WELCOME
Helping you and your family reach and maintain good health is very important to CER Group, NA. 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.
Below are highlights of the new changes that will be effective April 1, 2023:
- Medical plans will now include new Point of Service options:
For the 2023 plan year the following changes will be made to the Medical plans, all other benefits will remain the same:
- BCN HMO 1500 moving to BCN HMO 2000
- BCN HMO HSA 6350 NO CHANGE
- BCBSM PPO HSA 2000 moving to BCN POS HSA 2000
- BCBSM PPO 4000 moving to BCN POS 3000
Wellbeing
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. At CER, 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 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 team.
To access the wellbeing newsletter, which includes resources, tips, recipes, and more, please select the button below.
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
Eligibility
All full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week and legal spouse and children.
Children are eligible for benefits as follows:
- Medical, Dental and Vision: Until the last day of the month in which the child turns 26
- Child Life Insurance: Until the last day of the year in which the child turns 23, or 25 if the child is a full-time student
Enrollment
Action Required: All elections must be submitted by March 26, 2023.
ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Go to www.cer.ease.com
- Click Start Enrollment to begin your enrollment
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 Life 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 Life Event, you may make changes to your benefits by contacting Human Resources and completing any election changes online within 30 days of the event.
Contact Human Resources if you have questions about Qualifying Life Events.
MEDICAL/Rx
BCN | Group #00281964 | (800) 662-6667 | www.bcbsm.com | 800-810-2583 (BlueCard outside of MI) | www.bcbs.com/member-services
We will be offering the following four (4) medical and prescription drug options in 2023, through Blue Care Network, Blue Elect Plus:
- BCN HMO 2000
- BCN HMO 6350
- BCN POS HSA 2000
- BCN POS 3000
Medical
Your medical options will be between an BCN HMO, BCN POS and an BCN POS HSA:
The Point of Service (POS) plans function differently depending on whether you live in or out of Michigan
- Michigan residents must select a Primary Care Physician (PCP). You do not need referrals to see a specialist. In network providers include BCN HMO providers, out of network coverage is also provided.
- Non-Michigan Residents do not need to select and PCP. You also do not need referrals to see a specialist. In network providers include nationwide Blue Card Traditional providers, out of network coverage is also provided.
The POS HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan that works much like a traditional POS Plan in that you have the option to choose any provider when you need care. However, in exchange for a lower cost per pay, you must satisfy a higher deductible that applies to almost all health care expenses, including prescription drugs.
All expenses are your responsibility until the deductible is satisfied, with the exception of preventive care, which is covered at 100% when you visit a physician that participates in the network. Once the deductible is met, you are responsible to pay coinsurance for medical expenses and a copay for prescription drug expenses.
An HMO gives you access to doctors and hospitals within the HMO network ONLY. If you enroll in an HMO plan, any services received from an out-of-network provider, with the exception of a true emergency, will not be covered.
Additional requirements under this plan:
You must select a Primary Care physician (PCP) who will determine the care/treatment you need. In order to see other doctors, such as a specialist, you must obtain a referral from your PCP.
A comparison of the options is below:
Prescriptions
The differences in the prescription drug costs are summarized here:
In addition, if you need a specialty medication, you can contact AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, which will support you with:
- scheduling delivery times and locations
- finding financial assistance options
- assisting with prior authorizations
- managing medication side effects
Additional Resources
VIRTUAL VISITS
(844) 606-1608 | www.bcbsmonlinevisits.com
Those employees who are covered by one of the BCN medical plans have 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.
Common Medical Services Include: Bladder Infections | Cold/Flu Symptoms | Sore Throat | Pink Eye | Rashes | Sinus Infections | Ear Infections | Stomach Issues | Bronchitis
Services for Mental Health Include: Therapy Visits: Therapists such as psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors use talk therapy. Therapy is available to adults and children aged 10 and older by appointment from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visits typically last 45 minutes. | Psychiatry Visits: Psychiatrists can make diagnoses and prescribe and manage medications. Psychiatry is available to adults aged 18 and over and visits are by appointment only. Extended hours during evenings and on weekends may be available. The initial visit usually lasts 45 minutes with 15-minute follow-up visits
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Medical Visits:
- Standard, Non-HSA Plans: Equal to your office visit copay
- HSA Plans: $59 charge applied to deductible, coinsurance applies after satisfaction of deductible.
Mental Health: For both non-HSA and HSA plans, the costs of these services are Subject to your plans normal cost sharing for mental health services, often, deductible & coinsurance. The charges applicable for the type of services, which will apply towards your deductible, are as follows:
- Therapy Visits: $85 (Masters Level) or $99 (Doctorates Level) – Once your deductible is satisfied, coinsurance will apply if applicable
- Psychiatry Visits: $199 for initial visit and $95 for follow up visits –Once your deductible is satisfied, coinsurance will apply if applicable
Prescription copays/cost sharing will apply if medication is prescribed.
To get access to these convenient services, visit www.bcbsmonlinevisits.com - OR - you may call 844.606.1608.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
(866) 346.5800 | www.healthequity.com
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:
- Covered by a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan
- You cannot be covered by another health plan (including if your spouse has a Flexible Spending Account)
- You cannot be covered by Medicare or Medicaid
- You cannot be eligible to be claimed as a tax dependent
- You have not received VA benefits in the past 90 days
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+
If you are only covered by an HSA plan for part of the 2023 calendar year, your maximum allowable contribution is prorated based on the date you are covered by an HSA plan.
- Reminder: You can make changes to your HSA elections at any time for any reason. Please contact Human Resources to request a change to your HSA.
DENTAL
Guardian Dental | Group #00466517 | (800) 627-4200 | www.guardiananytime.com
Dental Benefits through Guardian provide comprehensive coverage to help you and your family maintain good dental health. You can elect the PPO or DHMO plan. Your coverage will be greater if you go to an in-network provider if you select the PPO plan.
A comparison of the options is below:
VISION
EyeMed | Group #9777350 | (800) 877-7195 | www.eyemedvisioncare.com
CER Technical Services 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.
To find out if your provider is in-network, please visit the website below.
LIFE AND DISABILITY
Guardian | Group #00466517 | www.guardianlife.com/life-insurance
Guardian provides you with financial protection benefits with Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability benefits with Guardian.
Life and AD&D
Supplemental Life
You have the opportunity to enroll in Supplemental Life insurance for yourself, your spouse or your dependent children as well as Optional AD&D insurance for yourself, your spouse or your dependent children. If you choose to enroll in employee coverage, this will be in addition to your employer provided coverage. You must elect coverage for yourself in order to elect coverage for your spouse and/or children.
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.
Disability
Short Term Disability
Everyday illnesses or injuries can interfere with your ability to work. Even a few weeks away from work can make it difficult to manage household costs. Short Term Disability coverage provides financial protection for you by paying a portion of your income, so you can focus on getting better and worry less about keeping up with your bills. You have the ability to purchase Short Term Disability coverage that will provide you 60% of your weekly income (up to $1,000 per week) for up to 26 weeks.
Long Term Disability
Serious illnesses or accidents can interrupt your life, and your ability to work for months – even years. Long Term Disability provides financial protection for you by paying a portion of your income, so you have financial support to manage your disability and your household. CER Group offers you a Long Term Disability benefit, that covers 60% of your monthly income up to a maximum benefit with a max depending on the benefit level you select. Refer to the Benefit Guide for election amounts.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
The resources below are provided to employees at no additional cost:
Employee Assistance Program
EmployeeConnect | (800) 386-7055 | Employee Assistance Program | Guardian (guardianlife.com)
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) - All employees and their families have access to use the EAP services through Guardian. Representatives can assist you through work-life balance, stress management, grief, counseling, and much more. They will also help you find resources within your community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Carrier Contacts
Contact information for each carrier is conveniently located below:
BCN POS Network | Group #00281964-0001 | (800) 662-6667 | www.bcbsm.com | BlueCard-Outside of MI (800) 810-2583 bcbs.com/member-services
Health Equity | (866) 346-5800 | www.healthequity.com
Guardian Dental | Group #00466517 | (800) 627-4200 | www.guardiananytime.com
Guardian Life Insurance | Group #00466517 | (800) 525-4542 | www.guardiananytime.com
EyeMed | Group #9777350 | (888) 581-3648 | www.eyemedvisioncare.com
Guardian EAP | (888) 482-7342 | www.guidanceresources.com
Contact Us
As you consider your benefit options, please be sure to review all available information, including the videos and links found on this webpage. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Human Resources: