Medical

Effective March 20, 2024 - We Are Moving!

On March 20, Harvard Benefits will be moving to 124 Mount Auburn Street.

Our new location does not allow for unscheduled walk-in traffic, so in-person meetings will be by appointment only. We strongly encourage virtual Teams/Zoom appointments when possible.

Virtual and in-person appointments for faculty, staff, and retirees can be scheduled by calling 617-496-4001 or by emailing benefits@harvard.edu.

Medical Plans

Harvard offers you a choice of several medical plans so that you can compare the options and select a plan that best meets your and your family’s needs and preferences. Plans are offered through two providers: Harvard's own Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA). 

While both networks offer access to the same specialists, if you enroll in HUGHP, you will need to choose a primary care physician within the Harvard University Health Services or Atrius Health provider network. See how the two provider networks compare.

A Notice About the BlueCross BlueShiled NASCO Data Security Incident

On October 26, 2023, BlueCross Blue Shield (BCBS) informed us that one of their vendors, NASCO, which provides back-end technical solutions for BCBS plans across the country, had their system accessed without authorization. This was part of the MOVEit Transfer file transfer program breach that occurred earlier this year which affected thousands of organizations worldwide.

NASCO began mailing notification letters to impacted BCBS and HUGHP members on October 27, 2023, explaining what data was impacted and steps members can take to protect their information.

Please refer to BCBS's NASCO MOVEit Privacy Incident Notice for more information. If you are an impacted health plan member with questions about the incident call 1-855-873-7643.

Coverage for Over The Counter COVID Tests

Effective January 1, 2024, over the counter COVID tests will no longer be covered through the Harvard-sponsored medical plans.

If you are currently enrolled in a Harvard-sponsored BCBS or HUGHP medical plan, you and each of your enrolled dependents can purchase and be reimbursed (up to $12 per test) or order (at no charge to you) up to four (4) at-home COVID test kits per 30-day period through ExpressScripts through December 31, 2023.

Plan options

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

With an HMO, you select a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates your care and can provide you with referrals to in-network specialists. Out-of-network care is not covered, except in certain emergency situations. 

Point of Service (POS)

Like an HMO, you designate a PCP. However, you have the flexibility to use out-of-network providers for services, with higher out-of-pocket costs.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Available only to employees who reside outside New England through BCBSMA. Go to any health care professional you choose inside or outside your network without a PCP referral. You will have higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network care.

Also available to Faculty and Nonunion Staff

High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Featuring lower premiums and higher deductibles than a traditional health plan, the HDHP is offered in conjunction with a Health Savings Account (HSA). (External postdocs and stipendees are not eligible for this plan.)
 

POS Plus

With the same benefits as a traditional POS, the POS Plus plan has higher premiums and a higher out-of-pocket maximum in exchange for no deductible or coinsurance for in-network services. 

PPO Plus

Available only to employees who reside outside New England through BCBSMA. Same benefits as the PPO, but with higher premiums and a higher out-of-pocket maximum in exchange for no deductible or coinsurance for in-network services. 

Also available to SEIU members
Combined medical, dental and vision coverage through the SEIU for members and eligible dependents (domestic partners are not eligible). If you enroll in the SEIU plan, you cannot also be enrolled in Harvard’s dental or vision coverage.

Learn more by reviewing our Medical Plan Overview for 2024.

Medical Plan Travel Benefit

The travel benefit is intended to support a member's need to access covered services that are not available within a certain distance of their residence by reimbursing them for a portion of the travel expenses required for accessing that care.

  • Does not cover routine or preventive health care services
  • Available when a covered services is not available within 100 miles of the member's residence at the time the service is needed, and the member must travel to a provider
  • Reimbursements are subject to IRS limitations (IRC 213(d)) medical reimbursement guidelines):
  • Lodging (must be hotel or motel) - $50 per day for each eligible person
  • Mileage - standard IRS rate used for medical services
  • Rental car expenses, tolls, parking, etc.
  • Airfare - coach seat on a regularly scheduled commercial flight
  • Copays and coinsurance are not reimbursable under this travel benefit
  • Subject to annual maximum benefit of $5,000 per calendar year
  • Per IRS regulations, HDHP enrollees must meet their annual deductible before they can access this benefit
  • Members will need to submit for reimbursement and must retain related receipts

For additional details, review the Travel Benefit Reimbursement form and contact BCBSMA or HUGHP if you have questions.

Prescription coverage

Prescription coverage is included in all Harvard plans and is provided through Express Scripts. Express Scripts offers a number of web- and app-based tools, including drug price comparison, signing up for mail order, downloading a member ID card and more. Learn how to make the most of these tools.

Certain medications used to prevent or manage the treatment of chronic medical conditions are available at a reduced or no cost under new federal guidelines (effective January 1, 2022). You can view a list of preventive medications in Harvard's plans for 2023 that are covered by this change and learn more in these Frequently Asked Questions

Prescription Copayment Assistance Program: 

Harvard offers a program through PillarRx Consulting, a prescription benefit consulting firm, that finds copay assistance programs that may be available from drug manufacturers for certain specialty medications. If you are prescribed an eligible medication, you will be contacted by PillarRx to facilitate enrollment in the manufacturer programs. To use the program, you must enroll and fill the prescription through Accredo, ESI’s specialty pharmacy. (Please note: Manufacturer assistance dollars may not accumulate toward deductibles and/or out-of-pocket maximums.)

Additional  plans

Global benefit program

For eligible employees working abroad. Learn more.

Retiree health programs

Benefits for employees who are in retirement.  Learn more.

Compare plan features and rates

To compare plans available to you, including rates and coverage options, please go to the Plan Rates & Features page and choose the information for your employee group. 

COBRA, Layoff, Global Plan and Ex-Spouse rates can be found under Forms & Documents  > Total Rewards > Health Benefit Rates. Rates for Domestic Partner can be found at Forms & Documents > Total Rewards > Domestic Partner.

Fitness/weight-loss reimbursement benefit

HUGHP and BCBSMA provide members with a reimbursement of up $150 per year toward membership at gyms/fitness facility or eligible weight-loss program. Check with your health plan provider for details about eligible expenses and reimbursement instructions. Español - Solicitud de reembolso por acondicionamiento físico.

Form 1095-C

Harvard is required under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide Form 1095-C to active employees eligible for Harvard group health coverage in 2022, indicating that coverage meets the ACA's "Minimum Essential Coverage." 2022 forms will be mailed by the deadline of March 2, 2023. This form should be kept with your tax records (although you are not required to submit the form with your tax return). You can learn more here: