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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS QUARTERLY • SPRING 2019
Spring 2019
1
Spend Your FSA Balance by March 15
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS QUARTERLY
You made a smart move in 2018 by putting money in your Flexible Spending Account for your healthcare needs. Now, don’t forget tomorrow, March 15, is the deadline to spend your FSA balance by March 15, 2019, or it’s gone forever.
Go to fsastore.com and select from more than 4,000 FSA-eligible products and services to get the most out of every dollar in your account.
Prepare for spring break with the Travel Essentials bundle, including sunscreen, a first-aid kit and more. Or take care of everyday aches and pains with orthotics or an electromagnetic massage unit. And, of course, you can stock up on a wide selection of over-the-counter medicines and pharmacy items. (Some may require a prescription from your doctor.) Every item is FSA-approved, and you receive free shipping with purchases of $50 or more.
You must file claims for Healthcare FSA and Dependent Care FSA expenses by March 31, 2019.
It’s easy to submit claims via connectyourcare.com, or by downloading the myCYC mobile app for
iOS and Android devices. In addition to submitting claims, you can view
FAQs and eligible expenses. For additional assistance, connect to the myCYC live expert care team at connectyourcare.com.
Don’t wait until April 14 to start preparing your taxes. Start now and avoid the last-minute tax day rush.
If you were enrolled in a Cook County employer-sponsored medical plan during 2018 you will receive a Form 1095-C. A detailed email explaining this form was sent to all employees the week of February 25.
If you have not received your 1095 in the mail or have questions regarding the information, email us at [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and employee ID number in the correspondence.
Do You Need Form 1095 for Tax Day?
LET’S RECAP:
You must spend
your FSA balance by
tomorrow, March 15,
and file your claims
by March 31.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS QUARTERLY • SPRING 2019 2
You may be eligible to save money on the prescription drugs you regularly take. Find out by using the Check Drug Cost tool from CVS Caremark.
• Visit Caremark.com or open the CVS Caremark mobile app(for iOS and Android devices)
• Type in a drug name
• Find out your out-of-pocket cost
• Get a list of lower-cost options you can discuss with yourdoctor
• See how much you can save by moving your Rx to a 90-daysupply
The Check Drug Cost tool is fast, convenient and tailored to you, providing results that are specific to you, your plan and where you are with your deductible.
Remember, that the price shown may not accurately reflect what you will pay at the pharmacy. Your actual price may vary depending on your benefit plan design, deductibles, previous payments, pharmacy-specific pricing, future claims and prior authorizations.
Tuesday, May 1410 a.m. to 3 p.m.SKOKIE COURTHOUSERoom 201 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie
Wednesday, May 1510 a.m. to 3 p.m.CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE2nd Floor Cafeteria2650 S. California Ave., Chicago
Thursday, May 1610 a.m. to 3 p.m.JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTERAuditorium 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago
Wednesday, May 2210 a.m. to 3 p.m.PROVIDENT HOSPITALCafeteria 500 E. 51st St., Chicago
Thursday, May 2310 a.m. to 3 p.m.COUNTY BUILDING10th floor 118 N. Clark St., Chicago
Tuesday, May 2810 a.m. to 3 p.m.BRIDGEVIEW COURTHOUSE1st Floor Lobby10220 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview
Wednesday, May 2910 a.m. to 3 p.m.STROGER HOSPITALLower Level Cafeteria1969 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago
A healthy lifestyle begins with knowing your:• blood pressure• A1C if you’re diabetic• BMI if you’re trying to lose weight• sit and reach flexibility
COOK COUNTY HEALTH FAIRS
Encompass Healthy LifestylesFree health screenings such as these, healthy meal tips and pain management tips are just a few of the perks you’ll get as an employee attending Cook County Health Fairs going on at seven locations in May. Vendors will be on hand to answer questions and make recommendations.
Compare Drug Costs with CVS Caremark
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS QUARTERLY • SPRING 20193
National Wear Red DayFebruary 1 was National Wear Red Day. And in Cook County offices, including Risk Management (left), and across the U.S., many employees donned crimson to bring awareness to heart disease and prevention.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute promotes the day to get everyone to think about ways to combat heart disease. It’s the leading cause of death for Americans, and it’s largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women? It causes 1 in 3 deaths each year, about one woman every minute, according to the American Heart Association. The AHA’s Go Red for Women campaign is a chance throughout the year for everyone to keep the spotlight on heart disease prevention. And to look good in red while doing it.
It Takes 2 Months to Change Your LifeWe’ve all been there: Diet for a week or two, look fabulous, watch as the scale bounces back even higher two weeks later. While quick fixes don’t work, how long does it take to really break bad habits?
A 2009 study at University College London found that it takes an average of 66 days, or just over two months, to create a new routine.
Here’s a special offer to get you started: Sign up by March 31, 2019, for the Fitness Program through Blue Cross Blue Shield, and you’ll pay no enrollment fee.
The Fitness Program offers flexibility, convenience and ease for a low monthly fee. Members have access to more than 10,000 participating facilities so they can work out whether traveling, at home or at work. This makes it easy to stay on track for your first 66 life-changing days and beyond.
Enroll Today1. Log in to BlueAccess for Members
2. Click on “Fitness Program” in the Quick Links
3. At checkout, waive your enrollment fee by entering CouponCode: GETFIT2019 (Activation expires March 31, 2019).
You can also enroll by phone by calling 1-888-762-BLUE (2583) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. Don’t wait! After March 31, new members will pay the regular enrollment fee. Get started today!
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS QUARTERLY • SPRING 2019 4
Have questions? Visit cookcountyrisk.com or contact Employee Benefits:
Blue Cross Blue Shield Hotline Numbers:For HMO plan: 1 (800) 892-2803
For PPO plan: 1 (800) 960-8809
Email: [email protected]
Cook County Department of Risk Management
Employee Benefits Division
118 N. Clark Street, Suite 1072, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 603-6385, Fax: (866) 729-3040
CPR- AED Training OptionsThere are many opportunities to get trained in CPR. Visit the Illinois Heart Rescue website http://illinoisheartrescue.com/save-a-life/ and check out the various options:
• Access videos to learn the fundamentals of bystander CPR in as little as 5 minutes with Basic Training http://illinoisheartrescue.com/save-a-life/basic-training/
• Attend a class and practice Hands-On Training using mannequins and AED equipment http://illinoisheartrescue.com/save-a-life/hands-on/
• Get Certified by participating in a class offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross http://illinoisheartrescue.com/save-a-life/get-certified/
Take the Health AssessmentHave you taken the Well onTarget® Health Assessment through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois? Over 100 employees have taken the 15-minute online assessment that will provide you with a personalized wellness report that includes a review of your health and tailored tips to maintain or improve your health.
Start your Well onTarget® Health Assessment today!