Return to flip book view

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSGUIDE2024 - 2025An overview of the wide array of benefits provided byHowso Incorporated to help you enjoy increased well-being and financial security.

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedAs an employee of Howso Incorporated, enjoying your work and making valuable contributions to business are equally vital. The health, satisfaction and security of you and your family are important, not only to your well-being, but ultimately, in terms of achieving the goals of our organization.For the 2024 – 2025 plan year, Howso Incorporated has worked hard to offer a competitive total rewards package that includes valuable and competitive benefit plans. These programs reflect our commitment to keeping our staff healthy and secure. We understand that your situation is unique, and Howso Incorporated is offering an overall benefits package that can be shaped and molded by you to fit your needs.This benefits booklet is a summary description of your Howso Incorporated benefit plans. If there is a discrepancy between these summaries and the written legal plan documents, the plan documents shall prevail. This booklet and plan summaries do not constitute a contract of employment.We hope this benefits booklet, along with our additional communication and decision-making tools, will help you make the best health care choices for you and your family.INTRODUCTIONEligibility & EnrollmentAs a full-time employee working 30+ hours/week you are eligible for benefits. You can enroll or make changes during our annual enrollment period or within 30 days if you experience a qualifying life event during the year. A Qualifying Life Event includes changes in marital status, employment status, birth or adoption of a child, death of a dependent, entitlement to Medicaid or Medicare, loss of other coverage or eligibility of dependents.Benefits Begin Effective on date of hireBenefits End End of the contract month following employment terminationDependents Your legal spouse, and dependent children up to age 26Domestic Partner Same and opposite sex

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedComparison of PlansCoverage Provided by Blue Cross of NCIn-Network Blue Options Gold 2500 CABenefit Period Plan Year: 04/01 - 03/31Deductibles (Individual / Family) $2,500 / $5,000Out-of-Pocket Max (Individual / Family)$6,000 / $12,000Preventive Care Covered in fullPrimary Care Visit$25 Copay (Register your PCP in Blue Connect and copay is waived for 1st three visits) Specialist Visit $50 CopayTelehealth via Teladoc $10 CopayUrgent Care $50 CopayEmergency Room $750 CopayOutpatient Procedure 20% after deductibleInpatient Visit 20% after deductiblePharmacy / RX (30 Day Supply)Tiers 1-5Essential QHP Formulary Retail: $4/$15/$35/$50/25%* *min $50,max $100MEDICALThe chart below is an overview of the In-Network benefits. Out-of-Network benefits are available; please review your BCBSNC plan documents for additional details.

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedWellness and Health ManagementUnderstanding the full value of covered benefits allows you to take responsibility for maintaining good health and incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle. Some examples include getting regular physical examinations, mammograms and immunizations. Through the plans offered by Howso Incorporated, all covered individuals and family members are eligible to receive routine wellness services like these, at no cost; all copays, coinsurance, and deductibles are waived.Which Preventive Care Services Are Covered?The US Preventive Services Task Force maintains a regular list of recommended services that all Affordable Care Act (i.e., Health Care Reform) compliant insurance plans should cover at 100% for in-network providers. Below is a list of common services that are included in the plans offered this year:• Routine physical exam• Well baby and childcare• Well women visits• Immunizations• Routine bone density test• Routine breast exam• Routine gynecological exam• Screening for Gestational diabetes• Obesity screening and counseling• Routine digital rectal exam• Routine colonoscopy• Routine colorectal cancer screening• Routine prostate test• Routine lab procedures• Routine mammograms• Routine pap smear• Smoking cessation• Health education/counseling services• Health counseling for STDs and HIV • Testing for HPV and HIV• Screening/counseling for domestic violencePREVENTIVE CAREPricing Per Pay Period (24) Blue Options Gold 2500 CAEmployee $31.28Employee + Spouse $62.55Employee + Child(ren) $57.86Employee + Family $96.95Your Cost

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedEmployees and dependents enrolled in our medical plan have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Telehealth provides acute and behavioral care 24 hours a day via phone or video by board-certified doctors and behavioral health specialists. Telehealth is a good option for minor health problems when you can’t see your regular doctor. It is also a convenient choicewhen you want to speak to a counselor or therapist. Some providers will also offer telehealth appointments. Check with your provider on the availability and cost.How Does Telehealth Work?Your virtual visit will take place via phone, video call on a laptop, tablet or cellphone; or through an app. The provider will ask you the same questions you'd be asked at an in-person visit and may recommend treatment based on their findings.What Can’t Telehealth Be Used For?• Life-threatening or emergency situations • Situations in which diagnostic care (e.g., blood work, imaging or lab tests) are required• Situations of severe illness or complex conditionsHow Do I Access Telehealth?There are 3 ways to access Teladoc:• Download the Teladoc mobile app• Go to Teladoc.com and click “Log in/Register”• Call 1-800-835-2362Refer to your plan documentation for more information.TELEHEALTHWhat Can Telemedicine Be Used For?General, non-life-threatening doctor's visits or consultations for acute care, such as:• Allergies• Cough, cold and flu• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting• Ear problems• Insect bites• Sinus problems• Urinary problems• And moreBehavioral health issues such as:• Addictions• Anxiety• Depression• Grief and loss• Relationship issues• And more

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedSummary of CoverageCoverage Provided by Principal In-NetworkAnnual Deductibles(Individual / Family)Basic: $50; Major: $50/ Family: 3x the per person deductible amountPreventive Care Covered in fullBasic Procedures (extractions, fillings, etc.)20% after deductibleMajor Procedures(crowns, dentures, etc.)50% after deductibleCalendar Year Maximum Benefit $1,000 per covered personDENTALBelow is a high-level summary of our dental benefits. While Out-of-Network coverage is available, using an In-Network provider will result in less out of pocket expenses. In-Network dentist cannot balance bill you for the amount over the allowable charges. Please review your plan documents for additional details.Pricing Per Pay Period (24)Employee$0 - 100% Employer Paid – All tiersEmployee + SpouseEmployee + Child(ren)Employee + FamilyYour Cost

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedSummary of CoverageCoverage provided by Principal In-NetworkVision Exam (Once per 12 months)$10 CopayLenses (once per 12 months)$25 CopayFrames (Once every 24 months)$150 allowance; 20% off remaining balanceStandard Contact Lenses Fit & Follow Up Exam$60 allowanceElective Contact Lenses (Once per 12 months)(in lieu of lenses and frames)$150 allowanceMedically Necessary Contact Lenses$25 CopayVISIONOur vision coverage is provided by Principal. Please review your plan documents for additional details.Pricing Per Pay Period (24)Employee$0 - 100% Employer Paid – All tiersEmployee + SpouseEmployee + Child(ren)Employee + FamilyYour Cost

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedSummary of CoverageCoverage provided by PrincipalPlan FeaturesEmployee Benefit Amount 100% of annual salary, rounded to next higher $1,000Maximum Benefit Amount $100,000Benefit Reductions begin at age 35% at Age 65, additional 15% at Age 70Group life insurance coverage is an employer-sponsored safety net in case the worst happens, with no out-of-pocket costs to you. If you believe you need additional coverage, you may wish to enroll in voluntary life insurance as well. GROUP LIFE and AD&D INSURANCESummary of CoverageLife Benefit Employee Spouse Child(ren)Amount $10,000 increments $5,000 increments $2,500/$5,000/$10,000Minimum Amount $10,000 $5,000Children under 14 days of age: $1,000- Over 14 days of age: $2,500Maximum Amount $300,000 $100,000Children under 14 days of age: $1,000- Over 14 days of age: $10,000Guaranteed Issue $100,000 (Under age 70) $25,000 (Under age 70) N/ABenefits Will Reduce By35% at Age 65 and an additional 15% at age 7035% at Age 65 and an additional 15% at age 70N/AVOLUNTARY LIFE and AD&D INSURANCEFor summary of rate sheet, please see carrier summary or Employee Navigator.Cost is age-banded and based on employee’s age.

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedSummary of CoverageCoverage provided by PrincipalPlan Features Short Term Long TermCoverage Paid By Howso Incorporated Howso IncorporatedEmployee Benefit Amount 60% of Covered Earnings 60% of Covered EarningsMaximum Benefit Amount $1,500 a week $6,000 a monthElimination Period (Accident) Day 8 90 daysElimination Period (Sickness) Day 8 90 daysBenefit Duration Up to 12 weeks SSNRADisability insurance is coverage that provides you with income protection should you be unable to work due to an injury or illness. With disability coverage, you are compensated for a portion of your lost income. Short-Term disability provides coverage in the near term, while Long-Term coverage is available for extended disabilities. DISABILITY INSURANCEPlease note, a pre-existing condition period may apply once you become covered. Please see policy for more information.

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedCarrier ResourcesBENEFIT CARRIER GROUP # PHONE NUMBER WEBSITEMedical BCBSNC 14173780 888-206-4697https://www.bluecrossnc.com/Dental Principal 1161301 800-986-3343https://www.principal.com/Vision Principal 1161301 800-986-3343https://www.principal.com/Life/STD/LTD Principal 1161301 800-986-3343https://www.principal.com/How to access ID CardsBENEFIT CARRIER HOW TO ACCESSMedical BCBSNCBCBSNC will issue you an ID card. Covered dependents will be listed on the card.Dental PrincipalPrincipal will issue you an ID card. You can also visit https://www.principal.com/Vision PrincipalPrincipal will issue you an ID card. You can also visit https://www.principal.com/

This booklet provides only a summary of your benefits. All services described within are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in each insurance carrier's or provider's contract.Employee Benefits Guide2024 - 2025 Howso IncorporatedThis page is intentionally blank

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS GUIDEPrepared By Sentinel Benefits Consulting | sentinelra.com2024 - 2025Howso Incorporated