible in exchange for the opportunity to build long-term savings through a Health Savings Account (HSA).

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The High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is an excellent addition if you:

Want lower premiums each pay period
Don't anticipate significant medical or prescription expenses
Can comfortably cover higher out-of-pocket costs if unexpected care is needed
Want to save money tax-free for future healthcare expenses
Like having greater control over how healthcare dollars are spent
Value an HSA that stays with you year after year

The HDHP offers lower paycheck deductions and includes access to a Health Savings Account (HSA). You can save and invest money on a pre-tax basis for current and future healthcare expenses, and the funds in your account are yours to keep, even if you change jobs or retire. Plus, Ascension contributes to your HSA, helping you build additional savings for the future.

Unsure which plan is available to you?

Visit OurAscension or log onto the open enrollment portal to see.

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St. Louis, MO 63134