Miami University will change its employee healthcare plan from United Medical Resources (UMR) to Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield in 2020. Open enrollment for Anthem will continue through Oct. 31.

According to a press release from Miami, the two networks have a 99.2% match in coverage.

“We are confident in the level of service and network access that Anthem will provide to our employees and their families,” the release stated.

Despite that pledge, Miami’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) fears for the gap in coverage.

“Some employees will undoubtedly be adversely affected by the change in pharmacy benefit managers and the coverage of particular drugs,” said David Walsh, Miami AAUP Chapter research director. “Other employees will find that a health care provider that they use is no longer ‘in network.’ As a consequence, they will have to either find another provider or pay significantly more for treatments they receive.”

Earlier this week, at the Benefits and Wellness Fairs held at each of Miami’s campuses, employees got a chance to hear about the new plan from Anthem representatives. Some of the topics included in the presentations were tips and tools for enrolling and new initiatives.

The university decided to make the switch after running a request for proposal (RFP) to gauge other options for a health plan to expand services for employees and their families.

Faculty members were sent enrollment information to their homes last month. The university assured employees that their coverage plan will be the same as what they are currently enrolled in.

New ID cards from Anthem will be mailed out in mid-December.