Frequently Asked Questions - ESOS, MESPA, SEA
How do I contact MESSA?
You may call MESSA at (800) 336 – 0013. You may set up your own personal account at www.messa.org.
How do I contact Delta Dental of Michigan?
You may call Delta Dental at (800) 482 – 8915 or access their web site at www.deltadentalmi.com.
How do I contact Vision Service Plan VSP-3 Optical?
You may call VSP-3 Vision at (800) 225 – 5877 or access their web site at www.vsp.com.
How do I contact Colonial Life Optional Plans?
You may call Colonial Life regarding optional: Accident, Hospital or Critical Illness Plans at (800) 325 – 4368 or access their web site at www.coloniallife.com.
How do I contact Health Equity about my High Deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) for MESSA Pak C ABC Plan 1 or MESSA Pak E ABC Plan 2?
You may contact Health Equity at (877) 218 - 3432 or access their web site at www.healthequity.com.
How do I contact AMERIFLEX about my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - September 2017 - Present?
You may contact AMERIFLEX at (888) 868 - 3539 or access their web site at www.myameriflex.com.
How do I contact BASIC about my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - September 2016 - August 2017?
You may contact BASIC at (800) 444 - 1922 ext. 1 or access their web site at www.basiconline.com.
How much will I have to pay towards my medical coverage?
All employees (ESOS, MESPA and SEA) pay a portion of their total MESSA premium amount based on the medical/health premium cap limits as set forth by the State of Michigan and 10% of ancillary benefits (non-medical/health plans). This amount is deducted on a pre-tax basis from the individual’s bi-weekly payroll. All members are required to elect a MESSA plan, either Pak A through E. Paks A, C, D, E, and F include: medical, dental, vision, mental health, life, and long term disability. Pak B, which is the opt out option for ESOS, MESPA and SEA includes: dental, vision, life, and long term disability (excludes: medical/hospitalization/prescription/mental health coverage).
What are some of the highlights of my medical coverage?
For Enrollees in Pak A or D (includes: medical, dental, vision, mental health, life and long term disability insurance) these are traditional PPO health plans with in-network deductibles ranging from $500 per individual to $2,000 per family. Your in-network co-pay is now $20 for physicians office visit, $50 for hospital emergency room co-pay, $25 for urgent care co-pay and a mental health/substance abuse co-pay of $20.
For Enrollees in Pak C or E (includes: medical, dental, vision, mental health, life and long term disability insurance) these are high deductible PPO health plans with in-network high deductibles of $1,400 for an individual and $4,000 for two or more people. Once you have satisfied the annual deductible, there are no co-payments on exams and many medications are free. Some procedure may have a 20% coinsurance.
For Enrollees in Pak F (includes: medical, dental, vision, mental health, life and long term disability insurance) this is a traditional Essentials health plan with an in-network $375 individual and $750 family deductible and a 20% coinsurance.
What if I already have medical coverage?
MESSA guidelines require all MEA members to participate in a plan. MESSA Pak B (includes: dental, vision, life, and long term disability, excludes: medical) is the available option for members who do not require medical coverage. All employees will still have to pay their portion of the premium.
What is a Section 125 Cafeteria plan?
The SPS District has arranged a premium only cafeteria plan for its employees. This plan was set up to allow employees to pay for their portion of the medical health coverage premium with pre-tax dollars. The plan is pre-arranged and employees are not required to do anything to take advantage of the pre-tax deductions. However, if employees do not want the pre-tax deduction, they must complete the Section 125 Cafeteria Plan form sent in the mail and return it to Human Resources and thus, the deductions will be taken out after taxes.
Questions regarding State of Michigan- Office of Retirement Services for public school employee pensions:
All public school employees in the state of Michigan may select a pension plan through the Office of Retirement Services. If you are already enrolled with ORS, your pension plan will continue through the Southfield Public School District. To contact ORS: (800) 381 – 5111 or www.michigan.gov/ors where you may also set up your own personal account. If you are currently purchasing service credit, you must contact ORS and the SPS Payroll Department (248-746-8553) to have your account transferred to this District.
What is a 403(b) plan?
A 403(b) plan, also known as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan, is a retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, employees of certain tax-exempt organizations, and certain ministers. Individual accounts in a 403(b) plan can be any of varying types, including: (a) An annuity contract, which is a contract provided through an insurance company or, (b) A custodial account, which is an account invested in mutual funds. Generally, retirement income accounts can invest in either annuities or mutual funds. There are three benefits to contributing to a 403(b) plan. The first benefit is that you do not pay income tax on allowable contributions until you begin making withdrawals from the plan, usually after you retire. The second benefit is that earnings and gains on amounts in your 403(b) account are not taxed until you withdraw them. The third benefit is that you may be eligible to take a credit for elective deferrals contributed to your 403(b) account. The SPS District has arranged for TSA Consulting Group, Inc. to act as the third-party administrator for the 403b plan. To contact the TSA Consulting Group, Inc.: (888) 796-3786 or online at:
https://www.tsacg.com/individual/plan-sponsor/michigan/southfield-public-schools/.
Teresa Foster
HRIS & Employee Wellness Specialist
04/21/2023
