Benefits Information Session by Rebecca Fiser

Overview

• Benefits information session for Liberty Public Schools employees
• Topics covered include vision insurance, dental insurance, health insurance, voluntary insurance plans, and the decision-making tool Alex
• Details on open enrollment

Vision Insurance

• New vendor starting January 1, 2024: switching from MetLife to VSP
• No disruption in network or provider coverage
• Vision insurance options:
  • 100% paid for employee-only coverage (base plan)
  • Buy-up plan for additional coverage (contacts and glasses)
• Changes:
  • America’s Best no longer in network for 2024
  • No insurance cards issued (similar to current MetLife practice)
• Encourage checking if providers are in the VSP Premier Edge Network for additional benefits

Dental Insurance

• New vendor starting January 1, 2024: switching from Cigna to SunLife
• Dental insurance options:
  • 100% paid for employee-only coverage (base plan)
  • Buy-up plan for additional coverage, including ortho coverage
• Changes:
  • Ortho coverage age limit increased from 19 to 26
  • Previously used ortho coverage under Cigna will count towards SunLife’s ortho coverage limit
  • Base plan includes a $25 deductible, no deductible under buy-up plan
  • Ortho coverage only available under buy-up plan
  • Maximum benefits vary but both plans include a wellness rider for increased benefits with routine exams
• Encourage checking if providers are in-network

Health Insurance

• Five insurance plans offered:
  • $0, $500, $1500 deductibles (no changes)
  • $2000 deductible increased to $2200
  • High deductible plan increased from $3000 to $3200 due to IRS guidelines
• Two free plans for employee-only coverage: High deductible and $2200 deductible plan
• District contributions to HSA for high deductible plan
• Changes to premiums, primary care, specialist, and urgent care visit costs
  • Primary care visit cost increases from $25 to $35
  • Specialist and urgent care visit cost increases from $50 to $70
  • Discounts for Liberty Hospital Urgent Care visits
• Prescription plan changes:
  • Short-term retail, long-term retail, and mail order prescription costs increasing
  • Additional $20 co-pay for maintenance medications filled at non-mail order locations
• Blue KC Spira Care Centers available for $2200 plan and high deductible plan
  • No urgent care services; appointment required
  • Behavioral health consultants available
  • Locations with x-ray machines specified

Voluntary Insurance Plans

• Switching from Voya to The Standard
• Types of plans: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
  • Accident insurance pays for emergency visits, stitches, follow-ups, etc.
  • Critical illness covers major illnesses (cancer, stroke, heart conditions)
  • Hospital Indemnity covers hospital stays, recommended for pregnancy
• Wellness benefit rider included in all plans
• Important to ensure surgeries are inpatient to qualify for hospital indemnity benefits

Decision-Making Tool: Alex

• Browser-based tool to help determine best insurance plan based on personal information
• Accessible via QR code or website link
• Included in all open enrollment communications

Open Enrollment

• October 25 to November 7
• Email with instructions, username, and password details sent on October 25
• Enrollment options:
  • Online system (mobile friendly)
  • Phone assistance with benefit counselors
• Resources available:
  • Benefit guide
  • Contact information for HR specialists and benefits email

Contact Information

• Julie Chiles (HR Benefit Specialist)
• Rebecca Fiser (Wellness Coordinator)
• Christelle Morgan (Executive Director of HR)
• Benefits email monitored by all three contacts

Thank you for attending the presentation. Reach out with any questions.