The announced closure of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, and Prevea Health’s locations in the Chippewa Valley comes as a shock and sad news for the Chippewa Valley. We understand that the suddenness of this announcement and the uncertainty it causes may be stressful to you and family.
UW-Eau Claire Human Resources is working with the Universities of Wisconsin Office of Human Resources to provide accurate information on the impact of this announcement as we exploring options to best continue meeting our employees’ healthcare needs. The information on this page will be updated as we learn more.
Thank you for your patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my healthcare provider continue to accept my insurance card if I have the Prevea360 plan?
Prevea360 is a health insurance plan separate from the clinics and is not ending. Prevea Clinics in western Wisconsin are closing.
Some providers have been notified that Prevea will no longer be an insurance company as of February 1. Is this true?
No. The announced clinic closures does not affect the Prevea360 health insurance plan.
If I go to Mayo Clinic, will they accept my Prevea360 insurance?
For employees with the "Dean Health Plan – Prevea360 West and Mayo Clinic Health System" plan, Mayo Clinic Health System is in-network and employees can go to Mayo as a provider. Note: always contact your health insurance carrier to validate if a provider is in network before seeing a new provider regardless of what health system you are in
If I go to a provider in the Prevea360 East network, will it be considered in-network if I have the Prevea360 West plan?
Most likely not. You should contact your health insurance carrier to validate if a provider is in network before seeing a new provider regardless of what health system you are in.
Is the announced closures a qualifying life event in the State Group Health Insurance Program so I can change to another health insurance plan carrier?
No. The closing of a health provider (hospital, doctor's clinic, etc) is not a qualifying life event in the State Group Health Insurance Program that would allow you to change to another health insurance plan carrier. If you are seeing providers at HSHS and/or Prevea, you will need to find new providers within their health insurance plans network. You should work with your current providers to get recommendations of other providers and check that they are in-network with your current health insurance plan. You can verify in-network providers by going to your health insurance plans website or calling the toll free number and talking to a representative.
This has been very stressful for me and my family. Are there resources available to help us?
Yes. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides you and members of your household with confidential resources to address personal/work-related concerns, assist with legal/financial situations or help with work-life balance. Access to EAP services is employer-paid. You do not need to be enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program to use the EAP services. Learn more
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Email humanresources@uwec.edu and we will assist you as best we can.
Last updated 1/25/24
