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:
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)
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.
– If you are a new employee and unable to log into the online system, please speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location, or contact Human Resources.
– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact Pierce Group Benefits at 888-662-7500 between 8:30am and 5:00pm, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.
COMPLETE THE STEPS BELOW TO BEGIN THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS:
1. Go to: https://harmony.benselect.com/rockinghamcounty
– Enter your User Name: Social Security Number with or without dashes (ex. 123-45-6789 or 123456789)
– Enter your PIN: Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number followed by last 2 numbers of your Date of Birth year (ex. 678970)
2. The screen prompts you to create a NEW PIN [__________].
3. Choose a security question and enter answer [__________].
4. Confirm (or enter) an email address.
5. Click on ‘Save New PIN’ to continue to the enrollment welcome screen.
6. From the welcome screen click “Next”.
7. 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. 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. The screen shows ‘Benefit Summary’. Review your current benefits and make changes/selections for the upcoming plan year.
Health
You may enroll in this benefit for the new plan year.
Employees with existing coverage are not required to re-enroll.
Dental
You may enroll in this benefit for the new plan year.
Employees with existing coverage are not required to re-enroll.
Vision
You may enroll in this benefit for the new plan year.
Employees with existing coverage are not required to re-enroll.
Basic Group Term Life (Employer-Paid Benefit)
Please review and designate a beneficiary for group term life coverage, if applicable.
– HEALTH CARE FSA: Enter annual amount. MAX $2,850/year MIN $100/year
– DEPENDENT CARE FSA: Enter annual amount. MAX $5,000/year MIN $200/year
– CANCER ASSIST
You may enroll online in Cancer Assist coverage.
– DISABILITY 3000
You may enroll online in Disability 3000 coverage.
– ACCIDENT 1.0
You may enroll online in Accident 1.0; however, persons over age 64 applying for coverage and employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.
– MEDICAL BRIDGE
You may enroll online in Medical Bridge coverage.
– CRITICAL ILLNESS 6000
You may enroll online in Critical Illness 6000 coverage.
– TERM LIFE 5000
You may enroll online in Term Life 5000; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.
– WHOLE LIFE 5000 Plus
You may enroll online in Whole Life 5000 Plus; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.
10. Click ‘Sign & Submit’ once you have decided which benefits to enroll in.
11. Review your coverage. If any items are ‘Pending’, you will need to decide whether to enroll or decline this benefit.
12. Click ‘Next’ to review and electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.
13. Review the confirmation, then if you are satisfied with your elections, enter your PIN and click ‘Sign Form’.
14. Click ‘Download & Print’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document. Please do not forget this important step!
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.
YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS ONLINE DURING THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD:
– Enroll, change or cancel your Health Insurance.
– Enroll, change or cancel your Dental Insurance.
– Enroll, change or cancel your Vision Insurance.
– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts⁺ (Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care).
– Review/Designate a Beneficiary for your Basic Group Term Life Insurance (Employer-Paid).
– Enroll, change or cancel your Colonial products.
⁺You will need to re-sign for the spending accounts if you want them to continue each year.
ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.
You can view details about your benefits, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized Pierce Group Benefits website. Our website is also mobile friendly, making it easy to view your plan information on the go!
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 this booklet.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Ameriflex
– Medical Reimbursement FSA Maximum: $2,850/year | Minimum: $100/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement FSA Maximum: $5,000/year | Minimum: $200/year You will need to re-sign for the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year. IF YOU DO NOT RE-SIGN, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2022.
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
Employer-Paid Benefits
Group Term Life Insurance: MetLife
Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.
Enrollment Period: MAY 9, 2022 – MAY 13, 2022
Effective Dates: JULY 1, 2022 – JUNE 30, 2023
QUALIFICATIONS:
– Eligible employees must work 30 or more hours per week.
– New employees are eligible for benefits the first of the month following 30 days of employment. New Hires must wait until Open Enrollment to enroll in Colonial benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
– The plan year for UMR/UnitedHealthcare Health, Delta Dental, Superior Vision, Colonial Insurance products and Spending Accounts lasts from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
– Deductions for UMR/UnitedHealthcare Health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision will begin June 2022. Deductions for Colonial Insurance products and Spending Accounts will begin July 2022
– 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.
– 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.
– Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa.
– Once a family status change has occurred an employee has 30 days to notify the North Carolina Service Center at 1-888-662-7500 to request a change in elections.
– Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the Plan Year in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
– An employee has 90 days after the plan year ends to submit claims for spending account expenses that were incurred during the plan year. Please note that if employment terminates during the plan year, that employee’s plan year ends the day employment ends. The employee has 90 days after the termination date to submit claims.
– With Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, the maximum reimbursement you can request is equal to the current account balance in your Dependent Care account. You cannot be reimbursed more than has actually been deducted from your pay.
– 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.
– 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, 2022.
– Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.
– 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.
– An employee taking a leave of absence, other than under the Family & Medical Leave Act, may not be eligible to re-enter the Flexible Benefits Program until the next plan year. Please contact your Benefit Administrator for more information.
24/7 SUPPORT, RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Your ComPsych GuidanceResources program through EAPBusiness Class offers someone to talk to and resources to consult whenever and wherever you need them.
No-cost, Confidential Solutions to Life’s Challenges
Confidential Emotional Support
Our highly trained clinicians will listen to your concerns and help you or your family members with any issues, including:
– Anxiety, depression, stress
– Grief, loss and life adjustments
– Relationship/marital conflicts
Work-Life Solutions
Our specialists provide qualified referrals and resources for just about anything on your to-do list, such as:
– Finding child and elder care
– Hiring movers or home repair contractors
– Planning events, locating pet care
Legal Guidance
Talk to our attorneys for practical assistance with your most pressing legal issues, including:
– Divorce, adoption, family law, wills, trusts and more
Need representation? Get a free 30-minute consultation and a 25% reduction in fees.
Financial Resources
Our financial experts can assist with a wide range of issues.
– Retirement, taxes, mortgages, budgeting and more
For additional guidance, we can refer you to a local financial professional and arrange to reimburse you for the cost of an initial one-hour in-person consult.
Online Support GuidanceResources
Online is your 24/7 link to vital information, tools and support. Log on for:
– Articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows
– On-demand trainings
– “Ask the Expert” personal responses to your questions
Help for New Parents
ParentGuidance supports you through the process of becoming a biological or adoptive parent, including:
– Preparing for the baby emotionally and financially
– Finding child care
– Planning for back-to-work and other issues
Free Online Will Preparation
EstateGuidance lets you quickly and easily create a will online.
– Specify your wishes for your property
– Provide funeral and burial instructions
– Choose a guardian for your children
Contact EAPBusiness Class Anytime
Our toll-free number gives you direct, 24/7 access to a GuidanceConsultant, who will answer your questions and, if needed, refer you to a counselor or other resources. Or, login online to connect directly with a GuidanceConsultant or to consult articles, podcasts, videos and other helpful tools and resources.
When you call, you will speak with a GuidanceConsultant, a master’s- or PhD-level counselor will collect some general information about you and will talk with you about your needs. The GuidanceConsultant will provide the name of a counselor who can assist you. You will receive counseling through the EAP up to 3 sessions per issue, per person, per calendar year. You can then set up an appointment to speak with the counselor over the phone or schedule a face-to-face visit.
What counseling services does the EAP provide?
The EAP provides free short-term counseling with counselors in your area who can help you with your emotional concerns.
If the counselor determines that your issues can be resolved with short-term counseling, you will receive counseling through the EAP. However, if it is determined that the problem cannot be resolved in short-term counseling through the EAP and you require longer-term treatment, you will be referred to a specialist early on and your insurance coverage will be activated.
During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one and assist you in the enrollment process. Your representative will help you evaluate benefits based on your individual needs and answer any questions you might have.
ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.
You can view details about your benefits, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized Pierce Group Benefits website. Our website is also mobile friendly, making it easy to view your plan information on the go!
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 this booklet.
Disability Benefits: Sun Life (Employer-Paid Benefit!)
Employee Assistance Program: EAPBusiness Class (Employer-Paid Benefit!)
Please note existing insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.
Enrollment Period: MAY 23, 2022 – MAY 25, 2022
Effective Dates: JULY 1, 2022 – JUNE 30, 2023
QUALIFICATIONS:
– You must work 30 hours or more per week.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
– The plan year for Colonial Insurance products lasts from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The plan year for Sun Life Short-Term Disability lasts from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023 (Employer-Paid Benefit)
– Deductions for Colonial Insurance products will begin July 2022.
– Your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your eligible family members. An EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit that offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the EAP pages of this benefit booklet for more details and contact information.
– 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.
– Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa. Once a family status change has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify the Pierce Group Benefits Service Center at 1-833-556-0006 to request a change in elections.
– 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, 2022.
– Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.
– 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.
Everyday health and wellness essentials all in one place and guaranteed eligible. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the HSA Store to provide one convenient location for Health Savings Account holders to maximize their long-term health savings and help ease the financial burden of medical needs, should they arise. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Health Savings Account!
– The largest selection of guaranteed HSA-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 HSA card or any other major credit card for purchases
Other Great HSA Store Resources Available To You
– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services
– HSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an HSA
– Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an HSA
– Savings Center: Where you can save even more on HSA-eligible essentials
– HSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the HSA Store rewards program
COMPASSIONATE AND CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
We help support your life. From day-to-day challenges to a sudden critical event, Health Advocate’s Care Managers are here to help you with personal, family and work-related concerns, so you feel more supported and able to perform at your best, 24/7.
Turn To Us — We Can Help.
Health Advocate is available at no cost to employees, spouses, dependents, parents and parents-in-law. Completely confidential. Even in a crisis, help is available 24/7.
Stressed? Anxious? Upset? Talk to us.
– Help for family, financial, legal problems, life transitions, substance abuse and more
– Learn strategies to manage stress, depression, anger and improve focus, such as mindfulness
Get Resources to Make Life Easier. We’ll do the legwork.
– Locate childcare, eldercare, summer camps, special needs services, relocation and more
– Time-saving help locating community resources and convenience services
Struggling to Cope Everyday? Get support.
– Build skills to handle challenges, feel more in control of your life
– Refer you to qualified long-term help, if needed
Easily Connect to Us. 24/7 access.
– Consult with us in person, by phone, or chat
– Access your comprehensive website and mobile app for articles, tips, webinars, tools
During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one and assist you in the enrollment process. Your representative will help you evaluate benefits based on your individual needs and answer any questions you might have.
ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.
You can view details about your benefits, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized Pierce Group Benefits website. Our website is also mobile friendly, making it easy to view your plan information on the go!
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 this booklet.