About the OSU/A&M System Health Plan

The OSU/A&M System health plan covers more than 11,000 members. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the System will transition to a new health plan administration model designed to provide greater transparency, flexibility and long-term sustainability. One of the most noticeable changes for members will be a new insurance card. To support this change, we've provided a look back at where we started in 2008, and how the System is working to adapt to the way times have changed.

Where have we been as a system?

• The OSU/A&M System moved away from the State Insurance board in 2008, and began a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide medical coverage for employees.
• The System began operating as a self-funded plan in 2015, meaning  the OSU/A&M System pays the cost of covered medical claims rather than purchasing a traditional fully insured medical policy. Employees still have defined benefits, provider networks and established member cost-sharing.
• In July 2025, leadership reviewed projected healthcare costs. By the end of the year, actual expenses exceeded projections by 18%, reinforcing the need to evaluate the long-term sustainability of the plan.

What sparked change?

• Like employers across the country, the OSU/A&M System has experienced significant increases in healthcare costs. Several plan design changes were implemented in 2025, including adjustments to GLP-1 coverage, the working spouse rule, biosimilar medication requirements for certain brand-name drugs and salary-based contribution tiers. These changes helped manage costs, but additional action was needed to address long-term healthcare spending.

How did we arrive to this change?

• In 2026, the System conducted a competitive review of its healthcare administration partners to identify opportunities for greater transparency, improved cost management and enhanced member support. Through this process, the System selected specialized partners to manage key aspects of the health plan while providing greater visibility into plan operations and costs.
  • WebTPA will administer and process medical claims.
  • Healthcare Highways, with an Aetna wrap network for out-of-state coverage, will provide network access for members.
    • Stillwater Medical Center is included in the network, along with approximately 98% of providers currently used by plan members.
  • Liviniti will administer pharmacy benefits.
  • Stop-loss coverage will be finalized before the plan takes effect.
  • Together, these partners will support the new Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical (OAMC) System Health Plan.
• Based on available projections, remaining with the current model could have resulted in premium increases approaching 20%, similar to the increases announced for members of the state health plan in 2027.
• Our goal is simple: preserve familiar benefit options while creating a more sustainable administrative model that helps manage rising healthcare costs and supports the long-term health of our self-funded plan.

What happens now?

• During Open Enrollment, employees will make elections for their 2027 benefits, including their medical coverage under the OAMC System Health Plan, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
• The OSU/A&M Benefits team will continue working closely with our partners to monitor plan performance, address member needs and make adjustments when necessary. Because our employees work across Oklahoma and throughout the country, ensuring broad access to quality healthcare providers will remain a priority.
• System leadership will continue to explore ways to manage healthcare costs while putting the member experience at the forefront of their minds. Programs and offerings are evaluated on a regular basis to ensure the needs of our employees are met.