- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Helpful Information & Links
General Benefits Information
-
Health Insurance Notices
The Notice of Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options advises employees of the existence and availability of the new health insurance marketplace.
The Notice of Privacy Practices provides participants a detailed explanation of privacy rights, the plan's legal duties with respect to protected health information, the plan's uses and disclosures of protected health information, and how to obtain a copy of the Notice of Privacy.
-
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is the period of time when benefit eligible staff can make changes to their insurance coverage. You can add dependents, change plans or opt back into our insurance. Open enrollment occurs in April/May each year. Changes to the insurance take place on July 1 of each year for Administrative, Support, Project and Confidential Secretaries groups; changes take place on September 1 for Professional staff.
-
Your Dependents
If you are enrolled in the IU health benefits, you may cover your eligible dependents (proof of eligibility will be required).
Eligible dependents for the Medical and Prescription Plan are defined as:
Legal spouse (as recognized under both applicable state law and the Internal Revenue Code), except as follows:For Professional, Support and Project, Technical, Specialist staff, spouses may not be enrolled in the medical and prescription plan if they are employed and their employer pays more than 75% of the cost of a Single coverage plan.
See form: Employee Certification for Health Care
Dependent children who are your natural, adopted children, children legally placed with you for adoption, a child for whom legal guardianship has been awarded to you or your spouse, and stepchildren who are in each case, under age 26.
Eligible dependents for the Dental and Vision plans are defined as:-Legal spouse (as recognized under both applicable state law and the Internal Revenue Code).
- Dependent children (as defined ) above, up to age 19, or up to age 23 if unmarried, a full-time student and dependent on you for principal support. For dependents aged 19 to 23, you must complete a student verification form for the CCIU Human Resources Department in June of each year to continue coverage. The Dental provider United Concordia also confirms student status annually.
A disabled child age 26 or older may continue to be eligible if s/he is incapable of self-support because of any mental or physical condition. The child must be unmarried and dependent on you for principal support. An Application for Handicapped Status must be approved by the insurance carrier. -
Adding or Deleting Dependent
If you are adding a newborn child, send your request to the Human Resources Department with a copy of the child's birth certificate within 30 days of birth. When you receive the child's social security number, please forward the number to the Human Resources Department.
If you are adding a legal spouse, send your request to Human Resources with your spouse's full name, date of birth, social security number, and a copy of the marriage certificate within 30 days of marriage.
If you want to add a dependent to your coverage other than during open enrollment or due to the reasons listed above, please contact Human Resources directly.If you would like to remove a dependent from your health coverage, you must submit your request in writing. Your request should include the dependent's full name, the reason for removal and the date coverage through the IU should cease. If you are deleting a dependent due to divorce, you must submit a copy of your divorce decree with your request.
-
Opt-Out of Insurance Coverage (Full Time Professional and Service Personnel Only)
If you opt-out of the health insurance coverage you must complete a new opt-out form during the Open Enrollment period each year. Reimbursement for the opt-out will be paid the following June for service personnel and in August for professional staff. Bargaining unit members whose spouses are also employed by the CCIU may not receive opt-out payments in lieu of health care benefits.
-
Opt-Out of Insurance Coverage (Full Time Administrative, Project, and Confidential Secretaries)
If you opt-out of the health insurance coverage, you must complete a new opt-out form during the Open Enrollment period each year. Annual opt-outs begin July 1 of each year. Reimbursement for the opt-out will be paid semi-monthly.
-
Flexible Benefits- Flex 125 Plan
Horace Mann is our Flex 125 plan provider. An FSA allows you to set aside money for eligible expenses on a pre-tax basis. There are three types of FSAs available: a healthcare account, a limited purpose spending account for dental and/or vision only (for those enrolled in the QHDHP medical/prescription plan) and a dependent daycare account.
Open Enrollment will be held in April/May for the upcoming Plan year, which will run July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.
FSA account balances and claims processing are available through the web portal:
- WageWorks website or through the WageWorks mobile app.
- If you experience a qualified life event and wish to change your flex election during the plan year, a change status form must be submitted to Human Resources within 30 days of the qualifying change. Please contact HR@cciu.org to have this form sent to you.
Contact the WageWorks Customer Service Line at 1-877-924-3967, for the following:
- Claim denial questions
- Inactive and frozen debit cards
- Order new debit card
- Report lost or stolen debit cards
- Website username and password reset
-
Family Medical Leave Act
The Family Medical Leave Act will provide all eligible employees up to 60 working days of unpaid, job-protecting leave and requires group health benefits to be maintained during the absence. An employee must have been employed with the IU for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during that 12 month period in order to qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act. Attached is the Family or Medical Leave request form. The leave may be used for the following reasons:
- The birth, adoption, or placement of a child in foster care
- The care of a spouse, child, or parent with a serious medical condition
- A serious medical condition of the employee
- Service member Family Leave
- Qualifying Exigency Leave for Military Family Leave
-
Unpaid Leave
To provide for instances when a staff member must be absent for a reason other than paid sick, personal, vacation, military or sabbatical leave or qualified Family Medical Leave (FMLA), staff members are responsible for submitting requests for unpaid leave to Human Resources at least two weeks prior to the dates of leave, using the Unpaid leave request form. This form can also be completed digitally through Frontline Central. Please contact hrleaverequests@cciu.org to request a form be sent to you.
For instances where the request for unpaid leave falls within 2 weeks of the dates of leave, the staff member shall use the Retroactive unpaid leave form. This form can also be completed digitally through Frontline Central. Please contact hrleaverequests@cciu.org to request a form be sent to you.
Contact HR@cciu.org for more details on either FMLA or unpaid leave. -
COBRA
The Cobra provision allows employees and their eligible dependents to continue their health coverage after the termination of their benefits. Contact the Human Resources Department for additional information.
-
HIPAA
HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The act’s primary purpose was to make it easier for employees to continue health care insurance with minimal disruption when changing employers. However, there were many other significant parts of the legislation, including the nationalization of claims procedures and improvement of accountability. The Privacy Rule is just one part of the accountability rules.
The Privacy Rule creates national standards to protect an individual's medical records and other personal health information. The CCIU has adopted a number of practices that ensure compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The procedures adopted due the HIPAA requirements can be downloaded and viewed by clicking on HIPAA Employee Letter.
The intermediate unit has also established a mechanism to allow the reporting of any matter that may be an issue of non-compliance with the intermediate unit’s HIPAA Privacy Policy.
Resolution of Privacy Complaints for Protected Health Information.
-
HMS/Health Advocate - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
HMS/Health Advocate is an employee assistance program (EAP) that offers confidential counseling and referral services to help employees and their eligible dependents successfully manage life's problems. The phone number for HMS is 877-240-6863. Visit HMS/Health Advocate - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)'s website.
-
Workers' Compensation
If you suffer a work-related injury, your health, safety, and well-being are our first concern. For immediate medical attention, proceed to the nearest Emergency Room or have someone call 911. If the injury is of a less serious nature, please go to one of the approved workers' compensation providers.
- Contact our WC insurance carrier SDIC to report your work-related injury and to obtain a CLAIM NUMBER by calling 1-800-445-6965 or by visiting their website, https://sdicwc.org/
- Please contact CCIU Human Resources at 484-237-5388 or hr@cciu.org to report the injury.
The Human Resources Department will provide you with instructions for reporting your claim to the insurance carrier. You must treat with one of the 2020-2021 approved workers' compensation panel of providers for the first 90 days of treatment to ensure payment of the claim from the carrier. You will be sent a packet of workers' compensation forms. These forms must be completed and returned to Human Resources as soon as possible to ensure prompt claim processing. You can also access the 2020-2021 Workers' Compensation Packet here.
For additional information on Workers' Compensation, please refer to the PA Dept of Labor & Industry website.
-
Employee Discounts
CCIU employees are eligible for discounts at select businesses.
Business
Contact
BJ’S Whole Sale Club
Kristie Zoltek
SAM’s Club
Michael Tantillo
Verizon & AT&T
Ronnie Carrone
YMCA
Human Resources
-
Employee Health Plans Benefit Assistance
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding your benefit coverage(s) or claims, please contact The Reschini Group Employee Benefits Division at 1-800-442-8047; prompt 1 for Employee Benefits, then prompt 1 again for Customer Service group.
-
Independence Blue Cross Medical Insurance
Our medical insurance coverage is provided by Independence Blue Cross. The IU offers a choice of IBC Personal Choice medical plans to benefit eligible staff:
All Groups:
Personal Choice C3F3O2 ($20/$40 copay plan)
Summary of Benefits & Coverages C3F3O2
Support, Project, Confidential Secretaries and Administrators:
Personal Choice HDHP ($1,500/$3,000 deductible)
Summary of Benefits & Coverages HDHP
Personal Choice HDHP ($1,500/$3,000 deductible)
Professionals:
Personal Choice HDHP Professional Plan Year ($1,500/$3,000 deductible)
-
HDHP/HSA Plan Frequently Asked Questions
-
HDHP/HSA Information - including PNC Bank HSA through Blue Cross web portal
For step-by-step details on Navigating the HDHP and HSA using the Blue Cross portal, please see the HSA information on Independence Blue Cross' website or you can also view this informational video.
-
Replacing your HSA Debit Card
Instruction for replacing your HSA debit card
Call Blue Cross customer service at 1-800-ASK-BLUE and ask for the spending account team.
-
HSA How To Documents
-
Other HSA Resources
-
Blue Cross Online
Blue Cross subscribers can now register online to order new identification cards, check on claims, review benefits, search for providers, print out forms, and receive information on various health issues. Please visit Blue Cross to register. As part of the registration process, you will need to create a username and password. If you do not register online with Blue Cross, you can contact Blue Cross at 1-800-ASK-BLUE for information on claims and the Healthy Lifestyle programs.
-
Care Cost Estimator Information
Estimate your Costs before you get care. Compare costs and shop for the best quality and value.
-
Blue Cross Mobile App Available for iPhone and Android
Download the IBX app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and have easy access to your health info 24/7. Blue Cross Mobile App Flyer
-
Blue Cross Website Support
For any questions related to the IBC web portal, call 1-215-567-4002.
-
Additional Medical Identification Cards
To order additional medical cards, please contact HR@cciu.org.
-
SwiftMD Telemedicine Services
SwiftMD is a telemedicine service that delivers quality health care directly to patients. Covered employees enjoy access to high-quality, convenient medical care by Board-Certified Emergency Medicine and Family Practice physicians for minor, common illnesses over the phone or videoconference, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telemedicine allows the doctor to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment including sending in prescriptions to the patient’s pharmacy of choice, when appropriate.
This service is available to all employees and their dependents covered under the CCIU health plan.
View an informational flyer or visit SwiftMD Telemedicine Services' website for more information and to register. Please use CCIU18 for the Group Passcode.
-
Locating a Personal Choice Provider
If you need help in locating a provider who participates in the Personal Choice network, call the Health Resource Center at 215-241-3367 or 1-800-ASK-BLUE, or visit Blue Cross.
If you visit an out of network provider, an Out of Network Claim Form is required. -
How You Can View Your Benefits
To manage your health benefits on the go, download and use the Blue Cross smartphone app. Benefit materials are also available online through the secure and convenient website Blue Cross To review your member information log on to the website. If you are not already registered, click on the Register link on the homepage and follow the simple instructions.
-
How to view HSA Transaction history in Blue Cross
To view HSA transaction history, log into the Blue Cross portal. Visit the "claims and spending" area, followed by:
- Spending account summary
- Access your account statements
- Statements and tax forms
-
Influenza Vaccine Reimbursement Form
Use the Influenza Vaccine Reimbursement Form to obtain reimbursement if you received a flu shot of FluMist in a non-participating location. Submit one form for each member.
-
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global (formerly BlueCard Worldwide)
An eligible Blue Cross/Blue Shield member can use the Blue Cross Global website to find doctors and hospitals outside of the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands as well as to fill out a claim form.
The BlueCard Worldwide enables IBC Personal Choice/PPO and Traditional members to receive inpatient and outpatient hospital care and physician services when traveling in the United States. The BlueCard worldwide program includes medical assistance services and an expanded network of healthcare providers throughout the world.
-
Blue Cross Identify Theft Protection Services
IBC offers identify theft protection services to those enrolled in the CCIU medical/prescription plan and their dependents, at no cost. The services are provided by Experian. To access the services, refer to the Identity Theft Protection Services document.
-
Employee Healthy Lifestyles Wellness Program
To help you and your family achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle, the IU has teamed up with Independence Blue Cross to provide employees and family members insured through the IU health plan with additional opportunities and incentives to help meet their goals.
For information on Blue Cross Healthy Solutions, you call 1-800-ASK-BLUE or you can visit their website. for the Fitness reimbursement, smoking cessation, or weight management program. When you're ready to send your request to HR, please log into your Frontline Central account, go to My Forms, then find the form under the Forms I Can Start tab.
Effective July 1, 2014, the Blue Cross Healthy Lifestyle Program includes:Fitness Club Reimbursement
Through the Healthy Lifestyles Program of Blue Cross, you can receive reimbursement for up to $150 of your fitness center fees by completing 120 workouts during a 365-day period. If you meet the Blue Cross requirements, the IU will reimburse you for the difference in the cost of your fitness club membership - up to $800 per year. This reimbursement is for employees that are insured through the IU health plan. This reimbursement can be used toward the cost of an individual or a family membership.
Weight Loss
If you enroll in either Weight Watchers or a network hospital weight management plan, Blue Cross will reimburse you up to $150 for the cost of program fees. The IU will match the Blue Cross reimbursement after completion of the program. This reimbursement is available by submitting verification of the Blue Cross reimbursement along with documentation of the program fees you have paid. This additional reimbursement is available to employees, spouses and dependents who are insured through the IU health plan.
Smoking Cessation
Blue Cross will reimburse you up to $150 upon completion of a proven smoking cessation program. The IU will match the Blue Cross reimbursement after completion of the program and will reimburse you up to $750. The reimbursement is available by submitting verification of the Blue Cross reimbursement along with documentation of the program fees you have paid. This additional reimbursement is available to employees, spouses and dependents who are insured through the IU health plan.
Apply for Additional IU Reimbursement
Detailed instructions to apply for the additional reimbursement are located on the CCIU Healthy Lifestyles Reimbursement Form, or by contacting the CCIU Human Resources office at 484-237-5188. The IU reimbursement also provides for reimbursement of up to $25 per bike helmet upon submission of form with a copy of the receipt showing purchase of a bike helmet.
Nutrition Counseling Benefit
Employees and their dependents covered under the IU’s medical insurance are eligible to receive six free nutrition counseling visits with a registered dietitian or physician per calendar year.
The purpose of the benefit is to support our members in establishing good eating habits that will contribute to a healthier lifestyle. We recognize the impact of a well-balanced diet on good health, and we are proud to offer nutrition counseling visits as a core benefit to our already comprehensive benefits plans.
Participating providers for nutrition counseling can be found on the Blue Cross website or call Blue Cross directly at 800-275-2583.