Employee Benefits: Benefits Program Frequently Asked Questions for Participating Employees

Not all of these benefits are offered by all of the employers who participate in the Michigan Catholic Conference’s Benefits Plan. For any questions on participation, please contact your employer. The information would be subject to periodic change and updating. For a complete description of benefits, please review certificates and riders of each benefit program.

Table of Contents

  1. Health and Dental Insurance
    1. Am I eligible for health insurance?
    2. How long do I have to wait before I become eligible?
    3. I am a lay employee, what are my choices of health insurance?
    4. Can I choose my own physician?
    5. What are the Blue Care Network’s “Enhanced” and “Standard” Benefit Levels?
    6. What else do I need to know about Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” requirements?
    7. What if I am a smoker and want to use Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living?”
    8. What does Blue Care Network consider an acceptable weight if I am in the “Healthy Blue Living” Plan?
    9. How can I learn more about Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” Plan?
    10. Will I have copayments?
    11. Do I have deductibles?
    12. What are the Prescription plans?
    13. Are annual physicals covered?
    14. What about mail order prescriptions?
    15. What if I want to change my plan?
    16. Are my dependents covered?
    17. Can I get chiropractic care?
    18. Do I get dental insurance?
    19. If I need information about claims, finding providers, getting referrals, or other coverage questions, who do I call?
    20. Where do I go for a complete description of benefits for my health or dental plans?
  2. Lay Employees’ Retirement Plan
    1. What type of plan is this and who pays for it?
    2. How many people are in this Plan?
    3. Who is eligible?
    4. When will I be vested?
    5. When can I draw?
    6. What is the “Rule of 85” and “Rule of 90?”
    7. What is my pension factor?
    8. What happens if I leave employment then come back later?
    9. What if I work at multiple participating MCC employers at the same time?
    10. Who qualifies for a small cash buyout?
    11. If an individual becomes disabled, can they receive a Disability Retirement?
    12. Does MCC allow me to purchase service?
    13. When can’t I purchase service?
    14. Where would I find a complete summary of my pension plan?
  3. Flexible Benefit Plan
    1. What is a Flexible Benefit Plan and can I participate?
    2. When can I enroll?
    3. What are the different expense accounts in which I can enroll?
    4. What happens to the money that I put in to my account if I don’t use it all?
    5. What happens to my accounts if I terminate or retire?
  4. Prudential 403(b) Retirement Plan
    1. What is a 403(b) Retirement Plan?
    2. Can I enroll in the 403(b) Retirement Plan?
    3. How does it work?
    4. Does Prudential offer different options and do I have any control?
    5. Can I roll money over from a 401(k) or other qualified plan that I used to have?
    6. Does Prudential have any other tools to help with financial planning?
    7. Who is the administrator of this plan and who do I contact to learn more about how this plan can help me reach my retirement goals?
  5. Life Insurance
    1. How do I know if life insurance is a benefit option for me?
    2. Who is eligible?
    3. What coverage options are available?
    4. What happens if I leave employment?
  6. Disability
    1. Who do I contact if I have a disability?
    2. Do these plans cover me if my disability is not related to employment?
    3. What is the Short Term Disability plan?
    4. Is there a waiting period?
    5. Will I receive regular wages while I am getting paid Short-Term disability and will I keep my other benefits?
    6. Is there a maximum income benefit and when will I get paid?
    7. What is the Long Term Disability plan?
    8. Will I receive regular wages while I am getting paid Long-Term disability and will I keep my other benefits?
    9. Are there minimum or maximum benefits?
  7. Leaving Employment
    1. If I am leaving employment, what do I need to do?
    2. If I get laid off, how do I file for unemployment?
  8. For More Information
    1. Who do I call to see if these programs are available to me?
    2. What if I have more questions about these programs?

Health and Dental Insurance

  1. Am I eligible for health insurance?

    Regular full-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible. Seasonal or temporary workers are not eligible.

  2. How long do I have to wait before I become eligible?

    You become eligible on the first day of the month following when you become a regular full-time employee working 20 or more hours per week.

  3. I am a lay employee, what are my choices of health insurance?

    Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BSBCM) PPO and Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” (BCN-HBL) Plan. Retirees have the option to continue coverage through the Group Retiree Health Plan.

  4. Can I choose my own physician?

    With BSBCM PPO, you can choose any physician or specialist, but you will pay less to use in-network providers. With BCN-HBL, you will be able to choose from a large list of physicians.

  5. What are the Blue Care Network’s “Enhanced” and “Standard” Benefit Levels?

    Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” Plan rewards people who commit to making better health choices so members save money when they adopt healthy behaviors. There are two levels of benefits: “Enhanced” and “Standard.” The “Enhanced” level provides a higher level of benefits for the employee based on specific requirements. To be in the “Enhanced” level, the employee and spouse must agree to control the following factors: Smoking, Blood Pressure, Depression, Weight, Blood Glucose and Cholesterol.

  6. What else do I need to know about Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” requirements?

    Annually within 90 days of the start of the plan year, you (and your spouse) need to complete an online health assessment and also visit your primary care physician to complete a Qualification Form.

  7. What if I am a smoker and want to use Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living?”

    To maintain your status in the “Enhanced“ level, you would need to enroll in the Quit the Nic smoking cessation program within 120 days of the start of the plan year. This program is paid for by Blue Care Network. If you (or your spouse) do not commit to the Quit the Nic program, you will both be moved to the “Standard” level.

  8. What does Blue Care Network consider an acceptable weight if I am in the “Healthy Blue Living” Plan?

    If you (or your spouse) have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, you (or your spouse) will need to commit to either joining Weight Watchers or the “WalkingSpree” program. These programs will be paid for by Blue Care Network and you need to actively participate in them until your BMI is below 30 to remain in the “Enhanced” level.

  9. How can I learn more about Blue Care Network’s “Healthy Blue Living” Plan?

    Talk with your employer or visit: www.mibcn.com/member/healthyBlueLiving/

  10. Will I have copayments?

    With BSBCM PPO, you will have a 20% copayment for in-network services plus a $15 office visit copayment. For Blue Care Network’s “Enhanced” level, you will have a $20 office visit copayment; for the “Standard” level, you will have a $20 office visit copayment, plus 20% coinsurance.

  11. Do I have deductibles?

    With BSBCM PPO, you will have a $250 in-network deductible with a $1,000 out-of-pocket maximum. With Blue Care Network’s “Enhanced” level, you will have no deductible; with their “Standard” level, you will have a $500 deductible and a $1,500 out-of-pocket maximum.

  12. What are the Prescription plans?

    Please note that since the publication of this booklet Michigan Catholic Conference has shifted its prescription drug provider to Medco Health Solutions. Please click here for more information.

    BSBCM PPO charges $7 for Generic, $30 for Brand Name, $50 for Non-formulary. BCN-HBL charges $15 for Generic and $30 for Brand Name for “Enhanced” level and $20 for Generic and $60 for Brand Name for “Standard” level.

  13. Are annual physicals covered?

    BSBCM PPO pays 100% of your physical examinations, BCN-HBL charges an office visit copayment. Both plans cover mammograms at 100% and both cover Prostate Specific Antigen screening (BCN-HBL may have an office copayment).

  14. What about mail order prescriptions?

    BSBCM PPO and BCN-HBL both offer mail order prescription drugs through Medco at two times the copay for a 90-day supply.

  15. What if I want to change my plan?

    You can switch your plans during the Open Enrollment period which occurs annually in the Fall. Please contact your employer for the dates.

  16. Are my dependents covered?

    Yes, spouses and children are eligible for coverage. Dependent children will be covered until the month in which they turn 26.

  17. Can I get chiropractic care?

    BSBCM PPO covers 24 spinal manipulation visits in a year at 100%. For Blue Care Network’s “Enhanced” level, there is a $20 copay per visit.

  18. Do I get dental insurance?

    Check with your employer to see if dental insurance is offered. Delta Dental participants have a $1,500 yearly maximum for covered benefits, and services such as 6-month exams, cleanings and x-rays are paid at 100%. Children are eligible to be covered through the end of the year of their 25th birthday.

  19. If I need information about claims, finding providers, getting referrals, or other coverage questions, who do I call?

    For BSBCM PPO, contact Blue Cross at (800) 422-9148. For BCN-HBL, call (800) 662-6667. For Delta Dental, call (800) 524-0149.

  20. Where do I go for a complete description of benefits for my health or dental plans?

Return to Table of Contents

Lay Employees’ Retirement Plan

  1. What type of plan is this and who pays for it?

    This is a “defined benefit” plan and is 100% paid for by employer contributions.

  2. How many people are in this Plan?

    The plan currently has over 10,000 active participants, 7,000 deferred vested individuals, and is paying benefits to 9,000 retirees.

  3. Who is eligible?

    Lay employees and deacons who work full-time for 20 or more hours a week for more than five months in a year. Seasonal and contract employees are not eligible.

  4. When will I be vested?

    You will be vested when you reach five years of Credited Service. You will earn one year of credited service for every year in which you work five months.

  5. When can I draw?

    Vested participants are eligible to receive a full monthly retirement benefit at the Social Security normal retirement age or a reduced monthly retirement benefit at early retirement age. Currently, normal retirement age is 65 for people born before 1943; 66 for people born between 1943 to 1959, and 67 for people born 1960 and after. Early retirement age begins 10 years before normal retirement age.

  6. What is the “Rule of 85” and “Rule of 90?”

    Vested participants who are at least 55 years of age and born before 1960 and whose age and years of service added together equal 85 or greater may retire early at an unreduced benefit, this is considered the “Rule of 85.” For people born after January 1, 1960, the “Rule of 90” becomes effective on January 1, 2012.

  7. What is my pension factor?

    If a participant is vested on or after January 1, 2002, their pension factor is 2.0% until December 31, 2011, after which it becomes 1.5%. For employees hired after January 1, 2011, their pension factor is also 1.5%.

  8. What happens if I leave employment then come back later?

    If you come back within three years of the day your first employment terminated, you will gain back all of your credited service. If you come back after 3 years, you will earn back your credited service at the rate of one month gained for every one month worked.

  9. What if I work at multiple participating MCC employers at the same time?

    If you work a combined total of 20 or more hours per week at MCC employers, you will receive credited service and the total wages will count towards your pension calculation.

  10. Who qualifies for a small cash buyout?

    If a vested employee terminates employment and the present value of their vested benefits is less than $5,000, they may elect to receive a cash-out of their benefits.

  11. If an individual becomes disabled, can they receive a Disability Retirement?

    If an active employee with five or more years of credited service has a disability that renders them incapable of performing their duties and the disability appears to be permanent, they are eligible to apply for Disability Pension Retirement.

  12. Does MCC allow me to purchase service?

    MCC will allow active vested participants to purchase additional years of credited service on an after-tax basis. Five years of service can be purchased under each of these three categories: Generic Service, Child Care and Like Service, totaling 15 years.

  13. When can’t I purchase service?

    You can not purchase service to become vested, establish eligibility for the Rules of 85 or 90, or to meet eligibility for the Health Subsidy.

  14. Where would I find a complete summary of my pension plan?

Return to Table of Contents

Flexible Benefit Plan

  1. What is a Flexible Benefit Plan and can I participate?

    A Flexible Benefit Plan allows individuals to pay for various unreimbursed expenses with before-tax dollars. Ask your employer if they participate with MCC’s Flexible Benefit Plan. This plan is offered to regular full-time employees who work 20 or more hours in a week and have wages reported on a W-2.

  2. When can I enroll?

    You can always enroll during MCC’s Open Enrollment held annually in the Fall. If you are a new employee, you can enroll in the “Premium Sharing” option upon hire, and enroll in the other programs during Open Enrollment. You can make any changes during the year if you have a qualifying event such as marriage, divorce, birth, adoption. Please refer to the complete listing of qualifying events in the Flexible Benefit Plan packet available from your employer.

  3. What are the different expense accounts in which I can enroll?

    Dependent Care Expense Account
    Allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for care for a child or adult family member. You may be able to deposit up to $5000 per plan year. Both parents must be working to participate in the Dependent Care Expense Account.
    Medical Care Expense Account
    You can use funds from this account to pay for out of pocket medical expenses such as deductibles/copays, vision services and glasses/contacts, prescriptions and other expenses. To get a list of all approved expenses, refer to the Flexible Benefit Plan “Summary Plan Description” available from your participating employer.
    Premium Sharing Account
    Allows you to pay for the cost of your medical and/or dental plan with pre-tax deductions. You are eligible to enroll in the Premium Sharing Account if you are required to pay a portion of your monthly premiums for medical or dental coverage.

  4. What happens to the money that I put in to my account if I don’t use it all?

    Budget carefully—you will lose the money if you don’t spend it! IRS regulations specify that a participant will forfeit any money that is left in the Flexible Benefit Plan at the end of the plan year.

  5. What happens to my accounts if I terminate or retire?

    Accounts will be closed upon either termination of employment or retirement. You would have 90 days from the date that your Flexible Benefit Account was closed to be reimbursed for services rendered on or before the plan termination date. If claims are not submitted within those 90 days, the money will be forfeited.

Return to Table of Contents

Prudential 403(b) Retirement Plan

  1. What is a 403(b) Retirement Plan?

    A 403(b) is a plan offered by a Qualified Church-Controlled Organization that allows for tax-deferred contributions and growth to help you save for your retirement.

  2. Can I enroll in the 403(b) Retirement Plan?

    Full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the MCC Prudential 403(b) plan. Contact your employer to see if they participate in this plan. If they do not, contact the MCC Employee Benefits Department at (800) 395-5565 and we can assist your employer in setting up payroll deductions.

  3. How does it work?

    You elect to save a certain amount of money from each paycheck. This amount will be deducted from your paycheck before taxes are calculated and this contribution will be sent to Prudential by your employer and added to your retirement account.

  4. Does Prudential offer different options and do I have any control?

    Yes! Prudential offers the “Goalmaker Option” that will help you determine your future goals. This will help you decide if you want to invest in low risk or higher risk options based on factors such as your age and how long you have before you plan to retire. You can change these options at any time and you have daily access to view your accounts on Prudential’s website.

  5. Can I roll money over from a 401(k) or other qualified plan that I used to have?

    Yes, it is very convenient to have all of your retirement plans consolidated in to one account so you can always see how your money is working together.

  6. Does Prudential have any other tools to help with financial planning?

    You can access Prudential Retirement’s Education and Planning (PREP) website at www.prudential.com/prep. PREP has retirement planning tools and calculators as well as interactive courses making it easy to learn at your own pace.

  7. Who is the administrator of this plan and who do I contact to learn more about how this plan can help me reach my retirement goals?

    Prudential Retirement is the sole administrator of this plan. To learn more, contact Nancy Warner, MCC’s Prudential Representative at (800) 848-4015, prompt 3, or via email at nancy.warner@prudential.com.

Return to Table of Contents

Life Insurance

  1. How do I know if life insurance is a benefit option for me?

    Contact your employer to see if they participate with MCC’s Life Insurance plan.

  2. Who is eligible?

    All regular full-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week at a participating employer.

  3. What coverage options are available?

    There are 3 options and each employer determines the level of coverage. In the event of your death:

    Option 1
    Pays one (1) time your annual salary
    Option 2
    Pays one and a half (1.5) times your annual salary
    Option 3
    Pays two (2) times your annual salary

  4. What happens if I leave employment?

    Your life insurance coverage will end with your termination or retirement. Portability Coverage is available to employees at termination and you will have the option to maintain the same level of coverage at your expense.

Return to Table of Contents

Disability

  1. Who do I contact if I have a disability?

    Contact your employer to see if they participate with MCC’s Short-Term and Long-Term Disability plans. If your employer offers these plans, they will cover all full-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week.

  2. Do these plans cover me if my disability is not related to employment?

    Yes, both Short-Term and Long-Term Disability plans are for non work-related disabilities.

  3. What is the Short Term Disability plan?

    The Short Term Disability plan provides salary continuation if you become disabled. This plan will pay you 66 2/3% of your gross annual wages for up to 26 weeks.

  4. Is there a waiting period?

    There is a 10-business day waiting period from the day your doctor approves your disability.

  5. Will I receive regular wages while I am getting paid Short-Term disability and will I keep my other benefits?

    You will only receive your disability wages, not your regular wages, but you will keep your same health insurance and other benefits.

  6. Is there a maximum income benefit and when will I get paid?

    Yes, the maximum income benefit is $1,860 per week and MCC will issue payments on the 15th and 30th of the month. If the 15th or 30th falls on a weekend or holiday, you will get paid on the preceding business day.

  7. What is the Long Term Disability plan?

    The Long Term Disability plan is for employees who are disabled for a period of more than 180 days. This plan pays 60% of your gross annual wages.

  8. Will I receive regular wages while I am getting paid Long-Term disability and will I keep my other benefits?

    You will only receive your disability wages, not your regular wages, and the employee-employer relationship is severed when you get approved for Long-Term disability so you will not retain your other benefits.

  9. Are there minimum or maximum benefits?

    Yes, the minimum monthly benefit is $100 and the maximum monthly benefit is $10,000.

Return to Table of Contents

Leaving Employment

  1. If I am leaving employment, what do I need to do?

    Please check with your employer regarding their Employee Separation procedures. Make sure you ask them about the Conversion Health Coverage options, submitting claims for Flexible Benefit Account, and Portability Coverage for your Life Insurance, if applicable.

  2. If I get laid off, how do I file for unemployment?

    Contact the State of Michigan Unemployment Agency to inquire about filing a claim. Call them at (866) 500-0017 or visit www.michigan.gov/UIA. The State of Michigan will send your claim information to the MCC and we will respond to them.

Return to Table of Contents

For More Information

  1. Who do I call to see if these programs are available to me?

    Contact your employer to see what programs they participate with.

  2. What if I have more questions about these programs?

    Visit the Michigan Catholic Conference website at www.micatholicconference.org and click on “Employee Benefits” or call (800) 395-5565.

Return to Table of Contents

Not all of these benefits are offered by all of the employers who participate in the Michigan Catholic Conference’s Benefits Plan. For any questions on participation, please contact your employer. The information would be subject to periodic change and updating. For a complete description of benefits, please review certificates and riders of each benefit program.

 Download FAQ

Front cover of Benefits Program Frequently Asked Questions for Participating Employees