These are some of the most commonly asked questions about benefits:
- What is the difference between HMO and PPO?
- A HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is a medical plan that offers benefits through a network of participating physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers.
- A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers benefits through in-network and out-of-network healthcare providers, allowing for a greater selection of providers.
- I did not receive an ID card for Vision or Dental, what do I do? Both VSP and Delta Dental do not issue ID cards; your SSN is your ID number (dependent SSN’s are theirs). Once enrolled, you can visit www.vsp.com and www.deltadentalins.com to register an account, check coverage, locate providers and view claims.
- Will SFUSD reimburse me if I do not elect benefits? At present, SFUSD does not offer reimbursement of health premiums to employees who waive coverage.
- How do I pay my health premium? Health insurance premiums are deducted from your monthly paycheck. The deduction is taken pre-tax, reducing your monthly taxable income.
- What happens to my benefits if I leave SFUSD? Health, vision and dental coverage will terminate on the first day of the month following your last day of work. You will receive a notice to extend benefits under COBRA within 45 business days of your resignation/termination.
- What do I need to know about Open Enrollment? Open Enrollment is a period of time during which employees can enroll in benefits, make plan changes or terminate coverage without need of a qualifying event. The annual Open Enrollment period takes place during the entire month of October and any changes will become effective on January 1st of the following year.
- I am a substitute transitioning to a full-time teacher this school year; do I have to complete the benefits packet? Yes! Subs do not currently have benefits and we will need all of your paperwork to ensure you receive coverage.
- I am a para and will be a full-time teacher; do I need to fill out a benefits packet? If you are currently enrolled in health coverage, you need only complete an abbreviated packet.