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City of Chico

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits & Forms

Retiree/COBRA Benefits

Beginning October 1, 2023, the City will begin transitioning its Retiree & COBRA insurance administration from Workterra to Benefit Coordinators Corporation (BCC).  BCC will coordinate the annual Open Enrollment process during the month of October (for a January 1, 2024 effective date) and subsequently assume full-time delivery of all retiree/COBRA health services as of 1/1/2024.  Retirees or COBRA participants wishing to make a change must contact Workterra or BCC directly.
NOTE: 
For premiums covering up to & including the month of December 2023:
Mail your monthly premium payments to Workterra at
EBS-COBRA
PO Box 850091
Minneapolis, MN 55485-0091

For premiums covering January 2024 and forward: 
Prior to the end of October 2023, we will provide you with a detailed plan about how the premium collection process will transition from Workterra to BCC for the January 1, 2024 start date.


BENEFIT QUESTIONS? 
Thru the end of 2023: 
contact Workterra’s dedicated Retiree/COBRA line
at (888) 604-3924

For Open Enrollment (held October 2023): 
contact BCC’s Customer Service line at (800) 685-6100

Beginning January 1, 2024:  
contact BCC’s Customer Service line at (800) 685-6100
 
Turning 65?
Medicare is effective the first of the month your birthday falls in.

Retirees turning 65 within the next year do not need to make an Open Enrollment Election change in anticipation of the eventual Medicare status. Turning 65 is a “qualifying event” and the change can be made within 30 days of your birthday.  Retirees can either:
  • Drop the City’s Retiree coverage, or
  • Retain the City’s coverage to use as a secondary insurance (premiums will change depending on selection).
NOTE: If you drop the City’s Retiree coverage, your dependents cannot stay on the insurance. They will transition to COBRA coverage, which is a limited-term benefit.
For more information about Medicare and coordinating benefits, follow this helpful link.
Once you have reviewed options and made your choice, contact Workterra at 888-604-3924 to request the change.

Quick Summary

Core Benefits Available
CalPERS Retirement Medical (4 plan options)
457 Deferred Compensation Dental + Orthodontic Benefit
Short Term Disability Vision
Long Term Disability Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance
Program		 Group & Voluntary Life Insurance
 
Time Off Benefits
Vacation Sick Leave
Paid Holidays Military Leave
Bereavement Leave Jury Duty Leave
Personal Time Off/
Management Leave*		 Maternity/Paternity Leave
 
*Eligibility Depends on bargaining unit and position.

Health Plan Notices

Employee Benefits & Forms

Employee Benefits & Forms

ACA Regulations & Important Guidelines

Aflac

Aflac is a supplemental insurance that provides an additional layer of financial protection in the event of a serious accident or illness.

Employees can sign up for this service within 30 days of hire, or annually in October, during Open Enrollment for the upcoming year.
City of Chico Dedicated Aflac Website: http://www.aflac.com/chico
Questions? Contact your Aflac representative:
Adam Brubaker
(530) 949-3767
​adam@leftoutins.com

CalPERS Retirement

Customer Service: 888-CalPERS (or 888-225-7377)
www.calpers.ca.gov
CalPERS Beneficiary Designation
Planning Your Service Retirement (Pub 1)
Service Retirement Application (Pub 43)
Retirement Allowance Estimate Request (BSD-470)
Local Miscellaneous Benefits (Pub 8)
Local Safety Benefits (Pub 9)
Service Credit Purchase Options (Pub 12)
Power of Attorney (Pub 30)
Community Property Guide (Pub 38A)
CalPERS Pension Worksheet

Have you created a “My CalPERS” Account yet?  The CalPERS website is a fantastic resource! Members can review their employee and employer contributions and utilize calculators to estimate retirement amounts, as well as access recent forms and publications.  Signing up is easy, visit: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/.

Deferred Compensation – Mission Square Retirement

Another great way to save for retirement – contribute to a Mission Square retirement plan automatically each paycheck!

Employees can enroll in or make changes to their Deferred Compensation at any time. 

Did you know? CPSA and CPOA members have a 10% match!
Enrolling online is quick and easy!
  • Go to https://www.msqplanservices.org/myplan/307126
  • Enter and confirm your Social Security number, then enter the City’s plan number: 307126
  • Select your enrollment method:
    • Express: enter your personal information and contribution information. Later, through Account Access, you can submit your investment and beneficiary information.
    • Comprehensive: enter your personal information, beneficiary information, contribution information, investment allocations, and create a user ID.
    • Note: At this time, City employees can only elect dollar amounts (no percentages). 
  • Use the print enrollment form feature at the end of your online enrollment process to print the form.
  • Provide HR a copy of your enrollment form and complete a copy of the Contribution Change Form in order to initiate your contribution through payroll deductions.
Need additional help? Watch a short video guide to see how easy it can be to enroll online. You can also contact the City’s Mission Square representative listed below.
Once you’re enrolled, use the following resources:
Extra Forms:

Employee Assistance Plan (Optum)

24/7/365 Customer Service: (866) 248-4096
www.liveandworkwell.com
Company Access Code:  Chico
  • 6 virtual or face-to-face counseling sessions
  • On demand self-care options for stress, anxiety and depression
  • Legal counseling and mediation services
  • Financial consultations and an online financial resource center
  • ID theft support
  • Critical incident response services
  • Adult and eldercare services
  • Child and parent services
  • Chronic condition and life learning support
  • Assistance with convenience services
  • Training and development for managers and employees

Employee Wellness & Extras

Ergonomics
In an effort to reduce ergonomic issues related to employee workstations and/or working conditions and habits, ergonomic assessments are available to any employee, upon their request, or the request of their supervisor.

Comprehensive ergonomic assessments will be completed by HR, or through a certified consultant. To request an assessment, employees or supervisors must contact HR to arrange an appointment.
Farm Fresh to You
City of Chico employees are eligible to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) delivery box at a discounted rate!  For more information, and a link to join, read the Farm Fresh to You flyer.
FlightCare Membership
Employees who join the FlightCare Membership Program are not billed for out-of-pocket expenses when FlightCare or a reciprocating emergency air transport service is used.  To view information about this program and enroll online, Click Here.
Flu Shot Clinics
The City traditionally offers a no-cost Flu Shot Clinic each year during Open Enrollment (employees must provide prescription card). Employees who are unable to attend the scheduled Flu Shot Clinic are still able to receive zero-cost Flu Shots at any pharmacy with their prescription card.
Fitness Discounts
HR provides a flyer of local fitness centers.  Employees may need to show proof of employment with the City of Chico upon enrollment. Fitness Discounts 2022
Benefits Fair
Plan to attend our annual Benefits Fair held in early October which coincides with the City’s Open Enrollment period.  It’s a great way for employees to meet service providers and have their questions answered.

Some of our regular vendors: 
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Carrum Health
  • Delta Dental
  • Prudential
  • Optum Employee Assistance Program
  • Mission Square Retirement
  • Flu Shot Clinic
  • Sterling Administration
  • Vision Service Plan
Hero Homebuyer Program
The Hero Homebuyer Credit is designed to help public employees purchase or refinance a home by offering up to $20,000 to cover closing costs and expenses.  For more information, visit the Hero Homebuyer Program by Clicking Here.
Lactation Room
A designated lactation room is available, by appointment, on the third-floor of the City’s Municipal Building.  Please contact Human Resources, at x7900, to reserve needed times.
Prescription Savings
Express Scripts Home-Delivery
Employees can utilize Express Scripts home delivery to have a 90-day supply of prescriptions delivered at a lower rate than the 30-day refill cost.

Customer Service: (800) 711-0917
https://www.express-scripts.com/

GoodRX.com
Prescription costs for City of Chico employees are often already low-cost; however, additional savings can be found if employees elect to utilize services such as GoodRX.com.
Water Dispensers 
Many department have chilled & heated water dispensers on-site to ensure easy access to fresh water and to diminish bottled water usage within the building.

Group and Voluntary Life & Short/Long-Term Disability Insurance

All active, full-time, permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week and their eligible spouse and children are eligible for coverages.

Enrollment is available within 30 days of hire, or annually in October, during Open Enrollment for the upcoming year.
Group Life: The City of Chico provides City-paid Group Life Insurance of the annual salary, rounded to the next thousand, for qualified employees.
Voluntary Life: This is in addition to the City-paid Group Life Insurance that is provided to qualified employees at no cost!
Coverages Available:
  • Employee: $10,000 increments, up to 5x the employee’s annual earnings, not to exceed $500,000.
  • Employee Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): $10,000 increments, up to 5x the employee’s annual earnings, not to exceed $500,000. 
  • Spouse: $5,000 increments, up to 100% of employee coverage for voluntary life or AD&D.
  • Children, birth – 6 months: $1,000
  • Children, 6 months – 19 (or 26 if full-time student): $2,000 increments, not to exceed $10,000.

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Applications/Change Forms
Benefits Application & Change Form - Active Employees
When adding dependents to your benefits, proof of dependent status is required. Please review the Dependent Verification Instructions, for types of proof accepted.
Opt Outs
Opt-out is available for those employees who have other medical coverage in place. 
Medical Opt-Out Form & Certification of Other Coverage
Individuals who previously opted out will need to re-verify annually. HR will contact you individually to arrange renewed documentation.
Anthem Blue Cross Medical Insurance
Anthem Customer Service
Customer Service: (800) 967-3015
https://www.anthem.com/login/
Plan Summary of Benefits &
Coverage (SBC)
EPO EPO SBC
HDHP HDHP SBC
PPO 80/20 PPO 80/20 SBC
PPO 90/10 PPO 90/10 SBC

Modifying Elections & Open Enrollment

After medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account elections are made, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations generally permit changing those elections only during the next open enrollment (October of each year). However, if you experience a “qualifying event” during the year you may change certain benefit plan elections mid-year. Be sure to notify HR of any qualifying life event within 30 days of the event in order to make changes to your elections. No exceptions to the 30 day notification deadline are permitted. 
Open Enrollment
Held annually during the month of October.

During Open Enrollment, employees can:
  • add or delete dependents from Medical, Dental and Vision or choose a new Medical plan;
  • enroll in, increase or drop Voluntary Life Insurance;
  • enroll/re-enroll in a Section 125 Healthcare, Limited Purpose or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA);
  • enroll in, or change, AFLAC coverages.
NOTE:  If you do not wish to change your benefits or re-enroll in an FSA, no action is required during Open Enrollment.

ScholarShare 529 College Savings Program

Why save for college with ScolarShare529?
A 529 is one of the best ways to save for higher education. ScholarShare 529 benefits include:
  • 100% tax-free growth can mean more money for higher education.
  • Low fees that ensure your savings primarily go toward education costs.
  • Parent-owned 529 accounts have less impact on financial aid eligibility than other saving methods.
  • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses, like tuition, room and board, books, computers, and more.
  • Eligible for use at most schools nationwide and many abroad – undergraduate and graduate programs, community colleges and trade schools.
  • Overseen by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California.
Questions?
Click Here to schedule a time to meet with our designated rep, Adal Padilla.

Adal Padilla
(628) 231-6519
Adalberto.Padilla@tiaa.org

Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts are part of Section 125, established by the IRS. Section 125 allows employees to set aside money for future healthcare and child care costs on a pre-tax basis.

Employees can enroll in a Healthcare or Limited Purpose FSA (Dental & Vision Only), and/or a Dependent Care FSA.

Enrollment is available within 30 days of hire, or annually in October, during Open Enrollment for the upcoming year.
Make reimbursements and payments even easier – use the app
Sterling Administration
Customer Service:  (800) 617-4729
email:  customer.service@sterlingadministration.com
www.sterlinghsa.com
 




Flexible Spending Accounts MUST be re-elected annually during Open Enrollment.

Returning Forms to HR

If you complete paper copies, please don’t email items containing social security numbers – it’s too risky.  Instead:
  • Put them in an interoffice envelope and send them to HR.
  • Or, scan the item to the secure HR Scan Drive by using the closest copier:
    • Scan your proxy card
    • Press Scan > Scan to HR.  (Note a slight variation for PD copiers: Scan & Send > One-Touch > HR Scans – you may have to follow the down-pointing arrow/bottom right if there’s an extensive list.)
    • Your document will magically appear in a scan folder on our end and will be acknowledged by an HR staff person within a short period of time (watch your email for a confirmation).  Hold on to your originals until you receive confirmation; otherwise, no need to send the originals to HR.
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