Changes in Benefits for 2013-14

Rates for 2013-14 Again this year, the Agency will renew its contract with Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield to provide insurance benefits for the 2013-14 plan year. The renewal will mean an 8% increase in rates. Heartland AEA employees will continue to take advantage of network discounts negotiated by Wellmark on medical charges. These discounts are considerably better than the discounts offered through other providers. 

Dental insurance rates through Delta Dental have remained unchanged for several years, but this year, dental rates will increase by 5%. 

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) 
We will continue to offer the HRA to those with the $1,500 deductible plan. 

Annual amounts will be as follows: 
● Single $1,500 plan – $634.08 
● Family Union $1,500 plan – $981.12 
● Family Non-Union $1,500 plan – $1,675.20 

Plan Design Changes 
Deductible/Out-of-pocket Maximum 
Our current health plan offers a choice of two deductibles: $500 or $1,500. Effective July 1, 2013, we will replace the $500 deductible plan with a $750/$1,500 deductible which has a $1,500/$3,000 out of pocket maximum. No HRA will be provided with the $750 deductible plan. 

We will retain our current $1,500/$3,000 deductible plan. This plan has a $3,000/$6,000 out of pocket maximum, and the Agency will again provide an HRA with this plan. 

Drug Deductible and Co-Pays
The annual drug deductible will remain at $100/person, $200/family. 
The drug co-pays will be Tier 1 - $5 (generic), Tier 2 - $25 and Tier 3 - $45. 

PPACA (Healthcare Reform)
Most of the changes mandated by PPACA are already being offered by Heartland AEA, however, Tier 1 and Tier 2 birth control will now be covered at 100%. 

Online Benefit Enrollment to Open Soon 
Benefit enrollment will be available on your Employee Dashboard from April 1, 2013 through April 26, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. Even if you have no changes to your benefit selections, all full-time and 96-day employees are asked to complete online enrollment. More information about online enrollment will be coming soon. 

 If you have individual benefit questions or concerns, please contact Kathy Martin, Benefits Specialist, at kmartin@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14385.