The Campus CONNECTION Issue 11 January 2015
Now You Know Alumni Relations Coordinator
Director of Communications
IT Business Analyst Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services Compliance News
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code 552), formerly known as the Open Records Act, each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees, unless expressly provided otherwise by law. For more information regarding Public Information Requests or questions regarding this procedure, contact Charlotte Banks, Director of University Compliance, at x6755.
The Affordable Care Act P.1
What’s New for 2015?
Current Staff Openings
In this issue
The Affordable Care Act:
Now You Know P.1 Campus Life P.2
The new year will bring a few more changes from the Affordable Care Act. Out-of-Pocket Maximum (OOPM) In 2015, the most you will pay out of your pocket for medical care can’t be more than $6,600 for individuals and $13,200 for families.
The OOPM amount is for one year. When you renew your plan for 2016, you start back at zero. The premium you pay each month to have health insurance isn’t included as part of your outof-pocket costs, so it does not count toward the OOPM. What you spend may only count toward reaching the max when you see a provider in your network. If you use a doctor who is not in your plan’s network, the money you spend won’t count toward the OOPM. While the OOPM amounts above are the most you can be required to pay in a year, you may be able to find a plan that offers a lower out-of-pocket maximum. That’s something to look for when picking a plan.
Employee Corner P.3 Reminders & Updates/ New Hires P.4
Preventive Services Most health care plans now pay for (fully cover) wellness exams, screenings, shots & other types of care meant to prevent or find health problems.
This means the total cost is paid by your plan. You won’t have to pay a copay or other out-of-pocket charges when you visit a doctor in your network for preventive care. Some over-the-counter drugs may be covered if you have a prescription from your doctor. You may have out-of-pocket costs if the doctor also sees you for other health problems while you are there for preventive care. Ask if you have any questions about your bill. Minimum Essential Coverage Most people now must have a basic level of health insurance, called minimum essential coverage (MEC).
You may have to pay a tax penalty if you don’t have a health insurance plan. A family of 4 that doesn’t have MEC could face a tax penalty of at least $975 in 2015. And the penalty increases each year.