Nicole C. Thompson, Director

Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites

All eligible Jefferson Parish employees may choose medical coverage through UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare offers a managed care program. Employees may enroll in the plan either as a new hire or during the open-enrollment period at the end of each year.

 FAQ's

1. When does health coverage become effective?

• For a new employee, health coverage becomes effective the 1st of the next month following 1 month of employment and a payroll deduction
• For current employees who are eligible for health coverage and enroll during open enrollment, coverage becomes effective on January 1 of the following year.

2. How do I make changes in my benefit elections after open enrollment?

As a Jefferson Parish employee, you participate in a Section 125 Premium Reduction Plan. Under this plan, you sign a contract with the IRS in which you agree to keep your selection of benefits for the entire plan year unless you experience a qualified status change.

If you experience a qualified status change, you have 30 DAYS from the date of the status change to request a change in your benefits plan and a change in payroll deductions. Here is a list of the most common qualified status changes:

1. Marriage
2. Divorce
3. Birth of a child
4. Spouse loses a job
5. Spouse begins a new job
6. Dependent is no longer eligible for coverage
7. Medicare or Medicaid eligibility or loss of eligibility
8. Death of a dependent

3. When does my coverage end if my job terminates?

All benefits end on the day termination occurs.

4. What is COBRA?

COBRA is the federal law that obligates Jefferson Parish to offer terminated employees continuation of their health benefits. The terminated employee has the option of continuing coverage for 18 months (or 36 months, depending on the reason for losing coverage) the coverage he/she has had as an active employee by paying 102% of the health care premium.

5. What is the "COBRA initial notice?"

The "COBRA initial notice" is an announcement sent to employees if they elect to participate in a COBRA eligible benefit. It informs them of their COBRA rights under the law that allows terminated employees to continue coverage for themselves and their dependents.

6. What are the benefits of joining the Deferred Compensation plan?

Approximately 20% of a typical retiree's income comes from personal savings and investments. To help employees prepare for a more comfortable retirement, Jefferson Parish employees have the option of joining the Deferred Compensation program administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Participation in this plan is voluntary. Jefferson Parish does not pay for any portion of this plan, but it does allow for payroll deductions for employees who choose to join.

Some facts about the Deferred Compensation Program:

• The Jefferson Parish 457 plan is similar to a 401K or 403B. Deductions for deferred compensation are made on a pre-tax basis. As little as $10 per paycheck can be deducted, or employees can defer up to the annual IRS maximum per year. Employees over age 50 can use a special "catch-up" provision to defer even more.

• Employees have the option of investing their deferrals in a fixed account, stock mutual funds, bond mutual funds, or money market mutual funds. The account will remain untaxed until withdrawn. In most cases, the money cannot be withdrawn until the employee retires, resigns, or is terminated. However, an employee may choose to stop contributing to the plan at any time.

• Some employees may be eligible for a tax credit if they defer money into a deferred compensation program.

7. Is life insurance available?

Employees have term life insurance at one time base pay at no cost. Employees have the option to apply for additional term life insurance coverage in $10,000 increments at group rates. The additional life insurance is optional and is paid by the employee. Evidence of insurability may be required. These benefits become effective the first of the following month following a 1 month waiting period. Coverage ends when an employee's employment ends.

8. Is there a way to save money on my medical out of pocket expenses?

You are able to enroll in a tax free Flexible Savings Account (FSA). This allows you to put money into an account without paying taxes on the savings. You are able to use this money to pay for out of pocket medical, dental, vision and pre-school day care expenses.

9. Are any other benefits available?

Jefferson Parish Government offers additional group benefits through payroll deductions. These benefit plans are fully paid by the employee. The additional optional benefits include:

• Dental
• Vision
• Critical Illness
• Cancer
• Additional Life
• Hospital Confinement
• Disability
• Accident
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Long Term Disability
• Short Term Disability

These benefits become effective the first of the month following a 1 month waiting period.