We are pleased to offer a complete benefits package to help protect your well-being and financial health. Read this guide to learn about the benefits available to you and your eligible dependents starting July 1, 2026.
Each year during Open Enrollment (OE), you may make changes to your benefit plans. Your benefit choices this year will remain in effect through June 30, 2027. Review these benefit options and select the plans that best meet your needs. After OE you may only change your benefit elections if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
Availability of Summary Health Information
Your plan offers two health coverage options. To help you make an informed choice and compare your options, Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) documents are available on Paylocity or by contacting the Higginbotham HR Services Team.
Important Contacts
866-419-3516
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas 415882 800-521-2227 www.bcbstx.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas VF029618 855-556-8796 www.bcbstx.com
of Omaha GUG0B9J7 800-877-5176 www.mutualofomaha.com Long Term Disability
Mutual of Omaha GLTD0B9J7 800-877-5176
Employee Contributions
Eligibility
for you and your family
You are eligible for benefits if you are a regular, full-time employee working an average of 30 or more hours per week. Your coverage is effective on the first of the month following your date of hire. You may also enroll eligible dependents for benefits coverage. The cost for coverage depends on the benefit and tier level of coverage you choose. When covering dependents, you must select and be on the same plans.
Eligible Dependents
• Your legal spouse
• Children under the age of 26 regardless of student, dependency or marital status
• Children over the age of 26 who are fully dependent on you for support due to a mental or physical disability and who are indicated as such on your federal tax return
MEDICARE NOTICE
If you (and/or your dependents) have Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare in the next 12 months, a federal law gives you more choices about your prescription drug coverage. Please see page 22 for more details.
Qualifying Life Events
Your benefit elections remain in effect for the entire plan year until the following Open Enrollment. You may only change coverage during the plan year if you have a Qualifying Life Event such as:
• Marriage
• Divorce
• Birth or adoption
• Loss of other coverage
You must notify Human Resources within 30 days of the event, or within 60 days for newborns.
Your medical, dental and vision coverages continue through the last day of the month following your separation from employment. Your life, disability, FSA and legal coverages end on the termination date.
The medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) protect you and your family from major financial hardship in the event of illness or injury.
High Deductible Health Plan
The High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) plan allows you to see any provider when you need care, but you will pay less for care when you go to in-network providers. In exchange for a lower perpaycheck cost for medical benefits, you must satisfy a higher plan deductible that applies to almost all health care expenses, including prescription drugs. If you enroll in the HDHP Plan, you may be eligible to open a Health Savings Account (HSA)(see page 13).
Preferred Provider Organization
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan allows you to see any provider when you need care. When you see in-network providers for care, you will pay less and get the highest level of benefits. You will pay more for care if you use out-of-network providers. When you see in-network providers, your office visits, urgent care visits, and prescription drugs are covered with a copay, and most other in-network services are covered at the deductible and coinsurance level.
Preferred Pharmacy Network
When you use a preferred network pharmacy, you will pay the lowest rate for your prescription.
Preferred network pharmacies include Albertsons LLC (including Albertsons Market, Savon, Amigos, Market Street, Randalls, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets), Brookshire’s, HEB, Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s, and other independent pharmacies.
For a full list of participating pharmacies go to www.myprime.com
CVS is not an in-network pharmacy.
BCBSTX Resources
BCBSTX Mobile App
You can go to your mobile device’s app store and download the BCBSTX mobile app. This app can help you stay organized and in control of your health — anytime, anywhere. Log in to:
• Track your account balances and deductibles
• View, fax or email ID card information
• Find doctors or pharmacies
• Refill your BCBSTX home delivery prescriptions and view order history
• View medication costs based on your plan, and search for lower, cost-saving alternatives
Text BCBSTXAPP to 33633 or search BCBSTX in Google Play or the App Store.
Blue Access for Members
Blue Access for Members (BAM) is your secure BCBSTX member website to:
• Check the status of your claims and your claim history
• Confirm which family members are covered under your plan
• View and print Explanation of Benefits (EOB) claims statements
• Locate in-network providers
• Request a new or replacement member ID card or print a temporary member ID card
• Go digital and get access to claims, benefits and more Consult the My Health tab for information on:
• Smoking cessation
• Nutrition
• Fitness
• Obesity
To get started, log on at www.bcbstx.com. Use the information on your BCBSTX ID card to complete the registration process.
Contact BCBSTX
Visit www.bcbstx.com. Call 800-521-2227.
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Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Hope Media provides a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to help offset your calendar year out-of-pocket health care costs. An HRA is an employer-funded account provided for you if you enroll in one of our medical plans.
Meeting the Deductible and Using Your HRA
HDHP Plan – Based on a $3,500 calendar year in-network deductible, the following reimbursement schedule applies:
EMPLOYEE ONLY
PPO Plan – Based on a $1,500 calendar year in-network deductible, the following reimbursement schedule applies:
EMPLOYEE ONLY
Total
from HRA.
How the HRA Process Works
Use your HSA card to pay your portion of the deductible ($3,500/HDHP, $1,500 PPO)
Once you’ve met your deductible, the company will reimburse you up to $1,500
Higginbotham will review your request before reimbursing funds to you Return any funds to your HSA if they were used to pay your deductible
How the HRA Works
• Your HRA is funded entirely through Hope Media’s contributions.
• You must be enrolled in one of our medical plans to receive the funds.
• You can use the HRA to help cover out-of-pocket costs if those costs apply toward your deductible (e.g., inpatient or outpatient hospital expenses, diagnostic testing or emergency room care).
• You can use your HRA to pay for a qualified medical expense if it is not reimbursed from another source (e.g., another group health insurance plan or if you take a tax deduction for those expenses).
Note: If you use your HSA to pay for an expense that is later reimbursed through the HRA, you must return the reimbursed amount to your HSA.
Review your plan documents for full details.
Submitting a Claim
Submit your EOB along with the Higginbotham Claim Form available in the benefits hub (see QR code on page 3). Email flexclaims@higginbotham.net . Fax 866-419-3516.
Dental
Our dental plan helps you maintain good oral health through affordable options for preventive care, including regular checkups and other dental work. Coverage is provided through BCBSTX .
DPPO Plan
Two levels of benefits are available with the DPPO plan: in-network and out-of-network. You may see any dental provider for care, but you will pay less and get the highest level of benefits with in-network providers. You could pay more if you use an out-of-network provider.
Find an In-network Dentist
Visit www.bcbstx.com/provider-finder/dental-group
Call 800-521-2227.
Major Restorative Care Crowns, inlays, onlays, dentures, bridges, implants
Our vision plan offers quality care to help preserve your health and eyesight. Regular exams can detect certain medical issues such as diabetes and high cholesterol, in addition to vision and eye problems. You may seek care from any vision provider, but the plan will pay the highest level of benefits when you see an in-network provider. Coverage is provided through BCBSTX using the EyeMed network, and both the glasses and contact lens benefits are available to members.
Your vision benefit allows you to choose either a full pair of glasses or contacts and frames (without corrective lenses). Your provider must file the claim for contact lenses first and then submit a claim for the frame allowance.
SmartConnect is a specialized program designed for working or retiring adults, as well as their family members, who are eligible for Medicare and may not have fully explored the advantages of Medicare coverage. As an independent Medicare agency, Hope Media Group has partnered with SmartConnect to help you research, compare, and purchase Medicare insurance plans – and SmartConnect does the work for you.
This valuable service is available to anyone 64 ½ or older, or otherwise eligible for Medicare, including your family members.
Learn More
Visit https://gps.smartconnectplan.com/hopemedia to learn more, or www.smartconnectplan.com/schedule to schedule a consultation.
Call 888-611-2143.
Health Care Options
Becoming familiar with your options for medical care can save you time and money.
Non-emergency Care
Telemedicine
Access to care via phone, online video, or mobile app whether you are home, work, or traveling; medications can be prescribed.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Doctor’s Office
Generally, the best place for routine preventive care; established relationship; able to treat based on medical history.
Office hours vary
Retail Clinic
Usually lower out-of-pocket cost than urgent care; when you can’t see your doctor; located in stores and pharmacies.
Hours vary based on store hours
Urgent Care
When you need immediate attention; walk-in basis is usually accepted.
Generally includes evening, weekend, and holiday hour s
Emergency Care
Hospital ER
Life-threatening or critical conditions; trauma treatment; multiple bills for doctor and facility.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Freestanding ER
Services do not include trauma care; can look similar to an urgent care center, but medical bills may be 10 times higher.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Allergies
Cough/cold/flu Rash
Stomachache
Infections
Sore and strep throat
Vaccinations
Minor injuries/sprains/strains
Common infections Minor injuries
Pregnancy tests Vaccinations
Sprains and strains
Minor broken bones
Small cuts that may require stitches Minor burns and infections
2-5 minutes
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding
Blurred or sudden loss of vision
Major broken bones
Most major injuries except trauma Severe pain
15 minutes
Varies
Note: Examples of symptoms are not inclusive of all health issues. Wait times described are only estimates. This information is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions, please call the phone number on the back of your medical ID card.
Telemedicine
A Doctor is Always Ready to See You
Telemedicine provided by BCBSTX and powered by MDLIVE make it easy for you to get the treatment you need, when you need it. Telemedicine is a convenient alternative if it is difficult for you to leave home or work for an in-person office visit or if care is needed after regular office hours. Board-certified doctors are available 24/7 for non-emergency care by phone, online video or mobile app.
MDLIVE doctors can treat a variety of conditions and can write prescriptions, if needed. Common health conditions include:
• Allergies
• Cold/flu
• Fever
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sinus infections
If your situation is not life-threatening, you can avoid crowded waiting rooms, expensive urgent care or ER bills, or waiting weeks to see your doctor. With MDLIVE, you can talk to or see a doctor in minutes. Note: Always go to the emergency room in lifethreatening situations.
Telemedicine with licensed behavioral health therapists are also available by appointment for:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• And more
Create Your MDLIVE Account
• Call MDLIVE at 888-680-8646.
• Access www.mdlive.com/bcbstx
• Text BCBSTX to 635-483.
• Get the MDLIVE app.
Your regular provider may offer telemedicine services, so it’s best to ask now and know what your options are before you need care. They may offer consultations by phone or video during or after normal office hours.
Learn More About Telemedicine
Visit www.mdlive.com/bcbstx
Download the BCBSTX mobile app.
Health Savings Account
An HSA is more than a way to help you and your family cover current medical costs – it is also a tax-exempt tool to supplement your retirement savings and cover future health costs. If you elect to participate in the HDHP plan, Hope Media will contribute $1,000 for employee only coverage and $2,000 for family coverage. The company contributions will be funded quarterly.
An HSA is a type of personal savings account that is always yours even if you change health plans or jobs. The money in your HSA (including interest and investment earnings) grows tax-free and spends tax-free if used to pay for current or future qualified medical expenses. There is no “use it or lose it” rule — you do not lose your money if you do not spend it in the calendar year — and there are no vesting requirements or forfeiture provisions. The account automatically rolls over year after year.
HSA Eligibility
You are eligible to open and contribute to an HSA if you are:
• Enrolled in an HSA-eligible HDHP
• Not covered by another plan that is not a qualified HSA, such as your spouse’s health plan
• Not enrolled in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
• Not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE
• Not receiving Veterans Administration benefits
You can also use HSA funds to pay health care expenses for your dependents, even if they are not covered by the HDHP plan.
Maximum Contributions
Your HSA contributions may not exceed the annual maximum amounts established by the Internal Revenue Service. The annual contribution maximums for calendar year 2026 are based on the coverage option you elect:
You decide whether to use the money in your account to pay for qualified expenses or let it grow for future use. If you are age 55 or older, you may make a yearly catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 to your HSA. If you turn 55 at anytime during the plan year, you are eligible to make the catch-up contribution for the entire plan year.
Opening an HSA
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may open an HSA administered by HSA Bank . You will receive a debit card to manage your HSA account reimbursements. Keep in mind, available funds are limited to the balance in your HSA. BCBSTX will automatically enroll you in the HSA when you enroll in the HDHP plan.
Important HSA Information
Your HSA contribution is based on a calendar year (January through December).
• Always ask your network doctor to file claims with your medical, dental or vision carrier so you will get the highest level of benefits. You can pay the doctor with your HSA debit card for any balance due.
• You, not your employer, are responsible for maintaining ALL records and receipts for HSA reimbursements in the event of an IRS audit.
• You may open an HSA at the financial institution of your choice, but only accounts opened through HSA Bank are eligible for automatic payroll deduction and company contributions.
Flexible Spending Accounts
An FSA allows you to set aside pretax dollars from each paycheck to pay for certain IRS-approved health and dependent care expenses. We offer three different FSAs: two for health care expenses and one for dependent care expenses. Paylocity administers our FSAs.
Health Care FSA
The Health Care FSA covers qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses for you or your eligible dependents. You are entitled to the full election from day one of your plan year. Eligible expenses include:
• Dental and vision expenses
• Medical deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
• Prescription copays
• Hearing aids and batteries
You may not contribute to a Health Care FSA if you enrolled in an HDHP plan and contribute to an HSA.
Limited Purpose Health Care FSA
A Limited Purpose Health Care FSA is available if you enrolled in the HSA medical plan and contribute to an HSA. You can use a Limited Purpose Health Care FSA to pay for eligible out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses only, such as:
• Dental and orthodontia care (i.e., fillings, X-rays and braces)
• Vision care (e.g., eyeglasses, contact lenses and LASIK surgery)
How the Health Care and Limited Purpose Health Care FSAs Work
You can access the funds in these FSAs two different ways:
• Use your FSA debit card to pay for qualified expenses, doctor visits and prescription copays.
• Pay out-of-pocket and submit your receipts for reimbursement:
» Phone number - 800-631-FLEX (3539)
» Fax - 314-909-6983.
» Email - batinfo@paylocity.com.
To access the employee spending accounts portal, log in to HR & Payroll and navigate to Spending Accounts.
Dependent Care FSA
The Dependent Care FSA helps pay for expenses associated with caring for elder or child dependents so you or your spouse can work or attend school full-time. You can use the account to pay for daycare or babysitter expenses for your children under age 13 and qualifying older dependents, such as dependent parents. Reimbursement from your Dependent Care FSA is limited to the total amount deposited in your account at that time. To be eligible, you (and your spouse, if married) must be gainfully employed, a full-time student, or incapable of self-care.
Dependent Care FSA Guidelines
• Overnight camps are not eligible for reimbursement (only day camps can be considered).
• If your child turns 13 midyear, you may only request reimbursement for the part of the year when the child is under age 13.
• You may request reimbursement for care of a spouse or dependent of any age who spends at least eight hours a day in your home and is mentally or physically incapable of self-care.
• The dependent care provider cannot be your child under age 19 or anyone claimed as a dependent on your income taxes.
Important FSA Rules
• The maximum per plan year you can contribute to a Health Care or Limited Purpose Health Care FSA is $3,400. The maximum per plan year you can contribute to a Dependent Care FSA is $7,500 when filing jointly or head of household, and $3,750 when married filing separately.
• You cannot change your election during the year unless you experience a QLE.
• You can continue to file claims incurred during the plan year for another 90 days (September 30).
• Your Health Care or Limited Purpose Health Care FSA debit card can be used for health care expenses only. It cannot be used to pay for dependent care expenses.
• The IRS has amended the “use it or lose it” rule to allow you to carry over up to $680 in your Health Care FSA into the next plan year. This carryover rule does not apply to your Dependent Care FSA.
Limited Purpose Health Care FSA
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
Most medical, dental and vision care expenses that are not covered by your health plan (such as copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, eyeglasses and doctor-prescribed over-the-counter medications)
Dental and vision care expenses that are not covered by your plan (such as eyeglasses, contacts, LASIK eye surgery, fillings, X-rays and braces)
Maximum contribution is $3,400 per plan year1
Dependent Care FSA
Dependent care expenses (such as daycare, afterschool, or eldercare programs) so you and your spouse can work or attend school full-time
Maximum contribution is $3,400 per plan year1
Saves on eligible expenses not covered by insurance, reduces your taxable income
Saves on eligible expenses not covered by insurance, reduces your taxable income
Maximum contribution is $3,750 per year ($3,750 if married and filing separate tax returns per plan year1) Reduces your taxable income
1Plan year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
FSAstore.com
FSAstore.com offers thousands of FSA-eligible products and services to buy using your Paylocity Benefits Debit Card or any major credit card. Save up to 40% using your FSA pretax dollars through competitive pricing and free shipping on orders over $50. Shop directly at www.FSAstore.com or have your doctor submit prescriptions (when required). Search a database of more than 300,000 health care providers for nearby eligible services, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. The FSAstore.com Learning Center answers common questions and keeps you informed about changes to your FSA benefits.
Life and AD&D Insurance
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance through Mutual of Omaha are important to your financial security, especially if others depend on you for support or vice versa. With Life insurance, you or your beneficiary(ies) can use the coverage to pay off debts, such as credit cards, loans and bills. AD&D coverage provides specific benefits if an accident causes bodily harm or loss (e.g., the loss of a hand, foot or eye). If death occurs from an accident, 100% of the AD&D benefit would be paid to you or your beneficiary(ies). Life and AD&D coverage amounts reduce by 35% at age 65, and 50% at age 70.
Basic Life and AD&D
Basic Life and AD&D insurance are provided at no cost to you. You are automatically covered at $50,000 for each benefit.
Voluntary Life and AD&D
You may buy more Life and AD&D insurance for you and your eligible dependents. If you do not elect Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance when first eligible, or if you want to increase your benefit amount at a later date, you may need to show proof of good health. You must elect Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage for yourself before you may elect coverage for your spouse or children. If you leave the company, you may be able to take the insurance with you.
Employees currently enrolled can increase their benefit by $10,000 up to the Guaranteed Issue amount without Evidence of Insurability (EOI). This is for the employee only.
Employees not enrolled, spouses not enrolled, and spouses who want to increase their benefit are all subject to EOI.
VOLUNTARY LIFE AVAILABLE COVERAGE
You
Spouse (coverage ends when the employee turns age 70)
Child(ren)
• Increments of $10,000, up to five times salary, maximum $300,000
• New hire Guaranteed Issue $150,000
• Increments of $5,000, up to $300,000, or 100% of employee amount
• New hire Guaranteed Issue $50,000
• Six months to age 26 – $10,000
Designating a Beneficiary
A beneficiary is a person or entity you elect to receive the death benefits of your Life and AD&D insurance policies. You can name more than one beneficiary and change beneficiaries at anytime. If you name more than one beneficiary, you must identify how much each beneficiary will receive (e.g., 50% or 25%).
Note: Spouse premiums are based upon employee age.
Conversion – Portability – Waiver of Premium
Upon termination of employment, you have the option to continue your company-paid Life and AD&D insurance and pay premiums directly to Mutual of Omaha. These company-paid Life and AD&D insurance policies may be converted to individual policies. Portability is available for Life coverage if you are enrolled in additional Life coverage. Portability is not available for AD&D. If you are disabled at the time your employment is terminated, you may be eligible for a Waiver of Premium while you are disabled. Contact the Human Resources Department for a Conversion, Portability, or Waiver of Premium application.
to comfort others
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance provides partial income protection if you are unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. We provide Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance at no cost to you through Mutual of Omaha.
Short Term Disability
STD coverage pays a percentage of your weekly salary if you are temporarily disabled and unable to work due to an illness, non-workrelated injury, or pregnancy. STD benefits are not payable if the disability is due to a job-related injury or illness. If a medical condition is job-related, it is considered workers’ compensation, not STD.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Benefits Begin 8th day
Percentage of Earnings You Receive 70%
Maximum Weekly Benefit
$2,500
Maximum Benefit Period 13 weeks
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
None
Long Term Disability
LTD insurance pays a percentage of your monthly salary for a covered disability or injury that prevents you from working for more than 90 days. Benefits begin at the end of an elimination period and continue while you are disabled up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA).
LONG TERM DISABILITY
Benefits Begin 91st day
Percentage of Earnings You Receive 60%
Maximum Monthly Benefit $10,000 Maximum Benefit Period SSNRA
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion 3/12*
*Benefits may not be paid for any condition treated within three months before your effective date until you have been covered under this plan for 12 months.
Retirement Plan
A 403(b) plan can be a powerful tool to help you be financially secure in retirement. Our 403(b) plan through Envoy Financial can help you reach your investment goals.
How the Retirement Plan Works
You are eligible to participate in the plan upon employment, and if you are at least 21 years of age. Hope Media Group will match 100% of your contributions up to 5% beginning the first of the month following one year of service. You may contribute up to the 2026 IRS limit.
You decide how much you want to contribute and can change your contribution amount anytime. All changes are effective as soon as administratively feasible and remain in effect until you update or stop your contributions. You also decide how to invest the assets in your account and may change your investment choices anytime. For more details, refer to your 403(b) Enrollment Guide or contact Envoy Financial at 888-879-1376
Enrollment
You must enroll through Envoy Financial at www.envoyfinancial.com or by calling 888-879-1376. For more information or assistance, contact customer service.
» Call: 888-879-1376
» Email: participant@envoyfinancial.com
» Chat: www.envoyfinancial.com
Vesting
You are fully vested upon enrollment and first contributions.
Investment Options
You may direct your contributions to any of the investments offered within the company 403(b) plan. Changes to your investments can be made by calling 888-879-1376.
Additional Programs
The following programs are included with your Mutual of Omaha coverage and are available to you and your eligible dependents at no additional cost.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential program to help you find solutions for personal or workplace issues. Benefits for you and your eligible dependents include unlimited telephone access to EAP professionals and up to four face-to-face sessions with a counselor, including legal consultations. Help is available 24/7 for the following:
• Mental Health issues
• Financial issues
• Family/relationship issues
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Grief issues
• Parenting/eldercare
• Other personal concerns
Visit www.mutualofomaha.com/eap
Call 800-316-2796
Hearing Discount
Along with your Disability benefits, Mutual of Omaha also offers you a hearing discount program at no additional cost. This program gives you access to free hearing testing, a low-price guarantee, a 60-day risk-free trial period and two years of batteries with purchase. To activate your benefit, call 888-534-1747. A patient care advocate will assist in finding a hearing care provider near you and scheduling an appointment for a free hearing screening.
Call 888-534-1747
Worldwide Travel Assistance and Identity Theft
This program provides travel assistance for you and your dependents if you travel more than 100 miles from home. Representatives can help with trip planning or assist in an emergency while traveling. They can find translation, interpreter or legal services and assist with lost baggage, emergency funds, and document replacement. They can also help if your identity has been stolen, with education, prevention and recovery information.
Call 800-856-9947
Will Preparation
Creating a will is an important investment in your future. You can create a personalized will that keeps your information safe and secure in just minutes.
Visit www.willprepservices.com for assistance anytime and use code MUTUALWILLS to register.
LegalShield/IDShield
Affordable Attorney Access and Legal Fees
LegalShield is offered at an affordable cost for personal legal needs and allows you to talk to an attorney about any personal legal issue. Whether the issue is big, small or somewhere in between, your LegalShield provider law firm can offer advice or assistance on a variety of personal legal issues, including:
• Personal legal advice on unlimited issues
• Letters and calls made on your behalf
• Contracts and documents reviewed (up to 15 pages)
• Residential loan document assistance
• Lawyer-prepared will, living will and health care power of attorney
• Moving traffic violations (available 15 days after enrollment)
• IRS audit assistance
• Trial defense (if named defendant or respondent in a covered civil action suit)
• Uncontested divorce, separation, adoption and/or name change representation (available 90 days after enrollment)1
• 25% preferred member discount for legal situations that fall outside of those fully covered. Examples include: bankruptcy, criminal charges, DUI, contested divorce and more.
• 24/7 emergency access for covered situations.
1 You must enroll for family coverage to seek services for family-related issues.
Identity Protection
Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. IDShield offers a high-quality identity theft plan to help protect and restore your identity, and it includes comprehensive identity restoration. If you enroll for family coverage1, your spouse and up to 10 dependent children under the age of 26 will also be covered.
• 360 Degree Protection – IDShield monitors your identity, financial accounts, and social media accounts; and it provides device and online privacy reputation management.
• Financial Protection – Get financial account monitoring and a $3 plan for unauthorized electronic fund transfers and identity theft-related expenses.
• Full-service Restoration and Unlimited Consultation –If your identity is stolen, IDShield provides you direct access to a dedicated licensed private investigator, who will restore your identity to its pre-theft status, guaranteed. You can also talk to an identity theft specialist about any identity theft or online privacy concern. In the event of an emergency, IDShield provides 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Mobile App – The IDShield: Protect What Matters app makes it easy for you to protect your identity and privacy, and track your credit score with IDShield’s monthly credit score tracker.
• Real-time Alerts – If a threat is detected to your identity or credit, you will receive an alert. You can view your alerts on the app, member portal or by email.
1 You must enroll for family coverage to seek services for family-related issues.
MemberPerks
Save money at both local and national companies on everyday purchases such as tickets, electronics, apparel, travel, and more.
Go to https://legalshield.perkspot.com/login to get started. Click on the Resources tab, then click on MEMBERPERKS . If you do not already have an account, follow the simple onscreen instructions to start an account with your personal or work email and your LegalShield membership number.
Important Notices
Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998
In October 1998, Congress enacted the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. This notice explains some important provisions of the Act. Please review this information carefully.
As specified in the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, a plan participant or beneficiary who elects breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy is also entitled to the following benefits:
• All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed;
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
• Prostheses and treatment of physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema.
Health plans must determine the manner of coverage in consultation with the attending physician and the patient. Coverage for breast reconstruction and related services may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance amounts that are consistent with those that apply to other benefits under the plan.
Special Enrollment Rights
This notice is being provided to ensure that you understand your right to apply for group health insurance coverage. You should read this notice even if you plan to waive coverage at this time.
Loss of Other Coverage or Becoming Eligible for Medicaid or a state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If you are declining coverage for yourself or your dependents because of other health insurance or group health plan coverage, you may be able to later enroll yourself and your dependents in this plan if you or your dependents lose eligibility for that other coverage (or if the employer stops contributing toward your or your dependents’ other coverage). However, you must enroll within 31 days after your or your dependents’ other coverage ends (or after the employer that sponsors that coverage stops contributing toward the other coverage).
If you or your dependents lose eligibility under a Medicaid plan or CHIP, or if you or your dependents become eligible for a subsidy under Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to enroll yourself and your dependents in this plan. You must provide notification within 60 days after you or your dependent is terminated from, or determined to be eligible for, such assistance.
Marriage, Birth or Adoption
If you have a new dependent as a result of a marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption, you may be able to enroll yourself and your dependents. However, you must enroll within 31 days after the marriage, birth, or placement for adoption.
For
More Information or Assistance
To request special enrollment or obtain more information, contact:
Hope Media Group
Human Resources
21620 Valley Ranch Pkwy
New Caney, TX 77357
281-446-5725
Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare
Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it. This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage with Hope Media Group and about your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. Information about where you can get help to make decisions about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice. If neither you nor any of your covered dependents are eligible for or have Medicare, this notice does not apply to you or the dependents, as the case may be. However, you should still keep a copy of this notice in the event you or a dependent should qualify for coverage under Medicare in the future. Please note, however, that later notices might supersede this notice.
1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this coverage through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage. All Medicare prescription drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.
2. Hope Media Group has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the Hope Media Group medical plan is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays and is considered Creditable Coverage.
Because your existing coverage is, on average, at least as good as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, as long as you later enroll within specific time periods.
You can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare. If you decide to wait to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, you may enroll later, during Medicare Part D’s annual enrollment period, which runs each year from October 15 through December 7 but as a general rule, if you delay your enrollment in Medicare Part D after first becoming eligible to enroll, you may have to pay a higher premium (a penalty). You should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area. See the Plan’s summary plan description for a summary of the Plan’s prescription drug coverage. If you don’t have a copy, you can get one by contacting Hope Media Group at the phone number or address listed at the end of this section.
If you choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and cancel your current Hope Media Group prescription drug coverage, be aware that you and your dependents may not be able to get this coverage back. To regain coverage, you would have to re-enroll in the Plan, pursuant to the Plan’s eligibility and enrollment rules. You should review the Plan’s summary plan description to determine if and when you are allowed to add coverage.
If you cancel or lose your current coverage and do not have prescription drug coverage for 63 days or longer prior to enrolling in the Medicare prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium will be at least 1% per month greater for every month that you did not have coverage for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. For example, if nineteen months lapse without coverage, your premium will always be at least 19% higher than it would have been without the lapse in coverage.
For more information about this notice or your current prescription drug coverage:
Contact the Human Resources Department at 281-446-5725
NOTE: You will receive this notice annually and at other times in the future, such as before the next period you can enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage and if this coverage changes. You may also request a copy.
For more information about your options under Medicare prescription drug coverage:
More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You will get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans. For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage:
• Visit www.medicare.gov.
• Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 877-486-2048
If you have limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is available. Information about this extra help is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA) online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or you can call them at 800772-1213. TTY users should call 800-325-0778
Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you enroll in one of the new plans approved by Medicare which offer prescription drug coverage, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage and whether or not you are required to pay a higher premium (a penalty).
July 1, 2026
Hope Media Group Human Resources 21620 Valley Ranch Pkwy New Caney, TX 77357 281-446-5725
Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) imposes numerous requirements on employer health plans concerning the use and disclosure of individual health information. This information known as protected health information (PHI), includes virtually all individually identifiable health information held by a health plan – whether received in writing, in an electronic medium or as oral communication. This notice describes the privacy practices of the Employee Benefits Plan (referred to in this notice as the Plan), sponsored by Hope Media Group, hereinafter referred to as the plan sponsor.
The Plan is required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this notice of the Plan’s legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information. It is important to note that these rules apply to the Plan, not the plan sponsor as an employer.
You have the right to inspect and copy protected health information which is maintained by and for the Plan for enrollment, payment, claims and case management. If you feel that protected health information about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask the Human Resources Department to amend the information. For a full copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices describing how protected
health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to the information, contact the Human Resources Department.
Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may complain to the Plan and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint. To file a complaint, please contact the Privacy Officer.
Hope Media Group Human Resources 21620 Valley Ranch Pkwy New Caney, TX 77357 281-446-5725
Conclusion
PHI use and disclosure by the Plan is regulated by a federal law known as HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). You may find these rules at 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 160 and 164. The Plan intends to comply with these regulations. This Notice attempts to summarize the regulations. The regulations will supersede any discrepancy between the information in this Notice and the regulations.
Premium Assistance Under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If you or your children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP and you’re eligible for health coverage from your employer, your state may have a premium assistance program that can help pay for coverage, using funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs. If you or your children aren’t eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t be eligible for these premium assistance programs but you may be able to buy individual insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov.
If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and you live in a State listed below, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office to find out if premium assistance is available.
If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office or dial 1-877-KIDS NOW or www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out how to apply. If you qualify, ask your state if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan.
If you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, as well as eligible under your employer plan, your employer must allow you to enroll in your employer plan if you aren’t already enrolled. This is called a “special enrollment” opportunity, and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance. If you have questions about enrolling in your employer plan, contact the Department of Labor at www.askebsa.dol.gov or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272)
If you live in one of the following States, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums. The following list of States is current as of January 31, 2026. Contact your State for more information on eligibility. Alabama – Medicaid
To see if any other States have added a premium assistance program since January 31, 2026, or for more information on special enrollment rights, can contact either:
U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa 1-866-444-EBSA (3272)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services www.cms.hhs.gov 1-877-267-2323, Menu Option 4, Ext. 61565
Continuation of Coverage Rights Under COBRA
Under the Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), if you are covered under the Hope Media Group group health plan you and your eligible dependents may be entitled to continue your group health benefits coverage under the Hope Media Group plan after you have left employment with the company. If you wish to elect COBRA coverage, contact your Human Resources Department for the applicable deadlines to elect coverage and pay the initial premium.
Plan Contact Information
Hope Media Group Human Resources 21620 Valley Ranch Pkwy New Caney, TX 77357 281-446-5725
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.
What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/ or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that have not signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.
You are protected from balance billing for:
• Emergency services – If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You cannot be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you are in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
• Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center – When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be outof-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers cannot balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.
If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-ofnetwork providers cannot balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.
You are never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also are not required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
When balance billing is not allowed, you also have the following protections:
• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly.
• Your health plan generally must:
» Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).
» Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.
» Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
» Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-ofnetwork services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
If you believe you have been wrongly billed, you may contact your insurance provider. Visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more information about your rights under federal law.
New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage
PART A: General Information
Even if you are offered health coverage through your employment, you may have other coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace (“Marketplace”). To assist you as you evaluate options for you and your family, this notice provides some basic information about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. The Marketplace offers “one-stop shopping” to find and compare private health insurance options in your geographic area.
Can I Save Money on my Health Insurance Premiums in the Marketplace?
You may qualify to save money and lower your monthly premium and other out-of-pocket costs, but only if your employer does not offer coverage, or offers coverage that is not considered affordable for you and doesn’t meet certain minimum value standards (discussed below). The savings on your premium that you’re eligible for depends on your household income. You may also be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your costs.
Does Employment-Based Health Coverage Affect Eligibility for Premium Savings through the Marketplace?
Yes. If you have an offer of health coverage from your employer that is considered affordable for you and meets certain minimum value standards, you will not be eligible for a tax credit, or advance payment of the tax credit, for your Marketplace coverage and may wish to enroll in your employment-based health plan. However, you may be eligible for a tax credit, and advance payments of the credit that lowers your monthly premium, or a reduction in certain cost-sharing, if your employer does not offer coverage to you at all or does not offer coverage that is considered affordable for you or meet minimum value standards. If your share of the premium cost of all plans offered to you through your employment is more than 9.12%1 of your annual household income, or if the coverage through your employment does not meet the “minimum value” standard set by the Affordable Care Act, you may be eligible for a tax credit, and advance payment of the credit, if you do not enroll in the employment-based health coverage. For family members of the employee, coverage is considered affordable if the employee’s cost of premiums for the lowest-cost plan that would cover all family members does not exceed 9.12% of the employee’s household income.1, 2
Note: If you purchase a health plan through the Marketplace instead of accepting health coverage offered through your employment, then you may lose access to whatever the employer contributes to the employment-based coverage. Also, this employer contribution – as well as your employee contribution to employment-based coverage – is generally excluded from income for federal and state income tax purposes. Your payments for coverage through the Marketplace are made on an after-tax basis. In addition, note that if the health coverage offered through your employment does not meet the affordability or minimum value standards, but you accept that coverage anyway, you will not be eligible for a tax credit. You should consider all of these factors in determining whether to purchase a health plan through the Marketplace.
When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance Coverage through the Marketplace?
You can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan during the annual Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment varies by state but generally starts November 1 and continues through at least December 15.
Outside the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can sign up for health insurance if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. In general, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain qualifying life events, such as getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or losing eligibility for other health coverage. Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the qualifying life event to enroll in a Marketplace plan.
There is also a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for individuals and their families who lose eligibility for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage on or after March 31, 2023, through July 31, 2024. Since the onset of the nationwide COVID-19 public health emergency, state Medicaid and CHIP agencies generally have not terminated the enrollment of any Medicaid or CHIP beneficiary who was enrolled on or after March 18, 2020, through March 31, 2023. As state Medicaid and CHIP agencies resume regular eligibility and enrollment practices, many individuals may no longer be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage starting as early as March 31, 2023. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering a temporary Marketplace Special Enrollment period to allow these individuals to enroll in Marketplace coverage. Marketplace-eligible individuals who live in states served by HealthCare.gov and either submit a new application or update an existing application on HealthCare.gov between March 31, 2023 and July 31, 2024, and attest to a termination date of Medicaid or CHIP coverage within the same time period, are eligible for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. That means that if you lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage between March 31, 2023, and July 31, 2024, you may be able to enroll in Marketplace coverage within 60 days of when you lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage. In addition, if you or your family members are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP coverage, it is important to make sure that your contact information is up to date to make sure you get any information about changes to your eligibility. To learn more, visit www.HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325
What about Alternatives to Marketplace Health Insurance Coverage?
If you or your family are eligible for coverage in an employmentbased health plan (such as an employer sponsored health plan), you or your family may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in that health plan in certain circumstances, including if you or your dependents were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP coverage and lost that coverage. Generally, you have 60 days after the loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage to enroll in an employment-based health plan. Confirm the deadline with your employer or your employmentbased health plan.
Alternatively, you can enroll in Medicaid or CHIP coverage at any time by filling out an application through the Marketplace or applying directly through your state Medicaid agency. Visit https:// www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip/ for more details.
How Can I Get More Information?
For more information about your coverage offered through your employment, please check your health plan’s summary plan description or contact Human Resources.
The Marketplace can help you evaluate your coverage options, including your eligibility for coverage through the Marketplace and its cost. Please visit www.HealthCare.gov for more information, including an online application for health insurance coverage and contact information for a Health Insurance Marketplace in your area.
PART B: Information About Health Coverage Offered by Your Employer
This section contains information about any health coverage offered by your employer. If you decide to complete an application for coverage in the Marketplace, you will be asked to provide this information. This information is numbered to correspond to the Marketplace application.
3. Employer Name: Hope Media Group
5. Employer Address: 21620 Valley Ranch Pkwy
7. City: New Caney
4. Employer Identification Number (EIN): 74-2162248
6. Employer Phone Number: 281-446-5725
8. State: TX 9. ZIP Code: 77357
10. Who can we contact at this job?: Karla Prothro
11. Phone Number (if different from above): N/A
12. E-Mail Address: kprothro@hopemediagroup. com
As your employer, we offer a health plan to all eligible employees (see the Eligibility section of this guide). This coverage meets the minimum value standard, and the cost of this coverage to you is intended to be affordable, based on employee wages.
1 Indexed annually; see https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-22-34.pdf for 2023.
2 An employer-sponsored or other employment-based health plan meets the “minimum value standard” if the plan’s share of the total allowed benefit costs covered by the plan is no less than 60 percent of such costs. For purposes of eligibility for the premium tax credit, to meet the “minimum value standard,” the health plan must also provide substantial coverage of both inpatient hospital services and physician services.
This brochure highlights the main features of the Hope Media Group employee benefits program. It does not include all plan rules, details, limitations, and exclusions. The terms of your benefit plans are governed by legal documents, including insurance contracts. Should there be an inconsistency between this brochure and the legal plan documents, the plan documents are the final authority. Hope Media Group reserves the right to change or discontinue its employee benefits plans anytime.
