Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association s Benefit Programs Overview Success should be a shared experience. We share in the success of your diversity, perspectives and background. You share in our commitment to provide a comprehensive benefit package to provide peace of mind for you and your family. The Association s programs are described to the left, with live links providing more information. 1
Eligibility for coverage is on the first day of the month following hire. Coverage options include employee only, employee plus one dependent or family. Medical Insurance three medical program choices: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Traditional Provider Plan Option (PPO) High deductible Provider Plan Option with a health savings account Domestic partner coverage (same sex or opposite sex domestic partners) Same sex spouse legally married to an eligible employee is eligible for coverage* Opt out of coverage available Dental Insurance two dental program choices: Dental HMO program (Chicago employees only) Preferred Provider Option (services from provider of your choice) Domestic partner coverage (same sex or opposite sex domestic partners) Same sex spouse legally married to an eligible employee is eligible for coverage* Opt out of coverage available Vision two coverage levels: Core coverage (no cost to the employee) Buy-up option National network of doctors Preferred pricing on exams, contact lenses and frames Domestic partner coverage (same sex or opposite sex domestic partners) Same sex spouse legally married to an eligible employee is eligible for coverage* * Must be legally married to an eligible employee (under state or local law) in the following jurisdictions: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and District of Columbia. IRS regulations require same-sex spouse to be a dependent for over half of his or her income or coverage will be subject to imputed income. 2
Defined Contribution Plan: Eligible to contribute effective with the first pay cycle following enrollment Eligible to contribute up to the IRS maximum Immediate 100 percent match of your contributions (up to the eligible compensation and contribution limits and excluding catch-up contributions) based on plan schedule Additional annual catch-up contributions for staff age 50 or older up to IRS limits Vesting 20 percent per year over five years Roth 401(k) option available Brokerage link option Relationship with Financial Engines Financial Planning: Financial education through Merrill Lynch one-on-one or group sessions Discounted financial planning program through Merrill Lynch On-site 401(k) education workshops and personal one-on-one sessions through Fidelity Online tools to examine and analyze current retirement savings Financial Engines advice services available to participants Blue Planning: Online tool to conduct scenarios to determine current retirement savings and explore various retirement scenarios Pre-Retirement Workshop: On-site sessions and workshops to provide planning information for retirement Sessions delivered in both offices to help maximize the quality of life for the retirement years Credit Union: On-site location which provides member employees savings services including savings account, auto and personal loans, savings clubs, and discount movie tickets Banking Relationships: Established relationships with Chase, Citibank, and Associated Bank Ease of banking and account management 3
Paid Time Off (PTO): Program combines vacation and sick time into one pool Annual pool accrued per pay period throughout the year Pools range from 20-35 days depending upon service and grade level Five-day carryover at year-end Paid Holidays: A detailed schedule of paid holidays is announced each year. Paid holidays range from 8-10 each year (New Year s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Holiday, and Christmas Holiday) Half Days: Three half days if hired prior to late June deadline Part-timers receive two half days Days must be taken within the calendar year received Military Leave: Wage continuation for up to the first six weeks of active leave Maintain medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits for up to16 weeks Maternity/paternity benefit: Benefit available to new parents who have completed one year of service Five days of paid leave granted after birth, or adoption of child, or foster care placement Telecommuting and Alternative Work Arrangements: Formal and informal (adhoc) arrangements available for consideration Training for manager and staff required Proposal required for formal arrangements Arrangements are not considered permanent Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling, assessments and referrals for assistance in dealing with family, personal or workplace issues National Employer Assistance services available to employees and eligible dependents 24 hours a day, seven days a week (continued) 4
(continued) Fetch Pet Care: Discount program to assist with pet care during the day or on business travel/vacation Dog walking services and locations of boarding services available Mother s Room: Private areas in both offices Comfort and Prayer Rooms: Private areas in both offices KidsDadsMoms.com: Educational resource to aid in children s unique learning preferences Creation of custom learning profiles based on leading research 5
Flexible Spending Accounts: option to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical and dependent care expenses (up to IRS limits) Medical Flexible Spending Account (up to $4,000 annually) Dependent care Flexible Spending Account (up to $5,000 annually) Limited use Flexible Spending Account (only available for staff with high deductible health plan) Transit and Parking Reimbursement Programs: Convenient and secure Web-based interface to purchase various mass transit passes/cards on a pre-tax basis Fund transit/parking accounts through payroll deduction 6
Disability Benefits: Coverage enables continuation of a portion of your earnings if approved Short-term disability requires a five-day waiting period and may extend up to 150 days depending on the situation Long-term disability provides 50 percent of salary at no cost if approved (requires 1 year service eligibility) May purchase additional long-term disability coverage amounts Basic Life Insurance: Important source of financial protection Basic term life at no cost ($50,000 core coverage) Buy-up options available Matching amount of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Group Universal Life Insurance: Option to purchase supplemental insurance for self and/or dependent May need to satisfy evidence of insurability Business Travel Insurance: Company paid program Provides two times salary life insurance amount to employees should they pass away while traveling on BCBSA business 7
Fitness Center Free access to on-site fitness center equipped with exercise equipment, shower and locker area Chicago office center offers group workout programs Annual blood draw/screenings On-site biometric screening available to staff Discount for staff On-site results discussion with health professional Annual Health Fair Free health fair for all employees Access to health vendors and professionals for information about ways to lead a healthy lifestyle Annual flu and pneumonia shots On-site offering of flu and pneumonia shots Discount for staff Health Dialog Free access to confidential health information Provides additional information and sources about health conditions or concerns Available at no cost to staff and their dependents 8
Benefits for Age 55+: Tuition reimbursement for special interest classes Free flu shots Half price financial planning (age 55+ and 10 years of BCBSA service required) Fit Over Fifty health-related information sessions Pre-retirement planning seminars Lessons of Experience communications Age Indexed Paid Time Off for staff age 62+ Blue Bring Back Program (partnership with Kelly Services) 9
Tuition Reimbursement Designed to encourage employees to pursue educational opportunities that will enhance their careers, enhance personal growth, and facilitate increased work competence Reimbursement is provided for eighty percent (80%) of the tuition, lab and registration fees associated with an approved course, not to exceed the established monetary cap Reimbursement is generally limited to approved courses taken at an accredited university, college or technical school, including computerbased or distance learning courses Active employees with a minimum of six months service (BCBSA/ Blue System), with a satisfactory performance rating meet eligibility requirements Passport Training Program Training curriculum developed for management Most classes are on-site Boot Camp option is available to satisfy curriculum requirements and timeframes Passage Training Program Training curriculum developed for staff/individual contributors Most classes are on-site Mentoring Program In-house program where staff are assigned to a mentor to assist with professional development Lake Forest MBA Program: On-site program (Chicago office) Reimbursement governed within current tuition reimbursement policy Academy for Healthcare Management educational programs Self-study educational programs focused on healthcare fundamentals Two levels of certification are available On-site Learning Library Resource library to assist in grawth and development Literary Circle Voluntary book club for employees 10 H-11-040