Your 2026-2027 Buckeye Local Schools
Each year, as Buckeye Local Schools evaluates the employee benefit programs, it remains our intention to provide you and your families with a high level of benefits at an affordable cost.
MEDICAL: Mutual Health Services (MHS) is the administrator of the medical benefits.
PRESCRIPTION: CVS/Caremeark is the prescription benefit manager.
DENTAL: MetLife is the administrator of the dental plan.
VISION: EyeMed is the administrator of the vision plan.
EMPLOYER PAID LIFE/AD&D: Lincoln Financial Group is the administrator of the life policy.
VOLUNTARY LIFE/AD&D: Lincoln Financial Group is the administrator of the life policy.
Open Enrollment BenXpress
Open Enrollment Dates
May 11th – May 22nd
All team members have access to our online benefits enrollment platform 24/7 where you can enroll, select or change your benefits online during the annual open enrollment period, new hire orientation and for qualifying events.
- Accessible 24/7
- View all benefit plan options and your elections
- View important carrier forms and links
- Report a qualifying life event
- Make changes to beneficiary designations and more
Helpful Tips To Consider Before You Enroll
Do you plan to enroll an eligible dependent(s)?
- If so, make sure to have their social security number(s) and birthdate(s) available. You cannot enroll your dependent(s) without this information.
Have you recently been married/divorced or had a baby?
- If so, remember to add or remove any dependent(s) and/or update your beneficiary designation.
Did any of your covered children reach their age limit for this year?
- If so, they may no longer be eligible for benefits, unless they meet specific criteria.
1. Go to www.benxpress.com/buckeye
2. Enter your User ID: First initial and last name (example: John Doe login: jdoe)
3. Password: Last 4 digits of social security number
4. Follow instructions and enroll in your benefits
5. Make sure to SAVE your elections and print your confirmation statement.
Please click the below resource to access the most up-to-date Working Spouse Coverage - Eligibility Form.
NOTE: This form MUST BE FILLED OUT EVERY YEAR at Open Enrollment if you have a spouse.
EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY
All employees are eligible for group health benefits on date of hire.
DEPENDENT ELIGIBILITY
You may also enroll eligible dependents for benefits coverage. A ‘dependent’ is defined as the legal spouse and/or ‘dependent child(ren)’ of the plan participant or the spouse. Dependent age limit is end of month that they turn 26.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the member’s responsibility to notify the Benefits Administrator when this time is occurring. To notify the district of your dependent’s age reaching 26, please email benefits@buckeyeschools.org.
QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS
If you want to make changes to your coverage this is the time to do so. After this open enrollment period, a Qualifying Event is required to make a mid-year change to your coverage. If you have a Qualifying Life Event and want to request a mid-year change, you must notify the Treasurers Department and complete your election changes within 30 days following the event. Be prepared to provide documentation to support the Qualifying Life Event.
Examples of Qualifying Life Events include: Marriage, Divorce, New Dependent, Loss/Gain of available coverage by you or any of your dependents.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the member’s responsibility to notify the Benefits Administrator when there is a life event so that BenXpress can be updated with the change(s). To notify the district, please email benefits@buckeyeschools.org.
When Does My Coverage Start?
- If you are a New Hire there is no waiting period. Your benefits begin on your first day of employment. Please contact personnel@buckeyeschools.org with any questions.
- If this is your Annual Open Enrollment, your coverage is effective 7/1/2026.
What is a Qualifying Event?
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth/Adoption of a Child
- Death of a Spouse or Other Enrolled Dependent
- Change in Spouse’s Benefits or Employment Status
- A Dependent becomes eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
Who Are My Legal Dependents?
- Your Legal Spouse or Domestic Partner.
- Your children (up to age 26) including natural children, stepchildren, legally adopted children, children placed for adoption, children for whom you serve as legal guardian.
- Disabled dependent child(ren) of any age.
Medical & Prescription
Buckeye Local Schools offers a medical plan through Mutual Health Services (MHS).
A PPO option offers the freedom to see any provider when you need care. When you use providers from within the PPO network, you receive benefits at the discounted network cost. Most expenses, such as office visits, emergency room, and prescription drugs are covered by a copay. Other expenses are subject to a deductible and coinsurance.
Utilizing In-Network providers will allow for the highest level of coverage. In-network providers agree to accept the MHS contract rate as the final charge and the member is not balanced-billed.
CVS/Caremark is the Prescription Benefit Manager (PBM). Visit caremark.com to check coverage and copay information for specific medicine. Some key points to consider:
What is Prior Authorization?
Prior Authorization (PA) makes sure that you’re getting the right medication for your condition. It may also help keep costs down, so you don’t overpay.
When is a PA required?
Here are common reasons a PA is needed:
· There may be a lower cost option that’s just as effective.
· The medication has potential for misuse or abuse.
· The medication is for certain conditions or diagnoses.
How does a PA get started?
You or your pharmacy can ask your doctor to start a PA. Then, your doctor sends CVS/Caremark a PA by phone, fax or electronically. (CVS/Caremark offers electronic PA submission that often provides a decision instantly.)
How does it work?
CVS/Caremark gathers additional information from your doctor that’s required by your benefit plan. This
information helps determine if the prescription is covered. CVS/Caremark will notify you and your doctor whether your PA is approved or denied as soon as possible – usually within a few days.
Mail Order 90-Day Supply
Your plan covers three 30-day fills of your long-term medications at any pharmacy in the CVS/Caremark network. After that, you can choose to have 90-day supplies of your long-term medications delivered by CVS/Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy or pick them up at any CVS Pharmacy+ (including those inside Target stores).
After three fills, you can continue to receive 30-day supplies of long-term medications at any network pharmacy. You must first contact CVS/Caremark at the number on your prescription card to opt-out of 90-day refills.
To get started, visit online at caremark.com/mailservice or call the number on the back of your ID card. Make sure to have a prescription bottle with the label information to get started.
Below is a high-level overview of your plan options and in-network benefit information. You can view more details of these plans by accessing the benefit summaries provided below.
Prescriptions
TRADITIONAL DRUGS
TIER 1 (GENERIC) | Lowest Copay: Most drugs in this category are generic drugs. Members pay the lowest copay for generics, making these drugs the most cost-effective option for treatment.
TIER 2 | Low Copay: This category includes non-preferred and low-cost generic drugs
TIER 3 | Higher Copay: This category includes preferred, brand-name drugs that don't yet have a generic equivalent. These drugs are more expensive than generics, and have a higher copay.
TIER 4 | Highest Copay: In this category are nonpreferred brand name drugs for which there is either a generic alternative or a more cost-effective preferred brand including most specialty medications. These drugs have the highest copay. Make sure to check for mail-order discounts that may be available.
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 to save on prescription costs. One is 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 (which will not count towards your maximums).
ASK YOUR DOCTOR – Make sure to ask if there are cost-saving alternatives to the prescription they are providing. Many times, there are generics or different manufacturers that will save you money at the pharmacy.
First Stop Health Telemedicine
A virtual visit lets you see and talk to a doctor from your mobile device or computer. When you use one of the provider groups in our virtual visit network, you have benefit coverage for certain non-emergency medical conditions.
Employees on the medical plan and their covered dependents will have 24/7/365 access to doctors. Through First Stop Health membership, they can simply call 888-691-7867 and begin speaking with a doctor who can diagnose and treat common illnesses. There are no fees or copays to use this telemedicine benefit. There is no setup or pre-registration necessary!
WHEN CAN I USE A VIRTUAL VISIT?
When you have a non-emergency condition and:
- your doctor is not available;
- you become ill while traveling;
- When you are considering visiting a hospital emergency room for a non-emergency health condition.
*Your covered children may also use Virtual Visits when a parent or legal guardian is present for the visit.
Examples of Non-Emergency Conditions:
- Bladder Infection
- Seasonal Flu
- Sinus
- Sore Throat
- Stomach
- Rash
- Bronchitis
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Pink Eye
Dental
Dental Benefits through MetLife provide comprehensive coverage to help you and your family maintain good dental health. Your coverage will be greater 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.
NETWORK: Preferred Dentist Program (PDP Plus)
How Do I Find An In-Network Provider? Use the helpful link below!
- In-Network providers can also be found by visiting your provider’s website below where you can search by location, provider/facility name, or search by specialty.
Did You Know?
- 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.
Pre-Treatment Estimate
- If your dental care is extensive and you want to plan ahead for the cost, you can ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate. While it is not a guarantee of payment, a pre-treatment estimate can help you predict your out-of-pocket costs.
PREVENTION FIRST!
Your dental health is an important part of your overall health. Make sure you take advantage of your preventive dental visits.
Preventive care services are covered at 100% if you visit an In-Network provider. They are also not subject to the annual deductible.
Click on the link below to view the provider lookup tool.
Dental Summary
Below is a high-level overview of your plan options and in-network benefit information:
You can view more details of these plans by accessing the benefit summaries provided below.
Network Preferred Dentist Program (PDP Plus)
Vision
Buckeye Local Schools offers vision coverage through EyeMed 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. Please note: Members may choose between prescription glasses (lenses and frame) and contact lenses, not both.
Did You Know?
Eyes can give doctors a clear picture of overall wellness. That’s why vision care—and vision benefits—can help employees stay healthy. A comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of serious health problems, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Glaucoma and Cataracts
To find out if your provider is in-network (Insight Network), please visit the website below.
Vision Summary
You can view more details of these plans by accessing the benefit summaries provided below.
Board Paid Life/AD&D & Voluntary (Employee Paid) Life
BOARD PAID - BASIC LIFE/AD&D INSURANCE
All eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the plan with Lincoln Financial.
Life insurance is an important part of your financial security. It helps protect your family from financial risk and sudden loss of income in the event of your death.
AD&D insurance is equal to your Life benefit in the event of your death being a result of an accident and may also pay benefits for certain injuries sustained.
SUPPLEMENTAL (VOLUNTARY) INSURANCE
The Guarantee Issue amount for new hires is $200,000 without medical underwriting. This is your opportunity to take advantage of this enrollment and elect additional life insurance to meet your needs. Life coverage can be purchased in $10,000 increments with medical underwriting.
You may select life coverage for yourself in increments of $10,000 up to $300,000 not to exceed 5 times your earnings. Guarantee issue is $200,000 for new hires. Proof of insurability is required if you did not enroll when you were first eligible.
You may select life coverage for your spouse in increments of $5,000 not to exceed the lesser of 2.5 times annual earning to the next higher $10,000, or $50,000. Guarantee issue is $25,000 for new hires. Proof of insurability is required if you did not enroll when you were first eligible.
You may purchase life coverage for your dependent child(ren) in increments of $2,500 up to $10,000 for each child up to age 26.
Age Reduction
Your Voluntary Life and AD&D benefit will reduce 50% at age 70 for you and your spouse (reduction based on employee age).
Accelerated Benefits
You can receive up to 75% of your Basic and Voluntary Term Life insurance proceeds to a maximum of $250,000 in the event that you become terminally ill and are diagnosed with less than 12 months to live.
Conversion
Should you retire or terminate employment you can generally convert your Life benefits into an Individual Whole Life policy. Please note that conversion is not available on AD&D coverage.
Portability
Portability is available if you cease employment for a reason other than total disability or retirement at Social Security Normal Retirement Age. Your coverage must be inforce for at least 12 months. A written application must be made within 31 days of your termination.
NOTE: Buckeye group rates may not apply.
Contact Lincoln for your specific rates.
The portability provision allows you to continue Voluntary Term Life Insurance upon loss of eligibility or termination of employment in these situations:
- Group policy discontinues the eligibility of a class of employees to which you belong
- You retire
- You are terminated or change jobs
This Policy will port into a Term policy.
You have 30 days from the loss of eligibility date to port your Voluntary Term Life.
Conversion allows you to convert your Voluntary Term Life Insurance to an individual life insurance policy in these situations:
- Employment ends
- You stop being a member of an eligible class of employees
- Dependent loss of eligibility
- The policy terminates
This policy will convert to a Permanent Whole Life policy.
You have 30 days from the loss of eligibility date to convert your Voluntary Term Life.
Beneficiary Designation
Who Is 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.
Primary Beneficiary: Your primary beneficiary receives your benefits in the event of your death.
Contingent Beneficiary: Your contingent beneficiary receives your benefit, in the event that your primary beneficiary cannot.
*Please make sure your beneficiary information is up to date in BenXpress.
*Guaranteed Issue (GI) and Evidence of Insurability (EOI)
When you are first eligible (at hire) for Voluntary Life and AD&D, you may purchase up to the Guaranteed Issue (GI) for yourself and your spouse without providing proof of good health (EOI).
Any amount elected over the GI will require EOI. If you elect optional life coverage and are required to complete an EOI, it is your responsibility to complete the EOI and send it to the provider (address will be listed on your form). In addition, your spouse will need to provide EOI to be eligible for coverage amounts over GI, or if coverage is requested at a later date.
Voya Benefits
Well-Being Hub
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, effective well-being plays a crucial role. We recognize that a healthy, content workforce is not only more productive but also fosters a positive culture. We strive for a supportive and inclusive environment where we encourage and support the improvement of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Whether within a corporate setting, a community, or on a personal level, well-being focuses on fostering awareness, empathy, and support to create a healthier and more balanced workplace and environment for all. Prioritizing employee wellness and wellbeing is not just a policy but a reflection of our commitment to both the individual and collective success of the team.
To access the wellbeing newsletter, which includes resources, tips, recipes, and more, please select the button below.
Questions?
As you consider your benefit options, please be sure to review all available information. If you need further assistance, please reach out to Human Resources.
This is a high-level guide to certain benefits your employer offers. The information in this benefits guide is intended as a general outline of the benefits available under the following welfare benefit programs offered by your employer and should not be considered legal, investment, or other benefits advice. Benefits described are subject to change, amendment, or termination without notice to, or the agreement of, any employee/participant. All protected health information is confidential, pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. If you have any questions about your benefits guide, contact Human Resources. If you (and/or your dependents) have Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare in the next 12 months, Federal law gives you more choices about your prescription drug coverage.
Client Contacts
Bonnie Jeffries
bjeffries@buckeyeschools.org
(330) 722-8257 x1010
Mark Donnelly
mdonnelly@buckeyeschools.org
(330) 722-8257 x1008