2023 BENEFITS ARE HERE!
Download your Benefit Guide and Open Enrollment Slide Deck below for more information
Helping you and your family reach and maintain good health is very important to us. We are pleased to offer a selection of benefits designed with your health and financial wellbeing in mind. We review our benefit programs each year to ensure we consider the best combination of benefit coverage, network access and affordability for employees.
We remain committed to providing a competitive, cost-effective benefit program. Each year we take great care and detail in the benefit programs offered to employees. Below are highlights of the benefit options that will be effective April 1st:
EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to participate in medical if you are full-time and work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your coverage will be effective on the 91st day of employment.
Children eligibility is as follows -
ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
The Benefit choices you make during your open enrollment remain in effect for the entire year. You can, however, modify your elections under certain circumstances, called "Qualifying Events" These are events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, loss of eligibility under another plan. If you experience a qualifying event, you may make changes to your benefits within 30 days of the event or 60 days if the event is due to birth or adoption of a child.
Contact Human Resources if you have questions about qualifying events.
Visit the Blues Portal: https://www.bcbsm.com/
In-State Plan Options
Out-of-State Plan Option
You may view participating providers at the link below or consult with your existing providers.
HMO | In-Network Services Only
An HMO gives you access to doctors and hospitals within the HMO network. But unlike PPO plans, care under an HMO plan is covered only if you see a provider within that HMO’s network. You must select select a Primary Care Physician, and you must get a referral from your PCP to see other doctors In-Network.
Enrolling in this plan allows you to contribute tax free dollars to a health savings account (HSA). Any dollars that you wish to contribute can be used towards any eligible medical, Rx, dental and vision expenses that you may incur while covered under the plan. See HSA section of this guide for additional details.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
For routine, primary/preventive care, or non-urgent treatment, we recommend going to your doctor’s office for medical care. Your doctor knows you and your health history, and has access to your medical records. You may also pay the least amount out-of-pocket when you receive care in your doctor’s office. You must indicate PCP (with their provider codes) on your enrollment form, for all members covered under the plan. If you do not select a PCP, one will be chosen for you based on your address. You are able to change your PCP by calling member services (phone number on the back of your BCN ID card). In-Network providers can be found on your provider’s website (BCBSM.com) under “Find a Doctor”. Select Group Health Plans and choose the network based on the plan type you are choosing. Remember that you will need your PCP’s name and the provider code, when completing your enrollment form.
PPO HSA | In-Network & Out-of-Network Benefits Available
The HDHP is similar to the PPO Plan in that you have the option to choose any provider when you need care. However, in exchange for a lower per-paycheck cost, you must satisfy a higher deductible that applies to almost all health care expenses, including those for prescription drugs.
All expenses are your responsibility until the deductible is reached, with the exception of preventive care, which is covered at 100% when you visit a physician in the network. Once the deductible is met, you are responsible for coinsurance for medical expenses and a copay for prescription drug expenses.
Enrolling in this plan allows you to contribute tax free dollars to a health savings account (HSA). Any dollars that you (and your employer) wish to contribute can be used towards any eligible medical, Rx, dental and vision expenses that you may incur while covered under the plan. See HSA section of this guide for additional details.
Urgent Care Centers vs. Freestanding Emergency Rooms
Freestanding emergency rooms look a lot like the urgent care centers you are likely used to, but the costs and services are drastically different. In general, consider an urgent care center as an extension of your PCP, while freestanding emergency rooms should be used for health conditions that require a high level of care. Research the options in your area and determine which ones are covered by your insurance plan's network; note that balance billing may apply. Choosing an urgent care center for everyday health concerns could save you hundreds of dollars.
Helpful Rx Cost Savings Tools & Tips:
MAIL ORDER - Many drugs are available in a 90 day supply, rather than the 30 day retail supply. Typically, you will pay less if you choose to get a mail order 90 day supply.
GOOD Rx - There are many tools online that you can use in order to save on prescription costs. One being GoodRx.com, an online Rx database that allows you to find what pharmacy is the cheapest for your specific prescription. Additionally, you may be able to find a coupon that will greatly reduce your cost. It is important to remember that many of the coupons can only be used outside of your plan (will not count towards your maximums).
ASK YOUR DOCTOR – Make sure to ask if there are cost savings alternatives to the prescription they are providing. Many times there are generic or different manufacturers that will save you money at the pharmacy.
Health Equity HSA
The Health Savings Account (HSA) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses. By contributing to a HSA you reduce your taxable income, so you pay less in taxes — which saves you money.
To be eligible to contribute towards an HSA tax-free, you must meet the requirements below:
2023 HSA IRS Maximums are as follows:
$3,850 for a single contract
$7,750 for a two person or family
$1,000 "Catch Up" contribution for those age 55+
Those who are covered by one of the BCBSM/BCN medical plans access to virtual visits with BCBSM Online Visits. BCBSM Online Visits provide members the opportunity to receive medical and mental health care from the comfort of your own home. With BCBSM Online Visits, eligible employees and dependents have access to board certified doctors, psychiatrists and licensed therapists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
How Much Does it Cost?
To get access to these convenient services, visit www.bcbsmonlinevisits.com - OR - you may call 844.606.1608.
You have the freedom to select the dentist of your choice; however when you visit a participating in-network dentist, you will have lower out-of-pocket costs, no balance billing, and claims will be submitted by your dentist on your behalf.
The plan is a PPO plan with a $1,000 annual maximum per covered individual. There is a $50 deductible per member on the plan.
Coverage:
Ameritas - VSP Network
Your employer offers vision coverage through VSP to help pay for eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lenses. You receive a higher level of benefits when you see a provider in network, however, out-of-network coverage is provided but may only be handled as reimbursements in some situations. Review your coverage details in your Benefit Guide.
To find out if your provider is in-network, please visit the website below.
Life/AD&D
A sudden accident or death can leave you or your loved ones in a vulnerable position. Employees have the opportunity to enroll in Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance which will supplement lost income in the event of an accident or death. If you choose to enroll in employee coverage, this will be in addition to your employer provided Basic Life coverage.
Who's Your Beneficiary? Naming a beneficiary is a crucial part of electing life insurance. Also, don't forget to update your primary or secondary beneficiary if you experience a life event, such as a divorce or birth of a child.
Please consult your Employee Benefits Guide and review the benefit summaries for additional details.
PROVIDER CONTACT INFORMATION
Blue Care Network
Medical/Prescription HMO Plan
(800) 662-6667
HMO Network
www.bcbsm.com
Ameritas
Dental
(800) 487-5553
Ameritas/VSP
Vision
(800) 877-7195
VSP Network
www.vsp.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Livongo Diabetes Management Program
(800) 945-4355
www.join.Livongo.com/BLUECROSSMI-START/register
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/BCN
Mail Order Drug Program
(800).356.3477
PO Box 650629
Dallas, TX 75265-0629
HealthEquity
Health Savings Account
(866) 346-5800
Unum
Life/AD&D and Supplemental Life
(800) 421-0344