2012 FAQs
Q: How does Children’s decide on healthcare options?
A: Children’s is committed to providing a comprehensive, high-quality benefits package. Children’s continuously evaluates the healthcare coverage provided so that employees are offered a valuable product that is both comparable and competitive in the market. We add enhancements each year while still being sensitive to costs for employees. As a result, we offer a wide range of plan options and focus on wellness and illness prevention.
Q: Can Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA) funds roll over from year to year?
A: Yes. You can roll over unused funds in the HRA from year to year only if you continue to enroll in the Choice Saver option.
Q: When are Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA) funds available?
A: The HRA is funded at the beginning of each year or in the month your benefits are effective. HRA funding for employees enrolling after Jan. 1 will be prorated for the remaining months of the year. For example, if your Choice Saver option is effective July 1, your coverage will be in effect for half of the year. Therefore, Children’s will fund your HRA with $200, half of $400.
Q: Who owns the Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
A: Children’s Medical Center owns the HRA, and any funds remaining in the account when you leave Children’s are forfeited unless you elect COBRA coverage.
Q: What is a Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge?
A. It is a charge of $50 per month ($23.07 per biweekly pay period) that applies if you elect Children’s medical plan coverage for your spouse or domestic partner who has access to subsidized group medical coverage through his or her own employer.
Q: How do I know if the Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge applies to me?
| If you cover your spouse or domestic partner for medical coverage and he/she: |
Does the working spouse/domestic partner surcharge apply? |
| Has subsidized group medical coverage available through his/her employer and declines that coverage, but is covered as your dependent under any Children’s medical plan option |
Yes |
Has elected medical coverage through his/her own employer and is also covered under a Children’s medical plan option plan option
|
Yes |
| Is also an employee of Children's |
No |
| Does not work outside the home |
No |
| Is self-employed and has no subsidized group coverage available |
No |
Is not covered under any Children’s medical plan option
|
No |
Receives retiree medical coverage from his/her former employer after retirement
|
No |
Receives or is eligible for Medicare
|
No |
Q: Does the Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge apply to dental and vision coverage?
A: No.
Q: What happens if I am paying the Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge and my spouse/domestic partner loses coverage through his/her employer?
A: Loss of other benefits is a Qualifying Life Event, which enables you to make changes to your benefits at times other than Annual Enrollment. Submit a Benefits Events Change Form with documentation of the loss of coverage within 31 days of the event to cancel the $50 per month Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Surcharge.
Q: My spouse/domestic partner is covered under the Children’s medical plan and does not have other coverage available through his/her employer. What happens if he/she becomes eligible for coverage through his/her employer at some time after Annual Enrollment?
A: If you keep your spouse or domestic partner’s coverage with Children’s, the $50 per month surcharge will become effective as of the next Annual Enrollment period.