QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Do we have to pick the Flexible spending accounts now and again in April?
The Flexible Spending Accounts are the same as last year. We will enroll in them this Annual Enrollment (not again in April) for the entire year. The HRA accounts will have start in April, but the Flexible Spending accounts remain the same with the same rules and regulations.
Is the coinsurance amount we pay based on what the doctor charges or what blue cross charges (if we have blue cross) ? Can we decide which account the payments are withdrawn from for procedures?
We will pay 10% based on the BCBS Negotiated rate. Money is not deducted from either account. The cost will be paid out of pocket and then they have to file claims for reimbursement. The Flexible spending accounts have different rules than the HRAs will. The HRAs can be used for any medical expense. The attached SPD for FSAs can be found on the intranet and includes the eligible and ineligible expenses.
If do not want to make any changes to what I have now do I need to do anything during this enrollment period that ends December 3rd?
Everyone should at least look at what is sent to them and confirm what was sent is correct. If they don't want to make changes they do nothing. I would print and keep it, as that is the confirmation of coverage. If changes are made on line they need to print and keep that too, just incase there are problems in January. If they call in and make changes they should receive a confirmation of coverage by mail in a couple of weeks and they need to ensure that is correct as well.
If they don't want to make changes they don't have to do anything. There will be another annual enrollment in the spring for the new benefits.
They should also check their assigned coverage to make sure it hasn't changed. Sometimes there is no longer a Point of Service network in their zip code and they default to the Traditional Indemnity (TI). If so, they can opt in to the POS plan. The instructions are in the package mailed to us.
Our MH/CD vendor is changing from UBH to Value Options in January and new medical cards should come out in December with the new number on it.
When do the co-insurance, deductibles and monthly premiums take affect?
They begin in April. There will be another enrollment for the new insurance in April. Inside the AT&T information that was sent to members homes, it should say:
For employees of legacy AT&T covered by the recently adopted 2009 collective bargaining agreements with the CWA, certain benefits will change effective April 1, 2010. Additional information regarding these benefits changes and any midyear enrollment process will be provided at a later time.