Save up to $1,500 on dependent care expenses this year!

Participating in a dependent care flexible spending account (DCA) is like receiving a 30% discount from your care provider.

How does a dependent care FSA work?

A dependent care FSA is a flexible spending account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses, such as daycare, that allow you to work or look for work.

You choose an annual election amount, up to $5,000 per family. The money is placed in your account via payroll deduction, in equal installments, and then used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses incurred during the plan year.

Why should I enroll in a dependent care FSA?

Child and dependent care is a large expense for many families. Millions of people rely on child care to be able to work, while others are responsible for older parents or disabled family members.

If you pay for care of dependents in order to work, you’ll want to take advantage of the savings this plan offers. Money contributed to a dependent care account is free from federal and most state taxes and remains tax-free when it is spent on eligible expenses. On average, participants enjoy a 30% tax savings on their annual contribution. This means you could be saving up to $1,500 per year on dependent care expenses!

How do I use my DCA to pay for dependent care expenses?

You can use your debit card to pay your provider for eligible dependent care expenses, or pay with your personal funds and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Qualifying Dependents

– Your qualifying child under the age of 13

– Your spouse or qualifying adult child or relative who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care

Qualifying Expenses

What qualifies?

Dependent care FSA funds can cover costs for:

– Before school or after school care for children 12 and younger

– Custodial care for dependent adults

– Licensed day care centers

– Nanny / Au Pair

– Nursery schools or preschools

– Late pick-up fees

– Summer or holiday day camps

What doesn’t qualify?

Certain expenses are not eligible, for instance:

– Expenses incurred in a prior plan year

– Expenses for non-disabled children 13 and older

– Educational expenses including kindergarten or private school tuition fees

– Food, clothing, sports lessons, field trips, and entertainment

– Overnight camp expenses

– Late payment fees for child care

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.healthierbenefits.com.

Online & Mobile Access

Get instant access to your account with the IMS Flex Portal and the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– View your account balance and transaction history

– Submit and view claims

– Upload and store receipts

– View important alerts and communications

– Sign up for direct deposit

– Sign up for text message alerts

Register for the IMS Flex Portal at www.healthierbenefits.com. Download the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Helpful Hints

– You must have funds in your dependent care FSA before you can spend them.

– You can’t change your election amount during the plan year, unless you experience a change in status or qualifying event.

– Keep your receipts, you will need an itemized invoice for all reimbursement requests.

– The easiest way to manage your account is online at www.healthierbenefits.com or through the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– Any unused funds that remain in your account at the end of the year will be forfeited. Plan carefully and use all the money in your dependent care FSA by the end of the plan year.

Don’t lose the chance to put $800 back into your pocket this year!

Participating in a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA) is like receiving a 30% discount from your medical providers.

How does a healthcare FSA work?

A healthcare FSA is a flexible spending account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for you and your dependents, even if they are not covered under your primary health plan.

You choose an annual election amount. At the beginning of the plan year, your account is pre-funded and your full contribution is immediately available for use. Your election amount is then deducted from your paychecks in equal installments throughout the year.

Why should I enroll in a healthcare FSA?

Almost everyone has some level of predictable and non-reimbursable medical needs.

If you expect to incur medical expenses that won’t be reimbursed by another plan, you’ll want to take advantage of the savings this plan offers. Money contributed to a healthcare FSA is free from federal and most state taxes and remains tax-free when it is spent on eligible expenses. On average, participants enjoy a 30% tax savings on their annual contribution. This means you could be saving up to $800 per year on healthcare expenses!

How do I use my FSA to pay for healthcare expenses?

You can use your debit card to pay your providers for eligible healthcare expenses, or pay with your personal funds and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Qualifying Expenses

What qualifies?

Healthcare FSA funds can cover costs for:

– Copays, deductible payments, coinsurance

– Doctor office visits, exams, lab work, x-rays

– Hospital charges y Prescription drugs

– Dental exams, x-rays, fillings, crowns, orthodontia

– Vision exams, frames, contact lenses, contact lens solution, laser vision correction

– Physical therapy y Chiropractic care

– Medical supplies and first aid kits

– Over-the-counter medications

What doesn’t qualify?

Certain expenses are not eligible, for instance:

– Expenses incurred in a prior plan year

– Cosmetic procedures or surgery

– Dental products for general health

– Hygiene products

– Insurance premiums

– Late payment fees charged by healthcare providers

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.healthierbenefits.com.

Online & Mobile Access

Get instant access to your account with the IMS Flex Portal and the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– View your account balance and transaction history

– Submit and view claims

– Upload and store receipts

– View important alerts and communications

– Sign up for direct deposit

– Sign up for text message alerts

Register for the IMS Flex Portal at www.healthierbenefits.com. Download the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Helpful Hints

– Your full election amount is available on the first day of the plan year, which means you’ll have access to the money you need, when you need it.

– You can’t change your election amount during the plan year, unless you experience a change in status or qualifying event.

– Save your receipts when you spend your healthcare FSA dollars. You may need itemized invoices to verify the eligibility of expenses or for reimbursement requests.

– The easiest way to manage your account is online at www.healthierbenefits.com or through the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– You can’t contribute to an FSA and an HSA within the same plan year. As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA.

Below is a series of instructions outlining the online self-enrollment process. Please have the following information available before you begin:

– Username, password, and enrollment website URL from Step 1 of this page

– Dates of birth and social security numbers of your spouse and any dependents you wish to enroll

– Beneficiary names and social security numbers

Helpful Tips:

– If you are a new employee, please refer here for more information or contact the PGB Service Center at 888-662-7500 between 8:30am and 5:00pm for assistance.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to login to the online system, please contact the Harmony Help Desk at 866-875-4772 between 8:30am and 6:00pm, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

How To Enroll:

1. Logging In 

– Enter your User Name: CAS5J6B- and then Last Name and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (CAS5J6B-SMITH6789)

– Enter your Password: Four digit Year of Birth and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (19766789)

To login, visit: https://harmonyenroll.coloniallife.com

2. Creating a New Password

You will be prompted to create a new password. Your password must have: 1 lowercase letter, 1 uppercase letter, 1 number, and 8 characters minimum.

Your password cannot include: first name, last name, spaces, special characters (such as ! $ % &), or User ID.

3. Secure Your Account

Choose a security question and enter answer.

4. Begin Enrollment

Click on ‘I Agree’ and then ‘Enter My Enrollment’.

5. Verification

The screen will display ‘Me & My Family’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information requested (title, marital status, work phone, e-mail address).

Click ‘Save & Continue’ twice.

6. Family Member Information

The screen will display the option to add family members. It is only necessary to enter family member information if adding or including family members in your coverage.

Click ‘Continue’.

7. Personal Information

The screen shows updated personal information. Verify that the information is correct and make changes if necessary.

Click ‘Continue’.

8. Review Elections

The screen shows ‘My Benefits’. Review your current benefits and make changes/selections for the upcoming plan year.

9. Finish Enrollment

10. Confirm Elections

Click ‘I Agree’ to electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.

11. Print & Log Out

Click ‘Print a copy of your Elections’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document. Please do not forget this important step!

Click ‘Log out & close your browser window’ and click ‘Log Out’.

ONLINE & IN-PERSON

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: JANUARY 22, 2024 – FEBRUARY 23, 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 Telemedicine coverage (DIRECT BILLING ONLY*).**
– 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.

**Please see the coordinating pages of your Benefits Guide for enrollment instructions for the Telemedicine plan.

*The Telemedicine plan is available by Direct Billing only. No deductions will be taken via payroll deduction.

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 in this booklet including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in your benefits guide.

Pre-Tax Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts: IMS
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $1,600/year (Adjusted due to short plan year!)
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $2,500/year (Adjusted due to short plan 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 JUNE 30, 2024.

Dental Insurance: Sun Life

Vision Insurance: Superior Vision

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

Post-Tax Benefits

Disability Benefits: Colonial 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)

Telemedicine Benefits: Call A Doctor Plus – Direct Billing Only

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

Enrollment Period: January 22, 2024 – February 23, 2024

Effective Dates: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

ELIGIBILITY:

– Employees must work 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, Spending Accounts, Sun Life Dental, Colonial Group Term Life, and Superior Vision lasts from July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts, Sun Life Dental, Colonial Group Term Life, and Superior Vision will begin July 2024 for 12-month employees, August 2024 for 10-month certified & 11-month employees, and September 2024 for 10-month non-certified employees. The Call A Doctor Plus Telemedicine plan is available by Direct Billing only. No deductions will be taken via payroll deduction.

– 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 July 31, 2024.

– 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 under the Status Change/Qualifying Life Event section of this microsite or in your Benefits Guide.

– 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.

Congratulations on your new employment!

Your employment means more than just a paycheck. Your employer also provides eligible employees with a valuable benefits package. Below you will find information about how to enroll in these benefits as a new employee.

All Benefits – Please call PGB’s Employee Services within 30 days of your date of hire and a PGB Benefits Representative will help you enroll in benefits. The Employee Services number is located at the bottom of this microsite. You also have the option to self-enroll, if you choose, within 30 days of your date of hire. Please see the self-enrollment instructions in this guide for more information.

Be sure to also review your group’s custom benefits microsite, that allows for easy, year-round access to benefit information, live chat support, benefit explainer videos, plan certificates and documents, and carrier contacts and forms.

Colonial Life

• File A Claim
• Colonial Service Guide for Policy Holders
• Colonial Service Forms

Student Loan Assistance Program

• GradFin Enrollment Portal

PEBA

• PEBA Website
• PEBA Contact Information
• PEBA Network Provider Search

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 links below.

PEBA Website  MyBenefits Online Portal  Member Access (Retirement) Online Portal

Your PEBA Benefits Options

Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance

MoneyPlus Health Savings Account Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Learn more! The Insurance Summary, available at peba.sc.gov, provides more detail about your benefits options, including eligibility, when you can enroll and premiums.

Quick Links

→ New Employees

→ Navigating Your Benefits

→ Network Provider Search

→ Standard Medical Plan Information

→ Savings Medical Plan Information

→ Medicare Supplemental Medical Plan Information

→ TRICARE Supplemental Medical Plan Information

→ Prescription Benefit Information

→ Telehealth Information

→ Select Your Retirement Plan Guide

→ South Carolina Retirement System Information

→ State Optional Retirement Program Information

→ Be Aware & Prepare Program Information

→ PEBA Perks

→ Strive Sign-up / Login 

→ Wondr Health Sign-up / Login

Helpful Videos

«

Prev

1

/

2

Next

»

What Insurance Do You Have?

Comparing the Standard and Savings Plans

Comparing Dental Plus and Basic Dental

Medicare Supplemental Plan at a Glance

When Does a Prescription Need a Coverage Review?

How Returning to Work Will Impact Your Insurance

«

Prev

1

/

2

Next

»

→ Watch Next: Navigating Your Retirement Benefits Video Playlist

Questions or Concerns?

Contact PEBA’s Customer Service through the contact forms below, or any time from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 803.737.6800 or 888.260.9430.

Questions About Insurance Benefits     Questions About Retirement Benefits

For more contact information, visit peba.sc.gov/contact.

IN-PERSON

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.

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD: JANUARY 10, 2024 – JANUARY 19, 2024

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

– Enroll in, change or cancel Colonial coverage.

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.

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

Employer-Paid 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: January 10, 2024 – January 19, 2024

Effective Dates: February 1, 2024 – January 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 February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products will begin February 2024.

– 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 March 2, 2024.

– 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.

– 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.

Congratulations on your new employment!

Your employment means more than just a paycheck. Your employer also provides eligible employees with a valuable benefits package. Below you will find information about how to enroll in these benefits as a new employee.

PEBA Benefits – Visit https://mybenefits.sc.gov/

Colonial Life Insurance Products – Please call PGB’s Employee Services within 30 days of your date of hire. The Employee Services number is located at the bottom of his microsite. 

Be sure to also review your group’s custom benefits microsite, that allows for easy, year-round access to benefit information, live chat support, benefit explainer videos, plan certificates and documents, and carrier contacts and forms.

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

• MetLife Dental Forms
• MetLife Contact Information
• MetLife Provider Search

Vision

• Superior Vision Contact Information
• Superior Vision Provider Search
• Superior Vision 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

Student Loan Assistance Program

• GradFin Portal

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Ameriflex Spending Account Claim Form
• Ameriflex Contact Information
• Ameriflex Member Login / Check Your Balance
• Ameriflex 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)