WELCOME TO YOUR VIRTUAL BENEFITS GUIDE!
It’s that time of year—our Open Enrollment period is right around the corner!
This is your opportunity to review, select, and make any necessary changes to your benefits for the upcoming year. We want to make sure you have all the information you need, so here’s a quick rundown:
KEY INFORMATION TO KNOW:
When is Open Enrollment?
What’s Changing?
What’s Staying the Same?
Reminder: If satisfied with current insurance/benefit choices above and you have no changes, we still highly recommend reviewing everything to ensure your choices and personal information are still accurate.
ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Under certain circumstances, employees may be allowed to make changes to benefit elections during the plan year, if the event affects the employee, spouse, or dependent’s coverage eligibility. Any requested changes must be consistent with and on account of the qualifying event.
Examples Of Qualifying Events:
The Directions Group offers a medical plan through Anthem.
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. 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 coinsurance for medical expenses and a copay for prescription drug expenses. An HMO gives you access to doctors and hospitals within the HMO network. But unlike PPO plans, care under an HMO plan is covered only if you see a provider within that HMO’s network.
Utilizing In-Network providers will allow for the highest level of coverage. In-Network providers agree to accept Anthem contract rate as the final charge and the member is not balanced billed.
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Please refer to the formal Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) below.
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 generic or different manufacturers that will save you money at the pharmacy.
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 medical benefit summaries provided under the Medical & Prescription section above.
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.
WHEN CAN I USE A VIRTUAL VISIT?
When you have a non-emergency condition and:
*Your covered children may also use Virtual Visits when a parent or legal guardian is present for the visit.
Examples of Non-Emergency Conditions:
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 Sydney Health App on your phone.
Interested in the services Anthem has available? This section will review the different services you have at your fingertips through Anthem.
Did you know?
Anthem has a blog with Member News, Healthy Living, and Health Insurance basic articles. Click on the link below to review!
The SydneySM Health app is a free Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield app that gives you fast and convenient access to your health insurance information right on your phone. It’s like having a personal health assistant in the palm of your hand.
Search for doctors, hospitals, labs, and other health professionals in your plan. You can search by name, location, and type of care. You can even filter by gender or languages spoken, and then check costs before you go to find what’s best for you.
Check medical claims with one click. That means you can spend more time focused on your health and less on managing your healthcare benefits.
The Sydney app shows you essential information at a glance. Whether that’s an overview of your plan, health reminders, or suggestions for wellness programs. You also can find your deductible, copay, and share of costs.
You’ll always have your most current Anthem ID card handy. You can use it just like a paper one when you visit the doctor, pay for care, and more.
Just type your questions in the app and receive the answers you’re looking for. Plus, Anthem’s Sydney app can suggest resources to help you understand your benefits, improve your health, and save money.
The Find Care tool brings together details about doctors in your plan’s network. You can customize your search by name, location, specialty, or procedure. You also can compare information such as costs, languages spoken, and office hours.* To make sure a care provider is in your plan’s network, view the doctor or facility profile.
When you need care right away, the emergency room (ER) might be the first place that comes to your mind. However, the ER may not be the best choice in every situation. You have options when you have a sudden need for care, and knowing what they are can help you save time and money — and feel better sooner.
How to find the care you need - instructions for employees who are already enrolled:
How to find the care you need - instructions for employees who are not currently enrolled in the medical:
24/7 NurseLine serves as your first line of defense for unexpected health issues. You can call a trained, registered nurse to decide what to do about a fever, give you allergy relief tips, or advise you where to go for care. A nurse is always available to help answer your questions.
The Anthem Nurseline can help you with:
Call the NurseLine today at (800) 337-4770.
What is the health management program?
Get tools and support for managing chronic conditions:
Anthem health advocates can help you follow your healthcare plan.
For more information about the program, call Anthem at (866) 962-1071
Your Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card contains all the necessary information you need to use your health insurance. Once you sign up for an Anthem plan, you will receive an Anthem ID card. The ID card envelope will not show that it is coming from Anthem. Be on the lookout for a blank white envelope in the mail.
Network: Delta Dental PPO
How do I find a Delta Dental In-Network Dentist?
Pre-treatment Estimate
Dental Health Education and Online Risk Assessment Tool
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Click on the link below to view the formal Benefit Summary
Below is a high-level overview of your plan option and in-network benefit information:
You can view more details of this plan by accessing the benefit summary provided below.
Directions Group offers vision coverage through Avesis 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:
To find out if your provider is in-network, please visit the website below.
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 above.
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.
Basic - Employer Paid 1X Salary up to $200,000
A sudden accident or death can leave you or your loved ones in a vulnerable position. Employees have the opportunity to enroll in Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance which will supplement lost income in the event of an accident or death. If you choose to enroll in employee coverage, this will be in addition to your employer-provided Basic Life coverage.
Voluntary - Employee Paid Life
Coverage is also available for your spouse and/or child dependents, but only after you've elected coverage for yourself. A sudden accident or death can leave you or your loved ones in a vulnerable position. Employees have the opportunity to enroll in Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance which will supplement lost income in the event of an accident or death. If you choose to enroll in employee coverage, this will be in addition to your employer-provided Basic Life coverage. Review the full benefit summary below for additional details.
Employee: $10,000 increments up to $500,00 (GI $100,000)
Spouse: $5,000 increments up to $500,00 (GI $25,000)
Children: $2,000 increments up to $10,000
The portability provision allows you to continue Voluntary Term Life Insurance upon loss of eligibility or termination of employment in these situations:
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:
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.
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.
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 with your HR office*
*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.
Long Term Disability
Long Term Disability insurance can pay you a weekly benefit if you have a covered disability that keeps you from working. Long Term Disability insurance can replace part of your income while you recover.
LTD Benefit Features
Why go to an In-network provider?
Why should I go for my annual well checkup?
What is the difference between generic and brand name drugs?
How do discount cards work on RX?
What happens if I go out of network?
What is a SBC (Summary of Benefits and Coverage)?
What is an EOB (Explanation of Benefits)?
What should I ask my doctor?
What is preventive care?
Where can I get my ID card?
Who do I contact if I have a QLE (Qualifying Life Event)?