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1. When do benefits start?

The 1st day of the month following hire, if the hire date is the 1st of month, benefits are effective that day.

2. When do benefits begin after a qualifying event?

The 1st day of the month from the following date of the qualifying event.

3. What is flexible spending?

Section 125 FSA helps employees save money for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. It allows employees to deduct money from their paychecks for Health care reimbursement for qualified out-of-pocket health care expenses that are not covered by insurance (i.e. prescription and office visit copays, lab fees, glasses, contacts, dental services etc.). It can also be used for Dependent care reimbursement for costs paid to day care and elder care providers. If you use the plan for dependent/elder care the care must be rendered by a licensed facility. By electing this benefit, employees benefit tax savings because the cost of these benefits is deducted before taxes.

4. What is the difference between HMO and PPO on medical and dental?

An HMO plan (medical or dental) requires a person select either a PCP or a general dentist and a person must begin their care with them and has in-network benefits only.

A PPO plan (medical or dental) has in and out of network benefits; a person does not have to select a PCP or dentist. A PPO plan offers more flexibility but is also more costly.

5. What is Optional Life?

This is additional life insurance an employee can purchase to cover themselves, spouse and/or child(ren). They can buy up to 4X their annual salary but if they do not purchase this when they are first hired by the City they have to complete evidence of insurability which means the insurance company has to approve their application.

6. What are status change events?

Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, change in employment status, becoming eligible for COBRA or Medicare, and loss of other coverage. For adding any spouse or dependent we require all marriage and birth certificates.

For Beneficiary Designation’s - we recommend a person select a primary and contingent (backup) on all life insurance and retirement benefits. Complete information must be included such as name, address, social security number, relationship, birth date and share of proceeds employee wishes to leave them. Percentages must be whole and add up to 100%.