Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Open Enrollment September 1-30, 2009):

The District's medical insurance coverage through Blue Cross/Blue Shield was renewed on 9/1/2009 and there were several plan changes. Our past plan options HMO 203 and HMO 102 were changed to the small group version. Although some plan benefits changed, the premium cost was very close to last years.

There were also two new plans made available effective 9/1/2009; the HMO 206 and the Slate HSA (POS 7100) plans.

The HMO 206 is similar to the prior year's plan but with slightly different benefits and premiums. The Slate HSA (POS 7100) is a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that is health savings account (HSA) eligible. Under this plan all insureds with single coverage pay the first $1,500 of medical expenses (including drugs) and all insureds with family coverage must pay the first $3,000 of medical expenses (including drugs). Once the deductible has been met, eligible medical expenses are covered in full for the remainder of the plan year(9/1/2009 - 8/31/2010) with the exception of prescriptions which are subject to a $15/$50/50% copayment.

All participants who were in the HMO 203 and HMO 100 plans during the prior plan year were automatically moved over to the new small group replacement plans effective 9/1/2009. However, anyone who wanted to change to one of the new plan options also had the opportunity to do so during Open Enrollment.

Important note: Any individual church can only make two of the four plan options available to its employees. Any new employees can only choose between the HMO 206 and the Slate HSA (POS 7100) plans in the future. Open the comparison below to review plan options and premium cost:

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan Comparison

If you choose either of these options, please download the enrollment form and send the application to Cathy Kelley 7282 State Route 305, Belfast, New York, 14711. For questions and Group Number call her at 585-365-2889.

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Application
  

Independent Health (Open Enrollment January 1-31, 2010):

Our district is able to offer a "High Deductible" planeach (Calendar Year with Open Enrollment January 1-31) thatcarries a much lower monthly premium ($258.41/mth/single and $701.91/mth/family). Download the I Direct High Deductible Plan information, the Pastor's Letter, and the Preventive Services below (You can always call Rev. Neil Koppen at 716-646-0282 with questions).

• I Direct "High Deductible" Plan

• DS Letter On High Deductible To Pastors

• I Direct Preventive Services

If you choose this option, please download the enrollment form and send the application to Cathy Kelley, 7282 State Route 305, Belfast, New York 14711. For questions call her at 585-365-2889.

• I Direct Enrollment Application

Health Savings Accounts:

The I Direct "High Deductible" plan (HDHP) is Health Saving Account (HSA) eligible. HSAs function like a checking account and can be used to pay health deductible and other medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. In 2010 an employer and employee may contribute $3,050 for a single policy holder and $6,150 for a family policy holder to their HSA. M&T Bank, Key Bank, First Niagara and others are now offering HSAs, so check with your local bank to set up your account.