Medical/Rx

Anchor, Anchor Plus, or Anchor Choice? How do you choose the right plan? Check out our resources below, and make sure you talk to ALEX®, our online decision tool.

Compare Your Options!

Here’s a quick comparison of the Anchor, Anchor Plus and Anchor Choice Plans.

Anchor
Anchor Plus
Anchor Choice
Administered By
Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI
Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI
Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI
Annual Deductible
$1,000/individual
$2,000/family
$500/individual
$1,000/family
$1,650/individual
$3,300/family
Does the State Contribute to a Health Savings Account*?
No
No
Yes! The State will contribute $1,650/individual or $3,300/family in 2025!
May I Contribute to a Health Savings Account*?
No, but you may enroll in the General Purpose Health FSA
No, but you may enroll in the General Purpose Health FSA
Yes! You may contribute up to $2,650/individual or $5,250/family** in 2025 using pre-tax dollars! Plus, you can enroll in a Limited Purpose Health FSA for additional tax savings!
Do I Need to Meet a Deductible for Preventive Care Services?
No. Eligible preventive care services are covered at 100%
No. Eligible preventive care services are covered at 100%
No. Eligible preventive care services are covered at 100%
What Do I Pay at the Doctor’s Office?
You pay $15
You pay $15
You pay 10%
Plan pays 90%
Imaging and/or Inpatient Hospital/Outpatient Surgery
You pay 10%
Plan pays 90%
You pay 10%
Plan pays 90%
You pay 10%
Plan pays 90%
What’s the Most I Would Have to Pay in Out-of-Pocket Expenses in 2025?
$2,000/individual
$4,000/family
$1,000/individual
$2,000/family
$3,000/individual
$6,000/family
What Do I Pay for Prescription Drug Coverage?
$10 generic
$35 preferred brand-name
$60 non-preferred brand name
$100 specialty
$10 generic
$35 preferred brand-name
$60 non-preferred brand name
$100 specialty
You pay 100% of retail cost until you reach your deductible, then the Anchor/Anchor Plus plan copays*** apply until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum
Prescription Drug Annual Deductible
None
None
Combined with medical plan deductible
Is There a Separate Out-of-Pocket Maximum for Prescription Drugs?
No. It’s combined with medical plan out-of-pocket maximum
No. It’s combined with medical plan out-of-pocket maximum
No. It’s combined with medical plan out-of-pocket maximum
What Do I Pay from My Paycheck (Premiums)?
Visit the News and Announcements page on the Office of Employee Benefits website and navigate to premium rates to find out the rates that will apply to you in 2025
Visit the News and Announcements page on the Office of Employee Benefits website and navigate to premium rates to find out the rates that will apply to you in 2025
Visit the News and Announcements page on the Office of Employee Benefits website and navigate to premium rates to find out the rates that will apply to you in 2025
*Contributions are made biannually with half deposited on January 1 and the other half deposited on July 1. The State’s HSA contributions are not prorated for employees who enroll after those dates.

**If you are age 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 to your HSA.

***Copays are 10/$35/$60/$100. Note that you pay the full cost prior to meeting your deductible unless the drug is on the preventive therapy list.

Designating a PCP in Workterra

When you visit Workterra to complete your enrollment, you will notice that the “designate a PCP” section will still require a response—even for those employees who are no longer required to elect one. If you are in a Union that has ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, or a non-union classified or unclassified employee, just click “Auto Allocate” for a PCP and move to the next section. No PCP will be assigned to you.

You are still required to elect a PCP if you are in one of the following groups:

  • RIBCO (Correctional Officers; Nurses; Civilians)
  • RITA and non-union State Police
  • Non-Classified union and non-union education and college employees

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Watch the medical plan presentation from BCBSRI to learn about your 2025 plan options and coverage.

Grab & Go: Virtual Learning Center

More Questions?

  • Schedule a virtual one-on-one session with a BCBSRI representative to review your options. Sessions are available Monday through Friday, November 4–November 22 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. If you are registered at BCBSRI, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your private appointment.
  • Call the State’s Dedicated BCBSRI CARE Center, an all-in-one support center that connects State employees and their families with a local BCBSRI customer service and clinical team dedicated to their health needs. You can call them at 401-429-2104 or 866-987-3705 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–noon. The State of Rhode Island Employee CARE Center is exclusively dedicated to questions about medical coverage under the Anchor medical plans.
*This flyer refers to electing a Primary Care Physician (PCP) to coordinate care. While it’s always a good idea to establish a relationship with a PCP, beginning in 2025, employees (except RIBCO, RITA, non-Union State Police, non-Classified union and non-union education and college employees) who are enrolled in the Anchor plans are no longer required to designate a PCP to coordinate their care.

Considering the Anchor Choice with HSA?

HSAs are a triple-tax threat! You don’t pay taxes on what you contribute, on the interest you earn, or when you use it for eligible expenses! Find out more in this video.

Want More Information on How an HSA Works With the Anchor Choice Plan?

Looking for a good doctor?

If you have questions during open enrollment or would like help selecting a primary care physician, contact the State of RI Employee CARE Center at 401-429-2104 or 866-987-3705.

Still Not Sure?

Watch “The Anchor Choice Plan with HSA: Is It Right for Me?” video for more info.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Find out how your prescription drug coverage works. Watch the new prescription drug presentation from CVS.

Check Out the Prescription Drug Cost Tool From Caremark.com

There’s a lot to explore at Caremark.com, including a cost calculator, the latest formulary, and information about mail-order services. Just type in your medication and you’ll see which pharmacy offers it at the lowest price. Visit the Office of Employee Benefits prescription drug page, and click “Coverage and Costs” under “Coverage Details.”

Grab & Go: Virtual Learning Center

*Beginning in 2025, employees (except RIBCO, RITA, non-Union State Police, non-Classified union and non-union education and college employees) who are enrolled in the Anchor plans will have access to PrudentRx.

Your Benefits Counselor

Schedule some quality time with ALEX®. ALEX can help you pick a plan your wallet will love.

What Would Bob Do?

Follow State employee Bob as he walks through his Anchor plan options in the “Understanding Your Anchor Medical Plans” video.

Note: This video refers to electing a Primary Care Physician (PCP) to coordinate care. While it’s always a good idea to establish a relationship with a PCP, beginning in 2025, employees (except RIBCO, RITA, non-Union State Police, non-Classified union and non-union education and college employees) who are enrolled in the Anchor plans are no longer required to designate a PCP to coordinate their care.

For More Information…

For details on your medical and prescription drug benefits, visit our benefits website.