FAQs
Q. When do I become eligible for benefits?
You are eligible for benefits if you are regularly scheduled to work at least 25 hours per week. New hires are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Q. When is the benefits plan year?
Ensign’s benefits plan year runs January 1 through December 31 of each calendar year.
Q. Can I cover dependents under my benefits?
Yes, you may add eligible dependents to your coverage. However, if you and your spouse or dependent child is employed by Ensign, dependents may only be covered under one employee, not both. Eligible dependents include:
- Your legal spouse (as defined by state law).
- Children: up to age 26 (including biological and adopted children), stepchildren, children deemed eligible under a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO), children with proven legal guardianship, and a child of any age dependent on you for support because of physical or mental disability.
Q. Do I have to provide verification documents for my dependents?
You must provide documentation to demonstrate that your dependent is eligible for coverage under the plan (such as a birth or marriage certificate).
If found with ineligible dependents, you may be dropped from coverage, held liable for any payments the company made on your behalf, and may face disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Q. Can I change my elections outside of annual enrollment?
You can only make changes to your benefits if you have a qualified family status change event, such as a birth or adoption, or a change in dependent eligibility, marriage, divorce, death, etc.
If you experience a qualifying family status change event, you have 30 days to submit your benefit changes and supporting documentation for the life event. Please submit your benefit changes online or by emailing benefitsusa@ensignenergy.com. If you do not make changes during the 30 days, you will have to wait until the next Annual Enrollment period.
Q. How does a Health Savings Account (HSA) work?
The HSA works just like a regular savings account – you contribute pre-tax money into it, and your balance earns interest and rolls over from year-to-year. You can then use this account to help pay for eligible health care expenses or save for future medical expenses.
Q. What kind of coverage will make me ineligible for an HSA?
You are not eligible to make or receive tax-free HSA contributions if you:
- Do not have HDHP coverage
- Have disqualifying health coverage, such as:
- Full-Purpose Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (including your spouse’s Health FSA)
- Medicare
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
- Can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Dental, vision, and other limited types of coverages will not generally make you ineligible for an HSA.
Q. What happens to any remaining money in my HSA at the end of year?
Unlike Healthcare FSAs, the money remains in your account to earn interest and is available for use in subsequent years, even if you leave the company or retire. You will not forfeit HSA funds, as there is no “use-it-or-lose-it” rule with HSAs.
Q. Do I have to fund my HSA every year?
To maintain your HSA, you must contribute at least $1 each year. You may use any available rollover funds toward covered expenses even if you stop making contributions. However, it is a good idea to regularly contribute to your HSA. This will lower your taxable income and help you build a larger savings for future health care expenses.
Q. Do I have to pay income tax on money in my HSA?
No, unless you use funds for non-qualified purposes or make contributions in excess of the IRS maximum limit.
Q. How much will Ensign contribute to my HSA?
During the plan year (January 1 – December 31), Ensign will contribute:
- BCBSTX: $250 for individual coverage or $500 for family coverage.
- Kaiser: $500 for individual coverage or $500 for family coverage.
Q. What are my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options?
Ensign offers two different FSAs through Discovery Benefits to set aside pretax dollars to pay for eligible care expenses:
- Health Care FSA: Pay for out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays, coinsurance, dental treatment, glasses, and contact lenses not covered by your plan.
- Dependent Care FSA: Dependent care expenses that allow you and your spouse to work, including day care, after-school care, and day care for your dependents who are mentally or physically incapable of caring for themselves.
Q. What is considered an eligible expense?
For a complete listing of eligible expenses, see IRS publications 502 (Health Care FSAs) and 503 (Dependent Care FSA) at www.irs.gov.
Please note, over-the-counter drugs without prescriptions are not eligible FSA expenses.
Q. I’m enrolled in an HSA, can I also enroll in an FSA?
If you are enrolled in an HSA, you are not eligible to participate in the Health Care FSA. Regardless of your plan election, you can always enroll in a
Dependent Care FSA.
Q. Does Ensign contribute to my FSA?
No, FSAs are funded by employee only. Ensign contributions are only made if you enroll in the HSA.
Q. What are eligible expenses?
- Health Savings Account: Your HSA can be used to pay for most qualified expenses as defined by Internal Revenue Code section 213(d). These expenses include, but are not limited to, health plan deductibles, copays, prescription drugs, LASIK surgery, and many other expenses. For the complete list of allowable expenses, see IRS Publication 502 at irs.gov and click on “Forms and Instructions.”
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA): For a complete listing of eligible expenses, please see IRS Publication 502 at irs.gov and click on “Forms and Publications.”
- Dependent Care FSA: For a complete listing of eligible expenses, please see IRS Publication 503 at irs.gov and click on “Forms and Publications.”
Q. Does BCBSTX provide coverage outside of the state of Texas?
Yes, this is just their formal name. BCBSTX’s network of coverage extends beyond the state of Texas.
Q. What do I do if I can’t make it to the doctor?
Our BCBSTX medical plans offer convenient, on-demand in-network health care at your fingertips for just a $10 copay (Mid-PPO and Hybrid) through telehealth, powered by MDLIVE. Our Kaiser California medical plans also offer on-demand healthcare. These programs provide you and your covered dependents access for non-emergency medical and behavioral health needs.
To register, call MDLIVE at 1-888-680-8646, access online at MDLIVE.com/BCBSTX and look for their app on your mobile device. You’ll need to provide your first and last name, date of birth and BCBSTX member ID.
If you’re located in California and enrolled in the Kaiser plan, you may call 1-877-524-7373 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 1-888-576-6225 after hours.
Q. Can I access a card online?
Yes, to request an electronic copy of your ID card, visit www.bcbstx.com, www.kp.org or download from the mobile app.
Q. Is an ID card required for dental services?
An ID card is not required. You can tell your provider about your coverage to use the benefits.
However, you can print dental ID cards from the member portal or download via the mobile app.
Q. What’s the difference between in-network and out-of-network dentists?
The dental plan has negotiated discounted rates with in-network dentists. The services provided by in-network dentists cost less than out-of-network dentists. If you obtain dental care from an out-of-network dentist, you may be billed for services that are above the maximum plan allowance.
Q. How do I find a network dentist?
To find a Guardian network provider in your area, download the free mobile app or visit www.guardiananytime.com.
Q. Is an ID card required for dental services?
An ID card is not required. You can tell your provider about your coverage to use the benefits.
Q. How do I find a network vision provider?
You may use the provider of your choice, but generally can save money on covered services and supplies by using a VSP network provider. To find a network provider, visit vsp.com or call 1-800-877-7195 to request a doctor listing.
Q. I’m a non-office employee, am I eligible for STD and LTD?
As a non-executive or non-office employee, you may purchase voluntary STD and LTD plans through payroll deductions. Executives, office management, and personnel receive disability coverage at no cost.
Q. Are my dependents covered with Basic Life and AD&D?
No, if you want more coverage than company-provided or would like to cover eligible dependents, you may purchase optional life and optional AD&D insurance at group rates. You must first enroll in optional life or AD&D to purchase additional coverage for your dependents.