ELIGIBILITY
HOW TO ENROLL
Using your desktop or mobile, you have access to our online benefits enrollment platform 24/7. In your Paycor portal you can:
- View and select benefits for yourself and dependents
- View per-pay-period amounts
- Submit qualifying events
- Add and edit beneficiaries and dependents
To get started, click on the link below to head to your enrollment portal!
QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS
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:
- Legal marital status (for example, marriage, divorce, legal separation, annulment);
- Number of eligible dependents (for example, birth, death, adoption, placement for adoption);
- Work schedule (for example, full-time, part-time);
- You, your spouse, or other covered dependent become enrolled in Part A, Part B, or Part D of Medicare
- Death of a spouse or child;
- Change in your child’s eligibility for benefits (reaching the age limit);
- Becoming eligible for Medicaid; or
- Your coverage or the coverage of your Spouse or other eligible dependent under a Medicaid plan or state Children’s Health Insurance Program (“CHIP”) is terminated as a result of loss of eligibility and you request coverage under this Plan no later than 60 days after the date the Medicaid or CHIP coverage terminates; or
- You, your spouse or other eligible dependent become eligible for a premium assistance subsidy in this Plan under a Medicaid plan or state CHIP (including any waiver or demonstration project) and you request coverage under this Plan no later than 60 days after the date you are determined to be eligible for such assistance.
COBRA Customer Service | (207) 773-8171 | www.customer.wexinc.com
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families the right to continue their existing group health plan coverage for a limited period of time when they would otherwise lose their coverage through a voluntary or involuntary job loss, a reduction in work hours, death, divorce, or other events.
The cost for coverage under COBRA is usually higher than the cost for employees under a group plan.
- COBRA participants usually pay 100% of the coverage, plus a 2% administrative fee.
- For employees who choose not to re-enroll in benefits during Open Enrollment, the loss of insurance coverage is not a qualifying event for COBRA.
Cobra Qualifying Events
The following are qualifying events for covered employees if they cause the covered employee to lose coverage:
- Termination of the employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.
- Reduction in the number of hours of employment.
The following are qualifying events for the spouse and dependent child of a covered employee if they cause the spouse or dependent child to lose coverage:
- Termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.
- Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee.
- Covered employee becomes entitled to Medicare.
- Divorce or legal separation of the spouse from the covered employee.
- Death of the covered employee.
In addition to the above, the following is a qualifying event for a dependent child of a covered employee if it causes the child to lose coverage:
- Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules.
- Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, plans that offer coverage to children on their parents' plan must make the coverage available until the adult child reaches the age of 26.
MEDICAL
BCBS Customer Service | (800) 521-2227 | www.bcbstx.com
NETWORK: BlueChoice PPO
How do I find an In-Network Provider?
- Use the link below or visit your provider’s website at www.bcbstx.com under “Find Care”.
- Select "Find a Doctor or Hospital" and then you can search by provider/facility name or search by specialty.
Did You Know?
- Preventive Services are covered at 100% In-Network and copays & deductibles do not apply.
- You pay less out of pocket if you receive care from an In-Network provider.
- You do not need to designate a primary care physician or need a referral to see a Specialist.
You have 4 medical plans to choose from. Compare the different plan options in the chart below!
Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Please refer to the formal Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) below.
With Virtual Visits, the doctor is always in. Get 24/7 non-emergency care from a board-certified doctor by phone, online video or mobile app from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Don’t risk crowded waiting rooms, expensive urgent care or ER bills, or waiting weeks or more to see a doctor, when you can speak with a Virtual Visits doctor within minutes.
Virtual Visits, provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and powered by MDLIVE®, are a convenient alternative for treatment of more than 80 health conditions, including allergies, cold, flu, fever, headaches, nausea, sinus infections, etc.
Virtual Visits with licensed behavioral health therapists are available by appointment. Get virtual care for anxiety, depression, stress management, and more.
Having a Virtual Visit
You may want to have a virtual visit:
- Instead of going to the ER or urgent care for non-emergency visits
- If your doctor is booked
- While at home, work or on-the-go
PHARMACY
Prescription drugs are a vital part of your health care coverage. If you have prescription drug coverage through BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX), this information can help you and your doctor get the most from your prescription drug coverage. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager for BCBS is Prime Therapeutics. You can access more information about your pharmacy coverage by visiting www.myprime.com.
A formulary drug list specifies which drugs are covered under your prescription drug benefit. How much you pay out of pocket is determined by whether your drug is on the list and at what coverage level, or tier. A generic drug is often at the lower tier. See if your drug is covered by reviewing your formulary drug list using the link below!
Express Scripts® Pharmacy, the mail order pharmacy for members with BCBSTX prescription drug coverage, provides safe, fast and cost-effective pharmacy services that can save you time and money. With this program, you can obtain up to a 90-day supply of long-term (or maintenance) medications through Express Scripts® Pharmacy.
Getting Started Online
You have more than one option to fill or refill a prescription online or from a mobile device:
- Visit Express Scripts Online Pharmacy Follow the instructions to register and create a profile.
- Log in to www.myprime.com and follow the links to Express Scripts® Pharmacy.
Order Over the Phone
- Call (833) 715-0942, 24/7, to refill, transfer a current prescription or get started with home delivery.
- Please have your member ID card, prescription information and your doctor’s contact information available.
Note: 2025 Formulary Drug List not yet available
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions with the free GoodRx Mobile App!
How does GoodRx work?
- Prescription drug prices are not regulated. The cost of a prescription may differ by more than $100 between pharmacies across the street from each other! GoodRx gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions
How do I find discounts for my drug?
- It’s easy. Just visit www.goodrx.com, type in your drug’s name in the search field, and click the “Find the Lowest Price” button.
What are GoodRx coupons?
- GoodRx coupons will help you pay less than the cash price for your prescription. They’re free to use and are accepted at virtually every U.S. pharmacy.
- Your pharmacist will know how to enter the codes on the coupon to pull up the lowest discount available.
As a BCBS member, you have access to a plethora of services and resources!
This is only a brief description of some of the plan benefits. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions, please login to your BCBS Member Portal.
Blue Access for Members (BAM)
Through Blue Cross Blue Shield our secure member website, you can access health plan information, resources and tools. The information can vary, depending on your plan.
- Review benefits, account balances, claims status and more.
- Order a replacement ID card or print a temporary card.
- View and print an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for a claim.
Blue Access Mobile
- Blue Access Mobile makes it easy for you to access your information while on the go. You can view coverage details, health and wellness information, check claim status and access member ID card information. You can also sign up to get text or email alerts and tips
Valuable Member Programs
As a BCBSTX member, you have access to a range of programs that can help you get and stay healthy.
- Health and Wellbeing Programs can help you manage your health conditions, get pregnancy support, talk to a nurse 24/7 and more.
- Blue365 Discount Program offers discounts on health-related products, health and fitness clubs, weight-loss programs and much more.
- Well onTarget gives you the tools and resources to create your personal journey — no matter where you may be on your path to wellness.
- AlwaysOn Wellness App has a wide variety of easy-to-use, features that allow you to take your Health Assessment, set personal health and wellness goals and track your progress, take an online educational program, view your Blue Points balance, and track data synced from more than 80 fitness devices and apps.
- Wellness Coaching offers credentialed health experts, including dietitians, nurses, personal trainers and other specialists who can work one-on-one with you to discuss your lifestyle needs. Online trackers can help guide you as you reach your goals. You may sign up for one program at a time.
- Fitness Program Membership Program gives you and your covered dependents (age 16 and older) access to a nationwide network of fitness locations. Choose one location close to home and one near work, or visit locations while traveling.
- Tobacco Cessation Programs consisting of methods to help you learn to quit smoking, with one-on-one coaching and innovative lessons developed using the most current academic and medical research.
- 24/7 Nurseline can answer your health questions and try to help you decide whether you should go to the emergency room or urgent care center or make an appointment with your doctor. Call our 24/7 Nurseline at (800) 581-0393.
offers ongoing support for your health with a plan built around you and all the tools and support you need. All at no cost to you, offered as part of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) health plan. With Omada, you get a dedicated health coach and care team, smart devices, interactive weekly lessons, and long term results through habit and behavior change.
is a health benefit that helps make managing your diabetes easier. Obtain real-time, personalized tips with each blood glucose check, unlimited strip reordering right from your meter, automatic uploads, support and family alerts, and much more. Livongo is offered to you and your family members with diabetes and coverage with BCBSTX.
provides all the tools you need to get moving again from the comfort of your home. You'll get exercise therapy tailored to your needs, technology for instant feedback in the app, personal coach and physical therapist. Hinge Health is 100% covered by BCBSTX for you and eligible family members.
is a weight loss program that is clinically-proven to help you lose weight, sleep better, stress less, and so much more. Wondr will teach you simple skills that are based on behavioral science, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and feel better than ever—at no cost to you.
Getting a health checkup has never been easier! This VirtualCheckup is available at NO COST to eligible employees, spouses, partners and adult dependents (18+) who are covered by our BCBSTX health plan. Your VirtualCheckup home kit even includes a digital blood pressure monitor that’s yours to keep!
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)
Health Equity HSA Member Services | (866) 346-5800 | www.myhealthequity.com/clientlogin
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged personal savings account that can be used to pay for medical, dental, vision and other qualified expenses.
uShip contributes $12.50 per pay period to your HSA!
Maximum Contribution Limits
- The HSA contribution limits for 2025 are $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage.
- Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
How It Works
- Your employer deducts per pay-period the amount you elect on a tax-free basis. You can also contribute post-tax contributions (up to the maximum allowed) and recognize the same tax savings by claiming the deduction when filing your annual taxes.
- Eligible healthcare purchases can be made tax-free when you use your HSA. Purchases can be made directly from your HSA account, either by using your debit card, online bill-pay, or check – or you can pay out-of-pocket and then reimburse yourself from your HSA.
- The interest on HSA funds grows on a tax-free basis, and interest earned on an HSA is not considered taxable income when the funds are used for eligible medical expenses.
- The money in your account can grow with investment earnings on a tax-free basis. Any amounts over $1,000 can be invested in multiple fund options.
Why Participate?
- The contributions you make to an HSA are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis – before federal income, social security, and most state taxes.
- The end results of your HSA contributions is a lower taxable income, and a tax advantaged vehicle to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and prepare for your healthcare costs in retirement.
- While your funds can be used to pay for immediate healthcare expenses tax-free, you can also save the money for healthcare expenses later in life.
- You can continue to contribute year after year and withdrawals (provided you are enrolled in an HDHP) can be made at any point in time.
Who's Covered?
- An HSA covers qualified out-of-pocket expenses for you, your spouse, your tax dependents, even if they are not covered under an HDHP Plan.
FLEXIBLE SPENDINGS ACCOUNT (FSA)
TASC FSA Member Services | (800) 422-4661 | www.tasconline.com/mytasc-login
An FSA is an account your employer sets up so you can pay for a variety of healthcare needs, like insurance co-pays, deductibles, dental, vision, pharmacy and even some over-the-counter medication costs, reimbursed under the Health FSA. But here’s the best part: Your FSA is funded entirely by your pre-tax income. This means you can save money and offset rising healthcare costs at the same time. That’s like found money to spend on all those everyday items you and your family need! Your FSA policy is a Use it or Lose it based policy. They do NOT rollover to the next year.
Why Participate?
- Reduce taxable income – FSA Contributions are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, so they lower your reported annual income, resulting in lower taxable wages.
- Save on healthcare expenses – Using pre-tax funds to pay out of pocket expenses can save you hundreds!
- Offset rising healthcare costs and individual financial responsibility.
Maximum Annual Contribution
- For the 2025 plan year, the Healthcare FSA contribution limit is $3,300 per person.
Eligible Expenses
- A full list of qualified FSA expenses can be found in IRS Publication 502 at www.irs.gov.
- You can learn more about FSA qualified expenses and also make purchases by visiting the FSA Store at www.fsastore.com.
DEPENDENT CARE FSA (DCA)
TASC FSA Member Services | (800) 422-4661 | www.tasconline.com/mytasc-login
A Dependent Care FSA (DCA) is a reimbursement program that allows employees (participants) to set aside pre-tax funds to help pay for qualified dependent care expenses. Most participants use this program to pay for child daycare and after-school care expenses; however, it can be used to pay for adult daycare expenses as well. It serves as an alternative to using the Dependent Care Tax Credit. Funds can only be used on a dependent child under the age of 13 or dependents who are unable to care for themselves. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account, DCA funds can only be used as they are deposited into your account. Your DCA policy is a Use it or Lose it based policy. They do NOT rollover to the next year.
Maximum Annual Contribution
- For the 2025 plan year, you can contribute up to $5,000 ($2,500 if married and filing separately).
Eligible Expenses
- You may be reimbursed only for care that enables you to work, go to school full-time, or look for work on a full-time basis. DCA funds can be used on expenses such as tuition for licensed daycare facility, preschool, after-school programs, elder care, summer day camps, and in-home dependent care services.
DENTAL
Renaissance Customer Service | (888) 358-9484 | www.renaissancebenefits.com
NETWORK: Renaissance Dental PPO
How do I find an In-Network Dentist?
- Use the link below or visit MYRENPROVIDERS.COM.
- If you have any questions regarding the participation of a dentist, please contact Renaissance at (888) 358-9484.
Did You Know?
- You have the freedom to select the dentist of your choice; however, when you visit a participating in-network dentist, you will have lower out-of-pocket costs, no balance billing, and claims will be submitted by your dentist on your behalf.
- Research shows there may be a link between oral health and illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature birth.
Pre-treatment Estimate
- If your dental care is extensive and you want to plan ahead for the cost, you can ask your dentist to submit a pre-treatment estimate.
- While it is not a guarantee of payment, a pre-treatment estimate can help you predict your out-of-pocket costs.
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Click on the link below to view the formal Dental Plan Summaries.
VISION
Renaissance Customer Service | (800) 877-7195 | www.vsp.com
NETWORK: VSP Choice
How do I find an In-Network Vision Provider?
- You can choose your vision provider from more than 112,000 access points, including the largest national network of independent doctors and nearly 26,200 participating retail chain access points.**
- Use the link below or find an eye doctor at MYRENPROVIDERS.COM.
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 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma and cataracts
Looking for more details about how items are covered? Click on the link below to view the formal Vision Benefit Summary.
SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS
New York Life Customer Service | (800) 225-5695 | www.mynylgbs.com
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Life insurance is an important part of your financial security as it helps protect your family from financial risk and sudden loss of income in the event of your death. AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) insurance is equal to your Life benefit in the event of your death being a result of an accident, and may pay benefits for particular injuries sustained.
- Basic Life / AD&D insurance is a company paid benefit, provided to you at no cost. The benefit on this plan is equal to your annual salary up to $250,000. Keep in mind, your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% of the original amount at age 70. See the plan summary below for more plan details.
New York Life Customer Service | (800) 225-5695 | www.mynylgbs.com
Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- In addition to your employer provided Basic Life insurance coverage, you have the opportunity to enroll in Voluntary Life insurance coverage. Coverage is also available for your spouse and/or child dependents, however, it is required that you elect coverage for yourself in order to elect coverage for your dependents. See the plan summary below for more details.
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 voluntary 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.
Life insurance portability and conversion options are features that allow policyholders to maintain some level of insurance coverage when they might otherwise lose it or wish to change the type of coverage they have.
Portability
- Refers to the ability of an individual to transfer their group life insurance coverage from one employer to another or from a group policy to an individual policy without undergoing new underwriting or providing evidence of insurability.
- This is commonly associated with group term life insurance provided by employers. If you (the employee) leave your job or retire, you may not want to lose your life insurance coverage, especially if there are ongoing health issues. Advantages of porting coverage are that it allows continuity of coverage and there is no need for medical examination or evidence of insurability.
- Limitations to consider are the premium might be higher when converting to an individual policy, there may be limits on the amount of coverage one can carry over.
Conversion
- The Conversion option allow you to convert your term life insurance policy into permanent (e.g., whole life or universal life) insurance policy without providing evidence of insurability or undergoing new underwriting. Transitions from term to permanent coverage without having to do a new medical exam.
- This option is considered when an individual has ongoing health issues or may be unable to qualify for a new policy.
- Limitations to consider are Permanent policies are generally more expensive than term policies and conversion must usually occur within a specific time frame or by a certain age.
It's essential for policyholders to consider the options available to you and request conversion or portability timely, within 30 days of your benefits termination. You will submit the request for conversion or portability directly to the insurance carrier and will set up direct payment for your new individual policy.
INCOME PROTECTION
New York Life Customer Service | (800) 225-5695 | www.mynylgbs.com
Short-Term Disability Insurance
This employer-paid benefit covers everyday illnesses or injuries can interfere with your ability to work. Even a few weeks away from work can make it difficult to manage household costs.
This employer paid Short Term Disability coverage provides financial protection for you by paying a portion of your income, so you can focus on getting better and worry less about keeping up with your bills.
- Elimination Period - Benefits begin on the 8th day of an injury or illness.
- Benefit Duration - Payments may last up to 13 weeks (You must be sick or disabled for the duration of the waiting period before you can receive a benefit payment).
- Coverage Amount - Covers 60% of your weekly income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,000 per week.
New York Life Customer Service | (800) 225-5695 | www.mynylgbs.com
Long-Term Disability Insurance
This employer-paid coverage pays a monthly benefit if you have a covered illness or injury and you can't work for a few months - or even longer! You're generally considered disabled if you're unable to do important parts of your job - and your income suffers as a result.
- Elimination Period - Benefits begin on the 91st day of an injury or illness. You must be sick or injured 90 days before your benefits become effective
- Benefit Duration - Payments may last up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA) (You must be sick or disabled for the duration of the waiting period before you can receive a benefit payment).
- Coverage Amount - Covers 60% of your monthly income, up to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
SunLife Customer Support | (800) 247-6875 | sunlife.com
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. Accident Insurance can pay a set benefit amount based on the type of injury you have and the type of treatment you need. It covers accidents that occur on and off the job. And it includes a range of incidents, from common injuries to more serious events
What Does it Cover?
- This plan pays a benefit for things like fractures, dislocations, burns, concussions, lacerations, ambulance rides, hospital admissions, surgeries, therapy, and even chiropractic services; just to name a few! Accident insurance will not typically cover things like check-ups or hospitalization due to illness. Accident insurance will not cover you for injuries suffered before you purchased the plan.
SunLife Customer Support | (800) 247-6875 | sunlife.com
Critical Illness Insurance
When a serious illness strikes, your finances can be endangered, along with your health. Even if you have health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs of treatment, hospitalization and missing work can add up fast. Critical Illness Insurance can help you weather a crisis without draining your savings.
What Does it Cover?
- This plan pays a benefit if you are diagnosed with heart attack, stroke, blindness, major organ failure, end-stage kidney failure, coma, cancer, and more.
Who Gets Paid? You get paid!
- When you are paid a benefit from any of these voluntary policies, your health insurance company pays your doctor or hospital, but your SunLife Voluntary Policies pay you. You can use the money however you want.
MEDICARE ELIGIBLITY
Medicare eligibility is a critical aspect of healthcare planning, particularly for individuals nearing age 65 or those with qualifying disabilities. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- **Age 65 or Qualifying Disability**: Most individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65, while those with certain disabilities or medical conditions may qualify earlier.
- **Comprehensive Coverage**: Medicare provides coverage for hospital stays, medical services, prescription drugs, and preventive care, offering essential healthcare benefits.
- **Enrollment Periods**: It's important to understand the various enrollment periods for Medicare, including the initial enrollment period, special enrollment periods, and annual open enrollment periods for making changes to coverage.
- **Supplemental Coverage Options**: Many individuals choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with additional plans, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), to enhance benefits and fill gaps in coverage.
As you navigate your benefit elections, be sure to consider your Medicare eligibility and options alongside your employer-provided benefits. Understanding your Medicare coverage can help ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage that meets your needs as you transition into retirement.
MENTAL HEALTH: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Dial 988 to be connected with 24/7/365 emotional support.
- Free, confidential crisis counseling, including appropriate follow-up services, is available no matter where you live in the United States.
War Vet Call Center
- Veterans and their families call 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387) to talk about their military experience and/or readjustment to civilian life.
PET INSURANCE
Nationwide Customer Service | (888) 899-4874 | www.petinsurance.com
Pet insurance is a type of voluntary insurance policy that pet owners can purchase to help cover the veterinary costs associated with their pet's health care.
Pet insurance is an investment not only into your pet’s health, but also your peace of mind.
Nationwide offers two pet insurance plans—My Pet Protection® and My Pet Protection® with Wellness500—providing coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and preventive care, with guaranteed issuance and reimbursement options of 50% or 70%. The plans also include benefits for exotic pets, access to 24/7 veterinary consultations, and discounts on prescriptions and services at Vetco clinics. Thes
My Pet Protection Choice℠ introduces customizable pet insurance plans through workplace benefits, allowing employees to tailor coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement rates for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and wellness. The new offering enhances flexibility with higher annual benefit limits, optional wellness coverage, and continued access to any licensed veterinarian, including emergency and specialist care. My Pet Protection Choice℠ is offered in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Please refer to the attached flyers for further information.
Get a fast, no-obligation quote today:
(877) 738-7874 | benefits.petinsurance.com/uship
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Go to login.lifeworks.com or call (800) 433-7916
Username: uShip / Password: lifeworks
Expert advice for work, life, and your well-being
The program’s experienced counselors provided through TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) — one of the nation’s premier providers of Employee Assistance Program services — can talk to you about anything going on in your life, including:
- Family: Going through a divorce, caring for an elderly family member, returning to work after having a baby
- Work: Job relocation, building relationships with co-workers and managers, navigating through reorganization
- Money: Budgeting, financial guidance, retirement planning, buying or selling a home, tax issues
- Legal Services: Issues relating to civil, personal and family law, financial matters, real estate and estate planning
- Identity Theft Recovery: ID theft prevention tips and help from a financial counselor if you are victimized
- Health: Coping with anxiety or depression, getting the proper amount of sleep, how to kick a bad habit like smoking
- Everyday Life: Moving and adjusting to a new community, grieving over the loss of a loved one, military family matters, training a new pet, etc.
MEDICARE ELIGIBLITY
Medicare eligibility is a critical aspect of healthcare planning, particularly for individuals nearing age 65 or those with qualifying disabilities. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- **Age 65 or Qualifying Disability**: Most individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65, while those with certain disabilities or medical conditions may qualify earlier.
- **Comprehensive Coverage**: Medicare provides coverage for hospital stays, medical services, prescription drugs, and preventive care, offering essential healthcare benefits.
- **Enrollment Periods**: It's important to understand the various enrollment periods for Medicare, including the initial enrollment period, special enrollment periods, and annual open enrollment periods for making changes to coverage.
- **Supplemental Coverage Options**: Many individuals choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with additional plans, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), to enhance benefits and fill gaps in coverage.
As you navigate your benefit elections, be sure to consider your Medicare eligibility and options alongside your employer-provided benefits. Understanding your Medicare coverage can help ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage that meets your needs as you transition into retirement.
- Premium: The amount paid for insurance coverage deducted from your paycheck on a per-pay-period basis.
- Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket for covered services before your insurance plan starts to pay.
- Copayment (Copay): A fixed amount you pay for covered services at the time of service, usually for doctor visits or prescription drugs.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay for covered services after you've met your deductible.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount you'll have to pay for covered services in a plan year, after which your insurance plan pays 100% of covered costs.
- Network: The group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers contracted with an insurance company to provide services at discounted rates to plan members.
- Preventive Care: Healthcare services aimed at preventing illness or detecting health conditions early when treatment is most effective, often covered at no cost under insurance plans.
- Benefit: The healthcare services or items covered by an insurance plan.
- Preauthorization: The process of obtaining approval from your insurance company before receiving certain medical services or treatments.
- In-Network: Healthcare providers or facilities that have contracted with your insurance company to provide services at lower costs to plan members.
- Exclusion: Specific healthcare services or conditions that are not covered by an insurance plan.
- Lifetime Maximum: The maximum amount of money that an insurance plan will pay for covered services over the entire life of the policy.
- Grace Period: A specified period after the premium due date during which coverage remains in force even though the premium has not been paid.
- Coordination of Benefits (COB): A process used when an individual is covered under more than one health insurance plan to determine which plan pays first and how much each plan will pay.
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB): A statement sent by the insurance company to the insured individual explaining what medical treatments and/or services were paid for on their behalf.
Why go to an In-network provider?
- Going to an in-network provider means choosing a healthcare professional or facility that has a contract with your health insurance plan. In-network providers have agreed to offer their services at negotiated rates, which are often lower than what you would pay for out-of-network care. By visiting an in-network provider, you can take advantage of your health insurance plan's benefits, which may include lower copayments, coinsurance, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
Why should I go for my annual well checkup?
- Annual well checkups are essential for maintaining good health and preventing potential health issues. These visits allow your doctor to assess your overall health, monitor any chronic conditions you might have, and detect early signs of potential health problems. Regular checkups help identify health concerns before they become serious, ensuring timely intervention and a better chance for successful treatment.
What is the difference between generic and brand name drugs?
- Generic drugs are identical or bioequivalent to brand-name drugs in terms of active ingredients, safety, strength, dosage form, and intended use. The main difference is that generic drugs are usually more affordable because they don't have the research and development costs associated with brand-name drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that generic drugs meet the same rigorous standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts.
How do discount cards work on RX?
- Prescription discount cards provide discounts on medications at participating pharmacies. These cards are often available for free or at a low cost and can be used by individuals without insurance or those with high copayments. When you present the discount card at the pharmacy, it reduces the price of the medication, potentially leading to significant cost savings.
What happens if I go out of network?
- If you go out of network for healthcare services, it means you're seeing a provider or using a facility that doesn't have a contract with your health insurance plan. Out-of-network care typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs, including higher copayments, coinsurance, and potentially higher deductibles. Some health insurance plans may not cover out-of-network care at all, except in emergencies.
What is a SBC (Summary of Benefits and Coverage)?
- A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is a document provided by health insurance companies to help individuals understand their health plan's key features and coverage details. It provides a summary of the plan's benefits, costs, coverage limits, and examples of common medical scenarios to help individuals compare different health insurance options and make informed decisions.
What is an EOB (Explanation of Benefits)?
- An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a statement sent by the health insurance company to the policyholder after a healthcare claim has been processed. The EOB provides a detailed explanation of the services provided, the amount billed by the healthcare provider, the amount covered by the insurance, and any remaining balance that the insured may be responsible for paying.
What should I ask my doctor?
- When visiting your doctor, consider asking questions related to your health condition, treatment options, medications, potential side effects, and any lifestyle changes you should make. You can also inquire about preventive measures, recommended screenings, and follow-up care. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if there's anything you don't understand.
What is preventive care?
- Preventive care refers to healthcare services aimed at preventing or detecting health issues before they become more severe or chronic. Examples of preventive care include vaccinations, screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies), regular checkups, counseling on healthy behaviors, and interventions to manage risk factors.
Where can I get my ID card?
- You can typically get your health insurance ID card from your insurance provider. Many insurers offer electronic versions of the ID card through their mobile apps or member portals. Alternatively, you can request a physical ID card to be mailed to you.
Who do I contact if I have a QLE (Qualifying Life Event)?
- If you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as marriage, birth/adoption of a child, divorce, loss of other health coverage, or a change in household income, you should contact your employer's HR department or your health insurance provider promptly. They can guide you through the process of updating your health insurance coverage or enrolling in a new plan if necessary.
REQUIRED NOTICES
Federal regulations require employers to provide certain notifications and disclosures to all eligible employees. The booklet linked below is dedicated to those disclosures for 1/1/2025 – 12/31/2025. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your HR Department.
If you (and/or your dependents) have Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare in the next 12 months, a Federal law gives you more choices about your prescription drug coverage. Please see page 4 of the Required Notices packet for more information about your options.