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Healthcare Plan Design Changes
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers


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Questions

  1. question Several members of the HCEA and HCESC leadership publicly stated that they were unaware of the pending changes until the open enrollment began, is this true?
     
  2. question Is it true that with the implementation of the plan design changes HCPS health benefits are not competitive with surrounding school systems?
     
  3. question Why did HCPS change plan design?
     
  4. question Will all employees in the PPN plan see a significant increase in their out-of-pocket expenses?
     
  5. question How will the increased out-of-pocket max $2400/$4800, effective July 1, 2010 be applied in the middle of the calendar year?
     
  6. question The teachers union has sent out a flyer giving an example of the cost incurred under the new plan design of an individual who was hurt falling off of a ladder and required hospitalization. It claims that the new out-of-pocket expenses would be $4800, is that accurate?
     
  7. question In the same flyer sent out by HCEA it claims my 90 day supply of maintenance drugs will cost me twice as much in co-pays next year. Is that correct?
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Answers

  1. question Several members of the HCEA and HCESC leadership publicly stated that they were unaware of the pending changes until the open enrollment began, is this true?

    HCEA, HCESC and the leadership of the three other bargaining units along with representatives of the Retired School Personnel Association were made aware of the pending changes in a letter from John Markowski, HCPS Chief Financial Officer dated March 9, 2010. Additionally the plan design changes were discussed at the Insurance Advisory Committee meeting held on March 19, 2010.



  2. question Is it true that with the implementation of the plan design changes HCPS health benefits are not competitive with surrounding school systems?

    Even with the significant plan design changes, Harford County Public Schools offers one of the best and affordable healthcare packages in the state. The Board’s 90% contribution for spouse and family members is only matched by four other counties in Maryland. Coinsurance and co-pays in the PPN plan are equal to or better than surrounding counties. In fact, Cecil County Public Schools no longer covers spouses if health insurance is offered through their employer.



  3. question Why did HCPS change plan design?

    Changes were necessary as the continued growth in health care costs is far outpacing the inflation rate. As one of the largest components of the HCPS budget, after wages, the growth in health care costs is crippling the Board’s ability to continue to enhance programmatic needs to satisfy academic growth required by No Child Left Behind and to meet other needs such as wage enhancements for employees.



  4. question Will all employees in the PPN plan see a significant increase in their out-of-pocket expenses?

    Most employees in the PPN will see very little change in their healthcare cost. Just like car or homeowners insurance the plan design changes will only impact the users of the plan. Office co-pays remain the same.



  5. question How will the increased out-of-pocket max $2400/$4800, effective July 1, 2010 be applied in the middle of the calendar year?

    The deductibles and coinsurance run on a calendar year. Currently there is a $1200/$2400 out-of-pocket max for the current year that started January 1, 2010. As of July 1 that will change to $2400/$4800. Any out-of-pocket expenses between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010 would be applied to the new max. On January 1, 2011, the new calendar year will restart the $2400/$4800 out-of-pocket max.



  6. question The teachers union (HCEA) has sent out a flyer giving an example of the cost incurred under the new plan design of an individual who was hurt falling off of a ladder and required hospitalization. It claims that the new out-of-pocket expenses would be $4800, is that accurate?

    No, that flyer is inaccurate. The maximum out-of-pocket expense, even for an individual inside a family plan, is $2400. The total for the family can be no more than $4800. Please view the example here. Adobe Acrobat Document



  7. question In the same flyer sent out by HCEA it claims my 90-day supply of maintenance drugs will cost me twice as much in co-pays next year. Is that correct?

    Your co-pay (1x) will not increase for a 90-day supply as long as you utilize the mail order prescription program. If you do not use this program you will have to pay 2x your co-pay at a retail store. Using the mail order prescription plan for maintenance drugs saves you money.