Wharton ISD 24-25 Benefits Guide by Riata245

2024 - 2025 EMPLOYEE

WHARTON

INDEPENDET SCHOOL DISTRICT

TABLE OF CONTENT

2024-2025 Section 123 Cafeteria Plan year begins 9/1/2024 and ends 8/31/2025. All benefits elected during the annual open enrollment will be effective 9/01/2024.

Know Your Benefits! Below is a summary of benefits offered through WISD.

• Medical (BCBS) – Health Insurance is provided by TRS ActiveCare. Please visit www.bcbstx.com/ trsactivecare or call 866.355.5999 for questions related to health insurance or prescription benefits.

• TeleMedicine – TelaDoc, grants access to physicians for non-emergency treatment/prescriptions. For questions please contact Teladoc directly at 1-855-TELADOC (835-2362).

• Dental (Unum) – overage for preventive, basic, major, and ortho services. Remember that deductibles annual maximums reset on January 1.

• Vision (Ameritas) – Plan includes coverage for eye exams, materials (such as frames and lenses), and discounts for laser vision correction. The plan has a defined network of providers. Out of network benefits are available on a reimbursement basis only. For more information, including a list of providers visit www.ameritas.com

• Disability (The Hartford) – Your ability to earn income is your most precious financial asset. The Hartford educator income protection plan is designed to provide up to 66 2/3% of your gross income.

• Permanent Life (Texas Life) – Portable, permanent life insurance available for employees, their spouses and dependents. Employees can keep the coverage upon termination or retirement from WISD.

• Group Life (Lincoln) – Wharton ISD provides $10,000 to all benefit eligible employees. Coverage is also available for spouses and dependent children. Group term life insurance is an inexpensive way to protect your family in the event of an unexpected death.

• Critical Illness (Lincoln) – Critical Illness pays a lump sum benefit if the insured is diagnosed with a covered critical illness.

• Accident (MetLife) – Pays benefits for off the job accidents and related treatments. Includes a physical/ wellness exam reimbursement.

• Flexible Spending (TASC) – Tax advantaged plan for out of pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Plan can also be used for childcare expenses. Remember to spend/claim the money in your current reimbursement account by 8/31/2024.

• Health Savings Account – Employees enrolled in ActiveCare HD are eligible to contribute to a HSA or health savings account. All contribution rollover and can be used for future medical, dental, or vision expense.

• OMNI Retirement Plans – WISD offers tax advantaged retirement plans designed to help supplement your TRS retirement benefits. Visit www.omni403b.com for more information.

Covering Dependents?

More Important Information

To include dependents on any of your coverages through WISD you must provide the dependents name, date of birth, and social security number.

Making Changes During Year

Choose your benefits carefully. Several of the employee benefits plan contributions are made on a pre-tax basis and per IRS regulations, contribution amounts cannot be changed unless you experience a qualified life event. Qualifying life events include:

• Marriage, divorce, legal separation;

• Death of spouse or dependent;

• Birth or adoption of a child;

• Changes in employment for spouse or dependents;

• Significant cost or coverage changes;

You must submit your benefit change requests and include required documentation within 30 days of the event. Also note that per the IRS, only changes consistent with the life event are allowed.

New Employees

New employees must enroll within 30 days of their hire date. If employees fail to enroll within the 30 days, all benefits will be waived.

Except for health insurance, plans will be effective on the first of the month following the date of hire. Health Insurance can be effective the date of hire or the first of the month following date of hire. Please be aware that if you choose date of hire as effective date for health insurance, you will be charged for the entire month.

Very Important

Please carefully review your paycheck(s) to ensure all deductions are correct. If you find a discrepancy in your paycheck, please contact U.S. Employee Benefits or WISD payroll as soon as possible to correct. Discrepancies must be communicated within 30 days from the effective date of the policy.

Benefit Related Documents

For contact information, claim forms, benefits guides and more, please visit the Wharton ISD website at www.mybenefitshub.com/whartonisd

Login Process

Whartonisd

On the login page, you will enter your Last Name, Date of Birth, and Last Four (4) of Social Security Number.

THEbenefitsHUB checks behind the scenes to confirm employment status.

Once confirmed, the Additional Security Verification page will list the contact options from your profile.

Select either Text, Email, Call, or Ask Admin options to get a code to complete the final verification step.

Enter the code that you receive and click Verify.

You can now complete your benefits enrollment!

Learn the Terms.

• Premium: The monthly amount you pay for health care coverage.

• Deductible: The annual amount for medical expenses you’re responsible to pay before your plan begins to pay.

• Copay: The set amount you pay for a covered service at the time you receive it. The amount can vary based on the service.

• Coinsurance: The portion you’re required to pay for services after you meet your deductible. It’s often a specified percentage of the costs; e.g., you pay 20% while the health care plan pays 80%.

• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount you pay each year for medical costs.After reaching the out-of-pocket maximum, the plan pays 100% of allowable charges for covered services.

Unum Dental™

Dental Insurance can help you pay for dental exams, cleanings and other services.

How does it work?

Good dental care is critical to your overall well-being. With Unum Dental insurance, you can get the attention your teeth need — at a cost you can afford.

Unum Dental allows you to see any dentist you choose. To get the most from your benefits and reduce out-ofpocket costs, choose an in-network provider by utilizing our large national network. These providers have agreed to file your claims and uphold the highest quality standards. You can find in-network providers at unumdentalcare.com.

Why is this coverage so valuable?

Routine dental care keeps your mouth and whole body healthy.

Your plan is backed by Unum’s commitment to excellence in customer service.

Personalized website to manage your benefits including claims information, ID cards and more.

There’s no waiting period for preventive and basic services.

All Full-Time Employees Policy 915129

What else is included?

Pregnancy benefit

An extra cleaning for expecting mothers in their 2nd or 3rd trimester.

Wellness benefits

Oral cancer screenings for patients 40 and older with high risk factors.

Unumdentalcare.com

Use unumdentalcare.com to search for providers, manage your benefits and learn about good dental health. Features include easy access to ID Cards, claims history and coverage information.

Virtual Dental Visits

24/7 dental care for dental emergencies when an in-person visit isn’t an option. Available for active dental members*. Visit unumdentalcare.com and click Virtual Dental Visits to get started.

Carryover benefits

Members who take care of their teeth, but use only part of their annual maximum benefit during a benefit period are rewarded with extra benefits in future years! Carryover benefits will be accrued and stored in the insured’s carryover account to be used in the next benefit year.

Dental carryover benefit and how it works

Each benefit year a member must have:

• One cleaning,

• One regular exam, and

• Total dental claims for preventive, basic and major covered procedures paid during the year below the threshold limit.

• If all three criteria above are met, a portion of the annual maximum will carry over to the next year.

Other Specifications:

• Each covered family member receives their own carryover benefit.

• Group carryover benefit rider must be in effect for one benefit year before any members can utilize carryover benefits.

• A member must be on the plan for a minimum of three months before accruing carryover benefits.

• Carryover benefit may be used toward preventive, basic and major covered services only

• A member’s carryover account will be eliminated, and the accrued carryover benefits lost if the insured has a break in coverage for any length of time or any reason.

Dependent children

Dependent age guidelines vary by state. Please refer to your policy certificate or call our Contact Center at (888) 400-9304.

Services not listed

If you expect to require a dental service not included on this brochure, it may still be covered. Please call our Contact Center at (888) 400-9304 to confirm your exact benefits.

Alternate treatment

Unum covers the least expensive most commonly used and accepted American Dental Association treatments. Plan members may elect a more expensive treatment, but will be responsible for the cost difference resulting from the more expensive procedure.

CLASS A PREVENTIVE SERVICES

CLASS B BASIC SERVICES

CLASS C MAJOR SERVICES

Waiting Period: None

• Routine exams (2 per 12 months)

• Prophylaxis (2 per 12 months)

–(1 additional cleaning or periodontal maintenance per 12 months, if member is in 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy)

• Bitewing x-rays (maximum of 4 films; 1 per 12 months)

• Fluoride treatment for children up to age 16 (1 per 12 months)

• Sealants for children up to age 16 (permanent molars, 1 per 36 months)

• Full mouth/panoramic x-rays (1 per 36 months)

• Adjunctive pre-diagnostic oral cancer screening (1 per 12 months for ages 40+)

Waiting Period: None

• Space Maintainers

• Emergency Treatment (1 per 12 months)

• Simple restorative services (fillings) –Posterior composite restorations

• Simple extractions

Waiting Period: None

• Oral Surgery (extractions and impacted teeth)

• Anesthesia (subject to review, covered with complex oral surgery)

• Repair of crown, denture or bridge

• Inlays and onlays

• Non-Surgical periodontics

• Surgical periodontics (gum treatments)

• Periodontal maintenance (2 per 12 month in combination with prophylaxis)

• Endodontics (root canals)

• Crowns, bridges, dentures and implants

CLASS D ORTHODONTICS

Waiting Period: None

• Separate Lifetime Maximum: $1,000

• Up to 25% of lifetime allowance may be payable on initial banding

• Dependent children to age 19 only

Refer to your certificate of coverage for the services covered under your plan.

Waiting Period: None

• Routine exams (2 per 12 months)

• Prophylaxis (2 per 12 months) –(1 additional cleaning or periodontal maintenance per 12 months, if member is in 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy)

• Bitewing x-rays (maximum of 4 films; 1 per 12 months)

• Fluoride treatment for children up to age 16 (1 per 12 months)

• Sealants for children up to age 16 (permanent molars, 1 per 36 months)

• Full mouth/panoramic x-rays (1 per 36 months)

• Adjunctive pre-diagnostic oral cancer screening (1 per 12 months for ages 40+)

Waiting Period: None

• Space Maintainers

• Emergency Treatment (1 per 12 months)

• Simple restorative services (fillings) –Posterior composite restorations

• Simple extractions

Waiting Period: None

• Oral Surgery (extractions and impacted teeth)

• Anesthesia (subject to review, covered with complex oral surgery)

• Repair of crown, denture or bridge

• Inlays and onlays

• Non-Surgical periodontics

• Surgical periodontics (gum treatments)

• Periodontal maintenance (2 per 12 month in combination with prophylaxis)

• Endodontics (root canals)

• Crowns, bridges, dentures and implants

Waiting Period: None

• Separate Lifetime Maximum: $1,000

• Up to 25% of lifetime allowance may be payable on initial banding

• Dependent children to age 19 only

Vision Plan Benefits

(elective)

Frequencies (months)

Member cost for lens options (May vary by prescription, options chosen and retail location) Progressive Lenses

to provider's contracted fee for lined Bifocal Lenses. The patient is responsible for the difference between the base lens and the progressive lens charge.

are effective from 9/1/2024 to 9/1/2025.

WHARTON ISD

Policy #: 010-41882

VSP Network

With access to the largest network of independent doctors, VSP members receive services at rates well below walk-in prices at more than 36,000 doctors nationwide. Find a provider at https://www.vsp.com

Online In-network Options

Eyeconic.com is in-network online eyewear store - which means you won't have to pay the full price now, then wait to be reimbursed later. Your vision benefits will be applied directly to your online order. Eyeconic FAQ: https:www.vsp.com/eyewear-question.html

Customer Service

VSP 800-877-7195 www.vsp.com Mon-Fri 5am-8am, Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 7am-7pm (PST)

Additional Savings

Find More VSP exclusive member savings offers at https://www.vsp.com/optical-discounts.html

Based on applicable laws, reduced costs may vary by doctor location.

Laser Vision Surgery

Your vision plan provides an average discount of 15% on LASIK and PRK. Your maximum out-of-pocket per eye is $1,800 for LASIK, $2,300 for custom LASIK using Wavefront technology, and $1,500 for PRK. In order to receive the benefit, a VSP Provide must coordinate the procedure. Getting started is simple; just follow the steps at https://www.vsp.com/lasik.html

Based on applicable laws, reduced costs may vary by doctor location.

Rx Savings

Save on Prescription medications at 60,000 Pharmacies across the nation including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Walmart. Just Present your Rx savings card. To access and print your Rx savings cards, visit ameritas.com, register/sign in to your secure member account and select member savings. This discount is offered at no additional cost and is not insurance.

This document is a highlight of plan benefits provided by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. as selected by your employer. It is not a certificate of insurance and does not include exclusions and limitations. For exclusions and limitations, or a complete list of covered procedures, contact your benefits administrator.

Wharton Independent School District provides this valuable benefit at no cost to you.

Full-Time Employees

Safeguard the most important people in your life.

Think about what your loved ones may face after you’re gone. Term life insurance can help them in so many ways, like covering everyday expenses, paying off debt, and protecting savings. AD&D provides even more coverage if you die or suffer a covered loss in an accident.

AT A GLANCE:

• A cash benefit of $10,000 to your loved ones in the event of your death, plus a matching cash benefit if you die in an accident

• A cash benefit to you if you suffer a covered loss in an accident, suchas losing a limb or your eyesight

• Accident Plus - If you suffer an AD&D loss in an accident, you may also receive benefits for the following on top of your core AD&D benefits: coma, plegia, education, child care, spouse training, and more.

• LifeKeys® services, which provide access to counseling, financial, and legalsupport

• TravelConnect® services, which give you and your family access to emergency medical assistance when you're on a trip 100+ miles from home

You also have the option to increase your cash benefit by securing additional coverage at affordable group rates. See the enclosed life insurance information for details.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Conversion: You can convert your group term life coverage to an individual life insurance policy without providing evidence of insurability if you lose coverage due to leaving your job or for another reason outlined in the plan contract. AD&D benefits cannot be converted.

Benefit Reduction: Coverage amounts begin to reduce at age 70 and benefits terminate at retirement. See the plan certificate for details.

For complete benefit descriptions, limitations, and exclusions, refer to the certificate of coverage. This is not intended as a complete description of the insurance coverage offered. Controlling provisions are provided in the policy, and this summary does not modify those provisions or the insurance in any way. This is not a binding contract. A certificate of coverage will be made available to you that describes the benefits in greater detail. Refer to your certificate for your maximum benefit amounts. Should there be a difference between this summary and the contract, the contract will govern.

LifeKeys® services are provided by ComPsych® Corporation, Chicago, IL. ComPsych®, EstateGuidance® and GuidanceResources® are registered trademarks of ComPsych® Corporation. TravelConnect® services are provided by On Call International, Salem, NH. ComPsych® and On Call International are not Lincoln Financial Group® companies. Coverage is subject to actual contract language. Each independent company is solely responsible for its own obligations.

Insurance products (policy series GL1101) are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Fort Wayne, IN), which does not solicit business in New York, nor is it licensed to do so. Product availability and/or features may vary by state. Limitations and exclusions apply. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations. Limitations and exclusions apply.

Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance

The Lincoln Term Life and AD&D Insurance Plan:

• Provides a cash benefit to your loved ones in the event of your death

• Provides an additional cash benefit to your loved ones if you die or to you if you lose a limb or your eyesight in a covered accident

• Features group rates for Wharton ISD employees

• Includes LifeKeys® services, which provide access to counseling, financial, and legal support services

• Also includes TravelConnect® services, which give you and your family access to emergency medical assistance when you’re on a trip 100+ miles from home

Full-Time Employees of Wharton Independent School District

Benefits At-A-Glance

Employee

Newly hired employee guaranteed coverage amount

Continuing employee guaranteed coverage annual increase amount

Maximum coverage amount

Minimum coverage amount

AD&D coverage amount

Spouse / Domestic Partner

Newly hired employee guaranteed coverage amount

Continuing employee guaranteed coverage annual increase amount

Maximum coverage amount

Minimum coverage amount

AD&D coverage amount

Dependent Children

Day 1 to age 26 guaranteed coverage amount

$150,000

Choice of $10,000 or $20,000

5 times your annual salary ($500,000 maximum in increments of $10,000)

$10,000

Equal to the life insurance amount chosen

$50,000

Choice of $5,000 or $10,000

50% of the employee coverage amount ($250,000 maximum in increments of $5,000)

$5,000

Equal to the life insurance amount chosen

$10,000

What your benefits cover

Employee Coverage

Guaranteed Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage Amount

• Initial Open Enrollment: When you are first offered this coverage, you can choose a coverage amount up to $150,000 without providing evidence of insurability.

• Annual Limited Enrollment: If you are a continuing employee, you can increase your coverage amount by $10,000 or $20,000 without providing evidence of insurability . If you submitted evidence of insurability in the past and were declined for medical reasons, you may be required to submit evidence of insurability.

• If you decline this coverage now and wish to enroll later, evidence of insurability may be required and may be at your own expense.

• You can increase this amount by up to $20,000 during the next limited open enrollment period.

Maximum Life Insurance Coverage Amount

• You can choose a coverage amount up to 5 times your annual salary ($500,000 maximum) with evidence of insurability. See the Evidence of Insurability page for details.

• Your coverage amount will reduce by 50% when you reach age 70

Spouse / Domestic Partner Coverage - You can secure term life and AD&D insurance for your spouse / domestic partner if you select coverage for yourself.

Guaranteed Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage Amount

• Initial Open Enrollment: When you are first offered this coverage, you can choose a coverage amount up to 50% of your coverage amount ($50,000 maximum) for your spouse / domestic partner without providing evidence of insurability.

• Annual Limited Enrollment: If you are a continuing employee, you can increase the coverage amount for your spouse / domestic partner by $5,000 or $10,000 without providing evidence of insurability. If you submitted evidence of insurability in the past and were declined for medical reasons, you may be required to submit evidence of insurability.

• If you decline this coverage now and wish to enroll later, evidence of insurability may be required and may be at your own expense

• You can increase this amount by up to $10,000 during the next limited open enrollment period.

Maximum Life Insurance Coverage Amount

• You can choose a coverage amount up to 50% of your coverage amount ($250,000 maximum) for your spouse / domestic partner with evidence of insurability.

Dependent Children Coverage - You can secure term life insurance for your dependent children when you choose coverage for yourself.

Guaranteed Life Insurance Coverage Options: $10,000

Additional Plan Benefits

Accelerated Death Benefit

Premium Waiver

Conversion

Portability

Seat Belt & Airbag

Common Carrier

Benefit Exclusions

Like any insurance, this term life and AD&D insurance policy does have exclusions.

For life insurance, a suicide exclusion may apply.

Included

Included with AD&D

For AD&D, benefits will not be paid if death results from suicide, or death/dismemberment occurs while:

• Inflicting or attempting to inflict injury to one’s self

• Participating in a riot or as a result of war or act of war

• Serving as a member of the military, including the Reserves and National Guard

• Committing or attempting to commit a felony

• Deliberately inhaling gas (such as carbon monoxide) or using drugs other than those prescribed by a physician and administered as prescribed

• Flying in a non-commercial airplane or aircraft, such as a balloon or glider

• Driving while intoxicated (with a blood alcohol level of .08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of blood)

In addition, the AD&D insurance policy does not cover sickness or disease, including the medical and surgical treatment of a disease.

A complete list of benefit exclusions is included in the policy. State variations apply.

Questions? Call 800-423-2765 and mention Group ID: WHARTONISD.

This is not intended as a complete description of the insurance coverage offered. Controlling provisions are provided in the policy, and this summary does not modify those provisions or the insurance in any way. This is not a binding contract. A certificate of coverage will be made available to you that describes the benefits in greater detail. Refer to your certificate for your maximum benefit amounts. Should there be a difference between this summary and the contract, the contract will govern.

LifeKeys® services are provided by ComPsych® Corporation, Chicago, IL. TravelConnect® travel assistance services are provided by On Call International, Salem NH. On Call International must coordinate and provide all arrangements in order for eligible services to be covered ComPsych® and On Call International are not Lincoln Financial Group companies and Lincoln Financial Group does not administer these Services. Each independent company is solely responsible for its own obligations. Coverage is subject to contract language that contains specific terms, conditions, and limitations.

Group Rates for You

The estimated monthly premium for life and AD&D insurance is determined by multiplying the desired amount of coverage (in increments of $10,000) by the employee age-range premium factor.

Group Rates for Your Spouse / Domestic Partner

The estimated monthly premium for life and AD&D insurance is determined by multiplying the desired amount of coverage (in increments of $5,000) by the employee age-range premium factor.

Group Rates for Your Dependent Children

One affordable monthly premium covers all of your eligible dependent children

Note: You must be an active Wharton Independent School District employee to select coverage for a spouse / domestic partner and/or dependent children. To be eligible for coverage, a spouse / domestic partner or dependent child cannot be confined to a health care facility or unable to perform the typical activities of a healthy person of the same age and gender.

Life Insurance Highlights

For the employee

Flexible Premium Life Insurance to Age 121

Policy Form PRFNG-NI-10

Voluntary permanent life insurance can be an ideal complement to the group term and optional term your employer might provide. Designed to be in force when you die, this voluntary universal life product is yours to keep, even when you change jobs or retire, as long as you pay the necessary premium. Group and voluntary term, on the other hand, typically are not portable if you change jobs and, even if you can keep them after you retire, usually costs more and declines in death benefit.

The policy, purelife-plus, is underwritten by Texas Life Insurance Company, and it has these outstanding features:

High Death Benefit.

• With one of the highest death benefits available at the worksite,1 purelife-plus gives your loved ones peace of mind, knowing there will be significant life insurance in force should you die prematurely.

Minimal Cash Value.

• Designed to provide high death benefit, purelife-plus does not compete with the cash accumulation in your employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Long Guarantees.

• Enjoy the assurance of a policy that has a guaranteed death benefit to age 121 and level premium that guarantees coverage for a significant period of time (after the guaranteed period, premiums may go down, stay the same, or go up).

Refund of Premium.

• Unique in the marketplace, purelife-plus offers you a refund of 10 years’ premium, should you surrender the policy if the premium you pay when you buy the policy ever increases. (Conditions apply.)

Accelerated Death Benefit Rider.

• Should you be diagnosed as terminally ill with the expectation of death within 12 months (24 months in Illinois), you will have the option to receive 92% (84% in Illinois) of the death benefit, minus a $150 ($100 in Florida) administrative fee. This valuable living benefit gives you peace of mind knowing that, should you need it, you can take the large majority of your death benefit while still alive. (Conditions apply.)

You may apply for this permanent, portable coverage, not only for yourself, but also for your spouse, minor children and grandchildren.

Like most life insurance policies, Texas Life policies contain certain exclusions, limitations, exceptions, reductions of benefits, waiting periods and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact a Texas Life representative for costs and complete details.

1 Voluntary and Universal Whole Life Products, Eastbridge Consulting Group, October 2008

See the purelife-plus brochure for details.

Benefit Highlights for:

Long Term Disability – Educator Plan

Wharton Independent School District

What is Long-Term Disability Insurance? Long-Term Disability Insurance pays you a portion of your earnings if you cannot work because of a disabling illness or injury. You have the opportunity to purchase Long-Term Disability Insurance through your employer.

This highlight sheet is an overview of your Long-Term Disability Insurance. Once a group policy is issued to your employer, a certificate of insurance will be available to explain your coverage in detail.

Why do I need Long-Term Disability Coverage?

Most accidents and injuries that keep people off the job happen outside the workplace and therefore are not covered by worker’s compensation. When you consider that nearly three in 10 workers entering the workforce today will become disabled before retiring1, it’s protection you won’t want to be without.

1 Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet 2009

What is disability? Disability is defined in The Hartford’s* contract with your employer. Typically, disability means that you cannot perform one or more of the essential duties of your occupation due to injury, sickness, pregnancy or other medical condition covered by the insurance, and as a result, your current monthly earnings are 80% or less of your pre-disability earnings.

Once you have been disabled for 24 months, you must be prevented from performing one or more of the essential duties of any occupation and as a result, your current monthly earnings are 66 2/3% or less of your pre-disability earnings.

Am I eligible? You are eligible if you are an active employee who works at least 20 hours per week on a regularly scheduled basis

How much coverage would I have?

You may purchase coverage that will pay you a monthly flat dollar benefit in $100 increments between $200 and $7,500 that cannot exceed 66 2/3% of your current monthly earnings. Your plan includes a minimum benefit of 10% of your elected benefit.

Earnings are defined in The Hartford’s contract with your employer

When can I enroll? If you choose not to elect coverage during your annual enrollment period, you will not be eligible to elect coverage until the next annual enrollment period without a qualifying change in family status.

When is it effective? Coverage goes into effect subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. You must satisfy the definition of Actively at Work with your employer on the day your coverage takes effect.

What is does “Actively at Work” mean?

You must be at work with your Employer on your regularly scheduled workday. On that day, you must be performing for wage or profit all of your regular duties in the usual way and for your usual number of hours. If school is not in session due to normal vacation or school break(s), Actively at Work shall mean you are able to report for work with your Employer, performing all of the regular duties of Your Occupation in the usual way for your usual number of hours as if school was in session.

How long do I have to wait before I can receive my benefit?

What is an elimination period?

I already have Disability coverage; do I have to do anything?

What other benefits are included in my disability coverage?

You must be disabled for at least the number of days indicated by the elimination period that you select before you can receive a Long-Term Disability benefit payment.

For those employees electing an elimination period of 30 days or less, if your are confined to a hospital for 24 hours or more due to a disability, the elimination period will be waived, and benefits will be payable from the first day of disability.

The elimination period that you select consists of two numbers. The first number shows the number of days you must be disabled by an accident before your benefits can begin. The second number indicates the number of days you must be disabled by a sickness before your benefits can begin.

If you are not changing the amount of your coverage or your elimination period option, you do not have to do anything. If you want to purchase Long-Term Disability insurance for the first time or change your coverage, please be sure to complete the online enrollment, which indicates your election.

• Workplace Modification provides for reasonable modifications made to a workplace to accommodate your disability and allow you to return to active full-time employment.

• Survivor Benefit - If you die while receiving disability benefits, a benefit will be paid to your spouse, or in equal shares to your surviving children under the age of 25, equal to three times the last monthly gross benefit.

• The Hartford's Ability Assist service is included as a part of your group Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance program. You have access to Ability Assist services both prior to a disability and after you’ve been approved for an LTD claim and are receiving LTD benefits. Once you are covered you are eligible for services to provide assistance with child/elder care, substance abuse, family relationships and more. In addition, LTD claimants and their immediate family members receive confidential services to assist them with the unique emotional, financial and legal issues that may result from a disability. Ability Assist services are provided through ComPsych®, a leading provider of employee assistance and work/life services.

• Travel Assistance Program – Available 24/7, this program provides assistance to employees and their dependents who travel 100 miles from their home for 90 days or less. Services include pre-trip information, emergency medical assistance and emergency personal services.

• Identity Theft Protection – An array of identity fraud support services to help victims restore their identity. Benefits include 24/7 access to an 800 number; direct contact with a certified caseworker who follows the case until it’s resolved; and a personalized fraud resolution kit with instructions and resources for ID theft victims.

How long will my disability payments continue? Can the duration of my benefit be reduced?

Benefit Duration is the maximum time for which we pay benefits for disability resulting from sickness or injury. Depending on the schedule selected and the age at which disability occurs, the maximum duration may vary. Please see the applicable schedules below based on your election of the Premium benefit option.

How long will my disability benefits continue if I elect the Premium benefit option?

For the Premium benefit option – the table below applies to disabilities resulting from injury or sickness:

Age Disabled Benefits Payable

Prior to Age 63

Age 63

Age 64

Age 65

Age 66

Age 67

Age 68

Age 69 and older

Important Details

To Normal Retirement Age or 48 months if greater

To Normal Retirement Age or 42 months if greater

months

Exclusions: You cannot receive Disability benefit payments for disabilities that are caused or contributed to by:

▪ War or act of war (declared or not)

▪ Military service for any country engaged in war or other armed conflict

▪ The commission of, or attempt to commit a felony

Mental Illness, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse:

▪ An intentionally self-inflicted injury

▪ Any case where your being engaged in an illegal occupation was a contributing cause to your disability

▪ You must be under the regular care of a physician to receive benefits.

▪ You can receive benefit payments for Long-Term Disabilities resulting from mental illness, alcoholism and substance abuse for a total of 24 months for all disability periods during your lifetime.

▪ Any period of time that you are confined in a hospital or other facility licensed to provide medical care for mental illness, alcoholism and substance abuse does not count toward the 24 month lifetime limit.

Pre-existing Conditions: Your policy limits the benefits you can receive for a disability caused by a pre-existing condition. In general, if you were diagnosed or received care for a disabling condition within the 12 consecutive months just prior to the effective date of this policy, your benefit payment will be limited, unless: You have been insured under this policy for 24 months before your disability begins. You may also be covered if you have already satisfied the pre-existing condition requirement of your previous insurer. If your disability is a result of a pre-existing condition we will pay benefits for a maximum of 4 weeks.

Your benefit payments may be reduced by other income you receive or are eligible to receive due to your disability, such as:

▪ Social Security Disability Insurance (please see next section for exceptions)

▪ Workers' Compensation

▪ Other employer-based Insurance coverage you may have

▪ Unemployment benefits

▪ Settlements or judgments for income loss

▪ Retirement benefits that your employer fully or partially pays for (such as a pension plan.)

Your benefit payments will not be reduced by certain kinds of other income, such as:

▪ Retirement benefits if you were already receiving them before you became disabled

▪ The portion of your Long -Term Disability payment that you place in an IRS-approved account to fund your future retirement.

▪ Your personal savings, investments, IRAs or Keoghs

▪ Profit-sharing

▪ Most personal disability policies

▪ Social Security increases

This Benefit Highlights Sheet is an overview of the Long-Term Disability Insurance being offered and is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It in no way changes or affects the policy as actually issued. Only the Insurance policy issued to the policyholder (your employer) can fully describe all of the provisions, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of your Insurance

Employees of Wharton Independent School District

Benefits At-A-Glance

Coverage for you

Illness Insurance | Employee

The Lincoln Critical Illness Insurance Plan:

• Provides cash benefits if you or a covered family member is diagnosed with a critical illness or event

• Benefits are paid in addition to what is covered under your health insurance

• Features group rates for employees

• Includes access to a personal health advocate who can assist you in managing healthcare services for you and your entire family

• There are no waiting periods or overall plan maximums

coverage amounts $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 Guaranteed coverage amounts

• You can choose from the coverage amount(s) above

Coverage for your spouse

You can secure Critical Illness Insurance for your spouse when you choose coverage for yourself.

Critical Illness Insurance | Spouse

Guaranteed coverage amounts

• You can choose from the coverage amount(s) for your spouse

Coverage for your dependent children

You can elect Critical Illness Insurance for your dependent children when you choose coverage for yourself.

Critical Illness Insurance | Children

$7,500, or $10,000 (up to 50% of the

• You can choose from the coverage amounts above for your dependent children

Benefit Exclusions

The plan includes only covered conditions or losses that occur when the insurance is in force. Benefits are not payable for any covered conditions or loss caused or contributed to by:

1. suicide, attempted suicide, or any intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane;

2. committing or attempting to commit a felony; participation in a felony; committing a felony;

3. war or any act of war, declared or undeclared;

4. participation in a riot, insurrection or rebellion of any kind; active participation in a riot, insurrection or rebellion; voluntary participation in a riot, insurrection or rebellion; participation in a riot or insurrection; or

5. a covered condition sustained while residing outside the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, or Mexico for more than 12 months. A Covered Condition sustained while residing outside the United States, its possessions, Canada, or Mexico for more than 12 months, unless the Covered Condition is rediagnosed/confirmed in the United States.

Benefits will not be payable if the insured person is incarcerated in any type of penal or detention facility. A benefit for heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest is not payable if the event occurs during a medical procedure.

This is an incomplete list of benefit exclusions. A complete list is included in the policy. State variations apply.

Questions? Call 800-423-2765 and mention ID: WHARTONISD

Critical Illness Insurance Premium

Here’s how little you pay with group rates.

Group Rates for You

Employee | Monthly Premiums

Group Rates for Your Spouse

Spouse | Monthly Premiums

The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company

Please see prior page for product information.

Employees of Wharton Independent School District

Benefits at a glance

If you or a covered family member have to go to the hospital for an accident or injury, hospital indemnity insurance provides a lump-sum cash benefit to help you take care of unexpected expenses anything from deductibles to child care to everyday bills. Because you’re selecting this coverage through your company, you can take advantage of group rates. You don’t have to answer medical questions to receive coverage; this is guaranteed coverage.

Core hospital benefits Plan benefit

Hospital admission

For the initial day of admission to a hospital for treatment of a sickness/an injury

Hospital confinement

For each day of confinement in a hospital as a result of a sickness/an injury

Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) admission

For the initial day of admission to an ICU for treatment as the result of a sickness/an injury

Hospital ICU confinement

For each full or partial day of confinement in an ICU as a result of a sickness/an injury

$1,000 per day up to one day per calendar year

$200 per day up to 30 days per calendar year starting on 2nd day of confinement

$2,000 per day up to one day per calendar year

$400 per day up to 30 days per calendar year starting the 2nd day of confinement

Complications of pregnancy Included

▪ Admission or Admitted means accepted for inpatient services in a hospital or intensive care unit for a period of more than 20 hours.

▪ If admitted to a hospital or ICU within 90 days after being discharged from a preceding stay for the same or related cause, the subsequent admission will be considered part of the first admission.

▪ If both hospital and ICU admission or hospital and ICU confinement become payable for the same day, only the Hospital ICU Admission benefit will be paid

Additional confinement benefits Plan benefit

Newborn care

For each day of confinement to a hospital for routine post-natal care following birth

$100 per day up to 2 days per calendar year

▪ If a newborn baby is confined for treatment of an illness, infirmity, disease, or injury, we will pay the Hospital or ICU confinement benefit instead of the Newborn care benefit.

Receive a cash benefit every year you and any of your covered family members complete a single covered exam, screening, or immunization

Benefit exclusions

General exclusions

The policy covers only sicknesses and injuries that occur while insurance is in force. No indemnities will be paid for a sickness or injury that occurs before the effective date of the insurance. Benefits are not payable for any loss caused or contributed to by:

1. Suicide, attempted suicide, or any intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane*

2. Voluntary intake or use by any means of any drugs, poison, gas, or fumes, except when:

a. Prescribed or administered by a physician

b. Taken in accordance with the physician’s instructions

3. Committing or attempting to commit a felony

4. War or any act of war, declared or undeclared

5. Participation in a riot, insurrection, or rebellion of any kind

6. Participation in an act of terrorism

7. Military duty, including the Reserves or National Guard

8. Travel or flight in or on any aircraft, except as a fare-paying passenger on a regularly scheduled commercial flight, or as a passenger, pilot, or crew member in the group policyholder's aircraft while flying for group policyholder business, provided:

a. The aircraft has a valid U.S. airworthiness certificate (or foreign equivalent)

b. The pilot has a valid pilot's certificate with a non-student rating authorizing them to fly the aircraft

9. Driving a vehicle while intoxicated, as defined by the jurisdiction where the accident occurred

10. Cosmetic or elective surgery, unless the treatment is the result of a covered event

11. Treatment for dental care or dental procedures, unless the treatment is the result of a covered event

12. Treatment of a mental illness*

13. Treatment of alcoholism, drug addiction, chemical dependency, or complications thereof*

14. Treatment through experimental procedures

15. Travel outside the United States and its possessions for the sole purpose of receiving medical care ortreatment

16. Participating in, practicing for, or officiating any semi-professional or professional sport

17. Riding in or driving in any motor driven vehicle for race, stunt show, or speed test

18. Being incarcerated in any type of penal or detention facility

19. Scuba diving

20. Mountaineering or spelunking

21. Bungee cord jumping, hang gliding, sail gliding, parasailing, parakiting, kitesurfing, base jumping, or any similar activities

22. Skydiving, parachuting, jumping, or falling from any aircraft for recreational purposes

23. Residing outside the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, or Mexico for more than 12 months

24. Injury arising out of or during employment for wage or profit

*Exceptions to the exclusions are accepted when substance abuse and mental disorder benefits are selected. This is a partial list of benefit exclusions. A complete list is included in the policy. State variations apply.

As an employee, you can take advantage of this accident insurance plan. Plus, you can add loved ones to the plan for just a little more.

Please see prior pages for product information.

Some benefits have limits on the number of services provided or limit the time frame in which the services must be rendered. See your certificate booklet or policy for more information. This insurance product does not satisfy the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Insurance products are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, which does not solicit business in New York, nor is it licensed to do so. Limitations and exclusions apply.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Accident Insurance Plan Summary

ACCIDENT INSURANCE BENEFITS

With MetLife, you’ll have a comprehensive plan which provides payments in addition to any other insurance payments you may receive. Here are just some of the covered events/services.

Kathy’s daughter, Molly, plays soccer on the varsity high school team. During a recent game, she collided with an opposing player, was knocked unconscious and taken to the local emergency room by ambulance for treatment. The ER doctor diagnosed a concussion and a broken tooth. He ordered a CT scan to check for facial fractures too, since Molly’s face was very swollen. Molly was released to her primary care physician for follow-up treatment, and her dentist repaired her broken tooth with a crown. Depending on her health insurance, Kathy’s out-of-pocket costs could run into hundreds of dollars to cover expenses like insurance co-payments and deductibles. MetLife Group Accident Insurance payments can be used to help cover these unexpected costs.

INSURANCE RATES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Who is eligible to enroll for this accident coverage?

You are eligible to enroll yourself and your eligible family members 8 You need to enroll during your Enrollment Period and be actively at work for your coverage to be effective.

How do I pay for my accident coverage? Premiums will be conveniently paid through payroll deduction, so you don’t have to worry about writing a check or missing a payment.

What happens if my employment status changes? Can I take my coverage with me? Yes, you can take your coverage with you. 9 You will need to continue to pay your premiums to keep your

in force. Your coverage will only end if you stop paying your premium or if your employer offers you similar coverage with a different insurance carrier.

Who do I call for assistance?

Contact a MetLife Customer Service Representative at 1 800- GET-MET8 (1-800-438-6388), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST. Individuals with a TTY may call 1-800-855-2880.

Health Savings Accounts Start saving more on healthcare.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an individually-owned, tax‐advantaged account that you can use to pay for current or future IRS‐qualified medical expenses. With an HSA, you’ll have the potential to build more savings for healthcare expenses or additional retirement savings through self-directed investment options¹ .

How an HSA works:

• You can contribute to your HSA via payroll deduction, online banking transfer, or by sending a personal check to HSA Bank. Your employer or third parties, such as a spouse or parent, may contribute to your account as well.

• You can pay for qualified medical expenses with your Health Benefits Debit Card directly to your medical provider or pay out-of-pocket. You can either choose to reimburse yourself or keep the funds in your HSA to grow your savings.

• Unused funds will roll over year to year. After age 65, funds can be withdrawn for any purpose without penalty (subject to ordinary income taxes).

• Check balances and account information via HSA Bank’s Member Website or mobile device 24/7.

Are you eligible for an HSA?

If you have a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) - either through your employer, through your spouse, or one you’ve purchased on your own - chances are you can open an HSA. Additionally:

• You cannot be covered by any other non-HSA-compatible health plan, including Medicare Parts A and B.

• You cannot be covered by TriCare.

• You cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return (unless it’s your spouse).

• You must be covered by the qualified HDHP on the first day of the month. When you open an account, HSA Bank will request certain information to verify your identity and to process your application.

What are the annual IRS contribution limits?

Contributions made by all parties to an HSA cannot exceed the annual HSA limit set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Anyone can contribute to your HSA, but only the accountholder and employer can receive tax deductions on those contributions. Combined annual contributions for the accountholder, employer, and third parties (i.e., parent, spouse, or anyone else) must not exceed these limits.2

2024 Annual HSA

Contribution Limits

Individual = $4,150

Family = $8,300

2025 Annual HSA

Contribution Limits

Individual = $4,300

Family = $8,350

Catch-up Contributions

According to IRS guidelines, each year you have until the tax filing deadline to contribute to your HSA (typically April 15 of the following year). Online contributions must be submitted by 2:00 p.m., Central Time, the business day before the tax filing deadline. Wire contributions must be received by noon, Central Time, on the tax filing deadline, and contribution forms with checks must be received by the tax filing deadline.

Accountholders who meet these qualifications are eligible to make an HSA catch-up contribution of $1,000: Health Savings accountholder; age 55 or older (regardless of when in the year an accountholder turns 55); not enrolled in Medicare (if an accountholder enrolls in Medicare mid-year, catch-up contributions should be prorated). Spouses who are 55 or older and covered under the accountholder’s medical insurance can also make a catch-up contribution into a separate HSA in their own name.

How can you benefit from tax savings?

An HSA provides triple tax savings.3 Here’s how:

• Contributions to your HSA can be made with pre-tax dollars and any after-tax contributions that you make to your HSA are tax deductible.

• HSA funds earn interest and investment earnings are tax free.

• When used for IRS-qualified medical expenses, distributions are free from tax.

IRS-Qualified Medical Expenses

You can use your HSA to pay for a wide range of IRS-qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, or tax dependents. An IRSqualified medical expense is defined as an expense that pays for healthcare services, equipment, or medications. Funds used to pay for IRS-qualified medical expenses are always tax-free.

HSA funds can be used to reimburse yourself for past medical expenses if the expense was incurred after your HSA was established. While you do not need to submit any receipts to HSA Bank, you must save your bills and receipts for tax purposes.

Examples of IRS-Qualified Medical Expenses4:

Acupuncture

Alcoholism treatment

Ambulance services

Annual physical examination

Artificial limb or prosthesis

Birth control pills (by prescription)

Chiropractor

Childbirth/delivery

Convalescent home (for medical treatment only)

Crutches

Doctor’s fees

Dental treatments (including x-rays, braces, dentures, fillings, oral surgery)

Dermatologist

Diagnostic services

Disabled dependent care

Drug addiction therapy

Fertility enhancement (including in-vitro fertilization)

Guide dog (or other service animal)

Gynecologist

Hearing aids and batteries

Hospital bills

Insurance premiums5

Laboratory fees

Lactation expenses

Lodging (away from home for outpatient care)

Nursing home

Nursing services

Obstetrician

Osteopath

Oxygen

Pregnancy test kit

Podiatrist

Prescription drugs and medicines (over-the-counter drugs are not IRS-qualified medical expenses unless prescribed by a doctor)

Prenatal care & postnatal treatments

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Smoking cessation programs

Special education tutoring

Surgery

Telephone or TV equipment to assist the hearing or vision

impaired

Therapy or counseling

Medical transportation expenses

Transplants

Vaccines

Vasectomy

Vision care (including eyeglasses, contact lenses, lasik surgery)

Weight loss programs (for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician – such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease)

Wheelchairs

X-rays

¹ Investment accounts are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guarantee by the bank. Investment losses which are replaced are subject to the annual contribution limits of the HSA.

2 HSA funds contributed in excess of these limits are subject to penalty and tax unless the excess and earnings are withdrawn prior to the due date, including any extensions for filing Federal Tax returns. Accountholders should consult with a qualified tax advisor in connection with excess contribution removal. The Internal Revenue Service requires HSA Bank to report withdrawals that are considered refunds of excess contributions. In order for the withdrawal to be accurately reported, accountholders may not withdraw the excess directly. Instead, an excess contribution refund must be requested from HSA Bank and an Excess Contribution Removal Form completed.

3 Federal Tax savings are available no matter where you live and HSAs are taxable in AL, CA, and NJ. HSA Bank does not provide tax advice. Consult your tax professional for tax‐related questions.

4 This list is not comprehensive. It is provided to you with the understanding that HSA Bank is not engaged in rendering tax advice. The information provided is not intended to be used to avoid Federal tax penalties. For more detailed information, please refer to IRS Publication 502 titled, “Medical and Dental Expenses”. Publications can be ordered directly from the IRS by calling 1-800-TAXFORM. If tax advice is required, you should seek the services of a professional.

5 Insurance premiums only qualify as an IRS-qualified medical expense: while continuing coverage under COBRA; for qualified long-term care coverage; coverage while receiving unemployment compensation; for any healthcare coverage for those over age 65 including Medicare (except Medicare supplemental coverage).

Advantages of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

A valuable pre-tax benefit with innovative services!

FlexSystem FSA increases your take-home pay by reducing your taxable income. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to save up to 30% on your eligible healthcare and/or dependent care expenses every year by using pre-tax dollars.

Consider how much you spend on healthcare and/or dependent care expenses for you and your qualified dependents in one year:

•prescription drugs/medications.

•medical/dental office visit co-pays.

•eye exams and prescription glasses/lenses.

•vaccinations.

•daycare tuition.

Why not reduce these expenses by using pre-tax dollars instead of after-tax dollars? With rising healthcare costs, every penny counts! By using pre-tax dollars, you are taxed on a lower gross salary, thereby saving money that would otherwise be spent on federal, state and FICA taxes, and thereby you increase your take home pay! Employee salary reductions to a medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA) are limited to $2,700 per Plan Year, indexed for inflation. Check with your employer for your Plan’s maximum annual election amount

How FlexSystem Works

Pre-Tax

FlexSystem FSA is offered through your employer and is adminstered by TASC. When you choose to enroll in a FlexSystem FSA Healthcare and/or Dependent Care, you choose the dollar amount you want to contribute to each account based on your estimated expenses for the upcoming Plan Year. Your contributions will be deducted in equal amounts from each paycheck, pre-tax, throughout the Plan Year The more you contribute to these accounts, the more you save by paying less in taxes! Your total Healthcare FSA annual contribution amount is available immediately at the start of the Plan Year; Dependent Care FSA funds are available up to the current account balance only.

Reimbursements and the TASC Card

As you incur eligible expenses, simply swipe your TASC Card. The card automatically pays for and substantiates most eligible expenses at the point of purchase. If you do not use the TASC Card to pay for an eligible expense, simply submit a request for reimbursement via the MyTASC Mobile App, online Request for Reimbursement Wizard in MyTASC, text message, fax, or mail. Your reimbursement is deposited in your MyCash account. You can access your MyCash funds in three ways: (1) swipe your TASC Card at any merchant that accepts major credit cards, (2) withdraw at an ATM using your TASC Card (with PIN), or (3) transfer to a personal bank account from MyCash Manager within MyTASC.

FSA Eligible Expenses

FlexSystem FSA funds may only be used for eligible expenses under your healthcare FSA and/or dependent care FSA. Some eligible expenses include:

• Medical care services

• Dental care services

• Vision care expenses

• Prescriptions

• Certain over-the-counter medications

• Daycare tuition

More detailed lists can be found at www.irs.gov in IRS Publications 502 & 503. Please note insurance premiums are NOT eligible for reimbursement.

Multiple Methods for Account Management

33 million Americans save up to 30% every year by participating in an FSA.

You may use any of the following self-service options to access your FlexSystem accounts and TASC Card transactions:

• MyTASC Online: www.tasconline.com

• MyCash Manager: within MyTASC at www.tasconline.com

• MyTASC Mobile App: free download at www.tasconline.com/mobile

• MyTASC Text Messaging: elect through your MyTASC account online

Online enrollment and account management.

Online tax-savings calculator to help determine how much to contribute.

Convenient pre-tax payroll deductions.

Benefits debit card for eligible purchases.

Mobile app for account access on the go.

Multiple self-service tools.

Fast reimbursements.

Important Considerations

FSA Funds do not Rollover:

It is important to be conservative in making elections because any unused funds left in your FSA at the close of the Plan Year are not refundable to you. (The only exception to this rule is for the Healthcare FSA where funds may carryover to the next Plan Year’s healthcare FSA (up to $500) when elected by your employer.) You are urged to take precautionary steps, such as tracking account balances on the FlexSystem website and/or using the Interactive Voice Response System, to avoid having funds remaining in your account at year-end.

Changing Elections During the Plan Year:

You may change your FSA elections during the Plan year only if you experience a change of status such as:

• a marriage or divorce

• birth or adoption of a child, or

• a change in employment status

Refer to the Change of Election Form (available from your employer) for a complete list of circumstances acceptable for changing elections mid-year.

2009 Nielson Consumer Research

Wharton ISD

ARE YOU AWARE OF YOUR 403(b) BENEFIT?

THE OPPORTUNITY

You have the opportunity to save for retirement by participating in your Employer’s 403(b) retirement plan. A 403(b) plan is a retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, tax-exempt organizations and ministries. We recommend that all employees visit our education page which can be found here: www.omni403b.com/Employees/Education WHY SAVE WITH 403(b)?

1. You do not pay income tax on allowable contributions until you begin making withdrawals from the plan, usually after your retirement.

2. Pre-tax investment gains in the plan are not taxed until distribution and eligible ROTH investment gains are tax free.

3. Generally, retirement assets can be carried from one employer to another.

New accounts may be opened with the following approved service providers.

•American Fidelity Assurance Co.

•American Fund/Capital Guardian

•Aspire Financial Services

•Equitable (formerly AXA)

•GWN/Employee Deposit Acct

•Lincoln Investment Planning

•Lincoln National

•National Life Group (LSW)

•PlanMember Services Corp.

•ROTH - Aspire

•ROTH - Equitable (formerly AXA)

•ROTH - GWN/Employee Deposit Acct

•ROTH - Lincoln Investment

•ROTH - Lincoln National

•ROTH - National Life Group (LSW)

•ROTH - PlanMember Services Corp.

•ROTH - Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co.

•Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co.

•Victory Capital (USAA Mutual Funds)

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Prior to contributing you must open an account with an investment provider authorized in the Plan, a list of which is available on the right. You may then complete a Salary Reduction Agreement (SRA) online at: www.omni403b.com/SRA

If you are already contributing to your Employer’s Plan and you want to change your contribution amount or investment provider, simply complete and submit a new SRA. Once we are in receipt of the newly completed SRA, we will notify your employer to begin contributions. HOW MUCH CAN I CONTRIBUTE ANNUALLY?

In 2024, you may contribute up to $23,000 if you are 49 years of age or below and up to $30,500 if you are 50 years of age and over. You may also be entitled to additional catch-up provisions like the 15 Year Service Catch-up. Please contact OMNI’s Customer Care Center at 877.544.6664 for further details.

LOOKING FOR HELP?

Click the link below for an investment professional to reach out to you.