Understanding the CareConnect Difference

What is CareConnect?
North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc. (or CareConnect for short) is your plan administrator. It is fully-owned by Northwell Health, and is the first provider-owned commercial health insurance company in New York State. It was launched to make it easier for people to get and stay healthy, so it does things a little differently than most insurance companies.

In Person Customer Service
CareConnect stresses customer service. It has a walk-in Customer Care Center at 2200 Northern Blvd. in East Hills, where you can drop by any time between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, to talk to a Customer Service Connector. A Service Connector can answer questions about your coverage, explain potential costs, even make your doctor, lab and x-ray appointments. Bring your kids along -- they will enjoy the crayons, games and books in the play area, while you get your tasks done.

On the Phone Customer Service
Don't feel like making the trip? Just pick up the phone - a Connector will be able to answer your questions or resolve your issue. Or try the CareConnect website, CareConnect.com, to take care of simple things like printing a temporary ID card, or checking the status of a claim.

CareConnect Providers
CareConnect can also simplify your life when it's time to see the doctor, thanks to its close relationship with the providers in the network -- which includes not just Northwell Health, but many other New York health systems: Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, Montefiore Health System in the Bronx and Westchester, Northern Westchester Hospital and Mount Kisco Medical Group also in Westchester are just to name a few. Keep in mind, although the network is large, the plan does not cover out-of-network care.

In addition to making appointments that fit your schedule, CareConnect will work closely with Northwell Health's Care Solutions to make sure you have all the support you need.

All of this and lower rates too! In fact, for many employees, CareConnect Northwell Health Employee Plan rates are lower than the Value Plan. To find out more, visit CareConnect.com, email questions@nslijcc.com or read about CareConnect in your 2016 Benefits Resource Guide.

2016 Benefits Open Enrollment is November 30

Let's Make It Easy! 

Consider Where You Live
North Shore-LIJ is offering a a new medical plan option through our own insurance company, CareConnect. CareConnect offers coverage only through their own network, but their network is BIG - 20,000 providers and growing: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester and Eastern Long Island . Look here

Consider Childcare and Elder Care Expenses 
When Open Enrollment rolls around be sure to keep in mind what you pay out for daycare, camp and after-school expenses for a child under the age or 13, as well what you pay for providing care for an aging parent. North Shore-LIJ (soon to be Northwell Health) has partnered with WageWorks to help you save on this overwhelming dependent care expense through pre-taxed payroll deduction, called the Dependent Flexible Spending Account. Check it out on WageWork.com

Consider Your Disability Plan
You may want to consider buying up your disability plan. Employees are automatically enrolled into a 50% Short-Term Plan once hired through the health system. Consider "buying up" during Open Enrollment and you will be covered at 60% of your base pay up to $2,000 per week. Evidence of Good Health will be required.

Comments on the Blog: Go for it! We will try to answer every question asked.

North Shore-LIJ (soon to be Northwell Health) is getting ready for YOU!

There is a reason the word "well" was added to our name!
As we begin to share, in the anticipation of, and exposure to, our new name and brand promise — what better time to reflect, and be thankful for, the many rewards the health system offers us.

2016 Benefit Offerings
Open Enrollment for your 2016 benefits package begins Monday, November 30, and runs through Friday, December 11. Other than a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)*, this is your annual opportunity to enroll, waive, or change your health and welfare plans, and Flexible Spending Account(s).

New Medical Plan Choice in 2016
You now have a new plan option for your 2016 medical care coverage. In addition to the Value and Buy-Up medical plans through United Healthcare, you can also choose to enroll in the 2016 CareConnect North Shore-LIJ Employee plan.

Who Should Consider the CareConnect plan?
Due to their expanded network base - those employees who live in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester should consider CareConnect
Due to their excellent customer service reputation - those employees who already visit in-system providers might want to consider the option for walk-in appointments and "one-stop shopping" when inquiring and scheduling medical appointments
Due to their low rates - yes their rates are 10% lower than the NSLIJ Value Plan

Keep in mind: Although CareConnect's plan gives you access to over 20,000+ in-system providers, it does not cover out-of-network providers and facilities. 

Example: You decide you want that knee replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery ... it will not be covered through CareConnect's Plan.
The Value and Buy-Up plan will cover the surgery, but you will pay a deductible and coinsurance.

The CareConnect plan is administered by CareConnect Administrative Services, which is owned by North Shore-LIJ. For more information about the new CareConnect North Shore-LIJ Employee Plan, email: info@nslijcc.com

Annual Wellness Pledge Program 
All three medical plans participate in the Annual Wellness Pledge Program. So whichever plan you choose for 2016,  you will have the ability to lower the cost of your benefit, by $1,040, if you participate in four healthy actions.

New Wellness Plan for All Employees
All employees now have the opportunity to participate in a system-wide, online wellness program, called myWellness. To register for this reward-based program, click here. 

Follow the Blog During Open Enrollment!
Add your work email to the tab at the top of the screen, and you will automatically receive alerts regarding your benefit choices in 2016.

Take control of your benefit choices — it's all about the Power of YOU in 2016!

*A Qualifying Life Event refers to a change in your dependent or self status, due to a recent marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, or your spouse's employment. 

Compare Plans in Advance

With most organization's Open Enrollment occurring in November,  North Shore-LIJ recognizes that you may be considering enrolling in your spouse's plan in 2015 and may need to make an educated decision - now - and not wait until December 3 (which is when North Shore-LIJ's Open Enrollment begins). That is why we have made the necessary information available to non-union employees and Lenox Hill Hospital/MEETH Registered Nurses on HealthPort>HR>Benefits.

For the Non-Union Population

Benefit Groups

• Benefit Group 1A generally refers to executives and physicians
• Benefit Group 1 generally refers to directors and AVPs
• Benefit Group 2 generally refers to managers and clinical mid-level providers
• Benefit Group 3 generally refers to staff-level employees

Location Reference

Another thing to keep in mind as you read through your Open Enrollment materials, the term "non-365" refers to employees who do not work in a facility that operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Non-365 employees receive the same healthcare benefits as an employee working in a hospital (referred to as a 365 Employee) with slightly different plans for disability, life insurance, and Paid Time Off. There in no "Non-365" status for physicians and executives.

Health Assessment Pledge Extended to Jan 31!

What's a New Year without a few New Year's resolutions? Most of us promise to exercise more, eat healthier, and spend more time with family. The health system encourages your efforts not just at the beginning of the year but all year long. Because of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle, the benefits and employee wellness departments at North Shore-LIJ have decided to extend the 2014 Health Assessment Pledge to January 31, 2014. This extension should provide you and your covered spouse (if applicable) the time needed to complete and submit the online Health Assessment. Here's what you have to do to receive the $10 paycheck credit beginning in March:

1. Visit myuhc.com
2. Register and login with a username and password
3. Click on the Health Assessment tab on the right side of page
4. Register and login using the same username and password you used for myuhc.com
5. Answer security questionis
6. Fill in the health information
7. Hit submit

The Health Assessment will ask you for the results from a recent doctor's visit. If you were unable to visit with your physician recently you can use your biometrics from a previous exam.

Visit HealthPort>Human Resources>Benefits>Open Enrollment Kit  for details on how to access and submit the Health Assessment.

Note: This extension for compliance is for the Health Assessment Pledge only, all other pledges were closed December 2, 2013, as previously communicated. 

Happy and Healthy New Year to All!

Home Sweet Home

Isn't nice to live in an area where you have access to quality healthcare? As the health system grows so does the number of in-system providers/services.
In Area Designation 
With a Clinical Integration Independent Practice Association (IPA for short) of over 9,000 + doctors/healthcare providers (up a few thousand since 2012) the health system is truly spreading its wings. In-system providers are now present on eastern Long Island. Coram, Port Jefferson, Selden and even Wading River are just a few of the newly designated "in area" residences for 2014. These areas were declared within the primary service area due to the amount of providers within a 2 to 10 mile radius of that zip code. In-system providers include primary care physicians, obstetrician/gynecologists, pediatricians, and specialists. Need a doctor? Now you can find a North Shore-LIJ In-System Provider within 10 miles of your home sweet home.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum for 2014

Did you do a double take on page 4 of the Benefits Guide? 
Third column down on both Value and Buy-Up Plans reads Annual Out-of-Pocket $6,350 for an Individual and $12,700 for a Family. Gee didn't that say "none" in 2013? Don't be alarmed by the number ... It's not that there were no out-of-pocket expenses for in-system copays in 2013 it's just that there was no requirement for specified maximums. Due to Healthcare Reform in 2014, maximum out-of-pocket expenses now must now be specified. $6,350  is the maximum out-of-pocket you can spend on your in-system copays for yourself and $12,700 is the maximum you can spend on your in-system copays for your family.

Who Figures This Stuff Out?
Rest assured these figures were derived by Actuaries, not the Benefits Team. Actuaries analyze the financial cost of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur and help businesses develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk.
There! Don't you feel better knowing that?

Wellness Pledge Advantage

Your health and wellness is an important piece of the North Shore-LIJ strategy to be a leader in preventive care for our communities and all employees. The newest Wellness Pledge for 2014, a video which was designed to engage you and your family in the health system's proactive thinking on health awareness, is a direct link to another Pledge, the Health Assessment Pledge. The creation of both Pledges stems from the true passion of our own wellness experts, Dr. Jennifer Mieres, SVP of Community and Public Health and Dr. Jacqueline Moline, VP of Population Health.

1. If you have not gotten the opportunity to watch the Wellness Video, visit HealthPort>Quick Links>iLearn. The health system's Learning Management System will guide you through the Wellness Module and Video. 
2. If you have not gotten the opportunity to fill out your Health Assessment, visit myuhc.com, register and login, click on Health Assessment on the far right side. The HA is housed in a secure portal through UnitedHealthcare and keeps your health information 100% confidential. 

Both Pledge actions will credit your 2014 paycheck $260 each, as long as you comply before December 2. Yes, that's right ... it pays to be healthy!

Better Late Than Never

It is a well known fact that a good percentage of employees do not chose to participate in Flexible Spending Accounts because they are afraid they may lose the pre-tax dollars they put aside come the end of the year. Well rest easy -  each year the health system gives its FSA participants a three month grace period for their healthcare account. This gives you the opportunity to spend what's leftover in 2013 rather than losing it in 2014.

Use It or Lose It Rule
For those organizations that do not offer such a generous grace period - the U.S. Treasury recently announced a modification to its "Use It or Lose It" ruling. This modification now allows participants to rollover $500 of unused dollars into 2014. Keep in mind, This rollover does not pertain to North Shore-LIJ Flex Spending participants due to the grace period already in place.

North Shore-LIJ Grace Period
The health system's generous 3 month grace period allows you to deplete your account in its entirety and does not limit you to only $500. This extension gives you the opportunity to purchase most eye-related products, orthopedic and surgical supports, blood pressure monitors, dentures and so much more.
So go ahead and be consumer savvy - put aside those pre-tax dollars during 2014's Open Enrollment, you've got nothing to lose!

Healthcare FSAs allow you to set aside a minimum of $150 and a maximum of $2,500 per year to pay for expenses not covered in your medical plan, such as co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs. This account will come to you in the form of a Debit card giving you convenient access to your funds.
Dependent Care FSAs allow you to set aside a minimum of $150 and maximum of $5,000 per year to pay for dependent care expenses for children under the age of 13, disabled adults or elder care.

Get Your Health Assessment Now

Open Enrollment for your 2014 Benefits Package is still a few months away but it's never too early to pledge to be well. One of the four Wellness Pledges for 2014 (which will credit your pay statement $260 for the year) is the Health Assessment Pledge. Similar to last year's Know Your Numbers/HRA Pledge you will need to fill in your health information on a secured site. Here's what you can do now to get a head start on wellness:

1. Register and login to UnitedHealthcare's myuhc.com and select the Health Assessment tab located on the far right side of the home page. 
2. Register and login using the same username and password as you did when registering on myuhc.com. 
3. Answer several security questions before you can get started. 
4. Take the Health Assessment by filling in the pre-populated fields.*
5. Hit Submit. If you have not completed the Assessment you will be notified that you have an additional 92 days to complete.

*To fill in your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol, and Body Mass Index (BMI) you can contact your physician to see if it's time for a physical, and chart your updated biometrics in the myuhc.com portal.

Note: As long as you complete the Health Assessment and hit the submit button you will be credited for the Pledge in 2014.

Newly Hired?
If you were recently hired, you will not be able to access the Health Assessment until your benefits are active, which is the first day of the month following 32 days after your date of hire.