Medical

Bates College partners with Aetna to offer a comprehensive medical benefits program for employees. You may choose from two medical plan options, both of which cover most healthcare services. 

Medical coverage provides healthcare protection for you and your family. You can visit any provider, but in-network doctors offer the highest level of benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs by charging reduced, contracted rates. Out-of-network providers set their own fees, so you may be responsible for charges above the Reasonable and Customary (R&C) limits. Preventive care—such as physical exams, flu shots, and screenings—is covered at 100% when you use in-network providers. The main differences between plan options are how much you pay per paycheck and what you pay when you receive care.

Insurance Plan Definitions

• Annual deductible amounts – the amount you pay each year for eligible in-network and out-of-network charges before the plan begins to pay.
• Out-of-pocket maximums– the most you will pay each year for eligible network services and/or prescriptions. After you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, the plan picks up the full cost of covered medical care for the remainder of the year.
• Copays – A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service. Copays do not count toward your deductible but do count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
• Coinsurance – Once you’ve met your deductible, you and the plan share the cost of care, which is called coinsurance. For example, you pay 20% for services and the plan will pay 80% of the cost until you have reached your out-of-pocket maximum.