What’s new in Benefits for 2021

Annual enrollment extended through Nov. 30

Annual enrollment for 2021 for HISD employees runs November 1-30, 2020. This is the time of year when all benefits-eligible employees can elect to enroll in benefits or change their benefits, so please review what’s new for 2021. We have created a “What’s New” video to guide you through the process, which is located here. Things to note include:

• There are no medical plan rate increases
• There are enhanced voluntary benefits
• There are two new Aetna onsite representatives to help you work through issues, find providers, and discuss your healthcare plans and options
• There are many convenient connections to your best health

2021 Benefits Guide

The 2021 Benefits Guide has current rates for all medical and voluntary plans, as well as a wealth of information on all the HISD benefits, including dental, vision, Aflac, legal services, disability, and more. Click on the quick link on HISDBenefits.org to access the 2021 Benefits Guide. The new guide is illustrated with pastel drawings of frontline heroes created by Houston artist Kristi Nelson. The drawings are her way of thanking the nurses and caregivers who risk their lives caring for people who have contracted COVID-19. For more information on Nelson, see this video produced by the HISD Benefits team.

Dental Insurance from Cigna

There are new Cigna dental options to choose from, including the PPO, DHMO, and Discount Dental. Visit Dental Plans on the Benefits website for rates and coverages.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

You must enroll every year for this benefit. The maximum healthcare account is $2,750 (it can be used for covered expenses incurred for you or your dependents). The maximum for the dependent flexible spending account is $5,000 (dependent care FSA can only to be used on daycare for children or elders and children’s camp). Click here for more information.

Next Level Urgent Care Centers

Next Level manages HISD’s Health and Wellness Centers at HMW and Attucks Middle School. Medical care is available for employees enrolled in an HISD medical plan at no charge. In addition to these onsite wellness centers, medical plan members and their covered dependents can visit any Next Level Urgent Care Center location for $20 per visit. Kelsey Select ACO Plan members and covered dependents may access these centers at no cost.

Employee Assistance Program

ComPsych is still the provider of the HISD Employee Assistance Program. They provide counseling and financial services, as well as legal services. All employees are eligible for this benefit. The ComPsych website for HISD is Guidance Resources.com and the password is HISD. New for 2021 is a chat feature that will be available. See details in the 2021 Benefits Guide.  

Who to call and where to go with questions

We have two new medical plan Aetna onsite representatives who can assist you with questions and concerns about your medical plan.

Jeanne’ Johnson is your day-to-day Aetna onsite representative. She will be able to answer questions about how your medical plan works. She can also help you find a provider or determine if your current provider is in your network and provide other valuable resources through Aetna. You may reach Aetna Onsite Representative Jeanne’ Johnson at 281-627-7489 or by email at JohnsonJ11@aetna.com. For your convenience, you may schedule a virtual appointment with her.
Sonja Whaley is the new Aetna onsite clinical consultant. She specializes in assisting with complex treatment issues, planning a procedure, wellness resources, and other questions. You may reach Onsite Clinical Consultant Sonja Whaley at 832-920-3776 or by email at WhaleyS@aetna.com.

You may also contact Aetna Member Services at 1-877-224-6857 with questions about plan benefits and features, coverage, costs, claims, and more. You will find a wealth of information, tools, and plan resources on your Aetna member website at www.Aetna.com. The Aetna website gives you easy access to your specific medical information and helps you find doctors who belong to the network of the plan option you select.

For other questions regarding benefits, please visit wwwHISDBenefits.org or call the Benefits Service Center at 877-780-HISD (4473).