Open enrollment (OE) will run from Monday, November 4 through Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
OE is your annual opportunity to make changes to your medical and dental benefits and/or enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA) for 2025.
Elections made during this time will become effective on January 1, 2025.
Please take time to read this Benefits Briefing. It provides more details about your FCPS benefits as well as any changes for the upcoming plan year.
Updates for 2025
• Significant increases in health plan utilization necessitate benefit plan changes for 2025 under the Cigna plan. No plan changes are occurring to the Kaiser Permanente plan, but both plans will experience premium increases. See more details on page 2.
• Starting January 1, 2025, Cigna Vision will be serviced by EyeMed (previously VSP) for those employees covered under the Cigna Plan.
• Voya replaces MissionSquare for VRS Hybrid Retirement
• The Health Care
will increase to $3,300. A maximum of $660
carried from 2025 to 2026. The Dependent
remains at $5,000 ($2,500 if
separately).
The Challenge of Rising Healthcare Costs
Like other employers nationwide, FCPS and its employees are experiencing rising expenses, as healthcare costs continue to outpace general inflation and claims for services and medications continue to increase.
Most FCPS health plan coverage is self-insured, meaning that FCPS pays all claims for services. During the pandemic, some of these costs decreased as many routine medical services were postponed or canceled. Many individuals who delayed elective procedures are now undergoing those treatments, resulting in an increase in
utilization of services. Prescription drugs have also driven claims increases. Newly developed medicines often come with higher price tags to account for the expenditures of researching, developing, and complying with regulations for these drugs which also contribute to the overall rise in healthcare expenses.
Unfortunately, as a result of these trends, premiums for 2025 will increase and adjustments to copays are necessary. FCPS continues to work with our vendors to ensure employees have access to quality, comprehensive coverage that is comparable to other jurisdictions.
With this said, changes are being made to the Cigna plan design. These updates aim to ensure members have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare while also lessening the financial impact felt by the premium increases.
Please view the chart below to see what’s changing with the Cigna plan for 2025. Please note: all amounts are in network unless otherwise specified.
COBRA 3
1 All benefits-eligible employees in active status pay the same rates, regardless of if part-time or full-time. Employees have deductions taken January-June, then again September-December.
2 Employees and their spouses who both work for FCPS in benefits-eligible positions can receive a premium discount: -2-Employee Dental rates reflect an employee contribution of 20% of the total premium. -2-Employee Medical Family rates are the same as Employee + 1 coverage. -2-Employee Medical Employee + 1 rates are not provided; it is less expensive for two employees to enroll in Individual medical coverage rather than Employee + 1 medical coverage. If you are eligible but not receiving the 2-Employee discount, complete the FCPS Two Employee Spouse Discount form (HR-134), and submit during Open Enrollment. As a reminder, employees are required to notify the Office of Benefit Services within 30 calendar days of any event that would cause an employee to qualify for (or cease to be eligible for) the discounted rate; including marriage, divorce, termination of employment, or commencement/termination of a leave of absence.
3 COBRA premiums apply to employees/dependents who are eligible and have elected COBRA continuation coverage. Premiums are paid monthly (over 12 months) on a direct bill basis.
Plan Updates for 2025
Cigna Vision Announces a New Partnership with EyeMed
Starting January 1, 2025, Cigna Vision will be serviced by EyeMed (previously VSP) for those employees covered under the Cigna Plan. While the vendor partnership is changing, your vision benefits will stay the same.
FCPS recognizes the importance of vision care, which is why our medical plan offerings include vision coverage. Routine eye exams can detect early signs of eye diseases and vision loss, allowing you to take action to protect your sight.
With the new EyeMed partnership:
• 85% of the providers currently accessed by FCPS participants will remain in network with EyeMed.
Additionally, 50% of the providers that are currently out-of-network will now be in network through EyeMed.
• Over 43,000 in-network vision providers, including access to 24,000 independent provider locations, and over 11,000 retail providers are included in the network, such as LensCrafters, Costco Optical, Walmart Vision Center, Target Optical, and Pearle Vision.
• Expanded access to online providers including LensCrafters.com, Ray-Ban.com, Glasses.com, TargetOptical.com and ContactsDirect.com.
• Discounts on additional pairs of glasses, nonprescription sunglasses, and on laser vision correction services (LASIK) available through Cigna Healthy Rewards
While out-of-network coverage is available, you’ll get the most savings if you choose an in-network eye doctor. Although the change is effective in January, you can view the EyeMed providers now by going to Cigna’s website and selecting “EyeMed” from the provider list. Effective January, EyeMed information will be available on myCigna.com, including online booking availability, preferred language options, brands of eye care products sold, and more!
Change in Copayments and Vision Provider Means New ID Cards
By January, you will have a new Cigna medical card with an updated phone number and claims address reflecting the EyeMed partnership. Your new ID card will also reflect the changes in copays and coinsurance for 2025. Be sure to provide the new card to your providers starting January 1. See what it will look like below.
Retirement Updates and Resources
Voya Replacing MissionSquare for VRS Hybrid Plan Members
Effective January 1, 2025, Voya will replace MissionSquare as the record keeper for the 401(a) and 457(b) accounts through VRS. This change impacts only VRS members who are enrolled in the Hybrid retirement plan; Plan 1 and Plan 2 members do not have these accounts through VRS. Generally speaking, employees hired after January 1, 2014, and enrolled in VRS, are members of the VRS Hybrid Plan.
Beginning in 2025, participants can make voluntary contribution changes monthly to their VRS 457(b) accounts through Voya. Voya will manage contributions to and distributions from plan accounts, answer questions and provide account statements and educational materials.
Your account details, investments, contribution elections and beneficiaries will automatically transfer to Voya. You are not required to take any action. You will receive more information from Voya, mailed to your home address. Please visit dcp.varetire.org/transition for additional details or to register for a transition information webinar hosted by Voya.
In the meantime, it’s important for VRS Hybrid Plan members to make sure your information is up to date in both myVRS and the Defined Contribution Plans (DCP) Account Access through www.varetire.org. If you need help accessing your accounts, please contact MissionSquare at 1-877-327-5261. Please note this change does not impact the defined contribution plans administered by FCPS (through Empower Retirement and Corebridge).
Retirement Catch-up Updates
New contibution limits and guidelines
Each year, the IRS announces the contribution limits to 403(b)/457(b) retirement plans to include the catch-up contribution limit for participants who are age 50 and older. Starting January 1, 2025, in the years you turn ages 60, 61, 62 and 63, you can save an extra catch-up amount above the age 50 catch-up contribution limit. The IRS hasn’t announced the 2025 limits yet. Once available, the new limits will be posted on the Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan webpage.
Grow Your Retirement
The 403(b) and 457(b) deferred compensation plans allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars through convenient payroll deductions to save for retirement. You choose a percentage of your salary to be invested in mutual funds available you select inside the retirement plan. Please note:
• The 403(b) plan is available for all FCPS employees, including temporary/hourly employees.
• The 457(b) plan is available to full-time and part-time salaried employees of FCPS. If you are eligible for the 457(b), you may participate in both plans.
Visit the Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan webpage for more information.
If you are a VRS Hybrid Plan member, you may want to consider enrolling in the VRS Hybrid 457 component of your retirement plan. Not only will you contribute more to your Hybrid Retirement Plan, but you will receive partial matching contributions from FCPS. Visit the VRS Hybrid 457 page
Finding Personalized Assistance
Open Enrollment Resources
There are many resources available to help answer your benefits questions and guide you in making important decisions, such as the FCPS Open Enrollment webpage, vendor websites, member service centers, and ALEX Benefits Counselor. During open enrollment, the Office of Benefit Services (OBS) also hosts in-person and virtual open houses where you can speak with both FCPS staff and benefits vendors. See the schedule below:
In-Person Open House
• Wednesday, November 13, 4–7 p.m.
Annandale High School Cafeteria 4700 Medford Dr, Annandale, VA 22003 Get directions.
FCPS benefits vendors and Human Resources staff will be available at in-person and virtual open houses. UConnect suppport will also be available.
Virtual Open Houses
• Tuesday, November 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Pre-register for this session.
• Thursday, November 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Pre-register for this session.
• Monday, November 18, 4–7 p.m. Pre-register for this session.
Use the links above to pre-register for a session. Once registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address you provided. On the day of the event, use the session link to access the virtual open house.
One-on-One Assistance with Your Medical Plan
FCPS has teamed up with Cigna and Kaiser Permanente to offer virtual appointments during open enrollment. While plan representatives will be available at the open houses, these virtual meetings offer a convenient way to get personalized help, especially if you want to talk about your specific health needs or need detailed support with your claims.
Cigna
--
Kaiser Permanente
One on One Appointment availability: Mondays, Appointment availability: Virtual Help Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 12 - 4 p.m.
Use the Cigna Online Scheduler to make an appointment.
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Use the KP Online Scheduler to make an appointment.
Immediate Call Cigna’s OneGuide Service Team: Call KP’s Member Services: Assistance • 1-877-501-7992
• Available 24/7
• 1-800-777-7902 or TTY 711
• Available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. (except holidays)
Self-directed Go to https://my.cigna.com or download the Go to https://kp.org or download the Kaiser Online Support MyCigna app.
Use MyCigna to view your plan benefits, including claims information and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements, search for a provider, and access costmodeling tools. You can also access your virtual Cigna ID card.
Permanente app.
Use your KP account to email your doctor, schedule and manage appointments, order and refill prescriptions, check most test results, print vaccination records, and so much more! You can also access your virtual KP ID card.
Resources for Expectant Parents
Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Program
Just a reminder that Paid Parental Leave (PPL) benefits went into effect July 1, 2024, for eligible employees. This program offers eligible employees 8 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster placement, providing valuable support during these important life transitions. PPL start dates will vary based on your role as a parent:
• Birthing Parents: PPL begins the first workday after your Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits end (if approved). For less-than-12-month employees who give birth over the summer break and may not qualify for STD, PPL will start on the first contracted workday of the new school year.
• Non-Birthing, Adoptive, or Foster Parents: You can choose when to begin your PPL within 30 calendar days from the date of the child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
We hope this program helps make this important time a little easier for families by offering much-needed paid time off. For more information, visit the Paid Parental Leave webpage.
Expectant Parent Workshops
To help employees plan and prepare for childbirth and childcare-related leaves, the Disability and Leaves team offers virtual Expectant Parent Workshops. The next workshops will be held on:
• Thursday, November 14, 4-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 10, 4-5 p.m.
Pre-registration is required. To sign up for a session, please register through MyPDE.
Lactation Support Program
In recognition of the well-documented health advantages of breastfeeding for infants and mothers, and in conjunction with section 4207 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Health Care Reform), Fairfax County Public Schools provides a supportive environment to enable lactating employees "reasonable break times" and private, non-restroom locations, to express their milk during the work day for the first year of the child's birth. More details are posted on the Lactation Support Hub page.
Prenatal/Postnatal Resources
If you’re enrolled in an FCPS medical plan, you have access to multiple prenatal and postnatal resources!
• Cigna members can utilize the Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program, which provides one-on-one support with Cigna Health Advocates (Registered Nurses), personalized online resources for pregnancy and postpartum care, and postpartum screening and depression. Go to https://my.cigna.com to learn more!
• Kaiser Permanente members have access to comprehensive maternity care, including specialized prenatal care, sonograms, genetic screening (if prescribed by a doctor), and lactation support, along with online classes and on-the-go care at no extra cost. A dedicated team supports you through every trimester, offering perinatal programs for high-risk pregnancies, breastfeeding, newborn care, and preparation for childbirth. Go to https://kp.org to learn more!
Understanding Your Health Plan Options
ALEX®, the online benefits counselor, is an interactive online tool that will walk you through your FCPS benefit options and provide personalized assistance along the way. Access ALEX at https://start.myalex.com/fcps from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, or scan the QR code to the right.
Below is an overview of the FCPS medical plans available to you. ALEX can generate a larger side-by-side comparison chart and additional plan details pages that you can print out for easy reference during open enrollment.
BASIC INFO
Who You’re Covering
Premium Amount
Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP) Kaiser Permanente Signature HMO
Individual = You; Employee+1 = You + 1; Family = You + 2 or more
IN-NETWORK DEDUCTIBLE AND MAXIMUMS
Deductible (Individual/Family)
Out-of-pocket Maximum (Medical) (Pharmacy)
Refer to the 2025 Benefit Premium Chart
$400 (Individual) / $800 (Family)
Beginning in 2025, the aggregation method for the family deductible will change. All claims incurred by the family will contributed toward the deductible.
$3,250 (Individual) / $6,500 (Family)
$1,500
IN-NETWORK COPAYS/COINSURANCE LEVELS
(all amounts are after deductibles are met, unless otherwise specified)
Preventive Care
No deductible
$2,000 (Individual) / $4,000 (Family)
$2,000
Fully covered - no deductible Fully covered
Primary Care Physician Visits* You pay a $25 copay
Specialist Visits*
You pay a $50 copay
Mental Health Office Visit You pay a $50 copay
You pay a $20 copay
You pay a $40 copay
You pay a $20 copay
Emergency Room Visits* You pay a $300 copay, then 10%** You pay a $250 copay
Urgent Care
You pay 10%**
You pay a $20 copay
In-patient* (hospitalization) You pay a $250 copay, then 10%** You pay a $150 copay
Telemedicine
You pay a $25 copay
OUT-OF-NETWORK COINSURANCE COVERAGE
You pay a $0 copay
Coinsurance Levels You pay 10%** for behavioral health You pay 30%** for all other services n/a
PRESCRIPTION BENEFIT COVERAGE
(included with your medical plan; no additional premium cost)
(included with your medical plan; no additional premium cost)
Benefit Provided Through Cigna Vision (EyeMed)
ADDITIONAL PLAN DETAILS
Website https://cigna.com/fcps
Phone Number 1-877-501-7992
Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy
Up to 60-day supply, you pay: Generic: $10 copay Brand, Preferred: $20 copay Brand, Non-Preferred: $35 copay
Kaiser Permanente Optical Centers
https://my.kp.org/fcps
1-800-777-7902
Note: All amounts are in network unless otherwise specified. The above is a high-level summary only. We encourage to review the plan documents for more complete information. In case of a discrepancy, plan documents prevail. Plan documents can be found at the websites listed above.
* All amounts are after deductibles are met, unless otherwise specified.
** Coinsurance applies to allowed amounts for covered services.
Getting the Most from Your Health Plan
It’s important to understand your insurance plan so you can make a good choice based on your needs and budget. Start by looking at the Health Plan Premium Chart on page 3 to see how much you’ll pay for your health insurance premiums. As a reminder, employees have deductions taken January-June, then again September-December (October-December for biweekly-paid employees). Deductions are not taken in July and August.
While FCPS health plans offer comprehensive coverage, health plans vary in provider options and additional costs beyond your premium. Understanding health insurance terms can help you choose the right plan. Take a moment to review the terms below:
A fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service (like a doctor’s visit, hospital outpatient visit, or prescription drugs). For example, you might pay a $25 copay for primary care visits and a $50 copay for specialty care visits.
The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance starts to pay.
The Cigna plan has a deductible.
For example, a plan with a $400 deductible would mean that you pay the first $400 of covered services. All FCPS health plans cover
The percentage of a covered in-network or out-of-network health care service you pay. This often applies after you’ve paid your deductible.
For example, if the health insurance plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 certain preventive services without charging you a copay or coinsurance, even if you haven’t yet met your yearly deductible. and you’ve met your deductible, a 30% coinsurance payment would be $30. The FCPS plan pays the rest.
Out-of-pocket maximum
The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on deductibles, copays, and
coinsurance, your health plan pays 100% of the costs of covered essential health benefits. The out-of-pocket limit doesn’t include your monthly premiums. It also doesn’t include anything you may spend for services your plan doesn’t cover
Knowing where to go can save you money!
When you need medical care, you have choices! If your family doctor ’s office is closed and you need care for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, consider using a participating walk-in clinic or an urgent care center. You are typically seen more quickly, and it can cost you less money than an Emergency Room (ER) visit.
Call or see your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for your regular medical care or most urgent needs.
• Check-ups or physicals
• Flu shots and other vaccines
• Common illnesses, like colds, sore throats, and ear infections
• Common injuries, like muscle spasms and sprains
• Health advice
• Routine tests
• Referral to a specialist
• Your regular medical care
Note:
Go to Urgent Care for common things that need to be treated soon, but your PCP is unavailable (like after hours or on a weekend).
Urgent Care Centers cost more than walk-in clinics but less than the ER.
• Allergic reactions that are not life-threatening
• Animal or insect bites
• Bad cold or flu symptoms
• Cuts requiring stitches
• Eye infections or irritation
• Urinary tract infections
• Sprains and spasms
Go to the Emergency Room for serious life/limb threatening conditions.
• Broken bones
• Chest pain
• Head or eye injury
• Poisoning or overdose
• Severe burns
• Sign of stroke, like difficulty speaking, numbness/weakness
• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Trouble breathing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
Save Money with an FSA
If you know in advance about some of your medical and/or childcare needs for 2025, enrolling in a flexible spending account (FSA) can save you money.
FSAs allow you to set aside some of your paycheck on a pre-tax basis to reimburse yourself for expenses, meaning additional tax savings for you! By estimating what you might spend on doctor/dentist visits, prescriptions, or daycare in 2025, you can stash money in your FSA now, making it easier to cover costs later.
FSAs offered by FCPS:
• The Health Care FSA is used for eligible medical, dental, prescription, and vision care expenses for yourself and dependents that you are eligible to claim on your income tax return. The maximum annual contribution to the Health Care FSA is $3,300 for 2025. A maximum of $660 can be carried from 2025 to 2026.
• The Dependent Care FSA is used for eligible daycare-type expenses for dependents you are eligible to claim on your income tax return. The maximum annual contribution continues at $5,000 ($2,500 for married filing separately). Dependent Care funds can’t be carried over to 2026.
You must enroll to participate in an FSA for 2025!
Current FSA participants are not automatically re-enrolled for next year. Log into your UConnect account to enroll in one (or both) FSAs during open enrollment (November 4-19).
What to Expect if You Enroll:
In December, new participants will receive an Optum Bank Debit MasterCard®. Current participants will be able to use their debit card from 2024 into 2025.
You can use your card to pay for eligible health care expenses, such as paying for a copay at your doctor’s office or at the pharmacy. You may also use your card to pay for dependent day care expenses if your provider accepts Mastercard. Optum may require documentation
!to approve the transaction, so remember to keep an itemized receipt that shows the date of service. You can also submit claims through the Optum website or mobile app.
Claims are processed daily, and Optum deposits your reimbursement into the account you designate. Reimbursements are made via direct deposit, so be sure to set up your Optum Bank FSA account and designate the bank account to which your reimbursement will occur.
Important note about using the FSA debit card! The card can only be used to pay for current year expenses. Therefore, you cannot use the card in 2025 to pay for expenses incurred in 2024. Prior year expenses must be submitted via claim form.
Your Path to Wellness with FCPS
The Employee Wellness Team would like to remind you about the many programs and resources available through the FCPS Wellness Program. Our mission is to educate, empower, and energize you to take care of your health, improve your work/life balance and boost your productivity.
Amongst the many programs available are the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Guidance Resources, Wellbeats virtual wellness platform, Refresh from Stress (RFS), various wellness challenges, on-site activities, as well as the annual wellness incentive program. We also collaborate closely with our healthcare partners to bring you the best in wellness support.
Your well-being is our priority. Let’s work together to achieve a healthier, happier you!
Employee Assistance Program
Supporting Your Work-Life Balance
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), in partnership with Guidance Resources, is a free benefit available to all FCPS employees and their household members. Designed to support a healthy work-life balance, the EAP provides 24/7 access to resources, information, and support for navigating life’s challenges. EAP Services include:
• Confidential counseling (up to 6 sessions per calendar year)
• Mindfulness and emotional wellbeing support
• Work and lifestyle resources
• Legal and financial guidance and tools
• Elder care support services
• Digital support and self-care tools via the KOA Care 360 platform
• Free online will preparation and estate planning
To get started, call the FCPS dedicated line at 855-355-9097 or register for a login account at www.guidanceresources.com (Enter Web ID: FCPS). For more information, visit the EAP Hub page.
Wellbeats
The Virtual Wellness Platform
FCPS Employee Wellness continues to use Wellbeats, an on-demand virtual wellness platform. With Wellbeats, benefiteligible employees have access to over 1,400 workouts, nutrition, and mindfulness classes using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Wellbeats offers expert-led fitness activities, mindfulness breaks, and movements centered around creativity, learning, and exploration. The platform also offers fitness classes for kids of all ages. Employees can now add up to five additional people onto their account to access Wellbeats. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, Wellbeats has a starting place for you. Get started by visiting the Wellbeats website at https://portal.wellbeats.com/home.
Important Reminders
Don't forget your seasonal immunizations!
As colder weather approaches and we stay indoors more often, it's a good idea to make sure you are up to date on all routine and seasonal vaccines. These immunizations play a crucial role in keeping you and your family healthy. See how to get yours below:
• Kaiser Permanente members will want to visit a KP facility to receive a no-cost immunization. Please be sure to bring your photo ID and your KP card.
• Cigna members can receive no-cost preventive vaccines, such as shingles, flu, or tetanus, at their doctor's office, or through Cigna’s network of retail pharmacy providers, such as Walgreens, Walmart, Giant, or Safeway. Please present your Cigna card when obtaining vaccines at these locations. CVS is not a participating location for vaccines (other than the seasonal vaccines listed below).
Seasonal vaccines, such as the flu shot or COVID-19 booster, can also be obtained at no-cost through your CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit. You will want to go to a CVS retail pharmacy or participating non-CVS retail pharmacy, such as Walgreens or Rite-Aid. You will need to use your CVS Caremark card. For more details, please visit the Vaccine Coverage webpage
Earn up to $100 through wellness incentives!
The Employee Wellness Team has partnered with our health plan vendors –Cigna and Kaiser Permanente – to provide you with a Wellness Incentive Program designed to support and reward your wellness efforts with gift cards of up to $100 per year. All you need to do is engage in some smart preventive healthcare measures!
Employees who are enrolled in an FCPS health plan (the primary cardholder) may earn up to a $100 gift card reward by completing their annual physical and laboratory (biometric) screenings. This incentive is in addition to the prizes you can win by participating in our wellness challenges that occur each year.
The Wellness Incentive program will run through December 31, 2025.
You can view your health plan’s wellness incentive details, including instructions for getting started, on the Employee Wellness Incentive Hub page.
The Leave Donation Program
Friendly reminder that the FCPS allows a voluntary transfer of sick leave balances between specific employees. Both the donor and recipient must meet specific program requirements outlined below:
• The leave donor must donate to a specific recipient (the employee needing leave) and complete the Leave Donation form. The donor must be actively working and be able to maintain at least 180 hours of leave after the requested leave transfer. Donations cannot exceed 160 hours per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
• The leave recipient is the employee receiving the sick leave transfer. The recipient must be eligible to earn sick leave and must have exhausted all available leave balances. Additionally, the recipient must be on approved FMLA (excluding paid short-term disability), pending worker’s compensation, or pending short-term disability. The recipient can receive leave from multiple donors but will not be provided their names.
Your Open Enrollment Checklist
Before Open Enrollment:
Log in to UConnect to verify your personal information is correct, such as your mailing address, phone number, and your dependent(s) SSN(s).
“Talk” to ALEX Benefits Counselor to get personalized benefits assistance. Visit www.myalex.com/fcps
Review your health care claims to help estimate your out-of-pocket expenses for 2025. Think about enrolling in a FSA to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. See page 10
If you will be requesting coverage for your spouse and/or dependent children who are not currently covered under an FCPS plan, begin gathering legal documentation required to add them to your plan. Due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19.
During Open Enrollment:
Review your Benefits Briefing carefully as you consider your plan choices. Take advantage of the many open enrollment resources available to you.
Log in to UConnect and review your elections for calendar year 2025. Make changes if needed.
L If you participated in an FSA in 2024, you must re-enroll to continue in 2025.
Unless you are making changes and/or enrolling in an FSA, you do not need to do anything! If you added dependents, don’t forget to submit supporting documentation!
Confirm your 2025 benefits through UConnect. Click on “My Benefits”, then “Current Benefits”, and changing the “Effective Date” to “01/01/2025”. Be sure to print or save a screenshot of your elections for your records.
You have until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19 to make changes if needed.
After Open Enrollment:
If you changed plans during open enrollment, look for new ID cards in late December or early January.
Employees covering spouse/dependent children, please note: FCPS must request your spouse/dependent child(ren)’s SSN for reporting health plan View the Dependent enrollment to the IRS. Eligibility Chart!
If you are requesting coverage for your spouse and/or dependent children, you must provide documentation to support eligibility for coverage. View the Dependent Eligibility Chart for the list of acceptable documents. You may scan and upload your documents through StaffConnect or fax your documents to 571 423 5000.
Your dependent’s coverage cannot be made effective until the Office of Benefit Services receives appropriate legal documentation.
Your Benefits and the Law
Medicare Prescription Drug (Medicare D) Plan Informationforcoveredemployees/dependentsage65 orolder.
All FCPS medical plans include prescription
drug coverage that is currently more comprehensive than the Medicare prescription drug plan. As an active employee, your FCPS medical coverage is primary to Medicare and you do not need to enroll in a Medicare Rx (Medicare D plan). For more information, see “Important Notice from Fairfax County Public Schools about Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare” in the Employee Benefits Handbook.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage
An updated Summary of Benefits and Coverage for each medical plan is available on the FCPS website. Go to www.fcps.edu and search "SBC" for more information. These documents are also available on each medical vendor’s website.
Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
If you have had or are going to have a mastectomy, you may be entitled to certain benefits under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). For individuals receiving mastectomyrelated benefits, coverage will be provided (in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient) for:
• 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
• Prostheses
• Treatment of physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema
These benefits are subject to the same deductible and coinsurance applicable to other medical and surgical benefits provided under the plan. Refer to the summary plan documents available on each vendor's website for more information.
Medicaid & the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Offer Premium Assistance for Health Coverage for Children and Families
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: www.askebsa.dol.gov or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
FCPS offers leave support under the federally-mandated Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of leave annually for eligible employees. When medically necessary or otherwise permitted under FMLA, eligible employees may take leave continuously, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule. FCPS coordinates other qualifying leaves (paid or unpaid) with FMLA and within the annual entitlement under FCPS’ Integrated Disability Management program. Income replacement is made available either through leave balances or participation in the appropriate leave program. More information about FMLA is available on the FCPS FMLA website or in Regulation 4835. For questions, submit a ticket via StaffConnect or call 571-423-3200.
Financial Benefit Notices
FCPS 403(b) Universal Availability Notice
All Fairfax County Public Schools employees (contracted and temporary hourly) are eligible to participate in the FCPS 403(b) plan. It is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan available to employees of public educational institutions and certain tax-exempt organizations. Go to www.fcps.edu and search keyword “403b” for more information.
FCPS Plans Comply with Non-Discrimination Provisions of the Affordable Care Act
FCPS health plans comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities). In compliance with the Act, FCPS health plans do not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
FCPS health plans also prohibit denial of health care or health coverage based on an individual’s sex, including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity, and sex stereotyping.
The Plan also provides important protections for individuals with disabilities and enhances language assistance for people with limited English proficiency. Each tagline listed below reads, "If you speak [native language], language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 571-423-3200."
CHINESE (繁體中文)
FRENCH (Français)
ATTENTION: Si vous parlez Français, des services d’assistance linguistique, gratuits, sont à votre disposition. Composez le 571-4233200.
GERMAN (Deutsch)
ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutschsprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlose Sprachassistenzdienste zur Verfügung. Rufen Sie 571-423-3200 an.
HINDI (�हंद�)
ध्यान
IBO (Igbo asusu)
Ntị : Ọ bụrụ na ị na-ekwu okwu n'ala Igbo , asụsụ aka ọrụ , n'efu , dị ka gị. Akpọ 571-423-3200
KOREAN (한국어)
주의: 한국어를구사하는경우, 무료로 언어 지원 서비스를 이용할 수 있습니다. 571-423-3200으로 전화하십시오
KRU (Ɓàsɔɔ-wùɖù-po-nyɔ)
Dè ɖɛ nìà kɛ dyéɖé gbo: Ɔ jǔ ké m Ɓàsɔɔ-wùɖù-po-nyɔ jǔ ní, nìí, à wuɖu kà kò ɖò po-
) ﻓﺎرﺳﯽ PERSIANFARSI(
RUSSIAN (Русский)
SPANISH (Español)
-423-3200.
ATENCIÓN : Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame a 571423-3200.
TAGALOG (Tagalog)
PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. Tumawag sa 571-423-3200.
