Dear Ballad Health colleague:
The last several months have been an exciting time for all of us as we have transitioned to become Ballad Health. The external environment is very challenging for health systems. As we have seen recent news of hospitals closing, and even health systems like Mission Health in Asheville selling their hospitals to for-profit systems, it is clear that the steps Ballad Health is taking through our recent merger have helped keep our hospitals open, and our system’s status as a community-based not-for-profit asset remains stronger than ever.
One of the most important things we’ve been focused on in the last four months is the task of developing a common benefit structure for each of us that is competitive and provides us with the options we need to ensure access to health care, paid time off, the opportunity to match our retirement savings and additional offerings which make our lives better.
I know there are a lot of questions right now about our benefit plan options, premiums, PTO, major medical leave (MML), retirement and many other things. Starting on Monday, you’ll be able to go to the open enrollment resource page and see or download a benefits guide, see short instructional videos about how to enroll, and much more. Starting on Wednesday we’ll also offer webinars you can “attend” (or listen to a recorded version of them that we’ll post). We’ve tried to make this process as understandable and convenient as possible.
Open enrollment officially opens on Wednesday, May 16, and runs through May 31. You will have two weeks to review the options available, get any questions answered and make the choice that best fits your needs. Current selections will not carry over, so all benefit-eligible team members must log in and go through the open enrollment process to either enroll or decline the options available. Please note, if you currently have any of the voluntary benefits (critical illness, accident, additional life insurance or pet insurance) these insurances will not change at this time and will remain in effect.
Because Ballad Health is a health improvement organization for the region’s population, we are starting with ourselves. Our benefit package is consistent with our population health goals, structured with a wellness plan that encourages each of us to strive to get healthy and stay healthy. I hope you’ll put all the tools and benefits to good use that are offered.
A few high-level details about our benefits package:
-
Our medical insurance will be offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Through this highly respected health plan, we will offer two high-deductible plans – the Ballad Health Choice Plan and the Ballad Health Bronze Plan.
-
OptumRx is our pharmacy benefit manager; be sure to review the new preventive drug list.
-
Our dental coverage is with Delta Dental, and our vision plan is through VSP (Vision Service Plan).
-
Optum Bank will handle our health savings account (HSA) plan and will also offer flexible spending accounts.
-
Lincoln Financial will oversee our retirement plans, which will include a match up to 6 percent! A separate communication with more details and upcoming informational meetings will be mailed to your home.
-
A diabetes management program, to include coaching, education, and certain diabetes medications/supplies.
-
A wellness program that will enable team members to have reduced premiums for their health care coverage.
-
A system-wide PTO and MML plan that supports work-life balance by providing both much-needed vacation time to recharge with family or friends and also helps in times of medical need. A separate communication with more details will be available next week.
You’ve told us that benefits are important to you, and we believe we’ve put together a very strong benefit package to support your needs!
Make sure you study all the information provided next week, ask questions for clarity and make your benefit selections between May 16-31.
Thank you for all you do as a team member of Ballad Health!
Debbie Dover, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior Vice President, Talent Engagement and Chief Human Resources Officer