Ask Benefits 1x1 Sessions#

Schedule a 15-minute consultation with one of our Benefits team members to ask questions, review your options and get guidance on the best choices for you and your family. 

Schedule a 1x1

Benefit Election Process#

If we are not making any changes to our plan, do we still need to sign up for Open Enrollment? 

This year's Open Enrollment is considered a passive enrollment which means that if you do not want to make changes, you do not need to re-enroll, and your plan rolls over into the new year. However, please note that if you have a Dependent Care or Medical Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you must re-enroll every year. 

Medical#

Will there be consequences if I do not elect a PCP? 

If an employee does not elect a PCP, UMR assigns one to the employee, and the employee can change it at any time using UMR’s Primary Care Physician designation tool.  

Do employees on the HDHP need to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP)? 

No; however, it is highly recommended that all employees on the medical plan select a primary care physician to receive the best healthcare.  

Can a dependent living out-of-state access a provider closer to where they live?  

Yes. Out-of-state coverage is available to dependents on the plan, including students who live outside of the Colorado service area, through the UnitedHealthcare Select Plus Network and are considered Tier 1 providers.  

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?  

Because your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is your first source of care and will thoroughly understand your health needs, they are best to refer you to other network physicians or specialists when additional care is needed. However, you are not required to have a referral on file with UnitedHealthcare to see a specialist.   

What if additional services are performed at my office visit?  

Additional co-pays, a deductible, or coinsurance may apply when you receive other services at your provider's office. For example, surgery and/or lab work.  

Are UC Health Specialists at a $0 co-pay?  

No, specialists in Tier 1 will be charged at a $40 co-pay, and Tier 2 specialists will charge 40% after the Tier 2 deductible is met.  

Does routine preventive care include routine screening procedures like colonoscopies or mammograms?  

Yes, if the screening results come back clear. If they do not, the screening is re-coded as diagnostic with a $250 co-pay under Tier 1: 40% after deductible in Tier 2 National Network. HDHP is 10% after deductible.   

Can I schedule my annual physical at any time during the year, or do I have to wait 365 days to schedule?  

Members do not need to wait 365 days. The annual physical is based only on calendar year, so it’s entirely optional to get one physical on 12/31/2024 and have the next year’s on 1/1/2025.     

What is the co-pay for a chiropractor visit?  

$20 co-pay under PPO for both Tier 1 and Tier 2.  

If I qualify for Medicare this year, will my medical coverage through the City of Fort Collins still be considered primary coverage?  

Yes, your medical coverage with the City of Fort Collins will be primary.  

What is the hearing aid benefit?  

The hearing aid benefit is $1,200 for in-network and out-of-network.  

Does my medical plan with UMR cover vision benefits?  

Yes, but medical coverage only covers the vision exam, and there is a $15 co-pay. UMR’s coverage does not include frames and lenses. If you are on a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), it counts toward your deductible, and you must meet your deductible first. There is also a co-payment associated with the UMR vision plan.  

If on the High Deductible Health Plan, may I use Teladoc at no cost?   

No, in 2025, all Teladoc general medical visits will be $54. Teladoc Mental Health will be $95 for a licensed therapist, $235 for an initial visit with a psychiatrist, and $105 for ongoing visits with a psychiatrist. 

Prescriptions#

Is CVS Caremark replacing Express Scripts or RxBenefits, and when can we expect new cards?

Yes, CVS Caremark will be the City of Fort Collins Pharmacy provider starting January 1, 2025. Employees signed up for medical for the upcoming plan year will receive new UMR medical cards, which will include CVS Caremark. Information about CVS Caremark will be provided as the Benefits Team receives it and posted on Benefits Connect.  

Do we need to do anything to update our current medications? 

The goal is for all current medications to be transferred with minimal disruption. CVS Caremark will send letters to those impacted or with actionable items to complete for the new plan year. 

Where can I find information about formulary drugs or higher co-pay medications? 

Our pharmacy plan is through CVS Caremark.  

Select Colorado#

What is SelectColorado, and how will it manage my care?  

SelectColorado is a high-performing network where providers are incented to collaborate and coordinate care. This innovative health plan is built around strengthening the relationship between you and your Primary Care Physician (PCP) with the goal of meaningful engagement and complete preventive care.

What PPO Tier is Banner Health under? 

Banner Health is under Tier 2.

Is there an official overall list of Tier 1 providers vs. Tier 2?  

Yes. Visit UMR.com and click on "Find a Provider." This flyer has step-by-step instructions.  

Under the PPO plan, do the Tier 1 and Tier 2 deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum cross accumulate?  

Yes, Tier 1 and Tier 2 deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums under the PPO plan cross accumulate.  

Will I need to choose Tier 1 versus Tier 2 for health benefits, or is that determined based on the provider for each claim?

The SelectColorado Network determines tier 1 and Tier 2 providers. Your lowest-cost option is going to be a provider in Tier 1. If you have a provider currently in Tier 2, you can find a provider from Tier 1 and switch providers. If you choose to keep your Tier 2 provider, your costs will be higher.

If I choose the PPO plan, do I also have to choose Tier 1 or Tier 2?

If you selected the PPO plan through open enrollment, you are done with what the medical enrollment process requires. Your next individual and personal choice is to look at the Tier 1 list of providers and compare them to who you currently use as a provider. If your providers are not listed as a Tier 1 provider, you can can switch to a new Tier 1 provider or remain with your Tier 2 provider.  

CityCare#

Can employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) use CityCare? 

Yes, employees enrolled in the HDHP can utilize CityCare.  There is a $45 co-pay for  
non-preventative services. 

Can I elect CityCare as my Primary Care Physician? 

No, because CityCare is an on-site health and wellness center. CityCare is not meant to replace your Primary Care Physician but can be used in non-emergency situations and can provide supplemental services.  

Is our on-site Marathon Clinic, CityCare, in the SelectColorado network? 

Yes. The Marathon Clinic providers are in the SelectColorado network. We highly encourage you to use the clinic for your preventive health and non-critical care needs. They provide excellent care and convenience. 

LifeStyle Management Program#

Is the Lifestyle Management program still a benefit? If so, under what plans does it work?

Yes. It works under PPO and HDHP plans; however, under the HDHP plan, it counts toward the HDHP deductible and is not reimbursed to the employee. 

How do I submit for reimbursement for the Lifestyle Management program?  

The form is located on HR Connect >> Human Resources Forms. The Lifestyle Management form is under "Wellness Forms." Lifestyle Claim Form.  

Are there any changes to the Lifestyle Management benefit?  

Yes, there are changes to Lifestyle Management for 2025. Participants on the medical plan can use up to $1,000 for each of the four services: Massage, Acupuncture, Registered Dietician, and Biofeedback Therapy, for a total of $2,000 in services.  

How much would the employee need to pay if they met the out-of-pocket maximum on the HDHP? 

The member is responsible for the full amount billed at the time of service. Upon receipt/processing of the claim, the member will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for each service category rendered (e.g., Registered Dietician, Therapeutic Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, etc.) up to a maximum of $2,000. 

Would the HDHP participant be reimbursed the full amount or less the $20 co-pay once the participant met the HDHP deductible? 

When the deductible/out-of-pocket maximum is met, the member will be reimbursed for the full amount up to $1,000. The co-pay will not apply if the out-of-pocket is met.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)#

Are contributions to an FSA and/or HSA reported as taxable income?  

No, payroll or income taxes are withheld from your contributions to an FSA or HSA, and contributions by your employer are excluded from your taxable income. 

Do I need to sign up for the FSA every year? 

Yes, you will need to enroll or re-enroll in the FSA annually during the Open Enrollment period. 

Can I add money to the HSA outside of Open Enrollment? 

Yes! You can change how much you contribute to your HSA account once per month. Complete the Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Form located on HR Connect >> Human Resources Forms >> Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Form.  Submit your completed HSA form to HRBenefits@fcgov.com.  

Is there a limit to how much money we can put into an HSA? 

Yes, for 2025, if you are enrolled in employee-only coverage, you can contribute up to $4,300. In addition, employees enrolled in employees +1 or more dependents coverage can contribute up to $8,550. These amounts include City contributions of $700 for employee-only and $1,400 for employees +1 or more dependents.  

Do employees with an HSA who are over 55 get to contribute more than the annual limit? 

Yes, employees over the age of 55 can contribute an additional $1,000 by contacting HRBenefits@fcgov.com. Due to system limitations, the additional $1,000 cannot be elected in JDE and requires an email from the employee to HRBenefits@fcgov.com. 

Can a participant on the HDHP also contribute to an HSA if they are also covered in Medicare? 

No, a participant enrolled in Medicare cannot contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), even if they are also covered under a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). To be eligible to contribute to an HSA, an individual must meet the following criteria: 

• Must be enrolled in a qualified HDHP: The individual must be enrolled in a HDHP that meets the IRS requirements.
• Cannot have other health coverage: They cannot be covered by any other health plan that is not an HDHP, except for specific types of insurance like dental, vision, disability, or long-term care insurance.
• Not enrolled in Medicare: Individuals who enroll in Medicare (generally at age 65) are no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA. This is because Medicare is considered other health coverage that disqualifies HSA contributions. 
  • Participants in this situation can still use any existing HSA funds for qualified medical expenses but cannot make new contributions while enrolled in Medicare. 

If you have an HSA for yourself, can you spend the money on your spouse? 

Yes, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses for your spouse, even if your spouse is not covered under your HDHP. The IRS allows HSA funds to be used for qualified medical expenses incurred by the account holder's spouse, children, or dependents. 
 
What happens to your HSA money if you switch to the PPO plan? 

It stays in your account, and you can continue to use your HSA; however, you can no longer contribute to the HSA while on the PPO plan.   

What happens to your HSA money if you switch to an FSA? 

Transactions are automatically drawn from the FSA. The HSA account remains active even if you are not contributing and you can withdraw from it after age 65 for non-medical expenses. If you need to submit a claim for the previous year to your HSA, you must manually submit the claim online and indicate that you want to use the HSA instead of the FSA. 

If I leave the City of Fort Collins for another employer, can I transfer my HSA? 

HSAs are individual accounts and can be rolled over into another HSA account owned by the same person. 

How much can I carry over into the new year from my Medical FSA?  

Per IRS regulations for 2024 to 2025, a maximum of $640 can be carried over from your current medical FSA account. 

How much can I carry over from my Dependent Care FSA into the new year?  

Nothing. Per IRS regulation, there is no dependent care carryover allowed. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act Amendment, the City of Fort Collins allowed the carryover of unused Dependent Care FSA claims from the plan year ending in 2020 into the plan year ending in 2021 and then also from the plan year ending in 2021 into the plan year ending in 2022. The Consolidated Appropriations Act Amendment expired on 12/31/2022. 

What is the deadline for Flexible Spending Accounts?  

The deadline for Flexible Spending Accounts is 90 days, typically on March 31; however, during a leap year, the deadline for FSA is March 30.  

Where can I find a list of eligible items for my FSA?

Alerus follows the FSA Eligibility List, which you can view at the FSA Store: FSA Eligibility List | FSA Store.

Where can I find a list of eligible items for a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Alerus uses the HSA Eligible Items List, available at the HSA Store: HSA Qualified Medical Expenses | HSA Store.

Dental#

My dentist indicated they will be a Premier Provider. Does this mean they are out-of-network? 

No, the City of Fort Collins Dental Plan includes both PPO and Premier Providers, so you do not have to change dentists. It is up to the provider to change network coverage leveling. There is no difference in the quality of these two networks. Delta Dental Premier providers have a different fee contract, and members still save money when seeing a Premier provider, just not as much when it comes to endodontics as with a PPO provider. Advantages of the Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Plan. 

Are periodontal cleanings included as Routine Preventative Care? 

No, periodontal cleanings fall under the basic service at the coinsurance level based on the network.  

Is adult orthodontia covered under our dental plan? 

Yes. 

Can my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) help cover orthodontia? 

The orthodontic maximum is $2,000 per covered person, and employees can utilize an HSA and/or FSA to help with orthodontic expenses. 

Is the Orthodontic maximum $2,000 a lifetime maximum? Is this per person or family? 

The $2,000 is a lifetime maximum and is per covered person. 

Is Invisalign covered under orthodontia?  

Yes, if the dentist or orthodontist is a Delta Dental provider. 

Can a dependent be covered on two dental plans for Ortho purposes? 

When a patient is covered by more than one dental plan, one plan will pay first (the primary plan), one plan will pay second (the secondary plan), and so on. Here are some guidelines regarding the order in which ortho plan benefits are paid: 

• The patient’s plan through their employment is primary, and the plan through the spouse is secondary. 

• The “birthday rule” applies to dependent children when the parents are married or living together. This means that the dental plan covering the parent whose birthday (month and day) occurs earlier in the calendar year will be the primary plan, and the plan covering the parent whose birthday falls later in the year will be the secondary plan. 

• Also, for ortho benefits, the member must stay on the plan to receive the full lifetime maximum (if applicable) during the ortho treatment. 

Vision#

Can I get glasses and contact lenses in the same year? 

No. 

How often can I get new frames? 

Once every 24 months. 

What is LightCare? 

LightCare is for those signed up for VSP but without prescription glasses or contacts. It allows members to purchase non-prescription sunglasses or ready-made non-prescription blue light-filtering glasses from a VSP provider. 

Is LightCare available for reader glasses? 

No. LightCare is only available for non-prescription lenses. 

Alight#

Is Alight free to use?  

Yes! There is no cost to all employees for using Alight.  

How do we contact Alight?

800-513-1667 x 4402 
Kadijah.Johnson@alight.com​​​​​​​

Supplemental Insurance#

What is Aflac? 

The City of Fort Collins offers voluntary supplemental insurance through Aflac. Two voluntary benefits are available to you with Aflac: Group Accident Insurance and Critical Illness. You can learn more by visiting the Aflac page on  Benefits Connect. 

• Critical Illness: A critical illness policy can make a big difference by providing lump-sum cash benefits that allow policyholders to concentrate on healing. 
• Group Accident Insurance: Group accident insurance covers you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An accident policy helps policyholders cope with out-of-pocket medical expenses that add up quickly after an injury. For more information, watch this Aflac Video explaining the benefits. 

How do I enroll in Aflac coverage during Open Enrollment? 

To enroll in Aflac coverage, you must complete the online Aflac Enrollment Form and submit it to HRBenefits@fcgov.com.  

I want to cancel my Aflac coverage. How do I do that during Open Enrollment? 

You must complete the online Aflac Change Form and submit it to HRBenefits@fcgov.com  to cancel Aflac coverage.  

If I want to enroll in the Aflac plan for critical illness but have already been diagnosed with cancer, is that considered a pre-existing condition? 

Yes. Please see the Aflac Group Critical Illness Advantage Guide for additional details. 

What are the Aflac wellness reimbursements? 

The Critical Illness Health Screening Benefit pays $50 once per calendar year for health screening tests performed while the insured's coverage is in force. This benefit applies to employees and eligible spouses only. 

The Accident Wellness Benefit pays $50 once per calendar year for specific wellness tests performed while the insured's coverage is in force for employees and each eligible family member.  

The form is here: HR Connect > Forms> Aflac Wellness Benefit Claim Form. 

Please call Aflac Group Insurance at 1-800-433-3036 for additional questions. 

Is there a deadline for filing claims? 

Aflac prefers that claims be filed within 90 days; however, participants can file a claim at any time. Aflac requires that the individual covered be seen by a medical provider within 7 days of the accident. 

Life Insurance#

What if I want to increase my supplemental life insurance coverage?  

You can increase your employee supplemental life insurance coverage up to $50,000, up to the guaranteed issue amount of $300,000, and $10,000 for spouse coverage up to the guaranteed issue amount of $30,000.  You may also elect or increase coverage for your dependent children up to the $10,000 limit; all amounts for child supplemental life insurance are guaranteed issues. If you choose coverage over the guaranteed issue amount, employees must complete the Evidence of Insurability form and submit it to medical underwriting.  

Will I need Evidence of Insurability (EOI)? 

Employees who elect amounts over the guaranteed issue amounts for supplemental life insurance or who want to increase coverage by more than $50,000 for an employee or $10,000 for a spouse will need to complete the Evidence of Insurability form. 

Can we enroll in supplemental life insurance anytime during the year? 

Employees may change their life insurance only during Open Enrollment or if they have a Qualified Life Event (QLE), such as a change in marital status, loss or gain of coverage, the birth/adoption of a child, or the loss of a dependent.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

Is my life insurance with the City of Fort Collins portable? 

Yes, all benefit-eligible employees receive 1x’s their annual salary for Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. This coverage and supplemental coverage are portable and can be converted after you separate or retire from employment. Information regarding how to port or convert coverage is located on Benefits Connect >> Offboarding.   

Step 1: Access and Sign In to JDE#

Follow the instructions below to access JDE based on your employer (City, Library, PFA, MPO, or DDA) and begin enrollment.

• City Employees: If you are logging in from a computer at a City building or remotely but have VPN access, log in to JDE. If you are NOT on an on-site computer or cannot connect to your organization's network via VPN, follow the instructions below to log in to F5.
  • From the F5 page, enter your network username and password
  • City employees should choose SAML for their domain
  • Click "Logon." If you have not yet authenticated to your Office 365 account, you will be prompted to select your account or enter your Office 365 login credentials (which should be the same as your network username and password).
  • Click "Sign In." You may need to repeat the process to log in to the F5 page with your network username and password if you had to log in to your Office 365 account first.
  • Once signed in to the F5, click on the JDE application and log in to JDE.

Note: Please review how to reset your JDE password if you have an issue with your JDE login. Visit the Service Portal for additional resources or to submit a ticket for further assistance with access to Open Enrollment in JDE.

Step 2: Access Open Enrollment#

Now that you are signed into JDE, select the "Employee Self Service" tab and click "Open Enrollment." Follow the instructions on each screen.

Step 3: Make Elections and Submit#

After making your selections, click "Submit Your Changes" and then click "I Accept."

Step 4: Print and Save Confirmation#

Print or save your Final Confirmation Statement for your records.

Step 5: Completion#

Continue clicking "Next" until you see "YOU’RE DONE with Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flex Spending, and Life Insurance," then click "Sign Out" to exit the system.

Step 1: Access and Sign In to JDE#

• Library Employees: If you are logging in from a computer at a Library building or remotely but have VPN access, log in to JDE. If you are NOT on an on-site computer or cannot connect to your organization's network via VPN, follow the instructions below to log in to F5.
  • From the F5 page, enter your network username and password
  • Library employees should choose Library for their domain
  • Click "Logon."
  • Once signed in to the F5, click on the JDE application and log in to JDE.
  • If you have any login issues, send an email to library-it@poudrelibraries.org.

Note: Please review how to reset your JDE password if you have an issue with your JDE login.

Step 2: Access Open Enrollment#

Now that you are signed into JDE, select the "Employee Self Service" tab and click "Open Enrollment." Follow the instructions on each screen.

Step 3: Make Elections and Submit#

After making your selections, click "Submit Your Changes" and then click "I Accept."

Step 4: Print and Save Confirmation#

Print or save your Final Confirmation Statement for your records.

Step 5: Completion#

Continue clicking "Next" until you see "YOU’RE DONE with Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flex Spending, and Life Insurance," then click "Sign Out" to exit the system.

Step 1: Access and Sign In to JDE#

• PFA Employees: Use this link to access JDE from an on-site computer or via VPN. (F5 is unavailable to PFA employees). 
  • Enter your JDE User ID and password
  • Click "Sign In"
  • If you have any login issues, use the PFA Help Request Form (red/white icon in the lower right corner of your desktop screen) to contact your IT department for additional assistance 

Note: Please review how to reset your JDE password if you have an issue with your JDE login. 

Step 2: Access Open Enrollment#

Now that you are signed into JDE, select the "Employee Self Service" tab and click "Open Enrollment." Follow the instructions on each screen.

Step 3: Make Elections and Submit#

After making your selections, click "Submit Your Changes" and then click "I Accept."

Step 4: Print and Save Confirmation#

Print or save your Final Confirmation Statement for your records.

Step 5: Completion#

Continue clicking "Next" until you see "YOU’RE DONE with Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flex Spending, and Life Insurance," then click "Sign Out" to exit the system.

Step 1: Access and Sign In to JDE#

• MPO Employees: Use this link to access JDE from an on-site computer. Special access to JDE has been created specifically for MPO employees for Open Enrollment. JDE is not available to MPO employees using remote computers or VPN.
  • After clicking the link, you should see the JDE login screen. If you see an F5 login page instead, please access an on-site MPO computer to successfully access the JDE login screen.
  • Enter the JDE User ID and password provided by MPO administration.
  • If your JDE login information does not work, do NOT use the JDE Reset Your Password tool. It will not work for MPO employees. Please email Beth at bwarren@fcgov.com for help with your JDE User ID/password.
  • For any other technical issues, contact support@greystonetech.com.  

Step 2: Access Open Enrollment#

Now that you are signed into JDE, select the "Employee Self Service" tab and click "Open Enrollment." Follow the instructions on each screen.

Step 3: Make Elections and Submit#

After making your selections, click "Submit Your Changes" and then click "I Accept."

Step 4: Print and Save Confirmation#

Print or save your Final Confirmation Statement for your records.

Step 5: Completion#

Continue clicking "Next" until you see "YOU’RE DONE with Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flex Spending, and Life Insurance," then click "Sign Out" to exit the system.

Step 1: Access and Sign In to JDE#

• DDA Employees: DDA employees can only access JDE through the F5. Use this link to log in to F5 from any computer (work or personal).
  • From the F5 page, enter your network username and password
  • DDA employees should choose SAML for their domain
  • Click "Logon." If you have not yet authenticated to your Office 365 account, you will be prompted to select your account or enter your Office 365 login credentials (which should be the same as your network username and password).
  • Click "Sign In." You may need to repeat the process to log in to the F5 page with your network username and password if you had to log in to your Office 365 account first.
  • Once signed in to the F5, click on the JDE application and log in to JDE.

Note: Please review how to reset your JDE password if you have an issue with your JDE login.

Step 2: Access Open Enrollment#

Now that you are signed into JDE, select the "Employee Self Service" tab and click "Open Enrollment." Follow the instructions on each screen.

Step 3: Make Elections and Submit#

After making your selections, click "Submit Your Changes" and then click "I Accept."

Step 4: Print and Save Confirmation#

Print or save your Final Confirmation Statement for your records.

Step 5: Completion#

Continue clicking "Next" until you see "YOU’RE DONE with Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Flex Spending, and Life Insurance," then click "Sign Out" to exit the system.