Sacred Heart University offers you and your eligible family members a comprehensive and valuable benefits program. This guide has been developed to assist you in learning about your benefit options.
We encourage you to take the time to educate yourself about your options and choose the best coverage for you and your family.
As a new benefits-eligible employee, you may elect to enroll in the Health and Welfare plans described in this guide.
If you have questions about your benefits, please contact shuhealthbenefits@sacredheart.edu or the Benefits Member Advocacy Center at 800.563.9929 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm ET) or go to www.connerstrong.com/memberadvocacy and complete the fields.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Making Plan Changes
It is important that you choose your benefits carefully. The IRS only allows eligible employees to make changes to their benefit elections once a year, during the Open Enrollment period, unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event, as outlined below.
The following circumstances are some reasons you may change your benefits during the plan year:
• Marriage
• Birth & Adoption
• Divorce or Legal Separation
• Death of spouse or dependent
• Change in coverage through a spouse’s plan
• Loss of dependent status
• Gain/loss of eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid
• Gain/loss of eligibility for a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Receiving a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO)
These special circumstances, often referred to as Qualifying Life Events or life event changes, will allow you to make plan changes outside of the Open Enrollment period. For any allowable changes, you must inform Human Resources, within 30 calendar days of the event to avoid a lapse in coverage. A special 60 day notification period applies to changes related to Medicaid or CHIP eligibility. Changes requested due to a “change of mind” cannot be allowed until the next annual Open Enrollment period.
Dependents
You can enroll eligible family members (these are your “dependents”) during the enrollment process. If you don’t enroll dependents when you first qualify for benefits, you may have to wait until the next annual enrollment period to add your dependents, unless you experience a Qualified Life Event during the plan year.
Who can be a dependent on this plan
You can enroll the following family members:
• Your legal spouse
• Dependent children – yours or your spouse’s
- Dependent children must be:
∗ Dependents are covered until the end of the year in which they turn 26 years of age
- Dependent children include:
∗ Natural children
∗ Stepchildren
∗ Adopted children including those placed with you for adoption
∗ Foster children
∗ Children you are responsible for under a qualified medical support order or court order
∗ Grandchildren in your legal custody
Eligible Employees
Full-time employees are eligible for benefits the first of the month following their date of hire. Full time employees are scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours a week for 40 weeks each year.
If you are a part-time employee and work a minimum of 20 hours per week on a 12-month basis, or a minimum of 25 hours per week for at least 40 weeks per year, then you should refer to the Part-Time Benefits Guide.
CIGNA ONE GUIDE CUSTOMER SERVICE
HAVE BENEFIT QUESTIONS BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO TURN? CIGNA ONE GUIDE HAS ANSWERS. THERE’S A GREAT, BIG, COMPLEX WORLD OF HEALTHCARE OUT THERE. YOUR ONE GUIDE CAN HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF IT ALL.
Now, Your Health Plan Fits You
Your health is unique - different from anyone else’s. With concierge support, courtesy of your employer, your health plan can now be personalized to you.
Your One Guide can help you:
• Understand your plan
- Learn how your coverage works
- Get answers to your health care or plan questions
• Get Care
- Find an in-network health care provider, lab or urgent care center
- Connect with health coaches, pharmacists and more
- Connect with dedicated, one-on-one support for complex health situations
• Save and earn
- Receive cost estimates before you receive care
MEDICAL BENEFITS CIGNA
The following grid outlines our medical plan options administered by Cigna. Employees who enroll in medical coverage will also be enrolled in our base vision plan at no additional cost.
HOW TO FIND AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER
CIGNA
How to Find a Provider
• Go to Cigna.com and select Find a Doctor at the top of the page
• Under How are you covered? Select Employer or School
• Enter the Address, City or Zip of the doctor, dentist or facility
• Search for Doctor by Type enter a specialty or type of doctor, a drop-down of selections will appear Search Doctor By Name, enter the doctor’s name in the search field Search by Health Facilities and Group Practices and enter the health care facility name or type you are looking for, i.e., Hospitals, Urgent Care, Behavioral Health, etc. (a drop-down of selections will appear)
• Continue as guest. Confirm the city, state or zip that you live in and select, Continue. (Do not select, “Continue without a plan” if prompted, since different plans might have different in-network providers). Your search results will appear. Choose Open Access Plus, OA plus, Choice Fund OA Plus, under OAP. Your search results will appear
Questions?
If you have questions prior to enrollment, please call Cigna One Guide at 888.806.5042
PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
CIGNA
Sacred Heart will be utilizing the Cigna Healthcare National Preferred 3-Tier Prescription Drug List Formulary.
How to find if your drug is covered by the Formulary:
• Go to www.cigna.com/druglist
• Select “National Preferred 3 Tier” drug list from the drop down menu
• Choose Search Method: Type in medication name and click “Search” or look for your medication name in the alphabetical list
• Login in to the MyCigna app or myCigna.com
• Use the Price a Medication tool to see how much your medication is covered and costs
Helpful Pharmacy Information Available through myCigna or the mobile app:
• Compare Medication Costs
• Manage all your prescriptions through the My Medications page
• Find in-network retail pharmacies
• View Plan Information
CLAIM EXAMPLES
THE COPAY PLAN VS. THE HDHP PLAN
NOTE: Contributions are based off an employee making between $50,000 - $80,000 per year.
CLAIM EXAMPLES
THE HDHP
- Family
are
MDLIVE FOR ENROLLED CIGNA MEMBERS
Virtual care provides access to high-quality healthcare. more convenient and affordable for you and every covered member of your family. MDLIVE offers a broad suite of convenient virtual care options –available by phone or video, and in English or Spanish
What’s Available?
Primary Care
Easy, fast appointments, referrals, prescriptions, lab work and diagnostic tests
• Preventive care and wellness screenings available at no additional cost
• Manage chronic conditions and establish a relationship with the same primary care provider (PCP) through routine care
• Receive orders for biometrics and blood work at local facilities
Dermatology
Fast, customized care for skin, hair, and nail conditions – no appointment required
• Care for common skin, hair and nail conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, suspicious spots and more
• Upload photos and describe symptoms for boardcertified dermatologists to review
Behavioral Care
Talk therapy and psychiatry from the privacy of home, with no waiting rooms
• Access to licensed therapists and board-certified psychiatrists
• Schedule an appointment that works for you and have recurring sessions with the same provider
• Care for topics such as anxiety, stress, life changes, grief and depression
Urgent Care
Available via E-Treatment, phone or video.
• Convenient, affordable alternative to urgent care centers and the emergency room
• Care for many minor illnesses and injuries, such as infections, cold & flu, and sinus problems
• Includes pediatric care, allowing your child to be seen quickly and from the comfort of their home
Prescriptions available through home delivery or at local pharmacies, if appropriate.
How to Access MDLIVE
• Access MDLIVE by logging into myCigna.com or by using the myCigna® App
• Find the “Talk to a Doctor” button on the homepage. You may have to scroll down
• Select the type of virtual care you need – Medical or Counseling. Estimated cost will be shown Schedule your appointment or start your visit today
VISION BENEFITS
CIGNA
(Fit and Follow-Up)
Tint (solid and gradient)
Standard Plastic Scratch Coating
Standard Polycarbonate (adults)
Standard Polycarbonate (children)
Standard Anti-Reflective Coating Other Add-Ons $15
Below is a summary of our vision plan. The Cigna Customer Care center associates and website, https://eyedoclocator.eyemedvisioncare.com/cigna/en , provide exceptional service to members. Contact Cigna Customer Service Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST and Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm EST at 800.997.1654. Enrolled subscribers will receive a welcome packet and new Vision ID card. * Allowances are one-time use benefits. No remaining balances may be used.
NOTE: Employees enrolled in the medical plan are automatically enrolled in the vision plan at no additional cost. If you are not enrolled in the medical plan, you still have the ability to elect vision coverage. Visit page 14 to see your 2025 employee contributions.
DENTAL BENEFITS
DELTA DENTAL
Below is a summary of our dental plan. The Delta Dental Customer Care center associates provide exceptional service to members. Questions? Contact Delta Dental Customer Service at 800.452.9310 or visit www.deltadentalnj.com
Preventive & Diagnostic Exams, Cleanings, Bitewing X-rays (each subject to frequency limitations), Fluoride Treatment*, Sealants, Space Maintainers
Remaining Basic Fillings, Extractions, Anterior/Bicuspid, Root Canals, Periodontics, Oral Surgery
* Fluoride Treatments are available twice per calendar year for children up to age 18.
** After deductible
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE DENTAL PLAN
DELTA DENTAL
Carryover Max From Delta Dental
This valuable benefit feature allows you to carry over a portion of your unused standard annual maximum benefit limit into the next year, and beyond. You can accumulate part of your unused benefit dollars from a healthy year and use it for services such a bridges, crowns, and root canals.
Carryover Max is easy and automatic.
• To qualify for Carryover Max, you must receive at least one cleaning or one oral exam during the plan year. If you don’t receive a cleaning or exam, you won’t be eligible to carry over any of your benefit dollars to the following year. If you fail to do so, any accumulated carryover will be lost.
• A covered person is eligible for the Carryover Max benefit, if less than half of the standard annual maximum is used in the prior bene
• Carryover Max allows you to carry over up to 25% of the unused portion of your standard annual maximum up to a maximum of $500. For example, if your standard annual maximum is $2,000, and you use $200, you can carry over $450 ($1,800 x 25% = $200)
• The accumulated amount can never exceed your standard annual maximum.
• Standard annual maximum dollars are used Carryover Max dollars are used after the standard annual maximum is met.
Oral Health Enhancement Option
If you have a history of periodontal disease, the Oral Health Enhancement Option offers extra cleanings each year to help protect your health.
Delta Dental’s Oral Health Enhancement Option enables you to receive up to four dental cleanings and/or periodontal maintenance procedures in any combination per benefit period if you have been treated for periodontal (gum) disease in the past. For the additional dental cleaning and/or periodontal maintenance procedures to be covered, you must have had periodontal surgery or periodontal scaling and planning in the past. Details on how to qualify can be found in your benefit booklet.
EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS
MONTHLY
NOTE: To determine your per-pay contributions, divide the above about by 2.
NOTE: Employees who enroll in a University sponsored medical plan will receive base dental plan benefits for themselves at no additional cost.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSA)
CIGNA
Employees can take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account, which allows you to save, using pre-tax dollars, on eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Healthcare FSA Highlights
The Healthcare FSA is a good way to keep expenses down, because it lets you pay for your out-of-pocket health care costs using pre-tax dollars you earn.
• You can use the FSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other eligible medical expenses not paid for by your medical, dental, or vision plans.
• You don’t pay taxes on the money you contribute to your account, and you don’t pay taxes when you use your account to pay eligible health care expenses.
• You can put as much as you want into your own account up to the $3,300 limit.
Dependent Care FSA Highlights
A Dependent Care FSA is used to reimburse eligible expenses related to care of eligible dependents while you and your spouse work.
• You may contribute up to $5,000 per year ($2,500 if married filing separately) to a Dependent Care FSA.
• Qualified dependent day care expenses include before and after school programs, nursey school or preschool, summer day camp, and even adult day care.
Don’t Forget: Use-it-or-lose-it
It is very important that you estimate your annual contributions carefully. Any funds left in your account(s) at the end of the year will be forfeited.
Important Information
Accessing Funds
• Your entire FSA contribution is available to you from day one
• Remaining balance in your account will be forfeited at the end of plan year
Using your debit card
• You will automatically receive a card with your name on it; if your spouse is enrolled, he or she will receive one, too
• Keep receipts for all charges made to your card.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)
CIGNA
Sacred Heart University will help fund your Health Savings Account, if you participate in the HDHP Plan! If you elect coverage in the HDHP Plan, the University will contribute funds into your Health Savings Account (HSA).
Things to Consider Before Electing to Enroll in an HSA:
• Unlike a medical FSA, the money must be in your HSA account before you can use it. However, you do have the option to put more into your account throughout the year.
• The 2025 IRS maximum contribution amounts that can be made into your HSA on a pre-tax basis are $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for employees + 1 or more dependents
- Remember to calculate the University contributions as part of these maximums.
- Anyone 55 or over may also contribute an additional $1,000
• You cannot be enrolled in another group health plan and still be eligible for the SHU HSA. This includes anyone who is covered under a spouse’s plan or who is enrolled in Medicare.
• If your spouse is enrolled in an FSA at his or her company you may not enroll in the HSA at SHU.
• You may not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return and be enrolled in an HSA.
• You may not enroll in the SHU Healthcare FSA, if you have elected the HSA.
• If you use the money in your HSA for any ineligible expenses before age 65, you will be taxed and help responsible for a 20% penalty.
University Contributi ons to your HSA:
• You must be enrolled in the HDHP Plan to receive University contributions.
• University contributes up to $1,000 into the HSA for an employee who chooses individual coverage ($500 in January and $500 in July).
• University contributes up to $2,000 into the HSA for an employee who chooses employee + 1 or family coverage ($1,000 in January and $1,000 in July).
• Your HDHP enrollment effective date must be either January 1st or February 1st to receive the January contribution from the University.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)
CIGNA
Features of HSA Program:
• Automatic Enrollment: If you enroll in the HDHP plan, you will automatically be opened an HSA account through Cigna administered by HSA bank.
• Simplified Claims Experience: Cigna will receive, and process claims from in-network providers. Your claims will be forwarded to the bank, and you can elect to have some or all of the claims paid directly from your HSA. Cigna will then send an Explanation of Benefits as your receipt
• Investment Features: You can elect to invest some of your HSA through HSA Bank’s investment options. You must have $1,000 in your HSA to invest
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY
CIGNA
Our hospital indemnity plan provides fixed payments directly to members when they have a covered inpatient hospital stay.
Plan Highlights
• Base plan offered to HDHP enrollees at no additional cost
• Buy-Up plan offering available to those who would like additional coverage*
• Members can use the money to help pay for medical expenses or everyday expenses (mortgage, daycare, bills, etc.)
• Guaranteed Issue
• HSA compatible
• Benefits paid to the employee
• Simplified claims process
Plan Features
• Lump-sum payment for the first day of inpatient stay, when stay begins during the plan year
• Daily benefit payment beginning on the second day
• Additional per day payment in an intensive care unit (ICU)
For details on this benefit, please see the following page.
*To those HDHP enrollees who would like additional coverage
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY
CIGNA
Provides
Hospital
Hospital Stay (ICU) - Daily Pays
Newborn
Observation
Substance
Mental Disorder Stay - Daily
Pays
Rehabilitation
Important Note: All inpatient stays begin on day 2 and count toward the plan year maximum.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE & CRITICAL ILLNESS
CIGNA
Our Accident & Critical Illness plans provide cash payments directly to the insured to help cover out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles or coinsurance, daycare, utility bills or whatever else they needs as a result of a covered accident or critical illness such as a heart attach, stroke, or major organ failure.
Accident Plan Highlights
• Guaranteed Issue
• Four tier coverage options include:
- Employee
- Employee & Spouse
- Employee & Child(ren)
- Family
• HSA compatible
• Benefits paid to the employee
• Simplified claims process
Critical Illness Plan Highlights
• Guaranteed Issue
• Uni-Tobacco Rates
• Attained age bands
• Four tier coverage options include:
- Employee
- Employee & Spouse
- Employee & Child(ren)
- Family
• NO pre-existing conditions limitations
• HSA compatible
• Benefits paid to the employee
• Simplified claims process
For details on this benefit, please see the following pages.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
CRITICAL ILLNESS
* Please see policy for rest of covered benefits.
LIFE INSURANCE
MUTUAL OF OMAHA
Basic Life and AD&D: 100% SHU Paid
Sacred Heart University provides 100% employer-paid basic life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage through Mutual of Omaha. All benefits eligible employees receive a benefit of 1x basic annual earnings up to a maximum of $500,000.
Supplemental Voluntary Life
Employees can elect voluntary life insurance at an additional cost for themselves and their eligible spouses/children
• Employees: 1-3 x salary up to $500,000 in increments of $1,000
• Spouses: Up to $40,000 benefit amount
• Children: Up to $10,000 benefit amount
Supplemental Life
All benefits-eligible employees have the option to purchase supplemental life insurance coverage for themselves and/or spouse and children.
In order to elect coverage for your spouse or child you must elect employee term life.
Full-time benefit eligible employees receive university sponsored Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
REMINDER: You have the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance coverage.
DISABILITY INSURANCE
MUTUAL OF OMAHA
Short-Term Disability: 100% SHU Paid
Short-Term Disability Insurance is provided to all full-time benefits’ eligible employees of the university at no additional cost. Please refer to the employee handbook for plan specifics.
Long-Term Disability:
Sacred Heart offers two long-term disability plans, core and buy-up. The core plan is 100% SHU paid and the buy-up is available on a voluntary basis.
Please note that you may be required to complete an Evidence of Insurability (EOI) form if you elect supplemental life insurance and or long-term disability coverage during open enrollment. The EOI form will be mailed to your home following receipt of your election. Any coverage change or new election for which EOI is required will not be effective until Mutual of Omaha has approved your request. You will be notified once the approval has been made.
VALUE-ADDED HEALTH SOLUTIONS
BRIGHTLINE, HELLO HEART, AND HINGE HEALTH
Brightline
Brightline is a comprehensive behavioral health solution built for families, children, and teenagers ages 1.5 up to 18 years old. Members will have access to video sessions with behavioral health coaches, personalized care plans, 1:1 video visits with therapists, speech therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and much more in the comfort of your own home. Brightline covers a broad spectrum of families’ needs through one of their three programs: Connect+, Coaching, and Care.
Visit www.hellobrightline.com/benefits to get started. Next, Click “Get started” or “Sign up”.
Hello Heart
Hello Heart utilizes a blood pressure monitor that connects directly with their digital coaching app. Using artificial intelligence, behavioral science, and personalized digital coaching, Hello Heart can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease.
Eligible members over 18 years old who have blood pressure readings over 130/80 or above and/or taking blood pressure medication who start by sending a text to 75706 with code SHU or visit www.join.helloheart.com/SHU to receive instructions to download and login to the Hello Heart smartphone app and a heart monitor will be shipped to your home for FREE!
Key Features
• Easy-to-follow lifestyle tips that are personalized using your readings
• Shareable physician’s reports to better engage with your primary care doctor
• Medication tracking and reminders
• Alerting members of serious risks including hypertensive crisis & irregular heartbeat
Hinge Health
Eligible employees have access to Hinge Health, a digital solution focused on musculoskeletal related treatments and care. Members will have access to an abundance of solutions focused on end-to-end, including a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy focused on physical recovery, health coaches to serve as the catalyst for behavioral change and Physicians & Orthopedic surgeons to provide medical guidance.
Members will have access to a complete suite of technology including wearable motion sensors, access to Virtual Care through the mobile app that provides access to exercise therapy, educational articles, logging of health events, 1:1 Physical Therapy and Health Coach visits. You will also be able to communicate with a member of the care team.
MATERNITY PROGRAM
CIGNA
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies program
Members can enroll in this program before becoming pregnant. Enrolling will give you access to preconception planning tools and resources, including information from the March of Dimes on:
• Eating right
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Taking prenatal vitamins
• Stopping alcohol and tobacco use
• Controlling any medical conditions you may have
To speak with a maternity specialist, please call the toll-free number on the back of your ID card.
A maternity specialist can help you with infertility support as well as support you throughout your entire pregnancy if you are already pregnant.
Your Cigna medical plan may include coverage for a breast pump. Once you reach the 28th week of pregnancy, you can qualify for a breast pump at no additional cost through one of Cigna’s approved breast pump providers. To see a complete list of providers and how to order, please visit SHU’s BenePortal to view the lactation flyer under the my documents tab.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CIGNA
Get real support for real life with our Employee Assistance Program
With Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can get support for everyday issues. Even the stressful ones. You’ll get real solutions for a range of different topics, including:
• Caregiver concerns
• Family and relationships
• Grief and loss
• Emotional health
• Stress management
• Financial or legal issues*
• Job and career support needs
• Community resource needs
Services for all of these concerns – and more – are confidential and available to anyone in your household. Plus, they’re all available at no cost to you.
If already registered, simply log in to myCigna.com to access the Employee Assistance Program under “Coverage.”
Work/Life Program Support for your mind and body
With the Employee Assistance & Work/Life Support Program, you can get support for everyday issues and life challenges. The Employee Assistance & Work/Life Support Program is here to connect you with real people who can help you find real solutions to life’s challenges. These services are all confidential and available at no additional cost to you and anyone living in your household. Learn more about EAP at Cigna.com/realsupport
To access mindfulness exercises and discover stress management techniques, explore our Managing Stress Toolkit at Cigna.com/ManagingStress
• EAP National Wellness Seminars: Take part in monthly seminars year-round on topics that apply to real-life concerns. Watch live or on demand from a computer, smartphone or tablet at: Cigna.com/EAPWebCasts.
• Behavioral Awareness Series: We offer free monthly behavioral health awareness seminars on autism, eating disorders, substance use and children’s behavioral health issues. For more information, visit: Cigna.com/knowledgecenter/ #mentalandemotionalhealth. Suicide Awareness and Prevention: Find crisis resources and information at Cigna.com/SuicidePrevention
Get 1-6 sessions per issue per year with a dedicated, licensed counselor at no cost to you. Start by calling or using live chat to get a referral. Through face-to-face or virtual sessions, get support on a range of topics, such as:
• Relationships and parenting
• Behavioral health and substance use
• Stress management
Confidential phone consultations are available to you and anyone living in your household at no cost. Work with a licensed EAP clinician for 20–30 minutes per phone session. There are no limits to how often you can call for various concerns; you can expect up to two phone sessions per issue.
Home Life Referrals
Get assistance with referrals to community resources and services.
• Child Care: We’ll help you find a place, program or person that’s right for your family.
• Senior Care: Learn about solutions related to caring for an aging loved one.
• Pet Care: From veterinarians to dog walkers, we’ll help you ensure your pets are well taken care of.
Financial and Legal Assistance
• Financial Services Referral: Free 30-minute financial consultations by phone per topic and 25% off tax preparation software.
• Identity Theft: Get a free 60-minute expert consultation by phone for prevention or if you are victimized.
• Legal Consulting: Get a free 30-minute consultation with a network attorney and 25% off select fees.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING PROGRAM
Fight Back With Freedom From Smoking!
The real costs of smoking are staggering…
• FACT: Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year.
• FACT: Smoking-related illness in the U.S. costs more than $300 billion a year, including over $175 billion in direct medical care for adults and $156 billion in lost productivity.
• FACT: 36.5 million Americans are smokers. Of these, nearly half made a quit attempt in the past year.
Unmatched Flexibility
No other program offers in-person, online, phone and selfhelp support resources that let you tailor a program to your unique needs.
Why It Works
Freedom From Smoking assesses each smoker’s readiness to quit and guides them through a three-part process that addresses addiction in a supportive, real-life tone:
• Getting Ready to Quit: Participants explore why they smoke and make a plan that includes behavior change and medication to overcome their addiction
• Quit Day: Participants are guided to take action on Quit Day and focus on saying goodbye to cigarettes and hello to a new smoke free life
• Staying Smoke Free: Participants learn short- and long -term strategies for avoiding relapse and staying smoke free
Questions?
Contact shuhealthbenefits@sacredheart.edu for any additional questions or information on how to sign up.
BENEFITS MEMBER ADVOCACY CENTER
CONNER STRONG & BUCKELEW
Don’t get lost in a sea of benefits confusion! With just one call or click, the Benefits MAC can help guide the way!
The Benefits Member Advocacy Center (MAC), provided by Conner Strong & Buckelew, can help you and your covered family members navigate your benefits. Contact the Benefits MAC to:
• Find answers to your benefits questions
• Search for participating network providers
• Clarify information received from a provider or your insurance company, such as a bill, claim, or explanation of benefits (EOB)
• Rescue you from a benefits problem you’ve been working on
• Discover all that your benefit plans have to offer!
Member Advocates are available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (Eastern Time). After hours, you will be able to leave a message with a live representative and receive a response by phone or email during business hours within 24 to 48 hours of your inquiry.
Contact the Benefits MAC
You may contact the Benefits Member Advocacy Center in any of the following ways:
• Via phone: 800.563.9929, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)
• Via the web: www.connerstrong.com/memberadvocacy
• Via email: cssteam@connerstrong.com
• Via fax: 856.685.2253
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
The resources identified below are available to assist you with any questions that you may have about your benefits.
Protections from Disclosure of Medical Information
We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your personally identifiable health information. Although the wellness program and Sacred Heart may use aggregate information it collects to design a program based on identi fied health risks in the workplace, Sacred Heart’s Wellness Program will never disclose any of your personal information either publicly or to the employer, except as necessary to respond to a request from you for a reasonable accommodation needed to participate in the wellness program, or as expressly permitted by law. Medical information that personally identifies you that is provided in connection with the wellness program will not be provided to your supervisors or managers and may never be used to make decisions regarding your employment.
Your health information will not be sold, exchanged, transferred, or otherwise disclosed except to the extent permitted by law to carry out specific activities related to the wellness program, and you will not be asked or required to waive the confidentiality of your health information as a condition of participating in the wellness program or receiving an incentive. Anyone who re ceives your information for purposes of providing you services as part of the wellness program will abide by the same confidentiality requirements. The only individual(s) who will receive your personally identifiable health information is (are) health coach or your Primary Care Physician in order to provide you with services under the wellness program.
In addition, all medical information obtained through the wellness program will be maintained separate from your personnel records, information stored electronically will be encrypted, and no information you provide as part of the wellness program will be used in making any employment decision. Appropriate precautions will be taken to avoid any data breach, and in the event a data breach occurs involving information you provide in connection with the wellness program, we will notify you immediately.
You may not be discriminated against in employment because of the medical information you provide as part of participating in the wellness program, nor may you be subjected to retaliation if you choose not to participate.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, or about protections against discrimination and retaliation, please contact Human Resources.
ABOUT THIS BENEFITS SUMMARY
This Benefits Summary describes the highlights of the Sacred Heart University Benefits Program in non-technical language. Your specific rights to benefits under this program are governed solely, and in every respect, by the official documents and not the information contained within this Benefits Summary. If there is any discrepancy between the descriptions of the program elements in this Benefits Summary and the official plan documents, the language of the official plan documents shall prevail as accurate. Please refer to the plan-specific documents published by each of the respective carriers for detailed plan information. Eligibility for any benefit plan is determined by applicable plan documents and policies. You should be aware that any and all elements of the Benefits Program may be modified in the future to meet Internal Revenue Service rules or otherwise as determined by Sacred Heart University.
This Benefits Summary may not be reproduced or redistributed in any form or by any means without the express written consent of Sacred Heart University.