Welcome

Please listen to the 2025-2026 educational recording for your benefits overview.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Eligibility

All full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week on average are eligible for benefits effective on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

Eligible Dependents

Your eligible dependents include:

  • Spouse
  • Dependent children up to age 26
  • Dependent children over age 26 that are incapable of self-support due to total physical or mental disability (under most benefits outlined).

If you choose to enroll your spouse and/or dependent children, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Address (if different)

Summaries of additional benefits are provided in this guide as an overview reference.

Enrollment

Complete your elections online through Employee Navigator for the current plan year. It is imperative that you carefully read the instructions provided when making/changing your elections.

If you have not yet registered your account you will need to register with your personal information and the Company Identifier: COB1010. If you have previously registered, please login with the username and password you set up when you first registered.

Qualifying Events

The elections you make will remain in place through June 30, 2026. You cannot add or drop coverage or dependents unless you experience a qualifying event. Some examples of qualifying events are listed below:

  • Marriage / Divorce
  • Birth or Adoption of a Child
  • Change in Child’s Dependent Status
  • Death of Spouse or Dependent
  • Loss / Addition of Other Coverage
  • Eligibility change due to relocation
  • Medical Child Support Order

You have 30 days from the date of the event to notify Human Resources; otherwise, you must wait until the next enrollment period.

Please note: Not every change in status permits a change in benefit plan elections. The election change must be consistent with the change in status that occurred.

Medical

BlueCross BlueShield of SC

Benefit Period: July 1 – June 30

Network: Preferred Blue

Group #70-84733 | (800) 760-9290 | Visit www.southcarolinablues.com or download the My Health Toolkit Mobile App!

You have the choice between two plans for the 2025-2026 plan year.

There is a network available for you; coverage may be significantly reduced if you obtain services out-of-network.

If you are already enrolled in one of the BCBS medical plans today and have not already done so, please be sure to register through My Health Toolkit where you can access important information pertaining to your medical plans including participating providers, cost estimates for services, explanation of benefits/claims, and your accumulation amounts for deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. If you are not currently covered, you will be able to register in the BCBS portal as of your effective date of coverage.

Medical Plan Overview

Tobacco Use:

Employees that are considered tobacco users will be subject to an additional $50 per month towards the cost of medical coverage. Covered spouses will also be subject to an additional $50 per month towards the cost of medical coverage. The surcharge amount will be an additional fee to the premiums shown in Employee Navigator.

Health Incentive Account (HIA)

With a Health Incentive Account (HIA), you can lower your benefit period deductible simply by completing activities that may lead to better health. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in the Co-pay medical plan through BlueCross BlueShield of SC Medical Coverage through City of Beaufort.

How it works:

Complete activities to earn credits towards your deductible (up to 2 credits per member, per benefit period) prior to meeting your deductible. Once you have met your deductible, you are unable to earn credits until your next benefit period begins. Credit opportunities are available to covered employees and spouses. Dependent children are not eligible.

How to earn credit:

Complete health-related activities from the list below. When you complete two activities, you can receive the maximum deductible credit.

  • Having a wellness or OB-GYN Exam using an in-network provider.
  • Getting a preventive screening using an in-network provider: prostate-specific antigen exam, colorectal exam, mammogram or cervical exam.
  • Completing a My Health Novel milestone.

Please note: Credits may take up to 8 weeks to show as applied. You can view this by logging into your My Health Toolkit account, select Benefits and then Claims Status. Your HIA credit will appear in the claims status list.

My Health Novel Flyer

My Health Novel Flyer

My Health Novel FAQ

My Health Novel FAQ

HIA Flyer

HIA Flyer

Virtual Care - Blue CareOnDemand

Access and register for Blue CareOnDemand through My Health Toolkit.

When you enroll in either BCBS plan you have access to virtual care through Blue CareOnDemand powered by MD Live. The per visit cost is the same as the primary care visit cost.

Don’t wait until you’re sick. Create your user account now so it’s ready when you need it.

Visit with a doctor anytime, anywhere. When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room. You can visit with a doctor in minutes and start feeling better faster. The doctor can even send a prescription to your local pharmacy if needed.

Get treated for common conditions fast. Wondering what types of conditions Blue CareOnDemand doctors can treat? Through a virtual visit, you can talk to a doctor about conditions like:

Cold and Flu Symptoms, Bronchitis and other respiratory infections, Pink Eye, Ear Infections, Allergies, Migraines, Rashes and other skin irritations. Urinary Tract Infections, and more!

When should you use video visits?

  • You need to see a doctor but can’t fit it into your schedule.
  • Your doctor’s office is closed.
  • You feel too sick to drive.
  • You have children at home and don’t want to bring them with you.
  • You’re on business travel and stuck in a hotel room.

BCBS Programs & Resources

BCBS Member Guide

BCBS Member Guide

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

HSA Overview

HSA Bank

Call the number on the back of your HSA debit card | Visit www.hsabank.com

If you enroll in the HDHP medical plan, you should consider contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA). With an HSA, you can gain more control over your health care expenses because contributions, interest and withdrawals for qualified health care expenses are all tax-advantaged.

HSA Contributions Limits:

2025: $4,300 Individual / $8,550 Family

2026: $4,400 Individual / $8,750 Family

$1,000 additional catch-up contribution for individuals age 55+

*These limits are based on your medical plan coverage level. **Family coverage includes Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren) and Employee + Family.

To be eligible to contribute to an HSA, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be covered under an HSA-qualified health plan on the first day of any month for which eligibility is claimed (as described in IRS Publication 969)
  • Not be enrolled in Medicare
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
  • Have no other insurance except what is permitted by the IRS (see IRS Publication 969)

Why choose an HSA?

With an HSA, you get to take some of the money that would have gone to pay for higher health insurance premiums and put it into your own pocket. You can use the HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses, or you can save it and let it grow with tax-free interest from year to year. Be sure to keep your receipts as the IRS may request these in the event of an audit.

  • You don’t lose it if you don’t spend it. The HSA, including all the money in the account, is yours. You take the account with you when you change jobs, retire, or leave your qualified health plan.
  • You don’t have to pay taxes on withdrawals for eligible medical expenses.
  • Even if you lose your qualified plan in the future, you can still use the remaining funds in your HSA on qualified medical expenses.

How to use your HSA and access your account details:

You will receive a debit card that will be linked to your HSA. You can use it to pay providers when you incur eligible expenses. Payments can also be made via check, online bill-pay or you can reimburse yourself if you pay out of pocket for an expense.

HSA Overview

HSA Overview

HSA Store

HSA Store

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Flores

(800) 331-9610 | www.flores247.com

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provides an opportunity to put aside payroll dollars tax-free, to pay for eligible expenses. Eligible medical expenses are described in IRS Publication 502, but in general your FSA can be used for expenses (that are not otherwise reimbursed) relating to medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and eligible dependent care expenses incurred during the plan year.

Make an election based on your estimated expenses (up to the limits) for this plan year July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Your election will be payroll deducted evenly each pay period through the end of the plan year.

FSA Contribution Limits:

Health Care FSA: $3,300

Dependent Care FSA: $5,000 ($2,500 if married and filing separately)

Health Care FSA: This account is used to reimburse medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you and your dependents. You are able to carry over up to $660 in unused money at the end of the plan year to be used to reimburse expenses incurred in the next year. Any amount in excess of $660 will be forfeited, so plan accordingly. Eligible medical expenses are described in IRS Publication 502, but in general your FSA can be used for expenses (that are not otherwise reimbursed) relating to medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy. Those that are not eligible to participate in the Health Savings Account (HSA) should consider participating in this account.

Dependent Care FSA. This account is used to reimburse expenses related to care of your eligible dependents while you (and your spouse, if married) work. Covered expenses must be for dependent children 13 and under, or any person of any age whom you claim as a dependent on your taxes that is mentally or physically incapable of caring for himself/herself.

How to submit a claim:

You are able to use the FSA debit card to pay for claims at time of service. If you do pay out of pocket for a claim, you can file a claim electronically by setting up an account at www.flores247.com or through the Flores Mobile App; you can submit claims through the website, mobile app or via mail/fax. Since the FSA is regulated by the IRS, you may be required to provide documentation to substantiate your claim. New cards will be issued to new enrollees or as soon as prior cards expire. New cards will not be issued to renewing enrollees each year.

Flexible Spending Account

Flexible Spending Account

How to Optimize your FSA

How to Optimize your FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Telehealth

HealthiestYou by Teladoc

Group #HY2222 | (866) 703-1259 | Visit www.healthiestyou.com or download the Mobile App!

Telehealth Plan Overview

Your Bi-Weekly Cost: $0.83

If you enroll in the Co-pay medical plan, you have the option to elect HealthiestYou for you and your family members if you are based in the United States. This benefit provides fast and convenient access to quality medical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States with a $0.00 consultation fee.

A national network of U.S. board certified physicians will be able to diagnose illnesses, recommend the best treatment option, and provide a prescription, if needed. The physician network includes Family Practice, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. You can access physicians by phone or online video (through the secure web portal or within the HealthiestYou mobile app). Telehealth is a convenient and inexpensive alternative to non-emergent Emergency Room visits, non-critical care clinics, or when you don't have access to your primary care provider.

Teladoc provides medical diagnosis and treatment for common challenges such as:

Allergies, Sinus Infections, Bronchitis, Cold/Flu Symptoms, Urinary Tract Infection, Respiratory Infection, Sore Throat, Pink Eye, Ear Infection, Rashes, Stomach Ache/Diarrhea, Minor Burns, Insect Bites, Poison Ivy, Arthritic Pain, Many More......

How It Works:

  • Receive your account information from HealthiestYou.
  • Set up your Teladoc account online and download the mobile app.
  • Request a physician consultation and you’ll receive a call back in about 10 minutes.
  • Physician will conduct the consultation and recommend appropriate treatment.
  • Physician will prescribe medication directly to the pharmacy of your choice.
  • Physician will update your electronic medical record, which you will have access to at any time.

Please note: This is not insurance/is not intended to replace insurance. It does not meet the minimum coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

Dental

Delta Dental

Benefit Period: January 1 – December 31

Network: Delta Dental PPO & Delta Dental Premier

Group #07170501 | (800) 335-8266 | Visit www.deltadentalsc.com

There is a network available for you; coverage may be significantly reduced if you obtain services out-of-network. Out of network reimbursements are based on the 90th percentile of usual, customary and reasonable fees; you may be balance billed if your dentist does not consider this reimbursement as payment in full.

Vision

Community Eye Care

Benefit Period: July 1 – June 30

Network: CEC

Group #CITYBEAU01 | (888) 254-4290 | Visit www.cecvision.com

There is a network available for you; coverage may be significantly reduced if you obtain services out-of-network. Out of network reimbursements are available for most services.

Warby Parker - Here to Help Flyer

Warby Parker - Here to Help Flyer

Visionworks Flyer

Visionworks Flyer

Retail Network Flyer

Retail Network Flyer

Financial Protection

Mutual of Omaha

Group Number: G000AWVK | (800) 877-5176 | Visit www.mutualofomaha.com

City of Beaufort provides you with Basic Life/AD&D and Long Term Disability. You also have the option to purchase additional Life/AD&D insurance for yourself and your dependents and have the option to elect Short Term Disability. Be sure to keep your life insurance beneficiaries up to date!

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment

All full-time employees are provided with Basic Life/AD&D Insurance. The AD&D benefit is equal to your Basic Life Insurance coverage amount and, under qualifying circumstances, is paid to your beneficiary in addition to the Basic Life benefit. If you become dismembered, the policy pays according to a schedule based on the dismemberment.

Life/AD&D Benefit Amount: $25,000; benefit amount reduces at age 70.

Voluntary Life/AD&D:

You have the option to purchase additional Life insurance for yourself and your dependents. You must elect coverage for yourself in order to elect for your dependents. Your cost is based on age and benefit amount. You can view your specific costs when enrolling online.

Employee Amount: increments of $10,000 up to $500,000 (maximum of 5x salary); benefit amount reduces at age 70.

Spouse Amount: increments of $10,000 up to $100,000 (maximum of 100% of employee amount); coverage terminates when employee turns age 70.

Child(ren) Amount: $15,000; covers all child(ren).

Evidence of Insurability (EOI) will be required if you elect to purchase more than $100,000 for yourself or $25,000 for your spouse, if you elect to purchase coverage after your initial new hire waiting period, or if you wish to increase coverage. During annual enrollment, if you have existing coverage, you are able to increase $10,000 up to the guaranteed issue amount ($100,000) without health questions; this is for the employee amount only.

Group Number: G000AWVK

Disability

You have the option to elect Short Term Disability coverage and City of Beaufort provides you with Long Term Disability. Disability replaces all or a portion of your income should you be unable to work due to a covered disability. Your Short Term Disability cost is based on your earnings and you age. View your specific costs when you enroll online.

Short Term Disability

60% of weekly earnings up to $1,500 per week.

Benefits begin on the 15th day for up to 11 weeks.

Pre-existing condition limitation exclusion - 3 month look back / 6 month exclusion.

As a new hire and during annual open enrollment, you are eligible to elect short term disability without submitting health questions, however pre-existing condition limitations will still apply. If you decide to elect coverage at a later time, you are required to submit health information (Evidence of Insurability - EOI) for approval.

Long Term Disability

60% of monthly earnings up to $8,000 per month.

Benefits begin on the 91st day for up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age.

Pre-existing condition limitation exclusion - 3 month look back / 12 month exclusion.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

Colonial Life

(800) 325-4368 | Visit www.coloniallife.com

Critical Care, Accident, Whole Life & Gunshot Wound

You have the option to elect these additional voluntary benefits through Colonial Life. These benefits provide a lump-sum payment to you if you have an eligible claim. Your rates are based on coverage level/benefit amount selection, age, and tobacco usage. Review your specific costs when you enroll online.

These benefits are available to be elected without completing health questions during the annual open enrollment period each year; however pre-existing condition limitations may still apply.

Critical Care (with Cancer coverage optional)

This benefit will help you pay for non-medical and out-of-pocket medical expenses upon diagnosis of one of the covered specified critical illnesses (including cancer if that is elected). This product provides a lump sum option that will pay out upon diagnosis. This plan also includes a benefit for the receipt of an approved cancer vaccination, completion of a covered health screening test, and for the extended treatment of cancer in the amount of $500/month up to 12 months (whether consecutive or not). Subsequent diagnosis benefits are also included in this plan. This benefit also provides a $50 reimbursement for a Health Screening.

Accident (Off/On Job)

This benefit will help you off-set unexpected medical expenses resulting from a covered on and off job accident. This benefit pays out for broken bones, dislocations, burns, cuts and other injuries as well as the treatment and follow-up care for those injuries. There are benefits built in for different phases of an accident (from initial care benefits to follow up treatment). This benefit also provides a $50 reimbursement for a Health Screening.

Whole Life

This benefit is a permanent life insurance option available for the employee only. This plan includes guaranteed level premiums that do not increase because of changes in health or age, and gives access to policy’s cash value through a loan for emergencies.

Gunshot Wound Benefit (Off/On Job)

This benefit will help you offset non-medical and out-of-pocket medical expenses if you receive a non-fatal gunshot wound. This policy pays a lump-sum benefit.

Adopting healthy behaviors, including regular health screenings can prevent or control many diseases. If you elect Accident or Critical Care, there are wellness / health screening benefits included. To file a health screening claim call (800) 325-4368 and provide the date of test, type of test, name and telephone number of doctor or facility where test was performed. You may also file online through Colonial Life’s website at www.coloniallife.com. No claim form is needed to file this claim.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SupportLinc

Group Code: cityofbeaufort | (888) 881-5462 | Visit www.supportlinc.com

EAP Overview

SupportLinc’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers expert guidance to help you and your family address and resolve everyday issues.

Services Include:

EAP resources at your fingertips

Reach an EAP licensed counselor by phone or tablet 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year for immediate assistance.

Short-term counseling

Access up to 5 no-cost counseling sessions, in-person or via video, to resolve stress, depression, anxiety, work related pressures, relationship issues or substance abuse.

Financial expertise

Consultation and planning with a financial counselor.

Legal

Consultation by phone or in-person with a local attorney.

Mental Health Navigator

Complete a short Mental Health Navigator survey and receive a personalized report with recommendations for resources based on your results.

Additional resources

Referrals for child and elder care, home repair, housing needs, education, pet care and so much more.

Convenient, on-the-go support:

TheTextcoach® text therapy

Personalized coaching with a licensed counselor on mobile or desktop.

Animo - digital behavioral health

Self-guided resources to improve focus, wellbeing and emotional fitness.

Virtual Support Connect Explore

Moderated group support sessions on an anonymous, chat-based platform.

Your web portal and mobile app:

  • The one-stop shop for program services, information and more.
  • Discover on-demand training to boost wellbeing and life balance.
  • Find search engines, financial calculators and career resources.
  • Explore thousands of articles, tip sheets, self assessments and videos.
EAP Program Flyer

EAP Program Flyer

Registration Guide & FAQ Flyer

Registration Guide & FAQ Flyer

Additional Educational Videos

What is Preventive Care?

What is Preventive Care?

Benefit Terms Explained

Benefit Terms Explained

How to Read an EOB

How to Read an EOB

What is Balance Billing?

What is Balance Billing?

401k

401k

COBRA

COBRA

How to stretch your healthcare dollars

How to stretch your healthcare dollars

FMLA

FMLA

Understanding Medicare

Understanding Medicare

Have Questions?

HR Admin Name

Kristy Kittle, Human Resources Specialist

Email: kkittle@cityofbeaufort.org

Phone: 843-525-7015

Ivette Burgess, Human Resource Director

Email: iburgess@cityofbeaufort.org

Phone: (843) 525-7018

NFP Advocacy

Email: chs-support@nfp.com

Phone: (843) 444-5280

Colonial Life

Tran Keodara

Email: tran.keodara@coloniallifesales.com

Phone: (864) 921-0303

You can view plan documents, notices and other resources on Employee Navigator. You may request a paper copy of any document at any time from Human Resources.