2009 Summary Plan Descriptions
When enrolling for a Banner Medical Plan, you are required to choose a pharmacy option. If you enroll for the Select $250 plan however, you will be automatically enrolled in the Select $250 Pharmacy Plan. Please refer to the Pharmacy section of this website and the Pharmacy Plan Choices of your Annual Enrollment Guide.
If you feel you do not need any medical coverage because you have coverage elsewhere, you can choose "Waive Coverage" under the medical plan options on the Banner Benefits Enrollment System. If you want to receive the $30 per month credit ($15 per month for Part-time employees in Soldotna), you must show proof of other medical coverage by completing the proper Medical Waiver Form which is listed under the "Forms" button to the left. This credit will be paid to you as an addition to your regular paycheck. This will be considered taxable income to you for the calendar year in which it is paid.
How do I enroll?
You make your dental plan coverage election during your initial eligibility period or during the Annual Enrollment period. You will receive a price sheet showing the dental plan options available to you including your cost of coverage.
You can find step-by-step information on how to enroll by clicking on the "Enroll for Benefits" button located in the top right-hand side of this and any page on this website.
Your coverage begins the first of the month following enrollment unless your hire date is on the first of the month. In this case, your effective date is the first of the current month. Enrollment must be completed no later than the 30 days after employment or in a newly eligible employment classification. If you wish to enroll at a later date, you may enroll only during the Annual Enrollment period for an effective date of January 1st. If you have a qualifying event, you may be eligible to enroll at other times during the plan year.
What is my cost for coverage?
You and Banner Health share the cost of coverage for medical plan benefits. Your cost for coverage depends on the type of medical plan you select and the eligible dependents you choose to cover. The price sheet included in your enrollment packet will show the total monthly cost of the medical plans available to you, your contribution for coverage and the amount that Banner Health contributes to the total cost.
The Medical Plans rates include a non-tobacco user discount that you may select if neither you nor ANY of your covered family members use tobacco products.
Your contributions are collected over the calendar year through 24 regular deductions from your paycheck. Benefit deductions are taken on a pre-tax basis unless coverage is elected for a domestic partner. Also, by participating in the plan, you authorize deductions for co-payments, deductibles, and co-insurance for services provided at a Banner facility for the benefits you have elected for yourself and/or your dependents that have not been paid within 120 days of services actually being provided, but no later than your last pay check by Banner in the event of your termination of employment without regard to whether that termination was voluntary or involuntary.
Where can I find more information?
Information is provided during the Annual Open Enrollment process, throughout the year at new employee orientation, through your facility Human Resources department or Banner Plan Administration, which may be reached at 1-800-827-2464 or in the Phoenix Metro area 480-827-7070.
After the enrollment and confirmation process is completed, you will receive ID cards for you and your covered dependents. If you need additional cards, please contact Banner Plan Administration at 1-800-827-2464. You may also receive information during the year regarding updates to the plan, claims and explanations of benefits, and other important news on plan benefits and services from Banner Plan Administration.
Continuing Coverage
In the event your coverage under the medical plan ends, coverage for you and your qualified covered dependents may be extended through COBRA. To view a copy of your COBRA Notice of Rights, please click here COBRA. For detailed COBRA information, call COBRA Plus at 1-800-224-1346.
Important to note
This page contains highlights of your medical plan choices and benefit comparisons. The details of how the medical plan choices work are included in the legal documents and contracts that govern how the plan operates. In the event of a difference between this page and the legal documents and contracts, the legal documents and contracts will apply. This page does not imply a contract of employment or guarantee of benefits. Banner Health reserves the right to change or discontinue all or part of the medical plan benefits at any time for any reason.
