BCBS PPO Plan

The BCBS PPO is a preferred provider organization (PPO) that combines the advantages of a national network with the option to use physicians and facilities outside the network, but at a higher cost.

When you join the BCBS PPO, you are not required to choose a primary care physician. There are two levels of coverage: in-network and out-of-network. The amount of coverage depends on where you receive treatment.

To learn more about the BCBS PPO Plan, take a look at these resources:

• The BCBS PPO HR website pages
• The BCBS Boston University Microsite
• BCBS PPO User Guide
• BCBS Summary Plan Description
• BCBS Find a Doctor Tool – Use this tool to locate physicians by selecting the PPO or EPO with Hospital Cost Sharing network.
• SmartSelect Tool
• Frequently Asked Questions – This page reviews common questions and important terms to know when selecting your health plan options for 2026.

Contributions to the Health Care FSA

Following a recent review, The Health Care FSA has been updated to better match our health plan eligibility guidelines and certain requirements under the Affordable Care Act. The following changes to the Health Care FSA Plan will take effect on January 1, 2026:

• Eligibility – Employees working at least 50% of a full-time schedule with an assignment duration of 9 or more months will continue to be eligible to contribute to the Health Care FSA. Employees that do not meet this eligibility criteria will no longer be able to participate in the Health Care FSA.
• Employer Contributions – University contributions to your Health Care FSA will change as outlined in the chart below. 
• You are not eligible to participate in the Health Care FSA if you do not meet the above-described eligibility criteria or if you enroll in the BU Health Savings Plan.
• Your enrollment in an FSA does not carry over each year. Therefore, if you would like to continue your participation in an FSA, and meet the above-described eligibility criteria, you must re-enroll each year during Open Enrollment.

If you elect the PPO Plan, BU may contribute an amount to your Health Care FSA that can be used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses, like your deductible. The amount BU contributes is based on your salary and coverage level, as follows:

The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to pay for many health care expenses with pre-tax dollars. You can also contribute up to $3,400 to the Health Care FSA for 2026.

For additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Service Center at hr@bu.edu or 617-353-2380.