Pre-Tax Benefits

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Short-Term Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

Critical Illness Benefits: Colonial Life

Whole Life Insurance: Colonial Life

 

Additional Benefits

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

 

 

Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.

 

Enrollment Period: SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 – OCTOBER 31, 2024

Effective Dates: JANUARY 1, 2025 – DECEMBER 31, 2025

 

ELIGIBILITY:

– Employees must work 30 hours or more per week.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

– When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Insurance products lasts from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products will begin December 2024 for all employees with the exception of Child Nutrition, Bus Drivers and Custodians. Deductions for Child Nutrition, Bus Drivers and Custodians will begin January 2025.

– Why have my Cancer, Accident, or Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until January 31, 2025.

– I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

– What does Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Change? Pre-Tax benefits take funds directly from your paycheck to cover benefits before going through State and Federal taxing process. Post-Tax collects funds for benefits after taxes have been taken out. Please be aware there are certain coverages that may be subject to federal and state tax when premium is paid by pretax deduction or employee contribution.

– Can I sign up for PEBA Benefits as well? No, Pierce Group Representatives are not authorized to assist employees with PEBA enrollment or make enrollment elections on an employee’s behalf. PEBA information is included in this guide for informational purposes only. Please see the following page for ways to access your benefits and enrollment information.

– Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here. Once a QLE has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify PGB’s SC Service Center at 1-833-556-0006 to request a change in elections.

– I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

PEBA BENEFITS & ENROLLMENT:

– PEBA administers the state’s employee insurance programs for South Carolina’s public workforce. PEBA benefit elections are processed through PEBA’s MyBenefits and Member Access portals. Learn more about the benefits available to employees by visiting the link below.

To view the PEBA Insurance Summary, click on the link and, once the new page loads, click on ‘2024 Insurance Summary’: https://www.peba.sc.gov/

Colonial Life

• File A Claim
• Colonial Service Guide for Policy Holders
• Colonial Service Forms
• GTL Employee Assistance Program
• GTL Life Planning Services
  (Organization Name: ColonialLife-LifePlanning)

Dental

• Sun Life Contact Information
• Sun Life Member Login

Vision

• EyeMed Vision Contact Information
• EyeMed Vision Provider Search
• EyeMed Vision Member Login

Long-Term Disability

• Sun Life Contact Information 
• Sun Life Member Login 

Student Loan Assistance Program

• GradFin Enrollment Portal

Flex Accounts

• Ameriflex Spending Account Claim Form 
• Ameriflex Contact Information 
• Ameriflex Member Login / Check Your Balance 
• Mobile App Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store 
• The FSA Store 
• The FSA Store Contact Information 
• The FSA Store Eligibility List 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers confidential, short-term counseling from Licensed Professional Counselors for a full range of personal issues and achieving a healthy work/life balance across the life span. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7.

– Stress, anxiety, depression

– Relationship, family, parenting issues

– Substance Abuse

– Anger, grief, loss

– Life transitions

– Referrals for additional treatment, as needed

888-645-1772  |   ColonialLife.com/EAP

Work/Life Planning Services

The Health Advocate work/life services, available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers financial and legal counseling services, as well as grief support and referral for up to 12 months after a claim.

877.240.6863   |   HealthAdvocate.com/members  (Organization Name: ColonialLife-LifePlanning)

Online Account Instructions

How to Access Your Ameriflex Account:

Go to MyAmeriflex.com and click “Login” from the upper right hand corner. When prompted, select “Participant.”

How to Register Online For Your Ameriflex Spending Account:

Click the register button atop the right corner of the home screen.

1. As the primary account holder, enter your personal information.
   – Choose a unique User ID and create a password (if you are told that your username is invalid or already taken, you must select another).
   – Enter your first and last name.
   – Enter your email address.
   – Enter your Employee ID, which in most cases, will be the account holder’s Social Security Number(no dashes or spaces needed).
2. Check the box if you accept the terms of use.
3. Click ‘register’. The process may take a few seconds. Do not click your browser’s back button or refresh the page.
4. Last, you must complete your Secure Authentication setup. Implemented to protect your privacy and help us prevent fraudulent activity, setup is quick and easy. After the registration form is successfully completed, you will be prompted to complete the secure authentication setup process:
   Step 1: Select a Security Question option, and type in a corresponding answer.
   Step 2: Repeat for the following three Security Questions, then click next.
   Step 3: Verify your email address, and then click next.
   Step 4: Verify and submit setup information.
5. The registration process is complete! Should you receive an information error message that does not easily guide you through the information correction process, please feel free to contact our dedicated Member Services Team at 888.868.FLEX (3539).

After registering, you can log into your account to:

– Check your balance

– Order replacement cards

– Submit claims for reimbursement

– Update your reimbursement method, and more…

Want to Manage Your Account on the go?

Download the MyAmeriflex mobile app, available through the App Store or Google Play. This is the quickest and easiest way to access your account on the go. The mobile app offers the same functionality as your online account.

Your credentials for the MyAmeriflex Portal and the MyAmeriflex Mobile App are the same; there is no need for separate login information!

Using Your Ameriflex Card

You’ll receive a Mastercard debit card linked to your Ameriflex account that can be used to pay for eligible expenses. If you have more than one account, such as a flexible spending account and dependent care account, your card is linked to both accounts and knows which funds to pull from when you make a purchase. If you lose your card, you can request a complimentary replacement by logging into your Ameriflex account or the Ameriflex mobile app.

Eligible Expenses

Before you make a purchase, it’s important to verify that the expense is eligible under the rules of your plan. Spending and saving accounts reimburse specific expenses unique to those accounts. Visit our Help Center for more information about eligible expenses.

Help Center and Support

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our team of experts are ready to help whenever you need it. The Help Center is the best place to go for quick answers to your questions and more information about your account. You can access the Help Center at myameriflex.com/HelpCenter.

The Ameriflex Participant Services team is available Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1 :00 PM CST.

Call: 888.868.3539
Email: service@myameriflex.com
Live Chat: myameriflex.com

Set aside tax-free money for daycare and dependent care services.

Use the below information to determine if a Dependent Care Account (DCA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of a DCA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Dependent Care Account (DCA) you get to experience tax savings on expenses like daycare, elderly care, summer day camp, preschool, and other services that allow you to work full time.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can use a DCA to pay for qualifying expenses such as daycare, summer day care, elder care, before and after school programs, and pre-school.

– Keep More Money: The funds are taken out of your paycheck “pre-tax” (meaning they are subtracted from your gross earnings before taxes) throughout the course of the year. Let’s say you earn $40,000 a year and contribute $1,500 to an DCA; so, only $38,500 of your income gets taxed. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

– Easy Spending and Account Management: You will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to their DCA. They can use their card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible DCA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under a DCA. Here are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Daycare or elder care

– Before-school and after-school care

– Preschool and nursery school

– Private sitter

– Summer day camp

– Nanny service

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to myameriflex.com/eligibleexpenses.

An account for setting aside tax-free money for healthcare expenses.

Use the below information to determine if a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of an FSA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you get to experience tax savings on qualified expenses such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and medications, and thousands of other everyday items.

Can I have an FSA and an HSA?

You can’t contribute to an FSA and HSA within the same plan year. However, you can contribute to an HSA and a limited purpose FSA, which only covers dental and vision expenses.

As per IRS Publication 969, an employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses generally can’t make contributions to an HSA. An employee is also not HSA-eligible during an FSA Grace Period. An employee enrolled in a Limited Purpose FSA is HSA-eligible.

As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA. FSA coverage extends tax benefits to family members allowing the FSA holder to be reimbursed for medical expenses for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

The Value & Perks

– Election Accessibility: You will have access to your entire election on the first day of the plan year.

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can save up to 40% on thousands of eligible everyday expenses such as prescriptions, doctor’s visits, dental services, glasses, over-the-counter medicines, and copays.

– Keep More Money: The funds are taken out of your paycheck “pre-tax” (meaning they are subtracted from your gross earnings before taxes) throughout the course of the year. Let’s say you earn $40,000 a year and contribute $1,500 to an FSA; so, only $38,500 of your income gets taxed. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

– Easy Spending and Account Management: Employees will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to their FSA. Employees can use their card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible FSA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under an FSA. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Deductibles

– Copays

– Prescriptions

– Teeth cleaning

– LASIK

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Band-aids

– Sunscreen

– Over-the-counter medicine (prescription required)

– Feminine menstrual care

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to myameriflex.com/eligibleexpenses.

The “Use-or-Lose” Rule

If you contribute dollars to a reimbursement account and do not use all the money you deposit, you will lose any remaining balance in the account at the end of the eligible claims period. This rule, established by the IRS as a component of tax-advantaged plans, is referred to as the “use-or-lose” rule.

To avoid losing any of the funds you contribute to your FSA, it’s important to plan ahead as much as possible to estimate what your expenditures will be in a given plan year.

 

IN-PERSON & SELF-ENROLL

During your open enrollment period, a PGB Benefits Representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate your benefits based on your individual and family needs, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in the enrollment process. If you prefer, you may also self-enroll online following the instructions on the Enrollment Instructions page of this site.

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD: August 26, 2024 – October 4, 2024

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS DURING THE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.*

– Enroll in, change or cancel Dental Insurance.

– Enroll in, change or cancel Vision Insurance.

– Enroll in, change or cancel Group Term Life Insurance.

– Enroll in, change, or cancel Long-Term Disability Insurance.

– Enroll in, change, or cancel Colonial coverage.

 

*You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue each year.

 

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS OPTIONS WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

You can view details about what benefits your employer offers, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized benefits website.

IMPORTANT NOTE & DISCLAIMER

This is neither an insurance contract nor a Summary Plan Description and only the actual policy provisions will prevail. All information on this microsite including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those on this microsite.

Pre-Tax Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts: Ameriflex
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,200/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year
You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year.
IF YOU DO NOT RE-ENROLL, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2024.

Dental Insurance: Sun Life

Vision Insurance: EyeMed

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Short-Term Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

Long-Term Disability Benefits: Sun Life

Critical Illness Benefits: Colonial Life

Life Insurance: Colonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance
– Group Term Life Insurance (Including EAP + Work/Life Programs)

 

Additional Benefits

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

 

Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.

 

Enrollment Period: August 26, 2024 – October 4, 2024

Effective Dates: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

 

ELIGIBILITY:

– You must be a permanent employee that works 30 hours or more per week to be eligible for benefits.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

– When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Insurance products and Group Term Life, Ameriflex Spending Accounts, Sun Life Dental and Long-Term Disability, and EyeMed Vision lasts from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products and Group Term Life, Ameriflex Spending Accounts, Sun Life Dental and Long-Term Disability, and EyeMed Vision will begin January 2025.

– Why have my Cancer, Accident, or Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until January 31, 2025.

– What is an EAP? Your Group Term Life coverage includes Health Advocate Employee Assistance + Work/Life Programs. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the Group Term Life pages of this benefit guide for more details and contact information.

– How do Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds work, and do my FSA funds have to be used by a specific deadline? Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the plan year to be eligible for reimbursement. After the plan year ends, an employee has 90 days to submit claims for incurred qualified spending account expenses (or 90 days after employment termination date). If employment is terminated before the plan year ends, the spending account also ends. Failure to use all allotted funds in the FSA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

– My spouse is enrolled in an Health Savings Account (HSA), am I eligible for an FSA? As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement FSA at the same time the other opens or contributes to an HSA.

– How do Dependent Care Account (DCA) funds work and when do they need to be used? Dependent Care Accounts are like FSA accounts and allow you to request reimbursement up to your current balance. However, you cannot receive more reimbursement than what has been deducted from your pay. It’s important to note that any remaining funds in your DCA account must be utilized before the deadline. Failure to use all allotted funds in the DCA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

– When will I get my card? If you will be receiving a new debit card, whether you are a new participant or to replace your expired card, please be aware that it may take up to 30 days following your plan effective date for your card to arrive. Your card will be delivered by mail in a plain white envelope. During this time you may use manual claim forms for eligible expenses. Please note that your debit card is good through the expiration date printed on the card.

– I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

– What is the difference between pre and post-tax benefits? Pre-tax benefit contributions are taken from an employee’s paycheck before state and federal taxes are applied. Post-tax benefit contributions are paid after taxes are deducted. It’s important to note that some coverages may still be subject to taxes even if paid for through pre-tax deduction or employee contribution.

– Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here.

– I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers confidential, short-term counseling from Licensed Professional Counselors for a full range of personal issues and achieving a healthy work/life balance across the life span. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7.

– Stress, anxiety, depression

– Relationship, family, parenting issues

– Substance Abuse

– Anger, grief, loss

– Life transitions

– Referrals for additional treatment, as needed

888-645-1772  |   ColonialLife.com/EAP

Work/Life Planning Services

The Health Advocate work/life services, available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers financial and legal counseling services, as well as grief support and referral for up to 12 months after a claim.

877.240.6863   |   HealthAdvocate.com/members  (Organization Name: ColonialLife-LifePlanning)

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store to provide one convenient location for Flexible Spending Account holders to manage and use their FSA funds, and save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products using tax-free health money. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your FSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA (one use per customer).

Other Great FSA Store Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

– FSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA

– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an FSA

– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on FSA-eligible essentials

– FSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the FSA Store rewards program

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Colonial Life

• File A Claim
• Colonial Service Guide for Policy Holders
• Colonial Service Forms
• GTL Employee Assistance Program
• GTL Life Planning Services
  (Organization Name: ColonialLife-LifePlanning)

Dental

• Sun Life Contact Information
• Sun Life Member Login

Vision

• Superior Contact Information 
• Superior Provider Search 
• Superior Discounts

Telemedicine

• Teladoc – Talk to a doctor in minutes
• Health Advocate – Help for life’s challenges
• NPSN Pharmacy Discount Card – Save on medication
• NPSN Pharmacy Provider Search
• Teladoc Contact Information
• Teladoc Member Login

Student Loan Assistance Program

• GradFin Enrollment Portal

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• McLaughlin Young EAP Website 

Legal

• Legal Resources Website

Flex Accounts

• Ameriflex Spending Account Claim Form 
• Ameriflex Contact Information 
• Ameriflex Member Login / Check Your Balance 
• Mobile App Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store 
• The FSA Store 
• The FSA Store Contact Information 
• The FSA Store Eligibility List 

EAP & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

Help is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353

An EAP is a company-sponsored benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address personal or work-related challenges and concerns. It’s confidential and free to you and your household family members.

Access Your EAP & Work-Life Services

There are two ways to access your EAP and work-life services: Call 800-633-3353 or
Visit mygroup.com | Click on My Portal Login | Work-Life | Username:  Password: 

Assessment and Counseling

Reasons to use the EAP include:

– Marital difficulties

– Parenting

– Stress

– Depression

– Work-related concerns

– Alcohol and drug use/abuse

– Grief and loss

– Preventative

When employees and family members call the EAP, they are offered face-to-face, telephonic, or virtual counseling sessions in which a thorough assessment can be conducted by a licenses, experienced clinician in their area. EAP is short-term, solution-focused therapy so not all issues will be resolved within the EAP model and may need to be referred to other resources.

Online Services

– 7 content divisions: Parenting, Aging, Balancing, Thriving, Living, Working, and International

– Monthly Online Seminars and eLearning courses with certificates of completion

– Searchable databases and resource links for child care providers, elder care and related services, adoption resources, attorneys, certified financial planners, pet sitting, private and public high schools and colleges, and volunteer opportunities

– Over 100 streaming audio files and 100 video files covering a range of health topics

– Savings Center: discount shopping program offering up to 25% discounts on name-brand items

– Relocation Center: an interactive program that allows users to preview communities across the U.S.

Legal Services

– Free telephonic legal advice

– Free 30-minute appointment for legal consultation with a local attorney

– In most cases, 25% discount on ongoing legal services

– Legal forms available to download (such as wills, request for death certificate, etc.)

– Online legal encyclopedia

– Does not cover disputes or actions involving employer, EAP or business issues

Financial Services

– Free financial appointments

– Issues addressed include bankruptcy, budgeting, buying a home, college savings, retirement planning

– Education materials and financial worksheets provided prior to appointments

– 40 financial calculators available online

– ID theft recovery through credit monitoring

– Discounted credit reports

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store to provide one convenient location for Flexible Spending Account holders to manage and use their FSA funds, and save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products using tax-free health money. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your FSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA (one use per customer).

Other Great FSA Store Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

– FSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA

– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an FSA

– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on FSA-eligible essentials

– FSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the FSA Store rewards program

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions