- Lubbock Independent School District
- Frequently Asked Questions
Risk Management
- Risk Management Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- General Information
- How to Find a BCBS of Texas Medical or Dental Provider
- How Do Our Benefits Compare?
- Dental Plan
- Qualifying Life Events
- Announcements
- Transparency In Coverage
- New Hire Benefits Enrollment Information
- Wellness Screening Form - Biometric Results - Physician Use
- Benefit Separation Checklist
Dental Frequently Asked Questions
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When does the Dental year start over?
When does the Dental year start over?
The Lubbock ISD Dental year runs from Jan 1st through Dec 31st.
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How long can I carry my dependent children?
How long can I carry my dependent children?
Dependent children can be carried through the end of the month that they turn 26 unless they turn 26 on the first day of a month.
(Ex: 5/1 DOB coverage ends 5/1 OR 4/15 DOB coverage ends 5/1.)
Also, if a dependent is legally disabled then they are eligible to continue coverage past the dependent child age limit.
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Qualifying Life Events
What is a Qualifying Life Event?
A Qualifying Life Event would be a birth, adoption, death, marital status change, spouse or dependent employment change or a coverage loss. Employees may make a change outside of the normal open enrollment period if the proper steps are taken inside a 31-day window from the event.
To submit a Qualifying Life Event - following the attached instructions accordingly:
How to Submit a Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll
Gym Claim Frequently Asked Questions
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Gym Reimbursement Claim Form
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What do I need to submit a claim?
What do I need to submit a gym claim?
- Employees with Lubbock ISD medical need:
- BCBS Wellness Claim Form. (Completed and signed.)
- Gym log of ten visits in a calendar month. (Visits on the same day 2 hrs apart.)
- Receipt showing membership payment to the gym.
Methods of submission:
- Fax: 1-806-766-1195, OR
- Mail: Lubbock ISD Risk Mgmt, 1628 19th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79401
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How much will Lubbock ISD reimburse on a gym membership?
How much will Lubbock ISD reimburse on a gym membership?
- $18 per month is the maximum reimbursement for an employee.
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Is my spouse eligible?
Is my spouse eligible?
- No, the gym membership reimbursement program is an employee only benefit.
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How long do I have to file a gym claim?
How long do I have to file a gym claim?
- 30-day filing deadline
- Risk Management will process claims for the current and prior month only.
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Can I submit for a weight loss program and the gym in the same month?
Can I submit for a weight loss program and the gym in the same month?
- No, an employee can claim one or the other but not both.
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What if I participate in Weight Watchers and would like to claim that instead of the gym?
What if I participate in Weight Watchers and want to claim that instead of the gym?
- Weight Watchers requires 2 check-ins per month.
- Receipt showing payment for that month's membership,
- Screenshots showing two online participations in a calendar month,
- OR log book showing two weigh-in sessions in a calendar month,
- AND a completed claim form.
Living Better Diabetes Claims
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Living Better Diabetes Claim Form
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What can I claim?
What can I claim?
- Medications classified on the FDA Drug List for the treatment of diabetes management.
- Supplies for testing, meters, and pumps.
- $100 limit for eligible office visits.
- Diabetic labs.
- Eligible office visits include:
- Diabetic office visit to treating physician.
- Diabetic podiatrist visit.
- Diabetic eye exams (not a regular eye exam, must be filed on medical.)
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What do I need to submit a claim?
What do I need to submit a claim?
- Employees with Lubbock ISD medical need:
- Living Better Diabetes Claim Form. (Completed and signed.)
- Pharmacy slips showing the drug name, price, and date.
- Explanations of Benefits for the Dates of Service.
- Receipt showing payment to the physician or provider.
- Monthly participation in the Living Better Diabetes Program. Contact iaWellness at 806-765-7265 for program participation details.
- Methods of submission:
- Fax: 1-806-766-1195, OR
- Mail: Lubbock ISD Risk Mgmt, 1628 19th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79401
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What is the maximum I can get back in a calendar year?
What is the maximum I can get back in a calendar year?
- The annual reimbursement in a calendar year is $2,500 for 2021.
Maternity Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Lubbock ISD have paid maternity leave?
Does Lubbock ISD have paid maternity leave?
No. Accrued leave is used during an employee’s maternity absence but once it is exhausted, then a dock period could be entered depending on each individual situation. Payroll may be able to provide you with more information by calling 806-219-0231.
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Is there any paperwork I need to complete before I can take off work for maternity?
Is there any paperwork I need to complete before I can take off work for maternity?
Yes. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 806-219-0040 or login on the Lubbock ISD Human Resources website and visit their department page. Human Resources can walk you through the completion of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork.
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How late is too late to add my newborn and how do I do it?
How late is too late to add my newborn and how do I do it?
Employees’ have a 31-day window from the date of birth to add a newborn to their coverage. Failure to complete the required documents and provide proof within the 31-day window from birth of the child may result in denial of the addition to the plan/coverage.
If there is a delay in receiving your child's birth certificate, please complete the enrollment process before the 31-day window lapses and include a copy of your newborn's hospital registration documents, hospital proof or certificate of birth from the hospital, etc. to ensure coverage begins asap and that your time to enroll your newborn does not lapse resulting in a denial of the additional family member under your plan/coverage.
(Please see the Qualifying Life Event section of Frequently Asked Questions for more details.)
Medical Frequently Asked Questions
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Who Is Eligible for Health Benefits at LISD?
Who Is Eligible for Health Benefits at LISD?
- Employee/Subscriber - is a full-time or half-time Employee of LISD on monthly payroll who resides/lives in the service area and a bona fide employee entitled to participate in the health care benefit program. Temporary and hourly employees must work 130 hours per month for a six-month period to qualify for benefits prior to enrollment. In a month where it is not possible to work 130 hours (due to district hours) then the employee is given credit for that month.
- The Employee/Subscriber may enroll his/her family into the benefits program if they are considered Dependents of the Employee/Subscriber and who must be described as:
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- Spouse - a legal spouse is eligible for coverage if they are able to submit upon request a certified copy of their marriage certificate or a declaration of informal marriage certificate filed with the county clerk's office
- Child of Subscriber/Employee - a child means a natural child, a stepchild, eligible foster child, an adopted child - under twenty-six (26) years of age; this could include a child with whom the Subscriber/Employee has proof of legal guardianship or court order for coverage to be provided for the minor child; a child of your child who is your dependent under federal income tax purposes at the time of application for coverage of the child is made. In order for a stepchild to be covered under the health plan, the biological parent of the child must also be enrolled in the District's health plan
- Children - a child of any age as noted above but who is and continues to be incapable of sustaining employment by reason of mental or physical handicap and is chiefly dependent upon Subscriber/Employee for economic support and maintenance. A Dependent Child's Statement of Disability form including medical certification of disability may be required to be submitted within thirty-one (31) days of the date of medical certification and may be required to be provided at the time of application for enrollment and as often as once a year. In order for a step-child(ren) to be added for health benefits, the biological parent of that child(ren) must also be on the same health plan.
- Newborn Children Coverage - coverage will be automatic and temporary for Subscriber/Employee's (or covered Employee's spouse's) newborn child for the first thirty-one (31) days following the date of birth; coverage will only continue for the newborn beyond the thirty-one (31) days if the child is a dependent and A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT application through the FFenroll process is made within thirty-one (31) days of the birth as required and required contributions are completed/made by the Employee/Subscriber with the Risk Management Office to ensure further coverage for the newborn
- Newly Adopted Children - coverage will be temporary and automatic for a newly-adopted child of Subscriber/Employee for the first thirty-one (31) days from the date the Subscriber/Employee is in a suit for adoption or thirty-one (31) days from the date of the adoption is final. Coverage will continue beyond the thirty-one (31) days only if the child is a dependent and A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT application through the FFenroll process is made within the thirty-one (31) days as required and only if the child is an eligible dependent and required contributions are completed/made by the Employee/Subscriber with the Risk Management Office to ensure further coverage of the adopted child
The Risk Management Office will be performing random or for cause/questionable coverage request(s) audits as part of an ongoing plan verification process relating to dependent coverage relating to enrollment for the 2022 benefits year and thereafter. If you are notified by the Risk Management Office requesting/requiring a copy of a marriage certificate, proof of dependent child legal custody order, birth certificates, federal income tax form showing dependent child claim/allowance, etc., please respond as soon as possible to ensure ongoing coverage for your dependent. Failure to submit the required/requested documentation could result in non-coverage of that dependent until receipt of the requested documentation is received and verified by the Risk Management Office. Failure to follow the enrollment guidelines and enrolling someone that does not qualify for coverage under the plan policies may also result in a denial of the claim (past, current, and future) accordingly.Should you have any questions, please give Vaun (ext 0283) or Lisa (ext 0235) a call. Thanks! - Spouse - a legal spouse is eligible for coverage if they are able to submit upon request a certified copy of their marriage certificate or a declaration of informal marriage certificate filed with the county clerk's office
- Employee/Subscriber - is a full-time or half-time Employee of LISD on monthly payroll who resides/lives in the service area and a bona fide employee entitled to participate in the health care benefit program. Temporary and hourly employees must work 130 hours per month for a six-month period to qualify for benefits prior to enrollment. In a month where it is not possible to work 130 hours (due to district hours) then the employee is given credit for that month.
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What is a deductible and how much do I have to spend to meet mine?
What is a deductible and how much do I have to spend to meet mine?
A deductible is the amount of expenses paid out of pocket before an insurer will pay any expenses.
The 2023 Basic HMO Medical Plan has a $6,650 individual deductible and a $13,300 family deductible. The 2023 Basic PPO Medical Plan has a $6,650 individual deductible and $13,300 family deductible. The 2023 Plus HMO Medical Plan's deductibles are $4,000 individual and $8,000 family and the PPO Premier Medical Plan has a $3,500 individual deductible and a $7,000 family deductible.
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What does the term ‘out of pocket’ mean and once I satisfy my deductible do I have to pay anything else?
What does the term ‘out of pocket’ mean and once I satisfy my deductible do I have to pay anything else?
‘Out of pocket’ refers to the share of the expenses the insured party must pay directly to the health care provider.
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What are copays and do I have any?
What are copays and do I have any?
Copays are small fixed amounts required by a health insurer and paid by the insured for each outpatient visit or drug prescription. The 2023 HMO (Basic and Plus) Plans have a $60 primary care office copay and a $100 specialist office copay. The PPO Medical Plans have no copays because all costs for medical treatment and prescriptions go toward the deductible. The 2023 Plus HMO Medical Plan and the Premier PPO Medical Plan have prescription coverage with a yearly prescription deductible for each covered person and designated copays for generic, formulary brand name and non-formulary brand name.
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What is the difference between ‘In-Network’ and ‘Out-of-Network’ fees, charges or providers?
What is the difference between ‘In-Network’ and ‘Out-of-Network’ fees, charges or providers?
In-network - All physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other providers who have agreed to provide medical care to PPO members under terms of the contract with the PPO.
Out-of-network services -Health care services from providers not in a HMO´s or a PPO´s network. Except in certain situations, HMOs will only pay for care received from within its network. If you´re in a PPO plan, you will have to pay more to receive services outside the PPO´s network.
*Source information on in-network versus out-of-network from TDI.texas.gov.*
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As an employee new to LISD when would my Medical coverage begin?
As an employee new to LISD when would my Medical coverage begin?
For new hires, the coverage can begin on the first day of duty with a premium due in full OR the 1st of the month following the employee’s actively at work date. What that means is, if an employee begins work 8/13 they may begin their coverage for Medical on that day and pay two full medical premiums in September when they receive the first check of the assignment. Employees may elect to begin Medical the first day of the month of the first check instead and pay only one premium.
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If I resign or retire from LISD when does my medical coverage end? Can I take it with me?
If I resign or retire from LISD when does my medical coverage end? Can I take it with me?
In general, when an employee’s medical coverage ends is based on when the last check is received with premiums deducted. If an employee retires and receives their last check with premiums deducted in May or June then they are covered as an active employee on LISD medical until the end of May or June. If an employee resigns, they could, depending on their assignment dates, receive pay through the end of August and their medical would cease as an active employee after the last day of that month. Coverage for medical and dental can be extended after employment through COBRA.
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What is COBRA and how can I get it if I want it?
What is COBRA and how can I get it if I want it?
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is a Federal law that may allow you to temporarily keep health coverage after your employment ends, you lose coverage as a dependent of the covered employee, or another qualifying event occurs. If you elect COBRA coverage, you pay 100% of the premiums, including the share the employer used to pay, plus a small administrative fee. Click HERE for the HealthCare.gov site. Currently, BCBS sends out offers to COBRA eligible persons to their last known home address.
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Where can I go to find out information about the Affordable Care Act?
Where can I go to find out information about the Affordable Care Act?
A good site to visit is the government page entitled HealthCare.gov.
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How long can I carry my dependent children?
How long can I carry my dependent children?
Dependent children can be carried through the end of the month that they turn 26 unless they turn 26 on the first day of a month. (Ex: 5/1 DOB coverage ends 5/1 OR 4/15 DOB coverage ends 5/1.) Click HERE for more information regarding dependents posted on the HealthCare.gov site. This information is also in the handbook for the medical policies posted on the Risk Management Department web page.
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What is HIPAA?
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. For more information regarding HIPAA please see the Risk Management web page.
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What does EOB stand for?
What does EOB stand for?
EOB is short for Explanation of Benefits. If a provider is seen and a claim is filed then you will receive an explanation of the claim in the mail to your home address unless your have chosen the paperless option online. Each claim explanation tells how much the total fee charged was, how much of an in-network discount is applied if applicable and all eligible payments made. Most EOB’s also tell you the dollar amount applied to your deductible and co-insurance and how much you could owe a provider.
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When can I make changes to my medical plan?
When can I make changes to my medical plan?
The open enrollment period for Lubbock ISD Medical is in the month of October for an effective date of January 1st. Unless there is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) outside of the normal open enrollment period and the appropriate paperwork is submitted within 31-days of the event, no changes to medical will be allowed. (See the Qualifying Life Event section of Frequently Asked Questions for more details.)
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What is a Qualifying Life Event?
What is a Qualifying Life Event?
See the Qualifying Life Event section in Frequently Asked Questions.
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If I have medical through another source can I waive my benefits?
If I have medical through another source can I waive my benefits?
At annual open enrollment and/or at initial/new hire benefits enrollment, you will need to waive any benefits you do not desire through the FFenroll process.
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Will I have to pay anything if I see the doctor for Wellness/Preventive services?
Will I have to pay anything if I see the doctor for Wellness/Preventive services?
Claims are filed with procedure codes. These procedure codes tell insurance companies what services were performed during a visit. If the provider files the claim with a primary diagnosis code for an eligible routine wellness procedure then the charge should be paid at one hundred percent, provided it is in-network.
Prescription Coverage Frequently Asked Questions
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Are any pharmacies out of the Lubbock ISD coverage network?
Are any pharmacies out of the Lubbock ISD coverage network?
Currently, Walgreens pharmacy locations are out of the Lubbock ISD pharmacy network.
United Pharmacies and CVS/Caremark accept Lubbock ISD's prescription drug card benefits. CVS/Caremark is Lubbock ISD's prescription drug partner and any long-term prescriptions greater than 90 days will only be covered through CVS/Caremark.
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If I take a prescription each month - do I need to do anything special?
If I take a prescription each month - do I need to do anything special?
Monthly maintenance prescriptions should be filled through CVS retail pharmacy locations or through mail order for a 90-day supply.
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I heard there are free medications?
I heard there are free medications?
Yes, there are prescriptions that are $0 cost to employees. Two avenues are available for $0 cost medications:
CVS Prescription coverage $0 cost preventive generics. For additional information click on this LINK.
United Pharmacy $0 Copay Generics if the medication is prescribed by a $0 Copay Clinic provider. For additional information click on this LINK.
Qualifying Life Events
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What is A Qualifying Life Event?
What is a Qualifying Life Event?
A Qualifying Life Event would be a birth/adoption, death, marital status change, spouse or dependent employment change or a coverage loss.
Employees may make a change outside of the normal open enrollment period if the proper steps are taken inside a 31-day window from the event.
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What proof should I submit with my Qualifying Life Event?
What proof should I submit with my Qualifying Life Event?
Here are the documents required for proof of a Qualifying Life Event:
Birth - a birth certificate (if there is a delay in receiving the birth certificate, please provide proof of birth within the 31-day window by providing copies of the newborn's hospital registration documents, hospital certificate of birth, etc.). Failure to submit the application for the Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll along with proof of birth within the 31-day window will result in denial of the addition to health plan.
Adoption - relevant court documents (within the 31-day window of the adoption). Failure to submit the application for the Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll along with proof of birth within the 31-day window will result in denial of the additon to the health plan.
Spouse or Dependent Employment Change - a letter of creditable coverage from the prior insurer, and also a certificate proving a legal union for a spouse or a birth certificate for a dependent child. Failure to submit the application for the Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll along with the letter of creditable coverage from the prior insurer within 31-days will result in denial of the addition to the health plan.
Marriage - marriage certificate; failure to submit the application for the Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll along with the marriage certificate within the 31-day window will result in denial of the addition to the health plan.
Divorce or Legal Separation - relevant court documents.
Coverage Loss - a letter of creditable coverage from the prior insurer, and also a certificate proving a legal union for a spouse or a birth certificate for a dependent child; failure to submit the application for the Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll along with required proof/documents within the 31-day window will result in denial of the addition to the health plan.
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What is the Process for Submitting a Qualifying Life Event?
Changes outside of a regular open enrollment period MUST be made within 31-days of the event with submission of the event through FFenroll along with appropriate documentation (see instructions below).
The Qualifying Life Event must be submitted through FFenroll benefits enrollment site by following the instructions/process accordingly (see information link below). If you need assistance, please call 806-219-0281.
Filing a Qualifying Life Event through FFenroll
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Who Is Eligible for Health Benefits at LISD?
Who Is Eligible for Health Benefits at LISD?
- Employee/Subscriber - is a full-time or half-time Employee of LISD on monthly payroll who resides/lives in the service area and a bona fide employee entitled to participate in the health care benefit program. Temporary and hourly employees must work 130 hours per month for a six-month period to qualify for benefits prior to enrollment. In a month where it is not possible to work 130 hours (due to district hours) then the employee is given credit for that month.
- The Employee/Subscriber may enroll his/her family into the benefits program if they are considered Dependents of the Employee/Subscriber and who must be described as:
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- Spouse - a legal spouse is eligible for coverage if they are able to submit upon request a certified copy of their marriage certificate or a declaration of informal marriage certificate filed with the county clerk's office
- Child of Subscriber/Employee - a child means a natural child, a stepchild, eligible foster child, an adopted child - under twenty-six (26) years of age; this could include a child with whom the Subscriber/Employee has proof of legal guardianship or court order for coverage to be provided for the minor child; a child of your child who is your dependent under federal income tax purposes at the time of application for coverage of the child is made. In order for a stepchild to be covered under the health plan, the biological parent of the child must also be enrolled in the District's health plan
- Children - a child of any age as noted above but who is and continues to be incapable of sustaining employment by reason of mental or physical handicap and is chiefly dependent upon Subscriber/Employee for economic support and maintenance. A Dependent Child's Statement of Disability form including medical certification of disability may be required to be submitted within thirty-one (31) days of the date of medical certification and may be required to be provided at the time of application for enrollment and as often as once a year
- Newborn Children Coverage - coverage will be automatic and temporary for Subscriber/Employee's (or covered Employee's spouse's) newborn child for the first thirty-one (31) days following the date of birth; coverage will continue for the newborn beyond the thirty-one (31) days only if the child is a dependent and only if A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT application through the FFenroll process is made within thirty-one (31) days of birth and required contributions are completed/made by the Employee/Subscriber with the Risk Management Office to ensure further coverage for the newborn
- Newly Adopted Children - coverage will be automatic and temporary for a newly-adopted child of Subscriber/Employee for the first thirty-one (31) days from the date the Subscriber/Employee is in a suit for adoption or thirty-one (31) days from the date of the adoption is final. Coverage will continue beyond the thirty-one (31) days only if the child is an eligible dependent and only if A QUALIFYING LIFE EVENT application through the FFenroll process is made within thirty-one (31) days of adoption/suit of adoption and required contributions are completed/made by the Employee/Subscriber with the Risk Management Office to ensure further coverage of the adopted child
The Risk Management Office will be performing random or for cause/questionable coverage request(s) audits as part of an ongoing plan verification process relating to dependent coverage relating to enrollment for the 2022 benefits year and thereafter. If you are notified by the Risk Management Office requesting/requiring a copy of a marriage certificate, proof of dependent child legal custody order, birth certificates, federal income tax form showing dependent child claim/allowance, etc., please respond as soon as possible to ensure ongoing coverage for your dependent. Failure to submit the required/requested documentation could result in non-coverage of that dependent until receipt of the requested documentation is received and verified by the Risk Management Office. Failure to follow the enrollment guidelines and enrolling someone that does not qualify for coverage under the plan policies may also result in a denial of the claim accordingly.Should you have any questions, please give Vaun (ext 0283) or Lisa (ext 0235) a call. Thanks! - Spouse - a legal spouse is eligible for coverage if they are able to submit upon request a certified copy of their marriage certificate or a declaration of informal marriage certificate filed with the county clerk's office
- Employee/Subscriber - is a full-time or half-time Employee of LISD on monthly payroll who resides/lives in the service area and a bona fide employee entitled to participate in the health care benefit program. Temporary and hourly employees must work 130 hours per month for a six-month period to qualify for benefits prior to enrollment. In a month where it is not possible to work 130 hours (due to district hours) then the employee is given credit for that month.
Retirement
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June 2021 TRS Newsletter
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Retirement Information
Everything You Should Know About Retiring from Lubbock ISD
Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Eligibility
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Obtain a MyTRS log on access, if access is not already established. Employees need this access to run the calculators noted below.
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Review the TRS calculators to obtain information relation to:
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Withholding Calculator
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Retirement Estimate Calculator
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Unreported Substitute Service and Calculator
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State Sick/Personal Leave and Calculator
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Contact the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS) to determine eligibility for a retirement annuity and to request a retirement packet. Retirement planning meetings are held throughout each school year – check the TRS website for more information. (trs.state.tx.us)
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The packet includes information related to the annuity options available, selection of beneficiary(ies), and other important information.
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Review the current Annuity Payment Schedule to determine when the 1st annuity payment would be paid by TRS. [Note: Employees should consider when the last Lubbock ISD paycheck will be paid, too.] The Annuity Payment Schedule can be found on the TRS website. Annuity checks are generally issued on the last day of the month.
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Review the TRS Withholding Calculator on the TRS website to estimate the net payment after taxes.
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Review the TRS Care Summary of Benefits on the TRS website. Determine qualification for plan(s), the benefits provided and the current cost per month.
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Submit the TRS 7 form: Notice of Final Deposit (from the TRS Packet) to the Payroll Department
Social Security Eligibility
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Not all Lubbock ISD employees pay into Social Security as some only pay into TRS. Reference check deductions to know for certain or contact the Payroll Department.
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Potential retirees can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800- 772-1213 for information on possible offsets or reductions to TRS benefits and eligibility. Employees may also visit the Social Security Administration website for information on topics such as the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). [Excerpt from the TRS website.]
Terminating Employment with Lubbock ISD
After gathering information from the TRS and Social Security about retirement benefits, employees should determine the date of retirement.
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Before an employee selects a date of retirement:
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Verify with the TRS what date is most advantageous. Note - if possible, employees want to ensure that the last year of TRS wages consists of 12 months of compensation. The compensation for TRS purposes counts from September through August and may or may not match up with the employee work calendar and/or pay distribution.
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If applicable - verify with the SSA the employee worked the required number of months (60) to minimize or eliminate the impact of the offset provisions (GPO and WEP).
The following are considerations as an employee prepares to terminate employment with Lubbock ISD.
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Submit a letter of resignation through the Employee Service Center and a copy to the immediate supervisor. The letter of resignation must include the effective date of retirement. It is important to note RETIREMENT through the Employee Service Center and not resignation if an employee retires.
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Resignation from the district should be the last duty day of the work calendar even if the effective date of retirement is before or after the last duty day.
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Contact the Payroll Department to discuss the following:
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Leave balance, if any, will be evaluated to determine if the leave taken exceeds the leave earned as of the last employment date.
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If excess leave, above the amount of leave earned, has been taken, the excess leave taken shall be deducted from the final paycheck.
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If a leave balance exists in either state sick or state personal leave, the employee will lose the local leave days (refer to the Buy Back Program for possible exception) but will retain the state sick and/or personal leave, if any. This leave shall be recorded on the employee’s Service Record. This leave stays with the employee, even after retirement, and may be transferred to another school district.
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If at least 50 days of state leave exists, an additional year of TRS credit for retirement purposes could be purchased subject to TRS rules (contact TRS for an estimated cost).
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Leave balance, if any, may be subject to the district’s Buy Back of Leave at Retirement policy.
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Refer to Board Policy DEC Local and the Leave Buy Back Incentive Program for details regarding the purchase of state and local leave, as appropriate.
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The amount paid for leave under the Leave BuyBack policy is not considered TRS wages for retirement purposes.
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Non-exempt staff only: Compensatory time balance, if any, will be paid to you on your final paycheck at your last hourly rate of pay, or an average of the past 3 years, whichever is higher in accordance with the FLSA. Accumulated comp time from prior years will not be eligible as TRS wages.
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Non-exempt 226-day staff only: Earned scheduled days off, if any, will be paid to you on your final paycheck at your last hourly rate of pay. Accumulated scheduled days off from prior years will not be eligible as TRS wages.
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Payroll deductions for insurance, annuities, organizations, and other voluntary deductions for retirements end the month the employee receives a last check.
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The district health plan & dental may terminate at the end of the month of the employee’s last paycheck. For example, if a teacher completes his/her work calendar and retires in May, his/her health & dental coverage ends May 31st.
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The district-paid group term life insurance plans terminate a month after the employee receives the last check.
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Employee-paid voluntary insurance plans vary, and can terminate at the end of the month of separation or the month after the last check.
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Disability plans are valid only while the employee is actively at work; hence, disability plans terminate on the last day of the month of the employees last check.
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Employee and/or district-paid Flexible Spending accounts will terminate on the last day of the termination month if a deposit was made for that month, otherwise the account may terminate during the month of the final deposit.
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An employee may choose to terminate other voluntary deductions such as annuities, additional tax withholding, etc. at any time.
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Final paycheck disbursement at retirement depends on the retirement date.
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If employee retires at the end of his/her work assignment:
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187, 192, and 197 day employee’s final check in May;
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211 day employee’s final check in June as long as the work assignment is completed by June 15th.
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226 employee’s final check in June (term completed by June 30th)
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If employee retires during his/her work assignment:
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The final paycheck for all employees retiring during their work assignment will be paid the month of the retirement date.
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Complete the exit process with the campus or department to include the following:
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Submit district keys, equipment, etc., as appropriate
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Submit all files, such as student records, accounting records, activity funds, etc.
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Contact the Human Resources Department to conduct an Exit Conference to include:
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Submit employee badge to avoid a non-return charge on the final paycheck
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Complete an Exit Conference Questionnaire
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Submit a forwarding address, as appropriate for future communications
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Contact the Technology Department to return district technology equipment:
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Example: A district issued laptop
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Watch for correspondence as noted below regarding potential COBRA eligibility. Group health and dental insurance plans are covered under the federal COBRA provisions.
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Health Care Service Corporation is responsible for sending COBRA information to employees enrolled in any one of the Lubbock ISD medical plans
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Remember that dependents, if any, may be eligible for COBRA benefits, too.
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Additional information regarding COBRA is available at: www.dol.gov
After Retirement through TRS
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Review Your Responsibilities as a Retiree on the TRS website. Important reminders include: Keeping a mailing address current, making name changes on a timely basis and keeping beneficiary information up-to-date.
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Review the Employment After Retirement brochure to ensure familiarity with potential loss of annuity and/or surcharges if a retiree returns to work.
Instructions for Participants with Medicare to Complete the Application to Re-Enroll in TRS-Care
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