Employee Benefits

Insurance Plans

Enrollment for the board sponsored Medical, Dental, Pharmacy and Life Insurance plans are not automatic. New hires must select their Benefits options on-line within 31 days of their hire date. Your selection for Medical Plan includes Pharmacy (CVS/Caremark), Dental (Preferred Provider), and Vision (Davis Vision Plus) coverage; the Board does not offer standalone plans. Before choosing your plan, you will want to carefully review the CareFirst booklet included in your new hire packet. Changes outside of your new hire enrollment period can occur under limited conditions.

In addition to your enrollment, the Board requires members to provide proper documentation when dependents are enrolled in the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Plans. The Dependent Affidavit is required in addition you are also required to provide additional dependent documentation. A full list of acceptable documents can be found on page 2 of the Affidavit. Before enrolling your eligible dependent(s) the signed Affidavit and copies of your dependent documentation are required, employees/retirees are required to submit the requested documentation to the Office of Fiscal Services- Employee Benefits.

Group Term Life Insurance for Employee Only – Employee contribution is 25% of the premium Death Benefit – 1x annual salary. Plan payments are set up for a pre-taxed payroll deduction.

Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance for Active employees only, who work 20 plus hours per week. The term is one year and employees do not have to re-enroll annually. Employees can elect up to $250,000 of coverage without providing any evidence of insurability, or complete a health questionnaire. This plan benefit provides options for those employees who may be excluded from standard life insurance policies for pre-existing medical conditions. Plan payments are set up for payroll deduction but are not a pre-tax deduction. Click here to read more about the Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance.

+ - How do I enroll? Click to collapse

Employees will need to log on to the HR In-touch Website to make changes.

To enroll for your benefits:

*Go to https://ccboe.hrintouch.com
You will click on “Create an account”
When registering your account, your Username must be between 6 and 50 alphanumeric characters.
Your Password: Must be between 8 and 15 characters
- Must contain at least one number
- Must contain at least one upper case and one lower case letter
- Cannot contain more than two of the same characters consecutively
- Cannot be the same as the Username or SSN

New hires must select their Benefits options on-line within 31 days of their hire date.

The employee may access the electronic enrollment website. The menu design enables you to click on the option, review your available benefit choices and submit your selections. You can make only one election during this 31-day enrollment period. Before making your selections, carefully review the plan booklets, changes outside of your new hire enrollment period can occur but under limited conditions.

+ - How can I view Medical and Dental Claims online? Click to collapse

Online access to your health care information, View your personalized health insurance information online with My Account. Simply log on to www.carefirst.com from your computer, tablet or smartphone for real-time information about your plan.

+ - Do I have to access the online system if I do not want to enroll in Medical? Click to collapse

The employee should access the online site to waive your medical election. This enrollment site also includes enrollment for Life and Flexible Spending.

+ - What do I do if I have a baby, get married, or just need to make a change to my current enrollment for medical? Click to collapse

Outside of Open Enrollment, changes to your Health or Flexible Spending Accounts are permitted during the year within 31 days of a life event, provided your change is consistent with the life event. Please note that you will be required to provide proof of the event, such as a marriage certificate, or notice of your spouse’s change in employment or loss of insurance coverage. These events are defined by Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code and include:

Marriage or Divorce; Legal Separation
Birth of your child, adoption of a child
The placement for adoption of a child in your home
Death of your spouse or other dependent(s)
Return from an unpaid leave of absence for you or your spouse
Beginning or end of your spouse's/dependents employment
A significant change in your spouse's employment-based benefits
Switch from temporary to full-time employment by you or your spouse

Please forward your completed Enrollment form, Status Change form, Dependent Affidavit, and copies of your dependent(s) documentation, attention: Employee Benefits at the Board of Education.

Name of Form	Purpose	IRS Reason Code- Life Event	Return Form To:
Employee Status Change Form	Indicates that you are adding/decreasing benefits.	Marriage/Divorce Birth of Child/Legal Adoption Death of Dependent Loss of Other Coverage	Employee Benefits
Enrollment Form		Marriage/Divorce Birth of Child/Legal Adoption Death of Dependent	Employee Benefits
Dependent Affidavit		Marriage Birth of Child/Legal Adoption	Employee Benefits
Voya-Life Insurance	To be completed if you need to update your life insurance beneficiary	Change to Beneficiary can be made at any time	Employee Benefits
MSRA Retirement Beneficiary	Completed if you need to update your Retirement Beneficiary Attached form is for the Maryland State Retirement Pension Plan. Certificated employees enrolled in this plan	Marriage/Divorce Birth of Child/Legal Adoption Death of Dependent	Employee Benefits
Charles County Public Schools Retirement Beneficiary	Completed if you need to update your Retirement Beneficiary. Support employees enrolled in this plan with the exception of IAs’ and school support secretaries.	Marriage/Divorce Birth of Child/Legal Adoption Death of Dependent	Employee Benefits

+ - How do I get new insurance cards? Click to collapse

You can call Carefirst directly at 1-877-691-5856 -for the PPN, Custom Comprehensive, and Blue Choice Opt-out Open Access Plans
Dental: 1-866-891-2802
CVS/Caremark: 1-877-411-8168

+ - How do I change my doctor if I have the Blue Choice opt-out Open Access Plus Plan? Click to collapse

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is the best way to receive consistent, quality care. Except for emergencies, your PCP should be your first call when you require medical attention. To update your current PCP members can contact CareFirst Customer Service directly at 1-877-691-5856. Medical cards will not generate without a PCP.

+ - Who should I call if I have a claim that is not being processed correctly? Click to collapse

You will need to contact CareFirst directly. HIPPA laws require that the individual contact the insurance company about any problems with claims.

If they have contacted BCBS and has no result, have them provide Date of Service and Providers name.

+ - Why do employees need to provide dependent Social Security numbers? Click to collapse

Under the federal health reform law, individuals must have health insurance called minimum essential coverage. The plan sponsored by Charles County Public Schools does provide minimum essential coverage. We must report this information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Therefore, Social Security numbers for all the members covered under your health plan are required. If your coverage is not reported to the IRS, you may have to pay a fee when you file your taxes.

+ - How do I pay for my insurance during the summer if I am not receiving a check? Click to collapse

Employees have two options, they can send a check each month or double the payments when they return.

+ - What does a retiree do when they go on Medicare? Click to collapse

They need to send us a copy of the Medicare Card. Members must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B CCPS will notify the State Pension or the Classified Pension of the change in the insurance premium amount.

+ - What happens when a spouse is on Medicare? (retiree only, active not change) Click to collapse

The plans are split into two individual plans, Medical, Dental and Vision. If it is a family plan the Medicare recipient goes on an individual plan for Medicare. Thus each member is the primary cardholder.}/slider}{slider=How many years does an employee have to continue coverage to keep with retirement?}An employee has to be enrolled in the insurance for 10 consecutive years to continue at the current employee rate which is the 25% rate. If an employee does not have 10 years consecutive years they can take the lowest policy at 50% of the cost. Employees should review the insurance article in your negotiated agreement.

+ - What is the value of the life insurance? Click to collapse

The life insurance is one times salary at the time of retirement rounded to the nearest thousand. If an active employee the salary at the time of their death.

CVS/Caremark Prescription Plan

If you enroll in a CareFirst BlueChoice or PPO/ PPN plan, you are enrolled in the CVS/Caremark prescription drug plan. The CVS/Caremark prescription plan provides benefits for medications to be filled at participating retail pharmacies. You also have the choice of filling your long-term medications through the CVS/Caremark Mail Order Pharmacy. Call the CVS/Caremark number on your card, 877-411-8168, for a mail-order form.

+ - What if I do not have a card but need a prescription? Click to collapse

Members can contact CVS Caremark at 1-877-411-8168.

+ - What do I do if the pharmacy has declined my claim? Click to collapse

Members should present the CVS Caremark card to the pharmacy. This card is not the same as your CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Medical Care.

Forms

Claim form

Preferred drug list

Preferred drug list

Specialty Drug List

Specialty drug list

Contact CVS/Caremark

Web: CVS/Caremark
Tel: 1-877-411-8168

If you have any questions regarding your current health insurance coverage, please contact the Office of Fiscal Services - Employee Benefits at 301-934-7459 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Supplemental Insurance

In addition to the medical and life insurance enrollment, employees have the opportunity to elect the following Aflac pre-tax supplemental insurance policies. Click here to visit the Aflac website for Charles County Public Schools employees.

+ - Short-term Disability Insurance Click to collapse

When disabled, you may not only lose the ability to earn a living, but you may also lose savings or retirement funds. The financial obligations can be overwhelming. Disability insurance plays an integral and important role in your financial planning.

Aflac does not coordinate benefits. Regardless of any other disability insurance you may have, including Social Security, we will pay you directly.

Why Aflac Short-Term Disability may be the best choice for you

It’s sold on an individual basis. You choose the plan that’s right for you based on your financial needs and income.
We offer the option of guaranteed-issue (subject to certain conditions), short-term disability coverage. That means no medical questionnaire is required.
We pay you a cash benefit for each day you are disabled (subject to your benefit period and elimination period).

+ - Critical Care and Recovery Click to collapse

Major medical coverage pays doctor and hospital bills, not out-of-pocket expenses. Nor does it pay cash benefits that can be used to help with expenses, such as car payments, the mortgage or rent, and utility bills—bills that would be difficult, if not impossible, to pay if your income suddenly stopped due to illness or injury. Aflac’s specified health event insurance policy complements your major medical coverage and helps provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your family are protected.

The Specified Health Event Policy

Pays a First-Occurrence Benefit, as well as Hospital Confinement and Continuing Care Benefits.
Has no lifetime maximum (excluding the First-Occurrence Benefit).
Is completely portable.
Is Guaranteed-Renewable for your lifetime with some benefits reduced at age 70.

+ - Dental Insurance Click to collapse

Aflac Dental provides benefits for periodic checkups and cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, and much more. It’s your smile and your policy; Aflac Dental gives you control.

You choose your dentist. Because Aflac doesn’t use a network of dentists, you can go to any dentist you choose.
You and your dentist choose the best treatment for you. Aflac Dental doesn’t have precertification requirements. If the treatment is covered by your policy, you don’t need Aflac’s permission to receive it (Subject to applicable Waiting Periods).

Aflac Dental is different from many other dental plans you may have seen.

You know what you’re getting with Aflac Dental. The plan spells out the benefits for both wellness and other diagnostic/treatment services. There are no gray areas. Each covered procedure has a specific benefit amount.
Aflac Dental doesn’t have an annual deductible. Other dental plans may require you to meet an annual deductible before benefits are payable.
Aflac Dental pays benefits regardless of any other plan. Even if you have other coverage, you’ll receive your full Aflac benefit amount (If the applicant retains existing dental coverage with another company, only the Essentials plan can be offered).

With Aflac Dental’s Annual Maximum Building Benefit, you can receive even more benefits. Aflac will increase each Covered Person’s Policy Year Maximum by $100 after each 12 consecutive months the policy is in force up to a maximum of $500 per Covered Person.

+ - Accident-Only Insurance Click to collapse

Be Prepared for Life’s Unexpected Mishaps
In the event of an unexpected injury, Aflac can help protect your personal finances. We provide individuals and families affordable insurance that helps with expenses that may not be covered by major medical insurance. Aflac pays cash benefits directly to you (unless you specify otherwise), so you can use the cash for anything you want. Which means uncovered medical expenses won’t break the bank if you are injured.

And since we can process your claim quickly, Aflac helps give you the peace of mind knowing you can spend more time recovering and less time worrying about bills.

+ - Vision Now Click to collapse

The Aflac Vision Now® plan is different because it encourages individuals and their families to be more proactive and preventive about caring for their vision. Most importantly, it takes vision insurance to the next level by paying benefits for eye surgeries, specific eye diseases/disorders, and permanent visual impairment.

+ - Personal Cancer Indemnity Click to collapse

Aflac’s Personal Cancer Indemnity insurance policy helps you focus on getting well instead of being distracted by the stress and costs of medical and personal bills. With Aflac, you receive cash benefits directly, unless assigned—giving you the flexibility to help pay bills related to treatment like deductibles, copayments, and travel expenses. Aflac can also help with everyday living expenses, such as car payments, mortgage or rent payments, child care, and utility bills.

+ - Hospital Indemnity Insurance Click to collapse

Annual Hospitalization Confinement • Daily Hospital Confinement • Invasive Diagnostic Exams • Wellness • Plus … more

For more information or to apply for coverage, contact your Aflac Associate:
Jennifer Tench
804-516-4286 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
to schedule your one on one appointment.
Aflac Website

FSA

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored spending account that allows employees to set aside pretax earnings to pay for eligible health care or dependent care expenses. Pretax funds are deducted from each paycheck and automatically deposited into an FSA account. Employees decide how much to contribute, tax-free, for the year. Unused money in an FSA account is forfeited at the end of the plan year. Employers can also decide to contribute, up to a maximum amount. Enrollment is not automatic, you must enroll every year.

Any out-of-pocket and unreimbursed medical expenses are allowed under section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, except health insurance premiums and long-term care services. FSAs can also be used for daycare or other dependent care expenses required to allow an individual to work. A complete list can be found at hellofurther.com.

There are two types of FSAs employers can offer to employees. Employees can participate in one or both.

Medical FSA — This type of FSA allows employees to pay for eligible expenses that are not covered by the health plan, such as deductibles, coinsurance, dental care, orthodontia and vision care. The total amount the employee chooses to contribute is available to them on the first day of the plan year, even if they have not actually contributed that much yet.
Dependent Care FSA — This type of FSA allows employees to pay for daycare expenses for their children under age 13 or for older dependents not capable of self-care needed to allow an employee to work. With a dependent care FSA, the money must be in the employee’s account before you can request reimbursement.

Depending on an employee’s tax bracket, an employee can save nearly 30 percent on most medical, health and child or eldercare expenses. An employee earning $30,000 with a $2,000 FSA contribution can save an estimated $300 in taxes.

For information on a Flexible Spending Account and to enroll, log in to the online benefits website and from the Benefits menu, select Flexible Spending Account.

+ - What are the benefits to employees? Click to collapse

Pretax contributions lower taxable income, and reimbursements are made tax-free from the employee’s account. In addition, an employee has access to the entire elected amount on the first day of the plan year.

+ - How do employers save money? Click to collapse

FSA programs can lower employers’ FICA taxes on employee payroll and possibly what is paid for other benefits plans, such as workers’ compensation and disability, that are based on employees’ taxable income.

+ - Is a debit card available? Click to collapse

Yes. A Visa® Debit Card is available for eligible medical expenses and can be used at the point of purchase or aftercare.

+ - What happens to funds at the end of the year? Click to collapse

Unused money in an FSA account is forfeited at the end of the plan year:

Medical FSA	Dependent Care FSA
Covers medical costs, orthodontic care, dental, and vision.	Covers daycare for children under age 13 and other dependents not capable of self-care.
Employee contribution maximum: $2,400	Employee contribution maximum: $5,000

+ - Can I change the amount of money I set aside in my medical FSA during the plan year? Click to collapse

Yes. However, you must have a qualifying life change in order to change your election mid-year. Be sure to check with Employee Benefits for additional requirements.

+ - Can I use my medical FSA to pay for my spouse’s deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket medical expenses? Click to collapse

Yes. Your medical FSA can be used to cover expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and your dependents (as defined by Code Section 152).

+ - What expenses can be paid from a medical FSA? Click to collapse

Any out-of-pocket and unreimbursed medical expenses allowed under section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, including medical premiums (under limited circumstances) and long-term care expenses. For a detailed listing, see Eligible Expenses.

+ - If I have both an HSA and an FSA, which account pays first? Click to collapse

Further will always attempt to pay your expenses from the FSA first as this is a “use it or lose it” type of account. However, medical expenses can’t be paid from the FSA during the HDHP deductible so the FSA will be bypassed in this circumstance. To make your FSA work with HSA requirements, your employer should provide a special FSA plan for you instead of a general purpose FSA. A limited purpose FSA is a special FSA that can’t be used for medical expenses but can be used for vision and dental expenses. A post-deductible FSA can pay vision and dental expenses immediately and can also pay medical expenses once the deductible has been satisfied. If the FSA is limited to vision and dental, it can pay for these claims first. However, keep in mind they’re also eligible expenses under the HSA.

+ - Can I use my debit card for online purchases? Click to collapse

Yes. You can use your debit card for online purchases, such as prescriptions, if the site is a medical merchant.

+ - Can I withdraw funds at an ATM? Click to collapse

You cannot use the Further debit card for cash withdrawals from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), from a Point-of-Sale (POS) device, or by any other means. The card will not work in these situations.

+ - Can I use my debit card to make in-store purchases? Click to collapse

Yes, for eligible expenses. Just present your debit card to the merchant to pay for eligible expenses. The account will pay up to the available balance.

+ - Do I need a PIN to use my debit card? Click to collapse

No. You can use your debit card by signing for your purchases and selecting “credit” when asked. Having a PIN puts more security accountability on you as the debit card owner if the card is used fraudulently.

+ - My debit card was recently denied. Why would that happen? Click to collapse

Your debit card may be denied if:

There is not enough money in your account to cover the expense. Visit www.hellofurther.com or call us toll free at 1-800-859-2144 to check your account balance.
The items being purchased are not eligible expenses. For a list of eligible expenses, visit www.hellofurther.com.

+ - What happens if I use the debit card for a non-eligible expense? Click to collapse

There are three options:

You can return the funds to the account by submitting the Reimbursement Return Form (below) within the same tax year of the non-eligible expense.
You can offset the amount with future expenses that are qualified during the same tax year. You must keep your documentation for your own tax purposes.
You can declare the amount as a prohibited transaction. You may be subject to income taxes on the amount as well as an IRS penalty. Reimbursement Return Form

+ - What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen? Click to collapse

Call Further customer support at 1-800-859-2144 at any time, any day of the week. You can follow the automated prompts to report your card lost or stolen. This will cancel your card and you will be mailed a new one.

Wellness Programs

Employee Wellness Programs
Helping Employees Stay Healthy

Monthly wellness email messages from CareFirst.
Free fitness classes for permanent employees. Classes are offered in the fall and spring in four-week sessions and each class is one hour. The location and time are based on the availability in the school buildings. Classes include beginning yoga to personal training boot camp. Employees receive a registration email when classes are offered.
Weight Watchers membership at a reduced rate. Open to employees, family members, friends and retirees. It meets on Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Jesse L. Starkey administration building in the cafeteria. Open enrollment is offered twice a year for a 26-week series at a reduced rate including a payroll deduction option for employees. Weekly rates are also offered outside of Open Enrollment.
World Gym membership is offered through the KeepWell program at a discounted rate of $20 per month per person during open enrollment. Open enrollment is available twice a year, at the start of the school year and in mid-January. An open-enrollment email will be sent to all eligible employees including dates and instructions on how to enroll in the program. This is for employees, retirees and their families. There are eight locations included in the membership: La Plata, Waldorf, Prince Frederick, Owings, Lusby, Leonardtown, Lexington Park and California/Wildewood. Each location provides unlimited access to the facility (visit as many times per day/month), all group exercise and spin classes are included.
Healthy cooking classes offered for $20 a class when the instructor is available for permanent employees. Email notification is sent of class offerings including a signup link.
5K races in the fall and spring. These events are available to everyone including employees and the community.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their dependents at no cost. Click here for information.

If you have any questions about the Employee Wellness Programs, please contact Renee Eubanks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Relocation Assistance

Charles County Public Schools offers a Relocation Stipend for newly hired certified teachers. The Relocation Assistance stipend is designed to assist newly hired certified teachers defray relocation expenses and related costs. Reimbursement will occur when the guidelines are met.

Reimbursement Eligibility

Newly hired certified teachers employed full-time.
Distance between the previous residence and the new residence must be at least 50 miles or more away from Jesse Starkey Administration Building (5980 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD 2046).

Consequences of Early Separation

An employee must remain employed on a continuous full-time basis for at least one (1) calendar year, beginning on the date the employee starts with Charles County Public Schools.
If the employee fails to remain employed for the obligated one (1) year of service, Charles County Public Schools reserves the right to seek repayment for the full amount the employee received in the Relocation Assistance Program.

Disbursement

Payments for expenses are paid directly to the employee through the Accounting Department.
All payments will be disbursed within two (2) pay periods of the start date.
Relocation reimbursements are processed in order of receipt of this signed document and delivered to the Accounting Department.
Reimbursable expenses up to $1,600.00
1. 50 miles to 150 miles - $500
2. 151 miles to 400 miles - $1,000.00
3. 401+ miles - $1,600.00

If you have any questions about the Relocation Assistance Program, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 301-934-7255.

HK4E

House Keys for Employees Program (HK4E)

Policies and Procedures

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) participates with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) House Keys for Employees Program (HK4E) through a partnership with the Charles County Commissioners. This employee benefit is available to all benefits-eligible employees who meet the eligibility requirements of the State HK4E Program and have been employed by CCPS for at least one (1) year.

Under the HK4E Program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will match (up to $5,000) any employer's contribution towards an employee's down payment or settlement expenses for a first time home purchase.

Eligibility

Any CCPS permanent employee who is benefits-eligible and has been employed by CCPS at least one (1) year may apply for the program provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
The eligible employee must agree to work for CCPS for an additional three (3) year period unless the employee is released from this requirement through Human Resources.
The home purchase must be financed through the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) with a qualified Maryland Community Development Administration (CDA) lender. Click here to find participating lenders.
To qualify for MMP, and therefore HK4E Program, an applicant's annual household income cannot exceed the established program limits. Click here for Income and Purchase Price Limits.
The amount of home purchase and the amount financed cannot exceed maximum limits as set by MMP.
An employee (an all persons listed on the load) must be a first-time homebuyer and must be purchasing a home in Charles County. First-time home buyer includes those person's not having owned a home within the past three years.
If the home is not located in a Priority Funding Area (PFA), the home must be existing construction. (PFAs can be viewed at https://mmp.maryland.gov/Pages/Property-Information.aspx)
If the home is located in a PFA, the home may be existing construction or new construction.
The purchased home must be used as the buyer's principal residence; investment property is not eligible.

Financial Assistance / Terms and Conditions

CCPS through Charles County Government will offer, as a benefit to eligible employees, a loan in the amount of $5,000 to be used towards the employee's down payment/settlement costs for the purchase of a home, as outlined above.
The loan will accrue 0% interest.
As with the State's match, there will be a lien against the property for the loan.
The loan shall be repaid when the property is sold, transferred or refinanced.
The employee will be responsible for advising their employer if the property for which they received the loan, is sold, transferred or refinanced.
One loan per household.

Processing Procedures

The Office of Human Resources will be responsible for notifying employees of this employee benefit. All state Program information (including current income limits and acquisition and loan limit(s) can be viewed at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx).
Employees participating in the program should provide the following completed documents to the Office of Human Resources four (4) weeks prior to the anticipated settlement date.
The Office of Human Resources completes Section II of the Verification of Partner Contribution and forwards all completed documents to Charles County Government Fiscal Services.
The Office of Human Resources will coordinate with Charles County Government Fiscal Services to ensure that the loan check is issued for settlement.
Once settlement has occurred, a lien is placed against the property for the HK4E loan and employee must forward the settlement statement to the Office of Human Resources within five (5) days from closing.
All the completed documents will be placed in the employee's personnel folder.
When the property is sold, transferred or refinanced, the Human Resources staff ensures the loan is repaid to the County.
Income limits and acquisition and financing limits are updated as necessary on employee information forms.