Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible for CNCA health benefits?
All full-time employees are eligible, along with their legal spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children up to age 26.
Q. When does my health coverage begin? Benefits begin on the first day of the month following 30 continuous days of employment.
Q. When can I enroll in benefits? During your initial eligibility window (30 days from date-of-hire), annual Open Enrollment, or within 30 days of a qualifying life event (like marriage, birth, or loss of coverage).
Q. Which medical plans are available through CNCA/PNEDG?
CNCA offers Blue Shield of California HMO (Access+ and Trio), and PPO options.
Q. What’s the difference between the HMO and PPO medical plans?
HMO plans require selecting a Primary Care Physician and referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more provider flexibility and out-of-network coverage.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- Lower monthly costs and out-of-pocket expenses
- Requires choosing a primary care doctor (PCP) who coordinates your care
- Referrals needed to see specialists
- Only covers care from in-network doctors and facilities
- Best if you want lower costs and don’t mind having a set network of doctors
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- Higher monthly costs but more flexibility in choosing providers
- No need for a referral to see specialists
- Covers both in-network and out-of-network doctors (but out-of-network costs more)
- Greater freedom to manage your own healthcare decisions
- Best if you want more provider choices and don’t mind paying a little extra for flexibility
Q. Do I have to pay a deductible?
HMO plans have no deductibles. The PPO plan has a $500 individual/$1,500 family deductible.
Q. Is mental health care covered under my plan? Yes, mental health services are covered under all Blue Shield plans, including therapy, psychiatric care, and virtual visits via Teladoc.
Q. Can I access therapy or counseling services for free?
Yes. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers up to 3 free in-person counseling visits per issue, per year, and 24/7 phone support.
Q. What virtual care options are available?
Employees can access Teledoc, Maven (for reproductive, maternity, and family health), and Wellvolution for digital health and mental wellness support.
Q. What is Maven?
Maven offers 24/7 virtual care and coaching for fertility, maternity, parenting, and menopause. Available to full-time benefits-eligible employees.
Q. Does CNCA offer dental coverage?
Yes, through Guardian. There’s a PPO and a Managed Dental Care (DHMO) option.
Q. Is vision insurance included?
Yes, vision coverage is offered through Guardian with access to VSP providers.
Q. What life insurance is included?
CNCA provides $15,000 in basic life insurance for all full-time employees at no cost. Additional voluntary life coverage is available for purchase.
Q. Is disability insurance available?
Yes, voluntary short-term disability insurance is offered through Guardian, with benefits starting on the 15th day of disability.
Q. What are Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)?
FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical or dependent care expenses. Health FSA limit is $3,200; Dependent Care limit is $5,000.
Q. Do FSA funds roll over?
Health FSAs allow up to $640 to roll over to the next plan year. Dependent Care FSA funds do not roll over.
Q. What supplemental health benefits are available?
CNCA offers voluntary Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance plans through Guardian.
Q. How much does CNCA contribute toward my benefits?
CNCA contributes $350/month for single coverage, $475/month for two-party, and $600/month for family coverage, plus 50% of any remaining premium balance.
Q. Where can I find doctors or mental health providers in-network?
Use Blue Shield’s provider finder at blueshieldca.com or contact TCIG at 800-439-4994 x10.
Q. What should I do if I have questions or need help with enrollment? Reach out to [email protected] or contact TCIG at [email protected] for personalized support.
