QEC Open Enrollment

Beginning January 1, 2027, our medical insurance carrier will change from UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS IL) with pharmacy through BCBS IL’s Prime Therapeutics. Other minor changes will be communicated during open enrollment.

No. Healthcare costs continue to rise each year across the industry, and annual adjustments to employee contributions and plan costs are a normal part of the renewal process. The changes to premiums for 2027 are not the result of moving to BCBS. Similar adjustments would have been necessary regardless of the carrier selected. Our decision to move to BCBS was focused on providing competitive coverage, access to a broad provider network, improved member support resources, and long-term value for employees and the company.

No. Plan design changes and carrier changes are evaluated separately. As healthcare costs continue to increase nationwide, periodic adjustments to deductibles, copays, out-of-pocket maximums, and payroll contributions are sometimes necessary to help keep coverage affordable and sustainable for all employees. While some plan provisions may be changing for 2027, these changes are not being made because we moved to BCBS. Similar adjustments would have been considered regardless of whether we remained with our previous carrier or selected a new one.

Although there is a carrier change, the existing medical plan offering, coverage structure, and all other benefit carriers will remain the same.

NOTE: Discount Tire employees residing in the State of Michigan, Tire Rack, and Dunn Tire won’t be impacted by the carrier change.

1. Check providers and pharmacy coverage on the BCBS IL microsite.
2. Complete open enrollment in Workday between 11/9 – 11/27.
   • Start early, do NOT wait until the last day of open enrollment.
3. If you elect the BCBS IL medical coverage for next year, visit this Discount Tire Family open enrollment page again in December for additional tips for a smooth transition.

• Discount Tire Benefits Team: Benefits@discounttire.com
• Stores: Regional Office Managers
• BCBS IL Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS) Hotline: 1-855-649-9634
  • Health advocates will be available 24/7 to provide general care navigation such as in-network providers, pharmacy benefits, and plan coverage. Enhanced clinical guidance and support with your designated Health Advocate will be available beginning 12/15/26.

• Full-Time: October 5 –  October 23
• Part-Time (QEC-Eligible): November 9 – November 27

YES. Due to the carrier change, ALL employees (full-time and part-time QEC-eligible) are required to log into Workday to elect or waive medical coverage during open enrollment.

NOTE: Current medical elections/dependents will NOT automatically roll over; not even for those already on a BCBS IL plan. In addition, there are other full-time benefits that do not automatically renew.

It is vital for employees to check providers and pharmacy coverage early. This can be done now on the BCBS IL microsite, or by calling the BCBS IL Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS) 24/7 hotline at 1-855-649-9634.

The BCBS IL Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS) team will proactively outreach by mail or phone in December and January to those who will require transition of care (i.e., undergoing pregnancy care, cancer treatment, etc…). 

Employees who have elected medical for 2027 can proactively reach out to the HAS Hotline 24/7 at 1-855-649-9634 for general care navigation such as in-network providers, pharmacy benefits, and plan coverage. Enhanced clinical guidance and support with your designated Health Advocate will be available beginning 12/15/26.