Introduction to Choices
This web site is your guide to Choices -- the Montana University System's benefits program that lets you match our benefits to your individual and family situation. To get the most out of this opportunity to design your own benefits package, you need to consider your benefit needs, compare them against the options available under Choices and enroll for the benefits you've chosen.
Choices is a comprehensive benefits program provided by Montana University System for you and your family. It includes many options. Coverage available to you includes:
| Must Choose: * | Voluntary: |
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| * Unless you waive all coverage |
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The Comprehensive Major Medical, Dental Benefits, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plan are self-insured. Premium contributions go directly into a fund, which is used to pay the cost of benefits for Plan Participants who experience illness or injury. In order to keep the Plan financially sound and affordable, it is important that all Plan Participants use their benefits responsibly.
Health coverage is very important. Medical and dental costs are rising faster than the prices of the goods and services, and this inflationary trend shows no sign of abating. The cost of a serious illness or accident is so expensive today that the savings of even an affluent individual can be quickly exhausted. The Medical Plan provides essential protection that few of us could afford on our own.
You should consider the following ideas as ways to personally help save Plan dollars:
- Consider
using public health services for immunizations you
need.
- Find
a good book that describes common medical symptoms. Use
it as a reference to help decide what symptoms or combination
of symptoms require the immediate attention of a physician.
Do not go to a physician unless it is necessary!
- Consult
with a physician by phone when you are uncertain that
a particular symptom is serious enough to justify a visit.
- Emergency
rooms should be used only for emergencies. On weekends
or evenings, call your doctor for advice for an illness that
is not a clear emergency. Use a freestanding clinic or urgent
care center when it is available.
- Discuss
with your physician the risks, alternatives, and fees before
treatment or drugs are prescribed. You should be certain
that the treatment is necessary and appropriate for your condition.
Some medical treatment has risk. You should understand the
risk and agree it is acceptable. Let your physician know that
the cost of any prescribed medical treatment is a concern
to you.
- Seek
a second opinion for nonemergency surgical procedures. It is your health that is at stake. You should know if another
qualified medical specialist holds a contrary medical opinion
and would not advise surgery.
- Request
generic drug prescriptions when possible. Generic drugs
are usually less expensive than comparable name brands and
often will serve as well.
- Read your medical and dental bills to determine the accuracy of the listed charges. If the bill does not correspond to quoted fees or if listed services were not received, bring the error in the bill to the attention of your physician or to the hospital.
Finally, the most important thing you can do is to guard your health. Eat right, exercise, stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and participate in the campus wellness programs. Your campus wellness program may offer health screenings, exercise programs, and assistance in making lifestyle changes. A health lifestyle can prevent or mitigate many common illnesses. Only you can make the choice that will improve your lifestyle and your health.
This
web site is for informational purposes only. Where discrepancies
occur, the plan documents are controlling.
THE MONTANA UNIVERSITY
SYSTEM
46 N. Last Chance Gulch
HELENA, MONTANA 59620
(406) 444-2574
