Important Things to Know for 2011 -2012

1. Your benefits plan year runs from September 1st to August 31st of every year.



2. Financial Benefit Services Toll Free # is (800) 583-6908. Please do not hesitate to call this number should you have any questions regarding your benefits and the enrollment process.



3. NEW Benefit – New to LifeSchool’s employees will be the option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This is an account that each employee can put pre-tax funds into and use towards medical, dental or vision care expenses. In addition, these funds can be used for prescription drugs as well. The annual maximum contribution is $2400.00 or $200.00 per month. This is an excellent way to save money by eliminating taxes on all contributions to the FSA account. Important to note is that this is a “Use it or Lose it” account. According to IRS guidelines any remaining balance left in the account at the close of the plan year will be surrendered and not accessible by the employee. For this reason please be diligent when calculating annual and monthly contributions. For more information and to access a contribution worksheet (to assist in budgeting), please see the benefits and forms section of this website.



4. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) will remain the medical insurance provider for the upcoming 09/01/2011 plan year. For a detailed outline of the benefits offered under your BCBS medical plan please consult the “Benefits and Forms” section of this website.



5. Dearborn National will remain the dental carrier for the upcoming 09/01/2011 plan year. There have been no changes to the premium or the plan design. For a detailed outline of benefits please consult the “Benefits and Forms” section of this website.



6. The Vision plan with UHC will be offered again this year. Both the plan design and the premiums will remain the same. For a detailed plan outline please see the “Benefits and Forms” section of this website.



7. Dearborn National is the new Long Term Disability carrier effective September 1, 2011. Long Term Disability is a benefit provided to every employee at LifeSchool’s who works 30 hours per week. This is is at no cost to you, the employee. Long Term Disability protects your income in the instance of disability caused by an illness or injury. The elimination period for the Long Term Disability plan is 90 days and each eligible employee receives a benefit of 60% of their monthly income not to exceed to $5,000.00 per month. For a detailed explanation of benefits please see the “Benefits and Forms” section of this website.



8. Dearborn National is the new Short Term Disability Carrier effective 09/01/2011. Short Term Disability is a voluntary product offered through your employer LifeSchool’s of Dallas. Like a Long Term Disability plan, Short Term Disability protects your ability to earn an income should you become unable to work due to an injury or an illness. Short Term Disability has a 7 day elimination period, which means that the benefit is payable after an employee has missed work for 7 consecutive days. Benefit amounts of 60% of your salary not to exceed $500.00 per week are available.



9. Each is employee that works 30 hours or more is provided 20,000 of Basic Life insurance and AD&D which is paid for by your employer LifeSchool’s of Dallas.



10. Term Life Insurance will also be offered again for the 09/01/2011 plan year. Dearborn National will be the provider of this plan. Term Life Insurance is a very affordable life insurance product. For this plan year all eligible employees have access to $150,000 of life insurance with no health questions to be asked. It is guaranteed to issue. In addition all spouses have access to 50,000 of life insurance on a guaranteed issue basis (not to exceed 50% of employee benefit), and each dependent child has access to 10,000 of life insurance.



11. Cancer, Accident, Medlink plans are all available through American Public Life for the upcoming 09/01/2011 plan year. These plans are meant to supplement the costs that you have to pay outside of what your major medical plan covers. i.e. deductible, coinsurance, transportation and lodging etc).



12. Employee Assistance Program – Dearborn National provides an employee assistance program for those employees who are seeking counseling to cope with a life event. This includes abusive relationship counseling, legal or financial counseling, drug and alcohol abuse, depression and on the job pressure. For more information, please see the Employee Assistance Outline in the Benefits & Forms section of this website.