UA System Conducting Health Plan Dependent Eligibility Audit

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas System Office is reviewing the eligibility of all dependents covered under the University Health plan in an effort to contain costs by determining that everyone covered under the plan is eligible for the benefit.  

The UA System Office has contracted with Aon Hewitt to conduct the Dependent Verification Audit. All participants in the University Health plan who are covering spouses and/or children are being asked to provide proof of eligibility for those dependents in order to continue their coverage.

Human Resources sent an email in February to all employees enrolled in health coverage announcing this audit and alerting them that they would be hearing from Aon Hewitt. The initial Aon Hewitt introductory notice was mailed in mid-February and a second letter, providing detailed information about the required documentation and how to submit the information to Aon Hewitt, was mailed the week of March 7.  

Any employee enrolled in the University Health plan who did not receive either or both of these letters from Aon Hewitt, who has questions about the dependent audit process, or has concerns about getting the documentation gathered and submitted by the deadline, should contact the Aon Hewitt Dependent Certification Center directly at 1-800-725-5810.  

All documentation must go to Aon Hewitt and should not be sent to Human Resources or to UMR. All covered employees are encouraged to search for their required documentation now and to seek copies of any missing documentation as soon as possible.

The UA System is responsible for making sure that the University Health plan is administered properly, and part of that means assuring that no ineligible dependents are being covered. Ineligible dependents add to the cost of the plan because their medical claims are paid for by the university and ultimately those claims costs are passed on to participants in higher premiums or reduced coverage. 

The UA System Office and Human Resources support best practices in health plan administration, which includes periodic dependent eligibility audits.  

Individual employees are the best source of complete and up-to-date information. Verification documents submitted by employees, with the opportunity to provide alternative documentation, give employees the most discretion over which documents are provided. The UA System Office and Human Resources appreciate the cooperation of all employees covered by the University Health plan.

Questions concerning the dependent audit should be sent to the Aon Hewitt Dependent Certification Center directly at 1-800-725-5810.