Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
I have questions about my medical/prescription/dental claim. Who do I call?
You should call the plan provider (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Express Scripts—see Plan Administrator page) directly for assistance. All customer service numbers are on your identification cards as well as the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) sent from the administrator. You should have your EOB available when making your call and note your conversation on the form for future reference. Always ask for the representative’s name when calling with questions. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to call the Human Resources Benefits Division at (732) 866-3622 and then hit “2” at the prompt for assistance.
I lost my insurance identification cards. How do I get them replaced?
You should call the plan administrator directly for assistance. See the Plan Administrator page for the phone number.
My dependent child is no longer eligible for County benefits. Can I buy insurance through the County?
When your child is no longer eligible, you may continue coverage through C.O.B.R.A.. You must notify the Human Resources Benefits Division within 30 days of the date the child is no longer eligible and information about C.O.B.R.A. will be sent to you.
I am resigning my position from the County, how do I enroll in C.O.B.R.A.?
Upon notice of separation from your employment the County’s C.O.B.R.A. administrator (IAA) will send you an information package regarding C.O.B.R.A..
Do I need a referral to see the OB/GYN?
If you are enrolled in an HMO, as long as you go to an OB/GYN that is approved for the plan you are entitled to an annual visit without a referral.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING
What is the difference between a Medical Flexible Spending Account and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?
A Medical Flexible Spending Account pays for the qualified medical expenses not covered or reimbursed by your health benefits plan or any other type of insurance.
The Dependent Care Assistance Program pays for child care or adult dependent care expenses that are necessary to allow you or your spouse to work or attend school full-time.
Each allows you to pay for qualified expenses with pre-tax dollars as money is deducted from your paycheck before taxes.
What is the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule?
In accordance with IRS tax rules, you forfeit any money for which you did not incur an eligible expense or make a timely submission of said expense under your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) during the prescribed period. This is known as the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule.
The “use-it-or-lose-it” rule is the reason why you should plan carefully, and conservatively, when making your annual FSA election. Also remember, that reimbursement for expenses is based on when an expense is incurred and when it is submitted, not when it is paid. As a reminder, participants are notified by the plan administrator periodically as to their balances.
What happens if I separate or retire before the end of the Benefit Period?
The balances in your medical and dependent care accounts are treated differently if you separate or retire before the end of the Benefit Period.
Your medical account will terminate as of the date of your separation or retirement. There are no extensions. Any eligible health care expenses incurred prior to the date of separation will still be reimbursed but those incurred after the separation date are not reimbursable.
You can continue to use the remaining balance in your dependent care account to pay for eligible dependent care expenses until the end of the Benefit Period or until your account balance is exhausted, whichever comes first.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
What is a brand name drug?
A brand name drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is supplied by one company (the pharmaceutical manufacturer). The drug is protected by a patent and is marketed under the manufacturer's brand name.
What is a generic drug?
When a drug patent expires, other companies may produce a generic version of the brand name drug. A generic medication, also approved by the FDA, is a copy of the brand name drug and is generally marketed under its chemical name. A generic drug may have a different color or shape than its brand name counterpart, but it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form (i.e., pill, liquid, or injection), and provide the same effectiveness and safety as its brand name counterpart.
Is there a price difference between generic and brand name drugs?
Yes. Generic drugs are much less expensive than brand name products, therefore, saving you, the tax payer, a lot of money.
Page Last Updated: 2/12/2020 3:14:00 PM