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Health Insurance, HSA & FSA

The Town of Holden offers benefit eligible employees health insurance through MIIA/Blue Cross Blue Shield.  For employees hired before July 1, 2009, the Town pays 80% of the premium cost for HMO and High Deductible health insurance plans, employees contribute 20%. For employees hired on or after July 1, 2009. the Town pays 75% of the premium cost for HMO and High Deductible health insurance plans, employees contribute 25%. For Indemnity and PPO health insurance plans the Town and the employee each pay 50%. Employees will pay their share through deductions from their biweekly paycheck.  The employee share for insurance premium is deducted from their paychecks during the month prior to the coverage month. Town of Holden health insurance rates and deductibles follow the fiscal year,  July 1st - June 30th. Employees enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans can take advantage of 3 reimbursement programs. Reimbursements are per calendar year January 1 - December 31st, all reimbursements must be submitted by March 31 of the following year.  Blue Cross Blue Shield has set up a customized eKit for Town of Holden employees.  Access the Ekit today to: Review Medical Plan Details, Find a Doctor, Look Up Your Medication, Review Wellness Benefits, Create a MyBlue Account, Download the My Blue App
 
New employees’ health benefits begin on the first day of employment.  When employees are first hired, they may choose to enroll in any of the health insurance plans within 10 days of the start of employment.  The Town’s Plan Year for insurance purposes runs from July 1 through June 30.  Each year, prior to July 1, there is an open enrollment period when employees may change from one insurance plan to another, or make other changes in their insurance coverage.  Existing employees who wish to enroll or make other changes in their health insurance coverage at any other time of the year must have a qualifying event.  Employees who need to make a change in their health insurance coverage should call the Town Manager’s for more detailed information.
 
 
Active Employees and -65 Retiree Health Insurance Plan Options
 
OPEN ENROLLMENT 
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
 
Premier Investment Plans with Health Savings Accounts, $1000/$2000 HSA Contribution From the Town
 
 

Plan Details July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

HMO Blue Select
Access Blue Select Saver - Eligible for HSA Account with Employer Contribution
HMO Blue New England
Access Bue New England Saver - Eligible for HSA Account with Employer Contribution
PPO Blue Care Elect
Flexible Spending, Health Savings and Dependent Care Accounts
 
Participating employees are required to enroll in FSA, HSA and Dependent Care Accounts annually.  You will not automatically be enrolled if you currently have an account.  Individuals cannot have both an HSA and Medical FSA account.  Participants can enroll in both an HSA and Dependent Care FSA.  If you are planning on enrolling in an HSA account for July 1 and currently have an FSA account, balances in your FSA account must be expended prior to HSA enrollment.
 
Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts Managed by TASC
Health Savings Accounts Managed by Health Equity. Participants must be enrolled in a High Deductible Plan to participate.
Retiree Health Insurance Plans
Medex 2 with PDP
Managed Blue for Seniors with PDP
Blue MedicareRx (PDP)
 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Health Connector

State law requires that all Massachusetts residents over the age of 18 must be enrolled in a health insurance plan.    For an employee who does not qualify for Town of Holden benefits, the Health Connector can help evaluate coverage options, cost and eligibility.  Visit mahealthconnector.org for additional health insurance information.

COBRA

Federal law, commonly known as COBRA, states that employees who lose health insurance coverage because of termination of employment or reduction in hours are eligible to remain on the Town’s insurance plans, but must, in most cases, pay the full cost of the premium. 

COBRA also protects the dependents of employees who may lose coverage through qualifying events.   When an employee enrolls in one of the Town’s health insurance plans, their rights and responsibilities under the COBRA law will be explained in more detail.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act mandates that employees have a right to privacy with regard to certain Protected Health Information (PHI). 

CHIPRA

The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) was implemented in the spring of 2010.  Under this Act, premium assistance may be available to uninsured children whose family income falls below a certain level.  To qualify for the CHIP program, an employee must be eligible to enroll in the Town’s health insurance plan, but be unable to afford the cost of the premiums.  Employees who believe they may be eligible for the CHIP program should contact the Treasurer’s Office for additional information.

Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
 

The Town of Holden has adopted Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows health and life insurance premium deductions, as well as amounts deducted for certain other purposes, to be taken in pre-tax dollars.  Employees may enroll in the Cafeteria Plan by completing an Election Form at the same time that they enroll in the Town’s health, dental, vision and/or basic life insurance groups, or in a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account (see below).  Deductions made from employees’ paychecks for these purposes will not be subject to either federal, state, or Medicare taxes.

Please Note:  Only deductions for the Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts are included in the Town’s Section 125 Plan, and will be considered as pre-tax.  Premium deductions for the Voluntary Life Insurance, the ELO Whole Life Insurance, and the Disability Insurance are not included in the Section 125 Plan, and are therefore subject to full taxation.

Forms