Beginning July 1, employees and dependents enrolled in UNM Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and UNM Team Health (UNMTH) will be automatically enrolled in a combined UNM Medical Plan called "UNM LoboHealth."

The plan will offer more predictable lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing Tier 1 services, as well as access to Tier 2 (BCBS national network) providers without the need for approval, at slightly higher out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs paid at the time of service are based on the network tier accessed at the time of service.

UNM LoboHealth will continue to provide valuable health care benefits for all enrolled employees and their dependents, preserve your health care provider choices, and support health care cost management with sustainable benefits into the future.

What this means for current BCBS participants:

  • If you are currently using a Tier 1 provider, you can continue to do so with an enhanced experience of prioritized scheduling and lower out-of-pocket costs.
  • If you are currently using a Tier 2 provider, you can continue to do so without approval and still pay the same out-of-pocket costs you currently pay.
  • An expanded Tier 1 network.

What this means for current UNM Team Health participants:

  • You will pay lower out-of-pocket costs when you visit Tier 1 providers.
  • Enhanced priority scheduling.
  • *You can choose to access Tier 2 providers without approval.

There are no anticipated plan design changes for Presbyterian members.

UNM Benefits Open Enrollment (OE) will begin Wednesday, April 24. In addition to the medical plan change, employees can also make changes to their dental, vision, life, disability, and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance plans. A pre-open enrollment benefit letter summarizing current health, life, and disability benefit elections will be mailed to employees prior to April 24.

For more information, visit the OE website or contact the Benefits Office at 505-277-MyHR (6947). For details about the new plan, including FAQ, timeline and Board of Regents proposal, visit the LoboHealth Initiative website.