Question 1

When can I make changes to my benefit elections?

Accepted Answer

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.

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.

If you have a QLE, contact your Lacher Healthcare Advocate.

Question 2

How do I change my plan or enroll my dependents?

Accepted Answer

You can make plan changes and enroll dependents during open enrollment, or if you have a qualifying life event, by visiting the Enroll Now page.

Question 3

I think a provider is billing me an incorrect amount for a service, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

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 Healthcare Advocate for further assistance.

Question 4

Why did I get billed for my preventive care visit?

Accepted Answer

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:

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

Question 5

Where should I go for medical care?

Accepted Answer

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:PPO $1,500 plan: $20 copayPPO $2,500 plan: $30 copay$5,000 HSA plan: $40 after deductibleEmergency Room - Go to an ER when you have a life-threatening issue. Cost to you:PPO $1,500 plan: $250 after deductiblePPO $2,500 plan: $300 after deductible$5,000 HSA plan: $300 after deductibleUrgent Care - Consider an urgent care center for non-life threatening condition. You'll save time and money over the ER. Cost to you:PPO $1,500 plan: $85 copayPPO $2,500 plan: $100 copay$5,000 HSA plan: $100 after deductibleTelemedicine - Consider using Teladoc for non-life threatening conditions, and when you need 24/7 care. Cost to you:PPO $1,500 plan: $0PPO $2,500 plan: $0$5,000 HSA plan: $0 after deductibleLearn more about Teladoc.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I make changes to my benefit elections?

How do I change my plan or enroll my dependents?

I think a provider is billing me an incorrect amount for a service, what should I do?

Why did I get billed for my preventive care visit?

Where should I go for medical care?