Notice:
Open Enrollment Health Fair       When:  September 16, 2010 (Thursday)
                                                           Time:     11:00 am - 6:00 pm
                                                           Place:   Aldermanic Chambers - City Hall

Open Enrollment Period              September 7, 2010 - September 17, 2010

**Please Note:   If you wish to make a change completed forms
                              must be returned to the Personnel Department
                              on or before September 24, 2010. 

The City of Somerville provides comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, prescription, life and supplemental insurance, pension and deferred compensation.

Medical
The City of Somerville offers a choice among two Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Massachusetts plans, Network Blue Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Blue Care Elect Preferred Provider Option (PPO); Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Tufts Health Plan Exclusive Provider Option (EPO).

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Network Blue (HMO)
In this plan, you select a primary care physician (PCP) and this is the first person you call when you need medical care. If your PCP determines that you need to see a specialist, you will most likely be referred to a specialist affiliated with your PCP's hospital or group practice. This is because your PCP has a working relationship with these specialists and they can easily communicate with each other to help ensure the quality of your care. Your physician may also work with Blue Cross Blue Shield concerning the Utilization Review Requirements, which are Pre-admission Review, Concurrent Review and Discharge Planning, Prior Approval for Certain Outpatient Services, and Individual Case Management

Blue Care® Elect Preferred (PPO)
When you choose preferred providers you receive the highest level of benefits under this healthcare plan. These are called your "in-network" benefits. You can also choose non-preferred providers, but your out-of-pocket costs are higher. These are called your "out-of-network" benefits. Generally you have full coverage for most preferred hospital, physician, and other provider covered services, and for some outpatient services you pay a $10 co-payment for each visit. (under negotiation for Somerville Public Schools)
www.bluecrossma.com

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HMO)
In this plan, you select a primary care physician (PCP) to provide or coordinate all of your care. You are covered for routine, preventive, specialty and emergency care. There is little or no paperwork involved once you join and when you are traveling, your coverage travels with you. You pay a small co-payment for most services.
www.harvardpilgrim.org

Tufts Health Plan (EPO)
With the Exclusive Provider Option plan administered by Tufts Health Plan, you enjoy comprehensive coverage for your health care needs while your out-of-pocket costs are kept to a minimum. Outpatient medical care, inpatient hospital care and surgery, wellness programs, mental health, substance abuse, emergency care and other services apply when care is medically necessary and provided or authorized by your Tufts Health Plan primary care physician.
www.tuftshealthplan.com

Medicare Senior Plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield - MEDEX
www.bluecrossma.com

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care – Medicare Enhance
Medicare Enhance is an indemnity plan.  That means that care can be received from any doctor, hospital or other health care provider that accepts Medicare.  To be eligible for the plan, the retiree can live anywhere in the United States and must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  The plan features comprehensive benefits, emergency coverage throughout the country and fitness, nutrition and eyewear discounts through the Your Member Savings program.  If you’re a member, call Member Services with questions at (888)333-4742.  If you’re not a member, call (800)848-9995 on weekdays from 8:30 – 5:00.
www.harvardpilgrim.org/savings

Tufts Health Plan - Medicare Preferred (HMO)
Medicare Preferred HMO is a Medicare Advantage plan for people with Medicare. The health plan provides comprehensive coverage for annual checkups, routine eye and hearing exams, prescription drugs (limitations and co-payments apply), and worldwide emergency care.

Dental
The City offers Delta Dental Preferred Option USA Plus on a non-contributory basis. The program combines two of Delta Dental's national networks, DeltaPreferred Option and DeltaPremier, giving you access to dentists that participate in both.

You will receive the greatest value when you visit a DeltaPreferred Option dentist as they generally accept lower fees for their services. If you choose to visit a dentist who participates in the DeltaPremier network, you will also enjoy savings. Most Dentists in the country participate in one or both of these networks. This dental plan covers services provided by non-participating dentists as well.
www.deltamass.com

Prescription Drug Program
The myMedicationAdvisor^® program is a voluntary program that is provided to you as part of your health and pharmacy benefits through the City of Somerville. My Medication Advisor (MMA) offers you cost-effective, safe, strategies to save money on prescription drugs through either a Canadian buying vendor or a $0 co-pay generics program.
www.mymedicationadvisor.com

Life  & Supplemental Insurance
Employees can elect to enroll in a $5,000 life insurance policy offered through Boston Mutual Life Insurance where the City contributes half the cost of the premium. Additional life insurance can be purchased at the employees expense.
www.bostonmutual.com

Employees also have the option to apply for supplemental insurance on a voluntary basis through Colonial Life Insurance. This benefit offers the convenience of premium payment through payroll deduction; portability: the ability to take coverage with you if you change jobs or retire; benefit checks are paid directly to you; and flexible coverage: you choose the coverage amount and type that meets your individual needs.
www.coloniallife.com

457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plan
A governmental 457 (b) deferred compensation plan (457 plan) is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to supplement any existing retirement and pension benefits by saving and investing pre-tax dollars through voluntary salary deferral. Contributions and any earnings on contributions grow tax-deferred until money is withdrawn. Distributions are usually taken at retirement when many participants are typically receiving less income, and may be in a lower income tax bracket than while working. Distributions are subject to ordinary income tax. Employees interested in the deferred compensation program can retain the services of either AXA Equitable, Great West Retirement Services or Nationwide Retirement Solutions.

**Plan coverage may vary dependent upon individuals union affiliation.

Questions?
Contact: Mary Alice Lally,
                Benefits Coordinator
                City of Somerville
                93 Highland Avenue
                Somerville, MA 02143
                Phone:  617-625-6600 x3320
                Fax:  617-666-4426
                Email:  mlally@somervillema.gov