Welcome
Message from Human Resources
Helping you and your family reach and maintain good health is very important to Lerner Publishing Group. 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.
Benefits Offered (web-links in blue):
- Medical plan through HealthPartners (effective through 5/31/2026)
- Medical plan through Medica (NEW carrier effective 6/1/2026)
- Dental coverage through MetLife
- Vision coverage through EyeMed
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through Alerus
- Medical FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
- Employer Paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long-Term Disability through MetLife
- Employee Paid Voluntary Life and AD&D through MetLife
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through LifeWorks (MetLife) for ALL employees and family members
- Digital marketplace that provides personal insurance solutions with InsurChoice
We encourage you to review the high-level 2026-27 Benefit Summary (link below) which gives brief information on benefits offered, carriers, renewal dates, and calendar year vs. plan year accumulators.
Eligibility
Regular employees working at least 30 hours per week are eligible to participate in benefits offered by Lerner Publishing Group. Please contact HR with any questions regarding classification and eligibility periods.
When you enroll in the benefits program you may also cover your eligible dependents.
For all benefit programs offered, dependents include:
- Your legal spouse
- Child(ren) up to age 26 regardless of student status, marital status, residence, or financial dependence on you, and an unmarried child incapable of self-support.
Enrollment
Your enrollment decisions are made in the Paycom system, which also houses your payroll.
When to Enroll:
You have three opportunities to enroll dependent on your situation:
- When you are first eligible as a new hire
- At Open Enrollment (spring and fall for different benefits)
- Due to a Qualifying Life Event.
Most common life events include:
- Marriage
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Divorce, legal separation, termination of employment, reduction in hours worked or death of spouse
- Loss of coverage under Medicaid or state child health plan
- Gaining eligibility for coverage under Medicaid, Medicare or a state child health plan
The benefits you elect will remain in effect until May 31, 2027.
How to Enroll:
During Open Enrollment, as a new hire or an existing employee experiencing a qualifying event, you will log-in to Paycom to start your enrollment decision making process.
To access the Paycom system, please click on the Paycom log-in link below:
Medical (through 5/31/2026)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your medical plan offered through HealthPartners will be in effect until through 5/31/2026.
Your current medical plan provides high-quality and affordable medical care. With Lerner's medical coverage you have coverage for preventive care, doctor's visits, hospitalization, emergency care and prescription drug coverage. The medical plan offered to Lerner employees utilizes the Open Access Network which is an open access provider network through HealthPartners.
Review the Medical Overview tab below for high level information about your plan and per payroll employee premiums.
Refer to your Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) or the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for additional coverage information.
Medical Overview
Medical (Effective 6/1/2026)
NEW effective June 1, 2026, your medical plan will be offered through Medica.
Your medical plan provides high-quality and affordable medical care. With Lerner's medical coverage you have coverage for preventive care, doctor's visits, hospitalization, emergency care and prescription drug coverage.
Also, new for 2026, you will have three (3) networks to choose from. The medical plan coverage will be identical for each network, however, you can save money by using a narrower, high-performance network. See below or more information on each network.
- Choice Passport – Medica’s largest, national network has access to more than 1 million providers and nearly 7,300 hospitals across the U.S. For care received within the Medica service area, you have the Medica Choice Passport open access network. For care received outside of the Medica service area (students, while traveling, etc.) you have access to the UnitedHealthcare national network. You are free to see any provider in the Medica network (without a referral) and you are not required to select a primary care clinic.
- This network is best for those employees living outside of MN or those that want the most flexibility when choosing your provider.
- Park Nicollet & HealthPartners Medical Group First ACO – A separate, smaller network of providers delivering services at lower rates. You save money on your monthly premium, as well as the services you receive. In addition, as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) this network delivers the same services, innovation and technology of leading national networks right here, locally. This network includes direct access to more than 55 medical and surgical specialties, 50 neighborhood clinics, 18 specialty care centers, 20 urgent care locations, and 6 hospitals. You are free to see any in-network provider –and no referral is necessary.
- Most notable providers include: Park Nicollet, HealthPartners, Childrens Hospitals & Clinics, Regions Hospital, St Francis Regional Medical Center
- VantagePlus ACO – A combination of several major care systems and independent providers offering a broad geographic access and a greater focus on lowering health care costs and improvements in service. It provides direct access to more than 4,800 providers, 650 clinics, and 11 hospitals.
- Most notable providers include: M Health Fairview, North Memorial, Childrens Hospitals & Clinics.
- Medica's Travel Program (applicable to ACO plans only) - The Travel Program allows members to receive In-Network benefits (and associated discounts for claim processing) when accessing a UnitedHealthcare Options PPO provider while traveling outside the traditional Medica service area (MN, ND, SD, WI). The program’s network is one of the largest in the country. Members can contact Medica’s customer service team directly for assistance with this, or they can use Medica’s online provider search to locate a travel program provider.
Please note:
- Chiropractic care is not included in the Travel Program. Chiropractic visits outside the Medica service area apply to out-of-network.
- The Travel Program includes providers for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (MH/SA) services. These providers are accessed through the Behavioral Health provider search, just as providers in the traditional Medica Service Area (MSA) are.
- Travel Program providers do NOT qualify for continuity of care or care availability reviews.
- Travel Program providers are subject to Medica’s prior authorization requirements and Utilization Management policies.
Please access the "Welcome to Medica" link below for more information on Medica's plan offering and direct links to search each of the three networks available.
Review the Medical Overview tab below for high level information about your plan and per payroll employee premiums.
Refer to the Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC) or the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for additional coverage information.
Medical Overview
Your plan under Medica includes some extras at no additional cost that can help you get and stay healthy.
Medica® Optum® Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EAP) - Get help with life’s challenges. Whether it’s financial troubles, personal issues, or family problems, we can help. Call 1(800) 626-7944 (TTY: 711) 25/7/365, to talk with a counselor. They’ll help you find the necessary resources to get you back on track.
My Health Rewards Program - Get inspired to make positive changes. Taking steps to improve your health might be easier than you think. Whether you want to stress less, quit smoking or eat more fruits and veggies, My Health Rewards by Medica® makes it fun — and rewarding. You’ll earn rewards as you complete activities personalized just for you. To get started with My Health Rewards, download the Personify Health app (formerly Virgin Pulse) at no-cost in the App Store and on Google Play.
CallLink - 24-Hour Health Support - Trusted answers any time of day or night. Worried that your stomach bug could be something more serious? Wondering what to do about that cough that won’t go away? The advisors and nurses at Medica CallLink® can help. They’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to answer your questions and help you make intelligent decisions about your health. Call 1 (800) 962-9497 (TTY: 711).
Omada - Personalized Prevention Program - Build healthy habits that last. Help reduce your risk for chronic disease through Omada for Prevention, a digital lifestyle change program. Combining the latest technology with ongoing personal support, you can make the changes that matter most — whether around eating, activity, sleep or stress. It’s an approach that can help you lose weight and reduce your risks for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Watch for more information about this prevention program from your employer or contact Medica customer service.
Ovia - Personalized Family and Women’s Health Program - Support for your entire parenthood journey. Ovia Health guides you through your pregnancy, parenting, and reproductive health journey including trying to conceive and managing menopause. Get clinically backed content and unlimited support from Ovia’s team of health coaches, registered nurses, and certified nurse midwives within Ovia Health’s three apps: Ovia (for reproductive health), Ovia Pregnancy, and Ovia Parenting. Download the Ovia app that’s right for you for free from the App Store or Google Play. Enter your health plan information to access all the unique tools and features.
Proximal - Supplemental benefits for covered events, paid to members. Serious hospitalizations and illnesses — like a cancer diagnosis or inpatient surgery — account for 60% of employer health plan spending. In these moments, employees make critical decisions about where to receive care and choosing a highly ranked provider may lead to better health outcomes and lower costs. Proximal helps members identify highly ranked, in-network providers by aggregating dozens of publicly available rankings and distilling research into a short list of providers. Members who use Proximal to choose top in-network providers for covered events can claim a supplemental benefit up to $1,500, paid directly to them. Register at www.proximal.com.
Calm Health - Your plan comes with extra help for mental and emotional health. Access Calm Health, a mobile app with highly rated tools for mindfulness, sleep, and more, all at no additional cost to you. The app features psychologist-designed programs, self-guided steps, and personalized recommendations to help you build life-changing habits.
Direct Primary Care
DIRECT PRIMARY CARE FOR MEMBERS ENROLLED IN OUR MEDICAL PLAN (MN & WI Members Only)
What is Kavira? Watch the 3-minute overview video to learn more here!
Brought to you by your employer, Kavira offers a better healthcare experience for you and your family. Our experienced team of clinicians provide same-day primary and urgent care via home visits and telehealth. No more trips to the doctor - all care is provided through house visits and via our mobile app.
There are no copays, insurance hassles, or surprise bills. Members can do everything online or in our app, including messaging, scheduling house visits, requesting prescription refills, and videochatting with Kavira providers. A Kavira provider will work with you to assess your symptoms and answer any questions you may have.
Kavira is the next generation of care convenience.
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
- 100% Free for Employees – All care for you and your family has already been paid for by your Lerner Publishing Group
- Unlimited on demand - Kavira's responsive providers are here for you, and there is no limit to the number of visits you or your family may have
- Complete convenience - Prescriptions delivered to your home
- No paperwork - Forget filling out and mailing forms it’s all done through the app
CLINIC HOURS
House visits: Weekdays 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Virtual Visits: Weekdays 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Weekends,10 am-2pm
Dental
Lerner Publishing Group's dental plan provides comprehensive coverage to help you and your family maintain good dental health.
In-Network Advantage
You are free to use the dentist or specialist of your choice. However, when you choose a dentist in the MetLife Network, you may save money. Using a network dentist may lower your out-of-pocket costs and can make your annual maximum go further. Please refer to the network flyer below for more information.
Out-of-network providers are subject to usual and customary fees.
The annual benefit maximum is $1,000 per person.
Orthodontia coverage is also available--for children through age 18--with a $1,000 lifetime per person maximum. This maximum is separate from the annual max referenced above.
The frequency for exams and cleanings is 2 every 12 months to allow members and their covered dependents flexibility when scheduling these important check-ups.
Please review the supporting documents below for more information.
Dental Overview
Vision
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
LPG offers a voluntary 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 the EyeMed Network.
Review your coverage and cost details under the Vision Overview below.
To find out more about your vision plan through EyeMed click on the link below:
Vision Overview
Life and Disability
Lerner Publishing Group provides you with Basic Life/AD&D coverage and Long-term disability income benefits at no cost through MetLife. Employees also have the opportunity to purchase Voluntary Life/AD&D coverage through MetLife.
Basic Life/AD&D
Employees working 30 or more hours per week are eligible for $25,000 coverage payable to your designated beneficiary in the event of your death. An additional accidental death & dismemberment benefit (AD&D) is payable to you in the event of a covered dismemberment or to your beneficiary if your death is the result of an accident.
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.
- NOTE: Please confirm/update your beneficiary information during Open Enrollment.
Supplemental/Voluntary Life/AD&D
You may elect additional life and AD&D insurance coverage for you, your spouse, and your child(ren). With voluntary life and AD&D insurance through MetLife, you are responsible for paying the full cost of coverage through payroll deductions. Rate information is available in Paycom.
When enrolling during your initial eligibility (i.e., as a new hire), you can elect coverage without submitting Evidence of Insurability (EOI) for amounts up to the guarantee issue amount. For elections over the GI amount (or any amount elected after initial eligibility), EOI will be required.
You must elect coverage for yourself in order to elect coverage for your spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.
EMPLOYEE
- Available in $10,000 increments to a maximum of the lesser of 5x annual pay or $500,000
- Guarantee issue of $50,000
- AD&D benefit will match elected life amount
SPOUSE
- Available in $5,000 increments to a maximum of $100,000, not to exceed 50% of employee's election
- Guarantee issue of $25,000
- AD&D benefit will match elected life amount
DEPENDENT CHILD(REN)
- Child 15 days to 6 months old: $100
- Child more than 6 months old: Options of $1,000, $2,000, $4,000, $5,000 or $10,000.
Long Term Disability
Disability benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to an accident or sickness. Benefits begin after a 90-day elimination period are equal to 60% of covered monthly earnings up to $5,000 for full-time employees. The benefit that is paid to you is taxable.
Additional features of these benefits include access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Will Prep, Funeral Planning Services, and Grief Counseling Support.
Access the EAP program by clicking the below link.
- User name: metlifeeap
- Password: eap
InsurChoice with NFP
All-around protection for what matters most to you — spanning the entire breadth of NFP’s focused expertise.
InsurChoice offers you the ability to personalize your protection program — bringing you quick, convenient, holistic coverage with incredible cost-saving discounts across a variety of top-rated insurance products and carriers. Our program is simple, fast, and always online. Find coverage in the blink of an eye!
Key benefits include:
- Competitive pricing: One size doesn’t fit all, so you can match yourself with the best rates and coverages from multiple insurance companies.
- Custom-tailored coverage: Select the products that meet YOUR needs & YOUR schedule.
- Stability: We have relationships with key national carriers who have a proven track record of rate and coverage stability.
- Innovation: With our innovative digital product platform we are constantly striving to add more benefits and improve your experience.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses. By contributing to the FSA you reduce your taxable income, so you pay less in taxes — which saves you money.
Contributions:
Your Healthcare FSA and Dependent Care FSA Plan Year runs from January 1 through December 31 each year. The election you made during fall's Open Enrollment is your election for the entire calendar year. You may change your election amount(s) mid-year only if you have a qualifying life event (please note that 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.
- Requests for reimbursements may be submitted for unreimbursed medical, prescription, dental, vision and hearing expenses
Dependent Care FSA
- Up to $7,500 annually
- Limited to $3.750 if you are married and file separate tax returns
How the Plan Works
Eligible expenses must be incurred 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 pay for the service. At the end of the plan year, you have a 90-day run-out period (until March 31) in which to submit your request for reimbursement of eligible expenses under the HealthCare FSA and the Dependent Care FSA. The HealthCare FSA also includes a rollover feature in which any unused funds still in the account on March 31 (up to $680 for 2025) will be automatically rolled over and added to the next year's HealthCare FSA election to be used for expenses incurred in the new calendar year.
2026 Required Notices
Contact Us
As you consider your benefit options, please be sure to review all available information.
If you don't understand some of your benefits or need any assistance enrolling in the Paycom system, and for all HR related questions, please contact:
Bethann Kemling
612-215-6235