Archived on December 22, 2025

Medical Plans 

Sarasota County Government offers three medical plans:

• Aetna Value-In-Network (VIN)
• Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
• Aetna Choice Point of Service II (POS II)

All plans:

• Include the same network of doctors, hospitals, laboratory, and radiology facilities.
• Cover in-network preventive care, including mammograms, annual physical exams, and lab work at 100 %, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.
• Allow you to use any doctor or hospital you choose, any time you need care. Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs, including your deductible. Whereas out-of-network services are subject to reasonable and customary limits. If your doctor charges more than these limits, you are responsible for the extra charges, and they will not count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
• Give you access to the best treatment facilities across Sarasota County and the region.

How VIN, AHF and POS II options are different:

• VIN: you pay less in payroll deductions, have a larger deductible and most services apply to the deductible and coinsurance. This plan only covers services obtained at an In-Network provider. 
• AHF: you pay more in payroll deductions and receive a fund to pay initial medical expenses, but you have a larger deductible to satisfy when you receive care.
• POS II: you pay the most in payroll deductions, have a smaller deductible and are generally responsible for initial medical expenses.

2025 Aetna Medical Premium (per pay period)
	VIN	AHF	POS II
Employee	$46.74	$53.58	$70.67
Employee + Child(ren)	$162.21	$250.89	$330.90
Employee + Spouse	$188.99	$294.70	$388.67
Family	$228.29	$359.01	$473.47
Dependent Aged 26-30	$311.57	$336.71	$461.66

 

The chart below is a general overview of the SCG medical plan options. For complete details, refer to the appropriate plan documents located in resources library below. Plan documents may supersede benefits found below. 

Benefits and Services	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna POS II
	In-network ONLY		In-network	Out-of-network*	In-network	Out-of-network*
Health Fund	Not Applicable		SCG Contribution: $500 Individual $1,000 Family (Contributions are prorated if enrolled after January 1st)		Not Applicable
Annual Deductible	$3,000 Individual $6,000 All Family Tiers		$2,000 Individual $4,000All Family Tiers	$4,000Individual $8,000All Family Tiers	$750 Individual $1,500 All Family Tiers	$1,500 Individual $3,000 All Family Tiers
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$6,000 Individual $12,000 All Family Tiers		$4,500 Individual $9,000All Family Tiers	$9,000 Individual $14,000All Family Tiers	$3,250 Individual $6,500 All Family Tiers	$6,500 Individual $13,000 All Family Tiers
			•Health Fund dollars decrease your out-of-pocket expenses •Prescriptions count toward deductible/Max Out-of-Pocket
*Members may also be responsible for any additional amounts not payable under the plan.

 

 

Preventive Care Covered at 100%
Routine Preventive Screenings	Plan pays 100% based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. (Preventive services do not reduce Health Fund.)
Adult Physical	One per calendar year; note that you no longer have to wait 12 months between physicals.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy	Once every three years.
Dermatology exam	Once every 12 months.
Flu vaccine	Annually.
Gynecological exam	Once every 12 months.
Mammogram, screening, or diagnostic	Screening annually, Diagnostic every 6 months; for members age 35 years or older.
Dexascan	Bone density screening (recommended annually after age 65).
Pediatric physical	Once every 12 months, more frequently for 3 years or younger.
Pneumonia vaccine	Up to two doses as prescribed by your physician.
Shingles vaccine	Once, 50 years or older.
Tetanus	Tdap or TD

 

Teladoc to the rescue!

At work, on weekends, travelling away from home, or anytime you want to avoid sitting in a waiting room, Teladoc is a call or click away. Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, 24/7. Teladoc doctors can treat many medical conditions, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory infection
• Sinus problems
• Skin problems
• Allergies
• Pink eye

$0 copay for Teladoc on all 3 medical plans!

A doctor is a call or click away: 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) or download the Teladoc app. 

Medical Plan Comparison 

Learn more about how each plan works.

Physician Office Visits	Aetna Value In-Network (VIN)	Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Choice POS II
	In-network ONLY	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Primary Care Physician	$40 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	$25 copay	After deductible, you pay 40%
Specialist	30% (no deductible)	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	$50 copay	After deductible, you pay 40%
Lab/Diagnostic Imaging	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	$35 copay	After deductible, you pay 40%
Teladoc	$0	$0		$0

 

 

Emergency Care	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)	Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Choice POS II
	In-network ONLY	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Urgent Care	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	$75 copay	After deductible, you pay 40%
Emergency Room	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	$400 copay (Waived if admitted)	After deductible, you pay 40%

 

Hospital Services	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)	Aetna Choice POS II and Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network ONLY	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient, Outpatient, and Inpatient Maternity	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%

 

Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)	Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Choice POS II
	In-network ONLY	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	40% after deductible	After deductible, you pay 25%	40% after deductible
Outpatient	$40 copay			$25 copay

 

Family Planning Services	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)	Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Choice POS II
	In-network ONLY	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Infertility treatment	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	Member cost share based on type and place of service	Specialist copay	Member cost share based on type and place of service
Comprehensive Infertility Services	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%		Specialist copay
Coverage includes maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000

 

Other Services	Aetna Value In-network (VIN)	Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Choice POS II
	In-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network-only	Out-of-network
Convalescent	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Home Health Care (120 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice-Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice-Outpatient	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Speech, Physical Occupational Therapy	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Spinal Manipulation Chiropractic (20 visits per year each)	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Acupuncture (up to 20 visits per)	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 25%
Durable Medical Equipment	After deductible, you pay 30%	Deductible waived, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	Deductible waived, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Testing	$40 copay (PCP) After deductible, you pay 30% (Specialist)	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	$25 copay (PCP) $50 copay (Specialist)	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Injections	$5 copay	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	$5 copay	After deductible, you pay 40%
Ambulatory Services	After deductible, you pay 30%	After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 25%
Hearing Aid Benefit	$1,500 benefit one time every five years. This benefit is unique to Sarasota County members.

Remember: If the doctor or medical facilities you visit are not in Aetna’s network, you can still receive out-of-network benefits; however, it will cost you more.

Medical Premium Reduction Program

See your health in '3D' and get money added to your paycheck!

Sarasota County offers a program that encourages healthy preventive steps you may take to help maintain your health, while reducing your medical insurance premiums by:

• Single coverage – $24 per pay period
• Family coverage tiers – 30% reduction

All members and covered spouses must complete each requirement that pertains to them between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025 to qualify for the medical insurance premium reduction in plan year 2026. Click here to view a printable version of the medical premium reduction requirements.

NOTE: It is the member’s responsibility to report errors regarding Premium Reduction credits to the Benefits office. Retroactive payroll adjustments due to Premium Reduction qualification will only be made through the end of February of each year. No adjustments will be made beyond that time period.

For questions about these screenings, or to confirm eligibility, log in to Aetna Member Website or contact your Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 861-5273 (KARE) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  You may also send an email to AHBP@AETNA.com for assistance.

Complete the 3D's: doctor (Primary care physician [PCP] physical), dentist, and dermatologist!

Program requirements	Applies to	Frequency
Doctor (PCP): Annual preventive exam/physical	All members and spouses	Annually
Dental exam	All members and spouses	Annually
Dermatology exam	All members and spouses	Annually

Note: The county’s medical plans do not require members to wait 365 days between preventive physical exams.

New hires in 2025: Employees hired by Sept. 30, 2025, may qualify for the 2026 reduction if they can verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2025. New hires should provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.  If you are hired after September 30, 2025, you will not be eligible for a reduced premium until 2026.

Requirements for new spouses: Employees who are married prior to Sept. 30, 2025 and add their spouse to the medical plan may qualify for the premium reduction (for plan year 2026) if the spouse is able to verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2025. Spouses are required to provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.

Employees who are married after Sept. 30, 2025 and add their spouse to the medical plan may continue to earn the single coverage premium reduction of $24 per pay period for 2026. They will not be eligible for any additional discount for their spouse.

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services

Make your life easier! You no longer have to take time from your busy day to manage your health-related tasks.

Examples of some services:

• Help you find a high-quality physician, hospital, or other health service provider.
• Explain your benefits and anticipated out-of-pocket costs.
• Schedule medical appointments for you.
• Review your bills to confirm you are paying the correct amount.

The Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services can also help ensure that you don’t miss out on the county’s Premium Reduction Program. To learn more, call the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 941-861-5273(KARE) or email AHBP@AETNA.com.

Prescription Plan

Prescription coverage is provided by Aetna. You may obtain a 30-day supply and some 90-day supplies at any retail pharmacy. Aetna also offers a mail-order program. To help save money for both you and the plan, generics should be the go-to choice for prescriptions.* 

Prescription Coverage for POS II, AHF and VIN Plans
Get your prescription filled at	VIN Plan	AHF	POS II
Network Pharmacy (30-day supply)	Generic $15	Generic $9
	Brand* Formulary: 30% coinsurance	Brand* Formulary: 20% coinsurance ($35 minimum and $70 maximum)
	Brand* Non-formulary: 30% coinsurance	Brand Non-formulary: 40% coinsurance ($75 minimum and $150 maximum)
*NEW* Specialty Drug	PrudentRX: $0 copay for eligible medications 30% coinsurance	30% coinsurance ($150 minimum and $300 maximum)	PrudentRX: $0 copay for eligible medications 30% coinsurance
Maintenance medications can be filled through CVS Mail Order or any participating pharmacy. (30–90-day supply)	Generic $37.50	Generic $22.50
	Brand* Formulary: 30% coinsurance	Brand Formulary: 20% coinsurance ($87.50 minimum and $175 maximum)
	Brand* Non-formulary: 30% coinsurance	Brand Non-formulary: 40% coinsurance ($187.50 minimum and $375 maximum)
Local retail network pharmacies may provide free antibiotics, diabetes and blood pressure medications and $4 generic prescriptions. Take advantage of these programs to keep your costs down. Remember to give the pharmacist your Aetna ID card to ensure the claim is added to your prescription record.

*If you or your provider choose a brand name drug, you will pay the coinsurance plus the difference in the ingredient cost between the generic and brand name drugs.

Filling Maintenance Medications: Members who use maintenance medications may use any of the following major pharmacies (CVS, Publix, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens) or CVS Mail Order to fill prescriptions for 90 days. A maintenance medication is one that is taken daily, and most likely, permanently. 

*NEW* PrudentRX

Aetna has collaborated with PrudentRX exclusively for a program that may help save you money on your specialty prescription. If you are prescribed a specialty drug, make sure to accept enrollment with PrudentRX. Participating members will have a $0 out-of-pocket cost on eligible specialty medications! Your enrollment in the program will begin automatically, but additional steps may be needed. **You can choose to opt-out at any time**

*Some manufactures require you to sign up to obtain copay assistance that they provide for their medications- in that case, you must call PrudentRX to participate in the copay assistance for that medication. PrudentRX will also contact you if you are required to enroll in the copay assistance for any medication that you take.

**If you choose to opt out of the program or if you do not affirmatively enroll in any copay assistance as required by a manufacturer, you will be responsible for 30 percent of the cost of your specialty medications.

Please note: PrudentRX is only available for the VIN and POSII plans.

PrudentRX participating pharmacies include CVS and Publix.

Search Drug Costs

If you are on the Aetna Medical POS II plan, click here to search drug cost.

If you are on the Aetna Medical AHF Plan, click here to search drug cost.

If you are on the Aetna VIN plan, click here  to search drug cost.

Click here to locate your nearest in-network pharmacy.

Dental Plan Options

Aetna DMO Plan

• Offers in-network coverage only.
• Covers 100% of preventive care and requires copays for all other services with no maximum annual benefit.
• Provides dental coverage using a specific network of providers for procedures with fixed copayments. There is no coverage for out-of-network providers.
• You must select and register with a Primary Care DMO dentist by calling Aetna at 1-877-238-6200 prior to obtaining services. The primary care dentist must refer the member to specialists when required by the plan.

Aetna PPO Plan

• Offers both in- and out-of-network coverage.
• Pays a fixed percentage of your eligible expenses with an annual maximum benefit of $1,750.
• If using a network provider, the percentage paid by the plan will be increased to 90% for Type II benefits (fillings, root canals, etc.) and 60% for Type III benefits (crowns, etc.).
• The percentage paid for out-of-network providers is limited to usual, customary, and reasonable charges (UCR). UCR charges are the amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar service (allowed amount).
• Plan members are responsible for any amounts above what is considered UCR.

 

2025Aetna Dental Premiums (per pay period)
	Aetna DMO In-Network Only	Aetna PPO
Employee	$0	$0
Employee + Child(ren)	$5.69	$19.79
Employee + Spouse	$5.67	$19.79
Family	$9.56	$26.39

 

 

Deductibles, Maximums and Co-pays
	Aetna DMO	Aetna PPO
Preventive	100% covered	100% covered (if you have not met the $1,750 annual maximum benefit)
Annual deductible	$0	$50 Individual or $150 Family
Basic services	Copay based on procedure	90% or 80% after deductible
Major services	Copay based on procedure	60% or 50% after deductible
Comprehensive orthodontia	$2,250 - $2,350	$1,750 Lifetime Benefit
Annual maximum	No Limit	$1,750

 

Vision Plan

Offers a choice between coverage for an exam and glasses, or an exam and contact lens benefit. To receive the highest payable benefit, you must obtain services from a network provider. To view the network, visit aetnavision.com and select “Find a care provider" or call 1-877-973-3238.

 

2025Premiums (per pay)— Aetna Vision Preferred Plan
Employee	$2.69
Employee + Child(ren)	$5.18
Employee + Spouse	$5.28
Full Family	$9.16

 

2025 Aetna Vision Preferred Plan
Coverage	In-network Benefits	*Out-of-network Reimbursement	Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive eye exam with dilation	$10 co-pay	Reimbursed up to $33 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass lenses (standard plastic)	$15 co-pay includes: • Single • Bifocal • Trifocal • Lenticular Polycarbonate lenses covered in full for members age 19 and younger; $30 co-pay over the age of 19. Additional co-pays apply to standard progressive lenses and photochromic lenses.	Reimbursed (less applicable copay): • Single up to $28 • Bifocal up to $40 • Trifocal up to $53 • Lenticular up to $84 • Standard Progressive $53 No out-of-pocket reimbursement for adult polycarbonate or photochromic lenses; Children up to 19 years of age have a $15 reimbursement for polycarbonate.	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass frames	$15 co-pay (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses); paid in full on special frame selection; $180 allowance outside of the selection (less applicable co-pay).	$93 reimbursement	Once every 24 months
Contact lens exam	Member pays discounted fee up to $40.	No reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (conventional/disposable)	$175 Allowance; Additional 15% off balance over the allowance.	$100 Reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (medically necessary***)	$0 Copay	$210 allowance	Once every 12 months
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)	15% discount off retail or 5% discount off the promotional price.	No reimbursement
*Submit member out-of-network reimbursement form and copy of paid receipt to Aetna Vision Preferred.
** This benefit is paid only once during the group’s benefit period and must be fully utilized at the time of purchase.

 

View Plan Summary to learn more about the plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Sarasota County offers both Medical and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by placing pre-tax contributions into accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses (for children up to age 13). 

You must incur all claims in the calendar year (Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025).

You must submit your claims for eligible expenses by March 31, 2026.

Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

Members that elect the Healthcare FSA and are enrolled in any Aetna benefit (medical, pharmacy, dental, or vision) will automatically be reimbursed, whereas members that elect the Healthcare FSA account and are not enrolled in any of the Aetna benefits, will be required to pay for services out-of-pocket and submit their receipts to Inspira for reimbursement. You can submit your receipts for reimbursement through the Inspira app or their website, www.inspirafinancial.com. For more information, please call 888-678-8242.

Timely submission of claims is important to ensure you do not forfeit any dollars. Members with a healthcare FSA may submit for plan year 2025 claims up through March 31, 2026. If you miss this deadline, you risk forfeiting remaining dollars in your healthcare FSA. For 2025, the IRS allows up to $660 to be rolled over from year to year; any amount more than $660 is in risk of forfeiture.

Members with a healthcare FSA for plan year 2024 may submit claims up through March 31, 2025. You may rollover unused Healthcare FSA dollars up to $640 to the next calendar year. Any balance over $640 will be forfeited.

As of 2025, the IRS has increased the pre-tax contribution limit to $3,300 per year. Sarasota County matches 5% of the employee's contribution and makes a one-time deposit in January each year. You must be contributing as of January 1 each year to be eligible for the match.

Dependent Care Spending Account

Dependent Care covers qualified dependents enrolled in childcare services, summer camp, after- and before-school care for children under 13. Sarasota County will match any dependent care contributions by 25% each pay period. To participate, you must enroll during open enrollment or during a qualified change in status. Please note that you forfeit any money within dependent care flexible spending accounts that is not used during a calendar year.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts are capped at $5,000 annually. Since Sarasota County matches 25%, the maximum amount that an employee may contribute is $153.84 per pay period, which totals $3,999.84 per year. Members that elect the dependent FSA account will have to submit a reimbursement request through Inspira Financial (www.inspirafinancial.com) or through their app you may download using your smartphone. For more information, call 888-678-8242.

Here is how an FSA can save you money:

Example: Mike has a three-year old in preschool and his day care expenses are $5,000. Mike wears contact lenses and needs to have two dental crowns done. He estimates his out-of-pocket medical expenses at $2,000 for the year. Mike gives himself an instant "raise" by using the FSA. Here's how:

	Without FSA	With FSA
Annual Pay	$65,000	$65,000
FSA Employee Contribution	$0	$7,000
Taxable income (W-2 earnings)	$65,000	$58,000
Federal income tax (25% bracket)	$16,250	$14,500
Social Security and Medicare	$4,972	$4,437
Total Taxes	$21,222	$18,937
After tax expenses	$7,000	$0
Net spendable income	$36,778	$39,063
Increase in spendable income	$0	$2,285

 

Life Insurance

Basic Life Insurance

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through The Hartford.

• Employees can purchase additional life insurance in increments of one or two times their annual pay. 
• Coverage is also available for spouses in increments of $5,000 or $10,000.
• Dependent child life insurance is provided automatically when spouse coverage is selected ($200 of coverage to age six months, $2,000 of coverage for ages six months to 26). 

An increase to life insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

The Hartford customer service: 888-301-5615

 

	For You	For Your Covered Spouse	For Your Children
County-paid coverage	1X-3X your salary depending on your employment status
Additional amount you may purchase	1X or 2X your annual salary	$5,000 Policy $10,000 Policy	$200 under 6 months $2,000 6 months to 26
What it will cost you	See enrollment system for age-rated premium	$.78 for $5,000 Policy $1.39 for $10,000 Policy	$.78 to include dependent child coverage.

 

Disability Insurance

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70 percent of your weekly earnings following a seven-calendar-day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40% of annual pay following a 90-day waiting period.

• Optional long-term disability coverage may also be purchased to provide an additional 20% of coverage. 
• Disability coverage is offered through The Hartford

An increase to your long-term disability insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

The Hartford Customer Service: 888-301-5615; click here to file a claim online.

The Sarasota County Policy Number: 715167

For information on filing for leave (Disability and/or FMLA), click here.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to:

• Twelve workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for:
  • the birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth;
  • the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement;
  • to care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition;
  • a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job;
  • any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty;” or
• Twenty-six work weeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the servicemember’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).

For more information and for answers to Frequently Asked Questions, visit: U.S. Department of Labor FMLA Frequently Asked Questions or The Employee's Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act.

 The Hartford Customer Service: 888-301-5615; click here to file a claim online.

 For information on filing for leave (Disability and/or FMLA), click here.

Other Optional Insurance

Allstate Accident Insurance 

The Allstate Accident plan provides coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance. Benefits are paid directly to the insured and include various fixed dollar amounts in addition to any medical plan coverage for injuries such as dislocations and fractures, as well as reimbursements for follow-up care and health screenings. The plan also includes coverage for hospital admissions and surgical care. This coverage is employee-paid and is available via pre-tax payroll deduction. Consult the policy brochure at scgov.net or visit allstateatwork.com/SarasotaCountyGov for additional details.

Visit: Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Critical Illness/Cancer Insurance

Critical Illness coverage helps provide financial support if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness. With the expense of treatment often high, seeking the treatment you need could seem like a financial burden. Claims may be made at the time of diagnosis, and payments may be spent to help cover deductibles, medicine, treatment costs or however the covered person sees fit. 

Allstate customer service: (800) 521-3535

Visit: Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Hospital Indemnity Plan 

Life is unpredictable. Without warning, an illness or injury can lead to hospital confinement, which often means costly out-of-pocket expenses. Group Hospital Indemnity coverage from Allstate Benefits can help employees and their families face these challenges by helping to protect their finances. The Hospital Indemnity Insurance pays a cash benefit directly to the insured for hospital confinements, including first day confinement, daily hospital confinement, and hospital intensive care. There are no restrictions as to how the cash payout is spent the choice is up to the covered individual. Consult the policy brochure at scgov.net or visit allstateatwork.com/SarasotaCountyGov for additional details.

Visit: Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Identity Theft Protection

This protection includes 24/7 identity monitoring for things such as new credit card applications and change of address requests; solicitation reduction services (which reduce the number of junk mail and telemarketing calls by up to 20%); and a $25,000 identity fraud reimbursement policy. Learn more about Allstate Identity Theft Protection 

Allstate Identity Theft Protection customer service: (800) 789-2720.

Preferred Legal for Legal Services

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice, and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers for formal representation, and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

• Divorce
• Child support, custody, and visitation
• Traffic tickets/suspended licenses/DUI
• Credit repair
• Loan modifications/foreclosures
• Bankruptcy
• Wills/Powers of Attorney/trusts

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email  info@preferredlegal.com.

Dependent Coverage

Who is eligible for medical plan coverage?

Sarasota County offers benefits to you and your eligible family members. Extended family members, such as grandchildren, are not eligible for coverage unless you are their legal guardian or have adopted them, or you are covering their eligible parent (your eligible dependent) and they are under 18 months of age.

Type of Dependent	Requirements
Your spouse	Must be your legal spouse. Ex-spouses are not eligible, even if court ordered.
Your children: Biological Adopted Stepchildren Children you are required to support under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order	• Up to age 26 (age 26-30 medical only). The eligible dependent must be an insured child by blood or law and must meet the following additional criteria: 1. Less than 30 years of age. 2. Single (unmarried). 3. Has no dependents of their own. 4. Is a resident of Florida, or if not a resident of Florida, is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. 5. Is not covered as a named subscriber, insured, enrollee or covered person under Employees who elect to cover dependents aged 26-30 will pay the full employer and employee share of a single tier premium for the coverage for each 26-30-year-old dependent.

 

Benefits Tip: Be sure to review your dependents’ eligibility and data to ensure birth dates and Social Security numbers are up to date. Please update dependent data in Workday. See Workday instructions at scgov.net (keyword benefits) for instructions.

Dealing with Life Events

When one of the following "life events" takes place, you may be able to make mid-year changes to some or all of your benefit elections within 30 days of the event. 

• Marriage or Divorce
• Death of your spouse
• Gain or loss of coverage, or change in benefits, for your spouse
• Birth, adoption, change in child-care costs
• Dependent is eligible for other coverage

Required Documentation

All employees who have enrolled new dependents on either of the county’s health plans must supply documentation supporting their dependents. For a dependent spouse, you will need a marriage certificate. For dependent children, you will need a birth certificate. Sarasota County performs random dependent eligibility audits. Employees are responsible for any claims incurred while a dependent is not eligible.

Retirement Planning

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Sarasota County offers medical, pharmacy, dental and vision benefits to those who qualify for retirement as defined by the Florida Retirement System (FRS).  To qualify, individuals must meet the FRS requirements below.

• Hired prior to 7/1/2011:  Age 62 w/6 years vesting or 30 years of service for regular members
                                            Age 55 w/6 years vesting or 25 years of service for special risk members

• Hired on/or after 7/1/2011:  Age 65 w/8 years vesting or 33 years of service for regular members
                                                  Age 55 w/8 years vesting or 25 years of service for special risk members

The above applies to both FRS Pension and Investment Plan members. 

Employees of Sarasota County contribute to the Florida Retirement System, which offers a choice of a traditional pension plan or an investment plan that permits vesting after one year of service. The FRS offers free help to assist with plan choices, the management of retirement account and general financial planning questions.

• Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost.
• Visit www.MyFRS.com. 

For help with fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms:

• Speak with the Benefits team by calling 941-861-5236 or emailing askbenefits@scgov.net.

Click here to watch the New Employee Retirement Plan Choice video. This retirement plan choice education workshop is for new employees who want to learn about the FRS Retirement Plans.

Click here to view FRS Legislative changes memo. 

Deferred Compensation with Nationwide

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide. Click the link to find out more and enroll online!

Employees may schedule an appointment with a Nationwide local retirement specialist to discuss deferred compensation questions, enroll in the plan or receive a personalized account review. Call 239-224-3494, email Jessica.Rosen@nationwide.com or use https://bit.ly/Sarasota457 to schedule a 1:1 appointment. 

Click here to access Nationwide Plans resources and forms.

Retiring Soon? Use the Retirement Checklist!

If you are planning on retiring soon (especially employees who are in the 6-month countdown period), make sure to check out the Retirement Checklist!

Click here to view the Pension Plan Retirement Checklist

Click here to view the Investment Plan Retirement Checklist

Employee Discounts

Several organizations provide discounts to Sarasota County employees. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of discounts and qualifications.

BenefitHub

BenefitHub, an exclusive Employee Discounts & Rewards marketplace for Sarasota County employees. This discount marketplace features discounts on auto insurance, pet insurance, sporting events, theme parks, travel, hotels, restaurants, and your favorite local establishments. Earn Cash Back Rewards from 2% - 20% on everyday purchases and big-ticket items. 

Go to https://sarasotacountyperks.benefithub.com/or download the BenefitHub mobile app for easy access. Watch this video to learn more about BenefitHub.

Visit the Employee Discount page of EmployeeNet for registration instruction.

Free Public Transit

Sarasota County employees ride free on Sarasota County Breeze Transit buses (excluding express routes), with a valid employee I.D.

Archived on September 16, 2024

Medical Plans 

Sarasota County Government offers three medical plans:

• Aetna Choice Point of Service II (POS II)
• Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
• Aetna Value In-Network (VIN)

All plans:

• Include the same network of doctors, hospitals, laboratory, and radiology facilities.
• Cover in-network preventive care, including mammograms, annual physical exams, and lab work at 100 %, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.
• Allow you to use any doctor or hospital you choose, any time you need care. Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs, including your deductible. Whereas out-of-network services are subject to reasonable and customary limits. If your doctor charges more than these limits, you are responsible for the extra charges, and they will not count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
• Give you access to the best treatment facilities across Sarasota County and the region.

How POS II, AHF and VIN options are different:

• POS II: you pay more in payroll deductions, have a smaller deductible and are generally responsible for initial medical expenses.
• AHF: you pay less in payroll deductions and receive a fund to pay initial medical expenses, but you have a larger deductible to satisfy when you receive care.
• VIN: you pay less in payroll deductions, have a larger deductible and most services apply to the deductible and coinsurance. This plan only covers services obtained at an In-Network provider.

2024 Aetna Medical Premium (per pay period)
	POS II	AHF	VIN
Employee	$60.33	$45.74	$39.90
Employee + Child(ren)	$282.48	$214.19	$138.47
Employee + Spouse	$331.80	$251.59	$161.33
Family	$404.19	$306.47	$194.88
Dependent Aged 26-30	$394.11	287.43	$265.98

 

The chart below is a general overview of the SCG medical plan options. For complete details, refer to the appropriate plan documents located in resources library below. Plan documents may supersede benefits found below. 

Benefits and Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network*	In-network	Out-of-network*	In-network ONLY
Health Fund	Not Applicable		SCG Contribution: $500 Individual $1,000 Family (Contributions are prorated if enrolled after January 1st)		Not Applicable
Annual Deductible	$750 Individual $1,500All Family Tiers	$1,500 Individual $3,000 All Family Tiers	$2,000 Individual $4,000All Family Tiers	$4,000Individual $8,000All Family Tiers	$3,000 Individual $6,000All Family Tiers
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$3,250 Individual $6,500 All Family Tiers	$6,500 Individual $13,000 All Family Tiers	$4,500 Individual $9,000All Family Tiers	$9,000 Individual $18,000All Family Tiers	$6,000 Individual $12,000All Family Tiers
			•Health Fund dollars decrease your out-of-pocket expenses •Prescriptions count toward deductible/Max Out-of-Pocket
*Members may also be responsible for any additional amounts not payable under the plan.

 

 

Preventive Care Covered at 100%
Routine Preventive Screenings	Plan pays 100% based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. (Preventive services do not reduce Health Fund.)
Adult Physical	One per year; note that you no longer have to wait 12 months between physicals.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy	Once every three years.
Dermatology exam	Once every 12 months.
Flu vaccine	Annually
Gynecological exam	Once every 12 months.
Mammogram, screening, or diagnostic	Once every 12 months, 35 years or older.
Dexascan	Bone density screening (recommended annually after age 65).
Pediatric physical	Once every 12 months, more frequently for 3 years or younger.
Pneumonia vaccine	Up to two doses as prescribed by your physician.
Shingles vaccine	Once, 50 years or older.
Tetanus	Tdap or TD

Teladoc to the rescue!

At work, on weekends, travelling away from home, or anytime you want to avoid sitting in a waiting room, Teladoc is a call or click away. Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, 24/7. Teladoc doctors can treat many medical conditions, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory infection
• Sinus problems
• Skin problems
• Allergies
• Pink eye

$0 copay for Teladoc on all 3 medical plans!

A doctor is a call or click away: 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) or download the Teladoc app. 

Medical Plan Comparison 

Learn more about how each plan works.

Physician Office Visits	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-Network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network ONLY
Primary Care Physician	$25 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	$40 co-pay
Specialist	$50 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible you pay 30%
Lab/Diagnostic Imaging	$35 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible you pay 30%
Teladoc	$0		$0		$0

 

 

Emergency Care	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network ONLY
Urgent Care	$75 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Emergency Room	$300 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%

 

Hospital Services	Aetna Choice POS II and Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network ONLY
Inpatient, Outpatient, and Inpatient Maternity	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After Deductible, you pay 30%

 

Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-Network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network ONLY
Inpatient	25% after deductible	40% after deductible	25% after deductible	40% after deductible	After deductible, you pay 30%
Outpatient	$25 co-pay				$40 copay

 

Family Planning Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network ONLY
Infertility treatment	Specialist co-pay	Member cost share based on type and place of service	After deductible, you pay 25%	Member cost share based on type and place of service	After deductible you pay 30%
Comprehensive Infertility Services	Specialist co-pay		After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible you pay 30%
Coverage includes maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000

 

Other Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)		Aetna Value In-Network (VIN)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network-only
Convalescent	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Home Health Care(120 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Hospice-Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Hospice-Outpatient	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Speech, Physical Occupation, Therapy	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Spinal Manipulation/Chiropractic(20 visits per year each)	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Acupuncture(up to 20 visits per)	After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 30%
Durable Medical Equipment	Deductible waived, you pay 25%	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Allergy Testing	$40 copay	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Allergy Injections	$5 copay	After deductible you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 25%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 30%
Ambulatory Services	After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 25%		After deductible, you pay 30%

Remember: If the doctor or medical facilities you visit are not in Aetna’s network, you can still receive out-of-network benefits; however, it will cost you more.

Visit Plan Summary for POS II, AHF, and VIN to learn more about  the plan.           

Click here to view Machine Readable Files (MRF) Transparency File.

Medical Premium Reduction Program

See your health in '3D' and get money added to your paycheck!

Sarasota County offers a program that encourages healthy preventive steps you may take to help maintain your health, while reducing your medical insurance premiums by:

• Single coverage – $24 per pay period
• Family coverage tiers – 30% reduction

All members and covered spouses must complete each requirement that pertains to them between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024 to qualify for the medical insurance premium reduction in plan year 2025. Click here to view a printable version of the medical premium reduction requirements.

NOTE: It is the member’s responsibility to report errors regarding Premium Reduction credits to the Benefits office. Retroactive payroll adjustments due to Premium Reduction qualification will only be made through the end of February of each year. No adjustments will be made beyond that time period.

For questions about these screenings, or to confirm eligibility, log in to Aetna Member Website or contact your Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 861-5273 (KARE) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  You may also send an email to AHBP@AETNA.com for assistance.

Complete the 3D's: doctor (Primary care physician [PCP] physical), dentist, and dermatologist!

Program requirements	Applies to	Frequency
Doctor (PCP): Annual preventive exam/physical	All members and spouses	Annually
Dental exam	All members and spouses	Annually
Dermatology exam	All members and spouses	Annually

Note: The county’s medical plans do not require members to wait 365 days between preventive physical exams.

New hires in 2024: Employees hired by Sept. 30, 2024, may qualify for the 2025 reduction if they can verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2024. New hires should provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.  If you are hired after September 30, 2024, you will not be eligible for a reduced premium until 2025.

Requirements for new spouses: Employees who are married prior to Sept. 30, 2024 and add their spouse to the medical plan may qualify for the premium reduction (for plan year 2025) if the spouse is able to verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2024. Spouses are required to provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.

Employees who are married after Sept. 30, 2024 and add their spouse to the medical plan may continue to earn the single coverage premium reduction of $24 per pay period for 2025. They will not be eligible for any additional discount for their spouse.

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services

Make your life easier! You no longer have to take time from your busy day to manage your health-related tasks.

Examples of some services:

• Help you find a high-quality physician, hospital, or other health service provider.
• Explain your benefits and anticipated out-of-pocket costs.
• Schedule medical appointments for you.
• Review your bills to confirm you are paying the correct amount.

The Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services can also help ensure that you don’t miss out on the county’s Premium Reduction Program. To learn more, call the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 941-861-5273(KARE) or email AHBP@AETNA.com.

Prescription Plan

The medical benefit plans have the same prescription benefits through the county’s third-party administrator, Aetna. You may obtain a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy or a 90-day supply from CVS Mail Order pharmacy, or any major pharmacy such as CVS, Publix, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.

Local retail network pharmacies may provide free antibiotics, diabetes and blood pressure medications and $4 generic prescriptions. Select Publix pharmacies offer some prescriptions for free, including certain antibiotics. Target, Sam's Club and Walmart offer 30-day supplies of some generic drugs for $4 and a 90-day supply for S10. Always use your Aetna card to ensure the claim is added to your prescription record.

Prescription Coverage for POS II, AHF and VIN Plans
Get your prescription filled at	POS II	AHF	VIN
Network Pharmacy (30-day supply)	Generic $9		Generic $15
	Brand Formulary: 20% coinsurance ($35 minimum and $70 maximum)		Brand Formulary: 30% coinsurance
	Brand Non-formulary: 40% coinsurance ($75 minimum and $150 maximum)		Brand-Non-Formulary: 30% coinsurance
Maintenance medications can be filled through CVS Mail Order or any participating pharmacy. (30–90-day supply)	Generic $22.50		Generic $37.50
	Brand Formulary: 20% coinsurance ($87.50 minimum and $175 maximum)		Brand Formulary 30% coinsurance
	Brand Non-formulary: 40% coinsurance ($187.50 minimum and $375 maximum)		Brand Non-formulary: 30% coinsurance

 

Filling Maintenance Medications: Members who use maintenance medications may use any of the following major pharmacies (CVS, Publix, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens) or CVS Mail Order to fill prescriptions for 90 days. A maintenance medication is one that is taken daily, and most likely, permanently. 

If you are on the Aetna Medical POS plan, click here to search drug cost.

If you are on the Aetna Medical AHF Plan, click here to search drug cost.

If you are on the Aetna VIN plan, click here to search drug cost.

Click here to locate your nearest in-network pharmacy. 

Dental Plan Options

Aetna PPO Plan

• Offers both in- and out-of-network coverage.
• Pays a fixed percentage of your eligible expenses with an annual maximum benefit of $1,750.
• If using a network provider, the percentage paid by the plan will be increased to 90% for Type II benefits (fillings, root canals, etc.) and 60% for Type III benefits (crowns, etc.).
• The percentage paid for out-of-network providers is limited to usual, customary, and reasonable charges (UCR). UCR charges are the amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar service (allowed amount).
• Plan members are responsible for any amounts above what is considered UCR.

Aetna DMO Plan

• Offers in-network coverage only.
• Covers 100% of preventive care and requires copays for all other services with no maximum annual benefit.
• A primary care dentist must be selected prior to receiving any services. The primary care dentist must refer the member to specialists when required by the plan.

2024Aetna Dental Premiums (per pay period)
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Employee	$0	$0
Employee + Child(ren)	$19.79	$5.69
Employee + Spouse	$19.79	$5.67
Family	$26.39	$9.56

 

Deductibles, Maximums and Co-pays
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Preventive	100% covered (if you have not met the $1,750 annual maximum benefit)	100% covered
Annual deductible	$50	$0
Basic services	90% or 80% after deductible	Copay system based on procedure
Major services	60% or 50% after deductible	Copay system based on procedure
Comprehensive orthodontia	$1,750 lifetime benefit	$2,250 - $2,350
Annual maximum	$1,750	No limit

 

Vision Plan

Offers a choice between coverage for an exam and glasses, or an exam and contact lens benefit. To receive the highest payable benefit, you must obtain services from a network provider. To view the network, visit aetnavision.com and select “Find a care provider" or call 1-877-973-3238.

2024Premiums (per pay)— Aetna Vision Preferred Plan
Employee	$2.69
Employee + Child(ren)	$5.18
Employee + Spouse	$5.28
Full Family	$9.16

 

2024 Aetna Vision Preferred Plan
Coverage	In-network Benefits	*Out-of-network Reimbursement	Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive eye exam with dilation	$10 co-pay	Reimbursed up to $33 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass lenses (standard plastic)	$15 co-pay includes: • Single • Bifocal • Trifocal • Lenticular Polycarbonate lenses covered in full for members age 19 and younger; $30 co-pay over the age of 19. Additional co-pays apply to standard progressive lenses and photochromic lenses.	Reimbursed (less applicable copay): • Single up to $28 • Bifocal up to $40 • Trifocal up to $53 • Lenticular up to $84 • Standard Progressive $53 No out-of-pocket reimbursement for adult polycarbonate or photochromic lenses; Children up to 19 years of age have a $15 reimbursement for polycarbonate.	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass frames	$15 co-pay (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses); paid in full on special frame selection; $180 allowance outside of the selection (less applicable co-pay).	$93 reimbursement	Once every 24 months
Contact lens exam	Member pays discounted fee up to $40.	No reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (conventional/disposable)	$175 Allowance; Additional 15% off balance over the allowance.	$100 Reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (medically necessary***)	$0 Copay	$210 allowance	Once every 12 months
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)	15% discount off retail or 5% discount off the promotional price.	No reimbursement
*Submit member out-of-network reimbursement form and copy of paid receipt to Aetna Vision Preferred.
** This benefit is paid only once during the group’s benefit period and must be fully utilized at the time of purchase.

 

View Plan Summary to learn more about the plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Sarasota County offers both Medical and Dependent Care flexible spending accounts (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by placing pre-tax contributions into accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses (for children up to age 13). 

You must incur all claims in the calendar year (Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024).

You must submit your claims for eligible expenses by March 31, 2025.

Medical Flexible Spending Account

Starting January 1, 2024, employees who elect a Medical Flexible Spending Account will need to submit a reimbursement request through Inspira Financial. Members that elect the medical FSA and are enrolled in medical/Rx, dental and/or vision will be automatically reimbursed for an out-of-pocket expense within approximately two weeks of the transaction. Whereas, members that elect the medical FSA account and are not enrolled in either medical/RX, dental or vision will need to submit a reimbursement request through Inspira Financial. You can submit your receipts for reimbursement through their smartphone app or their website, www.inspirafinancial.com. For more information, please call 888-678-8242.

Timely submission of claims is important to ensure you do not forfeit any dollars. Members with a medical FSA may submit for plan year 2024 claims up through March 31, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you risk forfeiting remaining dollars in your medical FSA. Reminder the IRS allows up to $640 to be rolled over from year to year; any amount more than $640 is in risk of forfeiture. January open enrollment elections will receive a 5% annual match from Sarasota County. 

Late in 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced adjustments to medical flexible spending accounts. The 2024 pre-tax contribution limit is now $3,200 per year.

Dependent Care Spending Account

Dependent Care covers qualified dependents enrolled in childcare services, summer camp, after- and before-school care for children under 13. Sarasota County will match any dependent care contributions by 25% each pay period. To participate, you must enroll during open enrollment or during a qualified change in status. Please note that you forfeit any money within dependent care flexible spending accounts that is not used during a calendar year.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts are capped at $5,000 annually. Since Sarasota County matches 25%, the maximum amount that an employee may contribute is $153.84 per pay period, which totals $3,999.84 per year. Members that elect the dependent FSA account will have to submit a reimbursement request through Inspira Financial (www.inspirafinancial.com) or through their app you may download using your smartphone. For more information, call 888-678-8242.

Here is how an FSA can save you money:

Example: Mike has a three-year old in preschool and his day care expenses are $5,000. Mike wears contact lenses and needs to have two dental crowns done. He estimates his out-of-pocket medical expenses at $2,000 for the year. Mike gives himself an instant "raise" by using the FSA. Here's how:

	Without FSA	With FSA
Annual Pay	$65,000	$65,000
FSA Employee Contribution	$0	$7,000
Taxable income (W-2 earnings)	$65,000	$58,000
Federal income tax (25% bracket)	$16,250	$14,500
Social Security and Medicare	$4,972	$4,437
Total Taxes	$21,222	$18,937
After tax expenses	$7,000	$0
Net spendable income	$36,778	$39,063
Increase in spendable income	$0	$2,285

 

Life Insurance

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through The Hartford.

• Employees can purchase additional life insurance in increments of one or two times their annual pay. 
• Coverage is also available for spouses in increments of $5,000 or $10,000.
• Dependent child life insurance is provided automatically when spouse coverage is selected ($200 of coverage to age six months, $2,000 of coverage for ages six months to 26). 

An increase to life insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event, may require an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

The Hartford customer service: 888-301-5615

	For You	For Your Covered Spouse	For Your Children
County-paid coverage	1X-3X your salary depending on your employment status
Additional amount you may purchase	1X or 2X your annual salary	$5,000 Policy $10,000 Policy	$200 under 6 months $2,000 6 months to 26
What it will cost you	See enrollment system for age-rated premium	$.78 for $5,000 Policy $1.39 for $10,000 Policy	$.78 to include dependent child coverage.

 

Disability Insurance

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70 percent of your weekly earnings following a seven-calendar-day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40% of annual pay following a 90-day waiting period.

• Optional long-term disability coverage may also be purchased to provide an additional 20% of coverage. 
• Disability coverage is offered through The Hartford

An increase to your long-term disability insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

The Hartford Customer Service: 888-301-5615

The Sarasota County Policy Number: 715167

Other Optional Insurance

NEW! Allstate Hospital Indemnity Plan 

Life is unpredictable. Without warning, an illness or injury can lead to hospital confinement, which often means costly out-of-pocket expenses. Group Hospital Indemnity coverage from Allstate Benefits can help employees and their families face these challenges by helping to protect their finances. The Hospital Indemnity Insurance pays a cash benefit directly to the insured for hospital confinements, including first day confinement, daily hospital confinement, and hospital intensive care. There are no restrictions as to how the cash payout is spent the choice is up to the covered individual. Consult the policy brochure at scgov.net or visit allstateatwork.com/SarasotaCountyGov for additional details.

Visit: Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Accident Insurance 

The Allstate Accident plan provides coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance. Benefits are paid directly to the insured and include various fixed dollar amounts in addition to any medical plan coverage for injuries such as dislocations and fractures, as well as reimbursements for follow-up care and health screenings. The plan also includes coverage for hospital admissions and surgical care. This coverage is employee-paid and is available via pre-tax payroll deduction. Consult the policy brochure at scgov.net or visit allstateatwork.com/SarasotaCountyGov for additional details.

Visit:Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Critical Illness/Cancer Insurance

Critical Illness coverage helps provide financial support if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness. With the expense of treatment often high, seeking the treatment you need could seem like a financial burden. Claims may be made at the time of diagnosis, and payments may be spent to help cover deductibles, medicine, treatment costs or however the covered person sees fit. 

Allstate customer service: (800)521-3535

Visit: Sarasota County - Allstate Benefits

Allstate Identity Theft Protection

All benefits and premiums remain the same for plan year 2024. This protection includes 24/7 identity monitoring for things such as new credit card applications and change of address requests; solicitation reduction services (which reduce the number of junk mail and telemarketing calls by up to 20%); and a $25,000 identity fraud reimbursement policy. Learn more about Allstate Identity Theft Protection 

Allstate Identity Theft Protection customer service: (800)789-2720.

Preferred Legal for Legal Services

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice, and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers for formal representation, and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

• Divorce
• Child support, custody, and visitation
• Traffic tickets/suspended licenses/DUI
• Credit repair
• Loan modifications/foreclosures
• Bankruptcy
• Wills/Powers of Attorney/trusts

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email  info@preferredlegal.com.

FEDlogic

FEDlogic helps individuals find insurance coverage outside of the County sponsored plans that may be more suitable to their personal situation.

FEDlogic offers unlimited phone consultations to provide individuals with unbiased, expert guidance to explore available benefits and healthcare options. This service is free to all active employees, and household members.

FEDlogic can help when:

•  An individual is approaching Medicare age (65).
• An individual is reaching retirement and wants to learn about Social Security and maximizing benefits.
• An individual or a household family member has been diagnosed with a major illness.
• An individual has a child with a disability or is born prematurely.
• An individual who needs help navigating survivor’s benefits.
• An individual or household members are navigating Medicaid, Marketplace, or COBRA options.
• An individual is currently on dialysis.

 For more information contact FEDlogic at 877-837-4196 or email services@FEDlogicgroup.com.

Visit: https://fedlogicgroup.com/

Dependent Coverage

Who is eligible for medical plan coverage?

Sarasota County offers benefits to you and your eligible family members. Extended family members, such as grandchildren, are not eligible for coverage unless you are their legal guardian or have adopted them, or you are covering their eligible parent (your eligible dependent) and they are under 18 months of age.

Type of Dependent	Requirements
Your spouse	Must be your legal spouse. Ex-spouses are not eligible, even if court ordered.
Your children: Biological Adopted Stepchildren Children you are required to support under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order	• Up to age 26 (age 26-30 medical only). The eligible dependent must be an insured child by blood or law and must meet the following additional criteria: 1. Less than 30 years of age. 2. Single (unmarried). 3. Has no dependents of their own. 4. Is a resident of Florida, or if not a resident of Florida, is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. 5. Is not covered as a named subscriber, insured, enrollee or covered person under Employees who elect to cover dependents aged 26-30 will pay the full employer and employee share of a single tier premium for the coverage for each 26-30-year-old dependent.

 

Benefits Tip: Be sure to review your dependents’ eligibility and data to ensure birth dates and Social Security numbers are up to date. Please update dependent data in Workday. See Workday instructions at scgov.net (keyword benefits) for instructions.

Dealing with Life Events

When one of the following "life events" takes place, you may be able to make mid-year changes to some or all of your benefit elections within 30 days of the event. 

• Marriage or Divorce
• Death of your spouse
• Gain or loss of coverage, or change in benefits, for your spouse
• Birth, adoption, change in child-care costs
• Dependent is eligible for other coverage

Required Documentation

All employees who have enrolled new dependents on either of the county’s health plans must supply documentation supporting their dependents. For a dependent spouse, you will need a marriage certificate. For dependent children, you will need a birth certificate. Sarasota County performs random dependent eligibility audits. Employees are responsible for any claims incurred while a dependent is not eligible.

Retirement Planning

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Sarasota County offers medical, pharmacy, dental and vision benefits to those who qualify for retirement as defined by the Florida Retirement System (FRS).  To qualify, individuals must meet the FRS requirements below.

• Hired prior to 7/1/2011:  Age 62 w/6 years vesting or 30 years of service for regular members
                                            Age 55 w/6 years vesting or 25 years of service for special risk members

• Hired on/or after 7/1/2011:  Age 65 w/8 years vesting or 33 years of service for regular members
                                                  Age 55 w/8 years vesting or 25 years of service for special risk members

The above applies to both FRS Pension and Investment Plan members. 

Employees of Sarasota County contribute to the Florida Retirement System, which offers a choice of a traditional pension plan or an investment plan that permits vesting after one year of service. The FRS offers free help to assist with plan choices, the management of retirement account and general financial planning questions.

• Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost.
• Visit www.MyFRS.com. 

For help with fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms:

• Call Benefits Specialist Kim Parsons at 941-416-8067 or email kparsons@scgov.net. 

Click here to watch the New Employee Retirement Plan Choice video. This retirement plan choice education workshop is for new employees who want to learn about the FRS Retirement Plans.

Click here to view FRS Legislative changes memo. 

Deferred Compensation with Nationwide

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide. Click the link to find out more and enroll online!

Employees may schedule an appointment with a Nationwide local retirement specialist to discuss deferred compensation questions, enroll in the plan or receive a personalized account review. Call 239-224-3494, email Jessica.Rosen@nationwide.com or use https://bit.ly/Sarasota457 to schedule a 1:1 appointment. 

Click here to access Nationwide Plans resources and forms.

Retiring Soon? Use the Retirement Checklist!

If you are planning on retiring soon (especially employees who are in the 6-month countdown period), make sure to check out the Retirement Checklist!

Click here to view the Pension Plan Retirement Checklist

Click here to view the Investment Plan Retirement Checklist

Employee Discounts

Several organizations provide discounts to Sarasota County employees. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of discounts and qualifications.

BenefitHub

BenefitHub, an exclusive Employee Discounts & Rewards marketplace for Sarasota County employees. This discount marketplace features discounts on auto insurance, pet insurance, sporting events, theme parks, travel, hotels, restaurants, and your favorite local establishments. Earn Cash Back Rewards from 2% - 20% on everyday purchases and big-ticket items. 

Go to https://sarasotacountyperks.benefithub.com/or download the BenefitHub mobile app for easy access. Watch this video to learn more about BenefitHub.

Visit the Employee Discount page of EmployeeNet for registration instruction.

Free Public Transit

Sarasota County employees ride free on Sarasota County Breeze Transit buses (excluding express routes), with a valid employee I.D.

Click here to view the 2023 Employee Benefits Guide.

Archived on September 9, 2022

Medical Plan Options

Sarasota County Government offers two medical plans:

• Aetna Choice Point of Service II (POS II)
• Aetna Health Fund (AHF)

Both plans:

• Include the same network of doctors, hospitals, laboratory, and radiology facilities.
• Cover in-network preventive care, including mammograms, annual physical exams, and lab work at 100 %, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.
• Allow you to use any doctor or hospital you choose, any time you need care. Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs, including your deductible. Whereas out-of-network services are subject to reasonable and customary limits. If your doctor charges more than these limits, you are responsible for the extra charges, and they will not count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
• Give you access to the best treatment facilities across Sarasota County and the region.

How POS II and AHF options are different:

• POS II: you pay more in payroll deductions, have a smaller deductible and are generally responsible for initial medical expenses.
• AHF: you pay less in payroll deductions and receive a fund to pay initial medical expenses, but you have a larger deductible to satisfy when you receive care.

2022 Aetna Medical Premium (per pay period)
	POS II	AHF
Employee	$49.09	$35.54
Employee + Child(ren)	$229.85	$166.42
Employee + Spouse	$269.98	$195.48
Family	$328.88	$238.13
Dependent Aged 26-30	$327.24	$236.96

 

The chart below is a general overview of the SCG medical plan options. For complete details, refer to the appropriate plan documents located in resources library below. Plan documents may supersede benefits found below. 

Benefits and Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network*	In Network	Out of Network*
Health Fund	Not Applicable		SCG Contribution: $500 Individual $1,000 Family (Contributions are prorated if enrolled after January 1st)
Annual Deductible	$600 Individual $1,200 All Family Tiers	$1,200 Individual $2,400 All Family Tiers	$1,750 Individual $3,500 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$2,500 Individual $5,000 All Family Tiers	$5,000 Individual $10,000 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers	$7,000 Individual $14,000 All Family Tiers
			•Health Fund dollars decrease your out-of-pocket expenses •Prescriptions count toward deductible/Max Out-of-Pocket
*Members may also be responsible for any additional amounts not payable under the plan.

 

Preventive Care Covered at 100%
Routine Preventive Screenings	Plan pays 100% based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. (Preventive services do not reduce Health Fund.)
Adult Physical	One per year; note that you no longer have to wait 12 months between physicals.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy	Once every three years.
Dermatology exam	Once every 12 months.
Flu vaccine	Annually
Gynecological exam	Once every 12 months.
Mammogram, screening or diagnostic	Once every 12 months, 35 years or older.
Dexascan	Bone density screening (recommended annually after age 65).
Pediatric physical	Once every 12 months, more frequently for 3 years or younger.
Pneumonia vaccine	Up to two doses as prescribed by your physician.
Shingles vaccine	Once, 50 years or older.
Tetanus	Tdap or TD

 

Aetna Teladoc to the rescue

At work, on weekends, travelling away from home, or anytime you want to avoid sitting in a waiting room, Teladoc is a call or click away. Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, 24/7. Teladoc doctors can treat many medical conditions, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory infection
• Sinus problems
• Skin problems
• Allergies
• Pink eye

The cost for a  general medical Teladoc consult is $25 for POS II members and 20% after deductible for Aetna Health Fund (AHF) members.

A doctor is a call or click away: 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) or download the Teladoc app. 

 

To find information from previous plan periods, please consult the archives.

Medical Plan Comparison

Learn more about how each plan works.

Physician Office Visits	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Primary Care Physician	$25 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Lab/Diagnostic Imaging	$35 co-pay
Enhanced Clinical Review	20% after deductible

 

Emergency Care	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Urgent Care	$75 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Emergency Room	$300 co-pay	$300 co-pay		20% after deductible

 

Hospital Services	Aetna Choice POS II and Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient, Outpatient and Inpatient Maternity	20% after deductible	40% after deductible

 

 

Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient	20% after deductible	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Outpatient	$35 co-pay

 

Family Planning Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Infertility treatment	Specialist co-pay	Member cost share based on type and place of service	20% after deductible	Member cost share based on type and place of service
Comprehensive infertility		Not covered		Not covered
Coverage includes maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000.

 

Other Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network	In Network	Out of Network
Convalescent Facility	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Home Health Care (120 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Outpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Speech, Physical, Occupational Therapy	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Spinal Manipulation/ Chiropractic (20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Acupuncture (up to 20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%		After deductible, you pay 20%
Durable Medical Equipment	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Testing	Subject to office visit co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Injections	$5 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Ambulatory Services	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%
Hearing Aid Benefit	$1,500 benefit one time every five years. This benefit is unique to Sarasota County members.

Remember: If the doctor or medical facilities you visit are not in Aetna’s network, you can still receive out-of-network benefits; however, it will cost you more.

View Plan Summary for POS II and AHF to learn more about the plan. 

Click here to view Machine Readable Files (MRF) Transparency File.

Medical Premium Reduction & Insurance Reward Credits Programs

Medical Premium Reduction Program 

Sarasota County offers a program that encourages healthy preventive steps you may take to help maintain your health, while reducing your medical insurance premiums by:

• Single coverage – $15 per pay period
• Family coverage tiers – 20% reduction

All members and covered spouses must complete each requirement that pertains to them between Oct. 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022 to qualify for the medical insurance premium reduction in plan year 2023. Click here to view a printable version of the medical premium reduction requirements.

For questions about these screenings, or to confirm eligibility, log in to Aetna Member Website or contact your Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 861-5273 (KARE) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  You may also send an email to AHBP@AETNA.com for assistance.

Required screenings	Applies to	Frequency	How to verify compliance
Annual preventive exam/physical	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna
Biometric lab screening (preventive lab/bloodwork panel).	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by laboratory to Aetna
Colonoscopy *Using Cologuard, in lieu of a colonoscopy, will NOT count towards your qualifying requirement for your premium reduction.	All members and spouses (male and female) age 50 and over (as of Oct. 1, 2021)	Every 10 years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Mammogram	All female members and spouses between the ages of 50‐74 (as of Oct. 1, 2021)	Every two years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Gynecological Exam	All female members and spouses between the ages of 21‐65 (as of Oct. 1, 2021)	Every three years	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna

Note: The county’s medical plans do not require members to wait 365 days between preventive physical exams.

New hires: Employees hired by Sept. 30, 2022, may qualify for the 2023 reduction if they can verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2022. New hires should provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.  If you are hired after September 30, 2022, you will not be eligible for a reduced premium until 2024.

Requirements for new spouses: Employees who are married prior to Sept. 30, 2022 and add their spouse to the medical plan may qualify for the premium reduction (for plan year 2023) if the spouse is able to verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2022. Spouses are required to provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.

Employees who are married after Sept. 30, 2022 and add their spouse to the medical plan may continue to earn the single coverage premium reduction of $15 per pay period for 2023. They will not be eligible for any additional discount for their spouse until 2024.

Medical Insurance Rewards Credits

These are credits you and/or your covered spouse may use toward your deductible, co-insurance, or health fund.  You and your covered spouse may earn up to $150 (annually) in credits by completing any of the following:

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional ($50 annually)

Contact the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional annually at 941-861-5273 (KARE) or AHBP@AETNA.com to perform at least one of the following:

• Clarify health coverage or available resources.
• Estimate the cost of care for a procedure.
• Review billing issues/questions (medical, dental, pharmacy)
• Two contacts from the same household qualify both employee and spouse for the $50 credit.

Dermatology Exam ($50 annually)

Click on Evaluation and Management codes to view a list of preventive dermatology codes that you can give to your provider.  

Dental Exam (excludes cleaning) ($50 annually)

Each year, one can earn reward credits for a dental exam by the dentist that accompanies their semiannual cleaning. Codes D120, D140 or D150 should be used by your provider to ensure credit is awarded to you. Please note, if you have the DMO plan it requires you to submit a Dental Exam Reward Credit.

Eye Exam ($50 annually)

Get a vision exam to earn reward credits. If you are using the Superior Vision plan, the credit will automatically be credited to your Aetna incentive balance approximately 60days after your exam. If you obtain an eye exam outside of the Superior Vision insurance, you are required to submit a Vision Exam Reward Credit.

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services

Make your life easier! You no longer have to take time from your busy day to manage your health-related tasks.

Examples of some services:

• Help you find a high-quality physician, hospital, or other health service provider.
• Explain your benefits and anticipated out-of-pocket costs.
• Schedule medical appointments for you.
• Review your bills to confirm you are paying the correct amount.
• Track health insurance reward credits offered through the county’s Wellness Program.

The Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services can also help ensure that you don’t miss out on the county’s Premium Reduction Program. To learn more, call the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 941-861-5273(KARE) or email AHBP@AETNA.com.

 

Prescription Plan

Both medical benefit plans have the same prescription benefits through the county’s third-party administrator, Aetna. You may obtain a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy or a 90-day supply from CVS Mail Order pharmacy, or any major pharmacy such as CVS, Publix, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and Walgreens.

Local retail network pharmacies may provide free antibiotics, diabetes and blood pressure medications and $4 generic prescriptions. Select Publix pharmacies offer some prescriptions for free, including certain antibiotics. Target, Sam's Club and Walmart offer 30-day supplies of some generic drugs for $4 and a 90-day supply for S10. Always use your Aetna card to ensure the claim is added to your prescription record.

Fill Location	Aetna Member Financial Responsibility
Network pharmacy 30-day supply	Generic $9 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($35 minimum and $70 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($50 minimum and $100 maximum)
Maintenance medications can be filled through CVS Mail Order or any of the pharmacies listed below. (31-90 day supply)	Generic $22.50 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($87.50 minimum and $175 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($125 minimum and $250 maximum)

 

Filling Maintenance Medications: Members who use maintenance medications may use any of the following major pharmacies (CVS, Publix, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens) or CVS Mail Order to fill prescriptions for 90 days. A maintenance medication is one that is taken daily, and most likely, permanently. 

If you are on the Aetna Medical POS plan, click here to search drug cost.

If you are on the Aetna Medical AHF Plan, click here to search drug cost.

Click here to locate your nearest in-network pharmacy. 

Dental Plan Options

Aetna PPO Plan

• Offers both in- and out-of-network coverage.
• Pays a fixed percentage of your eligible expenses with an annual maximum benefit of $1,750.
• If using a network provider, the percentage paid by the plan will be increased to 90% for Type II benefits (fillings, root canals, etc.) and 60% for Type III benefits (crowns, etc.).
• The percentage paid for out-of-network providers is limited to usual, customary, and reasonable charges (UCR). UCR charges are the amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar service (allowed amount).
• Plan members are responsible for any amounts above what is considered UCR.

Aetna DMO Plan

• Offers in-network coverage only.
• Covers 100% of preventive care and requires copays for all other services with no maximum annual benefit.
• A primary care dentist must be selected prior to receiving any services. The primary care dentist must refer the member to specialists when required by the plan.

2022Aetna Dental Premiums (per pay period)
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Employee	$0	$0
Employee + Child(ren)	$19.79	$5.69
Employee + Spouse	$19.79	$5.67
Family	$26.39	$9.56

 

Deductibles, Maximums and Co-pays
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Preventive	100% covered (if you have not met the $1,750 annual maximum benefit)	100% covered
Annual deductible	$50	$0
Basic services	90% or 80% after deductible	Copay systembased on procedure
Major services	60% or 50% after deductible	Copay system based onprocedure
Comprehensive orthodontia	$1,750 lifetime benefit	$2,250 - $2,350
Annual maximum	$1,750	No limit

Vision Plan

Offers a choice between coverage for an exam and glasses, or an exam and contact lens benefit. To receive the highest payable benefit, you must obtain services from a network provider. To view the network, visit superiorvision.com and select “Find an eye care provider" or call 1-844-549-2603.

2022Premiums (per pay)—Superior Vision Plan
Employee	$2.97
Employee + Child(ren)	$5.73
Employee + Spouse	$5.84
Full Family	$10.12

 

2022 Superior VisionPlan Costs
Coverage	In-network Benefits	*Out-of-network Reimbursement	Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive eye exam with dilation	$10 co-pay	Reimbursed up to $33 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass lenses (standard plastic)	$15 co-pay includes: • Single • Bifocal • Trifocal • Lenticular Polycarbonate covered in full for members under age 19; up to $40 co-pay over the age of 19. Additional co-pays apply to standard progressive lenses and photochromic lenses.	Reimbursed (less applicable co-pay): • Single up to $28 • Bifocal up to $40 • Trifocal up to $53 • Lenticular up to $100 No out-of-network reimbursement available for polycarbonate, standard progressive or photochromic lenses.	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass frames	$15 co-pay (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses); paid in full on special frame selection; $200 allowance outside of the selection (less applicable co-pay)	Reimbursed up to $93 (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses)	Once every 24 months
Contact lens exam	$30 co-pay	No reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (conventional/disposable)	$175 allowance (co-pay does not apply)	Reimbursed up to $100 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (medically necessary***)	Covered in full	$210 allowance (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)	Discount pricing	No reimbursement
* Submit member out-of-network reimbursement form and copy of paid receipt to Superior Vision.
** This benefit is paid only once during the group’s benefit period and must be fully utilized at the time of purchase.

 

View Plan Summary to learn more about the plan.

Sarasota County's Group # is 03880501

 

Flexible Spending Accounts

Sarasota County offers both medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by placing pre-tax contributions into accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses (for children up to age 13).

Medical flexible spending account

Starting January 1, 2022, employees who elect a medical Flexible Spending Account will be issued a debit card to use their FSA monies towards qualified healthcare expenses such as copays, prescriptions, and other healthcare services. Members that elect the medical FSA and are enrolled in any medical and/or dental will automatically be reimbursed, whereas members that elect the FSA account and are not enrolled in either medical/dental will now be able to pay for these expenses with their medical FSA debit card. Members can still submit a reimbursement request through PayFlex. You may download their app using your smartphone or go www.payflex.com for more information or by calling 888-678-8242.

Timely submission of claims is important to ensure you do not forfeit any dollars. Members with a medical FSA may submit for plan year 2021 claims up through March 31, 2022. If you miss this deadline, you risk forfeiting remaining dollars in your medical FSA. Reminder the IRS allows up to $500 to be rolled over from year to year; any amount in excess of $500 is in risk of forfeiture. January open enrollment elections will receive a 5% annual match from Sarasota County. 

On November 10, 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced adjustments to medical flexible spending accounts for 2022. The 2022 pre-tax contribution limit was increased by $100 and is now $2,850 per year.

Dependent care spending account

Dependent care covers qualified dependents enrolled in childcare services, summer camp, after- and before-school care for children under 13. Sarasota County will match any dependent care contributions by 25% each pay period. To participate, you must enroll during open enrollment or during a qualified change in status. Please note that you forfeit any money within dependent care flexible spending accounts that is not used during a calendar year.

Dependent care flexible spending accounts are capped at $5,000. Since Sarasota County matches 25%, the maximum amount that an employee may contribute is $153.84 per pay period, which totals $3,999.84 per year. Members that elect the dependent FSA account will have to submit a reimbursement request through PayFlex (www.paflex.com) or through their app you may download using your smartphone. For more information, call 888-678-8242.

Here is how an FSA can save you money:

Example: Mike has a three-year old in preschool and his day care expenses are $5,000. Mike wears contact lenses and needs to have two dental crowns done. He estimates his out-of-pocket medical expenses at $2,000 for the year. Mike gives himself an instant "raise" by using the FSA. Here's how:

	Without FSA	With FSA
Annual Pay	$65,000	$65,000
FSA Employee Contribution	$0	$7,000
Taxable income (W-2 earnings)	$65,000	$58,000
Federal income tax (25% bracket)	$16,250	$14,500
Social Security and Medicare	$4,972	$4,437
Total Taxes	$21,222	$18,937
After tax expenses	$7,000	$0
Net spendable income	$36,778	$39,063
Increase in spendable income	$0	$2,285

Insurance - Life and Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. 

• Employees can purchase additional life insurance in increments of one or two times their annual pay. 
• Coverage is also available for spouses in increments of $5,000 or $10,000.
• Dependent child life insurance is provided automatically when spouse coverage is selected ($200 of coverage to age six months, $2,000 of coverage for ages six months to 26). 

An increase to life insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event, requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability) at https://www.sunlife-usa.net/eoi/ or click here to retrieve an EOI form.

Sun Life Term Life customer service: (800)247-6875

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

	For You	For Your Covered Spouse	For Your Children
County-paid coverage	1X-3X your salary depending on your employment status
Additional amount you may purchase	1X or 2X your annual salary	$5,000 Policy $10,000 Policy	$200 under 6 months $2,000 6 months to 26
What it will cost you	See enrollment system for age-rated premium	$.50 for $5,000 Policy $.90 for $10,000 Policy	$.50 to include dependent child coverage.

Disability

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70% of an eligible employee’s weekly pay, up to $3,000 biweekly, following a seven-calendar-day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40% of annual pay following a 90-day waiting period.

• Optional long-term disability coverage may also be purchased to provide an additional 20% of coverage. 
• Disability coverage is offered through Sun Life of Canada. 

An increase to your long-term disability insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability) at https://www.sunlife-usa.net/eoi/ or click here to retrieve an EOI form.

Customer Service: 

Sun Life Short Term Disability: (877)786-3652

Sun Life FMLA: (877)786-3652

Sun Life Long Term Disability: (800)247-6875

To initiate a request for STD and/or FMLA go to Sunlife-ams.com

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

 

Other Optional Insurance

Allstate Accident and Cancer Insurance

Allstate offers voluntary accident coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance.

• Benefits are paid directly to the insured and include various fixed dollar amounts for injuries such as dislocations and fractures, as well as reimbursements for follow-up care and health screenings.
• The plan includes coverage for hospital admissions and surgical care.
• Allstate also offers voluntary cancer insurance that covers cancer and 29 other specified diseases. 
• Employees may elect to cover their dependents (children up to age 26) as well.

Learn more about accident and cancer insurance. Click here to retrieve an application.

Allstate customer service: (800)521-3535

 Allstate Identity Theft Protection

All benefits and premiums remain the same for plan year 2022. This protection includes 24/7 identity monitoring for things such as new credit card applications and change of address requests; solicitation reduction services (which reduce the number of junk mail and telemarketing calls by up to 20%); and a $25,000 identity fraud reimbursement policy.

Learn more about Allstate Identity Theft Protection 

Allstate Identity Theft Protection customer service: (800)789-2720

Legal Services

 

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice, and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers for formal representation, and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

• Divorce
• Child support, custody, and visitation
• Traffic tickets/suspended licenses/DUI
• Credit repair
• Loan modifications/foreclosures
• Bankruptcy
• Wills/Powers of Attorney/trusts

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email  info@preferredlegal.com.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care coverage is a financial planning tool to preserve personal wealth and provide some control of treatment options related to extended illnesses. in addition to covering stays in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, it also provides extended home health care.

Unum Long-Term Care Insurance customer service: (800)227-4165

 Click here to retrieve an application.

 

Dependent Coverage

Who is eligible for medical plan coverage?

Sarasota County offers benefits to you and your eligible family members. Extended family members, such as grandchildren, are not eligible for coverage unless you are their legal guardian or have adopted them, or you are covering their eligible parent (your eligible dependent) and they are under 18 months of age.

Type of Dependent	Requirements
Your spouse	Must be your legal spouse. Ex-spouses are not eligible, even if court ordered.
Your children: Biological Adopted Stepchildren Children you are required to support under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order	Up to age 26 *Age 26-30medical only; the eligible dependent must be the insured child by blood or law and must meet the following additional criteria: 1) Less than 30 years of age 2) Unmarried 3) Has no dependents 4) Is a resident of Florida, or if not a resident of Florida, is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student 5) Is not covered as a named subscriber, insured, enrollee, or covered person under any other group, student, or franchise health plan or individual health benefits plan, or is entitled to benefits under Medicare. Employees who elect to cover dependents aged 26-30 will pay the full employer and employee share of a single tier premium for the coverage for each 26-30 year-old dependent.

Benefits Tip: Be sure to review your dependents’ eligibility and data to ensure birth dates and Social Security numbers are up to date. Please update dependent data in Workday. See Workday instructions at scgov.net (keyword benefits) for instructions.

Dealing with Life Events

When one of the following "life events" takes place, you may be able to make mid-year changes to some or all of your benefit elections within 30 days of the event. 

• Marriage or Divorce
• Death of your spouse
• Gain or loss of coverage, or change in benefits, for your spouse
• Birth, adoption, change in child-care costs
• Dependent is eligible for other coverage

Required Documentation

All employees who have enrolled new dependents on either of the county’s health plans must supply documentation supporting their dependents. For a dependent spouse, you will need a marriage certificate. For dependent children, you will need a birth certificate. Sarasota County performs random dependent eligibility audits. Employees are responsible for any claims incurred while a dependent is not eligible.

Retirement Planning

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Employees of Sarasota County contribute to the Florida Retirement System, which offers a choice of a traditional pension plan or an investment plan that permits vesting after one year of service. The FRS offers free help to assist with plan choices, the management of retirement account and general financial planning questions.

• Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost.
• Visit www.MyFRS.com. 

For help with fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms:

• Call Benefits Specialist Kim Parsons at 941-416-8067 or email kparsons@scgov.net.

Deferred compensation

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide.

Employees may schedule an appointment with a Nationwide local retirement specialist to discuss deferred compensation questions, enroll in the plan or receive a personalized account review. Call 239-224-3494, email Jessica.Rosen@nationwide.com or use https://bit.ly/Sarasota457 to schedule a 1:1 appointment. 

Employee Discounts

Archived on September 17, 2021 

Medical Plan Options

Sarasota County Government offers two medical plans:

• Aetna Choice Point of Service II (POS II)
• Aetna Health Fund (AHF)

Both plans:

• Include the same network of doctors, hospitals, laboratory and radiology facilities.
• Cover in-network preventive care, including mammograms, annual physical exams and lab work at 100 %, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.
• Allow you to use any doctor or hospital you choose, any time you need care. Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs, including your deductible. Whereas, out-of-network services are subject to reasonable and customary limits. If your doctor charges more than these limits, you are responsible for the extra charges, and they will not count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
• Give you access to the best treatment facilities across Sarasota County and the region.

How POS II and AHF options are different:

• POS II: you pay more in payroll deductions, have a smaller deductible and are generally responsible for initial medical expenses.
• AHF: you pay less in payroll deductions and receive a fund to pay initial medical expenses, but you have a larger deductible to satisfy when you receive care.

2021 Aetna Medical Premium (per pay period)
	POS II	AHF
Employee	$49.09	$35.54
Employee and Child (Children)	$229.85	$166.42
Employee and Spouse	$269.98	$195.48
Family	$328.88	$238.13
Dependent Aged 26-30	$327.24	$236.96

 

The chart below is a general overview of the SCG medical plan options. For complete details, refer to the appropriate plan documents located in resources library below. Plan documents may supersede benefits found below. 

Benefits and Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network*	In Network	Out of Network*
Health Fund			SCG Contribution: $500 Individual $1,000 Family (Contributions are prorated if enrolled after January 1st)
Annual Deductible	$600 Individual $1,200 All Family Tiers	$1,200 Individual $2,400 All Family Tiers	$1,750 Individual $3,500 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$2,500 Individual $5,000 All Family Tiers	$5,000 Individual $10,000 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers	$7,000 Individual $14,000 All Family Tiers
			•Health Fund dollars decrease your out-of-pocket expenses •Prescriptions count toward deductible/Max Out-of-Pocket
*Members may also be responsible for any additional amounts not payable under the plan.

 

Preventive Care Covered at 100%
Routine Preventive Screenings	Plan pays 100% based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. (Preventive services do not reduce Health Fund.)
Adult Physical	One per year; note that you no longer have to wait 12 months between physicals.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy	Once every three years.
Dermatology exam	Once every 12 months.
Flu vaccine	Annually
Gynecological exam	Once every 12 months.
Mammogram, screening or diagnostic	Once every 12 months, 35 years or older.
Dexascan	Bone density screening (recommended annually after age 65).
Pediatric physical	Once every 12 months, more frequently for 3 years or younger.
Pneumonia vaccine	Up to two doses as prescribed by your physician.
Shingles vaccine	Once, 50 years or older.
Tetanus	Tdap or TD

 

Aetna Teladoc to the rescue

At work, on weekends, travelling away from home, or anytime you want to avoid sitting in a waiting room, Teladoc is a call or click away. Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, 24/7. Teladoc doctors can treat many medical conditions, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory infection
• Sinus problems
• Skin problems
• Allergies
• Pink eye

The cost for a Teladoc consult is $25 for POS II members and up to $45 maximum for Aetna Health Fund (AHF) members.

A doctor is a click or a call away: 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) or download the Teladoc app. 

 

To find information from previous plan periods, please consult the archives.

Medical Plan Comparison

Learn more about how each plan works.

Physician Office Visits	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Aexcel Specialist	$35 co-pay	Not available	10% after deductible	Not available
Primary Care Physician	$25 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Non-Aexcel Specialist	$50 co-pay
Lab/Diagnostic Imaging	$35 co-pay
Enhanced Clinical Review	20% after deductible

 

Emergency Care	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Urgent Care	$75 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Emergency Room	$300 co-pay

 

Hospital Services	Aetna Choice POS II and Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient, Outpatient and Inpatient Maternity	20% after deductible	40% after deductible

 

 

Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient	20% after deductible	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Outpatient	$35 co-pay

 

Family Planning Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Infertility treatment	Specialist co-pay	Member cost share based on type and place of service	20% after deductible	Member cost share based on type and place of service
Comprehensive infertility		Not covered		Not covered
Coverage includes maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000.

 

Other Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network	In Network	Out of Network
Convalescent Facility	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Home Health Care (120 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Outpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Speech, Physical, Occupational Therapy	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Spinal Manipulation/ Chiropractic (20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Acupuncture (up to 20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%		After deductible, you pay 20%
Durable Medical Equipment	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Testing	$40 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Injections	$5 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Ambulatory Services	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%
Hearing Aid Benefit	$1,500 benefit one time every five years. This benefit is unique to Sarasota County members.

Remember: If the doctor or medical facilities you visit are not in Aetna’s network, you can still receive out-of-network benefits; however, it will cost you more.

View Plan Summary for POS II and AHF to learn more about the plan.

Medical Premium Reduction & Insurance Reward Credits Programs

Medical Premium Reduction Program 

Sarasota County offers a program that encourages healthy preventive steps you may take to help maintain your health, while reducing your medical insurance premiums by:

• Single coverage – $15 per pay period
• Family coverage tiers – 20% reduction

All members and covered spouses must complete each requirement that pertains to them between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021 to qualify for the medical insurance premium reduction in plan year 2022. Click here to view a printable version of the medical premium reduction requirements.

For questions about these screenings, or to confirm eligibility, log in to Aetna Member Website or contact your Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 861-5273 (KARE) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  You may also send an email to AHBP@AETNA.com for assistance.

Required screenings	Applies to	Frequency	How to verify compliance
Annual preventive exam/physical	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna
Biometric lab screening (preventive lab/bloodwork panel).	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by laboratory to Aetna
Colonoscopy *Using Cologuard, in lieu of a colonoscopy, will NOT count towards your qualifying requirement for your premium reduction.	All members and spouses (male and female) age 50 and over (as of Oct. 1, 2020)	Every 10 years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Mammogram	All female members and spouses between the ages of 50‐74 (as of Oct. 1, 2020)	Every two years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Gynecological Exam	All female members and spouses between the ages of 21‐65 (as of Oct. 1, 2020)	Every three years	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna

Note: The county’s medical plans do not require members to wait 365 days between preventive physical exams.

New hires: Employees hired by Sept. 30, 2021, may qualify for the 2022 reduction if they can verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2021. New hires should provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.  If you are hired after September 30, 2021, you will not be eligible for a reduced premium until 2023.

Requirements for new spouses: Employees who are married prior to Sept. 30, 2021 and add their spouse to the medical plan may qualify for the premium reduction (for plan year 2022) if the spouse is able to verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2021. Spouses are required to provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Health and Benefits Professional.

Employees who are married after Sept. 30, 2021 and add their spouse to the medical plan may continue to earn the single coverage premium reduction of $15 per pay period for 2022. They will not be eligible for any additional discount for their spouse until 2023.

Medical Insurance Rewards Credits

These are credits you and/or your covered spouse may use toward your deductible, co-insurance or health fund.  You and your covered spouse may earn up to $150 (annually) in credits by completing any of the following:

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional ($50 annually)

Contact the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional annually at 941-861-5273 (KARE) or AHBP@AETNA.com to perform at least one of the following:

• Clarify health coverage or available resources.
• Estimate the cost of care for a procedure.
• Review billing issues/questions (medical, dental, pharmacy)
• Two contacts from the same household qualify both employee and spouse for the $50 credit.

Dermatology Exam ($50 annually)

Click on Evaluation and Management codes to view a list of preventive dermatology codes that you can give to your provider.  

Dental Exam (excludes cleaning) ($50 annually)

Each year, one can earn reward credits for a dental exam by the dentist that accompanies their semiannual cleaning. Codes D120, D140 or D150 should be used by your provider to ensure credit is awarded to you. Please note, if you have the DMO plan it requires you to submit a Dental Exam Reward Credit.

Eye Exam ($50 annually)

Get a vision exam to earn reward credits. If you are using the Superior Vision plan, the credit will automatically be credited to your Aetna incentive balance approximately 60days after your exam. If you obtain an eye exam outside of the Superior Vision insurance, you are required to submit a Vision Exam Reward Credit.

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services

Make your life easier! You no longer have to take time from your busy day to manage your health-related tasks.

Examples of some services:

• Help you find a high-quality physician, hospital, or other health service provider.
• Explain your benefits and anticipated out-of-pocket costs.
• Schedule medical appointments for you.
• Review your bills to confirm you are paying the correct amount.
• Track health insurance reward credits offered through the county’s Wellness Program.

Health and Benefits Professional Services can also help ensure that you don’t miss out on the county’s Premium Reduction Program. To learn more, call Sarasota County’s Health and Benefits Professional at 941-861-5273 or email AHBP@AETNA.com.

 

Prescription Plan

Both medical benefit plans have the same prescription benefits through the county’s third-party administrator, BeneCard PBF. If you are enrolled in a county medical plan, you will receive a separate prescription drug card from BeneCard PBF. You may obtain a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy, a 90-day supply from a BeneCard PBF central fill mail order pharmacy, or any Publix pharmacy.

Local retail network pharmacies may provide free antibiotics, diabetes and blood pressure medications and $4 generic prescriptions. Select Publix pharmacies offer some prescriptions for free, including certain antibiotics. Target, Sam's Club and Walmart offer 30-day supplies of some generic drugs for $4 and a 90-day supply for S10. Always use your BeneCard card to ensure the claim is added to your prescription record.

Fill Location	BeneCard Member Financial Responsibility
Network pharmacy 30-day supply	Generic $9 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($35 minimum and $70 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($50 minimum and $100 maximum)
BeneCard PBF central fill (mail-order)	Generic $22.50 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($87.50 minimum and $175 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($125 minimum and $250 maximum)

 

Mandatory maintenance medications: These are commonly used to treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. Maintenance medications must be filled at a Publix pharmacy or BeneCard’s central fill pharmacy for 90-days per fill. 

Learn more about the county’s mandatory maintenance program.

Dental Plan Options

Aetna PPO Plan

• Offers both in- and out-of-network coverage.
• Pays a fixed percentage of your eligible expenses with an annual maximum benefit of $1,750.
• If using a network provider, the percentage paid by the plan will be increased to 90% for Type II benefits (fillings, root canals, etc.) and 60% for Type III benefits (crowns, etc.).
• The percentage paid for out-of-network providers is limited to usual, customary and reasonable charges (UCR). UCR charges are the amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar service (allowed amount).
• Plan members are responsible for any amounts above what is considered UCR.

Aetna DMO Plan

• Offers in-network coverage only.
• Covers 100% of preventive care and requires copays for all other services with no maximum annual benefit.
• A primary care dentist must be selected prior to receiving any services. The primary care dentist must refer the member to specialists when required by the plan.

2021Aetna Dental Premiums (per pay period)
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Employee	$0	$0
Employee and Child (Children)	$19.79	$5.69
Employee and Spouse	$19.79	$5.67
Family	$26.39	$9.56

 

Deductibles, Maximums and Co-pays
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Preventive	100% covered (if you have not met the $1,750 annual maximum benefit)	100% covered
Annual deductible	$50	$0
Basic services	90% or 80% after deductible	Copay systembased on procedure
Major services	60% or 50% after deductible	Copay system based onprocedure
Comprehensive orthodontia	$1,750 lifetime benefit	$2,250 - $2,350
Annual maximum	$1,750	No limit

Vision Plan

Offers a choice between coverage for an exam and glasses, or an exam and contact lens benefit. To receive the highest payable benefit, you must obtain services from a network provider. To view the network, visit superiorvision.com and select “Find an eye care provider" or call 1-844-549-2603.

2021Premiums (per pay)—Superior Vision Plan
Employee	$2.97
Employee and Child (Children)	$5.73
Employee and Spouse	$5.84
Full Family	$10.12

 

2021Superior VisionPlan Costs
Coverage	In-network Benefits	*Out-of-network Reimbursement	Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive eye exam with dilation	$10 co-pay	Reimbursed up to $33 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass lenses (standard plastic)	$15 co-pay includes: • Single • Bifocal • Trifocal • Lenticular Polycarbonate covered in full for members under age 19; up to $40 co-pay over the age of 19. Additional co-pays apply to standard progressive lenses and photochromic lenses.	Reimbursed (less applicable co-pay): • Single up to $28 • Bifocal up to $40 • Trifocal up to $53 • Lenticular up to $100 No out-of-network reimbursement available for polycarbonate, standard progressive or photochromic lenses.	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass frames	$15 co-pay (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses); paid in full on special frame selection; $200 allowance outside of the selection (less applicable co-pay)	Reimbursed up to $93 (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses)	Once every 24 months
Contact lens exam	$30 co-pay	No reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (conventional/disposable)	$175 allowance (co-pay does not apply)	Reimbursed up to $100 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (medically necessary***)	Covered in full	$210 allowance (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)	Discount pricing	No reimbursement
* Submit member out-of-network reimbursement form and copy of paid receipt to Superior Vision.
** This benefit is paid only once during the group’s benefit period and must be fully utilized at the time of purchase.

 

View Plan Summary to learn more about the plan.

Sarasota County's Group # is 03880501

 

Flexible Spending Accounts

Sarasota County offers both medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by placing pre-tax contributions into accounts for medical and dependent care expenses (for children up to age 13).

Medical flexible spending account

Medical expenses such as doctors and other medical service providers co-pays and co-insurance amounts will continue to be reimbursed automatically if you are enrolled in a county medical plan. Prescription co-pay amounts will be reimbursed based on a weekly file from BeneCard to Aetna. Claims paid from your FSA will be automatically processed within approximately two weeks of the transaction. January open enrollment elections will receive a 5 % annual match from Sarasota County. Members that elect the FSA account and are not enrolled in a Sarasota County plan will have to submit a reimbursement request through Payflex. You may download their app using your smartphone or go www.payflex.com for more information or by calling 888-678-8242.

In 2020, employee contributions for medical flexible spending accounts is capped at $2,750 per year.  Historically, this amount is updated each year in September or October, so please check back to this page whenever open enrollment gets closer. 

Dependent care spending account

Dependent care covers qualified dependents enrolled in childcare services, summer camp, after- and before-school care for children under 13. Sarasota County will match any dependent care contributions by 25% each pay period. To participate, you must enroll during open enrollment or during a qualified change in status. Please note that you forfeit any money within dependent care flexible spending accounts that is not used during a calendar year.

Dependent care flexible spending accounts are capped at $5,000. Since Sarasota County matches 25%, the maximum amount that an employee may contribute is $153.84 per pay period, which totals $3,999.84 per year.

Here is how an FSA can save you money:

Example: Mike has a three-year old in preschool and his day care expenses are $5,000. Mike wears contact lenses and needs to have two dental crowns done. He estimates his out-of-pocket medical expenses at $2,000 for the year. Mike gives himself an instant "raise" by using the FSA. Here's how:

	Without FSA	With FSA
Annual Pay	$65,000	$65,000
FSA Employee Contribution	$0	$7,000
Taxable income (W-2 earnings)	$65,000	$58,000
Federal income tax (25% bracket)	$16,250	$14,500
Social Security and Medicare	$4,972	$4,437
Total Taxes	$21,222	$18,937
After tax expenses	$7,000	$0
Net spendable income	$36,778	$39,063
Increase in spendable income	$0	$2,285

Insurance - Life and Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. 

• Employees can purchase additional life insurance in increments of one or two times their annual pay. 
• Coverage is also available for spouses in increments of $5,000 or $10,000.
• Dependent child life insurance is provided automatically when spouse coverage is selected ($200 of coverage to age six months, $2,000 of coverage for ages six months to 26). 

An increase to life insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event, requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability) at https://www.sunlife-usa.net/eoi/ or click here to retrieve an EOI form.

Sun Life Term Life customer service: (800)247-6875

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

	For You	For Your Covered Spouse	For Your Children
County-paid coverage	1X-3X your salary depending on your employment status
Additional amount you may purchase	1X or 2X your annual salary	$5,000 Policy $10,000 Policy	$200 under 6 months $2,000 6 months to 26
What it will cost you	See enrollment system for age-rated premium	$.50 for $5,000 Policy $.90 for $10,000 Policy	$.50 to include dependent child coverage.

Disability

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70% of an eligible employee’s weekly pay, up to $3,000 biweekly, following a seven-calendar-day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40 % of annual pay following a 90-day waiting period.

• Optional long-term disability coverage may also be purchased to provide an additional 20% of coverage. 
• Disability coverage is offered through Sun Life of Canada. 

An increase to your long-term disability insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability) at https://www.sunlife-usa.net/eoi/ or click here to retrieve an EOI form.

Customer Service: 

Sun Life Short Term Disability: (877)786-3652

Sun Life FMLA: (877)786-3652

Sun Life Long Term Disability: (800)247-6875

To initiate a request for STD and/or FMLA go to Sunlife-ams.com

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

 

Other Optional Insurance

Allstate Accident and Cancer Insurance

Allstate offers voluntary accident coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance.

• Benefits are paid directly to the insured and include various fixed dollar amounts for injuries such as dislocations and fractures, as well as reimbursements for follow-up care and health screenings.
• The plan includes coverage for hospital admissions and surgical care.
• Allstate also offers voluntary cancer insurance that covers cancer and 29 other specified diseases. 
• Employees may elect to cover their dependents (children up to age 26) as well.

Learn more about accident and cancer insurance. Click here to retrieve an application.

Allstate customer service: (800)521-3535

Allstate Identity Theft Protection (formerly known as InfoArmor)

Your InfoArmor Identity Protection benefit has recently been rebranded under Allstate. All benefits and premiums remain the same for plan year 2021. This protection includes 24/7 identity monitoring for things such as new credit card applications and change of address requests; solicitation reduction services (which reduce the number of junk mail and telemarketing calls by up to 20%); and a $25,000 identity fraud reimbursement policy.

Learn more about Allstate Identity Theft Protection 

Allstate Identity Theft Protection customer service: (800)789-2720

Legal Services

 

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers for formal representation, and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

• Divorce
• Child support, custody and visitation
• Traffic tickets/suspended licenses/DUI
• Credit repair
• Loan modifications/foreclosures
• Bankruptcy
• Wills/Powers of Attorney/trusts

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email  info@preferredlegal.com.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care coverage is a financial planning tool to preserve personal wealth and provide some control of treatment options related to extended illnesses. in addition to covering stays in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, it also provides extended home health care.

Unum Long-Term Care Insurance customer service: (800)227-4165

 Click here to retrieve an application.

 

Dependent Coverage

Who is eligible for medical plan coverage?

Sarasota County offers benefits to you and your eligible family members. Extended family members, such as grandchildren, are not eligible for coverage unless you are their legal guardian or have adopted them, or you are covering their eligible parent (your eligible dependent) and they are under 18 months of age.

Type of Dependent	Requirements
Your spouse	Must be your legal spouse. Ex-spouses are not eligible, even if court-ordered.
Your children: Biological Adopted Stepchildren Children you are required to support under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order	Up to age 26 *Age 26-30medical only; the eligible dependent must be the insured child by blood or law and must meet the following additional criteria: 1) Less than 30 years of age 2) Unmarried 3) Has no dependents 4) Is a resident of Florida, or if not a resident of Florida, is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student 5) Is not covered as a named subscriber, insured, enrollee, or covered person under any other group, student, or franchise health plan or individual health benefits plan, or is entitled to benefits under Medicare.

Benefits Tip: Be sure to review your dependents’ eligibility and data to ensure birth dates and Social Security numbers are up to date. Please update dependent data in Workday. See Workday instructions at scgov.net (keyword benefits) for instructions.

Dependents aged 26-30

Employees who elect to cover dependents aged 26-30 will pay the full employer and employee share of a single tier premium for the coverage for each 26-30 year old dependent. The cost will be $327.24 per pay period for the POS II plan and $236.96 per pay period for the Aetna Health Fund (AHF) plan. This cost is in addition to the medical premiums for coverage for the remainder of the family. In addition, the deductions for the 26-30 year old dependent coverage will be made with after-tax dollars. (Dependents aged 26-30 with a qualifying disability may continue to be covered under the employee’s policy without paying the additional premium.)

Required Documentation

All employees who have enrolled new dependents on either of the county’s health plans must supply documentation supporting their dependents. For a dependent spouse, you will need a marriage certificate. For dependent children, you will need a birth certificate. Sarasota County performs random dependent eligibility audits. Employees are responsible for any claims incurred while a dependent is not eligible.

Retirement Planning

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Employees of Sarasota County contribute to the Florida Retirement System, which offers a choice of a traditional pension plan or an investment plan that permits vesting after one year of service. The FRS offers free help to assist with plan choices, the management of retirement account and general financial planning questions.

• Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost.
• Visit www.MyFRS.com. 

For help with fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms:

• Call Benefits Specialist Kim Parsons at 941-416-8067 or email kparsons@scgov.net.

Deferred compensation

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide.

Employees may schedule an appointment with a Nationwide local retirement specialist to discuss deferred compensation questions, enroll in the plan or receive a personalized account review. Call 941-587-1166, email tony.flowers@nationwide.com or use http://scgov457.myretirementappt.com/ to schedule an appointment. 

Employee Discounts

Employee Discounts

Several organizations provide discounts to Sarasota County employees. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of discounts and qualifications.

Preferred Employee Program

Tickets at Work

Tickets at Work is a perks program that can save employees between 20%-60% on various activities including movies, concerts, hotels and theme park. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for registration instructions or visit Tickets at Work to view various discount offers.

Gym Memberships

Several fitness centers in the area offer discounts to Sarasota County employees as well as employees and spouses covered by the county’s medical plans. 

Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of available fitness centers or click here for more information.

Aetna Discounts

Aetna offers additional discounts for healthcare products, books, fitness equipment, hearing aid services, natural products, oral health care, vision services, weight management programs and other wellness products.

Visit the Aetna Member Website for a complete list of available product discounts.

Free public transit

Sarasota County employees ride free on Sarasota County Area Transit buses (excluding express routes), with a valid employee I.D.

AAA Membership discounts available to Sarasota County Government employee. Click here for more information.

 

Archived on September 18, 2020

Medical Plan Options

Sarasota County Government offers two medical plans:

Aetna Choice Point of Service II (POS II)

Aetna Health Fund (AHF)

Both plans:

Include the same network of doctors, hospitals, laboratory and radiology facilities.

Cover in-network preventive care, including mammograms, annual physical exams and lab work at 100 %, based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.

Allow you to use any doctor or hospital you choose, any time you need care. Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs, including your deductible. Whereas, out-of-network services are subject to reasonable and customary limits. If your doctor charges more than these limits, you are responsible for the extra charges, and they will not count toward your annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Give you access to the best treatment facilities across Sarasota County and the region.

How POS II and AHF options are different:

POS II: you pay more in payroll deductions, have a smaller deductible and are generally responsible for initial medical expenses.

AHF: you pay less in payroll deductions and receive a fund to pay initial medical expenses, but you have a larger deductible to satisfy when you receive care.

2020 Aetna Medical Premium (per pay period)
	POS II	AHF
Employee	$49.09	$35.54
Employee and Child (Children)	$229.85	$166.42
Employee and Spouse	$269.98	$195.48
Family	$328.88	$238.13
Dependent Aged 26-30	$327.24	$236.96

 

The chart below is a general overview of the SCG medical plan options. For complete details, refer to the appropriate plan documents located in resources library below. Plan documents may supersede benefits found below. 

Benefits and Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network*	In Network	Out of Network*
Health Fund			SCG Contribution: $500 Individual $1,000 Family (Contributions are prorated if enrolled after January 1st)
Annual Deductible	$600 Individual $1,200 All Family Tiers	$1,200 Individual $2,400 All Family Tiers	$1,750 Individual $3,500 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum	$2,500 Individual $5,000 All Family Tiers	$5,000 Individual $10,000 All Family Tiers	$3,500 Individual $7,000 All Family Tiers	$7,000 Individual $14,000 All Family Tiers
			•Health Fund dollars decrease your out-of-pocket expenses •Prescriptions count toward deductible/Max Out-of-Pocket
*Members may also be responsible for any additional amounts not payable under the plan.

 

Preventive Care Covered at 100%
Routine Preventive Screenings	Plan pays 100% based on US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. (Preventive services do not reduce Health Fund.)
Adult Physical	One per year; note that you no longer have to wait 12 months between physicals.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy	Once every three years.
Dermatology exam	Once every 12 months.
Flu vaccine	Annually
Gynecological exam	Once every 12 months.
Mammogram, screening or diagnostic	Once every 12 months, 35 years or older.
Dexascan	Bone density screening (recommended annually after age 65).
Pediatric physical	Once every 12 months, more frequently for 3 years or younger.
Pneumonia vaccine	Up to two doses as prescribed by your physician.
Shingles vaccine	Once, 50 years or older.
Tetanus	Tdap or TD

 

Aetna Teladoc to the rescue

At work, on weekends, travelling away from home, or anytime you want to avoid sitting in a waiting room, Teladoc is a call or click away. Talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video, 24/7. Teladoc doctors can treat many medical conditions, including:

Cold and flu symptoms

Urinary tract infection

Respiratory infection

Sinus problems

Skin problems

Allergies

Pink eye

The cost for a Teladoc consult is $25 for POS II members and up to $45 maximum for Aetna Health Fund (AHF) members.

A doctor is a click or a call away: 1-855-Teladoc (1-855-835-2362) or download the Teladoc app. 

To find information from previous plan periods, please consult the archives.

 

Medical Plan Comparison

Learn more about how each plan works.

Physician Office Visits	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Aexcel Specialist	$35 co-pay	Not available	10% after deductible	Not available
Primary Care Physician	$25 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Non-Aexcel Specialist	$50 co-pay
Lab/Diagnostic Imaging	$35 co-pay
Enhanced Clinical Review	20% after deductible

 

Emergency Care	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Urgent Care	$75 co-pay	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Emergency Room	$300 co-pay

 

Hospital Services	Aetna Choice POS II and Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient, Outpatient and Inpatient Maternity	20% after deductible	40% after deductible

 

 

Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Inpatient	20% after deductible	40% after deductible	20% after deductible	40% after deductible
Outpatient	$35 co-pay

 

Family Planning Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In-network	Out-of-network	In-network	Out-of-network
Infertility treatment	Specialist co-pay	Member cost share based on type and place of service	20% after deductible	Member cost share based on type and place of service
Comprehensive infertility		Not covered		Not covered
Coverage includes maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000.

 

Other Services	Aetna Choice POS II		Aetna Health Fund (AHF)
	In Network	Out of Network	In Network	Out of Network
Convalescent Facility	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Home Health Care (120 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Inpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Hospice - Outpatient	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Speech, Physical, Occupational Therapy	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Spinal Manipulation/ Chiropractic (20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Acupuncture (up to 20 visits/year)	After deductible, you pay 20%		After deductible, you pay 20%
Durable Medical Equipment	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%	Deductible waived, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Testing	$40 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Allergy Injections	$5 co-pay	After deductible, you pay 40%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 40%
Ambulatory Services	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%	After deductible, you pay 20%
Hearing Aid Benefit	$1,500 benefit one time every five years. This benefit is unique to Sarasota County members.

Remember: If the doctor or medical facilities you visit are not in Aetna’s network, you can still receive out-of-network benefits; however, it will cost you more.

View Plan Summary for POS II and AHF to learn more about the plan.

 

Medical Premium Reduction & Insurance Reward Credits Programs

Medical Premium Reduction Program 

Sarasota County offers a program that encourages healthy preventive steps you may take to help maintain your health, while reducing your medical insurance premiums by:

Single coverage – $15 per pay period

Family coverage tiers – 20% reduction

All members and covered spouses must complete each requirement that pertains to them between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020 to qualify for the medical insurance premium reduction in plan year 2021. Click here to view a printable version of the medical premium reduction requirements.

For questions about these screenings, or to confirm eligibility, log in to Aetna Member Website or contact your Aetna Health and Benefits Professional at 861-5273 (KARE) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  You may also send an email to AetnaHealthandBenefitsProfessional@AETNA.com for assistance.

Required screenings	Applies to	Frequency	How to verify compliance
Annual preventive exam/physical	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna
Biometric lab screening (preventive lab/bloodwork panel).	All members and spouses	Annually	Claim submitted by laboratory to Aetna
Colonoscopy *Using Cologuard, in lieu of a colonoscopy, will NOT count towards your qualifying requirement for your premium reduction.	All members and spouses (male and female) age 50 and over (as of Oct. 1, 2019)	Every 10 years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Mammogram	All female members and spouses between the ages of 50‐74 (as of Oct. 1, 2019)	Every two years	Claim submitted by facility to Aetna
Gynecological Exam	All female members and spouses between the ages of 21‐65 (as of Oct. 1, 2019)	Every three years	Claim submitted by physician to Aetna

Note: The county’s medical plans do not require members to wait 365 days between preventive physical exams.

New hires: Employees hired by Sept. 30, 2020, may qualify for the 2021 reduction if they can verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2020. New hires should provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional.  If you are hired after September 30, 2020, you will not be eligible for a reduced premium until 2022.

Requirements for new spouses: Employees who are married prior to Sept. 30, 2020 and add their spouse to the medical plan may qualify for the premium reduction (for plan year 2021) if the spouse is able to verify that they have met all the requirements above prior to Sept. 30, 2020. Spouses are required to provide verification of compliance (dates and locations of exams and labs) to the Health and Benefits Professional.

Employees who are married after Sept. 30, 2020 and add their spouse to the medical plan may continue to earn the single coverage premium reduction of $15 per pay period for 2021. They will not be eligible for any additional discount for their spouse until 2022.

Medical Insurance Rewards Credits

These are credits you and/or your covered spouse may use toward your deductible, co-insurance or health fund.  You and your covered spouse may earn up to $150 (annually) in credits by completing any of the following:

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional ($50 annually)

Contact the Aetna Health and Benefits Professional annually at 941-861-5273 (KARE) or AetnaHealthandBenefitsProfessional@AETNA.com to perform at least one of the following:

Clarify health coverage or available resources.

Estimate the cost of care for a procedure.

Review billing issues/questions (medical, dental, pharmacy)

Two contacts from the same household qualify both employee and spouse for the $50 credit.

Dermatology Exam ($50 annually)

Click on Evaluation and Management codes to view a list of preventive dermatology codes that you can give to your provider.  

Dental Exam (excludes cleaning) ($50 annually)

Each year, one can earn reward credits for a dental exam by the dentist that accompanies their semiannual cleaning. Codes D120, D140 or D150 should be used by your provider to ensure credit is awarded to you. Please note, if you have the DMO plan it requires you to submit a Dental Exam Reward Credit.

Eye Exam ($50 annually)

Get a vision exam to earn reward credits. If you are using the Superior Vision plan, the credit will automatically be credited to your Aetna incentive balance approximately 60days after your exam. If you obtain an eye exam outside of the Superior Vision insurance, you are required to submit a Vision Exam Reward Credit.

Aetna Health and Benefits Professional Services

Make your life easier! You no longer have to take time from your busy day to manage your health-related tasks.

Examples of some services:

Help you find a high-quality physician, hospital, or other health service provider.

Explain your benefits and anticipated out-of-pocket costs.

Schedule medical appointments for you.

Review your bills to confirm you are paying the correct amount.

Track health insurance reward credits offered through the county’s Wellness Program.

Health and Benefits Professional Services can also help ensure that you don’t miss out on the county’s Premium Reduction Program. To learn more, call Sarasota County’s Health and Benefits Professional at 941-861-5273 or email AetnaHealthandBenefitsProfessional@AETNA.com.

 

Prescription Plan

Both medical benefit plans have the same prescription benefits through the county’s third-party administrator, BeneCard PBF. If you are enrolled in a county medical plan, you will receive a separate prescription drug card from BeneCard PBF. You may obtain a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy, a 90-day supply from a BeneCard PBF central fill mail order pharmacy, or any Publix pharmacy.

Local retail network pharmacies may provide free antibiotics, diabetes and blood pressure medications and $4 generic prescriptions. Select Publix pharmacies offer some prescriptions for free, including certain antibiotics. Target, Sam's Club and Walmart offer 30-day supplies of some generic drugs for $4 and a 90-day supply for S10. Always use your BeneCard card to ensure the claim is added to your prescription record.

Fill Location	BeneCard Member Financial Responsibility
Network pharmacy 30-day supply	Generic $9 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($35 minimum and $70 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($50 minimum and $100 maximum)
BeneCard PBF central fill (mail-order)	Generic $22.50 Brand formulary 20% co-insurance ($87.50 minimum and $175 maximum) Brand non-formulary 40% co-insurance ($125 minimum and $250 maximum)

 

Mandatory maintenance medications: These are commonly used to treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. Maintenance medications must be filled at a Publix pharmacy or BeneCard’s central fill pharmacy for 90-days per fill. 

Learn more about the county’s mandatory maintenance program.

 

Dental Plan Options

Aetna PPO Plan

Offers both in- and out-of-network coverage.

Pays a fixed percentage of your eligible expenses with an annual maximum benefit of $1,750.

If using a network provider, the percentage paid by the plan will be increased to 90% for Type II benefits (fillings, root canals, etc.) and 60% for Type III benefits (crowns, etc.).

The percentage paid for out-of-network providers is limited to usual, customary and reasonable charges (UCR). UCR charges are the amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar service (allowed amount).

Plan members are responsible for any amounts above what is considered UCR.

Aetna DMO Plan

Offers in-network coverage only.

Covers 100% of preventive care and requires copays for all other services with no maximum annual benefit.

A primary care dentist must be selected prior to receiving any services. The primary care dentist must refer the member to specialists when required by the plan.

2020Aetna Dental Premiums (per pay period)
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Employee	$0	$0
Employee and Child (Children)	$19.79	$5.69
Employee and Spouse	$19.79	$5.67
Family	$26.39	$9.56

 

Deductibles, Maximums and Co-pays
	Aetna PPO	Aetna DMO
Preventive	100% covered (if you have not met the $1,750 annual maximum benefit)	100% covered
Annual deductible	$50	$0
Basic services	90% or 80% after deductible	Copay systembased on procedure
Major services	60% or 50% after deductible	Copay system based onprocedure
Comprehensive orthodontia	$1,750 lifetime benefit	$2,250 - $2,350
Annual maximum	$1,750	No limit

 

Vision Plan

Offers a choice between coverage for an exam and glasses, or an exam and contact lens benefit. To receive the highest payable benefit, you must obtain services from a network provider. To view the network, visit superiorvision.com and select “Find an eye care provider" or call 1-800-507-3800.

2020Premiums (per pay)—Superior Vision Plan
Employee	$3.03
Employee and Child (Children)	$5.84
Employee and Spouse	$5.96
Full Family	$10.32

 

2020Superior VisionPlan Costs
Coverage	In-network Benefits	*Out-of-network Reimbursement	Benefit Frequency
Comprehensive eye exam with dilation	$10 co-pay	Reimbursed up to $33 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass lenses (standard plastic)	$15 co-pay includes: • Single • Bifocal • Trifocal • Lenticular Polycarbonate covered in full for members under age 19; up to $40 co-pay over the age of 19. Additional co-pays apply to standard progressive lenses and photochromic lenses.	Reimbursed (less applicable co-pay): • Single up to $28 • Bifocal up to $40 • Trifocal up to $53 • Lenticular up to $100 No out-of-network reimbursement available for polycarbonate, standard progressive or photochromic lenses.	Once every 12 months
Eyeglass frames	$15 co-pay (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses); paid in full on special frame selection; $200 allowance outside of the selection (less applicable co-pay)	Reimbursed up to $93 (no co-pay if included with eyeglass lenses)	Once every 24 months
Contact lens exam	$30 co-pay	No reimbursement	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (conventional/disposable)	$175 allowance (co-pay does not apply)	Reimbursed up to $100 (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses)** (medically necessary***)	Covered in full	$210 allowance (less applicable co-pay)	Once every 12 months
Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)	Discount pricing	No reimbursement
* Submit member out-of-network reimbursement form and copy of paid receipt to Superior Vision.
** This benefit is paid only once during the group’s benefit period and must be fully utilized at the time of purchase.

 

View Plan Summary to learn more about the plan.

Sarasota County's Group # is 03880501

 

Flexible Spending Accounts

Sarasota County offers both medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by placing pre-tax contributions into accounts for medical and dependent care expenses (for children up to age 13).

Medical flexible spending account

Medical expenses such as doctors and other medical service providers co-pays and co-insurance amounts will continue to be reimbursed automatically if you are enrolled in a county medical plan. Prescription co-pay amounts will be reimbursed based on a weekly file from Benecard to Aetna. Claims paid from your FSA will be automatically processed within approximately two weeks of the transaction. January open enrollment elections will receive a 5 % annual match from Sarasota County. Members that elect the FSA account and are not enrolled in a Sarasota County plan will have to submit a reimbursement request through Payflex. You may download their app using your smartphone or go www.payflex.com for more information.

In 2020, employee contributions for medical flexible spending accounts is capped at $2,750 per year.  Historically, this amount is updated each year in September or October, so please check back to this page whenever open enrollment gets closer. 

Dependent care spending account

Dependent care covers qualified dependents enrolled in childcare services, summer camp, after- and before-school care for children under 13. Sarasota County will match any dependent care contributions by 25% each pay period. To participate, you must enroll during open enrollment or during a qualified change in status. Please note that you forfeit any money within dependent care flexible spending accounts that is not used during a calendar year.

Dependent care flexible spending accounts are capped at $5,000. Since Sarasota County matches 25%, the maximum amount that an employee may contribute is $153.84 per pay period, which totals $3,999.84 per year.

Here is how an FSA can save you money:

Example: Mike has a three-year old in preschool and his day care expenses are $5,000. Mike wears contact lenses and needs to have two dental crowns done. He estimates his out-of-pocket medical expenses at $2,000 for the year. Mike gives himself an instant "raise" by using the FSA. Here's how:

	Without FSA	With FSA
Annual Pay	$65,000	$65,000
FSA Employee Contribution	$0	$7,000
Taxable income (W-2 earnings)	$65,000	$58,000
Federal income tax (25% bracket)	$16,250	$14,500
Social Security and Medicare	$4,972	$4,437
Total Taxes	$21,222	$18,937
After tax expenses	$7,000	$0
Net spendable income	$36,778	$39,063
Increase in spendable income	$0	$2,285

 

Insurance - Life and Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. 

Employees can purchase additional life insurance in increments of one or two times their annual pay. 

Coverage is also available for spouses in increments of $5,000 or $10,000.

Dependent child life insurance is provided automatically when spouse coverage is selected ($200 of coverage to age six months, $2,000 of coverage for ages six months to 26). 

An increase to life insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event, requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

Sun Life Term Life customer service: (800)247-6875

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

	For You	For Your Covered Spouse	For Your Children
County-paid coverage	1X-3X your salary depending on your employment status
Additional amount you may purchase	1X or 2X your annual salary	$5,000 Policy $10,000 Policy	$200 under 6 months $2,000 6 months to 26
What it will cost you	See enrollment system for age-rated premium	$.50 for $5,000 Policy $.90 for $10,000 Policy	$.50 to include dependent child coverage.

 

Disability

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70% of an eligible employee’s weekly pay, up to $3,000 biweekly, following a seven-calendar-day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40 % of annual pay following a 90-day waiting period.

Optional long-term disability coverage may also be purchased to provide an additional 20% of coverage. 

Disability coverage is offered through Sun Life of Canada. 

An increase to your long-term disability insurance coverage at Open Enrollment or due to a qualifying event requires an EOI (Evidence of Insurability).

Sun Life Short Term Disability customer service: (877)786-3652

Sun Life Long Term Disability customer service: (800)247-6875

Sarasota County’s Group # is 28759

 

Other Optional Insurance

Allstate Universal Life

Employees may purchase universal life insurance through Allstate that builds cash value.

Learn more about universal life insurance. Click here to retrieve an application.

Allstate Accident and Cancer Insurance

Allstate offers voluntary accident coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance.

Benefits are paid directly to the insured and include various fixed dollar amounts for injuries such as dislocations and fractures, as well as reimbursements for follow-up care and health screenings.

The plan includes coverage for hospital admissions and surgical care.

Allstate also offers voluntary cancer insurance that covers cancer and 29 other specified diseases. 

Employees may elect to cover their dependents (children up to age 26) as well.

Click here to retrieve an application.

Allstate customer service: (800)521-3535

InfoArmor Identity Theft Protection

This protection includes 24/7 identity monitoring for things such as new credit card applications and change of address requests; solicitation reduction services (which reduce the number of junk mail and telemarketing calls by up to 20%); and a $25,000 identity fraud reimbursement policy.

Learn more about InfoArmor Identity Theft Protection 

InfoArmor Identity Theft Protection customer service: (800)789-2720

Legal Services

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers for formal representation, and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

Divorce

Child support, custody and visitation

Traffic tickets/suspended licenses/DUI

Credit repair

Loan modifications/foreclosures

Bankruptcy

Wills/Powers of Attorney/trusts

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email  info@preferredlegal.com.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care coverage is a financial planning tool to preserve personal wealth and provide some control of treatment options related to extended illnesses. in addition to covering stays in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, it also provides extended home health care.

Unum Long-Term Care Insurance customer service: (800)227-4165

Dependent Coverage

Who is eligible for medical plan coverage?

Sarasota County offers benefits to you and your eligible family members. Extended family members, such as grandchildren, are not eligible for coverage unless you are their legal guardian or have adopted them, or you are covering their eligible parent (your eligible dependent) and they are under 18 months of age.

Type of Dependent and Requirements:

Your spouse:      Must be your legal spouse. Ex-spouses are not eligible, even if court-ordered.

Your children up to age 26: Biological; Adopted; Stepchildren; Children you are required to support under the terms of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order.

*Age 26-30 medical only; the eligible dependent must be the insured child by blood or law and must meet the following additional criteria: 1) Less than 30 years of age 2) Unmarried 3) Has no dependents 4) Is a resident of Florida, or if not a resident of Florida, is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student 5) Is not covered as a named subscriber, insured, enrollee, or covered person under any other group, student, or franchise health plan or individual health benefits plan, or is entitled to benefits under Medicare.

Benefits Tip: Be sure to review your dependents’ eligibility and data to ensure birth dates and Social Security numbers are up to date. Please update dependent data in Workday. See Workday instructions at scgov.net (keyword benefits) for instructions.

Dependents aged 26-30

Employees who elect to cover dependents aged 26-30 will pay the full employer and employee share of a single tier premium for the coverage for each 26-30 year old dependent. The cost will be $327.24 per pay period for the POS II plan and $236.96 per pay period for the Aetna Health Fund (AHF) plan. This cost is in addition to the medical premiums for coverage for the remainder of the family. In addition, the deductions for the 26-30 year old dependent coverage will be made with after-tax dollars. (Dependents aged 26-30 with a qualifying disability may continue to be covered under the employee’s policy without paying the additional premium.)

Required Documentation

All employees who have enrolled new dependents on either of the county’s health plans must supply documentation supporting their dependents. For a dependent spouse, you will need a marriage certificate. For dependent children, you will need a birth certificate. Sarasota County performs random dependent eligibility audits. Employees are responsible for any claims incurred while a dependent is not eligible.

 

Retirement Planning

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Employees of Sarasota County contribute to the Florida Retirement System, which offers a choice of a traditional pension plan or an investment plan that permits vesting after one year of service. The FRS offers free help to assist with plan choices, the management of retirement account and general financial planning questions.

Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost.

Visit www.MyFRS.com. 

For help with fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms:

Call Benefits Specialist Kim Parsons at 941-416-8067 or email kparsons@scgov.net.

Deferred compensation

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide.

Employees may schedule an appointment with a Nationwide local retirement specialist to discuss deferred compensation questions, enroll in the plan or receive a personalized account review. Call 941-524-4818, email terryt2@nationwide.com or use http://scgov457.myretirementappt.com/ to schedule an appointment. 

 

Employee Discounts

Several organizations provide discounts to Sarasota County employees. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of discounts and qualifications.

Tickets at Work

Tickets at Work is a perks program that can save employees between 20%-60% on various activities including movies, concerts, hotels and theme park. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for registration instructions or visit Tickets at Work to view various discount offers.

Gym Memberships

Several fitness centers in the area offer discounts to Sarasota County employees as well as employees and spouses covered by the county’s medical plans. Visit the Employee Discounts page of EmployeeNet for a complete list of available fitness centers or click here for more information.

Aetna Discounts

Aetna offers additional discounts for healthcare products, books, fitness equipment, hearing aid services, natural products, oral health care, vision services, weight management programs and other wellness products.

Visit the Aetna Member Website for a complete list of available product discounts.

Free public transit

Sarasota County employees ride free on Sarasota County Area Transit buses (excluding express routes), with a valid employee I.D.

Sarasota County pays for basic term life insurance equal to an employee’s annual pay rounded up to the next $1,000 through Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. 

In addition, employees may purchase universal life insurance through Allstate that builds cash value.

Disability - Short (STD) and Long (LTD) 

Sarasota County provides basic short-term disability coverage that replaces 70 percent of eligible employee’s weekly pay, up to $3,000 biweekly, following a seven calendar day waiting period. 

Long-term disability coverage is also provided at no cost to eligible employees and replaces 40 percent of annual pay following a 90 day waiting period.

Accident and Cancer Insurance

Allstate offers voluntary accident coverage that can offset expenses not paid by medical insurance.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long term care insurance is an important benefit that can prevent individuals from draining their savings accounts if they, or a family member, become incapacitated. People often buy long term care insurance at an early age, because the younger you are, the more affordable the rates are. It’s not just for the elderly or just for nursing home coverage.

UNUM provides long term care insurance policies for the county’s employees. Employees may elect to cover their dependents as well.

Identity Theft Protection

There are two options available for identity theft protection.

Legal Services

A comprehensive legal assistance, advice and discounted representation on all types of legal services. Plan services are unlimited and available 24/7. Members have access to a statewide network of lawyers when formal representation is needed and in-person consultation is free.

Types of covered legal issues include:

For more information call 1-888-577-3476, visit preferredlegal.com or email info@preferredlegal.com.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) of Sarasota

Confidential counseling and coaching for employees and their families. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) of Sarasota offers confidential counseling and coaching for employees and their families:

Some problems hit very suddenly while others build up so slowly it’s hard to recognize how seriously they are affecting your life. Feelings of discomfort are the best clues, especially if they last a significant length of time. The best solution is to talk with a confidential counselor about your circumstances and your feelings as soon as possible.

For any urgent needs, call 24 hours a day at 941-917-1240 or 800-425-7764. Urgent consultation is available by phone.

EAP also offers no-charge Life Management Coaching: when you need that little nudge to gain clarity or to challenge yourself to dig deeper, why not seek the support available to you to maximize your personal and professional potential?

Get started by contacting an EAP provider and begin realizing your possibilities, your strengths, and motivating yourself to action.

Start the counseling/coaching process easily by calling the provider of your choice.

 

Employees can call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line toll free at 1-866-44-MyFRS (1-866-446-9377) between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday- Friday to speak with experienced financial planners from Ernst & Young at no cost or visit www.MyFRS.com. 

Assistance is also provided to Sarasota County employees seeking answers to fundamental retirement questions and completion of FRS retirement forms. Contact Kim Parsons, Benefits Specialist, at 941-416-8067 or kparsons@scgov.net for assistance.

Sarasota County also offers 457 retirement savings plans through Nationwide.

Visit www.scgov457.com for more information about 457 plan options. 

Employees may schedule an appointment with Nationwide’s local Retirement Specialist, Terry Terry,  to discuss Deferred Compensation questions, enroll in the plan, or receive a Personalized Account Review.

As a Sarasota County Government employee, including all employees of elected agencies, we want to make you aware of some fantastic perks you are eligible for as an employee.  Several organizations provide discounts to our employees. Some of which require a unique employer code to access their discount(s).  Below is a list of new discounts and information on how to take advantage of them.  If you work for one of the following elected agencies (Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk of Court) please reach out to your Human Resources representative for information on accessing these great discounts.  All other employees may find additional information on these discounts on the County’s intranet site (eNet).

Tickets at Work

Tickets at Work is a perks program available to all Sarasota County employees.  Employees can save between 20-60% on various activities including movies, concerts, hotels, theme parks and so much more!  To take advantage of this fantastic program, please go to eNet discount page, select Tickets at Work and follow the instructions to register.  The discount page link will only work using the county’s intranet or through your VPN if working from home.

Gym Memberships

A number of fitness centers in the area are offering discounts to Sarasota County employees as well as those members on the Aetna medical health plan including dependents and spouses.  To see which gyms are offering discounts go to eNet discount page and select Gym Membership Discounts.

Aetna Discounts

Aetna offers additional discounts to those covered under their health plans.  Examples include healthcare products, books, fitness equipment, hearing aid services, natural products, oral health care, vision services, weight management programs and other wellness products.  To take advantage of these discounts, log on to Aetna Navigator and see a complete list under the Health Program tab.

SCAT

Any County employee may receive a free ride on a SCAT bus by showing his/her badge. This does not apply to express buses.

Sun Life Financial

Emergency Travel Assistance - This service is an additional benefit as part Sarasota County's Group Basic Life Insurance from Sun Life Financial.  If you have a medical emergency while you are more than 100 miles away from home, you have access to:

• Trained, multilingual professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Hospital admission guaranteed.

• Emergency medical evaluation.

• Lost prescription assistance.

• Legal and interpreter services.

To take advantage of this discount, please go to eNet discount page and select Sun Life Financial: Emergency Travel Assistance.

Sun Life Financial

Identity Theft Protection - This service is an additional benefit as part Sarasota County's Group Basic Life Insurance from Sun Life Financial. Theft protection through Assist America’s SecurAssist Identity Protection program provides:

• 24/7 telephone support and step-by-step guidance from antifraud experts.

• Secure registration of up to 10 credit or debit cards for 24/7 surveillance.

• Early warning of potential threats, and notification if your identity has been misused.

• Assigned case worker to help you notify your credit bureau and file paperwork.

• Help canceling stolen cards and reissuing new cards.

• Help notifying police, financial institutions and government agencies.

To take advantage of this discount, please go to eNet discount page and select Sun Life Financial: Identity Theft Protection.

Employee Assistance Resources 

As leaders of Sarasota County, we understand that employees may experience hardship caused by events during hurricane season and other natural disasters. We are very concerned about the health and welfare of our employees and their families. In the event a catastrophic incident were to occur, we are sharing resources available to assist you on your road back to recovery. 

Should you need immediate help, please contact one of the following County Employee Liaisons:
•Diana Allen (941) 212-0089 or
•Michael Robishaw (941) 500-3611

Or if you like, below are some resources that can help after the storm.

The Salvation Army (941) 954-4673: The Salvation Army can provide emergency assistance to victims of a hurricane.

Contact 2-1-1 at (941) 308-4357 or (877) 211-0444: Contact 2-1-1 provides resources for food, housing and clothing assistance. This organization is supported by the United Way.

American Red Cross (941) 379-9300: American Red Cross provides emergency help to disaster victims in Sarasota County.

EAP – Employee Assistance Program (941) 917-1240 or (800) 425-7764: The EAP program is available to help Sarasota County employees and their families cope with the additional stress caused by a natural disaster (e.g. anxiety, financial concerns, communication, dealing with family etc.).

Aetna Health & Benefits Professional (941) 861-5273. Your Aetna Health & Benefits Professional can assist with medical appointments and claims issues.

Questions or assistance regarding your prescription medications? Contact BenecardPBF at (877) 335-6523. Benecard can assist you with early refills so you do not run out of medication or changing the shipping address for mail order items due to relocation.

Enrollment Forms

In addition to the above, employees with needs are encouraged to contact the Employee benefits team at askbenefits@scgov.net for additional information and assistance with any of the County’s benefit programs.  We are ONE TEAM and you are not alone.  We encourage any employee who needs assistance to utilize these important resources. 

Health and Benefits Forms

Benefits-at-a-Glance

2019 Annual Enrollment Guide

2019 Annual Retiree Enrollment Guide

Dependent Coverage Requirements

2019 Benefit Costs

2019 Retiree Benefit Costs

Health Benefits Contact Information

Medical Benefits

Plan Comparison

Aetna Choice POS II Plan Document

Aetna Choice POS II Plan Summary of Benefits and Coverage

Aetna Health Fund Plan Document

Aetna Health Fund Plan Summary of Benefits and Coverage

Hearing Aid Benefit

Medical Reward Credit form for Vision and Dental

Preventive Care Coverage

Premium Reduction Program

Pharmacy Benefits

Prescription Benefit Description

Maintenance Medication Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Benefits

PPO Plan Document

PPO Schedule of Benefits

Dental Plan Comparison

PPO Plan Summary of Benefits

DMO Plan Summary of Benefits

Dental Card Information

Dental Claim Form – PPO

Dental Claim Form – DMO

2019 Benefit Costs

Vision Benefits

Advantica Plan Summary of Benefits

Advantica Claim Form

2019 Benefit Costs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Why Enroll in an FSA?

FSA Expense Claim Form

Life Insurance

Sun Life Insurance Plan Document-Life and Long Term Disability

Sun Life Evidence of Insurability Form

Allstate Universal Life Brochure

Allstate Universal Life Rate Sheet

Allstate Universal Life Enrollment Form

2019 Benefit Costs

 

Disability

Sun Life Insurance Plan Document-Short Term Disability

Sun Life Insurance Plan Document-Life and Long Term Disability

2019 Benefit Costs

 

 

Accident and Cancer Insurance

Allstate Accident Plan

Allstate Cancer Plan

Allstate Accident and Cancer Enrollment/Evidence of Insurability Form

Allstate Cancer Wellness Claim Form

Accident Claim Form

Cancer Claim Form

2019 Benefit Costs

Long Term Care Insurance

UNUM Long Term Care Package – Non-management Employees

UNUM Long Term Care Package – Managers

UNUM Long Term Care Package – Directors and Senior Managers

UNUM Long Term Care Package – Executive Management

2019 Benefit Costs

Identity Theft Protection

InfoArmor Identity Theft Protection

2019 Benefit Costs

Legal Services

Preferred Legal Services

2019 Benefit Costs

Wellness

Premium Reduction Program