Employee Benefits

MEDICAL

Our healthcare insurance plans are provided by the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium (ACSHIC), partnered with Highmark and offered to eligible full-time employees. Currently there are two products offered: Community Blue Flex PPO and Community Blue Flex EPO. The employee's coverage plan is specific to the respective collective bargaining contract(s) and/or agreement(s). The district pays the full insurance premium less the employee's premium contribution share as per the specific contract(s) and/or agreement(s).

Both the PPO and EPO benefit summary grids are attached for review. In addition, a grid comparison of the EPO and PPO plan differences is also attached. Please note that the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium's website is a great resource to review all medical benefit information including but not limited to the 2025 Benefit Booklets for the EPO and PPO plans. ACHSIC Website link: https://acshic.com/

Best practice - seek care within the Enhanced Value Network to optimize the benefit and pay less out of pocket costs for services. Utilizing the Standard Value or Out-of-Network networks results in deductibles, higher co-pays, and balance billing. Register at www.highmarkbcbs.com to search for Enhanced Value network physicians and facilities or call Highmark Member Services 1-877-258-3123 for assistance. An employee may elect to waive the healthcare benefits and if provided by contracts or agreements may be entitled to a health benefit buy-out (refer to specific contract and /or agreement language for details).

The EPO and PPO SBC's (Summary of Benefits and Coverage) attachments are standardized documents, as per the Affordable Care Act regulations. The SBC does not represent all coverage features, and the coverage examples within the SBC are intended only to convey a general illustration of costs.

It is very beneficial to register on your Highmark member website www.highmarkbcbs.com. Once registered, you can access your benefit details, view claims, and search for in-network providers. In addition, the website provides up-to-date information of many resources and services offered by Highmark.
 
If you need assistance with any coverage questions, you can get VIP treatment! Highmark has set up a concierge service to provide your one-call resource for help with coverage questions (see flyer below). In addition, Highmark can help: find new in-network doctors or hospitals, make appointments, and transfer medical records.
 
2025 Preventative Schedule (attached) - PLAN YOUR CARE: KNOW WHAT YOU NEED AND WHEN TO GET IT
Preventive or routine care helps us stay well or finds problems early, when they are easier to treat. The preventive guidelines on this schedule depend on your age, gender, health and family history. As a part of your health plan, you may be eligible to receive some of these preventive benefits with little to no cost sharing when using in-network providers. Make sure you know what is covered by your health plan and any requirements before you receive any of these services.
 
A notable resource from Highmark is the Experian IdentityWorks and Identity Restoration Services (previously AllClear Identity). Provides Identity protection at no cost for you and family members. Review the Experian website or call Experian directly with questions.  You can reach them at www.experianidworks.com/highmark or call toll-free 1-866-584-9479. Please reference the flyer below for full program details.

PRESCRIPTIONS

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2022

Pharmacy Provider - OptumRx 
 
Be sure to present your new OptumRx pharmacy ID card for your pharmacy orders.
 
HAVE PHARMACY QUESTIONS?
Integrity Pharmaceutical Advisors (IPA) concierge pharmacists can assist you - and your physician.
 
CALL: 866-726-1180, or
VISIT: https://calendly.com/acshic/appointment to schedule a consultation call.
 

DENTAL

Our dental insurance plans are provided by United Concordia and offered to eligible full-time employees and dependents (meeting eligibility requirements). The district pays the full insurance premium less the employee's premium contribution share as per the specific contract(s) and/or agreement(s). Register at https://www.unitedconcordia.com or call 1-800-332-0366 to have easy access to resources and information. Best practice - seek care in-network to optimize benefit and avoid out of pocket expenses. In addition, request a pre-determination of services PRIOR to treatment to be aware of any non-covered or out-of-pocket expenses.

VISION

Our vision insurance plans are provided by Davis Vision and offered to eligible full-time employees and dependents (meeting eligibility requirements). The district pays the full insurance premium less the employee's premium contribution share as per the specific contract(s) and/or agreement(s). Register at  https://davisvision.com (Client code: 4230) or call 1-877-923-2847, 4230 to have easy access to resources and information. Best practice - seek care in-network to optimize benefit and avoid out of pocket expenses.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

All employees have the option of an annual election into the Flexible Spending Account offered through American Fidelity. This benefit allows participants the option of deferring salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for healthcare expenses (medical co-pays and deductibles, prescription drugs, dental care, eye care, and other qualifying expenses), as well as for dependent care expenses (daycare expenses, before and after school care, summer camps, preschool tuition). This benefit will be consistent with and meet all requirements of Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code as amended. Please see the plan details and enrollment form attached below. Enrollment occurs annually during open enrollment (May). When a qualifying event occurs enrollment is permitted outside the open enrollment period.

American Fidelity representative:

A.J. West
877-518-2337
AJ.West@americanfidelity.com

403(b) TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY

Connellsville Area School District offers a tax sheltered annuity plan 403(b) for ALL employees. A 403(b) is a tax-deferred investment and savings program for school district employees. If you need more information or are interested in starting a tax sheltered annuity, please contact one of the district approved companies listed in the Summary Plan Description (see below).

The representative will provide you with all of the forms and documentation needed to start, add, change or cancel your 403(b) account. Once completed, the salary reduction form needs to be sent to the payroll office.

LIFE INSURANCE

Connellsville Area School District offers life insurance to all employees.  The amount of employee's coverage plan is specific to the respective collective bargaining contract(s) and/or agreement(s). The district pays the full insurance premium.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL EMPLOYEE CREDIT UNION

724-438-9019
https://fayetteschoolcu.org/home

AFLAC 

Melissa Porada
724-651-3968
melissa_porada@us.aflac.com

AMERICAN FIDELITY

AJ West
877-518-2337
AJ.West@americanfidelity.com

OTHER RESOURCES offered through Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium (ACSHIC) 

Lytle EAP Partners - Employee Assistance Program

Company code: acshic

Lytle EAP Partners is your provider of Employee Assistance Program services and Personal Health Partners. The EAP offers counseling and a wide variety of work/life services to you and your immediate family members to help with problems that impact your personal well-being and your ability to perform your job. Personal Health Partners offers a helping hand with the many aspects of family healthcare and navigating the complicated medical system. The EAP and Personal Health Partners are available 24/7/365 and are free and confidential.

1-800-327-7272

http://www.lytleeap.com

**VIRTUAL CARE**  offered by Highmark
Well360 Virtual Health (telemedicine)

Well360 Virtual Health is a digital experience that lets you connect --
either online or via our app (My Highmark App) -- with a health care expert.
 
Conveniently schedule telemedicine visits for services including:
 
Urgent care - for conditions like pink eye, sinus infections, skin rashes, or strep throat.
 
Therapy - for behavioral health concerns like anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
 
Psychiatry - scheduled psychiatric assessments, prescription refills, and treatment options.
 
Commonly treated conditions:
Urgent Care

• Allergies
• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Sinus infections
• Sore throat
• Skin problems
• and more!

Behavioral Health

• Anxiety/stress
• Bereavement/grief
• Depression

 
Register or schedule a virtual appointment today
Download the app or visit MyHighmark.com  

 **NEW**
WELL360 MOTION powered by SWORD HEALTH

Well360 Motion is a virtual physical health program offered by Highmark and powered by SWORD. Combining personalized care with the latest digital tools, it gives you the freedom to overcome joint and muscle pain anytime, anywhere. You are matched with a physical therapist who creates a customized, self-guided care plan. Included at no cost to you, Well360 Motion may also help you avoid surgery or reduce your need for medication.
Wherever it hurts, Well360 Motion can help relieve:

• Lower back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Elbow pain
• Hip pain
• Ankle pain and much more!

 
To get started, visit the Health and Wellness section on the Benefits tab at MyHighmark.com              

Livongo - Diabetes Management

Modern diabetes management at no cost to you. The program is offered at no cost to you and your family members with diabetes. With Livongo you get an advanced glucose meter, unlimited strips, tips with every check, and coaches to support you so you never miss a beat.

Learn more and join at https://acshic.com/providers/livongo/   Registration code: ACSHIC

Call 800-945-4355

Your Hearing Network Benefits

As a member of ACSHIC, you and your family are eligible for exclusive Your Hearing Network Benefits

Your Hearing Network

Wellness EdLogics

What is EdLogics??  With fun, engaging games - monthly cash rewards ($200 gift card) - EdLogics will transform the way you learn about your health. Get the knowledge and tools to help you make healthier choices and handle sickness when it comes. The more you play, the better your odds of winning. Play for your health. Play to win. 

**NEW** Invite a Friend

Get 5 colleagues to sign up for EdLogics and earn a $50 gift card! After your 5th friend registers. you'll receive an email from Tango within 30 days to redeem your $50 gift card from Amazon, Target, or Dick's Sporting Goods.

How to get started? Register today: Edlogics

How do you win a gift card?  Every day you will receive one HealthScratch ticket. The more Health Scratch tickets you answer correctly, the better your odds of winning random drawings done monthly. Keep playing - and good luck!

PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PSERS)

As a public school employee, your retirement benefits are provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). School districts must report all employees to PSERS, whether of a full or part-time status and an account is created for you. Your PSERS retirement benefit requires certain benefit elections to be made within a specific time frame. It is important that you take the time to review the information at the links below to familiarize yourself with your PSERS retirement benefits and the benefit elections you may have.

Information explaining your PSERS retirement benefit and benefit elections is summarized in the Info for New School Employees resource below.

If you are a new member of PSERS, click here to view three short videos:

• Understanding Your PSERS Benefit – high-level overview of the PSERS retirement benefit options.
• Membership Class Options – Comparison of the PSERS membership classes: Class T-G, Class T-H, and Class DC.
• How to Select a Membership Class -  Examples of what your benefit may look like in each membership class as well as instructions for remaining in your current membership class or electing a new class.

 
It is never too early to begin planning your retirement.  PSERS offers a variety of resources on its website, including a Member Self-Service portal so you can access your PSERS account, retirement calculators to estimate your benefit, and a library of financial education articles to assist you in your journey to financial wellness and retirement.

For more information on your PSERS retirement, visit the PSERS website at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/psers. You can also access the PSERS Active Member Handbook or contact PSERS at: 1.888.773.7748 or through their online contact form.

A Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) is an account that has been
established in your name by your employer. The money that your employer
deposits into your HRA is tax-free, and upon eligibility, can be used to
reimburse you for your eligible medical expenses. For more information
on how the HRA operates and to see if you’re currently eligible to receive
reimbursements, please log into your account online.

Our HRA is administered by Mid America.