Missouri State University offers a self-funded Health Coverage Plan, meaning the university provides health coverage to employees using university funds. The university covers between 64% to 92% of health care premiums, depending on the selected insurance option.
Each year, MSU and Med-Pay compare the total amount of claims against the premiums paid by university employees and the amount the university subsidizes. This analysis helps determine any potential increases in health insurance costs.
New 2025 Health Plan and Prescription Premium rates
Rates shown without wellness incentive. Wellness incentive reduces premiums up to $30 monthly.
2025 Base plan = Monthly premium | 2025 Buy-up plan = Monthly premium | ||
Employee Only | $44.00 | Employee Only | $98.00 |
Employee + Spouse (domestic partner) | $420.00 | Employee + Spouse (domestic partner) | $539.00 |
Employee + Child | $310.00 | Employee + Child | $409.00 |
Employee + Family | $481.00 | Employee + Family | $608.00 |
Rates increasing to adjust for higher expenses
Since the plan’s inception in 2019, health care costs have increased by 21.9% for employees on the base plan and 32.5% for employees on the buy-up plan. Although price increases are never popular, it is important to recognize that rates have not been adjusted to keep pace with inflation and rising costs, as shown in the historical rate change chart below.
Historical Rate Changes | ||||
YEAR | ACTUAL BASE PLAN COST INCREASE | BASE PLAN EMPLOYEE RATE INCREASES | ACTUAL BUY-UP PLAN COST INCREASE | BUY-UP PLAN EMPLOYEE RATES INCREASES |
2020 | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.0% |
2021 | 6.0% | 0.0% | 6.0% | 0.0% |
2022 | 6.9% | 0.0% | 17.2% | 7.0% |
2023 | 3.5% | 0.0% | 3.3% | 0.0% |
2024 | 5.3% | 5.0% | 5.4% | 15% |
TOTALS | 21.9% | 10.3% | 32.5% | 27.4% |
The university intentionally kept premiums low during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it is necessary to raise them to cover increased expenses. Adjustments are being made incrementally, based on actual plan costs, with a strong commitment to minimize employee impact. While the plan will incur a premium increase for 2025, monthly rates continue to be below average market rates.
Cost containment suggestions
There are actions employees can take to keep their health care costs as low as possible.
- Participate in employee wellness activities, preventative screenings and overall health improvement.
- Comparison shop health care, when appropriate. It may be surprising to learn how different services (especially RX) can vary widely in price before insurance discounts and payments are applied.
- Use Magers and other PPO contracted providers where discounts can be obtained.
- Action: Review your benefits package.
- Are you on the correct plan for your family needs or are you over or under covered?
- Review supplemental benefit plans, which may help reduce your financial burden if you incur personal claim costs. For example, the Accident, Critical illness or Hospital Indemnity coverage (this is new for 2025).
- Participate in the annual wellness incentive activities to receive $30 incentive toward monthly premium rate.
- If appropriate, make changes during open enrollment, Nov. 1-Dec. 1.
No rate changes for 2025 Dental Plan
2025 Dental plan = Monthly premium | |
Employee Only | $0 |
Employee + Spouse (domestic partner) | $27.25 |
Employee + Child | $21.22 |
Employee + Family | $42.78 |
If you have questions, contact HRBenefits@missouristate.edu.