FAQ

Benefit Plan Information Summary
The City of Scottsdale's benefit plans are designed to support its employees through various health and insurance options.
Self-Insurance Model
In a self-insurance model, the city funds claim payments while Cigna processes these claims and offers customer service. Cigna also provides access to networks, case management, and programs such as a nurse line and disease management. To manage excessive claims, the city has stop loss insurance.
Health Plan Types
Understanding the difference between health plans is crucial. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) both require using in-network providers to receive benefits. The primary distinction lies in their funding; HMO plans are typically insured by an insurance company, whereas EPO plans are self-insured by the employer, which in this case, is the city. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers two levels of coverage—higher benefits for in-network services and lower for out-of-network, unlike HMOs or EPOs which do not cover out-of-network services.
ID Cards
Employees' social security numbers will not be displayed on ID cards; instead, a unique identifier will be used.
Online Access
Access to Cigna Plan websites is provided, with limited access from work and full access from home.
Prescription Drug Plan
Each health plan includes a prescription drug component, requiring employees to share costs through co-payments based on drug tiers. Additionally, mail order programs are available for cost-effective purchasing of maintenance medications. Drugs not listed in the plan's preferred formulary are considered non-formulary and incur higher costs.
Disability and Life Insurance
The city provides basic life insurance and short-term disability insurance to benefited employees. Additional voluntary life insurance is also available, with specific age-related reductions detailed in the policy.
Assistance and Family Involvement
For assistance with benefit choices, the HR staff is available via email, phone, or in-person. Family members can also access benefits information through the city's website or by contacting HR directly.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are calculated on a fiscal year basis, from July 1 to June 30. Each plan has specific deductibles. For example, the Cigna OAP In-Network Plan has no deductible, while the Cigna OAP and Cigna OAP + HSA plans have varying deductibles for in-network and out-of-network services. Out-of-pocket maximums include deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance for medical services and prescription drugs, although some expenses do not count towards these maximums. Separate deductibles apply for in-network and out-of-network benefits, and there are distinctions between individual and family deductibles, where the latter covers the combined expenses of all family members.
Provider Networks
To ensure that employees receive the most up-to-date information on network providers, it is recommended to verify participation directly through the plan's website or member services, as printed materials can quickly become outdated.
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HR - Benefits

9191 E. San Salvador Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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