1. New Employee Orientation and Technician Benefits
WVNG Human Resources Office
SSgt Kristin Kingrey
As supervisors this information may seem basic and unnecessary, however it is important you understand what programs your employees are eligible for upon their hire. This will help you ensure your employees are aware and taking advantage of the full spectrum of technician benefits available to them.

2. What Is NEO?

3. Objectives
Complete all documents necessary to begin the technician’s career
Provide benefits information
Provide expectations and policy information
Complete Pay Documents
Address any questions/concerns the technician may have

4. Topics Covered Benefits (FEHB, FEDVIP, FEGLI, FLTC, TSP, FSA’s, NGAUS)
Education ( Bonuses, GI Bill Kicker, SLRP )
Military Uniform
Workweek and Hours of Work (Premium and Differential Pay)
Comp Time
Pay / Pay Increases
Leave ( Annual, Sick, Military)
SCD
Systems of Record (EOPF, MyBiz, EBIS, BeneFeds, ECOMP)
Performance
Furlough
Labor Relations
OWCP
TAG’s PT Policy
AUS / USERRA

5. Policy Changes Regarding Attendance
Effective 4 Feb 2018
Technician will report for NEO the Monday following their effective date
If the first Monday of a pay period is a holiday, NEO will be conducted on the Tuesday following the start of the pay period
Individuals who do not attend NEO will NOT be put into the system to start that pay period
Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the HRO, Deputy HRO, or designated representative

6. Challenges…. The Field’s Perception In Regards To NEO
Newly Hired Technicians Not Attending
Issues Not Being Communicated From the Field To HRO

7. Employee Benefits Health Insurance (FEHB)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Long Term Care (FLTCP)
Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
Life Insurance (FEGLI)
NGAUS Technician Insurance
ABC-C and Benefits Changes
Benefits Changes
Explain that this seems like a basic block of instruction listing benefits but it’s important you understand what your new employees have available to them.

8. Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
Available to Permanent and Temporary Employees
Guaranteed coverage – no medical exam
No restrictions on pre-existing conditions
Pre-tax Benefit
Government/Employee contribution shared
Technician must enroll within 60 days of eligibility (not automatically enrolled)
Government pays close to 70% of our FEHB premium. Employee pays the other 30%

9. Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Cont.
Enrollees may change plans or options during annual Open Season (Nov-Dec) or Qualifying Life Event (QLE)
In certain cases, may also convert coverage when leaving government
Can be maintained while on AUS
Reference:

10. Law Changes, FEHB, and Challenges
(2006) FEHB available for dependents up to the age of 26
(2006) Employees eligible for FEHB (only permanent at the time) are not eligible for TRS
(Nov. 2015) Temporary technicians given eligibility for FEHB thus lose eligibility for TRS
Ongoing challenges to the HR Office when hiring employees who are transitioning from a military status to an FEHB eligible position, and vise versa, or when we hire, break, and rehire the same employee.
Discuss the challenges. Explain the ability to elect, and eligibility is code driven in DEERS
LEGAL BACKGROUND BELOW
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act ACA, Public Law Several provisions of the ACA will affect eligibility and benefits under the FEHB and FSA beginning January 01, 2011.
Provides extended FEHB coverage for children up to the age of 26
Regardless of Marital Status
Even if they have other health coverage
Step Children even if not living in parent/ child relationship
Foster Children up to 26
Children incapable of self support to age 26 (can be for life, contact HRO)
Public Law signed 17OCT 2006, excludes individuals eligible for health insurance under the FEHB Program from coverage under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS).
Federal Register Changes effective November 2015, (Ref Tech Info Bulletin 15-01) made further changes, Temporary Technicians are NO LONGER ELIGIBLE to continue TRS because they are immediately eligible for FEHB.

11. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
FSA Health & Dependent Care:
Pre-taxed program. Pre tax dollars
Pays for a variety of health care not covered under FEHB (i.e. CoPays) or dependent care
May use for OTC purchases (will require prescription from physician)
Must re-enroll every year
Some Carryover is authorized
Reference:
Show video.

12. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
FSA Health & Dependent Care:
Pre-taxed program
Pays for a variety of health care not covered under FEHB (i.e. CoPays) or dependent care
May use for OTC purchases (will require prescription from physician)
Must re-enroll every year
Use or lose program
Reference:
Show video.

13. Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Long term care is ongoing care for people who need lengthy or even lifelong assistance with daily living due to an illness, injury, or severe cognitive impairment.
Non-skilled, custodial care, and Help with daily living activities
Supervision due to cognitive impairment(i.e. Alzheimer’s)
LTC not covered by FEHB, TRICARE, or disability income insurance
Eligibility: Technician, current spouse, adult children, parents, parents-in-law, stepparents, and surviving spouses receiving a survivor annuity
Reference: or LTC-FEDS
2014 estimates for the Charleston area approximate the annual cost of various types of long term care
At home care – Approx $34300 per year ($2833 per month)
Adult Day Care – Approx $ per year ($1386 per month)
Assisted Living Private Room $47808 per year ($ 3984 per month)
Nursing Home Semi Private $98,477 per year ($ 8206 per month)
Nursing Home Private Room $102,200 per year ($ 8516 per month)
In comparison to 2010 costs show an almost 18% increase.
Reference and Study done by Genworth

14. Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
Supplemental dental and/or vision benefits
Includes self only, self plus 1, and family plans
Enrollees may change plans or options during annual Open Season (Nov-Dec) or Qualifying Life Event (QLE)
No pre-existing condition limitations
Not part of FEHB program
9 dental plans / 8 vision plans with PPO
Pre-tax benefit
Reference:
Have 60 days from Initial hire, or QLE to enroll
Web based enrollment . Must register through the website
Premiums come directly out of your LES
FEHB still pays as primary and then FEDVIP plan pays secondary

15. Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
*Automatic enrollment in Basic unless waived*
Basic Life Insurance: Annual basic salary rounded to next highest thousand plus $2,000
Options:
a) Standard: an additional $10,000 at employee’s cost based on age
b) Additional: 1 to 5 x basic pay, at employee’s cost based on age
c) Family: 1-5 multiples w/each multiple worth $5,000; Spouse - $25,000 max; Child – each multiple $2, max $12,500 at employee’s cost based on age
Fegli will be hosting its first open season since 2004 in Changes will be effective in 2017.

16. NGAUS Technician Insurance
Offers Income replacement insurance similar to AFLAC
Pays a basic benefit if disabled
Up to 3 years for injury
Up to 10 years for illness
Premiums are based on age and $lary
Employees may elect a basic benefit or additional supplement
Enrollment is based on hire, or open season
Offers additional life insurance
Fegli will be hosting its first open season since 2004 in Dates are 1-30 September and changes will be effective in If employee is in Absent Uniformed Service changes will become effective the first full pay period employee meets the pay and duty status requirements (32 hours in a pay status during pay period right before effective date for full time employees)
Not available to someone who has lost military affiliation. Title 5 employees who retain military membership will be able to continue NGAUS however(Example Frank Karickhoff. Converted to title 5 but also lost military membership due to reaching age 60.

17. Benefits Changes and ABC-C
The ABC-C provides automated benefits support to Air Force and Army Technicians through the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS), and telephonically through trained benefits counselors. This system can be used to make changes to and receive counseling on the following benefits:
TSP
FEHB
FEGLI
RETIREMENTS
SURVIVOR BENEFITS Contact :
*If benefit in question falls under any USERRA time HRO will be the POC.

18. HOW DO YOU USE ABC-C? Self Enrollment through EBIS
Telephonic Enrollment and Counseling
FROM .MIL COMPUTER
Use CAC and CAC pin
Click on EBIS
Select CAC Employee Login option
FROM HOME COMPUTER
Use AKO user name and password
Open 24/7
Toll free
Open 24/7, counselors available M-F, 6 am -6 pm Central Time
Both options require PIN (4 digit # equivalent to your month and year of birth), Leave SCD, DOB, SSN, pay plan, level and step.

19. Benefits Changes through HRO
NGAUS Disability Insurance Changes
Any benefits action associated with USERRA (AUS and RTD)
Web Based Benefits Changes
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
Long Term Care (FLTCP)

20. Questions

21. Benefits Team Members in the HRO
CMSgt Helen C. Toby (Supervisory HRS) SSG Jason Gray HR Assistant-Employee Benefits TSgt Freda Harmon SSgt Kristin Kingrey HR Specialist – Employee Benefits HR Specialist-Employee Benefits Specializes in AUS, RTD, and related benefits Specializes in New Hire In processing, Leave administration, and military deposits and benefits related issues SSG Brooke Goldsberry (Team Lead) HR Specialist – Employee Relations issues/ Retirements and Worker’s Compensation
Tab K in Handouts

22. Questions