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Health Care Plans
Who is eligible for health insurance coverage?AURA/NOAO - regular status staff scheduled to work at least 20 hours per weekAND Spouse - An employee's legal spouse. Children - Unmarried dependent children may be covered up to age 19 and up to age 25 if they are full-time students. Dependent children include natural, step, legally adopted children, or a child placed for adoption. (Dependent children incapable of self-sustaining employment because of a handicapped condition mayl be continued beyond the limiting age – see certificate of coverage for specifics.) *In accordance with New Mexico state law--dependents of employees in New Mexico, may remain covered until age 25 regardless of student status. What are my coverage options?Arizona and CTIO employees may select single, two-party, or family coverage.New Mexico employees may select single, employee + spouse, employee + 1 child, employee + children or family coverage. How much does health insurance coverage cost?Premium payments for health insurance coverage are made bi-weekly by payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.How can I find out if my physician is in the provider network?
How can I contact the customer service department for my health insurance plan?
When does health insurance coverage begin?Company-sponsored health insurance coverage begins the first day of the month following or coincident with the date of employment.How do I change my health plan?Each year during Open Enrollment, you may elect to enroll in the health plan or add coverage for a spouse or dependent child. Changes are effective January 1.At any other time a change may be made within 31 days from the date of a qualified change in family status. Examples of a qualified change in family status include: a birth, adoption, change in marital status, death of spouse or dependent, change in spouse employment status, or loss of dependent child status. After initial employment or benefits eligibility, an individual may either enroll in a health plan or add dependents only during Open Enrollment or within 31 days from a qualified change in family status. When can my dependents be added to my health plan?An employee may enroll his or her spouse and eligible dependent children within 31 days from the date of employment.Employees may also add coverage for a spouse or children within 31 calendar days from the date of a qualified change in family status (marriage, birth, adoption) or loss of previous coverage. Otherwise, coverage for dependents may be added during Open Enrollment with coverage effective January 1st of the next year. How long can my child be insured as my dependent?Unmarried dependent children may remain insured as dependents until their 19th birthday, and then until the end of the month in which their 25th birthday occurs if the dependent is a full-time student*. Certification of a child's student status is required at age 19, and recertification is required annually thereafter. Children who cease to be eligible as dependents may continue coverage on their own by paying the full cost for up to 36 months under a federal law referred to as COBRA.*In accordance with New Mexico state law--dependents of employees in New Mexico, may remain covered until age 25 regardless of student status. Will the company health plan cover my domestic partner?Yes. Beginning January 1, 2006, coverage for domestic partners on the medical and dental plans will be available.What happens to my insurance when I resign or my appointment ends?Persons leaving employment are entitled to continue the health coverage for up to 18 months under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Cost of coverage is borne fully by the employee. There is usually no company contribution toward COBRA coverage. Human Resources sends Notice of the COBRA Continuation option to employees and covered dependents.How can I contact a health insurance company with a question, to change my address, or to inquire about a claim?An individual may contact representatives of the applicable insurance company to ask a question, change his or her address, or inquire about a claim.You can also access enrollment and claim information over a secure internet site with all three providers. You must register and establish a pin to access this information.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
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