Your 2021-2022 Benefits
Medical Benefits
Eligibility
Beginning on January 1, 2021, all public-school employees who work on average a minimum of 17.5 hours per week during the school year or calendar year shall have the right to enroll in a health benefit plan with an employer subsidy to pay for premium and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Employees may elect coverage for themselves, their spouses, domestic partners and other qualified dependents from any of the four (4) tiers (e.g., single, two-person, parent/child[ren] and family) in any of the four (4) plans (e.g., Platinum, Gold, Gold CDHP or Silver CDHP) offered by VEHI. Spouses of employees shall include those by marriage, domestic partnerships, or civil unions.
Summary of Benefits and Coverages
WSESU is pleased to offer their employees health insurance in collaboration with the Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI) through BCBSVT in 2021-2022.
Below is the Plan comparison chart for Licensed Employees
Click the button below for a larger image of the comparison chart for Licensed Employees
And below is the Plan comparison chart for Non-Licensed Employees
Click the button below for a larger image of the comparison chart for Non-Licensed Employees
Employee Cost
Click the button below for a details on plan costs for Licensed Employees
Click the button below for a details on plan costs for Non-Licensed Employees
Carrier Contact Information
BlueCross BlueShield of VT: Medical Insurance
Customer Service: 800-247-2583
Website: www.bcbsvt.com
Documents
2022
2021
Additional Information
Telehealth Benefits
Employees enrolled in any of the BlueCross BlueShield of VT medical plans have access to telehealth services offered through Amwell via phone or video conference, you can consult with a board certified physician to obtain convenient care for minor conditions/symptoms. You are encouraged to register now, so you can avoid this process in the future when circumstances cause to to obtain a consult. Any payments for these services are automatically applied to the out-of-pocket maximum under your plan.
Help Center Contact Information
Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account owned by an individual that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses for the account owner and their dependents. An HSA, which must be paired with an HSA-qualified health plan (like the WSESU sponsored Silver CDHP medical plan), allows employees and employers to make pre-tax contributions to a federally-insured account. All of the money in an HSA (including employer contributions) is owned by the employee even if they leave their job, lose their coverage or retire. The money in an HSA never expires and all funds roll over each year.
WSESU will contribute $2,100 Single/ $4,200 2-Person or Family to a licensed employee’s HSA in 2021-2022.
WSESU will contribute $2,200 Single/ $4,400 2-Person or Family to a non- licensed employee’s HSA in 2021-2022.
In addition, you can contribute your own money to cover any remaining out of pocket expenses. The total maximum contributions ( a combination of the WSESU’s contributions and employee deposits) allowed in 2021 by the IRS are:
- $3,600 for single coverage
- $7,200 for two-person or family coverage
- A catch up contribution of $1,000 can be made if over the age of 55.
The total maximum contributions ( a combination of the WSESU’s contributions and employee deposits) allowed in 2022 by the IRS are:
- $3,650 for single coverage
- $7,300 for two-person or family coverage
- A catch up contribution of $1,000 can be made if over the age of 55.
Distributions from the HSA are tax-exempt if used for qualified expenses. Distributions made for other than qualified medical expenses are subject to income tax and a 20% penalty. Anyone covered by another health insurance plan (Medicare, spouse’s policy) is not eligible for an HSA.
HSA Eligibility
To be eligible for an HSA, an employee must:
- Be enrolled in a qualified HDHP (ie: WSESU’s Silver CDHP Plan)
- Not be claimed as a dependent on another’s tax return
- Not be enrolled in Medicare
- Not be insured under any other medical plan that is not an HDHP
HSA Forms & Information
If you are enrolling in an HSA with WSESU, you will need to complete the HSA form found below and return to HR before any HSA contributions can be made to you and your HSA account.
Health Reimbursement Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is a funding arrangement provided to help offset expenses associated with an IRS qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP). All plans offered by WSESU are qualified plans. But please note, if you are enrolled in the Silver CDHP plan, you have the option of enrolling in the HRA or HSA plan.
WSESU will contribute $2,100 Single/ $4,200 2-Person or Family to a licensed employee’s HRA in 2021-2022.
WSESU will contribute $2,200 Single/ $4,400 2-Person or Family to a non-licensed employee’s HRA in 2021-2022.
These amounts can be used towards your out of pocket medical and prescription expenses and are 100% employer funded.
The HRA is administered by Further in conjunction with BCBSVT and will automatically be established for you if you enroll in the any of the medical plans offered by WSESU unless you have opted to enroll in the HSA and are enrolled in the Silver CDHP plan.
Dependent Care Account (DCA)
The Dependent Care Account allows employees to use pre-tax dollars toward qualified dependent care such as caring for children under age 13 or elder care. In 2021, the annual maximum amount you may contribute to the Dependent Care Account is $5,000 (or $2,500 if married and filing separately) per calendar year. To enroll in this account, you will need to elect it annually during the Open Enrollment period or if you have a qualifying life event.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows employees who do not have a Health Savings Account (HSA) the opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars for unreimbursed medical, dental, vision or other health related expenses. At the time of publishing for 2021 the maximum amount an employee can contribute to an FSA is $2,750. This plan includes a rollover provision that allows employees enrolled in an FSA to rollover up to $550 of unused funds into the next plan year. To enroll in this account, you will need to elect it annually during the Open Enrollment period or if you have a qualifying life event. WSESU also requires a minimum annual election of $300 to enroll.
Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) allows employees who also have a Health Savings Account (HSA) the opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars for unreimbursed dental and vision expenses. Please note: this account does not provide reimbursements for medical expenses. At the time of publishing for 2021 the maximum amount an employee can contribute to an LPFSA is $2,750. This plan includes a rollover provision that allows employees enrolled in an LPFSA to rollover up to $550 of unused funds into the next plan year. To enroll in this account, you will need to elect it annually during the Open Enrollment period or if you have a qualifying life event. WSESU also requires a minimum annual election of $300 to enroll.
Carrier Contact Information
BCBSVT & Further: Health Reimbursement Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
Customer Service: 1-866-999-2605
Website: https://mymoneybcbsvt-member.hellofurther.com/portal/login
Forms & Links
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dependent Care Account (DCA)
Additional Forms & Links
Dental Benefits
Eligiblity
All public school employees who work on average a minimum of 17.5 hours per week during the school year or calendar year are eligible to enroll in the dental benefits offered by WSESU.
Summary of Benefits and Coverages
Below is a summary of services:
Contributions & Rates
Dental Reimbursement for Classified Staff Only:
The Board further provides an allocation of $400 in year one of the agreement, and $500 in year two, for the employee and employee’s family. Allocations will only be provided after proof of payment is submitted to the Business Office.
Please note that 7/1/2021 will be year two, so the reimbursement will be $500.
Please contact Whitney Christmas, Benefits Coordinator, (wchristmas@wsesdvt.org) to submit for reimbursement.
Carrier Contact Information
Cigna: Dental Insurance
Customer Service: 1-800-244-6224
Website: www.mycigna.com
Forms and Plan Documents
Forms
Additional Information
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Eligibility
All active Union and Non-Union employees regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible on the first of the month coinciding with or following date of hire.
Summary of Benefits and Coverages
WSESU provides benefit-eligible employees with the core benefits of life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance. Please click on the button of the class you belong to below for further information on your Life and AD&D benefits:
Please note: If you are in Class 4 for Group Life, you are part of Class 3 for Group AD&D.
Carrier Contact Information
Cigna: Life and AD&D Insurance
Customer Service: 800-362-4462
Website: www.cigna.com
Contributions
Basic Life & AD&D is 100% paid for by WSESU.
Forms & Plan Documents
Cigna Value Added Programs
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Eligibility
All active Union and Non-Union employees regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible on the first of the month coinciding with or following date of hire.
Summary of Benefits and Coverages
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- 100% funded by the employer.
- Benefit is 66 2/3% of basic monthly earnings up to a $6,000 maximum.
- Payment of benefits begin after 60 days from the start of a qualified disability.
Carrier Contact Information
Cigna: Long Term Disability Insurance
Customer Service: 800-362-4462
Website: www.cigna.com
Plan Forms and Documents
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Eligibility
The EAP is open to all employees of WSESU.
Summary of EAP
- Invest EAP offers a number of confidential short term counseling services for mental health, eldercare, parenting techniques and much much more! It is free for all employees and their household members.
- When you call, your call goes to the Invest EAP counselor nearest you. If your local counselor is busy, you can choose to leave a voicemail. If you prefer to speak with someone right away, follow the prompts to speak with a live counselor.
- Find videos, articles, self-assessments and more!
- To register, please contact Human Resources for the organization password.
Carrier Contact Information
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): InvestEAP
Customer Service Toll-Free: 1-800-287-2173
Website: www.investeap.org
Retirement Plan
Summary of Retirement Plans
Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System (VSTRS)
The Vermont State Teachers’ Retirement System (VSTRS) is the public pension plan provided by the State of Vermont for State teachers. It was created in 1947 and is governed by Vermont Statute Title 16, Chapter 55.Please visit the VSTRS website for additional information.
Vermont Municipal Employee Retirement System (VMERS)
Vermont Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (VMERS) is the public pension plan provided by the State of Vermont for participating municipalities’ employees. It was created in 1975 and is governed by Vermont Statute Title 24, Chapter 125.Employees hired after July 1, 2007 that are covered under a Support Staff Agreement have mandatory participation in VMERS, Group A. All employees who work at least 1040 hours per year are required to participate. One’s participation in the retirement plan forms a foundation for retirement income at a later time in life. The plan works by members and the school district making contributions to the fund; the funds are invested and interest earnings are placed in reserve to pay benefits to retired members. Members will make a pre-tax contribution based on their annual salary in the amount set forth by the Office of the Vermont State Treasurer as follows:
FY22 Employee 3.25% Employer 4.75%
For more information on group plans, including the Defined Contribution and the Deferred Compensation plans, please see the VMERS web page.
403b Plan
All employers within the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, each offer a 403(b) Tax Sheltered Account Plan to employees. As an eligible employee you have the ability to participate in the Plan by making voluntary salary reduction contributions to the Plan. For information and forms for setting up a 403(b) account, please visit tsacg.com and review the 403b Plan Instructions form on this page.