Part-time Food Service Employees
Eligibility for Board-paid healthcare will be determined monthly after the last payroll in each month and will be based upon attaining 3,300 or more hours and five or more years of service in an applicable part-time food service job code. Coverage for eligible employees will begin on the first of the month following the determination of eligibility.
Keep In Mind:
- In order for PTFS employees not to lose their eligibility for board-paid healthcare, they need to have continuous employment.
- Board-approved leave is always an option. You will need to contact the Leave Office.
What You Need to Know:
Important Enrollment Information
When an employee is determined to be newly eligible, the following occurs:
- A benefits enrollment package is mailed to the employee’s address on record.
- The employee will automatically be auto-assigned to the Cigna SureFit Network (employee only) healthcare plan, which is the free Board-paid option. However, the employee can elect to enroll in the Cigna OAP Extended Network or Cigna LocalPlus Focused Network healthcare plan, which are offered with a bi-weekly employee cost-share. The employee will need to submit their completed enrollment form and the election will be effective as of the eligibility date.
- The employee may purchase any of the offered flexible benefits for themselves and their eligible dependents by contacting FBMC Benefits Management at 1 (844) 627-8273 , Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm ET or via email, MDCPSNewHIre@fbmc.com. You will be invoiced monthly by FBMC for these benefits.
Declination of Healthcare Coverage (Opt-Out) Provision:
- If an employee is currently enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and/or other group insurance, they may decline their healthcare coverage and receive $100 per month, paid bi-weekly through the payroll system (subject to withholdings and FICA).
- They must provide proof of other group or state-funded healthcare coverage.
NOTE: M-DCPS’ healthcare coverage meets affordability and minimum value standards; therefore, you are ineligible for financial assistance (premium tax credits) to purchase Exchange/Marketplace coverage. Individual Exchange/Marketplace healthcare coverage are not eligible to receive opt-out money based on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Rules on Employer-Sponsored Coverage.
FAQs
Getting
Started
As an AFSCME Part-time Food Service employee, when do I become eligible for board-paid healthcare coverage?
Eligibility for Board-paid healthcare will be determined monthly after the last payroll in each month and will be based upon attaining 3,300 or more hours and five or more years of service in an applicable part-time food service job code. Coverage for eligible employees will begin on the first of the month following the determination of eligibility.
When I meet my eligibility for board-paid healthcare, is there a free healthcare option offered?
Yes. The Cigna SureFit Plan Network is being offered at no cost to all benefit’s eligible employees.
If I am enrolled in the Cigna SureFit Network healthcare plan, do I need to select a Primary Care Physician?
Yes, the selection of a Primary Care Physician (PCP) is required at the time of enrollment. If a PCP is not selected, Cigna will assign you a participating provider based on your zip code.
How would I pay for my dependent's coverage?
The medical premiums for dependents will be deducted from your paycheck on a bi-weekly basis.
Will the School Board subsidize my dependent healthcare premium?
No, the Board will not pay a portion of your dependent healthcare coverage.
Will I continue to receive the Flex Credit Dollars?
Employees represented by the AFSCME Union and enrolled in a healthcare plan will receive an annual flex credit of $115. The flex credit will be added to the employees’ gross income and paid through the payroll system based on the number of payroll checks the employee receives.
- 10-month employees (20 paychecks) – $5.75
- 11-month employees (24 paychecks) – $4.79
- 12-month employees (26 paychecks) – $4.42
What are my choices if I have healthcare coverage outside the School Board (group healthcare, Medicare, or Medicaid)?
You can opt-out of the board offered healthcare plan and in lieu of healthcare coverage, the board will contribute $100.00 per month. You will receive $100.00 a month, paid bi-weekly through the payroll system based on the deduction pay schedule (subject to withholding and FICA) as follows:
- 10-month employees will receive a $60.00 payment in 20 paychecks
If I am opting out of the Board offered healthcare plan, must I submit any additional documentation?
Yes, if you are opting out of the Board offered healthcare plans you must provide proof of the other group, Medicare, or Medicaid enrollment. In addition, you will need to submit and sign the Declination of Healthcare Affidavit with the proof.
NOTE: M-DCPS’ healthcare coverage meets affordability and minimum value standards; therefore, you are ineligible for financial assistance (premium tax credits) to purchase Exchange/Marketplace coverage. Individual Exchange/Marketplace healthcare coverage are not eligible to receive opt-out money based on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Rules on Employer-Sponsored Coverage.
Can I enroll in accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage?
No, AFSCME employees can’t enroll in this benefit.
Can I purchase flexible benefits?
Yes, you can purchase flexible benefits by calling FBMC at 1(855) MDC-PS4U (1-855-632-7748) and requesting an enrollment form.
Will my healthcare benefits continue if I am on a Board-approved leave of absence?
If you are out on a Board-approved leave that is eligible for benefits, your healthcare coverage will continue. You will be billed by FBMC for all employee-paid benefits.