Petersburg City Public Schools Forms & Links 2023-2024

Colonial Life

Health

Dental & Vision

Legal Benefits

Student Loan Assistance Program

Flex Accounts

Petersburg City Public Schools New Hire

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.

Please call the 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 enrollment instructions on this microsite 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.

Petersburg City Public Schools The FSA Store 2023-2024

FLEX SPENDING WITH ZERO GUESSWORK

Your Health, Your Funds, Your Choice

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

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

 

Shop FSA Eligible Products Through Our Partnership with The FSA Store!
BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA (one use per customer).

 

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Petersburg City Public Schools Ameriflex DCA 2023-2024

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 a debit card linked to your DCA. You can use your card for eligible purchases everywhere it is accepted.

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

Petersburg City Public Schools Ameriflex FSA 2023-2024

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: You will receive a debit card linked to your FSA. You can use your card for eligible purchases everywhere it is accepted.

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 www.fsastore.com/fsa-eligibility-list.

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.

Modification to the Health FSA “Use-or-Lose” Rule:

– FSA plan participants should note that up to $610 of any unused funds from the current plan year will be rolled over into your FSA balance for the new plan year.

– The rollover modification applies to Health FSA plans only (and not to other types of FSA plans such as dependent care).

– The rollover does not affect the maximum contribution amount for the new plan year. In other words, even if you roll over the entire $610 from the previous plan year, you may still elect up to the maximum contribution limit allowed under your employer’s plan.

Petersburg City Public Schools Enrollment Assistance – BenSelect 2023-2024

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 800-387-5955 between 8:30am and 5:00pm for assistance.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact the Pierce Group Benefits Service Center at 888-662-7500, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

How To Enroll:

1. Logging In 

– Enter your User Name: Social Security Number with or without dashes (ex. 123-45-6789 or 123456789)

– Enter your Password: Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number followed by last 2 numbers of your Date of Birth year (ex. 678970)

To login, visit: harmony.benselect.com/petersburg

2. New PIN

The screen prompts you to create a NEW PIN.

3. Security Questions

Choose a security question and enter answer.

4. Confirm

Confirm (or enter) an email address.

5. Save New PIN

Click on ‘Save New PIN’ to continue to the enrollment welcome screen.

6. Click Next

From the welcome screen click “Next”.

7. Personal Information

The screen shows ‘Personal Information’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information (marital status, work phone, e-mail address). Click ‘Next’.

8. Adding Family Members

The screen allows you to add family members. It is only necessary to enter family member information if adding or including family members in your coverage. Click ‘Next’.

9. Benefit Summary

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

10. Sign & Submit

Click ‘Sign & Submit’ once you have decided which benefits to enroll in.

11. Review

Review your coverage. If any items are ‘Pending’, you will need to decide whether to enroll or decline this benefit.

12. Next

Click ‘Next’ to review and electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.

13. Sign Form

Review the confirmation, then if you are satisfied with your elections, enter your PIN and click ‘Sign Form’.

14. Download & Print

Click ‘Download & Print’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document.

Please do not forget this important step!

Click ‘Log Out’.

Petersburg City Public Schools Important Information About Your Enrollment 2023-2024

IN-PERSON

During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in the enrollment process.

ONLINE

You may enroll or make changes online to your flexible benefits plan. To enroll online, please visit: https://harmony.benselect.com/petersburg

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: AUGUST 14, 2023 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

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

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Health Insurance.*

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in, change or cancel Dental Insurance.*

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in, change or cancel Vision Insurance.*

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

– Enroll in, change or cancel Legal Benefits.

– Enroll in Colonial coverage.

*You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance if you want them to continue each year.

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE 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.

Petersburg City Public Schools Benefits Plan Overview 2023-2024

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health Insurance: Optima

Flexible Spending Accounts: P&A Group
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,050/year | Minimum: $100/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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2023.

Dental Insurance: Anthem

Vision Insurance: Anthem

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Life InsuranceColonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Legal Benefits: LegalShield

 

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: AUGUST 14, 2023 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Effective Dates: OCTOBER 1, 2023 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

ELIGIBILITY:

– Employees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

When do my benefits start? The plan year for Optima Health, Anthem Dental, Anthem Vision, Spending Accounts, LegalShield Pre-Paid Legal Benefits and Colonial Insurance products lasts from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

When do my deductions start? Deductions for Optima Health, Anthem Dental, and Anthem Vision will begin September 2023. Deductions for Spending Accounts, LegalShield Pre-Paid Legal Benefits and Colonial Insurance products will begin October 2023.

Why have my Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Medical Bridge plan has a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until October 31, 2023.

How do Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds work, and do my FSA funds have to be used by a specific deadline? Your plan also includes a rollover provision! This means that if you have money left in your FSA at the end of the plan year, you can carryover up to $610 into the next plan year. Any remaining funds beyond $610 is forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule.

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. Your plan includes a grace period which is an additional 2.5 months (running October 1, 2024, through December 14, 2024) during which you can incur eligible expenses that can be reimbursed. Therefore, you have from October 1, 2023 through December 14, 2024 to incur qualified expenses eligible for reimbursement. If you do not incur qualified expenses by December 14, 2024 and/or file by December 29, 2024 any contributions are forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule.

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 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 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 (Mid-Year Events), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a Mid-Year Events can be found in the chart on the next page. Once a Mid-Year Event has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify PGB’s Service Center at 1-800-387-5955 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.

Spartanburg District Five New Hire

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.

Supplemental Benefits – Please call the 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.

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.

Spartanburg District Five Important Information About Your Enrollment 2024

Virtually

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.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – DECEMBER 8, 2023

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

– Enroll in, change or cancel Colonial coverage.

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE 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.

Spartanburg District Five Benefits Plan Overview 2024

Post-Tax Benefits

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

Short-Term Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Whole Life InsuranceColonial Life

 

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

 

Enrollment Period: NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – DECEMBER 8, 2023

Effective Dates: JANUARY 1, 2024 – DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

ELIGIBILITY:

– Employees must work 20 hours or more.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Insurance products lasts from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products will begin January 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 January 31, 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 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.