– OPEN ENROLLMENT-
At the end of August for a 10/1/2021 Effective Date
This upcoming Open Enrollment, you will be required to make “Active” elections. What this means is that your current elections will not rollover; enrollment is mandatory to maintain benefits. You must login to your BenefitSolver account and go through the enrollment process. The benefit year will be changing to 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022.
– NEW BENEFIT PLANS ARE COMING THIS FALL –
Before you know it, it will be open enrollment season again – so now is the time to start preparing. As medical costs continue to rise, we have worked hard to minimize increases to employee cost; however, we believe that you will be able to find a plan and a premium that fits your needs.
Over the past year, we have been working to redesign the medical plans with your needs in mind. Details of these new plans will be provided in August. Here is a sneak peek into what is coming:
New Medical Provider – All new medical plans & all through United HealthCare (UHC). Most providers that were available with our previous provider are still available with UHC. User friendly co-pay designs so that you can receive treatment or services with a better understanding of your out-of-pocket cost.
New Limited Medical Plan – Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Plan through United HealthCare (UHC) & AFLAC. While this plan may not be right for everyone, this option fits the needs of someone who wants access to a doctor or prescription drugs, but may not need hospital services.
- UHC – Basic doctor visits are on a co-pay basis and act like standard medical insurance.
- AFLAC – Hospitalization is based on reimbursement per the Schedule of Benefits.
Consumerism Card – Free to Employees enrolled in the MEC plan & programs can be used by your spouse and legal dependents to age 26 regardless of election status.
- Teledoc Program – No Co-pay. FREE. 24/7 access to a doctor via phone or video consult with a $0 fee & prescribe medication when necessary for non-emergency issues.
- Health Advocate / Medical Bill Saver; Vision – Savings on exams and glasses/contacts; Pharmacy – Save 10% to 80% on most prescriptions at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide including CVS, Walgreens, Target, and more; Hearing Aids – Free initial screening & save 35% at retail locations nationwide; Diabetic Supplies – 10% to 50% off diabetic testing supplies (fully audible blood glucose meter with the first order + free shipping); Vitamins – Save 10% on vitamins, supplements, health foods, sports nutrition & wellness products; Global Travel Assistance; MRI & CT Scans; Lab Testing; Membership kit with booklet & card via email; MyBenefitsWorks.com mobile app & portal; Call Center available for all call inquires.
New Vision Provider – EyeMed – In the past, we have had EyeMed for vision and we have received feedback from employees stating that they were happier with the providers and glasses/contact lenses coverage under this plan.
New Accident & Critical Illness Provider – AFLAC – Provide better structured plans with a well-known and respected carrier.
New Call Center – One of the ways that we will provide for you to understand your benefit options and help you get the answers you need to make the best choices for yourself and your family. The Call Center will answer questions, assist with enrollment; whatever you need to make this process as easy as possible.
More information is coming in August about these plans, so watch for announcements via Greenshades, BenefitSolver, and store emails. Meanwhile, visit www.BenefitSolver.com to review your current benefits and determine if they still meet your needs.
In these challenging times, healthcare is more important than ever. Even if you have never been interested in our medical options before, we encourage you to take a look. You might actually like what you see.
By: Kirk Jester
Director of Human Resources
