IMPORTANT CONTACTS
AVAILABILITY OF SUMMARY HEALTH INFORMATION
WELCOME
At EHRA, we recognize that our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We understand the contributions each team member makes to our accomplishments. Our goal is to continue to provide a comprehensive program of competitive benefits to attract and retain the best team members available. Through our benefits program, we strive to support the needs of our team members and their dependents by providing a benefits package that is easy to understand, accessible, and affordable. This guide is your opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to you and your eligible dependents beginning January 1, 2026.
Each year during Open Enrollment (OE), you have the opportunity to make changes to your benefit plans. The enrollment decisions you make this year will remain in effect through December 31, 2026. To get the best value from your health care plan, please take the time to evaluate your coverage options and determine which plans best meet the health care and financial needs of you/your family. After OE, you may make changes to your benefit elections only when you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
ELIGIBILITY
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS
STATUS
NEW HIRE TEAM MEMBER
• Regular, full-time team member
Eligibility
Enrollment
Coverage Begins
• Working an average of 30 hours per week
• Enroll by the deadline given by Human Resources
• Your coverage is effective the first of the month following or coinciding with your date of hire.
QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS
• Regular, full-time team member
• Working an average of 30 hours per week
• Enroll during OE or when you have a QLE
• OE: Start of the plan year
• QLE: Ask Human Resources
DEPENDENT(S)
• Your legal spouse or domestic partner
• Child(ren) under age 26 regardless of student, dependency, or marital status
• Child(ren) over age 26 who are fully dependent on you for support due to a mental or physical disability and who are indicated as such on your federal tax return
• You must enroll the dependent(s) during OE or for a QLE
• When covering dependents, you must enroll for and be on the same plans
• Based on OE or QLE effective dates
Notify Human Resources within 30 days of the qualifying event. You may only change coverage during the plan year if you have a QLE, such as:
Significant
MEDICAL COVERAGE
The medical plan options through Assured Benefits Administrators, utilizing the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Choice Plus Network, protect you and your family from major financial hardship in the event of illness or injury. You have a choice of two plans:
High Performance Plan – This plan has a $2,000 Individual/$4,000 Family In-network deductible.
Traditional Copay Plan – This plan has a $1,500 Individual/$3,000 Family In-network deductible. Visit https://portal.abadmin.com to register or log in.
PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION
The Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) through UHC Choice Plus Network offers the freedom to see any contracted provider when you need care. When using the UHC Choice Plus Network, all office visits, urgent care visits, and prescriptions drugs are covered under a copay and apply to your annual out-of-pocket maximum. Additionally, as an enrolled Team Member, you may reach out to your ConnectBenefit team at 855-624-SAVE (7283) to be directed to high quality providers and facilities at no cost to you!
NEW MEMBER PORTAL
The ABA website is where you can:
Check claim status or history
Confirm dependent eligibility
Review your EOBs (Explanation of Benefits)
Print or request an ID card
Review your medical benefits
To get started, log in at https://portal.abadmin.com and use the information on your ID card to complete the registration process.
MEDICAL BENEFITS SUMMARY
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAN
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MEDICAL BENEFITS SUMMARY
TRADITIONAL COPAY PLAN
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PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER
Your medical coverage includes prescription benefits for retail, mail order (home delivery), and specialty drugs.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG LIST
Your medical carrier controls prescription drug costs by negotiating discounts on medications. Covered drugs are listed in the Prescription Drug List available on the member portal and app. If you take maintenance medications, review the list with your doctor to see which ones are covered and available. If your medication is not listed, call the phone number on your member ID card.
Retail
Use any participating retail pharmacy to fill short-term, non-specialty medications. Retail pharmacies often fill or refill 30- to 90-day supplies.
Home Delivery
If you take medication on a daily basis, consider using home delivery. It is a convenient, low-cost option that delivers up to a 90-day supply right to your home. You will need to set up an online pharmacy account and/or download the app to easily manage your prescriptions.
Contact VerusRx
Visit www.verus-rx.com.
Call 800-838-0007. Fax 800-856-0327.
Email customerservice@verus-rx.com.
Download the GiO by VerusRx app.
Specialty
As part of your prescription coverage, the VerusPath Program from VerusRx, is available if you take specialty medications and/or certain high-cost, nonspecialty medications. This program has three unique components to help you save money:
1. CanPath
The CanPath Program is available for select brandname and high-cost specialty medications. If your medications are eligible under this program, a VerusPath patient advocate will reach out to you directly.
Get a three-month supply of your medications shipped directly to your door.
Pay no copayments or shipping fees.
Get medications at no cost to you!
2. PAPath
The PAPath Program offers patient assistance programs (PAP) that are available for most specialty medications. If you currently take a specialty medication that is eligible under an available PAP, a VerusPath patient advocate will reach out to you directly to explain the program and enroll you.
Specialty medications are generally high-cost and used to treat complex, chronic conditions.
PAP typically covers your medication cost in full.
3. CoPath
The CoPath Program applies copay cards (coupon cards) to your medications at the pharmacy to help lower your cost. If your medication has a copay card or coupon card available, a VerusPath patient advocate will contact your pharmacy on your behalf to apply the card towards your claim.
NEXT LEVEL PRIME
(HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAN ONLY)
EHRA provides you with extraordinary health care benefits through offers no-cost health care services for:
Primary Care/Chronic Care Management
Preventive Care
Urgent Care
Care Navigation
Next Level Prime takes a patient-centric approach to healing and wellness, starting with your annual exam. You will be provided with an elevated experience that is more in-depth and personal. Prime also offers virtual visits, multiple locations, and extended business hours.
Annual Check-Up Procedures
Step 1 – Visit virtually with your Prime provider, where you can discuss your medical history, health challenges, and concerns.
Step 2 – Visit any Next Level Urgent Care location for an in-person exam and labs. You may schedule this through Prime’s Care Navigator any day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Step 3 – Schedule a final virtual visit with your Prime Provider to go over the results, discuss any risk factors, and consult on a wellness plan for the coming year.
Prepare for Prime
Virtual visits offer you unlimited access to Prime’s health care professionals 24/7/365. Before your first visit, you will need to download Zoom on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The free version of Zoom should meet all of your needs.
Behavioral/Emotional Health Counseling
Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families have access to:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Mindfulness therapy
Relational therapy
TELEMEDICINE – TRADITIONAL COPAY PLAN ONLY
Your medical coverage offers telemedicine services through Lyric. You may connect anytime with a boardcertified doctor via your mobile device or computer at little to no cost.
WHEN TO USE LYRIC
While telemedicine does not replace your primary care physician, it is a convenient and cost-effective option when you need care and:
Have a non-emergency issue and are considering an after-hours health care clinic, urgent care clinic, or emergency room for treatment
Are on a business trip, vacation, or are away from home
Are unable to see your primary care physician
Use telemedicine services for minor conditions such as:
Sore throat
Headache
Stomachache
Cold
Flu
Allergies
Fever
Urinary tract infections
Do not use telemedicine for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
REGISTRATION IS EASY
Register with Lyric so you are ready to use this valuable service when you need it.
Visit – https://portal.getlyric.com/
Call – 866-223-8831
Download the Lyric app
CONNECTBENEFIT – NAVIGATION AND SUPPORT = $0 COST BENEFIT
The health care system is complex, and navigating and understanding your benefits can be challenging. Your ConnectBenefit team will help guide you to high-quality physicians and facilities for no out-ofpocket expense ($0). Personal health care advocates are available to answer your questions and address any health care issue. You always have a choice of providers, but using a ConnectBenefit preferred provider/facility will result in a $0 cost benefit to you!
CONCIERGE SERVICES
Someone will personally help guide you to the correct providers the first time
Help make informed decisions
Makes the process easy
Less wait time, quicker appointments
Guidance toward lower costs and better options
Team member education
FOR ASSISTANCE AND TO LEARN MORE:
Call – 855-624-SAVE (7283)
Text – 405-267-2472
COMMON PROCEDURES AND SERVICES
Cardiac care
ENT surgery
Lab services
Skin cancer
GI procedure
Gynecologic surgery
Maternity care
Dermatology
Pain management
Hand surgery
Physical therapy
General surgery
Breast care
Vascular procedures
Sleep disturbances
Specialty infusions
HUGE SAVINGS
Limits options to lowest cost/high quality
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
Best solution guidance
Avoid unnecessary office visits and procedures
$0 for team members and dependents!
DIRECT CONTRACTS
Direct contracts with reputable physicians and facilities
No surprise billing – $0 for team members and dependents
Members seen sooner with direct referral
Positive outcomes
MEMBER SATISFACTION
Support to guide you through the process
Removing the cost barrier to high quality care
True health care, not just insurance
Less time off work
Great outcomes from start to finish
Urology procedures
Oncology services
Home health
Allergy testing
Robotic surgery
Cataract and eye muscle surgery
Imaging services
Migraine treatment
Foot/ankle surgery
Home medical equipment
Orthopedic surgery
Urgent care
CONNECTBENEFIT – DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
EHRA has partnered with Connect DME to provide Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for you at no cost. Please reach out to your ConnectBenefit team to learn more. Connect DME offers the following products:
Bracing Products
Knee
Ankle
Foot
Back
Shoulder
Elbow
Arm
Wrist
Neck
Respiratory Products
CPAPs/BiPAPs
Nebulizers
Support Products
Crutches
Walkers
Canes
Toilet seat with arms
Commodes
Therapies
Electrotherapy stimulator
Bone growth stimulator
Pneumatic DVT Prevention
Cold therapy
Heat therapy
Cervical traction
CPM machines
Lymphedema pumps
TED hoses
Breast pumps
GET C-PAPS, WALKERS, OR ANY HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR $0
If you need a home medical product, call your ConnectBenefits team at 855-624-SAVE (7283).
CONNECTBENEFIT – REGENEXX (SURGERY AVOIDANCE) = $0 COST BENEFIT!
If you suffer from a medical condition or injury that causes you pain, Regenexx uses your body’s natural healing agents to help you recover. Your stem cells and blood platelets are injected into the area of your injury to promote healing. If you suffer from spine, hand, shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, or foot problems, Regenexx may help you recover.
CONDITIONS TREATED:
Spine
Shoulder
Knee
Hand/Wrist/Elbow
Hip
Ankle/Foot
CANCERCARE
CancerCARE is available at no cost to you. This program is offered by Interlink Health and ensures that you receive the best possible care if you or a covered family member are diagnosed with cancer. CancerCARE provides access to cancer experts who can answer questions about your diagnosis, treatment, and any potential side effects. They will guide you through your treatment process and all available resources, including a triage center, nurse care management, and access to Centers of Excellence networks.
REGENEXX
Regenexx uses your body’s natural healing agents to help you recover from painful injuries. Your stem cells and blood platelets are injected into the injury area to promote healing. Call ConnectBenefit team at 855-624SAVE (7283) to speak with a patient liaison or visit us at www.regenexxbenefits.com/ ehrainc to learn more about Regenexx and how we can help you avoid surgery.
Working closely with your physician, CancerCARE team members ensure that you receive evidencebased care with tested and proven results. The CancerCARE team supports and educates you throughout your treatment. FOR
ASSISTANCE AND TO LEARN MORE
Call your ConnectBenefit team at 855-624SAVE (7283).
DENTAL COVERAGE
Guardian dental coverage can help you maintain strong oral health through affordable options for preventive care, including regular checkups and other dental work. Premium contributions for dental coverage will be deducted from your paycheck on a pretax basis.
Our dental plans use the DentalGuard Preferred network of providers. These plans feature identical coinsurance rates for in-network and out-of-network services. Dental fees are based on a negotiated fee schedule — the contracted rates between Guardian and the provider. If you receive services from outof-network dentists, you will be responsible for the difference between the negotiated fee and the dentist’s billed charge.
IN-NETWORK OR OUT-OF-NETWORK PROVIDERS
As a participant in either dental plan, you will receive benefits for seeing any in-network or out-of-network dentist. However, using in-network Guardian dentists will save you money. Out-of-network dentists are not obligated to accept discounted fees. To find an in-network Guardian dentist, log on to www.guardiananytime.com or call Member Services at 888-482-7342
GUARDIAN ROLLOVER PROGRAM
If you are a dental plan member, you will automatically be enrolled in Guardian’s Maximum Rollover Program. If your claims for the year are below the $900 threshold, Guardian will roll over up to $450 of your unused annual maximum into your personal Maximum Rollover Account (MRA). Your MRA can be used in future years if you reach the plan’s annual maximum. Leftover award balances carry over to the next benefit period. Once your account reaches $1,500, no additional funds will be placed in your MRA. You and your insured dependents maintain separate MRAs based on your claim activity.
HOW TO FIND AN IN-NETWORK DENTIST AND VIEW YOUR MRA STATEMENT
Visit www.guardiananytime.com or call Member Services at 888-482-7342
Download the Guardian Dental/Vision app for a simpler benefits experience.
DENTAL PLAN – GUARDIAN
Preventive Care Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, space maintainers
Basic Restorative Care Fillings, simple extractions, oral surgery
Major Restorative Care Crowns, dentures, bridges, inlays, onlays, endodontic and periodontal services, veneers
Preventive Care Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, space maintainers
Basic Restorative Care Fillings, simple extractions, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics
Major Restorative Care Crowns, dentures, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers
1If you receive services from an out-of-network dentist, you will be responsible for the amount between the negotiated fee and the dentist’s billed charge. Base plan outof-network is the maximum allowable charge. Buy-Up Plan out-of-network is 90th percentile.
VISION COVERAGE
Our vision plan provides quality care to help preserve your health and eyesight. In addition to identifying vision and eye problems, regular exams can detect certain medical issues such as diabetes and high cholesterol. You may seek care from any licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician, but plan benefits are better if you use an in-network provider. Premium contributions are deducted from your paycheck on a pretax basis. Coverage is provided through Guardian using the VSP Choice Network of providers.
HOW TO FIND A VISION PROVIDER
Visit www.guardiananytime.com or call 888-482-7342 to find an in-network vision provider.
• Single Vision
• Bifocals
• Trifocals • Lenticular
Contacts
In
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FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to pay for certain health, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses with pretax dollars, thereby saving you money by reducing your taxable income. When you enroll, you decide how much to set aside for each account. Estimate conservatively, as the IRS requires that you use the money in your account during the plan year or you will lose it. Our FSAs are administered by WEX
HEALTH CARE FSA
Eligible Expenses
A list of qualified expenses can be found at www.irs.gov.
Contribution Limits
Submit Claims Online –www.DiscoveryBenefits.com
Email – customerservice@wexhealth.com
Most medical, dental, and vision expenses not covered by the plans (such as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and doctor-prescribed over-the-counter medications). Funds are available on January 1.
$3,400
DEPENDENT CARE FSA
Dependent care expenses (such as daycare, afterschool programs, or eldercare programs) so you and your spouse can work or attend school full time. Available funds are limited to contributions in your account.
$7,500 per year ($3,750 if married and filing separate tax returns).
Debit Card Available* Not available
Claim Deadline
Carryover Amount
You must incur expenses by December 31, 2026, and claims must be submitted by March 31, 2027.
$680
You must incur expenses by December 31, 2026, and claims must be submitted by March 31, 2027.
Not applicable. Funds must be used by the end of the plan year or they will be forfeited.
*New debit cards will not be issued unless your current debit card is expired. Please check the expiration date on your card to see when you should receive a replacement card(s).
LIFE AND AD&D INSURANCE
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance through Guardian are important parts of your financial security, especially if others depend on you for support. With Life insurance, your beneficiary(ies) can use the coverage to pay off your debts such as credit cards, mortgages, and other final expenses. AD&D coverage provides specified benefits for a covered accidental bodily injury that causes dismemberment (e.g., the loss of a hand, foot, or eye). In the event that death occurs from an accident, 100% of the AD&D benefit would be payable to your beneficiary(ies). As you grow older, your Life and AD&D coverage amount reduces by 35% at age 65, and 50% at age 70.
BASIC LIFE AND AD&D
Basic Life and AD&D insurance are provided at no cost to you. You are automatically covered at $50,000 for each benefit.
VOLUNTARY LIFE AND AD&D
You may purchase additional Life and AD&D insurance for you and your eligible dependents. If you decline Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance when first eligible, or if you elect coverage and wish to increase your benefit amount at a later date, Evidence of Insurability (EOI) – proof of good health – may be required before coverage is approved. You must elect Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage for yourself in order to elect coverage for your spouse or children. If you leave the company, you may be able to take the insurance with you.
LIFE AND AD&D AVAILABLE COVERAGE
Team Member
Spouse
Child(ren)
• Increments of $10,000 up to $500,000
• Guaranteed Issue $150,000
• Increments of $5,000 up to $500,000 not to exceed 100% of Team Member amount
• Guaranteed Issue $25,000
• Birth to 14 days - $1,000
• 14 days to age 26 - $10,000
During this open enrollment period, team members with current Life and AD&D insurance can elect up to an additional $50,000 (not to exceed the $150,000 guaranteed issue amount).
DESIGNATING A BENEFICIARY
A beneficiary is the person or entity you designate to receive the death benefits of your Life and AD&D insurance policies. You can name more than one beneficiary, and you can change beneficiaries anytime. If you name more than one beneficiary, you must identify the share for each.
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Disability insurance provides partial income protection if you are unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. EHRA offers Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance at no cost to you through Guardian
SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
STD coverage pays a percentage of your weekly salary for up to 13 weeks if you are temporarily disabled and unable to work due to an illness, non-work related injury, or pregnancy. STD benefits are not payable if the disability is due to a job-related injury or illness.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
LTD insurance pays a percentage of your monthly salary for a covered disability or injury that prevents you from working for more than 90 days. Benefits begin at the end of an elimination period and continue while you are disabled up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age (SSNRA) or two years.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
*Benefits may not be paid for any condition treated within three months prior to your effective date until you have been covered under this plan for 12 months.
EHRA will “gross up” your salary to cover the cost of these coverages and then deduct the cost from your paycheck. This makes the coverages “Team Member paid” and thus, all benefits are tax-free.
LEGAL & ID SERVICES
EHRA offers legal and ID theft services through LegalShield and IDShield
LEGALSHIELD
The LegalShield plan benefits emphasize preventive legal care to prevent minor legal problems from becoming serious or financially devastating.
Membership includes:
A dedicated law firm
Legal advice and consultation
Letters and calls on your behalf
Contracts and document review
Residential loan document assistance
Will preparation
Speeding ticket assistance
IRS audit assistance
Trial defense in a covered civil action suit
Uncontested divorce, separation, adoption, or name change representation
25% Preferred Member Discount – bankruptcy, criminal charges, DUI, personal injury, etc.
24/7 emergency legal access
IDSHIELD
IDShield benefits provide protection and restoration services, including:
Three-bureau credit monitoring
High-risk application and transaction monitoring
Social media monitoring
Credit inquiry alerts
Consultation on any cyber security question
$1 million protection policy
Unlimited service guarantee
Identity restoration
24/7 emergency access in the event of an ID theft emergency
PET INSURANCE
Pet insurance through Nationwide is a financial safety net for your furry family. Nationwide offers two plans for you to choose from: My Pet Protection and My Pet Protection with Wellness500.¹ Both plans offer guaranteed issuance,² have a $250 annual deductible, and include medical coverage with the choice of 50% or 70% reimbursement levels.³
How to use your pet insurance plan:
Visit any vet, anywhere
Submit a claim
Get reimbursed for eligible expenses
DID YOU KNOW …
Nationwide is the industry-first provider of coverage for birds and exotic pets.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
1 Existing members can enroll in My Pet Protection with Wellness500 during their respective renewal period only. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states.
2 Guaranteed issuance means any new pets enrolling into a My Pet Protection Plan are eligible regardless of health status. Guaranteed issuance does not mean guaranteed coverage since certain exclusions could apply.
3 These are examples of general coverage; please review plan document for specific coverages. Some exclusions may apply. Certain coverages may be excluded due to pre-existing conditions. See policy documents for a complete list of exclusions and annual limits.
Additional Action Required: You must reach out to Nationwide to complete your enrollment. Call – 877-738-7874
Visit – https://benefits.petinsurance.com/ehra
2026 TEAM MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
REQUIRED NOTICES
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 1998
In October 1998, Congress enacted the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. This notice explains some important provisions of the Act. Please review this information carefully.
As specified in the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, a plan participant or beneficiary who elects breast reconstruction in connection with a mastectomy is also entitled to the following benefits:
• All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed;
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
• Prostheses and treatment of physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema.
Health plans must determine the manner of coverage in consultation with the attending physician and the patient. Coverage for breast reconstruction and related services may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance amounts that are consistent with those that apply to other benefits under the plan.
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT RIGHTS
This notice is being provided to ensure that you understand your right to apply for group health insurance coverage. You should read this notice even if you plan to waive coverage at this time.
Loss of Other Coverage or Becoming Eligible for Medicaid or a state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If you are declining coverage for yourself or your dependents because of other health insurance or group health plan coverage, you may be able to later enroll yourself and your dependents in this plan if you or your dependents lose eligibility for that other coverage (or if the employer stops contributing toward your or your dependents’ other coverage). However, you must enroll within 31 days after your or your dependents’ other coverage ends (or after the employer that sponsors that coverage stops contributing toward the other coverage).
If you or your dependents lose eligibility under a Medicaid plan or CHIP, or if you or your dependents become eligible for a subsidy under Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to enroll yourself and your dependents in this plan. You must provide notification within 60 days after you or your dependent is terminated from, or determined to be eligible for, such assistance.
Marriage, Birth or Adoption
If you have a new dependent as a result of a marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption, you may be able to enroll yourself and your dependents. However, you must enroll within 31 days after the marriage, birth, or placement for adoption.
For More Information or Assistance
To request special enrollment or obtain more information, contact:
EHRA
Human Resources
10011 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77042
713-784-4500
YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE AND MEDICARE
Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it. This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage with EHRA and about your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. Information about where you can get help to make decisions about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice.
If neither you nor any of your covered dependents are eligible for or have Medicare, this notice does not apply to you or the dependents, as the case may be. However, you should still keep a copy of this notice in the event you or a dependent should qualify for coverage under Medicare in the future. Please note, however, that later notices might supersede this notice.
1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this coverage through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage. All Medicare prescription drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.
2. EHRA has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the EHRA medical plan is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays and is considered Creditable Coverage. The HSA plan is considered Creditable Coverage.
REQUIRED NOTICES
Because your existing coverage is, on average, at least as good as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, as long as you later enroll within specific time periods.
You can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare. If you decide to wait to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, you may enroll later, during Medicare Part D’s annual enrollment period, which runs each year from October 15 through December 7 but as a general rule, if you delay your enrollment in Medicare Part D after first becoming eligible to enroll, you may have to pay a higher premium (a penalty).
You should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area. See the Plan’s summary plan description for a summary of the Plan’s prescription drug coverage. If you don’t have a copy, you can get one by contacting EHRA at the phone number or address listed at the end of this section.
If you choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and cancel your current EHRA prescription drug coverage, be aware that you and your dependents may not be able to get this coverage back. To regain coverage, you would have to re-enroll in the Plan, pursuant to the Plan’s eligibility and enrollment rules. You should review the Plan’s summary plan description to determine if and when you are allowed to add coverage. If you cancel or lose your current coverage and do not have prescription drug coverage for 63 days or longer prior to enrolling in the Medicare prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium will be at least 1% per month greater for every month that you did not have coverage for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. For example, if nineteen months lapse without coverage, your premium will always be at least 19% higher than it would have been without the lapse in coverage.
For more information about this notice or your current prescription drug coverage:
Contact the Human Resources Department at 713-7844500
NOTE: You will receive this notice annually and at other times in the future, such as before the next period you can enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage and if
this coverage changes. You may also request a copy.
For more information about your options under Medicare prescription drug coverage:
More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You will get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans. For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage:
• Visit www.medicare.gov.
• Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 877-486-2048.
If you have limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is available. Information about this extra help is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA) online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or you can call them at 800772-1213. TTY users should call 800-325-0778
Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you enroll in one of the new plans approved by Medicare which offer prescription drug coverage, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage and whether or not you are required to pay a higher premium (a penalty).
January 1, 2026
EHRA
Human Resources 10011 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77042
713-784-4500
REQUIRED NOTICES
NOTICE OF HIPAA PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
This Notice of Privacy Practices (the “Notice”) describes the legal obligations of EHRA’s Group Health Plan (the “Plan”) and your legal rights regarding your protected health information held by the Plan under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act). Among other things, this Notice describes how your protected health information may be used or disclosed to carry out treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for any other purposes that are permitted or required by law.
We are required to provide this Notice of Privacy Practices to you pursuant to HIPAA.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects only certain medical information known as “protected health information.” Generally, protected health information (PHI) is health information, including demographic information, collected from you or created or received by a health care provider, a health care clearinghouse, a health plan, or your employer on behalf of a group health plan, from which it is possible to individually identify you and that relates to:
1. Your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition;
2. The provision of health care to you; or
3. The past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to you.
I. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Notice or about our privacy practices, and for any correspondence or requests related to the contents of this Notice, please contact:
EHRA Human Resources 10011 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77042
713-784-4500
II. Effective Date
This Notice is effective February 15, 2026.
III. Our Responsibilities
We are required by law to:
1. maintain the privacy of your PHI;
2. provide you with certain rights with respect to your PHI;
3. provide you with a copy of this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your PHI; and
4. follow the terms of the Notice that is currently in effect.
We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice and to make new provisions regarding your PHI that we maintain, as allowed or required by law. If we make any material change to this Notice, we will provide you with a copy of our revised Notice of Privacy Practices.
IV. How We May Use
and Disclose Your PHI
Under the law, we may use or disclose your PHI under certain circumstances without your permission. The following categories describe the different ways that we may use and disclose your PHI. For each category of uses or disclosures we will explain what we mean and present some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories. Note that we will use and disclose PHI as described below unless otherwise prohibited or restricted by applicable state or other law, and that information can lose its protected status as PHI once redisclosed by a recipient.
For Treatment. When and as appropriate, we may use or disclose medical information about you to facilitate medical treatment or services by health care providers. We may disclose medical information about you to providers, including doctors, nurses, technicians, medical students, or other hospital personnel who are involved in taking care of you. For example, we might disclose information about you with physicians who are treating you.
For Payment. We may use or disclose your protected health information to determine your eligibility for Plan benefits, to facilitate payment for the treatment and services you receive from health care providers, to determine benefit responsibility under the Plan, or to coordinate Plan coverage. For example, we may tell your health care provider about your medical
REQUIRED NOTICES
history to determine whether a particular treatment is experimental, investigational, or medically necessary, or to determine whether the Plan will cover the treatment. We may also share your protected health information with a utilization review or pre-certification service provider. Likewise, we may share your protected health information with another entity to assist with the adjudication or subrogation of health claims or to another health plan to coordinate benefit payments.
For Health Care Operations. We may use and disclose your protected health information for other Plan operations. These uses and disclosures are necessary to run the Plan. For example, we may use medical information in connection with conducting quality assessment and improvement activities; underwriting, premium rating, and other activities relating to Plan coverage; submitting claims for stop-loss (or excessloss) coverage; conducting or arranging for medical review, legal services, audit services, and fraud and abuse detection programs; business planning and development such as cost management; and business management and general Plan administrative activities. However, we will not use your genetic information for underwriting purposes.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Information. Some of your health information may be part of a SUD patient record and subject to additional protections under federal law (42 CFR Part 2) governing confidentiality of SUD patient records.
If we receive or maintain any information about you from a SUD treatment program that is covered by 42 CFR Part 2 (a “Part 2 Program”) through a general consent you provide to the Part 2 Program to use and disclose the SUD patient record for purposes of treatment, payment or health care operations, we may use and disclose your SUD patient record for treatment, payment and health care operations purposes as described in this Notice. If we receive or maintain your SUD patient record through specific consent you provide to us or another third party, we will use and disclose your SUD patient record only as expressly permitted by you in your consent as provided to us. In no event will we use or disclose your SUD patient record, or testimony that describes the information contained in your SUD patient record, in any civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings by any Federal, State, or local authority, against you,
unless authorized by your consent or the order of a court after it provides you notice of the court order.
To Business Associates. We may contract with individuals or entities known as Business Associates to perform various functions on our behalf or to provide certain types of services. In order to perform these functions or to provide these services, Business Associates will receive, create, maintain, transmit, use, and/or disclose your PHI, but only after they agree in writing with us to implement appropriate safeguards regarding your PHI. For example, we may disclose your PHI to a Business Associate to process your claims for Plan benefits or to provide support services, such as utilization management, pharmacy benefit management, or subrogation, but only after the Business Associate enters into a Business Associate contract with us.
Treatment Alternatives or Health-Related Benefits and Services. We may use and disclose your protected health information to send you information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that might be of interest to you.
As Required by Law. We will disclose your PHI when required to do so by federal, state, or local law. For example, we may disclose your PHI when required by national security laws or public health disclosure laws.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety. We may use and disclose your PHI when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety, or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent the threat. For example, we may disclose your PHI in a proceeding regarding the licensure of a physician.
To Plan Sponsors. For the purpose of administering the plan, we may disclose PHI to certain employees of the Employer. However, those employees will only use or disclose that information as necessary to perform plan administration functions or as otherwise required by HIPAA, unless you have authorized further disclosures. Your PHI cannot be used for employment purposes without your specific authorization.
V. Special Situations
In addition to the above, the following categories describe other possible ways that we may use and disclose your PHI without your specific authorization. For each category of uses or disclosures, we will explain what we mean and present some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.
REQUIRED NOTICES
Organ and Tissue Donation. If you are an organ donor, we may release your PHI after your death to organizations that handle organ procurement or organ, eye, or tissue transplantation or to an organ donation bank, as necessary to facilitate organ or tissue donation and transplantation.
Military. If you are a member of the armed forces, we may release your PHI as required by military command authorities. We may also release PHI about foreign military personnel to the appropriate foreign military authority.
Workers’ Compensation. We may release your PHI for workers’ compensation or similar programs, but only as authorized by, and to the extent necessary to comply with, laws relating to workers’ compensation and similar programs that provide benefits for work-related injuries or illness.
Public Health Risks. We may disclose your PHI for public health activities. These activities generally include the following:
1. to prevent or control disease, injury, or disability;
2. to report births and deaths;
3. to report child abuse or neglect;
4. to report reactions to medications or problems with products;
5. to notify people of recalls of products they may be using;
6. to notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition;
7. to notify the appropriate government authority if we believe that a patient has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. We will only make this disclosure if you agree, or when required or authorized by law.
Health Oversight Activities. We may disclose your PHI to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law. These oversight activities include, for example, audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure. These activities are necessary for the government to monitor the health care system, government programs, and compliance with civil rights laws.
Lawsuits and Disputes. If you are involved in a lawsuit or a dispute, we may disclose your PHI in response to a court or administrative order. We may also disclose your PHI in response to a subpoena, discovery request,
or other lawful process by someone involved in a legal dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain a court or administrative order protecting the information requested.
Law Enforcement. We may disclose your PHI if asked to do so by a law-enforcement official.
1. in response to a court order, subpoena, warrant, summons, or similar process;
2. to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person;
3. about the victim of a crime if, under certain limited circumstances, we are unable to obtain the victim’s agreement;
4. about a death that we believe may be the result of criminal conduct; and
5. about criminal conduct.
Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors. We may release PHI to a coroner or medical examiner. This may be necessary, for example, to identify a deceased person or determine the cause of death. We may also release medical information about patients to funeral directors, as necessary to carry out their duties.
National Security and Intelligence Activities. We may release your PHI to authorized federal officials for intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities authorized by law.
Inmates. If you are an inmate of a correctional institution or are in the custody of a law-enforcement official, we may disclose your PHI to the correctional institution or law-enforcement official if necessary (1) for the institution to provide you with health care; (2) to protect your health and safety or the health and safety of others; or (3) for the safety and security of the correctional institution.
Research. We may disclose your PHI to researchers when:
1. The individual identifiers have been removed; or
2. When an institutional review board or privacy board has reviewed the research proposal and established protocols to ensure the privacy of the requested information and approves the research.
VI. Required Disclosures
The following is a description of disclosures of your PHI we are required to make.
REQUIRED NOTICES
Government Audits. We are required to disclose your PHI to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services when the Secretary is investigating or determining our compliance with the HIPAA privacy rule.
Disclosures to You. When you request, we are required to disclose to you the portion of your PHI that contains medical records, billing records, and any other records used to make decisions regarding your health care benefits. We are also required, when requested, to provide you with an accounting of most disclosures of your PHI if the disclosure was for reasons other than for payment, treatment, or health care operations, and if the PHI was not disclosed pursuant to your individual authorization.
VII. Other Disclosures
Personal Representatives. We will disclose your PHI to individuals authorized by you, or to an individual designated as your personal representative, attorneyin-fact, etc., so long as you provide us with a written notice/authorization and any supporting documents (i.e., power of attorney). Note: Under the HIPAA privacy rule, we do not have to disclose information to a personal representative if we have a reasonable belief that:
1. You have been, or may be, subject to domestic violence, abuse, or neglect by such person; or
2. Treating such person as your personal representative could endanger you; and
3. In the exercise of professional judgment, it is not in your best interest to treat the person as your personal representative.
Spouses and Other Family Members. With only limited exceptions, we will send all mail to the employee. This includes mail relating to the employee’s spouse and other family members who are covered under the Plan and includes mail with information on the use of Plan benefits by the employee’s spouse and other family members and information on the denial of any Plan benefits to the employee’s spouse and other family members. If a person covered under the Plan has requested Restrictions or Confidential Communications (see below under “Your Rights”), and if we have agreed to the request, we will send mail as provided by the request for Restrictions or Confidential Communications. Authorizations. Other uses or disclosures of your PHI not described above will only be made with your written authorization. For example, in general and subject to specific conditions, we will not use or disclose your
psychiatric notes; we will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing; and we will not sell your PHI, unless you give us a written authorization. You may revoke written authorizations at any time, so long as the revocation is in writing. Once we receive your written revocation, it will only be effective for future uses and disclosures. It will not be effective for any information that may have been used or disclosed in reliance upon the written authorization and prior to receiving your written revocation.
VIII. Your Rights
You have the following rights with respect to your PHI: Right to Inspect and Copy. You have the right to inspect and copy certain PHI that may be used to make decisions about your Plan benefits. If the information you request is maintained electronically, and you request an electronic copy, we will provide a copy in the electronic form and format you request, if the information can be readily produced in that form and format; if the information cannot be readily produced in that form and format, we will work with you to come to an agreement on form and format. If we cannot agree on an electronic form and format, we will provide you with a paper copy.
To inspect and copy your PHI, you must submit your request in writing. If you request a copy of the information, we may charge a reasonable fee for the costs of copying, mailing, or other supplies associated with your request.
We may deny your request to inspect and copy in certain very limited circumstances. If you are denied access to your medical information, you may request that the denial be reviewed by submitting a written request.
Right to Amend. If you feel that the PHI we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for the Plan.
To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing. In addition, you must provide a reason that supports your request.
We may deny your request for an amendment if it is not in writing or does not include a reason to support the request. In addition, we may deny your request if you ask us to amend information that:
REQUIRED NOTICES
1. is not part of the medical information kept by or for the Plan;
2. was not created by us, unless the person or entity that created the information is no longer available to make the amendment;
3. is not part of the information that you would be permitted to inspect and copy; or
4. is already accurate and complete.
If we deny your request, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement with us and any future disclosures of the disputed information will include your statement.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You have the right to request an “accounting” of certain disclosures of your PHI. The accounting will not include (1) disclosures for purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations; (2) disclosures made to you; (3) disclosures made pursuant to your authorization; (4) disclosures made to friends or family in your presence or because of an emergency; (5) disclosures for national security purposes; and (6) disclosures incidental to otherwise permissible disclosures.
To request this list or accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing. Your request must state the time period you want the accounting to cover, which may not be longer than six years before the date of the request. Your request should indicate in what form you want the list (for example, paper or electronic). The first list you request within a 12-month period will be provided free of charge. For additional lists, we may charge you for the costs of providing the list. We will notify you of the cost involved and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred.
Right to Request Restrictions. You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on your PHI that we use or disclose for treatment, payment, or health care operations. You also have the right to request a limit on your PHI that we disclose to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as a family member or friend. For example, you could ask that we not use or disclose information about a surgery that you had.
Except as provided in the next paragraph, we are not required to agree to your request. However, if we do agree to the request, we will honor the restriction until you revoke it or we notify you.
We will comply with any restriction request if (1) except as otherwise required by law, the disclosure is to a health plan for purposes of carrying out payment or health care operations (and is not for purposes of carrying out treatment); and (2) the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or service for which the health care provider involved has been paid in full by you or another person.
To request restrictions, you must make your request in writing. In your request, you must tell us (1) what information you want to limit; (2) whether you want to limit our use, disclosure, or both; and (3) to whom you want the limits to apply-for example, disclosures to your spouse.
Right to Request Confidential Communications. You have the right to request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you can ask that we only contact you at work or by mail.
To request confidential communications, you must make your request in writing. We will not ask you the reason for your request. Your request must specify how or where you wish to be contacted. We will accommodate all reasonable requests.
Right to Be Notified of a Breach. You have the right to be notified in the event that we (or a Business Associate) discover a breach of unsecured PHI.
Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice. You have the right to a paper copy of this notice. You may ask us to give you a copy of this notice at any time. Even if you have agreed to receive this notice electronically, you are still entitled to a paper copy of this notice.
IX. Complaints
If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Plan or with the Office for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with the Plan, contact the person listed in the Contact Information section of this Notice. All complaints must be submitted in writing.
You will not be penalized, or in any other way retaliated against, for filing a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights or with us.
REQUIRED NOTICES
PREMIUM ASSISTANCE UNDER MEDICAID AND THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)
If you or your children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP and you’re eligible for health coverage from your employer, your state may have a premium assistance program that can help pay for coverage, using funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs. If you or your children aren’t eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t be eligible for these premium assistance programs but you may be able to buy individual insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov
If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and you live in a State listed below, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office to find out if premium assistance is available.
If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office or dial 1-877-KIDS NOW or www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out how to apply. If you qualify, ask your state if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan.
If you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, as well as eligible under your employer plan, your employer must allow you to enroll in your employer plan if you aren’t already enrolled. This is called a “special enrollment” opportunity, and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance. If you have questions about enrolling in your employer plan, contact the Department of Labor at www.askebsa.dol.gov or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
If you live in one of the following States, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums. The following list of States is current as of January 31, 2026. Contact your State for more information on eligibility.
TEXAS – MEDICAID
Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/ health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program Phone: 1-800-440-0493
To see if any other States have added a premium assistance program since January 31, 2026, or for more information on special enrollment rights, you can contact either:
U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa 1-866-444-EBSA (3272)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services www.cms.hhs.gov 1-877-267-2323, Menu Option 4, Ext. 61565
CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE RIGHTS UNDER COBRA
Under the Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), if you are covered under the EHRA group health plan you and your eligible dependents may be entitled to continue your group health benefits coverage under the EHRA plan after you have left employment with the company. If you wish to elect COBRA coverage, contact your Human Resources Department for the applicable deadlines to elect coverage and pay the initial premium.
Plan Contact Information
EHRA
Human Resources 10011 Meadowglen Lane Houston, TX 77042
713-784-4500
YOUR RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS AGAINST SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.
What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “surprise billing”)?
When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.
“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that have not signed a contract with your health plan. Outof-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than innetwork costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
REQUIRED NOTICES
“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider. You are protected from balance billing for:
• Emergency services – If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s innetwork cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You cannot be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you are in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.
• Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center – When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers cannot balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.
If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers cannot balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections. You are never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also are not required to get care outof-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.
When balance billing is not allowed, you also have the following protections:
• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay outof-network providers and facilities directly.
• Your health plan generally must:
• Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).
• Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.
• Base what you owe the provider or facility (costsharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
• Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
If you believe you have been wrongly billed, you may contact your insurance provider. Visit www.cms.gov/ nosurprises for more information about your rights under federal law.
NEW HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE COVERAGE OPTIONS AND YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE
PART A: General Information
Even if you are offered health coverage through your employment, you may have other coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace (“Marketplace”). To assist you as you evaluate options for you and your family, this notice provides some basic information about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. The Marketplace offers “one-stop shopping” to find and compare private health insurance options in your geographic area.
Can I Save Money on my Health Insurance Premiums in the Marketplace?
You may qualify to save money and lower your monthly premium and other out-of-pocket costs, but only if your employer does not offer coverage, or offers coverage that is not considered affordable for you and doesn’t meet certain minimum value standards (discussed below). The savings on your premium that you’re eligible for depends on your household income. You may also be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your costs.
REQUIRED NOTICES
Does Employment-Based Health Coverage Affect Eligibility for Premium Savings through the Marketplace?
Yes. If you have an offer of health coverage from your employer that is considered affordable for you and meets certain minimum value standards, you will not be eligible for a tax credit, or advance payment of the tax credit, for your Marketplace coverage and may wish to enroll in your employment-based health plan. However, you may be eligible for a tax credit, and advance payments of the credit that lowers your monthly premium, or a reduction in certain cost-sharing, if your employer does not offer coverage to you at all or does not offer coverage that is considered affordable for you or meet minimum value standards. If your share of the premium cost of all plans offered to you through your employment is more than 9.12%1 of your annual household income, or if the coverage through your employment does not meet the “minimum value” standard set by the Affordable Care Act, you may be eligible for a tax credit, and advance payment of the credit, if you do not enroll in the employment-based health coverage. For family members of the employee, coverage is considered affordable if the employee’s cost of premiums for the lowest-cost plan that would cover all family members does not exceed 9.12% of the employee’s household income.1, 2
Note: If you purchase a health plan through the Marketplace instead of accepting health coverage offered through your employment, then you may lose access to whatever the employer contributes to the employment-based coverage. Also, this employer contribution -as well as your employee contribution to employment-based coverage- is generally excluded from income for federal and state income tax purposes. Your payments for coverage through the Marketplace are made on an after-tax basis. In addition, note that if the health coverage offered through your employment does not meet the affordability or minimum value standards, but you accept that coverage anyway, you will not be eligible for a tax credit. You should consider all of these factors in determining whether to purchase a health plan through the Marketplace.
When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance Coverage through the Marketplace?
You can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan during the annual Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment varies by state but generally starts November 1 and continues through at least December 15.
Outside the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can sign up for health insurance if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. In general, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain qualifying life events, such as getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or losing eligibility for other health coverage. Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the qualifying life event to enroll in a Marketplace plan.
There is also a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for individuals and their families who lose eligibility for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage on or after March 31, 2023, through July 31, 2024. Since the onset of the nationwide COVID-19 public health emergency, state Medicaid and CHIP agencies generally have not terminated the enrollment of any Medicaid or CHIP beneficiary who was enrolled on or after March 18, 2020, through March 31, 2023. As state Medicaid and CHIP agencies resume regular eligibility and enrollment practices, many individuals may no longer be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage starting as early as March 31, 2023. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering a temporary Marketplace Special Enrollment period to allow these individuals to enroll in Marketplace coverage.
Marketplace-eligible individuals who live in states served by HealthCare.gov and either- submit a new application or update an existing application on HealthCare.gov between March 31, 2023 and July 31, 2024, and attest to a termination date of Medicaid or CHIP coverage within the same time period, are eligible for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. That means that if you lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage between March 31, 2023, and July 31, 2024, you may be able to enroll in Marketplace coverage within 60 days of when you lost Medicaid or CHIP coverage. In addition, if you or your family members are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP coverage, it is important to make sure that your contact information is up to date to make sure you get any information about changes to your eligibility. To learn more, visit www.HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
REQUIRED NOTICES
What about Alternatives to Marketplace Health Insurance Coverage?
If you or your family are eligible for coverage in an employment-based health plan (such as an employersponsored health plan), you or your family may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in that health plan in certain circumstances, including if you or your dependents were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP coverage and lost that coverage. Generally, you have 60 days after the loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage to enroll in an employment-based health plan, but if you and your family lost eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP coverage between March 31, 2023 and July 10, 2023, you can request this special enrollment in the employmentbased health plan through September 8, 2023. Confirm the deadline with your employer or your employmentbased health plan.
Alternatively, you can enroll in Medicaid or CHIP coverage at any time by filling out an application through the Marketplace or applying directly through your state Medicaid agency. Visit https://www.healthcare.gov/ medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip/ for more details.
How Can I Get More Information?
The Marketplace can help you evaluate your coverage options, including your eligibility for coverage through the Marketplace and its cost. Please visit www. HealthCare.gov for more information, including an online application for health insurance coverage and contact information for a Health Insurance Marketplace in your area.
PART B: Information About Health Coverage Offered by Your Employer
This section contains information about any health coverage offered by your employer. If you decide to complete an application for coverage in the Marketplace, you will be asked to provide this information. This information is numbered to correspond to the Marketplace application.
3. Employer Name: Edminster Hinshaw Russ & Associates Dba EHRA Engineering
5. Employer Address: 10011 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX 77042
7. City: Houston
4. Employer Identification Number (EIN): 74-1593498
6. Employer Phone Number: (713) 337-7424
8. State: TX 9. ZIP Code: 77042
10. Who can we contact at this job?: Christina Snyder
11. Phone Number (if different from above):
12. E-Mail Address: csnyder@ehra.team
You are not eligible for health insurance coverage through this employer. You and your family may be able to obtain health coverage through the Marketplace, with a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums and with assistance for out-of-pocket costs.
1 Indexed annually; see https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-22-34.pdf for 2023.
2 An employer-sponsored or other employment-based health plan meets the “minimum value standard” if the plan’s share of the total allowed benefit costs covered by the plan is no less than 60 percent of such costs. For purposes of eligibility for the premium tax credit, to meet the “minimum value standard,” the health plan must also provide substantial coverage of both inpatient hospital services and physician services.
This brochure highlights the main features of the EHRA Team Member benefits program. It does not include all plan rules, details, limitations, and exclusions. The terms of your benefit plans are governed by legal documents, including insurance contracts. Should there be an inconsistency between this brochure and the legal plan documents, the plan documents are the final authority. EHRA reserves the right to change or discontinue its Team Member benefits program anytime.