CAREFIRST IS THE DENTAL CARRIER FOR 2024-2025.

The dental plan is a PPO that offers coverage in and out-of network. It is to your advantage to utilize a network dentist in order to achieve the greatest cost savings. If you choose to go out-of-network, you will be responsible for any cost exceeding CareFirst Dental’s negotiated fees, plus any deductible and coinsurance associated with your procedure.

• Dependent children are eligible until the end of the month in which they turn age 26.
• New dental cards will not be issued. Only those newly enrolling will receive a new ID card.
• In-Network Providers: Provider is reimbursed based on contracted fees and cannot balance bill you.
• Out-of-Network Providers: Provider is reimbursed based on Reasonable and Customary standards and balance billing is possible.
• FIND A DENTIST: To find a CareFirst Dental provider in your area, visit the website at www.CareFirst.com
• What is Dental Insurance? Video

You've probably heard of the different types of retirement plans: 457(b) Deferred Compensation, 401(k), 403(b), 401(a) and 457(b) Deferred Compensation with both traditional and Roth contributions. As a public employee, there are plans created specifically for you.

Nationwide® has worked with public sector employees for more than 40 years, so we know the kinds of questions you may have about your plan. We'll give you the tools and information to help you feel confident about investing for retirement. Keep in mind that investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal, and there's no guarantee that investment objectives will be achieved.

A 457(b) deferred compensation plan is a retirement plan offered by your employer, created to allow public employees like you to put aside money from each paycheck toward retirement. A deferred comp plan can help bridge the gap between what you have in your pension and Social Security, and how much you'll need in retirement. Your employer offers Roth 457(b) accounts and Indexed Principal Protection within the 457(b) plan.

Here are some frequently asked questions about deferred comp plans:

• What sets a 457(b) apart from other retirement plans? A 457(b) may offer benefits other retirement plans can't, like penalty-free withdrawals once you stop working for your public sector employer.
• What does tax-deferred mean? Basically, you don't pay income taxes on your deferred comp plan contributions or earnings until you retire and/or begin to take payments from your account. This may lower your taxable income now and in retirement. Withdrawals taken in retirement are taxed as regular income.
• How much can I put into a 457(b) plan? Check out the current contribution limits.
• Can I combine retirement accounts? Our Retirement Specialists will work with you to combine, or consolidate your eligible retirement accounts into your deferred comp account. This may make managing your retirement investments a little easier.

Qualified retirement plans, deferred compensation plans and individual retirement accounts are all different, including fees and when you can access funds. Assets rolled over from your account(s) may be subject to surrender charges, other fees and/or a 10% tax penalty if withdrawn before age 59½.

The sooner you enroll, the more you can possibly save. Take a look at the Enrollment Checklist to see what you'll need to have handy and enroll today!

Nationwide, www.nrsforu.com
Scott Wamboldt
Sr. Retirement Specialist
Toll Free 1-877-677-3678
Cell 1-410-274-9568
R.S.Wamboldt@nationwide.com

Your EAP - What to Expect

Get an overview here.

AllOne

Your mental health and well-being matter. That’s why we offer an Employee Assistance Program as one of our benefits, providing mental health counseling and a wide range of whole health support services for all employees and family members.

Your Assistance Program offers a wide range of benefits to help improve mental health, reduce stress and make life easier—all easily accessible through your member portal.

• Request a Mental Health Session - Request counseling by submitting an online form or live chat. Choose from in-person or virtual counseling options to meet your needs.
• Request Referrals & Resources - Submit a request for family care and lifestyle support including childcare and eldercare referrals, legal referrals and financial consultation, personal assistant referrals and medical advocacy consultation.
• Explore Thousands of Self-Care Articles & Resources - Health and lifestyle assessments, interactive checklists, soft skills courses, podcasts, resource locators, exclusive discounts, and expansive articles on whole health and well-being.
• Visit Your Online Financial Center - Featuring worksheets, calculators, and a wide range of financial resources and tools to help reach personal goals and build financial wellness.

How to Get Started:

1. Visit AllOneHealth.com/DeerOaks and click "Sign Up" to create an account using your email and company code: allegany
2. For help locating your company code or creating an account, click "Email Support".
3. You will receive an email confirmation to complete the registration process.

How to Download the New EAP Member Portal Web App

1. From your mobile phone, open Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android).
2. Visit AllOneHealth.com/DeerOaks
3. Tap the share icon (iPhone: square with an arrow; Android: three dots).
4. Select "Add to Home Screen" and tap "Add".

This will place the updated Member Portal icon on your home screen, giving you quick access to all the latest resources and features. We provide these EAP benefits to help you thrive in all areas of life with holistic support for mental health, well-being, and more. These benefits are completely confidential to use, and open to family members. We encourage you to reach out to EAP for personalized support!

Key Features of the AllOne Health App include:

Self-Schedule Virtual Counseling with AllOne Connect: Give your employees fast, private access to care—without barriers. From stress to support, employees can book confidential virtual counseling sessions directly in the app, on their own schedule. No phone calls. No delays. Just real help, when it’s needed most.  For virtual or in-person requests with our external provider network, please call 888-993-7650 or complete an online form at www.allonehealth.com/deeroaks  

Izzy: Your AI-Powered Mental Health Chatbot: Izzy is more than a chatbot—it’s an always-on, AI-powered guide to mental health support. Built into the AllOne Health App, Izzy provides immediate, personalized care—anytime, anywhere.  With Izzy, employees can:

• Instantly get answers about their EAP benefits
• Access real-time mental health chat, self-assessments, and coping strategies
• Navigate to the right tools and resources in the app
• Connect to live, personal support—24/7

By combining advanced AI technology with compassionate care, Izzy makes support more approachable, personalized, and immediate for everyone.

Additional Features That Make a Difference:

• On-the-Go Access: Download instantly from the Apple or Google Play Store.
• Comprehensive Self-Help Tools: iCBT, self-assessments, videos, webinars, and articles—all at your fingertips.
• Live Support, One Tap Away: Real human support is always available.
• Seamless Sign-Up: Same access code as the online portal—no extra steps.
• Flexible Access, Same Great Care: Works alongside the member portal so employees can choose the platform that fits them best.

US Cellular Employee Discount (PDF)

How the Health Care Flexible Spending Account Works

When you have out-of-pocket expenses (such as copayments and deductibles), you can use your FSA debit card or submit an FSA claim form with your receipt to CBIZ Flex. Reimbursement is issued to you through direct deposit into your bank account, or if you prefer, a check can be issued to you. Please note that any unused amount over $640, at the end of the plan year is forfeited.

• HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
  This account enables you to pay medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug expenses that may or may not be covered under your insurance program (or your spouse’s) with pre‑tax dollars. You can also pay for dependent health care, even if you choose single (vs. family) coverage. The total amount of your annual election is available to you up front, reducing the chance of having a large out-of-pocket expense early in the plan year. Be aware—any unused portion of the account over $640 at the end of the plan year is forfeited.
• DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
  This account gives you the opportunity to redirect a portion of your annual pay on a pretax basis to pay for dependent care expenses. An eligible dependent is any member of your household for whom you can claim expenses on your Federal Income Tax Form 2441, “Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses.” Children must be under age 13. Care centers which qualify include dependent care centers, preschool educational institutions, and qualified individuals (as long as the caregiver is not a family member and reports income for tax purposes). Before deciding to use the Dependent Care Expense Account, it would be wise to compare its tax benefit to that of claiming a child care tax credit when filing your tax return. You may want to check with your tax advisor to determine which method is best for you and your family. Any unused portion of your account balance at the end of the plan year is forfeited.

Click here for the full list of Healthcare FSA Eligible Expenses

What is a Flexible Spending Account? (Video)

For instructions on how to use My Plans by CBIZ, visit the Member Benefits Guide.

YOUR HEALTH PLAN OPTION

Eligible employees of Allegany County Commissioners are provided a BlueChoice Advantage plan with PPO overlay through CareFirst.  This plan gives you the option of using out-of-network providers, however you can save money by using in-network providers because CareFirst has negotiated significant discounts with them. If you choose to go out-of-network, you’ll be responsible for the difference between the actual charge and CareFirst’s allowed amount, plus your out-of-network deductible and coinsurance.

This plan covers a broad range of healthcare services and supplies, including prescriptions, office visits and hospitalizations. Please refer to the following pages for specific details on the medical plan available to you and your family. 

2025-2026 Summary of Benefits & Coverage (PDF)

LINKS:

• Telehealth Video Visits with CloseKnit: closeknithealth.com
  • Demo Video: https://www.closeknithealth.com/demo-video
• CareFirst MyAccount: Visit carefirst.com/myaccount to register
  • Your health plan comes with a member portal, My Account, personalized to you and your benefits. It just takes a few minutes to register for secure online access to:
    • Find in-network doctors, urgent care centers and other
      care—nationwide
    • View, order or email member ID cards
    • Check your claims and deductible status
    • Update communication preferences and password
    • Quickly access a variety of member programs, including CareFirst WellBeing—simply select My Health, then WellBeing Program from the My Account menu.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Does not require referrals when seeking care from a specialist
• Does not have a member cost share for preventive care
• Save on co-pays by using CloseKnit
• Sign-up for Blue365 Deals for discounts on health and wellness services and products

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• How many hours do I need to work to be eligible for insurance benefits? You must be a full-time employee working a minimum of 30 hours per week on a regular basis.
• Will I receive a new Medical ID card? New ID cards will be issued. Current cards can be used until you receive your new card, or you can go onto the CareFirst website to print a new card after 7/1.
• Does the deductible run on a calendar year or policy year basis? A policy-year/fiscal year basis: July 1 - June 30.
• How long can I cover my dependent children? Dependent children are eligible until the end of the month in which they turn age 26. I just got hired. 
• When will my benefits become effective? Your medical insurance benefit will begin on the 1st day of the month following date of hire or date of hire if hired on the first of the month.

Civil Service Holiday Schedule

Employee Pay Schedule

Civil Service Vacation Accruals

Employees accrue paid vacation, sick and personal leave each pay which they can use with approval by their supervisor.

OUR BASIC LIFE AND AD&D PROVIDER IS METLIFE

Allegany County Commissioners provides $25,000 in Basic Life and $100,000 in Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for eligible Civil Service employees. This coverage is offered through MetLife, at no cost to you.

What is Life and AD&D Insurance? Video

AMERICAN FIDELITY

Allegany County Commissioners has selected American Fidelity to remain as our supplemental benefits provider. American Fidelity specializes in the public sector employees across the country. Along with enrollment, they also prioritize benefits education to help you make the best choices for you and your family. During our upcoming enrollment, your American Fidelity account manager will walk through the enrollment process. They will also answer questions about your available options, including:

• AF™ Limited Benefit Accident Only Insurance
• AF™ Limited Benefit Individual Cancer Insurance
• AF™ Limited Benefit Critical Illness Insurance
• AF™ Disability Income Insurance
• AF™ Limited Benefit Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• AF™ Term Life Insurance
• AF™ Whole Life Insurance

Here to Help - If you have any questions about your enrollment or benefits, reach out to your account manager: 

Anne Roth
Account Manager
anne.roth@americanfidelity.com
202-431-2473

Need to file a claim?
https://americanfidelity.com/claims

Allegany County Commissioners (ACC) is a participating employer in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS). SRPS administers death, disability and retirement benefits on behalf of more than 405,000 members. Full- and part-time employees of ACC who are scheduled to work at least 500 hours per fiscal year are enrolled as members in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. 

When was the last time you updated your beneficiary file with the Agency? Chances are there have been significant changes in your life since then. Take time to review your designations for survivor benefits. Be sure they are up-to-date and name those whom you want to receive benefits if you die while an active member. We can’t stress enough how important this is.

Maryland State Retirement & Pension System (SRPS)
www.sra.maryland.gov
120 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Retirement Benefits Specialists are available at the offices of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System to assist you in understanding your retirement benefits via phone, one-on-one counseling, correspondence, and seminars. Specialists are able to help you understand your benefits and option selections for all retirement and pension systems, types of retirement, and survivor benefits. If you have specific financial questions regarding your personal retirement account, please contact a Retirement Benefits Specialist directly at The State Retirement and Pension System at 1-800-492-5909 and choose option #2. 

For more information please contact your Benefits Coordinator 301-876-9532 to discuss this benefit.

VBA VISION IS THE VISION CARRIER FOR 2024-2025.  

The vision plan offers coverage both in-network and out-of network. It is to your advantage to utilize a network provider in order to achieve the greatest cost savings. If you go out-of network, your benefit is based on a reimbursement schedule.  Also, if you are considering Lasik surgery or other non-covered benefits, there are discounts available with some providers and also Blue 365 Deals.  

• VBA Portal
• FIND A PROVIDER: To find an VBA Vision provider in your area, visit the website at www.vbaplans.com/vision
• What is Vision Insurance? Video

Additional Health Support

The leadership of Allegany County Commissioners values you and the paramount contributions you make to the community we serve. We want to support you in being your very best and encourage you to take steps to enhance your wellbeing via the Allegany County Commissioners Wellbeing Program. The voluntary wellness program is available to all employees. The program is administered according to federal rules permitting employer-sponsored wellness programs that seek to improve employee health or prevent disease, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, as applicable, among others. Allegany County Commissioners recognizes the importance of employee’ health and offers a variety of resources for mind and body. They include:

• Burnalong - Burnalong features 30,000+ live and on-demand classes for all ages, interests, and levels, plus the social motivation needed to achieve your health and wellness goals. https://join.burnalong.com/alleganycounty
• CareFirst Wellbeing - CareFirst WellBeing is a personalized, digital wellness program. It provides simple, easy-to-use tools and resources that help members address every aspect of their wellbeing.
• Noom - Noom uses science and personalization to help you lose weight and keep it off for good. We’ll help you better understand your relationship with food, how to be more mindful of your habits, and give you the knowledge and support you need for long-lasting change.
• Local YMCA Discounted Rates- You can join the local YMCA at a discounted cost by having your membership fees deducted with payroll. View the payroll deduction form here.