HR > Benefits > Employee Insurance > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the health benefits offered at DPS offerings?
A. DPS offers the following:

Medical:

Dental:

Vision:

Health Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (DCRA) Accounts:

DPS Paid Benefits:

Retirement:

Voluntary Additional Benefits (Contact the representative to enroll. More info):

Q. What are flex dollars?
A. The District contributes monthly flex dollars for you to apply toward the premium cost of your health, dental, and/or vision insurances. Your DPS contribution amount will be reflected on your check as "Flex$$." This will appear in the Hours & Earnings section of your paycheck. Click here to see the "District Contribution for the DPS Flex Plan Sheet" for district contribution for your employee group.

Q. I'm a new employee. How do I learn more about what benefits are offered?
A. Work with your Human Resource Representative to enroll in one of a new employee orientation offerings within a few days of your date of hire. During this meeting your benefits will be explained to you in detail.

Q. How soon can I enroll?
A. You have 60 days from your start date to enroll in your benefits. Your benefits will be effective the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment form in the Department of Benefits. All forms will be date stamped upon receipt.

Q. What if I miss my 60 day window of opportunity to enroll?
A. If you miss your initial opportunity, you will have to wait until Open Enrollment held in May with the coverage effective date July 1.

Q. Can I waive insurance coverage? If so, will I still receive my flex dollars?
A. You can waive your insurance. If you choose to waive your medical you will need to provide proof of other insurance coverage. You will receive your flex dollars. However, the amount will be reflected on your check as taxable income.

Q. Where do I bring my enrollment forms?
A. You may complete your form and hand it to the Benefits representative during your orientation. If you prefer to complete it later, you may either bring it to the Welcome Center on the first floor of the DPS Admin Building between the hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm or to the Benefits Office, Room 502 of the Admin Building, during our daily walk-in hours of 2:00 – 4:00pm.

Q. Can I change my benefit elections?
A. Yes, but only if you have an eligible change in status. Eligible qualifying event includes marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, or a change in employment. All requests must be submitted to the Department of Employee Benefits for approval within 30 days of the qualifying event date before a benefit change will be permitted.

Q. How long will it be before I get my insurance cards?
A. Kaiser and PacifiCare will send cards out upon new enrollment within 8-10 business days. If you are a current member and need a replacement card, contact Customer Service or their web site. Delta Dental and VSP do not issue cards.

Q. What are the advantages of the Health Care Reimbursement Account and the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account?
A. Most important, the net cost of your out-of-pocket expenses is reduced and made more affordable. The amount you contribute to your HCRA/DCRA and the amount you are reimbursed from your accounts are income tax-free. Generally, this means a savings of 15% to 40% depending on your tax bracket.

Q. What are the disadvantages of HCRA/DCRA?
A. You must plan carefully. As required by law, any money left in your accounts at the end of the plan year and not expensed out will be forfeited. Therefore, it is in your best interest to be conservative when estimating your contribution.

Also, advance reimbursement of future or projected dependent care expenses is not permitted and you will receive dependent care reimbursement only up to the amount that has been deducted from your earnings and contributed to your DCRA.

Finally, you must decide if it would be more advantageous to use the HCRA/DCRA account or claim as a tax credit on your income tax, because you cannot claim the expenses in both places.

Q. What are the claims guidelines for the HCRA/DCRA?
A. Complete and submit a Reimbursement Claim Form [pdf] along with the following: the health plan explanation of benefits (EOB for services covered by the health plan) or an itemized bill for services not covered by the health plan, complete with the name of the provider, amount of service, and description of the services rendered. Services rendered must be incurred within the plan year and sent to AFLAC no later than 90 days following the end of the plan year. Fax your claim to 1-877-353-9256 or mail your request to AFLAC at the address noted on your claim form.

Q. Who do I contact if I have further questions?
A. For all benefit questions and inquiries, please call the HR Call Center at 720-423-3900. Your call will then be directed to the appropriate benefit specialist to assist you with your benefit needs.

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