2012 Health Information

This information applies to City of Modesto Employees and Retirees only.

2012 health information for City of Modesto employees and retirees is now available.

If you are an active employee represented by MCFFA click here

Important Dates

  • The open enrollment period will begin Monday, October 3, 2011 through Friday, November 4, 2011.
  • Health Benefits Fair will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at City of Modesto, Tenth Street Place – Room#2001
  • All changes must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by 5:00pm on Friday, November 4, 2011.
  • Elections made during open enrollment will become effective January 1, 2012.

Open Enrollment Schedule of Events


Health Insurance Rates and Health Plan Side-By-Side Comparisons

  • Health Insurance Rates

    Please click on your bargaining group to view your health insurance rates for plan year January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012.

    MCEA MCMA MPNSA UNREP MPOA MPMA RETIREES

  • Cheat Sheet to your Health Insurance

    This document is a road map to your health insurance. Depending on what medical health insurance you are enrolled in, you may have different providers for different services. Click here to view your cheat sheet.


Health Insurance Information


Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is only available to employees enrolled in a HDHP medical plan (Anthem Blue Cross or Kaiser HDHP). A HSA is a tax-favored account that allows you to set aside funds to save and pay for qualified medical expenses incurred by you, your spouse, and any of your qualified dependents. The HSA is an individually-owned account that earns interest and the funds are carried over, without limit, from year to year.

The City's Health Savings Account administrator, First Horizon Msaver, has merged with HealthEquity Inc, an IRS-approved HSA custodian. The conversion of existing accounts over to the new administrator HealthEquity will be effective November 1, 2011. If you are a current HSA account holder with First Horizon your debit card and checks will be deactivated on October 28, 2011. HealthEquity will be sending out new debit cards beginning the week of October 20, 2011 with the activation date of November 1, 2011. Please review the below documents for a complete list of changes from First Horizon to HealthEquity.


Flexible Spending Accounts

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-favored program offered by the City that allows employees to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The City offers three FSA accounts: Unreimbursed Medical (URM), Limited Expense Unreimbursed Medical (LEX URM), and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). ASI administers the FSA program. There is a $3.50 per month ($1.62 per pay period) administration fee.


Dental/Vision Plans


Chiropractic/Mental Health Plans

  • Chiropractic Health Coverage

    The chiropractic coverage for employees/retirees is now integrated in your medical plan. For example, if you elect Anthem blue Cross HMO, your chiropractic coverage is through Anthem blue Cross HMO. For more details please refer to the Benefit Plan summaries of the medical coverage. Employees who are enrolled in Kaiser HDHP or opt-out of medical coverage do not have chiropractic.

  • Mental Health Coverage

    The mental health coverage for employees/retirees is now integrated in your medical plan. For example, if you elect Anthem Blue Cross HMO plan, your mental health coverage is through Anthem Blue Cross HMO. For more details refer to the Benefit Plan Summaries of the medical coverage. Employees who opt out of medical coverage do not have mental health coverage through City of Modesto.


Health Care Reform

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation, along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, makes sweeping changes to the U.S. health care system. These changes will be implemented over the next several years. Below is an overview of the key reform provisions that have been implemented. If you would like more information on the Health Care Reform please visit their website at www.healthcare.gov.

  • Extended Coverage for Young Adults

    Effective January 1, 2011, children are now eligible for coverage up to the age of 26 regardless of marriage status, financial dependency, or student status.

  • Prohibition on Lifetime and Annual Limits

    The new health care reform law contains a provision stating that group health plans cannot establish a lifetime or annual limit on the dollar value of benefits. Plans are permitted to place lifetime and annual limits on specific covered benefits that are not considered essential benefits under the new health reform law.

  • Preexisting Condition Exclusions

    Effective January 1, 2011, a preexisting condition limitation cannot be applied to any enrollee who is under age 19. Starting plan year January 1, 2014, preexisting condition limitations will be prohibited for all plans and all covered individuals.

  • Increase Tax on Withdrawal from HSAs

    The health care reform law will increase the additional tax on HSA withdrawals prior to age 65 that are not used for qualifed medical expenses from 10 to 20 percent.

  • HSA Clarification for Overage Dependents

    The Health Savings Account has different guidelines as it relates to newly eligible over age dependents. These dependent children in question who are now eligible for coverage under the health plan may not be considered tax dependents for HSA distributions.