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TO:                  All Shenendehowa (SUSA) employees

FROM:            Human Resources/Benefits Department

RE:                   Empire Blue Cross Prescription Drug Premium – Effective January 1, 2008

                        $5 / $10 Co-pay Plan

DATE:             November 2007

The following rates will be in effect for all SUSA employees enrolled in the Empire Blue Cross prescription drug plan effective September 1, 2008:

*District contribution to retiree health insurance varies depending on the contract in place at the time of retirement.

Prescription drug insurance is provided by Empire BC/BS and can be selected as a separate plan or it can be selected in combination with one of the health insurance plans.  www.caremark.com or refer to the prescription summary sheet for Shenendehowa employees

Student Status Verification:

Our medical, prescription drug, and dental policies provide coverage for dependent children over the age of 19, provided the child is a full-time student.  It is your responsibility to ensure student status verification forms are submitted to each insurance company in a timely manner.  A student verification form is also available on Shen’s website.

 Student status verification form

COBRA Coverage:

COBRA coverage is a continuation of group health insurance coverage following specific qualifying events.  In order to protect your right, and the right of your dependent(s), to COBRA coverage it is very important that you notify Employee Benefits within 30 days if you become legally separated or divorced, or your dependent child loses eligibility for coverage in our plans (i.e. no longer a full-time student, or reaches the maximum age for coverage).

To request COBRA continuation please contact Sue Tocco at employee benefits office.

Preferred Flex Plan:

Employees enrolled in health or prescription drug plans may elect to have their monthly premiums deducted from their paychecks on a pre-tax basis.   Employees are also eligible for contribute pre-tax dollars to a Flexible Spending Account.  This money can then be used to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses or dependent care expenses. 

This form must  be submitted each calendar year. 

Medicare:

Effective January 1, 2006, the Medicare program offered a prescription drug benefit, in addition to the existing hospitalization and medical provider benefits.  This new benefit has changed Shenendehowa’s reporting requirements regarding Medicare-eligible employees and retirees.  If you are currently eligible for Medicare – because you are at least 65 years of age, because you are disabled, or due to end stage renal disease – please contact Employee Benefits as soon as possible to ensure we have your information.  This is important even if you are not currently enrolled in Medicare coverage.

If you have questions regarding enrollment, coverage, or rates, please feel free to contact Employee Benefits, extension 68405.

This page is maintained in accordance with Shenendehowa's web publishing guidelines by Susan Tocco