July 1 marks the beginning of the new fiscal year and the effective date of the new Ballad Health benefits. Benefits selected during open enrollment this past May begin on this date. Any benefit-eligible team members who did not complete the online open enrollment will only have EAP, basic life insurance, basic AD&D, and long-term disability option 1. These are the benefits paid by Ballad Health. No premiums will be deducted from your paycheck.
MEDICAL – The Ballad Health Choice and Ballad Health Bronze plans begin on 7/1/18 and all deductibles and out-of-pocket accumulators start over. BlueCross BlueShield of TN mailed new cards to all subscribers. Those with individual coverage will receive one (1) card with their name on it. Those covering dependents will receive two (2) cards but each card will only have the subscriber’s name. The covered dependents are listed on the card holder. For additional cards, you may call BCBST at 800-565-9140.
WELLNESS SCREENINGS – All team members and spouses enrolled in the Ballad Health Choice plan are encouraged to participate in the voluntary wellness program in order to pay lower premiums throughout the plan year. All team members will pay the lowest premiums beginning in July but must complete the program requirements by July 26 in order to continue the discounted rates. Participation includes completing an online personal health survey, attending a screening to have lab work drawn and biometrics recorded, confirming tobacco usage, and discussing results with a health coach if you are contacted. The screening schedule and survey link can be found on the Ballad Health intranet. If you have questions about the wellness program, reach out to a wellness coach at 888-314-7803.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) – All benefit-eligible team members are eligible for EAP behavioral health counseling services. The program provides 6 free visits each plan year. To schedule an appointment please call 423-302-3480.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS – OptumRx has mailed cards to all subscribers. Everyone has new ID numbers. Please present your card to the pharmacy when requesting refills or new prescriptions. All covered dependents are listed on the cards. For additional cards, please call 800-807-5996. The prescription plan shares the same deductibles and out-of-pockets maximum with the medical plan, which begins July 1 of each year.
Filling your prescriptions at Ballad Health Pharmacy can provide you with lower out-of-pocket costs. For information about Ballad Health Pharmacy and delivery information, click here.
DENTAL PLAN – The dental plan is administered by Delta Dental Plan of TN. Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums begin July 1 of each year. Cards have been mailed for all participants. For specific details of your plans, contact Delta Dental at 800-223-3104.
VISION PLAN – The vision plan is administered by VSP and plan benefits begin July 1 of each year. VSP does not issue ID cards, but your vision provider will file claims directly to VSP for you. Simply tell your provider that you have VSP insurance through your employer. Locate the provider directory at balladhealth.vspforme.com or call VSP at 800-877-7195.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT – Optum Bank has mailed welcome kits and ID cards to new account holders. If you are not new to Optum Bank, continue using your current card. In early July, Ballad Health will make the company contribution into the accounts: $300 for individuals and $600 for those with dependents covered on medical. Payroll deductions into the HSA will begin on the 7/13/18 paycheck. Deductions can be changed at any time during the year. Visit the Ballad Health Benefits page on the Ballad Health intranet to start, stop, or change your deduction.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – Optum Bank administers the flexible spending accounts, both medical spending account and dependent care accounts. If you are new to either of these accounts, you should have received a card in the mail from Optum Bank. If you have renewed your account from the current year, you will use your current card. For questions with your account, please call Optum Bank at 800-243-5543.
RETIREMENT PLANS – Eligible team members, age 18 and above, can begin contributions to the retirement plan through Lincoln Financial at date of hire. Team members who contribute to the plan may also be eligible for up to a 6% employer matching contribution. The matching contributions are vested after three (3) years of service. You earn a year of service if you work 1,000 hours each plan year (July through June).
