Benefits

COBRA is short for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. This act requires that continuation of group insurance coverage be offered to covered persons who lose health, dental or vision coverage due to a qualifying event as defined in the act.

• The covered employees working hours are reduced from full-time to part-time
• The covered employee voluntarily quits work, retires, is laid off or fired (unless the firing is due to gross misconduct)
• The covered employee is divorced 
• A child no longer qualifies as a dependent
• The covered employee or the parent of an eligible dependent child becomes eligible for Medicare.

To continue coverage under COBRA, you must complete and return a COBRA Notice of Election form to the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA)  within 60 days of the event or from when coverage would have been lost due to the event, whichever is later.

You must notify both PEBA Insurance and the Beaufort County School District Benefits office within 60 days of the date you become divorced, the date your dependent child becomes ineligible for coverage or from the date coverage would have been lost if the event had been reported in a timely manner. Otherwise, your rights to continuation of coverage under COBRA will be forfeited.

COBRA coverage becomes effective when the first premium is paid and remains in effect only as long as the premiums are kept up-to-date.

Additional information about COBRA: 

• PEBA- Public Employee Benefit Authority Customer Service at 888-260-9430
• PEBA - Insurance Benefits website
• Beaufort County School District Benefits Office at (843) 322-2300

The State Dental Plan is provided at no cost to the employee ONLY if the employee is enrolled in the dental plan.  For an additional premium cost, you may add your eligible dependents. Dental plan benefits are divided into four categories called classes.

Key features of the dental plan are:

• Class I - Diagnostic and preventive services are provided up to 100% of a lower allowed amount.
• Class II - Basic dental services such as fillings and simple extractions - up to 80% of a lower amount fee schedule.
• Class III - Prosthetic services include crowns, onlays and bridges are provided up to 50% of a lower allowed amount.
• Class IV - Orthodontic - lifetime maximum of $1,000 and is available to covered children age 18 and younger.

Classes I, II and III:  There is a combined $1,000 annual maximum per insured.

Classes II and III:     $25 combined deductible for each benefit period, limited to $75.

Important Notice:  State Dental Plan benefits are paid based on the allowed amounts for each dental procedure listed in the plan's Schedule of Dental Procedures and Allowed Amounts, found at the StateSC.SouthCarolinaBlues.com under Dental.  Be aware that your dentist's charge may be greater than the allowed amount.

Dental Plus

To participate in Dental Plus, you must also be enrolled in the State Dental Plan and elect the same level of coverage.  The employee is solely responsible for the Dental and Dental Plus premiums.  

• Class I - Diagnostic and preventive services are provided up to 100% of a higher allowed amount.
• Class II - Basic dental services such as fillings and simple extractions up to 80%of a higher allowed amount.
• Class III - Prosthetic services include crowns, onlays and bridges are provided up to 50% of a higher allowed amount. 
• Class IV - Dental Plus does not offer orthodontia benefits.

The maximum yearly benefit for a person covered by both the State Dental Plan and Dental Plus is $2,000. 

State Dental and Dental Plus Plan

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
P. O. Box 100300, Columbia, SC, 29202-3300
Customer Service:  888-214-6230 or 803-264-7323
FAX:  803-264-7739
website:  statesc.southcarolinablues.com

(Premiums are subject to change.)

Basic Dental and Dental Plus Monthly Premium Rates
	Year 2023 Basic Dental Plan	Year 2023 Dental Plus	Year 2024 Basic Dental Plan	Year 2024 Dental Plus
Employee Only	$ 0.00	$26.60	$0.00	$ 28.80
Employee/Spouse	$ 7.64	$61.42	$7.64	$65.88
Employee/Child	$13.72	$75.76	$13.72	$80.92
Full Family	$21.34	$101.94	$21.34	$108.64

 

Online Resources

Sign up for paperless Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) on the Blue Cross Blue Shield website  where you will also be able to locate Dental Plus network providers, review your eligibility and benefits; check claims and view EOBs; check pretreatment estimates; and report other dental coverage.

You can also enroll in or drop the State Dental Plan and Dental Plus during an initial enrollment in the PEBA's Insurance program as a new hire or during the open enrollment in the odd-numbered years (the next two opportunities will be October 2023 and October 2025); or within 31 days of a special eligibility situation or change in status. Please refer to the PEBA Insurance Benefits Guide located online at www.peba.sc.gov for more detailed or additional information.

Basic Long Term Disability (BLTD) and Supplemental Long Term Disability (SLTD) plans are administered by the Standard Insurance Company.

The Standard Insurance Company

P. O. Box 2800, Portland, OR, 97208-2800
Customer Service: 800-628-9696
FAX: 800-437-0961
Medical Evidence of Good Health: 800-843-7979
Group Number:  621144
Website: www.standard.com/mybenefits/southcarolina

Basic Long Term Disability

• All active, permanent, full-time employees are eligible for BLTD if they are covered under the State Health Plan.
• BLTD is provided at no cost to the employee.
• You must be actively employed when the disability occurs.
• Benefit waiting period is 90 days.
• Monthly BLTD benefit is 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income.
• Maximum benefit is $800 per month.

Supplemental Long Term Disability

• All active, permanent, full-time employees are eligible for SLTD.
• You can enroll in the SLTD program within 31 days of hire.
• Benefit waiting period:  Plan One is 90 days; Plan Two is 180 days.
• You may enroll with medical evidence of good health at any time throughout the year.
• Monthly benefit is 65 percent of the first $12,307 of your monthly pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income.
• Minimum benefit is $100 per month and Maximum is $8,000 per month.
• Premiums are calculated by multiplying the premium factor for your age and plan selection by your monthly earnings. 

SLTD Monthly Premium Rates

As of 1/1/2023

SLTD Subscriber’s age on the preceding January 1	90-day Waiting Period	180-day Waiting Period
Under Age 31	.00068	.00053
31 through 40	.00094	.00073
41 through 50	.00185	.00141
51 through 60	.00374	.00287
61 through 65	.00449	.00344
66 or older	.00549	.00422

 (Premiums are subject to change)

Filing a Claim

Contact Beaufort County School District Human Resources Benefits Department Representative. Please refer to the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA)  Insurance Benefits Guide located online at www.peba.sc.gov for additional information.

Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Retirement SCRS Disability

• If you become permanently disabled before you leave covered employment.
• If employed before July 1, 2012 and you have five or more years of earned service credit towards retirement.
• If employed after July 1, 2012, you will need eight years of earned service credit towards retirement.
• Or you are disabled as a result of an injury arising out of and in the course of the performance of your job duties regardless of your years of earned service credit.
• For retirement purposes, you are considered permanently disabled if you become physically or mentally incapable of performing the regular duties of your job and your disability is likely to be permanent.  Your application must go through a formal review process.
• A member will be required to submit a copy of the Social Security Award Letter in order to receive retirement disability.
• Retired members who work for a covered employer are not eligible to apply for disability benefits.
• To verify qualifications or inquires for retirement disability, please contact PEBA Retirement Company at 1-888-260-9430 to speak to a customer service representative.   Website www.peba.sc.gov

You must notify your supervisor in writing if you are resigning, retiring, or transferring employment to another South Carolina school district or state agency.  Your supervisor will submit the notification, along with a Personnel Action Notice, to Human Resources. 

Resignation

Submit a letter of resignation/retirement to your supervisor declaring your intent to resign or retire.  Per PEBA Insurance Guidelines, an employee's benefits will end the first of the month following the last date of employment.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Once the official notification of employment change has been processed, a COBRA health care packet will be mailed to the employee’s home address listed on file with Beaufort County School District’s Human Resources Department. Please refer to the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Insurance Benefits Guide and view the section on “When Coverage Ends.”  The Insurance Benefits Guide can be located on the PEBA Insurance Benefits website which is www.peba.sc.gov or by calling the PEBA Insurance Customer Service toll-free telephone number 888-260-9430.

COBRA is usually only necessary for those individuals not continuing on with other employment, securing full service retirement, or may have a lapse in employment.

South Carolina State Transfer

An employee transferring to another school district or state agency within South Carolina must notify Human Resources in writing as soon as possible.  For insurance coverage to continue through the summer months with the South Carolina state plan, an employee will need to submit a copy of a contract or letter of agreement from the prospective South Carolina state employer to the Beaufort County School District Benefits Department.  Insurance coverage with the new South Carolina state employer will begin with the onset of the new contract year.  Without proof of transfer to a new school district or state agency within South Carolina, an employee will have a break in health coverage due to the loss of insurance.

Full Service Retirement

Within 30 days of your date of full service retirement, you must review eligibility and complete the required documentation, please contact:

• South Carolina PEBA Retirement Customer Service website or call 888-260-9430.
• Beaufort County School District Benefits Department at 843-322-2300.

PEBA Retirement TERI Program

Please note that the TERI Program ended on  June 30, 2018. PEBA Retirement telephone 888-260-9430 and  website .

Payroll Issues

Please contact the Beaufort County School District's Payroll Department to inquire about sick leave, vacation days, W-4 form or changes, direct deposit or banking information, W-2 statements, federal and/or state tax questions, or pay check notifications or issues. Email Tricia Baggett, Payroll Department or call 843-322-2367; Stephanie Keane, Payroll Department or call 843-322-2412; or Margaret Mccarthy, Payroll Department or call 843-322-2313.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides up to 12 work weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a year time-frame for qualified employees. It requires that group health benefits be maintained, at the expense of the employee, during the leave. This law covers only certain employers; affects only those employees eligible for the protections of the law; involves entitlement to leave, maintenance of health benefits during leave, and job restoration after leave; sets requirements for notice and certification of the need for FMLA leave; and protects employees who request or take FMLA leave. The purpose for FMLA leave is to allow employees to balance their work and family life by taking reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. If you are not able to find the answers to your questions below or have further questions or concerns, email or call Barbara Schumann. 

Who is eligible to apply for FMLA?

An employee who has worked for the Beaufort County School District for at least 12 continuous months; and has worked at least 1250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave.

When should an employee apply for FMLA?

A minimum of a 30-day advance notice should be provided to Human Resources Benefits Department Representative and the employee’s supervisor of the need to take FMLA leave when the leave is foreseeable. Notice "as soon as practicable" when the need to take FMLA leave is not foreseeable ("as soon as practicable" means notice to the employer within one or two business days of learning of the need to take FMLA leave). The employee must complete the Beaufort County School District Family Medical Leave Act application and medical certification to be approved for FMLA leave.

What is the employee required to do upon completion of FMLA?

It is imperative that the employee notifies both the school Principal and the Human Resources Benefits Department of his/her return to work status.  If the employee was out due to childbirth, or a serious health condition, a Return to Work Order (RTO) from the employee's doctor is required before the employee is able to return to work. The employee must schedule a post leave meeting with the Beaufort County School District's Benefits Department and supply their Return to Work order at that time.  An employee may not return to work until this has been completed. If employee was on Leave in care of an immediate family member or to care for a newly placed child (adopted or foster), they need to notify both the Principal and designee at the employee’s work location immediately upon determining a return-to-work date.

What is the employee required to do while out on FMLA leave?

The employee is required to keep the District informed of their medical status and intent.  If an extension of FMLA leave is needed, the employee must request in writing to extend their FMLA leave beyond the original date requested.  Extensions must be approved by the Chief Administrator/Human Resources Officer prior to extending the absence.

What is the school’s responsibility when an employee is on FMLA leave?

If an employee informs District personnel that they will be absent for 10 workdays or longer due to medical reasons, (i.e. childbirth, operation, to care for a seriously ill immediate family member, etc.), the District personnel needs to request that the employee contact Rosella Robinson, Beaufort County School District Human Resources Benefits Department by telephone (843) 322-2300.

Please note: The school is responsible for reporting/submitting the Absent Employee/Substitute Report for an employee and provide the District with any paperwork/information concerning the employee medical status or intent.

How is the 12-month period calculated under FMLA?

It is based on a "rolling" 12-month period measured backward from the date an employee uses FMLA leave.

Does FMLA guarantee paid time off?

No.  The FMLA only requires unpaid leave.  However, the law permits an employee to elect, or the employer to require the employee, to use accrued paid leave, such as vacation or sick leave, for some or all of the FMLA leave period. When paid leave is substituted for unpaid FMLA leave, it may be counted against the 12-week FMLA leave entitlement if the employee is properly notified of the designation when the leave begins. Beaufort County School District uses all accrued leave during the FMLA Leave time.

Does workers' compensation leave count against an employee's FMLA leave entitlement?

It can. FMLA leave and workers' compensation leave can run together, provided the reason for the absence is due to a qualifying serious illness or injury and the employer properly notifies the employee in writing that the leave will be counted as FMLA leave.

Can the employer count leave taken due to pregnancy complications against the 12 weeks of FMLA leave for the birth and care of my child?

Yes.  An eligible employee is entitled to a total of 12 weeks of FMLA leave in a 12-month period. If the employee has to use some of that leave for another reason, including a difficult pregnancy, it will be counted as part of the 12-week FMLA leave entitlement.

Can the employer count time on maternity leave or pregnancy disability leave as FMLA leave?

Yes.  Pregnancy disability leave or maternity leave for the birth of a child is considered qualifying FMLA Leave for a serious health condition and is counted in the 12 weeks of leave.  The employee will be notified as such in writing of the designation.

Who is considered an immediate "family member" for purposes of taking FMLA leave?

An employee's spouse, children (son or daughter), and parents are immediate family members for purposes of FMLA. The term "parent" does not include a parent "in-law." The terms son or daughter do not include individuals age 18 or over unless they are "incapable of self-care" because of a mental or physical disability that limits one or more of the "major life activities" as those terms are defined in regulations issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

As a Beaufort County School District employee, may I take FMLA leave for visits to a therapist, if my doctor prescribes the therapy?

Yes.  FMLA permits you to take leave to receive "continuing treatment by a health care provider," which can include recurring absences for therapy treatments such as those ordered by a doctor for physical therapy after a hospital stay, or for treatment of severe arthritis.  This is called intermittent leave.

Do the 12 months of service with the employer have to be continuous or consecutive?

The 12 months do not have to be continuous or consecutive; all time worked for the employer is counted.

Do the 1,250 hours include paid leave time or other absences from work?

The eligible 1,250 hours include only those hours actually worked for the employer. Paid leave and unpaid leave, including FMLA leave, are not included.

Do I have to give my employer my medical records for leave due to a serious health condition?

Beaufort County School District requires a medical certification with the initial FMLA application as well as a medical return to work certification.  Documents should be submitted directly to the Human Resources Benefits Department.

Can my employer require me to return to work before I exhaust my leave?

Subject to certain limitations, you may be denied the continuation of FMLA leave due to a serious health condition if you fail to fulfill the policy obligations.

Can I be denied FMLA leave?

There are certain circumstances in which an individual may be denied FMLA.

Can Beaufort County School District make inquiries about my leave during my absence?

Yes.  Beaufort County School District may ask the employee questions to confirm whether the leave needed or being taken qualifies for FMLA purposes, and will require periodic reports on medical status and intent to return to work.    Beaufort County School District may also request another medical opinion, requiring you to obtain additional medical certification at the employer's expense, or recertification during a period of FMLA leave. The employer may have a health care provider representing the employer contact your health care provider, with your permission, to clarify information in the medical certification or to confirm that it was provided by the health care provider. The inquiry may not seek additional information regarding your health condition or that of a family member.

Will I lose my job if I take FMLA leave?

Generally, no.  It is unlawful for any employer to interfere with or restrain or deny the exercise of any right provided under this law. Employers cannot use the taking of FMLA leave as a negative factor in employment actions, such as hiring, promotions or disciplinary actions; nor can FMLA leave be counted under "no fault" attendance policies. Under limited circumstances, an employer may deny reinstatement to work – but not the use of FMLA leave – to certain highly-paid, salaried ("key") employees.

Are there other circumstances in which I can be denied FMLA Leave or reinstatement to my job?

In addition to denying reinstatement in certain circumstances to "key" employees, employers are not required to continue FMLA benefits or reinstate employees who would have been laid off or otherwise had their employment terminated had they continued to work during the FMLA leave period as, for example, due to a general layoff. Employees who give unequivocal notice that they do not intend to return to work lose their entitlement to FMLA leave. Employees who are unable to return to work and have exhausted the 12 weeks of FMLA leave in the designated "12 month period" no longer have FMLA protections of leave or job restoration.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are tax-advantage accounts you put money into to pay for certain out-of-pocket health care costs. You don't pay taxes on this money.

MoneyPlu$

MoneyPlu$ offers tax-advantage accounts that are IRS approved for qualified and eligible expenses under your insurance plan for you or your IRS eligible dependents. ASIFlex is the third-party administrator of the program. Funds are deducted from your pre-taxed salary for eligible expenses for medical and dependent care costs. Each account has an administrative charge, which is designed to be minimal compared to your tax savings. You are eligible to enroll within 31 days of being hired, or during open enrollment, and re-enroll every year to continue your account for the following calendar year. The debit card is issued at no charge to individuals who enrolled in the Medical Expense Account or Limited-use accounts. IRS contribution limits can be located on the PEBA Insurance website.

Pre-Tax Premiums

The Pretax Group Insurance Premium Feature allows you to pay your premiums for the State Health, Tobacco-User premium, TRICARE Supplement Plan, Dental, Dental Plus, Vision and Optional Life (for coverage up to $50,000) plans before taxes are taken from your paycheck.

Flexible Spending Accounts

MoneyPlu$ allows you to pay eligible medical/dependent care expenses with pre-taxed dollars. You authorize deposits to your MoneyPlu$ account every pay period. You request tax-free withdrawals from your account to reimburse yourself. You will need to submit the proper documentation to withdraw the yearly amount that you elected to contribute to your Medical Spending Account (MSA) or Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA).  The IRS will not allow any money left in your MSA or DCSA at the end of the year to be returned to you.  Please refer to the PEBA Insurance Benefits Guide for further information.

There are three kinds of Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Dependent Care Spending Account (DSCA)
• Medical Spending Account (MSA)
• Limited-use Medical Spending Account (this account accompanies a Health Savings Account (HSA), which is only available to subscribers enrolled in the Savings Health Plan.) 

If you incur dependent care and medical expenses, you can establish both a Dependent Care Spending Account and a Medical Spending Account (or a limited-use Medical Spending Account if you contribute to an HSA).

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A MoneyPlu$ Health Savings Account (HSA) is available to employees enrolled in the State Health Savings Plan and can be used to pay healthcare expenses. Unlike money in a MoneyPlu$ Medical Spending Account, the funds do not have to be spent in the year they are deposited. Money in the account accumulates tax free; the funds can be used to pay qualified medical expenses in the future. An important advantage of an HSA is that you own it. If you leave Beaufort County School District, you can take the account with you and continue to use it for qualified medical expenses. Please refer to the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Insurance Benefits for further information about the MoneyPlus FSAs.

ASIFlex
Third party administrator of the MoneyPlus Program which is provided by PEBA Insurance Company
(Medical Expense, Dependent Care, & Health Savings Accounts)
Address: P.O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO, 65205-6044
Customer Service: 833-726-7587
FAX: 877-879-9038
Email: asi@asiflex.com
Website: www.asiflex.com/scmoneyplus

The Beaufort County School District State Health Plan options are either the Standard Plan or the Health Savings Plan. All health plans offered through the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Insurance Benefits are self-insured.  PEBA Insurance Benefits does not pay premiums to an insurance company.  Subscribers monthly premiums and employer contributions are placed in a trust account maintained by the state.  This account is used to pay claims and administrative expenses. 

To view the PEBA Insurance Benefits Guide and the state insurance website log onto www.peba.sc.gov.

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD of South Carolina (BCBSSC) Standard Plan, Savings Plan, Medicare Supplemental Plan, P. O. Box 100605, Columbia, SC, 29260-0605

Customer Service Center:
800-868-2520 or 803-736-1576
FAX 803-264-4204
Website: www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com

Insurance Premium Rates for Beaufort County School District (BCSD) and South Carolina State Employees

Health Insurance Monthly Premium Rates for 2024
Plan	Savings Plan	Standard Plan	*Standard BCSD Employees Only	TRICARE Supp.
Employee Only	$ 9.70	$97.68	$ 64.40	$62.50
Employee/Spouse	$ 77.40	$253.36	$189.46	$121.50
Employee/Child	$ 20.48	$143.86	$112.70	$121.50
Full Family	$113.00	$306.56	$245.10	$162.50

*Beaufort County Schools subsidizes the *Standard Health plan premium rates only for its employees and these changes are not published by PEBA Insurance Company.
(Premium rates are subject to change.)

Comparison of Health Plans

This chart is for comparison purposes only. For more detailed information on these plans, please refer to the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) 2022 Insurance Benefits Guide online at www.peba.sc.gov

Download the Comparison of Health Plans Chart.

Prescription Benefits 

An employee will receive one prescription drug benefits card from Express Scripts and you will need to present the card when you fill a prescription. (If you need a prescription filled prior to receiving the prescription card, provide the pharmacy with the RX BIN #003858 and the RX Group #SCPEBAX and the RXPCN# A4 in addition to your Benefits Identification Number.)

Helpful information about the State Health Plan prescription drug benefits can be located at www.express-scripts.com and the Express mobile app. The app is compatible with most iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, Amazon and BlackBerry mobile devices and can be downloaded for free from the iTunes, Google Play, Windows Phone and Amazon app stores.

The website and mobile app offer a variety of information and tools to:

• Refill and renew your prescriptions;

• See your order status, claims and payment history;

• Find in-network pharmacies near you;

• Find and compare prices with Price a Medication;

• Check for dug interactions and alerts:

• View up-to-date coverage information;

• Contact a pharmacist 24/7; and

• Get instant access to your digital member identification card.

Express Scripts is the pharmacy benefits manager for the prescription benefits. You can mail them at:
Express Scripts (State Health Plan Prescription Drug Program) Attn: Commercial Claims, P. O. Box 14711, Lexington, KY 40512-4177

Customer Service: 855-612-3128 
Website:  www.express-scripts.com

Please refer to the PEBA Insurance Benefits Guide located online at www.peba.sc.gov for more information about the prescription benefits.

If you are an employee of a participating entity of the state of South Carolina, you may enroll in the Optional Life Insurance Plan within 31 days of your date of hire. You must complete the required forms to enroll.

Coverage is not automatic. You can elect coverage, in $10,000 increments, up to the lesser of three times your basic annual earnings (rounded down to the nearest $10,000) or $500,000 without providing medical evidence of good health. You can select a higher benefit level, in increments of $10,000, up to a maximum of $500,000, by providing medical evidence of good health.

Your coverage begins on the first day of the calendar month following your hire date in which you enroll in the Optional Life plan.

If you enroll for an amount of coverage that requires medical evidence of good health, your coverage effective date for the amount requiring medical evidence will be the first of the month following approval.

MetLife (Policy #200879-1-G)
Basic Life, Optional Life, Dependent Life Insurance
P. O. Box 14401, Lexington, KY, 40512-4401 
Customer Service:  800-438-6388 
Statement of Health:  800-638-6420, Option 1 
Claims:  800-638-6420 
Continuation:  866-492-6983: Conversion:  877-275-6387 
FAX:  866-545-7517

Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) Retirement

Phone:  803-737-6800 or 1-888-260-9430
Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 11960, Columbia, SC 29211-1960
Location Address:  202 Arbor Lake Drive, Columbia, SC 29223
Website:  www.peba.sc.gov
Office Hours:  8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Service Retirement

If you are considering retirement, you may obtain a consultation by telephone or in person at the Retirement Systems’ office.   Simply contact Customer Services to arrange a consultation.

(Please note that retiring after January 2, 2013, under the age of 62, could result in a $10,000 earnings limitation if you are employed by another South Carolina state agency after retirement.  Contact PEBA Retirement to inquire about the earnings limitation.)

Rehired as an SCRS retiree requires a 30-day break in employment after retirement date – If a retiree is employed by a South Carolina state agency, the SCRS retiree has to have a 30-day break between the retirement date and the new hire date.  Otherwise it could affect the retiree’s pension.

When to Apply

You may file an application with the Retirement Systems to retire (it is not an automatic process) six months before your planned retirement date, and no later than 90 days afterwards. Retirement applications and other forms are available at www.peba.sc.gov or contact Customer Service to request the forms. Please do not terminate employment until you receive official notice of your retirement eligibility and the Retirement Systems has audited your service credit. This official notice will be mailed to you and is entitled, “Notification of Retirement Eligibility and Estimated Benefit.” Benefit estimates may be obtained from the Retirement Systems but are only a projection based on the information you provide and information in the Retirement Systems’ records.  Benefit estimates are subject to change upon an audit of your account after your retirement application is received.

Retirement Eligibility (Normal Retirement - Unreduced Benefit)

Class Two Members (employees hired prior to July 1, 2012)

• 28 years of service,  five years of which must be earned;  or
• Age 65 or older on the date of retirement with five years of earned service.

Class Three Members (employees hired on or after July 1, 2012)

• Meet the “Rule of 90” - your age + years of service = 90. (For example: (your age) 66 + 24 (years of service) = 90

• Age 65 or older on the date of retirement with eight years of earned service.

Early Retirement (Reduced Benefit)

Class Two Members (employees hired prior to July 1, 2012)

• Age 60 + five years of earned service. Your benefit is permanently reduced five percent for each year of age less than 65;  or
• Age 55 + 25 years of service, five years of which must be earned. Your benefit is permanently reduced four percent for each year of service less than 28 (benefit adjustment restrictions apply).

Class Three Members (employees hired on or after July 1, 2012)

• Age 60 + eight years of earned service. Your benefit is permanently reduced five percent for each year of age less than 65.

SCRS Retirement Statements

The SCRS (South Carolina Retirement System) no longer prints annual member statements. To get a copy of your SCRS member statement, you will need to log into SCRS Member Access.   

To log into SCRS Member Access:

• Go to the PEBA Retirement System website;
• Click on Member Login;
• If not registered, click “Register Now” and follow the prompts;
• If registered, click “Sign In” to access your SCRS account. For customer service help call 1-888-260-9430 or 1-803-737-6800.

State Optional Retirement Program (ORP)

The State ORP is a defined contribution plan. In a defined contribution plan, you choose how to invest your funds within the plan’s investment options. Your retirement benefit consists of the balance in your account when you retire. With the State ORP, you bear the investment risk and longevity risk.

If you choose a State ORP, an account is established in your name through the service provider you select. Your employee contributions and a portion of your employer’s contributions are remitted directly to your service provider by your employer. Those contributions accumulate in your account and are invested as you direct through your service provider. Your State ORP retirement benefit consists of the balance in your State ORP account when you retire.

PenServ

BCSD has partnered with PenServ as the 403(b) third party administrator and sole record keeper for all new vendor enrollments, changes, etc. Employees may view their account information online. Login at PenServe Plan Services. Type in your social security number and the plan’s access code which is beau5689 then follow the instructions on the web page.

Customer Service can be reached at 800-849-4001.
Website:  www.penserv.com

South Carolina Deferred Compensation

The South Carolina Deferred Compensation offers 401(k) and 457 savings plans, both of which have a Roth option. These voluntary retirement savings plans can help you supplement your retirement systems’ pension or your State ORP savings. You can participate in both of these plans. There is no employers’ contribution for any voluntary retirement savings plan. If you participate, you decide how much to have deducted automatically from your pay and where to invest your money among the mutual funds and other investment products offered. The investment earnings on your tax-deferred savings also grow tax-deferred. You don’t pay taxes on your account until you take it out of the plans.

With the Roth option, you can make after-tax contributions today and generally take tax-free withdrawals at retirement. Employees will need to check with their payroll office to find out if this option is available to them.

For more information about the South Carolina Deferred Compensation, call Empower, the Program's record keeper and administrator, at 877-457-6263.
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A sick leave bank for catastrophic illness and/or injury for active, full-time eligible employees will be established and administered in accordance with the procedures set forth by Human Resource Services Policy 48: Sick Leave Bank. The sick leave bank can provide payment during extended sick leave to an employee (not family member) for catastrophic illness, injury, or incapacitation sufficiently severe to self so that regular attendance at work is inadvisable and/or impossible.

Administrative Rule HRS - 48

A sick leave bank (“bank”) for catastrophic illness and/or injury for active, full-time eligible employees shall be established and administered in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The bank may provide payment during extended sick leave to an employee (not family member) for catastrophic illness, injury or incapacitation sufficiently severe to self so that regular attendance at work is inadvisable and/or impossible.

Definitions

Catastrophic illness and/or injury is defined as a severe, doctor-certified, long-term health related condition (excludes pregnancy) of an employee requiring the services of a licensed medical professional over a prolonged period and resulting in an extended absence for treatment or recovery. The employee must have missed a minimum of eight (8) consecutive working days to be eligible. The employee must have missed a minimum of 8 consecutive working days to be eligible.

Member of the Bank is an active, full-time BCSD employee. The member shall agree, in writing, to contribute one (1) earned sick leave day upon admission to the bank and agree to contribute subsequently when deemed necessary by the bank committee (membership requires at least seven (7) accrued sick days and employment for a minimum of one (1) year in a benefits eligible position).

An Open Enrollment in the bank shall occur from October 1 to October 31 of each school year for employees who did not elect to join as a new hire or for employees who did not meet the eligibility requirement upon their one (1) year anniversary. Membership gained during the open enrollment period will become effective January 1 of the following year. 

Working Day shall be any day the BCSD is open for business, normally Monday through Friday of each week, excluding holidays and breaks.

Rules

A.     All active, full-time, benefits-eligible BCSD employees meeting the criteria are eligible to participate in the bank. Participation is strictly voluntary.

B.     Bank members may be granted leave from the bank only after all their available paid sick leave and/or vacation leave has been exhausted and upon approval of the BCSD Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer (CAHRO) or his/her designee. The maximum number of bank days that can be granted in any school year is fifteen (15) days. The maximum number of bank days awarded to an employee during his/her BCSD employment shall be three (3) occurrences of up to fifteen (15) days for a total of 45 days.

C.     If while using the sick leave bank an occurrence does not call for the usage of the entire 15 days, the remaining days not used will be forfeited, Unused days will not roll over.

D.     Members who gained membership during an open-enrollment period will be subject to a 90-day waiting period from the effective date of January 1.

E.     Members utilizing leave days from the bank shall not be allowed to be employed in any other capacity. Members shall not be entitled to accumulate sick leave while drawing leave from the bank.

F.     A member's right to utilize the benefits of the bank may only be canceled for the following reasons:

1.     Separation from BCSD employment;

2.     Failure to make the required membership contribution during the specified open enrollment periods;

3.     Falsifying documents submitted to the CAHRO or his/her designee upon which a decision is/was considered. Falsification of leave and/or bank documents by a BCSD employee may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment.

4.     Bank leave may not be used for elective surgery, pregnancy/childbirth, or workers’ compensation eligibility for temporary/impairment income benefits.

Membership Procedures

Employees wishing to become members of the bank shall complete a membership application authorizing the deduction of one (1) day of sick leave for the bank during the open enrollment period or at the time of hire. Upon eligibility, this authorizes the deduction of one (1) day of sick leave to join. Once a member of the bank, the employee remains a member unless membership is canceled as set forth above or the employee advises the bank committee in writing that he/she no longer wishes to be a participating member of the bank or membership ends upon depletion of 45 maximum bank days awarded. Employees may not reclaim day(s) contributed to the bank when leaving bank membership.

Application Process

A.     Once verified an employee is a bank member, the employee wishing to draw upon leave from the bank shall complete an application for bank days. Application forms for bank days shall be completed properly and submitted to the CAHRO or his/her designee no later than five (5) days after the employee's last day of paid sick or vacation leave. The time period for submitting an application may be waived at the sole discretion of the CAHRO or his/her designee.

B.     This application shall be accompanied by a physician's statement confirming the nature and expected duration of the illness or injury.

C.     If the member is incapacitated, his/her application may be submitted to the CAHRO or his/her designee by a family member or a legal designee.

D.     After verifying eligibility, the CAHRO or his/her designee shall review for consideration. The CAHRO or his/her designee after receiving the application shall approve or deny the request. All decisions will be communicated in writing.

E.     The CAHRO or his/her designee may request confirming information on the need for bank days at any time.Adopted December 1, 2000;

 

Revised September 1, 2006; August 1, 2011Revised: September 1, 2006; August 1, 2011; May, 2018; February, 2024
Authority: Human Resources
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Sick Leave Bank Administrator:

Rosella Robinson, Beaufort County School District, Human Resources Benefits Department, is the administrator for the Sick Leave Bank. You may contact her by telephone (843) 322-2300 or by e-mail, Rosella.Robinson@beaufort.k12.sc.us in reference to Sick Leave Bank issues

If an employee elects coverage under one of the state health care plans and uses a tobacco product, an employee will be charged a $40 monthly surcharge. If the employee has a dependent spouse /child(ren) listed on the state health plan and that dependent uses a tobacco product, the surcharge will be $60 per month.

All employees must certify that no one covered under his or her health insurance plan uses tobacco products, and that no one has used the product during the past six months by completing a Certification Regarding Tobacco Use form.

If you have not certified, or need to change your certification, download the certification regarding tobacco use form and complete as follows:

• Write/type the employee's name and social security number on the subscriber name and BIN/SSN line.

• Mark the appropriate boxes (Non-tobacco user premium or Tobacco user premium)

• The employee will sign the form on the subscriber's signature line and then date the form.

Return the form to the Benefits Administrator for signature and then the form will be sent to PEBA Insurance for processing. The certification will be effective the first of the month after PEBA Insurance receives the form. You will be automatically charged the tobacco-user premium, unless you complete the Certification Regarding Tobacco Use form.  State Health Plan and BlueChoice HealthPlan subscribers and their covered dependents can participate in the Tobacco Cessation Program by calling 866-784-8454. A subscriber and his/her covered dependents can apply for the non-tobacco-user premium after being tobacco free for six months, by completing the Certification Regarding Tobacco Use form. For more information, please call PEBA Insurance Benefits Customer Service at 888-260-9430.

EyeMed Vision Care

The BCSD vision program is offered through EyeMed Vision Care®. Register on EyeMed's website where you will be able to find a provider, view your benefits, including which family members are covered and who is eligible for particular services, access claims status updates, print out your ID card and out-of-network form, find a complete explanation of benefits (EOB), order contact lenses from ContactsDirect, and, learn about eye exams, eye disease and selecting eyewear.

EyeMed benefits also include:

• A once-a-year comprehensive exam ($10 copay with an in-network provider);.
• Once-every-year frames (in-network $150 allowance); and,
• Contacts (in-network $130 allowance);

These options can be elected during the October PEBA Insurance Open Enrollment for employees who qualify.

EyeMed also has an app that provides the same access as EyeMed's member website, available for iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Android devices. 

2024 Monthly Vision Premiums (Vision premiums increased for the year 2024)
	Year 2023	Year 2024
Employee Only	$5.94	$6.30
Employee Spouse	$11.88	$12.60
Employee/Child	$12.76	$13.54
Full Family	$18.70	$19.84

(Premiums are subject to change)

EyeMed Vision
P. O. Box 8504, Mason, OH, 45040-7111
Customer Care Center: 877-735-9314
Claims Address: OON Claims;  Group Number 9925991

South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) - Insurance

S. C. Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) - Insurance Benefits
Mailing Address:  P. O. Box 11661, Columbia, SC, 29211-1661
Location: 1201 Main Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC, 29201
Customer Service: 803-737-6800 or 888-260-9430
Retiree Billing: 803-734-1696
Website:  www.peba.sc.gov

South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) - Retirement

SOUTH CAROLINA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS (SCRS) a Division of the S. C. Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA)
Mailing Address:  P. O. Box 11960, Columbia, SC, 29211-1960
Location:  202 Arbor Lake Drive, Columbia, SC, 29223
Customer Service:  803-737-6800 or 888-260-9430
Website:  www.peba.sc.gov

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) - Health Plans

Standard Plan, Savings Plan, Medicare Supplemental Plan
P. O. Box 100605, Columbia, SC, 29260-0605
Customer Service Center:
800-868-2520 or 803-736-1576
Website:  StateSC.SouthCarolinaBlues.com

Companion Benefit Alternatives (CBA)

State Mental Health/Substance Abuse 
P. O. Box 100185, AX-315, Columbia, SC, 29202 
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Customer Service:  803-736-1576 or 800-868-2520
Mental Health Precertification/Case Management: 800-868-1032 
Mental Health FAX:  803-714-6456
Tobacco Cessation:  866-784-8454
Website:   www.CompanionBenefitAlternatives.com

GEA TRICARE Supplement Plan, Selman & Company

(For employees, retired military and/or their spouse/surviving spouse)
6110 Parkland Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44124
Customer Service:  866-637-9911 (option 1)
Enrollment: 800-638-2610 (option 1)
Claims FAX: 800-310-5514
Website:  www.selmantricareresource.com/SC

Medi-Call (Medical Preauthorization)

AX-650, I-20 at Alpine Road, Columbia, SC, 29219
Telephone:  800-925-9724 or 803-699-3337
FAX: 803-264-0183

MetLife 

(Policy #200879-1-G)

Basic Life, Optional Life, Dependent Life Insurance
P. O. Box 14401, Lexington, KY, 40512-4401
Customer Service:  800-438-6388
Statement of Health:  800-638-6420, Option 1
Claims:  800-638-6420
Continuation:  866-492-6983
Conversation:  877-275-6387
FAX:  866-545-7517

National Imaging Associates

Advanced Radiology Preauthorization
Telephone:  866-500-7664
Website:  www.RADMD.com

Social Security Administration (SSA)

800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY)
Website:  www.socialsecurity.gov

Standard Insurance Company

Basic & Supplemental Long Term Disability  Insurance
P. O. Box 2800, Portland, OR, 97208-2800
Customer Service: 800-628-9696
FAX: 800-437-0961
Medical Evidence of Good Health: 800-843-7979
Group Number:  621144
Website: www.standard.com/mybenefits/southcarolina

ASIFlex - MoneyPlus

Medical Spending, Dependent Care, and Health Savings Accounts. Third party administrator of the MoneyPlus Program. Medical Expense, Dependent Care, & Health Savings Accounts which is provided by PEBA Insurance Company.

Address:  P. O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO, 65205-6044
Customer Service:  833-726-7587
FAX:  877-879-9038
Website:  asi@asiflex.com
www.asiflex.com/scmoneyplus

Ward Services Customer Service Department

Questions about Universal Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Cancer, Accidental, Hospitalization, and Short-Term Disability and Cancer Plans call 800-673-6472; Trustmark 800-918-8877

PenServ

BCSD has partnered with PenServ as the 403(b) third party administrator and sole record keeper for all new vendor enrollments, changes, etc. Employees may view their account information online. Login at PenServe Plan Services. Type in your social security number and the plan’s access code which is beau5689 then follow the instructions on the web page.

Customer Service can be reached at 800-849-4001.
Website:  www.penserv.com

South Carolina Deferred Compensation   (401k & 457 plans)

200 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 115, Columbia, SC, 29223      
Telephone: 877-457-6263, Ext. 20149  or FAX 803-754-7661            
Website:  www.southcarolinadcp.com

Ameriprise (fixed & variable annuities, 5000+ Mutual Funds) Representative: John Rush/Lynette Rush 1533 Fording Island Road, 328, Hilton Head, SC, 29926 Telephone: 843-837-1220 E-mail: John.b.rush@ampf.com               Lynette.X.Rush@ampf.com	ReliaStar/ Voya Retirement Plans (fixed & variable annuities) Pournelle Insurance Agency, LLC Representative: PA Pourenell, Ill 38 Sweetbriar Lane, Walterboro, SC, 29488 Telephone: 843-909-0374 or 800-328-9425 Fax: 843-538-1838 Email: papournelle@lowcountry.com
American Fund Representatives: Ronnie Tanner & Owen Hand 39 Prof. Village Circle, Beaufort, SC, 29901 Telephone: 843-524-6310 E-mail: ronny@handandtanner.com               owen@handandtanner.com	MetLife (fixed or variable annuities) Representatives: Jim Diemer or Greg Vasher Heather O’Donovan-Office Manager 11705 Mercy Blvd., Savannah, GA, 31419 Telephone Jim Diemer: 912-819-2132 Telephone Greg Vasher: 912-819-3406 Telephone Charles Stewart 912-819-2443 Telephone Heather O'Donovan: 912-819-2443 FAX Number: 912-819-3003 E-mail: jdiemer@metllfe.com or gvasher@metlife.com or hodonovan@familyfmg.com or cstewart@familyfmg.com
Security Benefit Capers Financial Group, LLC. Representative: Ben Capers Jr. Telephone: 843-263-9729 Email: bcapers@gwnsecurities.com	GWN Securities, INC. Capers Financial Group, LLC. Representative: Ben Capers Jr. Telephone: 843-263-9729 Email: bcapers@gwnsecurities.com
Life Insurance Co. of the Southwest/National Life Group (variable & fixed & equity-indexed annuities) Representatives: Ed Cawley, Dolores (Toni) Hill Telephone Ed Cawley: 912-655-5107 Telephone Dolores (Toni) Hill 912-655-6669 E-mail: edcawley@ValuTeachers.com, tonihill@ValuTeachers.com	VALIC (fixed or variable annuities) Representative: Jim Netzband 3710 Landmark Drive, Ste. 104, Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: Jim Netzband 803-904-2382 Office Number 803-743-2020 Fax Number 803-782-9061 E-mail: jim.netzband@valic.com
Equitable Advisors, LLC (Formerly AXA) Jared Weber Financial Advisor (864)-326-5672 Email: jared.weber@equitable.com