A PARENT’S GUIDE
Congratulations We are very excited for you and your growing family! Regardless of whether you are entering into the journey of parenthood for the first time or the third time, we want you to have a healthy, stress free experience – because we care about you and your new arrival! You will find wellbeing tips and programs which promote a healthy pregnancy, resources for parenting, adoption and child care, leave policies and procedures, additional support programs for parents-to-be and much more. To help guide you throughout this time of preparation, we’ve established a checklist along with a time-frame in which to consider completion. We understand that not all items on the checklist may be applicable to you, so skip around within the guide if necessary.
checklist to good health AND A STRES S-FREE PARENTAL LEAVE
TO D O LI ST
TI M E FRAM E
PAGE( S )
Understand your medical benefits for maternity services
Pre-pregnancy or first trimester
2
Obtain Support for a Healthy Pregnancy
First, second & third trimester
4
Understand Our Parental Leave Policy
First, second & third trimester
5
Obtain Support for Adoption Consultation & Referral Services
In advance of an adoption
6
Establish Your Prenatal & Dental Care Schedule
First trimester
7
Plan for Your Leave of Absence by Understanding Your Options
Second trimester or in advance of an adoption
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Report the family status change within 31 days of birth or adoption
10
Enroll Your Child in Medical Benefits Plan for Your Return to Work
Two weeks prior to your return date
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CLICK ON ANY TOPIC TO GO TO THAT PAGE
Print this page to keep track of your progress! CLICK THIS BUTTON ON ANY PAGE TO RETURN TO THIS CHECKLIST
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babies are expensive LET US HELP YOU WIT H T HAT !
Your medical benefits cover many maternity services at 100%. See below for which benefits are covered at no cost to you through your particular medical coverage.
Maternity Services – Preventive Care The services listed below are likely covered at no cost if you participate in our medical plan. If you have questions about your coverage, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas at www.bcbstx.com or at the number on the back of your ID card.
Screenings Covered for Pregnant Women • Anemia • Hepatitis B (at first prenatal visit) • Rh incompatibility (additional follow-up testing for women at higher risk) • Syphilis (also for non-pregnant women at higher risk) • Urinary tract or other infections • Gestational Diabetes
Additional Services, Tests and Equipment Covered for Pregnant Women • Cost of renting breastfeeding equipment • Routine prenatal care visits • Well-woman visits (covered for all women) • Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) if your in-network primary care physician chooses to administer • Breastfeeding support
Counseling Covered for Pregnant Women (or Women Who May Become Pregnant) • Folic acid supplements (for women who may become pregnant) • Breastfeeding
Start stocking up on diapers and wipes!
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BABIES ARE EXPENSIVE LET US HELP CONT.
Other maternal services aren’t considered preventive but are covered under the Aspen Heights medical plans with deductible and coinsurance.
High Deductible Health Plan Deductible
$5,000
Co-Pay Plan $1,000
Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum
$5,000 Ind | $10,000 Fam
Office Visits
100% after deductible
$25 copay
Hospital (including delivery)
100% after deductible
Deductible plus 20% coinsurance
$4,000 ($1,000Rx) Ind $10,200 ($3,000Rx) Fam
Start Saving With Your Health Savings Account If you participate in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), start planning now for upcoming expenses and set money aside in your health savings account (HSA) for your own prenatal care and for services required by your new addition. Aspen Heights puts money in your HSA for eligible expenses. You can change your pre-tax contribution at any time at https://flexreservehsa.wageworks.com/ Per limits set by the IRS, during this calendar year, you may contribute $3,500 for employee only and $7,000 for employee plus child(ren) or family coverage, including the Aspen Heights incentive contributions. Eligible individuals who are 55 or older by the end of the tax year can increase their contribution limit up to $1,000 a year.
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BABIES ARE EXPENSIVE LET US HELP CONT.
Healthy Pregancy Program In addition to your doctor’s care, your medical plan includes special attention for expectant moms, at no extra cost. Be sure to sign up for these resources as soon as you know you are pregnant. Call the number on your ID card to enroll.
BCBSTX – Special Beginnings The Special Beginnings maternity program enables early identification of high-risk pregnancies and increased opportunities for interventions that can result in cost savings and better outcomes. The program provides expectant mothers with ongoing support and education from early pregnancy until six weeks after delivery, including: • Identifying risk factors for each pregnancy • Providing personal contact to address needs and concerns; coordinate care with the expectant mothers’ physician • Helping manage high-risk conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia • Integration with other BlueCare Connection programs like Behavioral Health to manage depression, Lifestyle Management to provide smokers with tobacco cessation services • On-the-Go pregnancy resources – Duty Calls for new dads, and Tot Tracker to help parents track their child’s milestones from ages 0-3 years
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parental leave policy Full-time employees who have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months are eligible for parental leave for pregnancy, childbirth, nursing or adoption. Eligible employees may take paid leave of up to 8 weeks for maternity leave before and after the birth of a child unless applicable state or local law require otherwise. Adoptive parents and fathers can take up to 3 weeks off with pay. With regard to adoption, the 3 week period shall begin at the time an employee receives custody of the child. After the parental leave has been exhausted, subsequent leave will be covered under appropriate policies. Employees may be eligible for additional unpaid time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or may use any of their PTO days. Please note: Parental Leave runs concurrently with FMLA for eligible employees. Employees shall be restored to their previous or similar positions with the same status, pay, length of service credit and seniority, as of the date of their leave.
Continuation of Benefits Health insurance benefits will continue to be provided during the paid parental leave under this policy at the same rate as in effect before the leave was taken regardless of length of service, provided the employee has at least one full year of service.
Requirements for Obtaining Paid Leave The employee must provide to the department head 30 days’ notice of the requested leave (or as much notice as practicable if the leave is not foreseeable), complete the necessary forms and file them with the human resource department.
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adoption & fertility Preparing for an Adoption Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, for adoption beginners, the adoption process can seem overwhelmingly complicated, time consuming and frustrating — especially if you are eager to get started.
Financial Services Adopting a child is a wonderful way to grow your family, but it can be very expensive. There are some agencies and programs that may assist with the cost of adoption through grants, loans and other financial assistance programs. One resource is the National Adoption Foundation (NAF). The NAF is dedicated to providing financial support for adoptive families in order to assist them in the successful adoption of children. They are committed to improving each child’s chance of becoming part of a loving family. The Foundation’s programs are available to any family whether they are adopting a child domestically, abroad or from foster care. For more information, please visit the NAF website: www.fundyouradoption.org.
Keep track of all your home study materials in one binder. Add a first page with a list of all materials and the date that the pieces were completed so that you stay current.
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the care you need PR E NATA L CA RE What is prenatal care? Prenatal care is medical care you receive when you’re pregnant to keep your baby growing happy and healthy. You can get prenatal care from a doctor, midwife or other health care provider. The goal of prenatal care is to watch the progress of your pregnancy to identify problems early, before they become serious for you or your baby.
Prenatal Care Schedule You can schedule a prenatal care checkup as soon as you think you’re pregnant. Here’s a typical prenatal care schedule: • One visit a month for the first six months of pregnancy. • Two visits a month during months seven and eight. • One visit a week during the last month until the baby is born. It’s important to attend your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine. Every visit is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share concerns, and learn all you can about having a baby.
Enhanced Dental Benefits for Expectant Mothers Pregnancy increases your risk of several dental health problems, including tooth decay due to increased acidity in the mouth, loose teeth from higher levels of progesterone, and gum disease. To help you maintain your oral health, our BCBSTX dental plan includes an enhanced dental benefit for pregnant women. This coverage includes an additional preventive care, and periodontal services to treat gum disease as needed.
Thinking about planning a babymoon? 7
taking time for your bundle of joy Our leave policies, disability benefits, and other employer-sponsored programs can provide you with assistance during this exciting time. Below is a summary regarding paid and unpaid leave, paying for benefits while on leave, and adding your new addition to your health insurance. For complete policies, see your employee handbook on the Talent page of ThinkAspen.
LE AV E P ROTECT IO N Family Medical Leave The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides you, if eligible, the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period for the arrival of a new child in the family — whether by birth, adoption or foster care — provided that you have worked for the company for at least 12 months, and for at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months preceding the commencement of the requested leave. Leave must be taken within 12 months of the birth, adoption or foster care placement. Upon return from leave, FMLA entitles you to be restored to the same or equivalent position. During an FMLA leave, your health benefits are maintained (you may need to submit payment for your portion). Additional leave benefits may be available to you depending on the state in which you work. This leave is offered per state and federal laws and was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take time off for certain medical and family reasons.
Non-FMLA Leave This leave is offered to employees who do not meet the requirements for FMLA or have exhausted their FMLA entitlement. Generally, employees are eligible for up to six months of non-FMLA medical leave per rolling 12 month period as long as the leave does not pose an undue hardship. Non-FMLA does not guarantee the employee will be restored to the same or equivalent position.
Will you find out the gender of your baby? Time to start planning your gender reveal 8
TAKING TIME FOR YOUR BUNDLE OF JOY CONT.
PAYING F O R YO U R B ENEF I TS WH I L E O U T O N L E AV E Paying For Your Benefits Under current company policy, employees pay a portion of their health care premium. While on paid leave, payroll deductions for benefits continue automatically. For questions about payments or balances, please contact People Operations.
Short Term Disability Short-term disability (STD) benefits begin after 14 days of disability and cover 60% percent of your pay up to $2,000 per week. STD will pay up to 11 weeks. In the event that you experience complications, such as mandated bed rest during pregnancy, that require longer than the standard leave, if you have already enrolled in LTD, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
Long Term Disability LTD applies to personal illness leave that lasts longer than 13 weeks. LTD cannot be used during leave for adoption or for complications that are not due to your own personal illness. LTD provides up to 60 percent of your salary, up to a maximum of $7,500 per month. Benefits begin after 13 weeks of disability and will be paid as long as the plan considers you disabled or until you reach the maximum period of benefit, which is based on your Normal Social Security Retirement Age.
Paid Time Off (PTO) PTO can be used in addition with your parenting leave. This must be discussed with your supervisor before requesting days off.
Unpaid Leave Please contact People Operations for additional information on this topic.
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benefits enrollment HOW TO ENRO LL YO U R CH I L D I N B E N E F I TS While a newborn is eligible for medical coverage at birth, he or she is not automatically covered as your dependent. You enroll your child within 30 calendar days from the date of birth or date of placement for adoption of a child. You can enroll your new baby or child. Go to users profile in ADP (www.workforcenow.adp.com) > Go to Dependents & Beneficiary > "Add" Dependent/Beneficiary > Complete "Add Dependent/Beneficiary" form
Enrollment Tip You may want to consider the age of your child and the benefits available when reviewing the dental and vision plans. For example, the added cost for dental and vision insurance for a newborn may not be necessary. It may work better for your family to add your child to these programs during the annual enrollment period that corresponds to the appropriate age at which they need dental and vision care.
Enroll in the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) If you will have dependent care expenses, you have the option to enroll in the dependent care FSA when you are enrolling your child in health insurance. The DCFSA is used to pay for eligible child care expenses including daycare, before/after school care and summer day camps for children under age 13, unless disabled. You can designate a goal amount for the year, and an equal portion of that annual election will be deducted from each paycheck as a pre-tax deduction — so you lower your taxes and save money!
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returning to work P LANNING YO U R RET U RN To ensure that your return can be properly scheduled, it is requested that you provide your supervisor with at least two weeks’ advance notice of the date you intend to return to work. If you are returning from leave due to your own serious health condition (birth of child), you must provide certification from your health care provider that you are able to return to work. Return to work is not permitted without a medical release.
Nursing Mothers’ Accommodation Aspen Heights supports the health and well-being of employees and their infant children and commits to providing nursing mothers with reasonable break periods and space to express breast milk during work hours for up to 12 months after the child’s birth. For assistance or to find the location of the designated room for nursing mothers, please contact People Operations.
Overwhelmed? Lean on the EAP A new baby in the family brings snuggles and giggles but may also bring some stress and anxiety. The confidential counseling services of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available to provide support during this transition. LifeCare (through ADP) Phone: 1-800-697-7315 Website: http://member.lifecare.com In addition, the EAP has a number of resources geared towards the needs of parents or prospective parents, including: • Prenatal planning • Adoption referral services • Childcare resources • Lactation support services • Support services for dependents with special needs 11
RETURNING TO WORK CONT.
First Stop Health Telemedicine is Available for You and Your Family! Not feeling well or have a sick child? You can now see a doctor with just a few clicks on your computer or smart device without leaving your home or office. First Stop Health offers virtual doctor’s visits that will save you time and money. For less than the price of most physician’s visits or urgent care facilities — and without having to take time away from work or family — you can skip the waiting room and get the care you or your family member needs, fast.
Call 888-691-7864 or visit fshealth.com for more information.
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notes Write your favorite baby names here!