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These Q's
come from your fellow members, asked of our customer service
representative over the phone and via e-mail. We'll update
this section whenever a generally applicable question is asked
from the site customer service e-mail or over our toll-free
hotline.
Benefit Changes
What changes are occurring in the plans for the upcoming plan year?
For July 1, 2007, Working Solutions will be expanded, but none of the plans requiring enrollment decisions will change. If you remember, the Trust made significant plan changes in July 2006, after the Board of Trustees decided to improve dental and vision
coverage for members.
The supplemental life insurance program also released better rates and higher coverage levels for members and dependents that are still effective today.
Why didn't you make changes this year? Can we expect any improvements soon?
This is a great question. As mentioned, the Union-led Board made several large changes in 2006, but did so after almost a year of research, which included a member survey. In general, the enhancements were made to either raise coverage level dollar amounts that had not been adjusted (in almost a decade, in the dental maximum or frame allowance) or to improve the health of members based on evidence of preventive dentistry practices (for example, the addition of fluoride for members and spouses 55 and older). Due to finances, we will not see any changes of this magnitude for a while to come. However, where possible, such as we did with the Working Solutions program, we will enhance coverage provided that it supports the mission of the Trust and can be afforded.
The Board does take all input seriously, so if you have any comments about the benefits, let us know. We will be sure to pass the feedback along.
How much do I have in supplemental life insurance?
Please call Prudential: 800-778-3827.
Or, you can use the Trust's IVR
to hear supplemental life amounts for you and your dependents.
How do I enroll in supplemental life insurance?
There are two opportunities to enroll in supplemental life insurance; within 90 days of hire or at any open enrollment. You can enroll during the
Trust enrollment (the next enrollment will be spring 2008). If you are eligible and would like this coverage, please complete the supplemental
life application and mail it to Prudential.
How do I file a death claim?
Send a certified copy of the death certificate to:
Prudential
ATTN: Life Claims Supervisor
PO Box 13676
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Who is my beneficiary?
Prudential has that information, and will release it if you request your beneficiary information in writing. You may phone them for assistance: 800-778-3827.
If you believe that your beneficiary information is incorrect, you may simply submit a new beneficiary designation. Make sure you sign and date the form before mailing it. Your change becomes effective when Prudential receives your beneficiary designation form.
How can I change my beneficiary?
Ask your Payroll/Personnel officer for a Beneficiary Designation Form, complete and mail it to:
Prudential Insurance Company of America
PO Box 5072
Millville, NJ 08332
During the upcoming open enrollment only, you will be able to declare a beneficiary for member supplemental life insurance online at the Prudential website. Look for more information to come very soon.
What happens to my Supplemental life insurance when I leave State service?
Supplemental life insurance
is a prepaid benefit. Your coverage ends the last day of the
month following your last deduction; for example, if the deduction
was taken in March, insurance will end April 30. You will be eligible to port
your supplemental life coverage or you may request
information on converting your insurance to an individual
policy. Conversion is a more expensive option, but it is whole life insurance; to convert your insurance, complete and mail a conversion form to Prudential.
The form is available from your Payroll/Personnel Officer.
Prudential must receive the conversion form within 31 days of coverage end date.
Once Prudential has received the conversion information they will contact you with the new rates for your individual policy. If you decide to convert
your policy you will be esponsible for the full premium.
The conversion privilege also applies to your family coverage.
What does "porting" mean?
Porting means to continue your supplemental life insurance coverage as term insurance after you leave State service. You have to apply to Prudential within 45 days of your termination date to extend your coverage through the portability option. This option is only available for member supplemental life insurance coverage. Dependent coverage cannot be ported. Basic life insurance cannot be ported. This is also different from the conversion option that is currently available, as portability will be more cost-effective for most members.
You must be enrolled in supplemental life insurance to apply for portability. The only times you can enroll are during open enrollment or at hire.
Who can port their coverage?
Members may port supplemental life insurance coverage. Dependent coverage cannot be ported, but may be converted. Portability was designed to help the member, the employee, provide for his/her family with an affordable life insurance benefit, even after the member is no longer covered by the Trust.
How do I apply to port my coverage?
If you leave State service, you will receive a packet from Prudential that will discuss your option to convert or port your supplemental life insurance coverage (it will include instructions for applying to convert any dependent coverage). To port your coverage, complete the forms included within the packet and return them to Prudential. If you would like to apply for preferred rates, complete the health questionnaire along with the enrollment form; for standard rates, just the enrollment form. You will not be turned down for health reasons, nor will your coverage amount be decreased.
If I port my coverage, can my dependents' coverage be converted?
Yes, provided that you apply to Prudential as they instruct you.
Which is better for me? Conversion or portability?
That's really up to you to decide. In general, portability will be a less expensive option, as it's term life insurance (converted insurance is whole life insurance). This is true even if you do not apply for the preferred rates, or apply for the preferred rates and only receive the standard rates. We've just posted some informational material to help you decide how much life insurance to carry, now, and after you no longer work for the State.
How much will portability coverage cost?
The rates are set by Prudential, and vary by age and preferred vs. standard class. Your rate is guaranteed for the first year of coverage unless your age pushes you into the next age bracket. Also, Prudential will charge a small administrative fee for each billing increment ($3), but you may discuss billing frequency with them after you enroll in the Portability Plan.
Where do I get the form? Who can help me enroll?
Prudential is responsible for administering the portability option, so please contact them at 800-778-3827. They will send you the forms you need within 45 days of your last day of State service. Once you apply for portability, you become part of the portability plan's group, and are no longer part of the Trust's group. The Trust and your Payroll/Personnel officer from your location do not have the portability forms.
Who is my beneficiary?
Prudential has that information, and will release it if you request your beneficiary information in writing. You may phone them for assistance: 800-778-3827.
If you believe that your beneficiary information is incorrect, you may simply submit a new beneficiary designation.
Make sure you sign and date the form before mailing it. Your change becomes effective when Prudential receives your beneficiary designation form.
How do I change my beneficiary?
Ask your Payroll/Personnel officer for a Beneficiary Designation Form, complete and mail it to:
Prudential Insurance Company of America
PO Box 5072
Millville, NJ 08332
What is my coverage amount?
Your coverage amount is equal to one times your regular pay (if full time) rounded to the next higher thousand, up to a maximum of $150,000. The amount
adjusts automatically when you receive any pay increase to your regular pay. Check your paystub for the "total rate" to see what your regular pay is.
What happens to my basic life insurance when I leave State service?
Your policy terminates on the end of the month in which you leave State service. However, you can
request information on converting your insurance to an individual policy by completing and mailing a conversion form to Prudential. The form is available
from your Payroll/Personnel Officer.
Prudential must receive the conversion form within 31 days of coverage end date.
Once Prudential has received your conversion information they will contact you with the new rates for your individual policy. If you decide to convert
your policy you will be responsible for the full premium.
Basic life insurance and
AD&D do not qualify for "portability."
How do I enroll in the legal service plan?
You may enroll during any Trust-sponsored open enrollment, so your next opportunity will be the spring 2008 open enrollment period. New members (within 90 days of hire) may
enroll between hire date and 90 days of service.
This plan is voluntary, meaning members need to enroll
to obtain coverage, and can only enroll at hire or during special enrollment periods. The payroll deductions will occur once
a month, and will be $13.40 a month for single coverage, or
$16.45 a month for family coverage.
Once your coverage is effective, you must remain in the plan until the following June 30. You will be able to change or drop coverage during any Trust open enrollment. You do not need to re-enroll
to maintain coverage (similar to how supplemental life insurance operates).
(Asked
by a Corrections Officer)
Will the plan cover me if I'm
sued personally by an inmate?
This question we had Hyatt answer,
because it really falls in a gray area: the plan doesn't cover work-related matters, but is designed to protect you personally.
Hyatt told us that they would cover personal suits under the Civil Litigation Defense coverage when a prisoner sues a Corrections Officer as long as the issue is outside the scope of employment and there is no conflict with the State of Ohio.
The Civil Litigation Defense coverage would also apply when
any Trust member is sued personally by a member of
the public or institutional resident, as long as the matter
is outside the scope of employment and there is no conflict
with the State.
We followed up with Hyatt following the 2006 OCSEA/State of Ohio negotiations, and asked what would happen if
a Corrections Officer were sued by an inmate's family following failure to perform CPR. Hyatt repeated that as long as the Contract
does not require performance of CPR as a job duty and there is no conflict with the employer, that a civil lawsuit brought by an inmate's family under
these circumstances would trigger the Civil Litigation Defense. If this is a concern, we strongly encourage you to check with Hyatt and if you receive an answer
within your comfort level, to consider enrolling in the plan.
What will this plan cover?
This is
a comprehensive plan. The Hyatt legal plan will offer full
coverage in network on many covered topics, such as identity
theft, personal bankruptcy plans, will preparation or sale/purchase
of a home. In addition, the Hyatt plan offers phone consultations
on complex matters such as divorce or separation for the member only. Of course,
there are some exclusions, and coverage for service from attorneys who
do not participate in plan will be limited. Read more highlights
and consult the legal service plan booklet.
What is my dental plan?
Please contact your payroll officer. Or, you can use the Trust's IVR to hear your dental plan election.
Is my dentist in network?
Please contact MetLife, the administrator of both the Quality Dental and Preferred Choice plans:
Met Life: 800-984-8649
Where do I get a dental claim form?
Quality Dental members (or Preferred Choice members using non-network providers) have several options for obtaining forms. You may get a form by:
contacting your payroll/personnel officer; downloading the form here; contacting the Trust; or contacting MetLife. When you receive your form, make sure it has the correct filing address:
MetLife Dental Claims
PO Box 981282
El Paso, TX 79998-1282
How do I get a provider list?
Please contact your dental insurance plan:
Met Life: 800-984-8649
How do I get a provider list for specialty dentists?
In general, the provider list contains specialty dentist as well: contact Met Life at 800-984-8649.
Why didn't I receive an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from MetLife for my last procedure?
MetLife only mails EOBs if you are financially responsible for the claim in full or part and/or if you have not assigned benefits to your dentist. In other words, if you received an exam from a network dentist (our plan pays at 100%), you would not receive an EOB for this service. You can review all EOBs at MetLife's website.
Why didn't my dental insurance company pay my claim?
Review your EOB with MetLife at 800-984-8649. If you need additional assistance, please contact Benefits Trust customer service.
How often may I receive an eye exam or glasses? Does my age matter?
Members and dependents enrolled in either the VSP or EyeMed vision plans can obtain:
an eye exam every 12 months, and
contacts every 12 months or lenses and frames every 12 months.
How do I get a vision form?
No form is needed for service from a network provider in either EyeMed or VSP. When you make the appointment with the eye doctor, mention the
name of the vision insurance you chose, and let them know you are a State of Ohio employee covered by the Benefits Trust.When going out of network, please follow these procedures for filing a claim.
Is my eye doctor in network?
Please call the numbers below or you may refer to the web site where appropriate:
VSP: 800-877-7195
EyeMed: 866-723-0514
Do you plan to cover laser surgery?
A discount on corrective laser vision surgery is available through EyeMed or VSP; both plans have partnered to offer discount programs to the members enrolled
in their vision plan. Here are the discount plans offered by the vision plans. Contact your vision
plan for additional information.
How is UBH tied to Working Solutions?
The Trust's Working Solutions program is currently administered by UBH. This plan is separate and distinct from any other plan you may have by UBH, and is completely confidental; so much so that the Trust, the Union and/or the Stae does not receive any personal data about you or your plan usage.
What does the enhanced child/family service offer?
This service is prepared to help you through all stages of child development (prenatal and newborn to college), and also attend to the entire family's
needs too. Contact Working
Solutions for more information on this broad topic, as well as research
and offer referrals to different providers in your area.
How much does this cost me?
The cost is paid by the Trust for all members, who are automatically enrolled upon hire.
Are my dependents covered?
Yes. All your dependents are covered, and the service can also help you with dependents who are not blood relatives; anyone who affects your ability to
work is considered a dependent, whether a neighbor, friend, distant relative, church member, etc.
What does Working Solutions do?
Offers you information and referrals on a variety of issues related to your dependents who are adults or have special needs (special needs dependents
includes children).
How is Working Solutions different from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
Well, we don't sponsor the EAP, but in general, Working Solutions focuses on issues surrounding adult/elder dependents and special needs children. These
dependents can require specialized attention, and Working Solutions has a nationwide network that can help.
Who covers education benefits?
The Union Education Trust, which is not part of the Union Benefits Trust, covers education benefits for OCSEA and CWA members. Members of SEIU/1199, OSTA, FOP/OLC and SCOPE/OEA receive any education benefits
from their employer, the State. Neither the Benefits Trust or Education Trust provide computer loans.
Who do I contact if I see a strange deduction on my pay information (paycheck)?
Your agency payroll/personnel representative is the best resource for questions about deductions from your pay. As of November 2007, we were told that a new code is appearing on members' pay information: UBT, for $70. This reflects the funding that we receive per the Collective Bargaining Agreements, and is NOT a deduction from your pay. This listing is part of the OAKS clean-up as we are still working to make sure all eligible members receive their benefits.
What happens to my dental, vision and life benefits if I am laid off?
Depending on the benefit, you may be able to continue coverage for yourself and all enrolled
dependents through continuation or COBRA. Click here to learn more.
What happens to my dental, vision and life benefits if I'm called to serve on active
military duty?
The State has enacted legislation that provides for the continuation of dental, vision and basic life benefits
when public employees are called to active duty. Supplemental life may be continued for the member, but not for dependents, and Working Solutions
remains available to members and dependents. Learn more in the Click here to learn more.
How do I change my address for Trust mailings?
Change your address with your Payroll/Personnel officer, and we will receive the updated address electronically, usually within one month.
When do my benefits go into effect?
For dental and vision benefits, please refer to the last paystub
of the month or contact your Payroll/Personnel officer. In general, basic life insurance coverage begins the first of the month following your one-year anniversary of State service, provided that you
are actively at work. For legal plan or supplemental life benefits, your coverage begins the first of the month following your first deduction for that coverage.
Check your pay information for the BTL code (legal) or BT1 code (supplemental life).
Is my dependent covered?
Please check with your Payroll/Personnel officer.
Who handles my medical coverage?/prescription coverage?/ mental health coverage?
The Trust does not provide
these services: for information, contact the Office
of Benefits Administration or call at 466-8857 or
800-409-1205, or e-mail the State at benefits@das.state.oh.us.
When am I eligible?
The legal service plan, supplemental life insurance and Working Solutions are available to you upon hire. You have 90
days from your date of hire to purchase supplemental life insurance and/or the legal service plan, and will have the opportunity to enroll in or change coverage at each Trust-sponsored open enrollment. For dental, vision and basic life insurance coverage, you must have one year of continuous State
service; and once elected, your coverage will be effective the first of the month following your enrollment. The Trust will notify you before your upcoming
anniversary by sending you an anniversary booklet that includes all the necessary forms to enroll. Please complete the forms as instructed and submit them as
soon as possible before your anniversary date. Turning your forms in early will help to ensure that coverage begins the first of the month following
your enrollment/anniversary date.Coverage is available to you and your eligible dependents.
How do I make changes to my plan choices or change dependents' coverage?
You may change your coverage level (single or family) during the year if you have a family status or employment-related coverage change. You must complete and return an Enrollment and Change form
and, if necessary, an Affidavit of Dependent Status, within 31 days of the change or you will have to wait until the next open enrollment to adjust your
coverage level.Depending on your situation,
you may also be able to enroll in coverage throughout the
year following a family status/employment related coverage
change. See Eligibility for
more information.You may not switch plans throughout the year if your provider of choice leaves the dental or vision
network. Also, you may not change to another plan, even if you move within Ohio, until the next Trust-sponsored open enrollment.
When does my coverage end?
Your coverage with the Trust ends when you are no longer covered by a bargaining unit the Trust serves and actively employed by the State.
If your and/or your dependents' dental or vision coverage ends, you may extend it temporarily under COBRA. COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act, is a federal law requiring employers to extend group rates to employees and/or their dependents who would otherwise lose their coverage. COBRA is
available for the Trust's dental and vision plans. You are responsible for the full cost of coverage and an administrative fee (up to 2% of the coverage's
cost). If you fail to make a COBRA premium payment, you will lose coverage under this plan permanently. Your Payroll/Personnel officer will provide you
with COBRA information when you lose coverage.
Your basic life insurance policy and supplemental life policy (if you have enrolled) terminate when you leave State service.*Basic life insurance terminates on the end of the month in which you leave State service.*Supplemental life insurance ends the last day of the month following your last deduction because it is a prepaid benefit; for example, if the deduction
was taken in March, insurance will end April 30. In some circumstances, it may be up to three months before your policy is cancelled, and you are responsible for premiums during that time frame.
If you wish to carry insurance after leaving State service, you may request information on portability or conversion. You may convert your insurance to an individual policy by completing and mailing a conversion form to Prudential. If you carry
supplemental life insurance on your dependents, you may convert this coverage as well. The conversion form is available from your Payroll/Personnel Officer.
Prudential must receive the conversion form within 31 days of coverage end date. Once Prudential has received your conversion information they will contact
you with the new rates for your individual policy. If you decide to convert your policy you will be responsible for the full premium. You may apply to port your supplemental life insurance (on you, the member, not on enrolled dependents); however, if you port coverage,
that same coverage is not also eligible for conversion. We encourage you to consider the differences between porting and conversion before deciding which approach is right for you.
Working Solutions ends when your employment ends, but will complete matters that you have opened with them before leaving.
Coverage under the legal plan will end the last day of the month after your last payroll deduction. For instance, if you had an October deduction taken under the "BTL" code, and left State service October 31, your coverage would end November 30.
Hyatt will also complete matters that you have opened before your coverage ends.
Updated November 2007
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