As SEBB open enrollment continues, here are more answers to questions WEA is getting.  

PRO TIP – "ALEX" is not an enrollment system

ALEX, the SEBB program’s online interactive benefits adviser, will help you understand your benefits and guide you through choosing your medical, dental, and vision plans, or suggest plans for you to consider.

However, once you have used ALEX, you must still enroll online through SEBB My Account. ALEX is an online benefits advisor, not the enrollment system.

PRO TIP: Research the provider networks

While a number of the insurance companies are familiar, the networks that they use for their SEBB plans may be different than what you might expect from these companies. Networks can also differ among SEBB plans offered by the same company.

Whether it is dentists, doctors, hospitals or eye specialists, we highly recommend that you research the different plans’ networks to determine if your providers, clinics and hospitals are considered in-network.  

Check provider networks online or contact the plans directly.

PRO TIP: Understand deductibles and other costs when comparing plans

Some SEBB plans may have more elements that are subject to the deductible before insurance benefits kick in. For example, some existing district plans exempt prescriptions from deductibles while some SEBB plans have a separate deductible that must be met for prescriptions. When comparing plans, consider deductibles, relative copay/coinsurance for your expected medical usage, referral or preauthorization requirements, and maximum out of pocket limits, in addition to more common comparisons of monthly premiums and provider networks.  

Here is a high-level overview of key plan components for the various plans. Interested in a specific benefit? Detailed analysis of certain benefits can also be done by comparing the certificates of coverage (scroll about half way down the page) for procedures or services for things like massage therapy, physical therapy, surgeries and other treatments.

PRO TIP: Verify dependents and know your options   

We’ve been encouraging people to get dependents enrolled early and then to check back within a few days to make sure they are in the system. Dependents must be successfully enrolled during open enrollment or they will not be covered.

If you have dependents who are not eligible under SEBB, and they are currently covered by your plan, you can self-pay to continue their coverage for up to 36 months. The eligible dependent will enroll as an individual under a COBRA/continuation of coverage option which uses paper forms, not through SEBB MyAccount.

If you want to take advantage of this continuation of coverage option, contact your district’s HR office to have them notify the HCA of your dependent’s eligibility for this COBRA-like offering. An enrollment booklet and forms will be mailed to you or you can access the enrollment form directly online. (Scroll to bottom of the page.) 

For information about who is covered as a dependent, check out p. 2 in this FAQ.

PRO TIP: Enroll in all your benefit options

Basic, employer-paid life and long-term disability benefits may be lower than we all wanted. WEA will continue to advocate for increases in these benefits and improvements to other benefits. But, don’t miss this chance to buy up to a greater level of life or long-term disability benefits. There will be fewer hoops to jump through for medical certifications if you make these choices this year. You can add those benefits plus make determinations on DCAP or FSA withholdings anytime during the open enrollment window. The sign ups for these benefits may require visiting other sites, but the links can all be found in SEBB MyAccount.

PRO TIP: Check out these resources if you still have questions

Try the Virtual Benefit Fair if there is no live benefit fair in your area. Many of the live events have been heavily attended, in some cases making it difficult to get your questions answered, so the virtual version may be your best bet.    

Ask ALEX – the HCA's online tool can help you with enrollment and benefit questions.  

Call the insurance companies – you are a potential customer and we hear they are being super responsive when people call in. You can find their contact info here.

Finally, if you have checked out the other resources and still need some help, you can call the WEA hotline. Please note: it is likely that the help service will need to do some homework and get back to you in a few days. Call toll free, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., 855-668-5039.

WEA’s website also has information, as does the HCA site.

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