Cypress Companies

Table of Content

  1. Header
  2. Overview of Health Benefits
    1. Welcome to your 2023 Cypress Benefits
    2. How to Enroll
    3. Eligibility & Qualifying Events
    4. Medical
    5. Prescriptions
    6. HSA
    7. Virtual Visits
    8. FSA
    9. HRA
    10. Dental
    11. Vision
    12. Basic Life
    13. Supplemental Life
    14. Disability
    15. Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
    16. Employee Assistance Program
    17. Understanding your Benefits
    18. Additional Resources
    19. Company Time off and Holidays
    20. 401(k) Retirement & Profit Sharing
    21. Carrier Contacts
    22. Contact Us
  3. Footer

Welcome to your 2023 Cypress Benefits

To Our Employees: 


We have made a conscious decision to offer you benefits because we care about you and your families, and we want to do everything we can to make sure you are taken care of. 


Once again this year, we conducted a thorough review of options available to us and we think we’ve come up with the best possible package. But the process doesn’t stop here—we need you to take an active role in understanding and selecting your benefit options. A strong grasp of the plans available to you will best allow both you and this organization to get the most bang for our buck.  


To help you gain that strong understanding, please read this kit carefully and consult us with any questions. 


Thank you for all that you do for us!


How to Enroll

All team members have access to our online benefits enrollment platform 24/7 where you have the ability to 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


ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Go to https://www.benxpress.com/cypress
  2. Enter your User ID: Employee ID
  3. Password: Last four of social security number
  4. Follow instructions and enroll in your benefits
  5. Make sure to save your elections and print your confirmation statement.

You can also download the BenXpress app and make your open enrollment elections on your phone. Go to the Apple app store or the Google play store to download the app on your phone or tablet

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Eligibility & Qualifying Events

The Benefit choices you make during your initial enrollment or annual open enrollment remain in effect for the entire year.


EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible to participate if you are full-time and work a minimum of 30 hours per week.


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. 


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.


What is a Qualifying Life 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 Medical


Ready to Enroll?


Medical


The Cypress Companies provides 3 plan options through UMR.

If the provider is in network, there is a higher level of coverage which means lower out of pocket costs to you. If the provider is non-network, a lower level of coverage which results in higher out of pocket costs to you. You choose which plan best fits your needs based on your utilization of services and contribution costs. 


What is an PPO HSA?

A 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 the plans’ coinsurance for medical expenses and prescription drug expenses.


Enrolling in this plan allows you to contribute tax free dollars to a health savings account (HSA) in addition to the contributions that are made by Ausco Products. Any dollars that you (and Ausco Products) 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 the HSA section of this guide for additional details.



Medical Summary

What is a PPO?

What is a PPO?

What is an HDHP with HSA?

What is an HDHP with HSA?

What is an HMO?

What is an HMO?

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  | 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 a higher copay.

TIER 3  |  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. These drugs have the highest copay. Make sure to check for mail order discounts that may be available.

SPECIALTY DRUGS

TIER 4  | Lowest Specialty Drug copay: Tier 4 specialty drugs are generally more effective and less expensive than nonpreferred specialty drugs in tier 5.


WHERE CAN I FIND A DRUG LIST?

Typically, a full listing of covered drugs is found on your provider’s website. A drug list, also called a formulary, is a list of generic and brand-name drugs covered by a health plan. Although a drug may be on the drug list, it might not be covered under every plan. Review the plan materials for details on specific benefits.

You can use drug lists to see if a medication is covered by your health insurance plan. You can also find out if the medication is available as a generic, needs prior authorization, has quantity limits and more.


Registering with Express Scripts to create an online account:

  1. Go to Express-Scripts.com/activate
  2. Click on Register (upper right-hand corner)
  3. Complete name, date of birth and email address
  4. Enter your social security number or member ID from Express Scripts
  5. Establish username and password

Your Express Scripts Account can help you with the following:

  • Under Prescriptions
  • Refill Prescriptions by phone, online or mobile app
  • History of prescriptions
  • View Claims & Balances
  • Price a medication
  • Set up automatic refills
  • Find a Pharmacy

Mobile App

  • Use the Express Scripts mobile app by downloading from your mobile devices app store (Use the QR code on the Mobile App flyer to download the Express Scripts App)
  • Refill Prescriptions
  • Find a local pharmacy
  • Check your order status
  • Find and compare prices with “Price a medication”




RX Summary

Managing Prescription Costs

Managing Prescription Costs

Prescription Overview

Prescription Overview

HSA

Health Savings Account (HSA) Overview

Health Savings Account (HSA) Overview

Health Savings Account

What is an HSA?

A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-favored trust or custodial account established exclusively for the purpose of paying for current and/or future medical expenses. An HSA is similar to an IRA account with one major difference: you can access the funds at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses. A full list of qualified expenses can be found in IRS Publication 502 at www.irs.gov.


What are the federal tax benefits of HSAs?

  • Individuals can deduct the amount of their HSA contributions from their federal income taxes.
  • An employer’s contribution to an HSA account is not counted as taxable income.
  • An employee can withdraw funds from an HSA tax free to pay for qualified medical expenses.
  • All interest earnings on HSAs are tax free.


What qualifications must I meet to enroll in an HSA?

To enroll in an HSA, the following requirements must be met:

  • Must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan that meets IRS requirements.
  • An employee cannot be covered by another medical plan that is non high-deductible health plan i.e. enrolled in spouses plan that is a PPO (this exclusion does not apply to certain other types of insurance, such as dental, vision, disability or long -term care coverage).
  • Participants cannot participate in a Healthcare FSA or spouse/domestic partner’s Healthcare FSA or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
  • An employee cannot be enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid (including dependents.)
  • An employee cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
  • An employee has not received Tricare, Indian Health Services or Department of Veterans Affairs Medical benefits in the past 90 days. 



MAINTAINING RECORDS

To protect yourself in the event that you are audited by the IRS, keep records of all HSA documentation and itemized receipts for at least as long as your income tax return is considered open (subject to an audit), or as long as you maintain the account, whichever is longer.

HSA funds may be used for non-eligible expenses but will be subject to regular income taxes and a 20% excise tax penalty.

First Stop Health

The Cypress Companies provides a 24/7 Telemedicine vendor, at no cost to you, but you must be enrolled in a medical plan. Below is an overview:


WHEN CAN I USE Telemedicine? 

When you have a minor illness or injury 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 between ages of 6 – 18 may also use Telemedicine when a parent or legal guardian is present.

Examples of Non-Emergency Conditions:

  • Bladder Infection
  • Bronchitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Pink Eye
  • Rash
  • Seasonal Flu


HOW DOES IT WORK?

By PHONE:

  1. Call 888.691.7867 and press 1 to speak to a doctor
  2. A First Stop Health intake agent will ask a few brief questions
  3. Within 5 – 10 minutes, a physician will call you back to review history, symptoms and make recommendations.
  4. If a prescription is required, patients will be notified via email or text when the prescription has been sent to your preferred pharmacy. PLEASE HAVE YOUR PREFERRED PHARMACY’S PHONE NUMBER AVAILABLE.

ONLINE:

  1. First time users, watch for a welcome email link which will be sent upon activation.
  2. Click on the link in the email and set up your First Stop Health account.
  3. Request a consultation online by clicking on “Request a Consult” button on the right-hand side of your dashboard.
  4. Returning users, go to www.fshealth.com and follow step 3.


HOW DO I GET ACCESS? Learn more about First Stop Health and access direct links to provider sites by logging into your member portal https://app2.fshealth.com/

For questions regarding online health care, contact:

1-888-691-7867 press 1 to speak with a doctor or https://app2.fshealth.com/

Dental


UMR utilizes the UHC Dental PPO Network. Network dentists agree to accept the contracted fee schedule as the final fee, and they will not balance bill the member. To find a PPO dentist near you, go to www.umr.com


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.


A comparison of the options is ->








Dental Summary

Dental Insurance Overview Video

Dental Insurance Overview Video

Vision


Benefits are provided by VSP who utilizes the VSP Choice Network. Services rendered by a participating  provider will be paid at a higher level. The VSP Choice Network is mostly comprised of optometrists and ophthalmologists


DID YOU KNOW?

  • Eye exams can help detect serious eye and general health conditions sooner: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol
  • Babies should receive their first professional eye exam at 6 months
  • 80% of learning in the first 12 years comes through the eyes


To find out if your provider is in-network, please visit the website below.



Vision Benefit Summary

Vision Insurance Overview

Vision Insurance Overview

Basic Life

Life/AD&D

Life/AD&D


BASIC LIFE and AD&D INSURANCE

Life insurance is an important part of your financial security. Life insurance helps protect your family from financial risk and sudden loss of income in the event of your death. Accidental Death & Dismemberment (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.


*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 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.

Supplemental Life

Employees can enroll in Supplemental Life insurance. If you choose to enroll in employee coverage, this will be in addition to your employer provided Basic Life coverage. Coverage is also available for your spouse and/or child dependents. It is typically required that you elect coverage for yourself in order to be eligible for coverage on your dependents.


Premiums are based on age-rated tables and paid by the employee every pay period through a payroll deduction. These premiums are post-tax and benefits payable are tax-free. The age-rated tables and premiums are programmed into the BenXpress online enrollment system. The amount of coverage for Life and AD&D must be the same amount.


Employee: Elect amounts based off your annual salary ($125,000 GI)

Spouse: $10,000 increments up to the lesser of 50% of what you elect for yourself or $50,000 ($20,000 GI)

Children: Can elect $4,000 ($4,000 GI)


Annual Increase (Applies to Employees only, Spouses are subject to EOI):

You may request to increase the amount of insurance once a year, provided the new amount of insurance does not exceed the maximum benefit amount shown above. You may increase your amount of insurance by up to $10,000. If the amount of insurance requested exceeds the Guarantee Issue Amount, Evidence of Insurability will be required.


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.

Life/AD&D

Life/AD&D

Disability

Overview of Long-term Disability

Long Term Disability

Serious illnesses or accidents can come out of nowhere. They 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.


LTD Benefit Features

  • Benefit begins after 180 day elimination period if remain disabled
  • Payments will last for as long as you are disabled, or until you reach Retirement Age (age 65), whichever is sooner
  • Pre-existing condition limitations apply for first 12 months

Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

Accident Insurance

A serious injury can cost you a lot of money – not only in medical bills but in things like income from lost work hours. Some injuries are minor, but others are debilitating and require significant medical care. If you get hurt, accident insurance pays you money that you can use to cover personal expenses, bills, and out-of-pocket medical costs.


Examples of what's covered

  • Accidental Death - Employee $50,000, Spouse $20,000 and Child $10,000
  • Fracture will pay $7,000
  • ER Room Treatment will pay $150
  • Hospital Admissions


Critical Illness Insurance

How would you pay your bills if you were suddenly diagnosed with cancer and couldn’t work? Critical illness insurance doesn't’ pay your medical bills. It pays you if you’re diagnosed with a covered illness. The benefit is paid directly to you and is your choice how to spend it.


What's covered?

  • Critical Illness such as heart attack, stroke and end-stage kidney failure
  • Cancer conditions, such as breast cancer and skin cancer
  • Progressive disease such as Alzheimer's Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease


Wellness Benefit

$75 WELLNESS BENEFIT Per Covered Individual for Accident and Critical Illness. If you elect both you are eligible for $150 in wellness benefits.

Understanding your Benefits

What is Preventive Care?

What is Preventive Care?

Benefit Terms Explained

Benefit Terms Explained

How to Read An Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

How to Read An Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

What is Balance Billing?

What is Balance Billing?

What is a Qualifying Event?

What is a Qualifying Event?

Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. ER

Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. ER

Contact Us

As you consider your benefit options, please be sure to review all available information. If you don't understand your benefits or need any assistance, please contact Human Resources.

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