| Human
Resources Division - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I go about getting an eye exam?
If you have;
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Anthem Blue Cross PPO, you will need a claim form from Medical Eye Services (MES) for your eye exam, frame & lenses,
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Kaiser insurance plan, you will need to contact Kaiser for your eye exam. For your frame and lenses, you will need a claim form from Medical Eye Services (MES).
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Bakersfield Family Medical, GemCare or Independence Medical group, contact your respective medical group for your eye exam. For your frame and lenses, you will need a claim form from Medical Eye Services (MES).
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MES claim forms are available at the Benefits Office.
How soon do I have to add a new spouse or newborn child to my insurance plan? And what documents do I need to submit with my application?
• You need to enroll all new dependents within 2 weeks of the qualifying event.
• Supporting documents are; Commemorative Birth Certificate, Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Adoptions papers or Legal Guardianship papers.
When can I change my insurance?
• The City of Bakersfield has an Open Enrollment period for medical or dental changes once a year. The Open Enrollment is usually held in November.
When can I change my doctor?
• For the Anthem Blue Cross (ABC) HMO plan, you may change your doctor once a month. You may call the Customer Service number (800-227-3560) that is located on back of your medical card. Listings of the ABC HMO providers are listed on their website www.Anthem.com. Or a list of the Primary Care Physician’s is also available online at this website or at the Benefits Office.
• For the Kaiser insurance plan, you may call Customer Service number (800-464-4000) that is on your medical card.
• For Anthem Blue Cross PPO insurance plan you do not need to select a primary care physician. To review the listing of PPO/Prudent Buyer physicians refer to www.anthem.com.
At what age does my child’s health care coverage end?
• After age 19, a dependent child must be enrolled in school for health care coverage to be continued. The Insurance companies require Student Certification form to be completed.
• Age 23 is the maximum age for health care coverage for dependent children on all insurance plans.
• If your child has to be removed for one of the above reasons, we can offer continuing health care coverage under COBRA. See COBRA topic.
I forgot to add my spouse or newborn child within the required 2 week qualifying event period. When may I add them to my insurance plans?
• Qualifying events are; marriage, birth, adoptions, legal guardianship, or the final decree of divorce.
• You may add your dependents at Open Enrollment which is typically held in November.
Do I have Chiropractic or Acupuncture coverage?
• Only Anthem Blue Cross PPO covers Chiropractic and Acupuncture services. Refer to you Summary of Benefits or your Evidence of Coverage booklet.
• Under the HMO plans, your Primary Care Physician would have to refer you out for this type of service to be covered.
Do I have to pay a deductible on my medical?
• Only Anthem Blue Cross PPO has a deductible. The annual deductible is $350 per each family member up to a family deductible of $1050.
Do I have Life Insurance?
• All employees’ have Life Insurance that is paid for by City. The amount coverage varies by Bargaining Unit.
• Employees in the Miscellaneous Unit are eligible to apply for additional coverage at Open Enrollment.
I am in need of marital and/or family counseling. What is my coverage?
• Through the Employees’ Assistance Program (EAP) you are entitled 3 free visits.
• You will need to call PacifiCare Behavioral Health (www.PBHI.com) at 800-999-9585 for pre-authorization.
• For additional visits for all Anthem Blue Cross PPO & HMO subscribers your visits are $10 and are provided through PacifiCare Behavioral Health.
• For Kaiser subscribers you need to contact Kaiser’s customer service line at 800-464-4000.
Do I have a disability benefit?
• All Miscellaneous employees are covered by State Disability Insurance (SDI).
• Employees in the Miscellaneous, Supervisory or Management Units are eligible to participate in the Unum Long Term Disability program. You may apply for coverage during Open Enrollment.
• Employees in the Safety Units are not eligible for these two plans.
Does the City offer Long Term Care to their employees?
• No. CalPERS offers the Long Term Care program. Their Open Enrollment period is usually held in the spring. You can find more information at their website www.calpers.ca.gov.
I am leaving employment with the City, what happens now?
• Make an appointment with the Benefits Office 326-3094 and they assist you with this process.
• You are eligible for continuing health care coverage under COBRA. See COBRA topic.
• The Benefits Office will notify CalPERS of your ending date once you receive your final pay check.
• After this notification CalPERS will notify you.
I’m thinking about retirement, how do I get an estimate?
• On the CalPERS website www.calpers.ca.gov there is an online Retirement calculator where your can get an estimate. Remember that this is just an ESTIMATE. This figure does not include items such as; longevity, uniform, schooling or the final year “Employer Paid Contribution” amounts.
• If you need assistance with your estimate, contact the Benefits Office at 326-3094.
• 90 days prior to your retirement date, contact the Benefits Office at 326-3094 and they will assist you with your application and health insurance.
I would like to sign up or increase my Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Deferred Compensation is handled by the Finance department.
How do I change my Federal or State tax withholdings?
• Tax withholding forms are available at the Finance department.
I want to change my Direct Deposit.
• Contact the Finance department to change your Direct Deposit.
COBRA
• COBRA is a mandated Federal and State law that says that the City of Bakersfield must offer continuing health insurance for a period of 18 or 36 months depending on your eligibility.
• You have 60 days to sign up and remit your premium for this coverage.
• Contact the Benefit Office at 326-3094 for your enrollment forms.
FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE, CONTACT THE BENEFITS OFFICE AT 326-3094
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