OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS JULY 20TH
Independent’s Medical Plan is nearing its twelfth (12th)
year as a fully insured medical plan; and, the seventh
year where we have provided two EPO options (Low premium/Base Option and
High premium/Buy-Up Option). The plan continues to be fully compliant
under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Industry standards have continued to
show double digits for health care costs. Last year, Independent’s Plan had a 5.43% increase with
a couple of changes to the High Premium Option. This year, Highmark
presented an initial renewal increase of 9.4%; but
offered a customer loyalty credit. For a second year, there will be no
changes to active employee premiums.
Independent’s medical plan expenses are expected to
be $1,473,803 for July 2021 year end
These plans offer In-Network coverage only (EPO). There are no Out-of-Network
benefits. EPO members can access In-Network PPO providers anywhere in the
nation. Both options carry the ACA total out
of pocket maximum of $8,550 (individual)
and $17,100 (family). The Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Association's website https://www.bcbs.com/ provides online
access to the most current listing of providers. EPO members can also find
network providers by calling a BlueCard customer service representative at
800-810-BLUE (2583).
Medical Premium :
1. Base Plan
(Low premium/High Deductible Option) is an EPO plan with a $3,000 employee
only deductible and a $6,000 family deductible. This plan’s design is to
foster better understanding of medical costs and the value of discounts prior
to making our health care choices. Preventive care will continue to be covered
at 100%, the deductible will not apply. The costs are:
*Regular per pay period premium for medical &
prescription coverage will be $94 for Employee only: $431 for Employee + Child(ren); $766 for Employee + Spouse;
and, $1,006 for Family.
*There is a 30% discount for non-tobacco users. Those
per pay period premiums will be $72 for Employee only; $331 for Employee +
Child(ren), $590 for Employee Spouse;
and, $774 for Family.
2 Buy-Up Plan (High Premium/Low Deductible) : The Buy-Up Plan
is also an EPO and the upfront deductible
will be $1,000 for employee only coverage and $3,000
for employees covering their dependents as well . Preventive care will continue
to be covered at 100%, the deductible will not apply. The
ER copay will be $250, The costs are:
*The regular per pay premium will be: $156 for
Employee only, $472 for Employee + Child (ren), $840 for Employee +spouse;
$1,103 for Family.
*There is a 30% discount for non-tobacco users.
Those per pay period will be: $120 for Employee only, $363 for Employee +
Child(ren), $646 for Employee + spouse, $848
for Family.
To help control your out-of-pocket costs, we
encourage employees and dependents to take advantage of the Plan’s preventive
benefits. Your annual physical, for example, is 100% covered --- with no co-pay
or deductible cost to you. Schedule your annual physical and follow the plan’s
guidelines for staying healthy. Please also note that if you purchase Voluntary
Accident Insurance, you will receive a reimbursement of $50 for seeing your
Physician for an Annual Physical!
The Good Rx card will
also be available to all full time employees. The card is used for
discounts of up to 80% on most prescription drugs at over 70,000 U.S.
pharmacies. You can get discounts for every member of your family
including pets! Medication using this service does not count towards
medical deductible, but you may be able to find significant discounts for your
prescriptions.
Ancillary Benefits
Dental: The Blue Edge Dental Plan’s carrier is
United Concordia, a subsidiary of Highmark DE. This plan includes a
wellness benefit but also allows you to receive care from any licensed dentist
without being balanced billed. There are no changes to the bi-weekly
premiums.
$13 - Employee only
$25 - Employee child (ren)
$30 - Employee spouse
$40 - Family
Reliance Plans:
There are no premium rate changes for Life Insurance (based upon age),
Long Term Disability and Voluntary Accident. If you wish to sign up for
these benefits, please complete the Statement of Health. The form is can be found under the Benefit Information
on ADP's Home page
****** Benefit
Resources ***
USI Benefit Resource
Center is your one-call benefits information hotline. The personal
benefit advocates will assist you and your family with benefit questions and
claims issues. Contact Information:
Hours: Monday –
Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST
Phone:
855-874-6699 (toll free)
Email: BRCEast@usi.com
*******
REMINDER --- You only need to re-enroll if you
wish to make a change to your current selections. If you do not make
changes during Open Enrollment, the only other time you may do so is if you
experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE includes: Birth or
Adoption of a child, Death, Divorce, Court ordered coverage, or Marriage.
You will receive an email from donotreply@adp.com explaining the
enrollment site. The open enrollment period runs from July 20 through July 27, 2021.
Please email inipayroll@newszap.com with questions on the
Open Enrollment.
