Arizona Technology Council Employee Benefits Guide 2025 by Educational Services, Inc.

Whether you are a new employee enrolling into your benefits for the first time or considering your benefits during open enrollment, this guide is designed to help you through the process.

Arizona Technology Council is proud to offer a benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

Please take the time to read this information and ask questions so you can make the best benefits decisions for both you and your family.

If you should have any questions:

1. Contact the carrier directly. Phone number and website information is on page 14.

2. Contact Diana White at 480-252-5008 or dwhite@aztechcouncil.org or Vanessa Thompson at 619.988.7673 or vthompson@scitechinstitute.org

This booklet highlights important features of Arizona Technology Council’s benefits for it’s benefit eligible employees. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, in the event of any discrepancies your actual coverage and benefits will be determined by the legal plan documents and the contracts that govern these plans.

Enrollment Information

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Open Enrollment for current employees is from December 12th through December 20th. This is your one time per year to make changes.

All benefit eligible employees are required to elect coverage via Arizona Technology Council’s enrollment form. Any coverage not actively selected will be considered a waiver of coverage.

NEW EMPLOYEES

New Employees have 31 days from your hire date to complete enrollment in the group insurance program. If you have moved from a non-benefits eligible status to a benefits eligible status, you will have 31 days from the new benefits eligible status to complete your enrollment. All insurance coverage starts at the first of the month.

Remember, if elections are not made within the 31day initial period of eligibility, you will be required to wait until Annual Open Enrollment or until a Qualifying Life Event takes place. Late Enrollees may be required to satisfy a waiting period for the dental plan for certain services.

PRE-TAX VS POST-TAX DEDUCTIONS

Pre-Tax Dollars: Your medical, dental and vision insurance premiums are paid with money removed from your gross wages prior to any tax calculations. This reduces your tax liability and is a more efficient way to pay for premiums.

Post-Tax Dollars: If you elect to enroll in the Supplemental Term Life benefit, your premiums will be deducted from your gross pay after taxes are deducted.

Qualifying Life Event

The elections that you make during Open Enrollment or at initial benefits eligibility will remain in effect for the plan year (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025). During that time, if your life or family status changes according to the recognized events listed below, you are permitted to revise your benefits coverage to accommodate your new status. You may make benefits changes by contacting the Benefits Department and providing the proper documentation.

IRS regulations govern under what circumstances you may make changes to your benefits, which benefits you can change and what kinds of changes are permitted.

✓ All changes must be consistent with the qualifying life event.

✓ In most cases, you cannot change your benefit plan, but may modify the level of your coverage (in other words, you can add or delete dependents, enroll or dis-enroll yourself or dependents, but not switch insurance carriers or plans).

Any changes in benefit levels must be completed within 31 days of the qualifying life event.

COBRA

In most cases, if your employment ends, benefits will terminate on the last day of the month in which you stopped working. Benefits will end on the day of termination in cases of employee fraud.

Through federal legislation known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), you may choose to continue coverage by paying the full monthly premium cost plus an administrative charge of 2% (if applicable).

Each individual who is covered by an Arizona Technology Council benefit plan immediately preceding

QUALIFYING LIFE EVENTS LIST

Marital Status Changes Covered Dependent Changes

■ Marriage

■ Death of spouse

■ Divorce

■ Spouse gains or loses coverage from another source

■ Spouse employer’s Open Enrollment

■ Birth or adoption of a child

■ Death of dependent child

■ Dependent becomes ineligible for coverage

the employee’s COBRA event has the right to continue his or her medical, dental or vision plan.

The right to continuation of coverage ends at the earliest of the date:

✓ you, your spouse or dependents become covered under another group health plan; or,

✓ you become entitled to Medicare; or,

✓ you fail to pay the cost of coverage; or

✓ your COBRA Continuation Period expires.

Medical Plan Information

1 2

The networks Arizona Technology Council will use for hospitals and physicians for their medical plans.

The virtual visit (telemedicine) provider for the medical plans from BCBS of AZ.

The association that Arizona Technology Council is a part of to bring robust benefit options to it’s employees

SUMMARY

Medical benefits provide you and your family access to quality health care. Arizona Technology Council offers three comprehensive medical plans that you may choose from for yourself or for yourself and your dependents. The medical plans are provided through the Arizona Technology Council (AZTC). AZTC contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to use their PPO plans with the Statewide Network (including Mayo Clinic). The medical plans provide major medical coverage to include hospitalization, physician and emergency room visits, prescriptions, telemedicine (BlueCare Anywhere) and more.

To search for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona PPO provider in the Statewide Network (including Mayo Clinic), visit azblue.com/member after you are enrolled to register for your online member portal or call 602.864.4400

BCBS of Arizona Medical Plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you choose to enroll in the HSA 3500 medical plan, you will have an HSA provided to you. An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings and spending account that can be used to pay for qualified health care expenses.

THERE ARE TWO COMPONENTS TO AN HSA-BASED COVERAGE PLAN:

1. A qualified health plan is the insurance component that provides medical coverage for you and your family. You can choose the HSA 3500 plan.

HOW AN HSA WORKS:

1. Enroll in the HSA 3500 plan offered by Arizona Technology Council

2. Contribute to your HSA by payroll deductions or directly to your HSA account:

For 2025, you may contribute up to $4,300 for self-only coverage or $8,550 for family coverage. If you are 55 or older, you may contribute an extra $1,000 in 2025.

2. An HSA is the banking component which can be funded by pre-tax payroll contributions from you.

The money contributed to the account is yours to keep and will roll over year after year –no ‘use it or lose it’ rule!

3. With your HSA debit card, use those funds to pay for qualified expenses such as:

■ copays

■ deductibles

■ chiropractor

■ dental treatment

HSA ELIGIBILITY

■ hearing aids

■ glasses/ contacts

■ prescriptions

To make tax-free contributions to an HSA, the IRS requires that:

■ You are covered by an HSA-qualified medical plan (such as the HSA 3500 plan)

■ You have no other health coverage (such as other health plan, Medicare, military health benefits, medical FSA’s)

■ You may not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another’s tax return

Online Doctor Visits

Any Day, Any Time

Online Doctor Visits Any Day, Any Time.

WHAT IS BLUECARE ANYWHERE?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) members can see a board-certified doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist on a computer or mobile device using the BlueCare® Anywhere telehealth app. It’s the easy way to get immediate care—any day, any time. Why wait to start feeling better? Just sign in and connect to your live video visit.

W hat is BlueCare Anywhere?

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?

MEDICAL

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) members can see a board-certified doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist on a computer or mobile device using the BlueCare® Anywhere telehealth app. It’s the easy way to get immediate care— any day, any time. Why wait to start feeling better? Just sign in and connect to your live video visit.

COUNSELING

Online Doctor Visits Any Day, Any Time

PSYCHIATRY

MEDICAL

You don’t have time to be sick. And whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation, a board-certified doctor is ready to connect with you whenever and wherever you need help. For common health issues like headaches, fevers, rashes, and stomach bugs, simply click to select a provider and start feeling better.

W hat services are offered?

COUNSELING

Sometimes you just need to talk things out. When life’s challenges get too heavy, a certified counselor or psychologist is a click away.* They can help you with concerns such as depression and anxiety as well as stress caused by grief, divorce, parenting challenges, job loss, and other major life changes.

Take advantage of the flexible, affordable, AnywhereSM telehealth app. When your primary provider, counselor, or psychiatrist any day,

Three Types of Telehealth Care Available

QUICK TIPS

PSYCHIATRY

Psychiatric care is here whenever and wherever you need it.* Connect with a board-certified psychiatrist face to face by video visit, or by phone from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Experienced psychiatrists can help you address common behavioral health challenges, and provide assessments, evaluations and treatment.

MEDICAL

Providers can treat a range of common prescribe medication when necessary.

The BlueCare Anywhere telehealth app puts you face to face with a board-certified doctor any time, night or day. These tips can help you start a visit in minutes using your computer, tablet, or smartphone

COUNSELING

Licensed psychologists or counselors substance abuse which can affect This is available by appointment

PSYCHIATRY

Board-certified psychiatrists are and can prescribe medication. This

*Counseling and psychiatric care are by appointment.

(It’s a good idea to do this before you need to see a doctor.)

(It’sagoodideatodothisbefore youneedtoseeadoctor.)

• Download the BlueCare Anywhere mobile app or visit BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com.

• Fill in your contact information.

• Set up your username and password.

• Add your insurance, doctor, health, and payment information.

✓ Download the BlueCare Anywhere mobile app or visit BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com

• Test your connection to make sure it works.

✓ Fill in your contact information.

• You’re ready to use BlueCare Anywhere!

✓ Set up your username and password.

✓ Add your insurance, doctor, health, and payment information.

✓ Test your connection to make sure it works.

Know when to use it

✓ You’re ready to use BlueCare Anywhere!

• Cold, flu, fever

• Cough, bronchitis

• Diarrhea, vomiting

Know when to use it

• Headache

• Pink eye

• Rashes

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Depression, and more

Visit with a doctor, counselor, or psychiatristforhelpwith:

✓ Cold, flu, fever

✓ Rashes

This is not a complete list. BlueCare Anywhere should not be used for burns, wounds, broken bones, or life-threatening conditions. In an identified or probable emergency, the virtual visit provider will direct you to seek emergency care. For more information, visit BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com.

✓ Cough, bronchitis

✓ Diarrhea, vomiting

✓ Headache

✓ Pink eye

✓ Insomnia

✓ Anxiety

✓ Depression, and more

Visit with a doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist for help with: 1 2 3 4

See a doctor or make an appointment

• Open the app or go to BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com and sign in.

• Follow the steps to choose a doctor or make an appointment. Some doctors are available right away. Others might have a short wait time.

See

1 2 3 4

Get treated

You will see when the doctor dials into the video chat session.

You will talk with the doctor about your health concern just like during a regular office visit.

You can use the camera on your computer or mobile device to provide close-up views.

The doctor will give you treatment options and may send a prescription to the pharmacy you’ve selected, if needed.

Need a “sick slip” or other document to go back to work or school? The doctor can provide one as appropriate.

After Your Visit

After your visit

You’ll receive a report that you can share with your PCP or other healthcare provider. A satisfaction survey will be sent to your email. Your answers will help us make the BlueCare Anywhere app the very best it can be.

a doctor or make an appointment

• You can see the fees and add or change your payment information.

✓ Open the app or go to BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com and sign in.

If you are traveling out of state, you’ll need to change your profile setting to show the state you’re visiting. That way, you can choose a doctor who is licensed to practice in that state.

✓ Follow the steps to choose a doctor or make an appointment. Some doctors are available right away.

✓ Others might have a short wait time.

✓ You can see the fees and add or change your payment information.

If you are traveling out of state, you’ll need to change your profile setting to show the state you’re visiting. That way, you can choose a doctor who is licensed to practice in that state.

Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Other logos are the property of their respective owners.

Dental Plan

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF AZ BLUEDENTAL PPO NETWORK

Vision Plan

Standard lenses are covered.

VSP

CHOICE

NETWORK In Network Out of Network

Exam

$10 Copay

Reimbursed to $45

Frequency Every 12 Months Every 12 Months

Lenses Covered 100%

Reimbursed to $65

Single/Bifocal/Trifocal with no copay depending on lens Frequency Every 12 Months Every 12 Months

Frames

$150 Allowance ($80 Allowance at Costco, Walmart and Sam’s Club)

Reimbursed to $70

Frequency Every 24 Months Every 24 Months

Contact Lenses (instead of glasses)

$150 Allowance

Reimbursed to $105 Every 12 Months Every 12 Months

Lasik Surgery

Average 15% off the regular price or 5% off the promotional price

Not covered

Life Insurance

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE AND AD&D

Arizona Technology Council pays 100% of the cost of this MetLife Term Life Insurance Policy. Coverage for each benefit eligible employee enrolled in one of the medical plans is a $25,000 Life and AD&D Benefit.

Life insurance provides protection for those who depend on you financially. Your need varies greatly

due to age, number of dependents, dependent ages and your financial situation. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits provide a benefit to you or your beneficiary if you are seriously injured or die in an accident.

VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE AND AD&D

You can also elect to purchase additional life insurance from MetLife for yourself, your spouse and child(ren).

■ Employee: $10,000 increments to a maximum of $500,000.

■ Spouse: $5,000 increments to a maximum of $250,000 not to exceed 50% of the employee’s Supplemental Life Benefit.

■ Child(ren) to age 19 (23 years old if full-time student): $2,500.

NOTE: If you are electing an amount above the Guaranteed Issue amount of $100,000 for an em-

ployee or $50,000 for your spouse, you MUST complete an Statement of Health form within 5 days of submitting your completed enrollment. Instructions for submitting your completed Statement of Health are included on the form.

EMPLOYEES ENROLLING AFTER INITIAL ELIGIBILI-

AT TIME OF HIRE (LATE ENTRANTS)

or EMPLOYEES

REQUESTING TO INCREASE COVERAGE:

Any amount of coverage elected requires a Statement of Health. You MUST complete a Statement of Health within 5 days of submitting your completed enrollment. Return instructions are included on the form.

Employee Assistance Program

Arizona Technology Council

Your EAP is a confidential & professional resource-available 24/7-paid for by your company and available to you and eligible dependents without cost. Benefits include:

COUNSELING ASSESSMENTS

Up to 3 in-person meetings with a counselor.

LEGAL SERVICES

Free initial 30-minute phone consultation; ongoing consultations with a lawyer at 25% off attorney’s regular fees; unlimited access to do-it-yourself legal documents online.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Free initial 30-minute phone consultation, and access to financial calculators and resource documents.

ID THEFT VICTIM RESOURCES

Free initial 60-minute phone consultation, ID theft response kit, and prevention information.

DAILY LIVING INFORMATION SERVICES

Unlimited phone or live chat consultations/requests for finding consumer services and resources.

CHILDCARE & PARENTING RESOURCES

Unlimited phone or live chat consultations

OLDER ADULT & ELDERCARE RESOURCES

Unlimited phone or live chat consultations

WEBSITE ACCESS

Unlimited access to online resources including:

■ Live Chat with a resource consultant (for Childcare, Eldercare & Daily Living)

■ Online referral request

■ Skill builders/online trainings

■ Well-being & productivity content

■ Monthly live & on-demand webinars

■ Search tools

wellspringeap.org | username: AZTC A service provided by

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Monthly emails featuring the webinar of the month, spotlight on an EAP benefit, and a feature article on well-being or productivity, with direct links to the website.

WELLSPRING STRESS CENTER™

Unlimited access to an online stress management and prevention center, including instant relief tools and long term solutions.

IN-THE-MOMENT SUPPORT

24/7 access to a professional, masters level therapist who will help you manage your distress, create a plan of action, & provide resources (which may include referrals for further services).

Disability Insurance

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY

Short-term disability (STD) insurance can help you replace a portion of your income during the initial weeks of a disability. All active full-time employees are eligible to participate.

How is “Disability” defined under the Plan?

Generally, you are considered disabled and eligible for short-term benefits if, due to sickness, pregnancy or accidental injury, you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and are complying with the requirements of the treatment and you are unable to earn more than 60% of your predisability earnings at any gainful occupation for which you are reasonably qualified taking into account your training, education and experience.

For a complete description of this and other requirements that must be met, refer to the Certificate of Insurance/ Summary Plan Description provided by your employer or contact your MetLife benefits administrator with any questions.

What is the benefit amount?

The short-term disability benefit replaces a portion of your predisability earnings, less the income that was actually

paid to you during the same Disability from other sources1 (e.g., state disability benefits, no-fault auto laws, sick pay, vacation pay, etc.). The benefit amount is 60% of your predisability weekly earnings; subject to the plan’s maximum weekly benefit of $1,250.

When do benefits begin and how long do they continue?

For Injury: 14 days.

For Sickness (includes pregnancy): 14 days.

Benefits continue for as long as you are disabled up to a maximum duration of 13 weeks of disability. Your plan’s maximum benefit period and any specific limitations are described in the Certificate of Insurance/Summary Plan Description provided by your employer.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance helps replace a portion of your income for an extended period of time. All active full-time employees are eligible to participate.

How is “Disability” defined under the Plan?

Generally, you are considered disabled and eligible for long term benefits if, due to sickness, pregnancy or accidental injury, you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of the treatment and you are unable to earn more than 80% of your predisability earnings at your own occupation for any employer in your local economy.

Following the Own Occupation period, you are considered disabled if, due to sickness, pregnancy or accidental injury, you are receiving appropriate care and treatment and complying with the requirements of treatment and you are unable to earn 60% of your predisability earnings at any gainful occupation for which you are reasonably qualified taking into account your training, education and experience.

What is the benefit amount?

The long-term disability benefit replaces a portion of your predisability monthly earnings, less other income you may receive from other sources1 during the same disability (e.g., Social Security, Workers’ Compensation, vacation pay etc.). The benefit amount is 60% of your predisability monthly earnings.

What is the maximum monthly benefit?

The amount of the long-term disability benefit may not exceed the maximum monthly benefit established under the plan, regardless of your annual salary amount. The maximum under this plan is $5,000.00.

When do benefits begin and how long do they continue?

Benefits begin after the end of the elimination period. The elimination period begins on the day you become disabled and is the length of time you must wait while being disabled before you are eligible to receive a benefit. Your elimination period for long-term disability is 90 days or until the end of the STD maximum benefit period. Your plan’s maximum benefit period and any specific limitations are described in the Certificate of Insurance/Summary Plan Description provided by your employer.

Employee Rate Sheet

Use this sheet for your per-paycheck benefit costs for the upcoming plan year. This is a great place to start planning for your, and your family’s, health and wellness for next year.

Important Phone Numbers

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medical/Dental

602.864.4400

www.azblue.com

BlueCare Anywhere Telehealth

www.BlueCareAnywhereAZ.com or Download the BlueCare Anywhere app

MetLife

BasicLifeandSupplementalLifeInsurancew/AD&D

800.275.4638

www.metlife.com

VSP Vision

800.877.7195

www.vsp.com

www.eyeconic.com to use your VSP benefit for glasses or contacts online

Diana White ArizonaTechnologyCouncil

480-252-5008

dwhite@aztechcouncil.org

Vanessa Thompson SciTech Institute

619.988.7673

vthompson@scitechinstitute.org

Wellspring EAP EmployeeAssistanceProgram

866.607.4535

www.wellspringeap.org

Username: AZTC

About this booklet

This booklet highlights important features of Arizona Technology Council’s benefits for its benefit eligible employees. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, in the event of any discrepancies your actual coverage and benefits will be determined by the legal plan documents and the contracts that govern these plans.

Capital Financial

14614 N. Kierland Blvd., Suite N220, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Office / 480.347.0926

Fax / 480.360.6417