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 numbers and birthdates 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
REMINDER: if you wish to participate in a Flexible Spending Account in 2026, you MUST make an active election each year. Prior elections do not carry over.
The Benefit choices you make during your initial enrollment or annual open enrollment remain in effect for the entire year.
QUALIFYING EVENTS
You can, however, modify your elections under certain circumstances, called "Qualifying Events".
Ready to Enroll?
Complete your enrollment form and hand it in to Human Resources.
Please note that documentation that lists the effective date of the qualifying event is required, and that changes can only be made within 30 days of the event date
When Does My Coverage Start?
If you are a New Hire, you are eligible to participate if you are full-time and work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your coverage will be effective 1st of the month following your date of hire.
Open enrollment, your coverage is effective 1/1/2026
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
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
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Please refer to the formal Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) below.
Virtual Visits
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. Costs must be paid by you at the time of the virtual visit and will apply toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
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
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The first time you use a Virtual Visits provider, you will need to set up an account with that Virtual Visits provider group. You will need to complete the patient registration process to gather medical history, pharmacy preference, primary care physician contact information, and insurance information.
Each time you have a virtual visit, you will be asked some brief medical questions, including questions about your current medical concern. If appropriate, you will then be connected using secure live audio and video technology to a doctor licensed to deliver care in the state you are in at the time of your visit. You and the doctor will discuss your medical issue, and, if appropriate, the doctor may write a prescription* for you.
Virtual Visits doctors use e-prescribing to submit prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. Costs for the virtual visit and prescription drugs are based on, and payable under, your medical and pharmacy benefit. They are not covered as part of your Virtual Visits benefit.
*Prescription services may not be available in all states.
HOW DO I GET ACCESS?
Learn more about Virtual Visits and access direct links by downloading the Amwell App on your phone.
UHC Resources
Interested in the services UHC has available? This section will review the different services you have at your fingertips through UHC.
- myUHC App and Member portal
- How to find an In-Network Dr
- Behavioral Health Visits
- and so much more
Did you know?
UHC has a blog with Member News, Healthy Living, and Health Insurance basic articles. Click on the link below to review!
Check out your UHC member website! Myuhc.com is your one-stop resource for all kinds of information to help you manage your health plan benefits and improve your health. The resources listed below can all be accessed through this member website, and after registering on the myUHC website below, you can access a mobile version of the site.
UnitedHealthcare App
The UnitedHealthcare® app puts your plan at your fingertips. When you’re out and about, you can do everything from managing your plan to getting convenient care. Just download the app to:
- Find nearby care options in your network
- Estimate costs
- Video chat with a doctor 24/7
- View and share your health plan ID card
Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play or scan the QR code
Your UHC insurance card contains all the necessary information you need to use your health insurance.
Please note that you are able to connect with a provider from your mobile device or computer from the comfort of your home. Use a behavioral health virtual visit for needs such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, addiction or mental health disorders and counseling.
You ALSO have access to a free onsite Mental Health Clinic--see flyer to the right.
Maven Maternity
Maven offers 24/7 support for pregnancy and postpartum. You can book virtual appointments or message providers. Join groups, access clinically vetted articles and take classes, too.
The best part? Your Maven membership is free through your employer. There are no out-of-pocket costs for Maven visits and resources.
Click the link below to sign up!
Neonatal Resources
Our Neonatal Resource Services (NRS) is a program that is designed to bring hope and comfort to families. During the program, neonatal nurses (registered nurses) can help answer your questions and give you one-on-one compassionate care after your delivery. NRS is completely voluntary and provided at no additional cost, as part of your benefits plan.
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During the program, your neonatal nurse can help you:
- Work with NICU hospitals to make sure your baby gets the right care.
- Get you ready for life at home with baby — and offer support with breastfeeding and postpartum emotions.
- Arrange for home care services and equipment.
- Answer questions about health benefits and help coordinate preauthorization. ©
To sign up, call 1-866-534-7209, TTY 771, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday
FSA & DCFSA
The Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses. By contributing to one or both of the Flexible Spending Accounts you reduce your taxable income, so you pay less in taxes — which saves you money.
Contributions
The election you make during enrollment is your election for the entire plan year. You may change it only if you have a qualifying life event and the change request must be consistent with the event.
You may contribute as follows:
Health Care FSA
- Up to $3,400 annually
- All benefit-eligible can participate unless you or your spouse are contributing to an HSA.
- Reimbursements allowed for unreimbursed medical, prescription, dental, and vision expenses
How the Plan Works
You must incur your eligible expenses during the plan year — January 1 to December 31. An expense is considered to be incurred when the service is performed, not when you are billed or paid for the service. Up to $680 can be rolled over to the next plan year.
The Dependent Care FSA
Allows you to pay for eligible dependent care expenses with tax-free dollars so that you and your spouse can work or attend school Full-time.
Funds in a Dependent Care FSA are only available once they have been deposited into your account, and you cannot use the funds ahead of time.
- You may set aside up to $7,500 annually in pre-tax dollars, or $3,750 if you are married and file taxes separately from your spouse.
- If you participate in a Dependent Care FSA, you cannot apply the same expenses for a dependent care tax credit when you file your income taxes.
A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or adult daycare
- For a full list of eligible expenses, please use this link: Dependent Care FSA - FSAFEDS
OPERS and OP&F
Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial goals you’ll ever set. Having a strong retirement plan will give you more freedom and control over your lifestyle down the road, ensuring a financially secure future for you and your family.
OPERS Pension Plan:
You will be automatically enrolled in the pension plan after you become eligible. Re-enrollment each year is also automatic.
OPERS contributes 10%, City contributes 14%
Contact Information
OPERS: For questions on the pension plan please call OPERS at (800) 222-7377.
OP&F Pension Plan (Police and Fire only)
Police contributes 12.25%, City contributes 19.5%
Fire contributes 12.25%, City contributes 24%
Contact Information
OP&F: For questions on the pension plan please call (614) 228-2975
Voluntary Benefits
The City of Lancaster provides a competitive benefits package for all employees as part of our total compensation package. We realize you make benefit choices based on what’s important to you and the needs of your changing lifestyle. Therefore, along with our core benefits, we offer additional voluntary products which help to provide additional financial support to employees. This includes:
- Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
Please use the link or scan the QR code below to access Mutual of Omaha’s enrollment video. This informative presentation provides a comprehensive overview of all available voluntary benefits, helping you better understand your options. We highly recommend watching the video to ensure you have all the information you need to make confident and informed decisions during open enrollment.
Please note that the guaranteed issue amounts (the amount of coverage you can get without a medical exam) are only available for employees that sign up this year. If you sign up in 2027, the plan details will be different.
PLAN DETAILS:
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Income
60% of Gross Weekly Earnings, up to $1,500 per week maximum, payable up to 13 weeks.
Voluntary Term-Life Insurance with AD&D
Guaranteed Issue amount for Employee – up to $150,000
Guaranteed Issue amount for Spouse – 100% of employee’s benefit, up to $30,000
Guaranteed Issue amount for Child(ren) under 26 – $10,000 per child for a flat rate of $.75
Voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
Guaranteed Issue, up to $30,000 for Team Member and Spouse. Children coverage, up to age 26 at no cost.
Provision for $50 Annual Health Screening benefit, up to 6 covered family members, per year.
Voluntary Accident Coverage – 24 Hour Coverage
Pre-negotiated payments based on medical treatment received due to an on- or off-job accident.
Provision for $50 Annual Health Screening benefit per insured, per year.
Feel free to reach out to Danielle in HR or the NFP Team if you have specific questions about any of the voluntary products.
The City of Lancaster is now offering Voluntary Life! It is important to note that it if you are a new hire, your voluntary life is only guaranteed issue upon hire. The next open enrollment will require medical questions for any amount of additional life insurance.
Details can be found below:
Employee Benefit:
- Life Benefit: $10,000 increments up to $500,000 max
- Guaranteed Issue: $150,000
Spouse Benefit:
- Life Benefit: $5,000 increments up to $250,000 max
- Guaranteed Issue: $30,000
Dependent Benefit:
- Life Benefit: $5,000; $10,000
- Guaranteed Issue: $10,000
Premiums can be found in Employee Navigator
WillPrep Services offers a range of will preparation services.
For eligible members with voluntary term life plans, the services include online planning documents, a resource library and access to professionals to help with issues
related to:
- Advanced health care directives
- Estate taxes
- Executors & probate
- Financial power of attorney
- Getting organized
- Guardianship and conservatorship
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Living wills
- Trusts
- Wills
Estate planning documents
Policyholders have access to several necessary planning documents such as wills, healthcare power of attorney, financial power of attorney and living wills.
Attorney-assisted will and trust preparation
While many people feel comfortable using the services’ interactive web-based program to develop their own will free of charge, others prefer to have an attorney actually
prepare the will or trust. The option for an attorney-prepared will is available for a modest charge.
TravelAid
A comprehensive Assistance Services program providing 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance services when you are outside your Home Country or 100 or more miles away from your primary residence in your Home Country. The program also provides emergency security assistance services when you are outside of your Home Country. Expatriates are eligible for medical services while in your Host Country, while traveling outside of your Home Country, or while traveling within your Home Country 100 or more miles away from your primary residence. Expatriates are eligible for security services while in your Host Country or when traveling outside of your Home Country.
Ohio Deferred Compensation
Information on Ohio Deferred Compensation can be found below!
GLP-1 Information
EAP
City of Lancaster offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and well-being resource through the carrier Mutual of Omaha.
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.
Free Medical Clinic
Free Mental Health Clinic
Free Diabetic Testing Supplies
The City of Lancaster is utilizing Edwards Health Care Services to provide diabetic testing supplies to employees. These products are being offered at a free or reduced rate to employees to encourage them to manage and control their diabetes. Because of the billing process with UnitedHealthcare and prescription products, they cannot run this under UHC as a claim. The City is electing to use this service to minimize future claims cost if the diabetes is not managed. Below is additional information provided by Edwards Health Care Services.
Edwards Health Care Services: Helping you Take Control of your Diabetes
Advantages of the Program:
• No co-pay or out-of-pocket costs on all diabetic testing supplies
• Products mailed to your door – no need to go monthly to the pharmacy to pick up your testing supplies
• Order up to a 90-day supply
• Free home delivery on products covered by insurance
• Auto shipment of products ensures you never run out of testing supplies
To learn more to utilize this benefit, you can reach Edwards Healthcare’s Customer Service Line at phone: 888-344-3434
Fitness Discount
