You can make changes to your benefit elections during your healthcare and benefits open enrollment OR if you have a qualifying life event (QLE). A QLE is a change in your situation, like a marriage, divorce, or having a baby, for example, which allows you to make changes to your health insurance. Take a look a this document for more information. As a new hire, you have 30 days to submit your changes online through our benefits enrollment system. Here's an overview of qualifying life events from Healthcare.gov.

You can make plan changes and enroll dependents during open enrollment by visiting the Enroll Now page.

Preventive screenings can help you take better control of your health. They are an important foundation of early detection and prevention of disease.

Preventive care services are NOT subject to a copayment or deductible when using in-network providers and must be billed to insurance with proper preventive coding.

Take a look at this flyer to learn about the services and screenings that are covered as preventive care.

Please note: Coverage for these services is subject to certain conditions, age and time limits.

First, make sure you compare the bill you received with the EOB from the insurance. If you need to locate an EOB you can find one by logging into your account at www.meritain.com.

If the bill does not match the EOB, please contact your Lacher benefits advocate for further assistance.

While regular medical care focuses on treating illness, preventive care aims to keep you from getting sick in the first place by focusing on helping you maintain good health. When you visit your doctor for a preventive care service - like a physical exam or a health screening - you should not be billed. However, if you ask your doctor about a specific health concern while you are at your preventive care visit, it may be billed as an office visit, and not a preventive care visit. Here’s how to be sure your preventive care visit is free for you:

1. Mention prevention upfront – When scheduling your appointment, confirm that you are scheduling a preventive care visit.

2. Know what to discuss with your doctor during the visit – During your visit, keep the conversation focused on how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3. Ask your doctor – If you do ask questions about a specific health concern while at your visit, ask your doctor if that will be treated as an office visit or as a preventive visit. Let your doctor know you are expecting this visit to be of no charge to you.

For more information about preventive care, contact your Lacher healthcare advocate.

Take a look at this flyer to learn about your choices when it comes to where you should receive care. High level overview: Primary Care Physician - This is your home base. Your doctor knows your history and is a good place to start. Cost to you:

• Option 1 - PPO plan - $20 copay per visit

• Option 2 - HSA plan - Once you pay your deductible, there is a 20% coinsurance fee

Emergency Room - Go to an ER when you have a life-threatening issue. Cost to you:

• Option 1 - PPO plan - $500 copay per visit

• Option 2 - HSA plan - Once you pay your deductible, there is a 20% coinsurance fee

Urgent Care - Consider an urgent care center for non-life threatening condition. You'll save time and money over the ER. Cost to you:

• Option 1 - PPO plan - $75 copay per visit

• Option 2 - HSA plan - Once you pay your deductible, there is a 20% coinsurance fee

Telemedicine - Consider using Teladoc for non-life threatening conditions, and when you need 24/7 care. Cost to you:

• Option 1 - PPO plan - There is no cost to use Teladoc if you are enrolled in a Lochmueller Group medical plan

• Option 2 - HSA plan - The service is available at no additional cost after your deductible has been met