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/bessemer

 

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: OCTOBER 26, 2020 – OCTOBER 27, 2020

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

• Enroll/re-enroll your Flexible Spending Accounts+ (Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care).
• Enroll, change or cancel your Vision Insurance.
• Enroll, change or cancel your Dental Insurance.
• Enroll, change or cancel your Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance.
• Enroll, change or cancel your Colonial products.

 

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

 

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.

Pre-Tax Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts*

• Medical Reimbursement Maximum $2,750/year
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum $5,000/year

 Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

 Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

 Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

Dental Insurance: Sun Life

Vision Insurance: Superior

 

*You will need to re-sign for the spending accounts if you want them to continue next year.

IF YOU DO NOT RE-SIGN, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

• Short-Term Disability Benefits (Employer-Paid): Sun Life
• Long-Term Disability Benefits (Employer-Paid): Sun Life

 Critical Illness Benefits: Colonial Life

 Life Insurance

• Term Life Insurance: Colonial Life
• Whole Life Insurance: Colonial Life

 Group Term Life Insurance: Sun Life

• Basic Life – Employer-Paid
• Voluntary Life

 

 

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: OCTOBER 26, 2020 – OCTOBER 27, 2020

EFFECTIVE DATES: JANUARY 1, 2021 – DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Employees must work 30 hours or more per week to participate in benefits.

 

IMPORTANT FACTS:

• The plan year for Sun Life Dental, Superior Vision, Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts and Sun Life Voluntary Group Term Life lasts from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The Sun Life Short-Term Disability, Sun Life Long-Term Disability and Sun Life Basic Group Term Life plans are Employer-Paid benefits.

 

• Deductions for Sun Life Dental, Superior Vision, Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts and Sun Life Voluntary Group Term Life will begin January 2021.

 

• If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when meeting with the Benefits Representative.

 

• PLEASE NOTE: Pierce Group Representatives are not authorized to assist employees with their SHP enrollment or make SHP enrollment elections on an employee’s behalf.

 

• 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. All changes must go through Bessemer City Human Resources.

 

• 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.

 

• 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, 2021.

 

• 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.

FLEX SPENDING AND HEALTH SAVINGS WITH ZERO GUESSWORK

Your Health, Your Funds, Your Choice — Simplified

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA- and HSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSAstore and HSAstore to provide convenience and savings to Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account holders. Our goal is to help you manage and use your funds, save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products, maximize long-term health savings, and help ease the financial burden of medical expense. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA- and 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 FSA card, HSA card, or any other major credit card for purchases

Other Great Resources Available To You

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

FSA Eligibility List   |   HSA Eligibility List

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

FSA Savings Calculator   |   HSA Savings Calculator

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

FSA Learning Center   |   HSA Learning Center

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

FSA Savings Center   |   HSA Savings Center

– Rewards Program: Take your health and funds further with FSAPerks and HSAPerks

FSAPerks   |   HSAPerks

Accessing each store is easy. Simply visit www.FSAstore.com or www.HSAstore.com! BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $200+ with code PGBF20 on the FSAstore (one use per customer).

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSAstore Customer Service   |   HSAstore Customer Service

FSAstore Frequently Asked Questions   |   HSAstore Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

If you are new to HSAs, follow these steps to optimize your account and put you on the pathway to building health savings.

Activate Your Debit Card

Once your HSA is opened, you will receive a member welcome kit including a HealthEquity Visa Health Account Card.1 Activation instructions are included in the envelope. You can also speak to one of our account mentors to activate your card and receive additional insight into your account.

Log On

Sign in to the member portal by visiting www.MyHealthEquity.com. If it is your first time logging in, select ‘Create user name and password’ and follow the step-by-step process to verify your account. Once you are logged in, complete the following:

– Add a beneficiary to ensure your HSA benefits your loved ones in the event of your death.

– Elect to receive eStatements to avoid a monthly statement fee.

– Navigate the portal and familiarize yourself with its features and capabilities. A comprehensive portal guide can be found starting on page 18.

Start Saving

Decide how you will begin building your health savings:

– Paycheck contributions: If your account is offered through your employer, you may make regular pre-tax contributions from your paycheck. Talk to your benefits department for assistance.

– Transfer an existing HSA: If you already have an HSA with another administrator, transfer your existing HSA balance to HealthEquity to consolidate your savings while taking advantage of other incentives. For more information, visit www.HealthEquity.com/DoubleIt.

– Electronic funds transfer (EFT): Using EFT, you can make a one-time, post-tax contribution or schedule automatic HSA contributions from your personal bank account. To set up an EFT, log in to your HealthEquity account. From the ‘My Account’ tab, hover over ‘HSA’ and select ‘Make Contribution.’

How It Works

At the doctor’s office…

1. Receive services. With an HSA-qualified plan, copays are not typically required at the time of service. Be sure to present your insurance ID card. If your healthcare provider requires a deposit, it will be applied to your invoice.
2. Provider bills health plan. Provider submits a claim to your health plan for services provided.
3. Health plan sends EOB. An explanation of benefits (EOB) is sent to you outlining the negotiated or allowed charges and summarizes your year-to-date deductible and co-insurance totals. In some cases, your health plan may send a copy of your claim to HealthEquity, which will appear in the member portal.
4. Provider sends invoice. The provider sends you an invoice, or statement, reflecting the allowed charges. Make sure the amount matches the EOB sent by your health plan. If not, contact your health plan.
5. Pay invoice with HSA. You can pay for qualified medical expenses with your HSA debit card or create an online payment that is sent directly to the provider or as a reimbursement to you.

At the pharmacy…

1. Obtain prescription. Obtain a legal prescription from your doctor for required medication and present it, along with your insurance ID card, at the pharmacy.
2. Pharmacy verifies insurance coverage. The pharmacy checks with your insurance on-the-spot to determine the amount you owe for the prescription.
3. Pay for your prescription. The pharmacy fills your prescription and you pay the determined amount owed. The expense is automatically applied to your deductible or coinsurance. Your HSA debit card is a convenient method of payment.

Over-the-counter medication…

The IRS does not allow HSA funds to be used for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without a prescription. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription for OTC medicines or supplies that you frequently use so that you can use your HSA to pay for these items.

Want to Manage Your Account on the go?

Benefits have never been this easy. Download the HealthEquity mobile app, available through the App Store or Google Play, and manage everything in only a few taps and swipes.

– On the go access and history: Access all account types wherever you go.

– Photo documentation: Take a photo with your device to initiate claims and payments.

– Send payments and reimbursements: Send payments to providers or reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses.

– Manage debit card transactions: Link your debit card transactions to claims and documentation.

– Initiate claims and view their status: View the status of claims as well as link payments and documentation to claims.

Member Help Center and Support

The HealthEquity Help Center is your source for helpful guides, answers to your questions, and access to our helpful Member Services Team.

Call: 866.346.5800

Send a Message: www.answers.healthequity.com/app/ask

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/Savings 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. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) reimburse a wide variety of expenses such as copays, dental and vision, prescriptions, etc. Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts (LPFSA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) 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

Health

• Blue Connect Member Login
• BCBS Provider Search
• BCBS Contact Information

Stretch your dollars further and put more money in your pocket. Health Savings Accounts empower you to save more, spend smarter and invest in your healthcare.

HSAs are tax-advantaged employee-owned accounts that let you save pre-tax dollars for future qualified medical expenses. You can invest HSAs—and funds never expire.

Am I Eligible For A Health Savings Account?

To enroll in a HSA, employees must already be enrolled in an HSA-qualifying high deductible health plan (HDHP).

The Value for Employees

– Enjoy Lower Health Plan Premiums: HSA-qualified health plans offer lower premiums, enabling you to save potentially thousands every year.

– Keep Your Premium Savings: Just put the extra money you would’ve paid toward traditional premiums into your HSA. Voila! Long-term savings.

– Triple Tax Savings: Every dollar an employee contributes to an HSA lowers their taxable income, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

– Roll Over Funds: Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), you own your HSA. That means your entire HSA balance rolls over every year—even if you change health plans, retire, or leave your employer.

Eligible HSA Expenses

– Pain relievers

– Doctor visits

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Cold and cough medicine

– Menstrual care products

– Chiropractic care

– Insulin Testing Supplies

– Sleep aids

– Shoe inserts

– Sunscreen

– Ambulance

– Dental work and orthodontia

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.earn.healthequity.com/qme.

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.

Set aside tax-free money for dental and vision expenses.

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

How It Works

A Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) is a special type of FSA that allows you to set aside tax-free money to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses. What makes an LPFSA unique is that it can be used in conjunction with a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing you to grow your HSA funds while using the LPFSA to pay for immediate dental and vision needs. Other than the restriction of eligible expenses to vision, dental, and orthodontia, the rules governing the LPFSA are the same as those that apply to an FSA.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can save up to 40% on qualifying expenses such as vision appointments, LASIK, contact lenses and solution, glasses, teeth cleaning, dentures, and dental and vision copays. You can contribute to an LPFSA and HSA in the same plan year, allowing you to save and grow your HSA balance, while using the LPFSA to pay for everyday expenses.

– 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 LPFSA; 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 your LPFSA. You can use your card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible LPFSA Expenses

You can use your LPFSA to pay for expenses related to dental and vision. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Vision exams

– LASIK

– Contact lenses and solution

– Glasses

– Dentures

– Dental x-rays, crowns, fillings, and other orthodontia work

– Dental and vision copays and deductibles

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

Colonial Life

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

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.

You will be able to use the Benefits Enterprise site through Paylocity to make your New Hire and/or Open Enrollment elections, view your current elections, make life event changes, update family and/or beneficiary information, access benefit materials (i.e. plan summary documents or forms), etc.

HELPFUL TIPS:

– You will be able to access the Benefits Enterprise site directly from the Web Pay Employee Self Service Portal, by hovering over the Web Pay tab and selecting Enterprise Web Benefits from the dropdown options. You will not need a separate user ID or password when accessing the site via the Employee Self Service Portal.

– For successful navigation of the site, do not use the back button in your internet browser, as this will automatically log you out of the site. To navigate through the site, use the navigation bar located at the top of the screen.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS: 

1. From the homepage, click on Start Your Enrollment. If you do not see the Start Your Enrollment button, please contact your HR department.

2. The enrollment process consists of the following four steps. You will be taken through each step to make changes or confirm your information on file and choose your benefits for the new plan year.

– Employee (Personal Information):

Before beginning your enrollment, please verify the accuracy of all of your personal information (e.g., address, DOB, etc.). If you need to make any changes, please do so in your Employee Self-Service Portal. All updates will reflect on this page within 24 hours. You can still move on with your enrollment. Verify that all information is accurate. When done, check I Agree at the bottom of the page and click Continue.

Any field that has an asterisk next to it is required.

– Family (Family Information):

Please add all dependents that may be missing from the Family Information section before proceeding to the next section. To do this, click Add Dependents. When all of your family information is accurate, check I Agree and click Continue.

– Making Benefit Elections:

To review all available plan options for each benefit, click the View Plan Options link.

Before you are able to select a plan, select all dependents you wish to cover (the system will generate your coverage tier based on this) and click Continue. If you wish to add a new dependent at this time, click Add Dependents to the family tab and add the dependent.

Once you have chosen the plan you wish to enroll in, click Select to the corresponding plan. After each election that you make, you will see a summary of your election.

Review all of your benefit elections and covered dependents. If you wish to make any changes, simply click on any one of the Edit Selection buttons. It will return you to the enrollment page. Once you have completed your review, check “I agree, and I’m finished with my enrollment” and “Complete Enrollment.” If you stop at any point before this step, your progress will be saved, but your enrollment is not complete.

– Confirming Benefit Elections: 

You can send yourself an email confirmation of your elections or print it for your records. Click the printer icon on the right-hand side of the screen.

Note: Although the online benefits enrollment site is a secure site and your information is encrypted during transit, it is important that you log off when you have completed your session. Click the Log Off icon in the upper right-hand corner of the enrollment site to do so. For security purposes, the system will automatically log you out if you leave your system idle for more than 30 minutes.

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 www.paylocity.com.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: NOVEMBER 9, 2020 – NOVEMBER 16, 2020

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 Health Savings Account⁺ (HSA).

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Account(s)⁺ (Medical, Limited Purpose and Dependent Care).

– Enroll, change or cancel your Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance.

– Enroll, change or cancel your Colonial products.

– Enroll in Legal Select Plan.

⁺You will need to re-sign for the Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account 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.

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield

Dental Insurance: MetLife

Vision Insurance: EyeMed

Health Savings Accounts*: HealthEquity

– Employee Maximum: $3,600/year

– Family Maximum: $7,200/year

HSA plans can only be established in conjunction with a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). Employee must be enrolled in the Base or Buy-Up HSA plan included in this booklet in order to participate in the Health Savings Account.

Flexible Savings Accounts*: Ameriflex

– Medical Reimbursement FSA Maximum: $2,750/year

– Limited Purpose FSA⁺ Maximum: $2,750/year

– Dependent Care Reimbursement FSA Maximum: $5,000/year

⁺Limited Purpose FSA funds can only be used for qualifying vision, dental and orthodontia expenses.

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

 

*You will need to re-sign for the Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue.

IF YOU DO NOT RE-SIGN, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Short-Term Disability Benefits: Colonial Life

Long-Term Disability Benefits: Sun Life (Employer-Paid Benefit!)

Critical Illness Benefits: Colonial Life

Group Term Life Insurance: Sun Life (Basic Life Coverage is an Employer-Paid Benefit!)

Life Insurance: Colonial Life

– Term Life Insurance

– Whole Life Insurance

Legal Select Plan: Legal Resources

 

Enrollment Period: NOVEMBER 16, 2020 – NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Effective Dates: JANUARY 1, 2021 – DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

– Employees must work 30 hours or more per week to participate in benefits.

– New Employees should speak with Human Resources for benefit effective dates following employment.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

– The plan year for BlueCross BlueShield Health, MetLife Life Dental, EyeMed Vision, Colonial Insurance products, Sun Life Voluntary Group Term Life and Legal Resources Legal Select Plan lasts from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

– Deductions for BlueCross BlueShield Health, MetLife Dental, EyeMed Vision, Colonial Insurance products, Sun Life Voluntary Group Term Life and Legal Resources Legal Select Plan will begin January 2021. The Sun Life Basic Group Term Life and Sun Life Long-Term Disability benefits are employer-paid and provided by Pierce Group Benefits.

– 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 days to notify Pierce Group Benefits’ Human Resources Manager.

– 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.

– The Colonial Cancer plan (NC ONLY) and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident (NC ONLY) and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until January 31, 2021.

– 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.

Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Accounts

If an employee enrolls in an employer-sponsored High Deductible Health Plan, he/she may participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA). Pierce Group Benefits will make an annual contribution of $250.00 to the employee’s HSA – 1/24 contributed bi-weekly. Employees hired during the year will receive a pro-rated amount. If the employee participates in an HSA, he/she may also participate in a Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA).

-OR-

If the employee enrolls in an employer-sponsored Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the employee may participate in a Flexible Savings Account (FSA). Pierce Group Benefits will make an annual contribution of $250.00 the first of the plan year to the employee’s FSA. Employees hired during the year will receive a pro-rated amount.

If the employee does not wish to enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan, the employee may still participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Limited Purpose FSA. No employer contributions will be made.