How do I request an ID card?
ID cards for medical, prescription, dental, and/or vision benefits may be requested electronically through your personal online accounts with Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, or CareFirst. Temporary cards may also be downloaded from these portals. You may also call the insurance company directly.
Can I change my health plan?
Changes to your health plan such as switching from Cigna In-Network to Cigna In-and Out of Network, are only permitted during the annual open enrollment period.
How do I add my newborn to my coverage?
Complete an enrollment/change form with the new baby’s name, gender, and date of birth within 30 days following the birth (social security number can be updated once received). Please submit proof of birth along with the form. The baby’s coverage will be retroactive to the date of birth.
How do I add my new spouse to my coverage?
Complete an enrollment/change form with your spouse’s information within 30 days following the date of marriage. Please submit a copy of the marriage certificate along with the form. Your spouse’s benefits will be effective on the first of the month following receipt of completed paperwork.
Will I have coverage during my approved leave of absence?
If you have paid leave available, benefit deductions will continue. When your accrued leave is exhausted or you cease to be paid by BCPS, you must contact the Office of Benefits and Retirement to arrange payment of your benefits to ensure continued coverage.
I will turn 65 soon, but I am still working. Do I need to sign up for Medicare?
If you remain an active employee, you can defer enrollment in Medicare Part B.
Where can I get an estimate of what my pension check would be when I retire?
Employees should contact the appropriate retirement system, State or County, for this information.
Can I increase or decrease my 7% contribution to my pension?
Employees may not increase or decrease their contributions to the retrospective pension systems.
Can I take a loan against my retirement?
Hardship withdrawals and loans are only available to employees who are contributing to either a 403(b) or 457(b) supplemental retirement account. Loans may not be taken against your pension retirement account.
How do I change my name/address?
Active Employee Name and address changes are handled by the Office of Payroll (443) 809-4240. Once updated, benefits information is also updated. You may also make changes through Employee Self Service (ESS). The insurance carriers will receive the update once it is processed within 14 business days. You will need to contact the insurance carriers directly after 14 business days to request new ID cards.
Retiree's must complete the Retiree Address Change Form and return it to our office.
When does coverage end?
If your employment ends after the last day of the school year but before the beginning of the next school year, then your medical, prescription, dental and vision benefits terminate as of August 31st. If your employment ends during the school year, benefits terminate on the last day of the month in which you are in active pay status. In other words, you must work through the last day of school in order for benefits to terminate as of August 31st. If you resign any date prior, benefits terminate at the end of the month in which you resigned.