Hempfield Area School District is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive. Our benefits program offers healthcare, dental, vision, and term life coverage, as well as a flexible spending account and 403(b) savings plan. In addition, optional, voluntary products are provided to help with income protection due to an illness, accident, or emergency. On this page, you will find information and forms about each of our benefit providers and services offered. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Pattie Strickengloss at 724-850-2221 or at [email protected].
MEDICAL
Our healthcare insurance plans are provided by the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium (ACSHIC), partnered with Highmark and offered to eligible full-time employees. Currently there are two products offered: Performance Blue PPO and Performance Blue EPO.The employee's coverage plan is specific to the respective collective bargaining contract(s) and/or agreement(s). The district pays the full insurance premium less the employee's premium contribution share as per the specific contract(s) and/or agreement(s).
BOTH EPO AND PPO PLANS HAVE A DEDUCTIBLE - reference the deductible guide below and visit
https://www.highmark.com/resources/answers/faq/explanation-of-benefits/ to learn what is an explanation of benefits (EOB).
**NEW**
ACSHIC's HEALTHYU WELLNESS PROGRAM (flyer attached)
EARN A CREDIT towards your deductible for living healthier.
Eligible for medically covered employees and spouses
Complete all of your program requirements between 7/1/25 and 3/31/2026.
Program requirements: 1. Complete a preventive exam between 7/1/2024 and 3/31/2026, 2. Complete your health assessment from 7/1/25 through March 31, 2026.
Your reward - receive $100 credit to deductible upon individually completing the program requirements mentioned above.
Both the PPO and EPO benefit summary grids are attached for review. Please note that the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium's
website is a great resource to review all medical benefit information including but limited to the Benefit Booklets for the EPO and PPO plans.
Register at MyHighmark.com or download the My Highmark app to search for In Network physicians and facilities or call Highmark Dedicated Concierge 1-877-258-3123 for assistance. An employee may elect to waive the healthcare benefits and if provided by contracts or agreements may be entitled to a health benefit buy-out (refer to specific contract and /or agreement language for details).
The EPO and PPO SBC's (Summary of Benefits and Coverage) attachments are standardized documents, as per the Affordable Care Act regulations. The SBC does not represent all coverage features, and the coverage examples within the SBC are intended only to convey a general illustration of costs.
HIGHMARK SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW
Dedicated Member Service and Clinical Advocate Team. If you need assistance with second opinions, medical claims, Explanation of Benefits, finding an in-network provider, or questions on your medical coverage, please call Highmark at 844-946-6238.
PRESCRIPTIONS
Pharmacy Provider - OptumRx
Be sure to present your new OptumRx pharmacy ID card for your pharmacy orders.
HAVE PHARMACY QUESTIONS?
Integrity Pharmaceutical Advisors (IPA) concierge pharmacists can assist you - and your physician.
CALL: 866-726-1180, or
VISIT: callendly.com/acshic/appointment to schedule a consultation call.
**VIRTUAL CARE** offered by Highmark
Well360 Virtual Health (telemedicine)
Well 360 Virtual Health is a digital experience that lets you connect -- either online or via our app - with a health care expert.
Conveniently schedule telemedicine visits for services including:
Urgent care - for conditions like pink eye, sinus infections, skin rashes, or strep throat.
Therapy - for behavioral health concerns like anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
Psychiatry - scheduled psychiatric assessments, prescription refills, and treatment options.
Commonly treated conditions:
Urgent Care
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- COVID-19 symptoms
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat
- Skin problems
- and more!
Behavioral Health
Anxiety/stress
Bereavement/grief
Depression
Register or schedule a virtual appointment today
Download the My Highmark app or visit the website at MyHighmark.com
**VIRTUAL PHYSICAL THERAPY CARE** offered by Highmark
WELL360 MOTION powered by SWORD HEALTH
Well360 Motion is a virtual physical health program offered by Highmark and powered by SWORD. Combining personalized care with the latest digital tools, it gives you the freedom to overcome joint and muscle pain anytime, anywhere. You are matched with a physical therapist who creates a customized, self-guided care plan. Included at no cost to you, Well360 Motion may also help you avoid surgery or reduce your need for medication.
Wherever it hurts, Well360 Motion can help relieve:
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Elbow pain
- Hip pain
- Ankle pain and much more!
To get started, visit join.swordhealth.com/highmarkbcbs
LARK
Digital health coaching powered by Lark
24/7 texting-based app and digital couch
High-blood pressure management coaching and tools
Wellness coaching and tools (nutrition, sleep, fitness tracking, etc.)
Visit MyHighmark.com or download the MyHighmark app. Go to Benefits and select Lark
HEALTH BENEFIT BUYOUT (if provided by your CBA)
If applicable, the district shall provide a health insurance waiver for qualifying employees. An eligible full-time employee may waive the benefits provided in this agreement and will instead receive on a prorated basis, a sum equal to:
Eligible full-time employees who elect not to take health benefits shall receive $240 a month, which will be paid twice a year, in two equal installments, in the first pay in December and the first pay in May.
Eligible full-time employees whose spouses are also District employees shall not receive the $240 buyout. For these couples, one of the two will be defined as the primary member for insurance purposes. The primary member shall be charged the applicable employee percentage of premium contribution; and the primary member’s spouse shall receive a buyout of percentage of the premium.
$0 NO COST VACCINATIONS
See attached file for listing of $0 no cost vaccines available to members of ACSHIC benefits.
It is very beneficial to register on your Highmark member website
www.highmarkbcbs.com. Once registered, you can access your benefit details, view claims, and search for in-network providers. In addition, the website provides up-to-date information of many resources and services offered by Highmark.
If you need assistance with any coverage questions, you can get VIP treatment! Highmark has set up a concierge service to provide your one-call resource for help with coverage questions (see flyer below). In addition, Highmark can help: find new in-network doctors or hospitals, make appointments, and transfer medical records.
2025 Preventative Schedule (attached) - PLAN YOUR CARE: KNOW WHAT YOU NEED AND WHEN TO GET IT
Preventive or routine care helps us stay well or finds problems early, when they are easier to treat. The preventive
guidelines on this schedule depend on your age, gender, health and family history. As a part of your health
plan, you may be eligible to receive some of these preventive benefits with little to no cost sharing when using
in-network providers. Make sure you know what is covered by your health plan and any requirements before you
receive any of these services.
If you have questions as to which UPMC facilities are now accessible to Community Blue Flex members under the Consent Decree signed between Highmark and UPMC in June 2019, please refer to the attachment below.
A notable resource from Highmark is the Experian IdentityWorks and Identity Restoration Services (previously AllClear Identity). Provides Identity protection at no cost for you and family members. Review the Experian website or call Experian directly with questions. You can reach them at www.experianidworks.com/highmark or call toll-free 1-866-584-9479. Please reference the flyer below for full program details.
OTHER RESOURCES offered through Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium (ACSHIC)
Lytle EAP Partners - Employee Assistance Program
Company code: acshic
Lytle EAP Partners is your provider of Employee Assistance Program services and Personal Health Partners. The EAP offers counseling and a wide variety of work/life services to you and your immediate family members to help with problems that impact your personal well-being and your ability to perform your job. Personal Health Partners offers a helping hand with the many aspects of family healthcare and navigating the complicated medical system. The EAP and Personal Health Partners are available 24/7/365 and are free and confidential.
1-800-327-7272
http:/www.lytleeap.com
Livongo - Diabetes Management
Modern diabetes management at no cost to you. The program is offered at no cost to you and your family members with diabetes. With Livongo you get an advanced glucose meter, unlimited strips, tips with every check, and coaches to support you so you never miss a beat.
Learn more and join at http:/www.join.livongo.com/ACSHIC/register Registration code: ACSHIC
Call 800-945-4355
American Hearing Benefits
As a member of ACSHIC, you and your family are eligible for exclusive American Hearing Benefits
Call 888-706-1459 to take advantage of your member discounts - see flyer below for details.
Wellness EdLogics
What is EdLogics?? With fun, engaging games - monthly cash rewards ($200 gift card) - EdLogics will transform the way you learn about your health. Get the knowledge and tools to help you make healthier choices and handle sickness when it comes. The more you play, the better your odds of winning. Play for your health. Play to win.
**NEW** Invite a Friend
Get 5 colleagues to sign up for EdLogics and earn a $50 gift card! After your 5th friend registers. you'll receive an email from Tango within 30 days to redeem your $50 gift card from Amazon, Target, or Dick's Sporting Goods.
How to get started? Register today: https://acshic.edlogics.com
Need Help? Contact support: [email protected]
How do you win a gift card? Everyday you will receive one HealthScratch ticket. The more Health Scratch tickets you answer correctly, the better your odds of winning random drawings done monthly. Keep playing - and good luck!
DENTAL
Our dental insurance plans are provided by United Concordia - PSEA Health and Welfare
and offered to eligible full-time employees and dependents (meeting eligibility requirements). The employee's coverage plan is specific to the respective collective bargaining contract(s) and/or agreement(s). The district currently pays the full dental insurance premium for employees and dependents as per their contract or agreement. The dental benefit summaries are listed below. Register at
https://www.unitedconcordia.com or call 1-800-332-0366 to have easy access to resources and information.
Best practice - seek care in-network to optimize benefit and avoid out of pocket expenses. In addition, request a pre-determination of services PRIOR to treatment to be aware of any non-covered or out-of-pocket expenses.
VISION
Our vision insurance plans are provided by Vision Benefits of America and offered to eligible full-time employees and dependents (meeting eligibility requirements). The employee's coverage plan is specific to the respective collective bargaining contract(s) and/or agreement(s). The district currently pays the full vision insurance premium for employees as per their contract or agreement. The vision benefit summaries are listed below. Register at
https://vbaplans.com or call 1-800-432-4966 to have easy access to resources and information.
Best practice - seek care in-network to optimize benefit and avoid out of pocket expenses.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE
The district will provide group term life insurance and accidental death coverage for eligible full-time employees. The amount of coverage is specific to job classification. Please refer to your respective contract or agreement for level of coverage. The full premium will be paid by the District for eligible employees. Benefit summary booklets are listed below and can be requested from the Human Resources Office. Consider periodic review and update of beneficiary information to ensure current information is on file.
Per our current life insurance carrier, employees may, at their cost, increase coverage levels and/or purchase coverage for qualifying dependents Look at voluntary benefit programs listed below for details.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
All employees have the option of an annual election into the Flexible Spending Account offered through Horace Mann. This benefit allows participants the option of deferring salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for healthcare expenses (medical co-pays and deductibles, prescription drugs, dental care, eye care, and other qualifying expenses), as well as for dependent care expenses (daycare expenses, before and after school care, summer camps, preschool tuition). This benefit will be consistent with and meet all requirements of Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code as amended. Please see the plan details and enrollment form attached below. Enrollment occurs annually during open enrollment (May 1- May 31). When a qualifying event occurs enrollment is permitted outside the open enrollment period.
Call HR 724-850-2221 if you have questions.
Learn more at links below:
See link for eligible flexible spending account purchases:
PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PSERS)
As a public school employee, your retirement benefits are provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). School districts must report all employees to PSERS, whether of a full or part-time status and an account is created for you. Your PSERS retirement benefit requires certain benefit elections to be made within a specific time frame. It is important that you take the time to review the information at the links below to familiarize yourself with your PSERS retirement benefits and the benefit elections you may have.
It is never too early to begin planning your retirement. PSERS offers a variety of resources on its website, including a Member Self-Service portal so you can access your PSERS account, retirement calculators to estimate your benefit, and a library of financial education articles to assist you in your journey to financial wellness and retirement.
For more information on your PSERS retirement, visit the PSERS website at www.psers.state.pa.us. You can also access the PSERS Active Member Handbook or contact PSERS at: 1.888.773.7748 or through their online contact form.
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY 403(b)
Hempfield Area School District offers a tax-sheltered annuity plan 403(b) for ALL employees. A 403(b) is a tax-deferred investment and savings program for school district employees. If you need more information or are interested in starting a tax-sheltered annuity, refer to the website link below for plan details and a listing of approved providers/representatives.
The
website and representatives provide guidance regarding the forms and documentation needed to start, add, change or cancel your 403(b) account. Once the salary reduction agreement form is complete, forward it to the payroll office.
Feel free to reach out to Pattie Strickengloss at 724-850-2221 or [email protected]
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS AT EMPLOYEES' FULL COST
Voluntary benefits available are: short and long term disability plans, various AFLAC programs, and supplemental term life insurance for employees, dependent spouse and/or children.
These voluntary benefits are available at time of hire and at open enrollment. These benefits are paid 100% by the employee through payroll deduction.
Attached below our voluntary program details. If you have questions, please contact Pattie Strickengloss at 724-850-2221 or [email protected].
Voluntary Benefit Programs available
AFLAC Insurance
Aflac provides supplemental insurance to help pay benefits your major medical insurance may not cover or help you pay your bills if you are unable to work. This voluntary optional insurance plan is available to all full-time employees via payroll deduction. There are several policies available through Aflac, such as, short term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, and life insurance. The dedicated Aflac representative for the district is Andrea Stearns and her contact number is 412-983-9396. You may also contact the Human Resources Office with any questions.
PSBA Insurance
PSBA's short term disability program can protect your monthly income in the event of an off-the-job accident or sickness precluding you of working. Program offers either a 14 or 30 day elimination period. See attachment for further program details and rates per work classification.
ABACUS Series
Abacus' long term disability program can protect your monthly income in the event of an off-the-job accident or sickness precluding you of working. Program offers a 90 day elimination period with a two year benefit period. See attachment for further program details and rates.
Mutual of Omaha Term Life and AD&D Benefit
Mutual of Omaha voluntary term life insurance helps replace income, pay mortgage, and will assist in paying final expenses. Employees have the option of covering spouses and children provided the employee enrolls in a voluntary term life policy. See attachment for further program details and rates.