On March 27 Governor Dayton signed into law a bill approving nine labor contracts and five pay plans. The approved contracts and plans contain many insurance changes for employees.

So what does this mean for you?

Zero copay for online care and convenience clinics

• The new copayment for online care and convenience clinics of $0 (down from $10) will go into effect on May 1, 2018. You will be receiving new member cards from your medical carrier in the coming weeks. On May 1, you may begin using these resources at no out-of-pocket cost. 
• Online care and convenience clinics are cost-effective alternatives to emergency rooms, urgent care, and family practice clinics. 
• You may use these types of care for simple illnesses, tests, and vaccinations. 
• Online and convenience clinic care are provided without referrals and are not subject to your deductible. 
• SEGIP members can use either of these two online care services: 
  • Doctor on Demand www.doctorondemand.com/bluecross 
  • Virtuwell www.virtuwell.com 
• To find a convenience clinic, contact your medical carrier for an up-to-date list of in-network locations. Visit the SEGIP website for more information.
  

Changes to dental benefits and premiums

Dental changes will take effect on January 1, 2019. They include an expanded benefit set and increased premium. Due to the higher premium, employees will be offered a new opportunity to add or drop coverage, which will be during Open Enrollment for 2019, happening this fall.

Effective January 1, 2019, new benefits will include:

• No copayment for sealants
• Orthodontia benefits available to any member
• Benefits that were previously at 50% in-network now covered at 80% in-network (after deductible)
• Implants now covered at 80% (after deductible)
• Annual maximum benefit now $2,000 (excluding orthodontia)

The employee share of the single premium will also increase to $13.50 per month.

Disability coverage enrollment opportunity upon a status change

On May 1, insurance-eligible employees who change from temporary status to permanent status with the state will have an opportunity to newly elect short term and/or long term disability coverage. This only applies to employees who were eligible for but did not have such coverages in place previously. Eligible employees who experience a status change after May 1 will be contacted by SEGIP about their enrollment opportunity.

Call SEGIP with any questions: 651-355-0100