Q – How and when can I enroll in benefits?

A – As a new employee, you are eligible the first day of your employment. If you are not a new employee, you must enroll in benefits during open enrollment on January 1. Some exceptions are if your current health insurance plan’s contract ends mid-year or your church is newly accepted into the Covenant family. Enroll in benefits by requesting an application from Bethany Benefit Service.

Q – I receive health insurance through my spouse’s employer. Can I apply for life and long-term disability benefits only? And can we enroll in Bethany Benefit Service’s health insurance if my spouse loses his coverage?

A – If you are working full-time (averaging 30 or more hours per week), you may waive health insurance if you receive health insurance through your spouse’s employer (or your own secondary employer) and enroll in life and long-term disability benefits only (and dental and vision, if you choose). This is actually strongly recommended.

In order to enroll in health insurance when your spouse loses his/her employee benefits, you must be enrolled in life and long-term disability through Bethany Benefit Service. If you are working part-time (averaging 20 and 29 hours per week), you are not eligible for life and long-term disability benefits and may enroll in health insurance at any time in the year if your spouse loses his/her coverage.

Q – What is a deductible and how do my medical benefits work?

A – The deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance starts paying your eligible medical bills. The coinsurance, or out-of-pocket, is the percentage of your eligible medical bills which Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield pays after you have paid the deductible. The maximum out-of-pocket is the maximum amount of coinsurance you will be responsible to pay before Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield pays 100% of your eligible medical bills. The deductible and out-of-pocket are renewed yearly on January 1.

For example, on January 1, your daughter is taken to the hospital for an appendectomy. You are responsible to pay the first $300 (deductible), then Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will pay 80% of the balance, leaving you with 20% (coinsurance or out-of-pocket). You will not be charged more than $1,800 (total of deductible and coinsurance). All of your daughter’s medical bills (other than office visit copays) are covered at 100% for the rest of the year.

Q – Why should I go to an in-network doctor or hospital?

A – You receive a higher level of benefits from in-network providers, which saves you money. Also, in-network providers are given a maximum amount they are allowed to charge you and any extra money they request is denied. Out-of-network doctors do not have a maximum amount they are allowed to charge and often bill you for the extra amount the insurance company will not pay (this is called above the Usual, Customary and Reasonable Allowance).

Another convenience is that in-network doctors file your claims for you and send your bill later, while out-of-network doctors require you to pay the full amount and file a claim for reimbursement yourself.

Q – I received a bill from my doctor that doesn’t seem right.  What should I do?

A – If you think you have been charged an incorrect amount for a doctor’s visit or procedure, call the appropriate division to make sure the claim has been received and processed (See Contacts page). If you are unable to resolve the issue with the insurance company, contact Bethany Benefit Service. We will guide you or act as your liaison to make sure your claim has been paid correctly and you are being charged the correct amount.

Q – Can I pay my premiums monthly instead of quarterly?

A – Yes. You can pay your premiums monthly if you sign up for our ACH (Automatic Clearing House) program, which is designed to make insurance bill-pay more convenient and consistent. This program allows Bethany Benefit Service to divide your quarterly bill into monthly payments and automatically withdraw them from your bank account. To sign up, complete the ACH Form and send it, along with a voided check, to Bethany Benefit Service.

Q – I just had a baby. Do I have to do anything to add her to my account?

A – Yes. Please notify Bethany Benefit Service in writing within sixty days of your baby’s birth or adoption, or your addition of a new spouse. If you already have family health coverage, an email with the baby’s name, gender, date of birth, and social security number is sufficient. If not, please complete and send a Dependent Addition Form.