EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
MEDICAL
BCBSTX
www.bcbstx.com
800-521-2227
Group #279830
TELEMEDICINE
MDLIVE
888-680-8646
www.mdlive.com/bcbstx
Group #279830
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
HSA Bank
www.hsabank.com
855-731-5220
DENTAL
Guardian
www.guardiananytime.com
800-541-7846
Group #00579740
VISION
Guardian
www.guardiananytime.com 877-814-8970
Group #00579740
LIFE AND AD&D
Guardian
www.guardiananytime.com
800-525-4542
Policy #00579740
SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Guardian
www.guardiananytime.com
800-268-2525
Policy #00579740
LONG TERM DISABILITY
Guardian
www.guardiananytime.com
800-538-4583
Policy #00579740
EMPLOYEE RESPONSE CENTER
Employee benefits can be complicated. The Higginbotham Employee Response Center can assist you with the following:
Enrollment
Benefits information
Claims or billing questions
Eligibility issues
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
Guardian www.worklife.uprisehealth.com
Access Code: worklife 800-386-7055
Policy #00579740
HUMAN RESOURCES
Acier Management, LLC csmailes@hansenmanagement.com 713-529-4100
EMPLOYEE RESPONSE CENTER
Higginbotham helpline@higginbotham.net 866-419-3518
Please call or text 866-419-3518 to speak with a representative Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT. If you leave a message, your call or text will be returned within 24 hours or the next business day. You can also email questions or requests to helpline@higginbotham.net. Bilingual representatives are available.
If you (and/or your dependents) have Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare in the next 12 months, federal law gives you more choices about your prescription drug coverage. Please see page 20 for more details.
We are pleased to offer a full benefits package to help protect your wellbeing and financial health. Read this guide to learn about the benefits available to you and your eligible dependents starting December 1, 2025
Each year during Open Enrollment, you may make changes to your benefit plans. The benefit choices you make this year will remain in effect through November 30, 2026. Take time to review these benefit options and select the plans that best meet your needs. After Open Enrollment, you may only make changes to your benefit elections if you have a Qualifying Life Event.
AVAILABILITY OF SUMMARY HEALTH INFORMATION
Your benefits program offers three medical plan options. To help you make an informed choice and compare your options, a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for each plan is available at www.bcbstx.com or by calling 800-521-2227.
ELIGIBILITY ENROLLMENT
You are eligible for benefits if you are a regular, full-time employee working an average of 30 or more hours per week. Your coverage is effective on the first of the month following your date of hire.
You may also enroll eligible dependents for benefits coverage. The cost for coverage depends on the number of dependents you enroll and the benefits you choose. When covering dependents, you must select and be on the same plans.
ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS
Your legal spouse
Children under the age of 26 regardless of student, dependency, or marital status
Children over the age of 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
QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS
Your benefit elections remain in effect for the entire plan year until the following Open Enrollment. You may only change coverage during the plan year if you have a Qualifying Life Event such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, loss of other coverage, etc. You must notify Human Resources in a timely manner if any of these events occur. Please contact Human Resources for a full list of Qualifying Events and the notification time frames required for requested changes.
HOW TO ENROLL
Acier Management, LLC is proud to provide to you an online benefits and enrollment system. The site will provide personalized detailed summaries of your benefits, Human Resources, and more. Although you may have to make some updates, most of your information is preloaded. All employees must register and complete the Open Enrollment process.
To begin, go to www.benefitsinhand.com. First-time users: Follow steps 1-4 Returning users: Log in and start at step 5
1. First-time users: Click on the New User Registration link. Once you register, you will use your username and password to log in.
2. Enter your personal information and company identifier of Acier and click Next .
3. Create a username (work email address recommended) and password, then check the I agree to terms and conditions box before you click Finish.
4. If you used an email address as your username, you will receive a validation email to that address. You may now log in to the system.
5. Returning users: Click the Start Enrollment button to begin the enrollment process.
6. Confirm or update your personal information and click Save & Continue.
7. Edit or add dependents who need to be covered on your benefits. Once all dependents are listed, click Save & Continue.
8. Follow the steps on the screen for each benefit to select or decline coverage. To decline coverage, click Don’t want this benefit? and select the reason for declining.
9. When you finish making your benefit elections, review your selections. If correct, click the Click to Sign button to complete and submit your enrollment choices.
MEDICAL COVERAGE
The medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) protect you and your family from major financial hardship in the event of illness or injury.
You have a choice of four plans:
Blue Advantage Silver HMO S9J7ADT - This is an HMO plan.
Blue Choice Bronze PPO B662CHC - This is a PPO plan.
Blue Advantage Gold HMO G666ADT - This is an HMO plan.
Blue Choice Gold PPO G652CHC - This is a PPO plan.
HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN
A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) allows you to see any provider when you need care, but you will pay less for care when you go to in-network providers. In exchange for a lower per-paycheck cost for medical benefits, you must satisfy a higher plan deductible that applies to almost all health care expenses, including prescription drugs. If you enroll in the HDHP, you may be eligible to open a Health Savings Account (HSA) (see page 10)
PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan allows you to see any provider when you need care. When you see in-network providers for care, you will pay less and get the highest level of benefits. You will pay more for care if you use out-of-network providers. When you see in-network providers, your office visits, urgent care, and prescription drugs are covered with a copay and most other innetwork services are covered at the coinsurance level.
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION
With a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, you must seek care from in-network providers in the BCBSTX HMO network. The selection of a primary care provider is required, and you need a referral to see a specialist. Always confirm that your doctors and specialists are innetwork before seeking care.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
Your BCBSTX medical plan includes prescription drug coverage through Prime Therapeutics. To save money on long-term or maintenance prescriptions, use the Express Scripts mail order or Accredo specialty drug programs.
Mail Order Prescriptions
Express Scripts delivers your long-term (or maintenance) medicines to the address of your choice.
New Prescriptions
To print a new prescription order form, go to www.express-scripts.com/rx or call 833-715-0942. Medicines take about five days to deliver after receipt of your order.
Refill or Transfer Prescriptions Online
Visit www.express-scripts.com/rx to register and create a profile or log in to www.myprime.com and follow the links to Express Scripts Pharmacy
Phone – Call 833-715-0942 and have your member ID card and your doctor’s and prescription information ready.
Mail – Visit www.bcbstx.com and log in to Blue Access for Members (BAM). Complete the mail order form and send it with your prescription and payment to Express Scripts.
Doctor – Ask your doctor to fax, call, or email your prescription to Express Scripts for you.
Questions?
Visit www.bcbstx.com or call the number on your member ID card.
FIND AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER
Visit www.bcbstx.com or call 800-521-2227 .
MEDICAL COVERAGE
1The amount you pay after the deductible is met.
2You must designate a primary care provider.
3The
1The amount you pay after the deductible is met.
2You must designate a primary care provider.
3The amount you pay at a preferred network pharmacy versus non-preferred network pharmacy. Examples of
TELEMEDICINE
As a BCBSTX member, you have access to MDLIVE , a national telemedicine service. These services can be costeffective alternatives to visiting a convenient care clinic, urgent care center, or emergency room.
WHEN TO USE MDLIVE
You can connect with a board-certified doctor via phone without leaving your home or office. Your cost is often the same or less than a visit to your primary care provider. Care is available day or night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Use MDLIVE when you:
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 away from home
Are unable to see your primary care physician
MDLIVE services should only be used for minor conditions that are not life-threatening, such as:
General Health
Sore throat
Headache
Stomachache
Cold and flu
Allergies
Fever
Urinary tract infections
Pediatric Care
Cold and flu
Ear problems
Pink eye
Behavioral Health
Anxiety/Depression
Marriage problems
Child behavior Issues
Child learning matters
REGISTRATION IS EASY
To register, go to www.mdlive.com/bcbstx. Enter your first and last name, date of birth, and BCBSTX member ID number. When you need services, call MDLIVE at 888-680-8646.
BCBSTX RESOURCES
BLUE ACCESS FOR MEMBERS
BAM is the secure BCBSTX member website where you can:
Check claim status or history
Confirm dependent eligibility
Print Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms
Locate in-network providers
Print or request an ID card
To get started, log on to www.bcbstx.com and use the information on your BCBSTX ID card to complete the registration process.
MOBILE APP
The BCBSTX app can help you stay organized and in control of your health anytime, anywhere. Log in from your mobile device to access your BAM account, including:
Track account balances and deductibles
Access ID card information
Find doctors, dentists, and pharmacies
Text BCBSTX to 33633 or search your mobile device’s app store to download.
NURSELINE
Call the number on the back of your member ID card for immediate access to registered nurses who can answer general health questions, make appointments with your doctor, and help determine where to go for immediate or emergency health care services. You can also access an audio library of more than 1,000 health-related topics in both English and Spanish. This service is free!
WELL ONTARGET
Well onTarget gives you the support you need to make healthy lifestyle choices and rewards you for hard work. Many of the medical programs offered through your medical plan use the Well onTarget portal as the starting point for better health and lifestyles.
Well onTarget offers:
Digital self-management programs, including weight management, improving blood pressure, smoking cessation, living with diabetes, physical activity, stress management, and more
Blue Points Rewards program (earn 2,500 points just by taking your Health Assessment!)
Health and wellness library
Health assessment
Wellness coaching
Tools and trackers
Fitness tracking
Fitness program membership and discounts
Nutrition help
Tobacco cessation
To access, log into www.wellontarget.com. The Well onTarget app is also available for iPhone and Android smartphones. For wellness program questions, call 877-806-9380
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
An HSA is more than a way to help you and your family cover current medical costs — it is also a tax-exempt tool to supplement your retirement savings and to cover future health costs.
An HSA is a type of personal savings account that is always yours even if you change health plans or jobs. The money in your HSA (including interest and investment earnings) grows tax-free and spends tax-free if used to pay for current or future qualified medical expenses.
There is no “use it or lose it” rule — you do not lose your money if you do not spend it in the calendar year — and there are no vesting requirements or forfeiture provisions. The account automatically rolls over year after year.
HSA ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to open and contribute to an HSA if you are:
Enrolled in an HSA-eligible HDHP (Blue Choice Bronze PPO B662CHC and Blue Advantage Gold HMO G666ADT)
Not covered by another plan that is not a qualified HDHP, such as your spouse’s health plan
Not enrolled in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE
Not receiving Veterans Administration benefits
You can also use HSA funds to pay health care expenses for your dependents, even if they are not covered by the HDHP.
HOW TO CONTACT HSA BANK
Visit – www.hsabank.com
Call – 855-731-5220
Download the HSA Bank app
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS
Your HSA contributions may not exceed the annual maximum amount established by the Internal Revenue Service. The annual contribution maximum for 2025 and 2026 is based on the coverage option you elect:
IMPORTANT HSA INFORMATION
Always ask your network doctor to file claims with your medical, dental, or vision carrier so you will get the highest level of benefits. You can pay the doctor with your HSA debit card for any balance due.
You, not your employer, are responsible for maintaining ALL records and receipts for HSA reimbursements in the event of an IRS audit.
Age 55+ Catch-Up Contribution
You decide whether to use the money in your account to pay for qualified expenses or let it grow for future use. If you are age 55 or older, you may make a yearly catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 to your HSA. If you turn 55 at anytime during the plan year, you are eligible to make the catch-up contribution for the entire plan year.
OPENING AN HSA
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may open an HSA administered by HSA Bank. You will receive a debit card to manage your HSA account reimbursements. Keep in mind, available funds are limited to the balance in your HSA. To open an account, go to www.hsabank.com
You may open an HSA at the financial institution of your choice, but only accounts opened through HSA Bank are eligible for automatic payroll deduction.
IMPORTANT! NAME YOUR BENEFICIARIES
If you open an HSA, it is very important to designate one or more beneficiaries! A beneficiary is a person or entity that you designate to receive the proceeds from your HSA in the event of your death.
Most beneficiary designations can be made or changed online at www.hsabank.com. However, if you are married, domiciled in a community property state, or designate a nonspouse primary beneficiary, you must submit a beneficiary form with the notarized consent of your spouse.
DENTAL COVERAGE
Our dental plan helps you maintain good oral health through affordable options for preventive care, including regular checkups and other dental work. Coverage is provided through Guardian.
DPPO PLAN
Two levels of benefits are available with the DPPO plan: in-network and out-of-network. You may see any dental provider for care, but you will pay less and get the highest level of benefits with in-network providers. You could pay more if you use an out-ofnetwork provider.
MAXIMUM ROLLOVER PROGRAM
If you enroll in our dental plan, you will automatically be enrolled in the Guardian Maximum Rollover Program. This program rewards you for going to the dentist regularly to prevent or detect the early signs of serious diseases. If you submit a claim (without exceeding the paid claims threshold of a benefit year), Guardian will roll over part of your unused annual maximum into a Maximum Rollover Account (MRA).
Preventive and Diagnostic Care
Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, space maintainers
Basic Procedures
Fillings, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery
Major Restorative Care
Crowns, Inlays/Onlays, dentures, bridges, implants
DID YOU KNOW?
Your Dental plan is on a calendar year January 1 through December 31. Your calendar year deductible and benefit maximum reset to $0 as of January 1.
If you receive services from out-of-network dentists, you will be responsible for the amount between the negotiated fee and the dentist’s billed charge.
VISION COVERAGE
Our vision plan offers quality care to help preserve your health and eyesight. Regular exams can detect certain medical issues such as diabetes and high cholesterol, in addition to vision and eye problems.
You may seek care from any vision provider, but will pay the highest level of benefits when you see an in-network provider. Coverage is provided through Guardian using the VSP Network.
Once every 12 months
In lieu of lenses and frames
Fitting and Evaluation
LIFE AND AD&D INSURANCE
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance through Guardian are important to your financial security, especially if others depend on you for support or vice versa.
With Life insurance, you or your beneficiary(ies) can use the coverage to pay off debts, such as credit cards, loans, and bills. AD&D coverage provides specific benefits if an accident causes bodily harm or loss (e.g., the loss of a hand, foot, or eye). If death occurs from an accident, 100% of the AD&D benefit would be paid to you or your beneficiary(ies). Life and AD&D coverage amounts reduce by 35% at age 65, 60% at age 70, 75% at age 75, and 85% at age 80.
BASIC LIFE AND AD&D
Basic Life and AD&D insurance are provided at no cost to you. You are automatically covered at $25,000 for each benefit.
VOLUNTARY LIFE AND AD&D
You may buy more Life and AD&D insurance for you and your eligible dependents. If you do not elect Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance when first eligible or if you want to increase your benefit amount at a later date, you may need to show proof of good health. You must elect Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage for yourself before you may elect coverage for your spouse or children. If you leave the company, you may be able to take the insurance with you.
DESIGNATING A BENEFICIARY
A beneficiary is the person or entity you elect 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 at anytime. If you name more than one beneficiary, you must identify how much each beneficiary will receive (e.g., 50% or 25%).
Voluntary Life and AD&D Coverage
Minimum Benefit
$25,000
Increments of $10,000 up to $300,000
Employee
Spouse
Children
Guaranteed Issue age 15–64 $50,000
Guaranteed Issue age 70+ $10,000
Minimum Benefit
$5,000
Increments of $5,000 at 50% of employee amount up to $25,000
Guaranteed Issue age 15–64 $25,000
Spouse coverage terminates at age 70
Minimum Benefit
$1,000
Increments of $1,000
14 days to age 26 $1,000-$10,000
Calculate your Voluntary Life Semimonthly Cost
Howard is 25 years old and elects $25,000 of coverage: $______ ÷ 1000 x $______ = $______ x 12 ÷ 24 = $______
Example
÷ $1,000 = 25 x $0.122 = $3.05 x 12 = $42.00
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Disability insurance provides partial income protection if you are unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. We provide Short Term Disability (STD) and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance at no cost to you through Guardian.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY
STD coverage pays a percentage of your weekly salary 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. If a medical condition is job-related, it is considered workers’ compensation, not STD.
Short Term Disability
LONG TERM DISABILITY
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).
Long Term Disability
* Benefits may not be paid for any condition treated within 12 months prior to your effective date until you have been covered under this plan for 12 months.
Disability Resource Services
The following services are available to you at no additional cost through our LTD plan:
Three face-to-face sessions to address behavioral issues.
24/7 unlimited telephone counseling with Master’s degree-level counselors to identify concerns, assess needs, and refer to a specialist to help resolve the issue.
Access to the GuidanceResources secure website where you can find self-assessments, content on personal health, and tools to help with personal, relationship, legal, health, and financial concerns.
Go to www.guidanceresources.com. Your Company ID is DISRES
For further information, call 866-899-1363
SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS
You and your eligible family members have the opportunity to enroll in additional coverage that complements our traditional health care programs. Health insurance covers medical bills, but if you have an emergency, you may face unexpected out-ofpocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, travel expenses, and non-medical related expenses. These voluntary plans are offered through Guardian and are portable.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Accident insurance provides affordable protection against a sudden, unforeseen accident. The Accident plan helps offset the direct and indirect expenses resulting from an accident such as copayments, deductibles, ambulance, physical therapy, and other costs not covered by traditional health plans.
CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE
Critical Illness insurance helps pay the cost of nonmedical expenses related to a covered critical illness or cancer. The plan provides a lump sum benefit payment to you upon first and second diagnosis of any covered critical illness or cancer. The benefit can help cover expenses such as lost income, out-of-town treatments, special diets, daily living, and household upkeep costs.
CRITICAL ILLNESS
Employee Spouse
Child(ren)
Full
Advanced Alzheimer’s disease; advanced multiple sclerosis; advanced Parkinson’s disease; benign brain or spinal cord tumor; bone marrow failure; coma; dementia; heart attack; heart failure; invasive cancer; kidney failure; loss of hearing, sight, or speech; Lou Gehrig’s disease; permanent paralysis; severe burns
Partial Coverage
Addison’s disease; early stage Alzheimer’s disease; early stage multiple sclerosis; early stage Parkinson’s; epilepsy; Huntington’s disease; lupus; myasthenia gravis; ulcerative colitis
$10,000 or $20,000
$5,000 or $10,000 not to exceed 50% of employee amount 25% of employee amount
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
Hospital Indemnity insurance helps you with the high cost of medical care by paying you a set amount when you have an inpatient hospital stay. Unlike traditional insurance, which pays a benefit to the hospital or doctor, this plan pays you directly based on the care or treatment that you receive. These costs may include meals and transportation, childcare, or time away from work due to a medical issue that requires hospitalization.
HOSPITAL INDEMNITY
Child Organized Sports 25% increase to child benefits
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Acier Management, LLC provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and family members cope with a variety of personal or workrelated issues.
As part of your Guardian coverage, Worklife provides confidential counseling and support services at little or no cost to you to help with:
Relationships
Work-life balance
Stress and anxiety
Will Preparation and Estate Resolution
Grief and loss
Child and eldercare resources
Substance abuse
Call 800-386-7055 or visit www.worklife.uprisehealth.com for support at any hour of the day or night.
Access Code: worklife
EMPLOYEE COSTS
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:
Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners Human Resources 4200 Montrose Blvd, #500 Houston, TX 77006 281-468-4566
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 Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners 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.
REQUIRED NOTICES
2. Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners 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.
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 Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners 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 Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners 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 281-4684566 .
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 800-772-1213
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).
REQUIRED NOTICES
December 1, 2025
Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners Human Resources
4200 Montrose Blvd, #500
Houston, TX 77006
281-468-4566
Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) imposes numerous requirements on employer health plans concerning the use and disclosure of individual health information. This information known as protected health information (PHI), includes virtually all individually identifiable health information held by a health plan – whether received in writing, in an electronic medium or as oral communication. This notice describes the privacy practices of the Employee Benefits Plan (referred to in this notice as the Plan), sponsored by Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners , hereinafter referred to as the plan sponsor.
The Plan is required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this notice of the Plan’s legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information. It is important to note that these rules apply to the Plan, not the plan sponsor as an employer.
You have the right to inspect and copy protected health information which is maintained by and for the Plan for enrollment, payment, claims and case management. If you feel that protected health information about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask the Human Resources Department to amend the information. For a full copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices describing how protected health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to the information, contact the Human Resources Department.
Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may complain to the Plan and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint. To file a complaint, please contact the Privacy Officer.
Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners Human Resources 4200 Montrose Blvd, #500 Houston, TX 77006 281-468-4566
Conclusion
PHI use and disclosure by the Plan is regulated by a federal law known as HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). You may find these rules at 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 160 and 164. The Plan intends to comply with these regulations. This Notice attempts to summarize the regulations. The regulations will supersede any discrepancy between the information in this Notice and the regulations.
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 1-877KIDS 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 employersponsored plan.
REQUIRED NOTICES
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 July 31, 2025. Contact your State for more information on eligibility.
Alabama – Medicaid
Website: http://www.myalhipp.com/
Phone: 1-855-692-5447
Alaska – Medicaid
The AK Health Insurance Premium Payment Program Website: http://myakhipp.com/
Phone: 1-866-251-4861
Email: CustomerService@MyAKHIPP.com
Medicaid Eligibility: https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/default. aspx
Arkansas – Medicaid
Website: http://myarhipp.com/
Phone: 1-855-MyARHIPP (855-692-7447)
California– Medicaid
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program Website: http://dhcs.ca.gov/hipp
Phone: 916-445-8322
Fax: 916-440-5676
Email: hipp@dhcs.ca.gov
Colorado – Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
Health First Colorado website: https://www.healthfirstcolorado. com/
Health First Colorado Member Contact Center: 1-800-221-3943/ State Relay 711
CHP+: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/child-health-plan-plus
CHP+ Customer Service: 1-800-359-1991/State Relay 711
Health Insurance Buy-In Program (HIBI): https://www.mycohibi. com/
HIBI Customer Service: 1-855-692-6442
Florida – Medicaid
Website: https://www.flmedicaidtplrecovery.com/ flmedicaidtplrecovery.com/hipp/index.html
Phone: 1-877-357-3268
Georgia – Medicaid
GA HIPP Website: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/health-insurancepremium-payment-program-hipp Phone: 678-564-1162, Press 1
GA CHIPRA Website: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/programs/ third-party-liability/childrens-health-insurance-programreauthorization-act-2009-chipra Phone: 678-564-1162, Press 2
Indiana – Medicaid
Health Insurance Premium Payment Program
All other Medicaid Website: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/ http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/ Family and Social Services Administration Phone: 1-800-403-0864
Member Services Phone: 1-800-457-4584
Iowa – Medicaid and CHIP (Hawki)
Medicaid Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcomeiowa-medicaid
Medicaid Phone: 1-800-338-8366
Hawki Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowamedicaid/iowa-health-link/hawki
Hawki Phone: 1-800-257-8563
HIPP Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/welcome-iowamedicaid/fee-service/hipp
HIPP Phone: 1-888-346-9562
Kansas – Medicaid
Website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/ Phone: 1-800-792-4884
HIPP Phone: 1-800-967-4660
Kentucky – Medicaid
Kentucky Integrated Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (KI-HIPP) Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/ member/Pages/kihipp.aspx Phone: 1-855-459-6328
Email: KIHIPP.PROGRAM@ky.gov
KCHIP Website: https://kynect.ky.gov Phone: 1-877-524-4718
Kentucky Medicaid Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms
Louisiana – Medicaid
Website: www.medicaid.la.gov or www.ldh.la.gov/lahipp Phone: 1-888-342-6207 (Medicaid hotline) or 1-855-618-5488 (LaHIPP)
Maine – Medicaid
Enrollment Website: https://www.mymaineconnection.gov/ benefits/s/?language=en_US Phone: 1-800-442-6003
TTY: Maine relay 711
Private Health Insurance Premium Webpage: https://www.maine. gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms Phone: 1-800-977-6740
TTY: Maine Relay 711
REQUIRED NOTICES
Massachusetts – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: https://www.mass.gov/masshealth/pa
Phone: 1-800-862-4840
TTY: 711
Email: masspremassistance@accenture.com
Minnesota – Medicaid
Website: https://mn.gov/dhs/health-care-coverage/
Phone: 1-800-657-3672
Missouri – Medicaid
Website: http://www.dss.mo.gov/mhd/participants/pages/hipp. htm
Phone: 573-751-2005
Montana – Medicaid
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/ HIPP
Phone: 1-800-694-3084
Email: HHSHIPPProgram@mt.gov
Nebraska – Medicaid
Website: http://www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov
Phone: 1-855-632-7633
Lincoln: 402-473-7000
Omaha: 402-595-1178
Nevada – Medicaid
Medicaid Website: http://dhcfp.nv.gov
Medicaid Phone: 1-800-992-0900
New Hampshire – Medicaid
Website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/ health-insurance-premium-program
Phone: 603-271-5218
Toll free number for the HIPP program: 1-800-852-3345, ext. 15218
Email: DHHS.ThirdPartyLiabi@dhhs.nh.gov
New Jersey – Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid Website: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmahs/ clients/medicaid/
Phone: 1-800-356-1561
CHIP Premium Assistance Phone: 609-631-2392
CHIP Website: http://www.njfamilycare.org/index.html
CHIP Phone: 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711)
New York – Medicaid
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/ Phone: 1-800-541-2831
North Carolina – Medicaid
Website: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov Phone: 919-855-4100
North Dakota – Medicaid
Website: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/healthcare
Phone: 1-844-854-4825
Oklahoma – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: http://www.insureoklahoma.org Phone: 1-888-365-3742
Oregon – Medicaid
Website: https://healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx Phone: 1-800-699-9075
Pennsylvania – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: https://www.pa.gov/en/services/dhs/apply-formedicaid-health-insurance-premium-payment-program-hipp. html
Phone: 1-800-692-7462
CHIP Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/chip/pages/chip.aspx
CHIP Phone: 1-800-986-KIDS (5437)
Rhode Island – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: http://www.eohhs.ri.gov/
Phone: 1-855-697-4347 or 401-462-0311 (Direct RIte Share Line)
South Carolina – Medicaid
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov
Phone: 1-888-549-0820
South Dakota – Medicaid
Website: https://dss.sd.gov
Phone: 1-888-828-0059
Texas – Medicaid
Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/healthinsurance-premium-payment-hipp-program
Phone: 1-800-440-0493
Utah – Medicaid and CHIP
Utah’s Premium Partnership for Health Insurance (UPP) Website: https://medicaid.utah.gov/upp/ Email: upp@utah.gov
Phone: 1-888-222-2542
Adult Expansion Website: https://medicaid.utah.gov/expansion/ Utah Medicaid Buyout Program Website: https://medicaid.utah. gov/buyout-program/
CHIP Website: https://chip.utah.gov/
Vermont– Medicaid
Website: https://dvha.vermont.gov/members/medicaid/hippprogram
Phone: 1-800-250-8427
Virginia – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/learn/premiumassistance/famis-select
https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/learn/premium-assistance/ health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-programs
Medicaid/CHIP Phone: 1-800-432-5924
Washington – Medicaid
Website: https://www.hca.wa.gov/
Phone: 1-800-562-3022
REQUIRED NOTICES
West Virginia – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/ http://mywvhipp.com/
Medicaid Phone: 304-558-1700
CHIP Toll-free phone: 1-855-MyWVHIPP (1-855-699-8447)
Wisconsin – Medicaid and CHIP
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ badgercareplus/p-10095.htm Phone: 1-800-362-3002
Wyoming – Medicaid
Website: https://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/medicaid/ programs-and-eligibility/ Phone: 1-800-251-1269
To see if any other States have added a premium assistance program since July 31, 2025 , or for more information on special enrollment rights, 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 Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners group health plan you and your eligible dependents may be entitled to continue your group health benefits coverage under the Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners 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
Acier Management, LLC dba Hansen Partners Human Resources 4200 Montrose Blvd, #500 Houston, TX 77006 281-468-4566
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-ofnetwork 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. Out-ofnetwork 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 in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.
“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 outof-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network costsharing 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.
REQUIRED NOTICES
• 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, outof-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 out-ofnetwork. 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 innetwork). Your health plan will pay out-of-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.
NOTES
This brochure highlights the main features of the Acier Management, LLC employee 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. Acier Management, LLC reserves the right to change or discontinue its employee benefits plans at anytime.
