2026 2027
YOUR GUIDE TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
HELPFUL RESOURCES Important Contacts Medical Coverage and Claims I360 Administrators (Imagine360) 800-903-4360 www.imagine360.com myplan@imagine360.com Prescription Benefits PCA Rx 855-283-7882 https://www.pcarx.com Telemedicine Recuro Health 844-715-1724 www.imagine360.com/care
Life and AD&D Coverage Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com 800-775-8805 Disability Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com 800-877-5176 Employee Assistance Program Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com/eap 800-316-2796
Dental Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com 800-769-7159
Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com 800-877-5176
Vision Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com/vision 833-279-4358
Benefits Support Higginbotham Employee Response Center 866-419-3518 helpline@higginbotham.net
Flexible Spending Accounts Higginbotham 866-419-3519 https://flexservices.higginbotham.net
Human Resources Barbara Gonzales 361-526-2321 ext. 161
Table of Contents Welcome........................................... 3 How to Enroll..................................... 4 Imagine360 Resources...................... 5 Medical Coverage.............................. 6 Medical Benefits Summary............... 7 Prescription Benefits......................... 8 FAQ.................................................... 9 Telemedicine................................... 10 Health Care Options........................ 11 Dental Coverage.............................. 12 Vision Coverage............................... 13 Flexible Spending Accounts............ 14 Life and AD&D Insurance................ 16 Disability Insurance......................... 17 Additional Benefits.......................... 18 Employee Assistance Programs...... 19 Supplemental Insurance................. 20 Required Notices............................. 23
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 for your prescription drug coverage. Please see page 23 for more details. 2
WELCOME We are pleased to offer a full benefits package to help protect your well-being and financial health. Read this guide to learn about the benefits available to you and your eligible dependents starting February 1, 2026. 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 January 31, 2027. 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 (QLE).
Eligibility You are eligible for benefits if you are a regular, full-time employee working an average of 30 or more hours per week. If you are a newly-hired employee, your coverage is effective on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. You may also enroll eligible dependents for benefits coverage.
Eligible Dependents y Your legal spouse y Children under the age of 26, regardless of their student, dependency, or marital status y 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 Once you elect your benefit options, they 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 QLE, including: y Marriage, divorce, legal separation, or annulment y Birth, adoption, or placement for adoption of an eligible child y Death of your spouse or child y Change in your spouse’s employment status that affects benefits eligibility y Change in your child’s eligibility for benefits y Significant change in benefit plan coverage for you, your spouse, or child y FMLA leave, COBRA event, court judgment, or decree y Becoming eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE y Receiving a Qualified Medical Child Support Order If you have a QLE and want to change your elections, you must notify Human Resources and complete your changes within 30 days of the event. You may be asked to provide documentation to support the change. Contact Human Resources for specific details.
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Availability of Summary Health Information Your plan offers a health coverage option. To help you make an informed choice and compare your options, a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is available by contacting Human Resources or online in BenefitsInHand.
HOW TO ENROLL To begin the enrollment process, go to www.benefitsinhand.com. First-time users, follow steps 1-4. Returning users, log in and start at step 5. 1.
If this is your first time to log in, 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 RCMHospital 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.
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 make your selection. Please notice there is an option to decline coverage. If you wish to decline, click the Don’t want this benefit? button and select the reason for declining.
9.
Once you have elected or declined all benefits, you will see a summary of your selections. Click the Click to Sign button. Your enrollment will not be complete until you click the Click to Sign button.
Have questions about your benefits or need help enrolling? Call the Employee Response Center. 4
Employee Response Center Employee benefits can be complicated. The Higginbotham Employee Response Center can assist you with the following: y Enrollment y Benefits information y Claims or billing questions y Eligibility issues 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 voicemail message after 3:00 p.m. CT, your call will be returned the next business day. You can also email questions or requests to helpline@higginbotham.net. Bilingual representatives are available.
IMAGINE360 RESOURCES Our medical plan is provided through I360 Administrators (Imagine360). As part of our medical plan, Imagine360 offers the expert service and support you need to stay healthy and pay less for health care. Imagine360 advocates provide personal, proactive support for all your benefit needs. This includes finding providers, getting support from licensed medical professionals to manage medical conditions, and answering coverage and billing questions.
Complete Health Care Guidance
Health and Clinical Support Help with Benefits and Claims Issues Licensed medical professionals and
Imagine360 offers live and digital resources to help you get the most out of your health care benefits. Advocates help you find and compare providers based on quality metrics, cost, and other data. Access real-time, industry-leading data and helpful information on the Imagine360 website.
counselors help you manage chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. They will also explain any new diagnosis or treatment plan, manage your medications, and even schedule appointments.
Imagine360 advocates are available to help you find providers, answer benefit questions, and help resolve any claims and billing issues.
Working Together on Claims and Billing Issues Imagine360’s Part y Once you see a doctor, advocates will closely review your claim to ensure it is accurate and does not exceed your plan’s allowable amount. y If the bill has errors or overbilling, advocates will notify the provider and send an adjusted payment. (Most of the time, the payment is accepted.) y If you receive a balance bill after that payment is made, Imagine360 will provide a dedicated team of advocacy experts, including legal support, to resolve the issue.
Your Part y Compare your provider bill(s) to your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for the amount you owe. y If you receive a balance bill, notify Imagine360 at 800-903-4360. y Send the bill immediately to Imagine360 if it does not match. • Email – bb@imagine360.com • Fax – 888-560-2447 • Mail – 1550 Liberty Ridge Drive, Wayne, PA 19087 y Be on the lookout for any other bills and/or correspondence (e.g., call, email, or letter) from your provider that Imagine360 may need to know about or review.
If you are in doubt, just call Imagine360 for help! It is free to use! 5
MEDICAL COVERAGE Our medical plan protects you and your family from major financial hardship in the event of illness or injury. We offer one Cost Plus plan that has varying levels of benefits. Your out-of-pocket costs will be based on where you go for your medical care: y Refugio Network – When you use this network, there are no individual or family deductibles. Use this to receive Tier 1, Level I and II benefits. y PHCS Network – When you use this network, there is a $1,000 Individual and $3,000 Family deductible. Use this to receive Tier 2, Level I and II benefits. y Non-PHCS Network – When you use out-of-network providers, there is a $2,000 Individual and a $6,000 Family deductible. Use this to receive Tier 3, Level II benefits. Our medical plan is provided through I360 Administrators (Imagine360).
Refugio Network You must see Refugio Network providers to get the highest benefits and pay no cost or the least cost for your care. You do not have to select a primary care physician or get a referral to see a specialist. Always confirm that your doctors and specialists are in the Refugio Network before seeking care.
Refugio Network Use the Refugio Network to pay $0 or the least cost for health care. This network includes: y Refugio County Memorial y Refugio Rural Health Clinic y Woodsboro Medical Clinic y Austwell-Tivoli Medical Clinic y Citizens Medical Clinic (mammograms only)
Find a Refugio Network Provider
PHCS and Non-PHCS Network
y Call 800-903-4360
You can see any provider when you need care. Your office visits, urgent care visits, and prescription drugs are covered with a copay, and most other network services are covered at the deductible and coinsurance level.
y Access www.imagine360.com
The PHCS Network offers the largest primary PPO in the nation for practitioners and ancillaries only (e.g., no hospitals). It is your responsibility to confirm if your provider participates in the PHCS Network. Be sure to obtain any preauthorization needed for health care, and always present your current benefits ID card when you arrive for your appointment. If you currently see doctors who do not participate in the PHCS Network, you may nominate them to join at www.multiplan.com. You will pay the most for your care if you go to non-PHCS Network providers.
y Tier I – Hospitals/Facilities y Tier II – Medical Professionals
Find a PHCS Network Provider y Call 877-952-7427 y Access www.multiplan. com/phcspracanc or www.multiplan.com and select Find a Provider. Choose PHCS and then Practitioner Plus Ancillary. y Tier I – Hospitals/Facilities y Tier II – Medical Professionals
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MEDICAL BENEFITS SUMMARY REFUGIO NETWORK TIER 1
PHCS NETWORK TIER 21
NON-PHCS NETWORK TIER 3
Calendar Year Deductible – Medical Excludes copays • Individual • Family maximum
N/A N/A
$1,000 $3,000
$2,000 $6,000
Calendar Year Deductible – Pharmacy Excludes copays • Individual • Family maximum
$150 $450
$150 $450
$150 $450
Calendar Year Out-of-Pocket Maximum Includes deductible • Individual • Family
N/A N/A
$6,350 $19,050
$13,000 $39,000
Level I and II Refugio Provider
Level I PPO Provider
You Pay
Level II PPO Provider
You Pay
Level II Non-PPO Provider You Pay
Preventive Care
$0
Telemedicine
$0
Primary Care Physician
$0
N/A
$50 copay
50%2
Specialist
$0
N/A
$100 copay
50%2
Diagnostic Lab and X-ray
$0
20%2
20%2
50%2
Complex Imaging
$0
20%2
20%2
50%2
Urgent Care
$0
N/A
$100 copay
50%2
Emergency Room
$0
20%2
20%2
20%2
Inpatient Hospital Services
$0
20%2
N/A
50%2
$0
$0 $0
$0
Pharmacy – Retail Up to 30-day supply • Generic • Preferred Brand • Non-preferred Brand
$10 copay (deductible does not apply) $35 copay $75 copay
Pharmacy – Mail Order Up to 30-day supply • Generic • Preferred Brand • Non-preferred Brand
$10 copay (deductible does not apply) $70 copay $150 copay
Pharmacy – Specialty Up to 30-day supply • Generic • Preferred Brand • Non-preferred Brand
50%2
25% up to $500 maximum
1
Procedures that could have been done inside the Refugio Network will have a $1,000, deductible/coinsurance. OB-GYN exams, PAP, hearing, and vision exams are excluded.
2
The amount you pay after the deductible is met.
Employee Costs See www.benefitsinhand.com for monthly and bi-weekly medical rates.
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PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS PCA Rx manages our pharmacy benefits. The pharmacy program offers retail, home delivery, specialty and formulary medications, and 24/7 support.
Retail Pharmacy Network Access a robust nationwide pharmacy network, including most major pharmacy chains and many local pharmacies.
Home Delivery Service Your benefit plan includes a convenient home delivery service through Amazon Pharmacy. Amazon Pharmacy offers upfront pricing, easy refills, no waiting in lines, free shipping, and medications delivered to your door. Learn more and set up your account on www.amazon.com/homedelivery-meds.
Specialty Pharmacy Service PCA Rx partners with CVS Specialty to help you manage complex conditions and/or medications requiring injections or infusions. The CVS Care Team will help transition your prescription, provide support and resources, and offer digital tools and options for getting and staying on track with your medication. To learn more and get started, visit www.cvsspecialty.com or call 800-237-2767.
Formulary Medications PCA Rx uses a drug formulary to provide the most cost-effective pharmacy program. Know which drugs are covered before you fill your prescription. Review the formulary with your doctor to determine what medication may be best for you if the one prescribed is not covered. A complete listing of formulary medications is located on the Patient Portal at https://pcarx.myrxplan.com/login.
Questions? The PCA Rx Concierge Pharmacy Advocacy Team is available 24/7 if you have any pharmacy-related questions or need assistance. y Call 855-283-7882 for the Call Center y Call 855-882-7499, Option 2 for all other inquiries y Email info@pcarx.com
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Patient Portal (Online and Mobile Website) The PCA Rx Patient Portal offers fast, safe, and convenient tools to help you manage your prescription benefits online and via your mobile device. Access formulary options, drug prices, copayments, benefit highlights, prescription history, pharmacy locations, and more. y Register for an account at https://pcarx.myrxplan.com/ login y Call 855-283-7882 y Download the mobile app from your device’s app store
FAQ Q My provider does not recognize my medical ID card. What do I do?
Q What do I do in a medical emergency?
A Tell the provider’s office staff to call the number on your benefits ID card to verify your coverage and eligibility. You can call us at that same number if you have any difficulties.
A If you have a medical emergency and a facility is making it difficult to seek immediate treatment, call the number on your benefits ID card and Imagine360 will contact a representative at the facility.
Q What does it mean that my health plan includes price protection?
Q What types of medical bills are reviewed?
A Imagine360 helps to lower your outof-pocket costs by reviewing medical claims to ensure you only pay what is fair and reasonable. If you are ever billed for more than the out-ofpocket responsibility that is listed on your EOB, or have a question about a bill, call Imagine360 immediately.
A Imagine360 reviews costs from hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and skilled-nursing facilities. Q What if the provider asks me to pay for my procedure up front? A The only out-of-pocket expense you should pay at the time of service is a copay or deductible (if applicable). Call Imagine360 to confirm these amounts or tell Imagine360 if the facility will not perform treatment without payment.
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Q I got a provider bill that does not match my EOB. What should I do? A Sometimes a provider may bill you for charges that exceed your plan’s allowable limits. This is called a “balance bill.” If you receive a balance bill, call Imagine360 to resolve the bill on your behalf. It is very important that you immediately send Imagine360 any bills or notices you get so they can get to work on your behalf right away. You will be updated throughout the process.
TELEMEDICINE Your medical coverage offers telemedicine services through Recuro Health. Connect anytime day or night with a board-certified doctor via your mobile device or computer for free.
Registration is Easy Register with Recuro Health so you are ready to use this valuable service when and where you need it.
When to Use Virtual Care While telemedicine does not replace your primary care physician, it is a convenient and cost-effective option when you need care and:
y Access www.imagine360.com/care
y Have a non-emergency issue and are considering an after hours health care clinic, urgent care clinic, or emergency room for treatment y Are on a business trip, vacation, or away from home
y Call 844-715-1724 y Download the Recuro Care mobile app
y Are unable to see your primary care physician Do not use telemedicine for serious or life-threatening emergencies. Use telemedicine services for minor conditions such as: Primary Care • Wellness visits • Routine preventive screenings • Labs and imaging • Smoking cessation • Weight management • Nutrition counseling • Chronic disease management
Counseling • Anxiety and depression • Alcohol or drug abuse • Child or family issues • Caring for the caregiver • Marital or relationship issues • Parenting • Grief • Sexual, physical, or mental abuse
Psychiatry • Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of mental health conditions • New prescriptions and maintenance medication refills
Non-Life-Threatening Emergency and Urgent Care • Non-life-threatening emergencies and urgent needs related to conditions like asthma, COPD, or diabetes • Upper respiratory infection • Urinary tract infections • COVID-19 or the flu • Dermatology
Your Cost for a Virtual Visit: $0
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HEALTH CARE OPTIONS Becoming familiar with your options for medical care can save you time and money. HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
SYMPTOMS
AVERAGE COST
AVERAGE WAIT
y Allergies y Cough/cold/flu y Rash y Stomachache
$0
2-5 minutes
y Infections y Sore and strep throat y Vaccinations y Minor injuries/sprains/ strains
$
15-20 minutes
y Common infections y Minor injuries y Pregnancy tests y Vaccinations
$
15 minutes
y Sprains and strains y Minor broken bones y Small cuts that may require stitches y Minor burns and infections
$$
15-30 minutes
$$$$
4+ hours
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
y Chest pain y Difficulty breathing y Severe bleeding y Blurred or sudden loss of vision y Major broken bones
Services do not include trauma care; can look similar to an urgent care center, but medical bills may be 10 times higher
y Most major injuries except trauma y Severe pain
$$$$$$
Minimal
Non-Emergency Care
TELEMEDICINE
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
RETAIL CLINIC
Access to care via phone, online video, or mobile app whether you are home, work, or traveling; medications can be prescribed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Generally, the best place for routine preventive care; established relationship; able to treat based on medical history Office hours vary Usually lower out-of-pocket cost than urgent care; when you can’t see your doctor; located in stores and pharmacies Hours vary based on store hours When you need immediate attention; walk-in basis is usually accepted
URGENT CARE
Generally includes evening, weekend, and holiday hours
Emergency Care
HOSPITAL ER
FREESTANDING ER
Life-threatening or critical conditions; trauma treatment; multiple bills for doctor and facility
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Note: Examples of symptoms are not inclusive of all health issues. Wait times described are only estimates. This information is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions, please call the phone number on the back of your medical ID card.
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DENTAL COVERAGE Our dental plans help you maintain good oral health through affordable options for preventive care, including regular checkups and other dental work. Coverage is provided through Mutual of Omaha.
DPPO Plans Two levels of benefits are available with both the DPPO High and Low plans: 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-of-network provider.
Find an In-Network Dentist y Visit www.mutualofomaha.com y Call 800-769-7159
DENTAL PLAN SUMMARY Low Plan Calendar Year Deductible • Individual • Family Calendar Year Benefit Maximum Per Individual
High Plan
In-Network
Out-of-Network
In-Network
Out-of-Network1
$50 $150
$50 $150
$50 $150
$50 $150
$1,500
$1,500
$1,750
$1,750
1
You Pay
You Pay
Preventive Care Exams, cleanings, complete series X-rays
$0
$0
$0
$0
Basic Restorative Care Fillings, extractions, periodontics, root canals, endodontics, oral surgery
20%2
20%2
20%2
20%2
Major Restorative Care Crowns, bridges, dentures
50%2
50%2
40%2
40%2
50% $1,000
50% $1,000
50% $1,500
50% $1,500
Orthodontia • Child(ren) to age 19 and Adults • Lifetime Maximum
EMPLOYEE COSTS Low Plan
High Plan
Monthly
Biweekly
Monthly
Biweekly
Employee Only
$36.79
$18.40
$42.22
$21.11
Employee + Spouse
$72.50
$36.25
$88.66
$44.33
Employee + Child(ren)
$68.22
$34.11
$104.71
$52.36
Employee + Family
$129.29
$64.65
$159.60
$79.80
Payment for covered services received from an out-of-network dentist is based on the 90th percentile of Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) charges. 2 The amount you pay after the deductible has been met. 1
Refer to the Mutual of Omaha Patient Charge schedule for details.
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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 the plan will pay the highest level of benefits when you see an in-network provider. Coverage is provided through Mutual of Omaha using the EyeMed vision network. VISION PLAN SUMMARY In-Network You Pay
Out-of-Network Reimbursement
Exam
$10 copay
Up to $37
Lenses • Single Vision • Bifocals • Trifocals • Lenticular • Standard Progressive
$25 copay $25 copay $25 copay $25 copay $65 copay
Up to $20 Up to $36 Up to $64 Up to $64 Up to $36
Frames
$0 copay, $130 allowance + 20% off balance over allowance
Up to $58
Contacts In lieu of frames and lenses • Conventional • Disposable • Medically Necessary
$0 copay, $130 allowance + 15% off balance over allowance $0 copay, $130 allowance $0 copay
Up to $89 Up to $104 Up to $210
Benefit Frequency Exam
Once every 12 months
Lenses
Once every 12 months
Frames
Once every 12 months
Contacts
Once every 12 months
EMPLOYEE COSTS Monthly
Biweekly
$7.73
$3.87
Employee + Spouse
$17.75
$8.88
Employee + Child(ren)
$19.67
$9.84
Employee + Family
$30.03
$15.02
Employee Only
Find an In-Network Vision Provider y Visit www.mutualofomaha.com/vision y Call 833-279-4358
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FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to set aside pretax dollars from each paycheck to pay for certain IRS-approved health and dependent care expenses. We offer two different FSAs: one for health care expenses and one for dependent care expenses. Higginbotham administers our FSAs.
Health Care FSA The Health Care FSA covers qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses for you or your eligible dependents. You may contribute up to $3,400 annually to a Health Care FSA and you are entitled to the full election from day one of your plan year. Eligible expenses include: y Dental and vision expenses
y Prescription copays
y Medical deductibles and coinsurance
y Hearing aids and batteries
You may not contribute to a Health Care FSA if you make contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Higginbotham Benefits Debit Card The Higginbotham Benefits Debit Card gives you immediate access to funds in your Health Care FSA when you make a purchase without needing to file a claim for reimbursement. If you use the debit card to pay anything other than a copay amount, you will need to submit an itemized receipt or an EOB. If you do not submit your receipts, you will receive a request for substantiation. You will have 60 days to submit your receipts after receiving the request for substantiation before your debit card is suspended. Check the expiration date on your card to see when you should order a replacement card(s).
Dependent Care FSA The Dependent Care FSA helps pay for expenses associated with caring for elder or child dependents so you or your spouse can work or attend school full-time. You can use the account to pay for daycare or babysitter expenses for your children under age 13 and qualifying older dependents, such as dependent parents. Reimbursement from your Dependent Care FSA is limited to the total amount deposited in your account at that time. To be eligible, you (and your spouse, if married) must be gainfully employed, looking for work, a full-time student, or incapable of self-care.
Things to Consider Regarding the Dependent Care FSA y Overnight camps are not eligible for reimbursement (only day camps can be considered). y If your child turns 13 midyear, you may only request reimbursement for the part of the year when the child is under age 13. y You may request reimbursement for care of a spouse or dependent of any age who spends at least eight hours a day in your home and is mentally or physically incapable of self-care. y The dependent care provider cannot be your child under age 19 or anyone claimed as a dependent on your income taxes.
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Important FSA Rules y The maximum per plan year you can contribute to a Health Care FSA is $3,400. The maximum per plan year you can contribute to a Dependent Care FSA is $7,500 when filing jointly or head of household and $3,750 when married filing separately. y You cannot change your election during the year unless you experience a QLE. y Your Health Care FSA debit card can be used for health care expenses only. It cannot be used to pay for dependent care expenses. y The IRS has amended the “use it or lose it” rule to allow you to carry over up to $680 in your Health Care FSA into the next plan year. The carry-over rule does not apply to your Dependent Care FSA.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS Higginbotham Portal
Higginbotham Flex Mobile App
The Higginbotham Portal provides information and resources to help you manage your FSAs.
Easily access your Health Care FSA on your smartphone or tablet with the Higginbotham mobile app. Search for Higginbotham in your mobile device’s app store and download as you would any other app.
y Access plan documents, letters and notices, forms, account balances, contributions, and other plan information y Update your personal information y Look up qualified expenses
View Accounts – Includes detailed account and balance information
y Submit claims
Card Activity – Account information
Register on the Higginbotham Portal
SnapClaim – File a claim and upload receipt photos directly from your smartphone
Visit https://flexservices.higginbotham.net and click Get Started. Follow the instructions and scroll down to enter your information. y Enter your Employee ID, which is your Social Security number with no dashes or spaces. y Follow the prompts to navigate the site. y If you have any questions or concerns, contact Higginbotham: • Phone – 866-419-3519
Manage Subscriptions – Set up email notifications to keep up-to-date on all account and Health Care FSA debit card activity Log in using the same username and password you use to log in to the Higginbotham Portal. Note: You must register on the Higginbotham Portal to use the mobile app.
• Email – flexclaims@higginbotham.net • Fax – 866-419-3516
Abbreviated List of Qualified FSA Expenses The products and services listed below are examples of medical expenses eligible for payment under your Health Care FSA. This list is not all-inclusive; additional expenses may qualify and the items listed are subject to change in accordance with IRS regulations. Please refer to IRS Publication 502 Medical and Dental Expenses at www.irs.gov for a complete description of eligible medical and dental expenses. y y y y y y y y y y y y
Alcoholism treatment Ambulance Anesthetist Artificial limbs Blood tests and transfusions Cardiographs Chiropractor Dental treatment Dermatologist Diagnostic fees Drugs (prescription) Eyeglasses and contact lenses
y y y y y y y y y y y y
Gynecologist Hearing aids and batteries Hospital bills Insulin treatment Lab tests Obstetrician Operating room costs Ophthalmologist/Optometrist Orthopedist Osteopath Oxygen and oxygen equipment Physician
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y y y y y y y y y y y y
Physiotherapist Podiatrist Postnatal and prenatal care Prescription medicines Psychiatrist/Psychologist Radium therapy Registered nurse Spinal fluid test Surgeon Vaccines Wheelchair X-rays
LIFE AND AD&D INSURANCE Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance through Mutual of Omaha 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 65% 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 full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week. You are automatically covered at one times your annual earnings up to $175,000. Coverage is provided for your spouse at $5,000 and for your dependent child(ren) in the following amounts: $200 for a child less than 14 days old and $2,500 for a child age 14 days up to age 26. In the event of death, the benefit paid will be equal to the benefit amount after any age reductions less any living care/accelerated death benefits previously paid under this plan.
Voluntary Life and AD&D You may buy 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. VOLUNTARY LIFE AND AD&D Employee
• Increments of $10,000 up to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual salary) • Guaranteed Issue 5x annual salary up to $100,000
Spouse
• Increments of $5,000 up to $250,000 (up to 100% of employee’s benefit) • Guaranteed Issue 100% of employee’s benefit, up to $25,000
Child(ren)
• $10,000 for children from age six months to age 26 • $1,000 for children from live birth to less than six months old • Guaranteed Issue 100% of employee’s benefit
Employee Costs See www.benefitsinhand.com for monthly Voluntary Life and AD&D rates.
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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%).
Accelerated Death Benefit If you are terminally ill, you may request 80% of the amount of your life insurance benefit. Upon your death, the remainder of your benefit will be paid to your beneficiaries. See the plan document for specific details.
DISABILITY INSURANCE Disability insurance provides partial income protection if you are unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. We provide Long Term Disability at no cost to you, and offer Short Term Disability for you to purchase through Mutual of Omaha.
Voluntary Short Term Disability
Employer-Paid Long Term Disability
STD coverage pays a percentage of your weekly salary if you are temporarily disabled and unable to work due to an illness, pregnancy, or non-work-related injury. 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.
LTD insurance pays a percentage of your monthly salary for a covered disability or injury that prevents you from working for more than 180 days. Benefits begin at the end of an elimination period and continue while you are disabled up to the maximum benefit period as long as you remain disabled. LONG TERM DISABILITY
VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY Benefits Begin Percentage of Earnings You Receive
60%
Maximum Weekly Benefit
$1,500
Maximum Benefit Period
24 weeks
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
The later of 180 calendar days after the onset of disabling injury or illness or date STD ends
Benefits Begin
15th day
3/61
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 six months. 1
Percentage of Earnings You Receive
60%
Maximum Monthly Benefit
$2,000
Maximum Benefit Period
• If disabled before age 70, benefits are payable to age 70 for at least one year • If age 70 or older, benefits are payable for one year
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion
3/121
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. 1
Employee Costs See www.benefitsinhand.com for monthly Voluntary STD rates.
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ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Mutual of Omaha provides the following programs and services at no cost to you.
Will Preparation Creating a will is an important investment in your future. In just minutes, you can create a personalized will that keeps your information safe and secure. These services through Epoq offer a secure account space to prepare wills and other legal documents from the comfort of your own home. Log on to www.willprepservices. com and use the code MUTUALWILLS to register.
Hearing Discount Mutual of Omaha offers a Hearing Discount Program at no additional cost to you through Amplifon. This program gives you access to a free hearing test, low price guarantee, 60-day risk free trial period, and two years of batteries with purchase. To activate your benefit, call 888-534-1747. Learn more at www.amplifonusa.com/mutualofomaha.
Worldwide Travel Assistance This program through AXA Assistance USA provides travel assistance for you and your dependents if you are traveling on any single trip more than 100 miles from home, up to 120 days in length. Representatives can help with trip planning or assist in an emergency while traveling. They can find translation, interpreter, or legal services; assist with lost baggage, emergency funds, and document replacement; and more. Services are available for business and personal travel. y For inquiries within the U.S.: 800-856-9947 y Outside the U.S.: 312-935-3658
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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential program to help you find solutions for personal or workplace issues. Benefits for you and your eligible dependents include unlimited telephone access to EAP professionals and up to three face-to-face sessions with a counselor. Professionals are available 24/7 to help with the following: y Stress or depression
y Parenting and eldercare
y Financial issues
y Legal services
y Family and relationship issues
y Financial services
y Addiction
y Other personal concerns
y Grief issues For assistance, call 800-316-2796 or visit www.mutualofomaha.com/eap. More online resources are available on the website.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE 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-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, travel expenses, and non-medical-related expenses. The plans are offered through Mutual of Omaha.
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, deductible, ambulance, physical therapy, and other costs not covered by traditional health plans. Two plan options are available for you, your spouse, and your covered dependents who are under age 26. Note, the chart only lists a few of the benefits covered under this plan. See plan document for full details.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE PLAN SUMMARY Base Plan
Buy-Up Plan
Ambulance • Ground • Air
$300 $1,500
$400 $2,000
Emergency Room
$300
$400
Hospital Admission
$1,500
$2,000
Hospital Confinement
$300 per day – up to 365 days
$400 per day – up to 365 days
Intensive Care Unit
$600 per day – up to 15 days
$800 per day – up to 15 days
$125-$20,000
$175-$25,000
$50,000 $25,000 $10,000
$70,000 $35,000 $10,000
Monthly
Monthly
Employee
$11.23
$16.09
Employee + Spouse
$18.09
$25.45
Employee + Child(ren)
$24.55
$34.05
Employee + Family
$32.09
$44.30
Specific Sum Injuries or Loss Dislocations, ruptured discs, eye injuries, fractures, lacerations, concussions, burns, dismemberment, paralysis, etc. Accidental Death & Dismemberment1 • Employee • Spouse • Child(ren)
EMPLOYEE COSTS
Catastrophic benefits are payable once per accident per insured person within 365 days of an accident. Additional limits apply as described in the policy. Benefits amounts reduce by 50% at age 70. 1
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SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE Critical Illness Insurance Critical Illness insurance helps pay the cost of non-medical 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. Note, the chart only lists a few of the benefits covered under these plans. See plan document for full details.
CRITICAL ILLNESS INSURANCE PLAN SUMMARY Benefit Amounts Employee
$5,000-$50,000
Spouse
$5,000-$50,000 (up to 100% of employee amount)
Child
Up to 50% of employee amount (up to $25,000) First Occurrence Benefit
Full Coverage Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 3), Bone Flap/Skull Defect, Dementia, End Stage Renal Failure, Heart Attack, Major Organ Failure, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Cancer • Benign Brain Tumor or Benign Spinal Cord (Intradural) Tumor • Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Recipient • Invasive • Non-invasive • Skin cancer Childhood Conditions Autism (level III), Cerebral Palsy, Congenital Heart Diseases or Defects, Congenital Metabolic Disorders, Genetic Disorders, Human Growth Hormone Deficiency, Reye’s Johnson Syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease, Structural Congenital Defects, NICU or Pediatric Intensive Care Wellness Benefit One per covered person per calendar year
100% of benefit amount
100% of benefit amount 25% of benefit amount $500
100% of benefit amount
$50 per year per person (up to six people)
EMPLOYEE COSTS Employee
Refer to www.benefitsinhand.com
Spouse
Refer to www.benefitsinhand.com
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SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE Hospital Indemnity Plan The Hospital Indemnity Plan 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 that 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. For complete details, refer to the plan document. HOSPITAL INDEMNITY PLAN SUMMARY Hospital Admission¹
$1,000
Hospital Confinement²
$150 per day
ICU Admission¹
$2,000
ICU Confinement²
$300 per day
Daily Newborn Nursery Care Confinement
$75 per day, up to 2 days per policy year
Health Screening Benefit
$50 per year per person (up to six people)
Express Benefit (equal to one daily hospital confinement benefit)
$150 per hospital admission
EMPLOYEE COSTS Monthly Employee
$21.22
Employee + Spouse
$38.71
Employee + Child(ren)
$31.55
Employee + Family
$49.04
¹Limited to a combined total of two admissions, with a claim separation of 30 days, per policy year. Hospital Admission and Hospital ICU Admission benefits are not payable on the same day. ²Limited to a combined total of 30 days per policy year.
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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: y
All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed;
y
Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and
y
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: Refugio County Memorial Hospital Human Resources 107 Swift St. Refugio TX 78377 361-526-2321 ext 161
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 Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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.
2.
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. Refugio County Memorial Hospital has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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.
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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 Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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 Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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 361526-2321 ext 161. 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:
REQUIRED NOTICES y
Visit www.medicare.gov.
Section 1 – Notice of PHI Uses and Disclosures
y
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.
Required PHI Uses and Disclosures
y
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).
Upon your request, the Plan is required to give you access to your PHI in order to inspect and copy it. Use and disclosure of your PHI may be required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate or determine the Plan’s compliance with the privacy regulations. Uses and disclosures to carry out treatment, payment and health care operations. The Plan and its business associates will use PHI without your authorization to carry out treatment, payment and health care operations. The Plan and its business associates (and any health insurers providing benefits to Plan participants) may also disclose the following to the Plan’s Board of Trustees: (1) PHI for purposes related to Plan administration (payment and health care operations); (2) summary health information for purposes of health or stop loss insurance underwriting or for purposes of modifying the Plan; and (3) enrollment information (whether an individual is eligible for benefits under the Plan). The Trustees have amended the Plan to protect your PHI as required by federal law.
Uses and disclosures that require that you be given an opportunity to agree or disagree prior to the use or release. Unless you object, the Plan may provide relevant portions of your protected health information to a family member, friend or other person you indicate is involved in your health care or in helping you receive payment for your health care. Also, if you are not capable of agreeing or objecting to these disclosures because of, for instance, an emergency situation, the Plan will disclose protected health information (as the Plan determines) in your best interest. After the emergency, the Plan will give you the opportunity to object to future disclosures to family and friends. Uses and disclosures for which your consent, authorization or opportunity to object is not required. The Plan is allowed to use and disclose your PHI without your authorization under the following circumstances: 1.
For treatment, payment and health care operations.
2.
Enrollment information can be provided to the Trustees.
Treatment is the provision, coordination or management of health care and related services. It also includes but is not limited to consultations and referrals between one or more of your providers.
3.
Summary health information can be provided to the Trustees for the purposes designated above.
4.
When required by law.
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
For example, the Plan may disclose to a treating physician the name of your treating radiologist so that the physician may ask for your X-rays from the treating radiologist.
5.
Effective Date of Notice: September 23, 2013
Payment includes but is not limited to actions to make coverage determinations and payment (including billing, claims processing, subrogation, reviews for medical necessity and appropriateness of care, utilization review and preauthorizations).
When permitted for purposes of public health activities, including when necessary to report product defects and to permit product recalls. PHI may also be disclosed if you have been exposed to a communicable disease or are at risk of spreading a disease or condition, if required by law.
6.
When required by law to report information about abuse, neglect or domestic violence to public authorities if there exists a reasonable belief that you may be a victim of abuse, neglect or domestic violence. In which case, the Plan will promptly inform you that such a disclosure has been or will be made unless that notice would cause a risk of serious harm. For the purpose of reporting child abuse or neglect, it is not necessary to inform the minor that such a disclosure has been or will be made. Disclosure may generally be made to the minor’s parents or other representatives although there may be circumstances under federal or state law when the parents or other representatives may not be given access to the minor’s PHI.
February 1, 2026 Refugio County Memorial Hospital Human Resources 107 Swift St. Refugio TX 78377 361-526-2321 ext 161
Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices
Refugio County Memorial Hospital’s Plan is required by law to take reasonable steps to ensure the privacy of your personally identifiable health information and to inform you about: 1.
the Plan’s uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI);
2.
your privacy rights with respect to your PHI;
3.
the Plan’s duties with respect to your PHI;
4.
your right to file a complaint with the Plan and to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and
5.
the person or office to contact for further information about the Plan’s privacy practices.
The term “Protected Health Information” (PHI) includes all individually identifiable health information transmitted or maintained by the Plan, regardless of form (oral, written, electronic).
For example, the Plan may tell a treating doctor whether you are eligible for coverage or what percentage of the bill will be paid by the Plan. Health care operations include but are not limited to quality assessment and improvement, reviewing competence or qualifications of health care professionals, underwriting, premium rating and other insurance activities relating to creating or renewing insurance contracts. It also includes case management, conducting or arranging for medical review, legal services and auditing functions including fraud and abuse compliance programs, business planning and development, business management and general administrative activities. However, no genetic information can be used or disclosed for underwriting purposes. For example, the Plan may use information to project future benefit costs or audit the accuracy of its claims processing functions.
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REQUIRED NOTICES 7.
8.
9.
The Plan may disclose your PHI to a public health oversight agency for oversight activities required by law. This includes uses or disclosures in civil, administrative or criminal investigations; inspections; licensure or disciplinary actions (for example, to investigate complaints against providers); and other activities necessary for appropriate oversight of government benefit programs (for example, to investigate Medicare or Medicaid fraud). The Plan may disclose your PHI when required for judicial or administrative proceedings. For example, your PHI may be disclosed in response to a subpoena or discovery request. When required for law enforcement purposes, including for the purpose of identifying or locating a suspect, fugitive, material witness or missing person. Also, when disclosing information about an individual who is or is suspected to be a victim of a crime but only if the individual agrees to the disclosure or the Plan is unable to obtain the individual’s agreement because of emergency circumstances. Furthermore, the law enforcement official must represent that the information is not intended to be used against the individual, the immediate law enforcement activity would be materially and adversely affected by waiting to obtain the individual’s agreement and disclosure is in the best interest of the individual as determined by the exercise of the Plan’s best judgment.
10. When required to be given to a coroner or medical examiner for the purpose of identifying a deceased person, determining a cause of death or other duties as authorized by law. Also, disclosure is permitted to funeral directors, consistent with applicable law, as necessary to carry out their duties with respect to the decedent. 11. When consistent with applicable law and standards of ethical conduct if the Plan, in good faith, believes the use or disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public and the disclosure is to a person reasonably able to prevent or lessen the threat, including the target of the threat. 12. When authorized by and to the extent necessary to comply with workers’ compensation or other similar programs established by law. Except as otherwise indicated in this notice, uses and disclosures will be made only with your written authorization subject to your right to revoke such authorization. Uses and disclosures that require your written authorization.
Other uses or disclosures of your protected health information not described above will only be made with your written authorization. For example, in general and subject to specific conditions, the Plan will not use or disclose your psychiatric notes; the Plan will not use or disclose your protected health information for marketing; and the Plan will not sell your protected health information, unless you provide a written authorization to do so. You may revoke written authorizations at any time, so long as the revocation is in writing. Once the Plan receives 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. Section 2 – Rights of Individuals Right to Request Restrictions on Uses and Disclosures of PHI You may request the Plan to restrict the uses and disclosures of your PHI. However, the Plan is not required to agree to your request (except that the Plan must comply with your request to restrict a disclosure of your confidential information for payment or health care operations if you paid for the services to which the information relates in full, out of pocket).
management record systems maintained by or for the Plan; or other information used in whole or in part by or for the Plan to make decisions about individuals. Information used for quality control or peer review analyses and not used to make decisions about individuals is not in the designated record set. The requested information will be provided within 30 days if the information is maintained on site or within 60 days if the information is maintained off site. A single 30-day extension is allowed if the Plan is unable to comply with the deadline. You or your personal representative will be required to submit a written request to request access to the PHI in your designated record set. Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. If access is denied, you or your personal representative will be provided with a written denial, setting forth the basis for the denial, a description of how you may appeal the Plan’s decision and a description of how you may complain to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Plan may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copying records at your request. Right to Amend PHI
You or your personal representative will be required to submit a written request to exercise this right. Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official.
You have the right to request the Plan to amend your PHI or a record about you in your designated record set for as long as the PHI is maintained in the designated record set.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
The Plan has 60 days after the request is made to act on the request. A single 30-day extension is allowed if the Plan is unable to comply with the deadline. If the request is denied in whole or part, the Plan must provide you with a written denial that explains the basis for the denial. You or your personal representative may then submit a written statement disagreeing with the denial and have that statement included with any future disclosures of your PHI.
The Plan will accommodate reasonable requests to receive communications of PHI by alternative means or at alternative locations if necessary to prevent a disclosure that could endanger you. You or your personal representative will be required to submit a written request to exercise this right. Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. Right to Inspect and Copy PHI You have a right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI contained in a “designated record set,” for as long as the Plan maintains the PHI. If the information you request is in an electronic designated record set, you may request that these records be transmitted electronically to yourself or a designated individual. Protected Health Information (PHI) Includes all individually identifiable health information transmitted or maintained by the Plan, regardless of form. Designated Record Set Includes the medical records and billing records about individuals maintained by or for a covered health care provider; enrollment, payment, billing, claims adjudication and case or medical
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Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. You or your personal representative will be required to submit a written request to request amendment of the PHI in your designated record set. Right to Receive an Accounting of PHI Disclosures At your request, the Plan will also provide you an accounting of disclosures by the Plan of your PHI during the six years prior to the date of your request. However, such accounting will not include PHI disclosures made: (1) to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations; (2) to individuals about their own PHI; (3) pursuant to your authorization; (4) prior to April 14, 2003; and (5) where otherwise permissible under the law and the Plan’s privacy practices. In addition, the Plan need not account for certain incidental disclosures.
REQUIRED NOTICES If the accounting cannot be provided within 60 days, an additional 30 days is allowed if the individual is given a written statement of the reasons for the delay and the date by which the accounting will be provided. If you request more than one accounting within a 12-month period, the Plan will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for each subsequent accounting. Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. Right to Receive a Paper Copy of This Notice Upon Request You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice. Such requests should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. A Note About Personal Representatives You may exercise your rights through a personal representative. Your personal representative will be required to produce evidence of his/her authority to act on your behalf before that person will be given access to your PHI or allowed to take any action for you. Proof of such authority may take one of the following forms:
If the revised version of this Notice is posted, you will also receive a copy of the Notice or information about any material change and how to receive a copy of the Notice in the Plan’s next annual mailing. Otherwise, the revised version of this Notice will be distributed within 60 days of the effective date of any material change to the Plan’s policies regarding the uses or disclosures of PHI, the individual’s privacy rights, the duties of the Plan or other privacy practices stated in this Notice. Minimum Necessary Standard When using or disclosing PHI or when requesting PHI from another covered entity, the Plan will make reasonable efforts not to use, disclose or request more than the minimum amount of PHI necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the use, disclosure or request, taking into consideration practical and technological limitations. When required by law, the Plan will restrict disclosures to the limited data set, or otherwise as necessary, to the minimum necessary information to accomplish the intended purpose. However, the minimum necessary standard will not apply in the following situations:
1.
a power of attorney for health care purposes;
1.
2.
a court order of appointment of the person as the conservator or guardian of the individual; or
disclosures to or requests by a health care provider for treatment;
2.
uses or disclosures made to the individual;
3.
an individual who is the parent of an unemancipated minor child may generally act as the child’s personal representative (subject to state law).
disclosures made to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
4.
uses or disclosures that are required by law; and
5.
uses or disclosures that are required for the Plan’s compliance with legal regulations.
3.
The Plan retains discretion to deny access to your PHI by a personal representative to provide protection to those vulnerable people who depend on others to exercise their rights under these rules and who may be subject to abuse or neglect. Section 3 – The Plan’s Duties The Plan is required by law to maintain the privacy of PHI and to provide individuals (participants and beneficiaries) with notice of the Plan’s legal duties and privacy practices. This Notice is effective September 23, 2013, and the Plan is required to comply with the terms of this Notice. However, the Plan reserves the right to change its privacy practices and to apply the changes to any PHI received or maintained by the Plan prior to that date. If a privacy practice is changed, a revised version of this Notice will be provided to all participants for whom the Plan still maintains PHI. The revised Notice will be distributed in the same manner as the initial Notice was provided or in any other permissible manner.
De-Identified Information This notice does not apply to information that has been de-identified. De-identified information is information that does not identify an individual and with respect to which there is no reasonable basis to believe that the information can be used to identify an individual. Summary Health Information The Plan may disclose “summary health information” to the Trustees for obtaining insurance premium bids or modifying, amending or terminating the Plan. “Summary health information” summarizes the claims history, claims expenses or type of claims experienced by participants and excludes identifying information in accordance with HIPAA. Notification of Breach The Plan is required by law to maintain the privacy of participants’ PHI and to provide individuals with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices. In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, the Plan will notify affected individuals of the breach.
26
Section 4 – Your Right to File a Complaint With the Plan or the HHS Secretary If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may complain to the Plan. Such complaints should be made to the Plan’s Privacy Official. You may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20201. The Plan will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. Section 5 – Whom to Contact at the Plan for More Information If you have any questions regarding this notice or the subjects addressed in it, you may contact the Plan’s Privacy Official. Such questions should be directed to the Plan’s Privacy Official at: Refugio County Memorial Hospital Human Resources 107 Swift St. Refugio TX 78377 361-526-2321 ext 161 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.
REQUIRED NOTICES 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 employersponsored 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 July 31, 2025. Contact your State for more information on eligibility.
TEXAS – MEDICAID Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/ financial/health-insurance-premium-paymenthipp-program Phone: 1-800-440-0493 To see if any other States have added a premium assistance program since July 31, 2025, 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 Refugio County Memorial Hospital group health plan you and your eligible dependents may be entitled to continue your group health benefits coverage under the Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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
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Refugio County Memorial Hospital Human Resources 107 Swift St. Refugio TX 78377 361-526-2321 ext 161
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. Out-of-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 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: y
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 in- network 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.
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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 out-of-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: y
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 out-of-network providers and facilities directly.
y
Your health plan generally must: •
Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization).
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Cover emergency services by out-ofnetwork providers.
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Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an innetwork provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
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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.
This brochure highlights the main features of the Refugio County Memorial Hospital 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. Refugio County Memorial Hospital reserves the right to change or discontinue its employee benefits plans at anytime.