BENEFITS ELIGIBILITYLegal spouseState-registered domestic partner or legal unionFoster childrenDependent children under age 26Dependent children under age 21 for Life Insurance (Option CFamily)Adult children with disabilities
DEPENDENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION➢ If you add family members to your coverage, you are required to provide documentation to verify coverage eligibility for the dependents that you add during the Open Enrollment process or for a qualifying life event. When you enroll online, you must also submit dependent eligibility verification.➢ Failure to comply will result in a cancellation of health care coverage for that dependent. ➢ DCHR has the authority to determine whether the documentation satisfies the plan’s requirements. Any fees associated with obtaining documents are the employee’s responsibility.➢ Please Note: You are not required to provide annual verification for dependents currently covered by any DC Government health plan; however, DC Government reserves the right to request supporting documentation at any time.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITSFor employees hired on or after October 1, 1987.The cost is shared by the employee and the DistrictEligible employees have a choice of the following plans: Aetna Healthcare HMO, PPO or CDHP Kaiser Permanente HMO UnitedHealthcare Choice HMO and PPO CareFirst HMO, PPO or CDHP
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) An HMO provides comprehensive health care coverage to plan participants through a network of physicians and hospitals. Traditionally, HMOs require a referral from the individual’s primary physician to receive care from a specialist.Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) PPOs provides services between innetwork and out-of-network providers. Covered individuals receive a higher reimbursement when using services from physicians and hospitals in the plan’s network.HMO VS PPO
, While CDHPs have the lowest premium cost, by selecting a CDHP you take on more financial risk — a much higher deductible and out-of-pocket limit. A CDHP is a high-deductible plan where a portion of the health care services are paid for with pre-tax dollars. •More control of your health care expenses. Most often paired by a Health Savings Account (HSA).CONSUMER- DRIVEN HEALTH PLAN (CDHP)
MEDICAL PLAN 2026 BI-WEEKLY PREMIUM RATESFor detailed plan information, please see the 2026 DCHR Benefits Guide Available online athttps://dchr.dc.gov/publication/dc-government-benefits-guideAetna HMOAetna CDHPAetna PPOKaiser Permanente HMOUnitedHealthcare HMOUnited Healthcare PPOCareFirst HMOCareFirst CDHPCareFirst PPOSelf Only $150.75 $62.89 $140.06 $101.25 $124.56 $118.73 $107.63 $54.16 $125.69Self + 1 $298.27 $123.61 $275.30 $193.38 $237.90 $226.76 $212.04 $103.44 $240.07Family $432.71 $181.71 $404.72 $296.63 $364.94 $347.85 $311.06 $158.67 $368.27
DENTAL PLANS➢ Provider: Cigna Dental➢ DHMO: District pays 100% of premium costs.➢ DPPO: Employee pays a portion of premium costs.➢ 2026 Bi-weekly Premium Rates:
VISION PLANS➢ Provider: VSP Vision Care➢ Vision coverage is available at no cost to eligible employees.➢ The District pays 100% of the vision premium.➢ For detailed plan information, please see the 2026 Vision Summary Plan Description, available online athttps://dchr.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/DCHR/publication/attachments/VSP_Benefit%20Summary.pdf .
COVERAGE EFFECTIVE DATES➢ Health benefits coverage begins the pay period after the election has been submitted and during the pay period that a payroll deduction was made to pay for the benefit.➢ For Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), including Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA, coverage begins after your first payroll deduction.
Health Care FSAYou may contribute: • Maximum Annual Contribution: $3,400• If you enroll in the CDHP plan you are not eligible to elect a health care FSARollover Limits: • Maximum $680Eligible Expenses: • Out of pocket medical, prescription, dental or vision expenses • Copays, deductibles, and co-insuranceEnrollment Periods: • Open Enrollment • 31 days from New Hire• 31 days from Qualified Life Event EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Dependent Care FSAYou may contribute: • Maximum Annual Contribution: $7,500• $2,500 if married and you and your spouse file a separate tax returnRollover Limits: • No rollover limit (forfeit) Eligible Expenses: • Expenses to care for dependent children under the age of 13Enrollment Periods: • Open Enrollment • 31 days from New Hire• 31 days from Qualified Life Event ➢ DAY CAMPS➢ BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMSEMPLOYEE BENEFITS
EMPLOYEE BENEFITSCommuter Benefits ProgramYou may contribute: • Maximum Monthly Contribution: $340• Mass Transit • Parking Rollover Limits: • All unused funds rolloverEligible Expenses: • Transit and parking services for commuting expenses to and from workEnrollment Periods: • Option to enroll, disenroll, increase, or decease their annual election at any time throughout the year➢ Metro Bus & Train
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: GROUP & OPTIONALLIFE INSURANCELife Insurance Coverage CostGroup LifeAnnual salary rounded to the next thousand, plus and additional $2,000You pay two-thirds of the total cost and the government pays one-thirdOption A – Standard Optional Per $10,000 coverage Based on your ageOption B – Additional Optional InsuranceAdditional optional life insurance (multiples from 1x -5x basic salary)Based on your ageOption C – Family Optional InsuranceSpouses and dependent children under the age of 21Based on your age
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: DISABILITY INSURANCEShort-Term Disability (STD) Long-Term Disability (LTD)Policy Type Group GroupBenefit Salary Replacement Up to 66.7%; between $15 -$1,154 Income replaced at 66 2/3 percent of your pre-disability earningsElimination Period 20 days 180 daysPremium Based on age Based on age• Standard Insurance Company is the District Government disability insurance provider. • Deductions for both disability programs are deducted on an aftertax basis.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: RETIREMENT PROGRAMPlan Type Employer Contribution Employee Requirements401(a) Defined Contribution Pension Plan• 100% Employer-Funded: 5% of the base salary (5.5% for Corrections Officers) • Begins the first pay period after one year of service• Must have one year of continuous service to participate• Fully vested after five years of continuous service.457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan n/aOpen to all employees who can contribute the minimum of $20 per pay period.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMInova’s 24/7 EAP hotline and convenient online resources provide employees with easy, confidential access to professionals and resources, including:Confidential counselingLegal services, financial services, Savings CenterIdentity theft services Webinar training Work-life referral servicesLactation supportVisit Inova online at http://www.inova.org/eapOnline account login information:➢ Username: DCGOV➢ Password: DCGOV
FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVEEligibilityFamily & Medical LeaveDC Family and Medical Leave Act was effective October 1, 1990, for employees whose actual work location is in the District of Columbia as of April 1, 1991. To be eligible you must work at least 1,000 hours (DCFMLA) or 1,250 hours (FMLA) for one (1) year with no break in service during the 12-month period immediately preceding the request for leaveDCFMLA Statutory Medical LeaveAllows up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave in any 24-month period for specified reasons, as prescribed by DCFMLA. Medical certification/documentation is required.DCFMLA Statutory Family Leave of AbsenceAllows up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave in any 24-month period for specified reasons, as prescribed by DCFMLA. Medical certification/documentation is required.DC Family Leave ProgramEffective October 1, 2014, employees may receive up to eight (8) weeks of paid leave for the birth of adoption of a child or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
ANNUAL & SICK LEAVEYears of Service Hours Accrued Number of Days0-2 Years 4 hours per pay period 13 Days3-15 Years 6 hours per pay period 20 Days15+ Years 8 hours per pay period 26 DaysEligible employees accrue annual leave each pay period:All regular full-time employees annually accrue 13 days of sick leave (4 hours per pay) period regardless of employment.
PART-TIME & EXECUTIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEES➢ Part-Time employees who work at least 40 hours per pay period earn annual leave and sick leave at a proportional rate.➢ Executive Service employees receive 26 days of universal leave per calendar year to be used for any purpose (prorated depending on start date).
ANNUAL LEAVE BANK➢ A fund of accumulated annual leave donated by employees for the use of other leave bank members. ➢ To become a member and receive leave from the bank, an employee must donate a minimum of four hours of annual leave each year.
HOLIDAYSEmployees receive 12 paid holidays per year:➢ New Year’s Day➢ Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday➢ Washington’s Birthday➢ DC Emancipation Day➢ Memorial Day➢ Juneteenth➢ Independence Day➢ Labor Day➢ Indigenous Peoples' Day➢ Veterans Day➢ Thanksgiving Day ➢ Christmas Day
DISCOUNTSHealth & Fitness:➢ Capital Bikeshare➢ Department of Parks and Recreation Fitness Centers➢ MINT Health ClubWireless Discounts:➢ AT&T Discount➢ Sprint Discount➢ T-Mobile Advantage➢ Verizon FiOSApple Employee Purchase Program➢ All District of Columbia Government employees (full-time, part-time, and contractors) may now purchase Apple products at a reduced price. http://dchr.dc.gov/page/discount-programs-district-employees
BENEFIT ENROLLMENT RECAP➢ Employees may enroll in/change plans: ➢ During the annual Open Enrollment period.➢ Within 31 days of their initial employment.➢ Within 31 days of a qualifying life event.➢ Newly hired/rehired employees should submit their benefit elections in the new hire benefit event section prior to making any other PeopleSoft changes➢ All enrollment changes are to be made through Employee Self Service (ESS), which can be accessed at https://ess.dc.gov on any computer with an internet connection. ➢ Employees must upload dependent documentation for covered dependents.➢ Please keep your emailed confirmation statement from PeopleSoft.➢ Benefits coverage begins the period after you make your elections.
UNDERSTANDING MY PAYCHECKLog into Employee Self Service (ESS) at https://ess.dc.gov.
HOW TO LOCATE YOUR PAYCHECK IN PEOPLESOFT➢ Log in to Employee Self Service (ESS) at https://ess.dc.gov. ➢ From the Main Menu, select Self Service.➢ Select Payroll & Compensation.➢ Select View Paycheck.➢ Your paychecks will be listed in descending order. Select the paycheck you wish to view.
PAYCHECK ISSUES, QUESTIONS, ETC.For specific questions regarding your paycheck, pay discrepancies, etc., contact the Office of Pay and Retirement Services at (202) 741-8600.
CONNECT & LEARN MOREDCHR’s Benefits & Retirement Administration:Phone: (202) 442-7627Email: [email protected]: http://dchr.dc.govOffice: DCHR1015 Half Street, 9th FloorWashington, DC 20003
Your 401(a) Your 457(b) Deferred Compensation PlanDistrict of ColumbiaICMA-RC does not provide tax or legal advice. This presentation is the property of ICMA-RC and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any manner. 42858-0619
129How Your 401(a) Retirement Plan WorksEligibilityDistrict employees who were hired for the first time on or after October 1, 1987, are automatically enrolled after completing one year of creditable serviceContributionsThe District will contribute an amount equal to 5% of base salary (5.5% for detention officers) annually.InvestmentsYou control how your account is investedLearn more about the fund lineup at www.DCRetire.com
130Your 457(b) Plan — Save for Your FutureConvenient payroll deductionYou control contributions, investmentsContribution options: pre-tax (no taxes due until you withdraw), or Roth/after-tax (pay taxes now so you don’t have to later)You control withdrawals at separation from serviceNo 10% early withdrawal penalty** 10% penalty tax never applies to withdrawals of original 457 plan contributions and associated earnings. But penalty may apply to non-457 plan assets rolled into a 457 plan and subsequently withdrawn prior to age 59½.
131Get the Most from Your Account Onlinewww.DCRetire.com
132Questions?THANK YOUFor over 40 years, Mission Square Retirement has focused exclusively on helping public sector employees build a well-deserved retirement – www.missionsq.org/about.
Welcome
New DC Government employees…Aflac group insurance is available for whatever life may throw at you!Available plans - Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: • Hospital Indemnity (2 plan options – Mid and Low)o Hospital Admission, Hospital Confinement, Hospital Intensive Care, Intermediate Intensive Care Step-Down Unit, Emergency Room Observation, Telemedicine Services, Outpatient Doctor’s Office Visit, Inpatient / Outpatient Surgery and Anesthesia, and moreo Riders: Building Benefit; Dependent Child Neonatal and Pediatric Hospital ICUThis is a brief product overview. The plans have limitations and exclusions that affect benefits payable. Please refer to the plans for complete details, limitations and exclusions. Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), a proud member of the Aflac family of insurers, Is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and underwrites group coverage. CAIC is not Licensed to solicit business in New York, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.Continental American Insurance Company • Columbia, South CarolinaAGC2400124 EXP 2/25• Accident (2 plan options – High and Mid)o Hospital Admission and Confinement, Ambulance, Emergency Treatment, Major Diagnostic Testing, Medical Appliances, Fractures and Dislocations, Burns and Lacerations, Therapy, and moreo Riders: Gunshot Wound; Accidental Death; Line of Dutyo $60 Wellness RiderFor more information, scan the QR code or contact the Open Enrollment Call Center at 877-651-3601.
New DC Government employees…Aflac group insurance is available for whatever life may throw at you!Available plans - Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: • Critical Illnesso Cancer (Internal / Invasive / Non-Invasive), Skin Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Major Organ Transplant, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant), Kidney Failure (End-Stage Renal Failure), Coma, Severe Burns, and moreo Riders: Heart Event, Optional Benefits, Progressive Diseases, Childhood Conditionso $50 Health Screening BenefitAGC2400124 EXP 2/25• BenExtend®o Features commonly-used benefits from three different types of insurance – Group Accident, Group Critical Illness, Group Hospital Indemnity:❖ Accident benefits: Initial Treatment, Ambulance, Major Diagnostic Testing, Lacerations, Fractures, Appliances❖ Critical Illness benefits: Cancer (Internal, / Invasive / Non-Invasive), Heart Attack, Major Organ Transplant, Kidney Failure (End-Stage Renal Failure), Stroke, Bone Marrow Transplant, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery❖ Hospital Indemnity benefits: Hospital Admission, Hospital Confinemento $50 Health ScreeningThis is a brief product overview. The plans have limitations and exclusions that affect benefits payable. Please refer to the plans for complete details, limitations and exclusions. Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), a proud member of the Aflac family of insurers, Is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and underwrites group coverage. CAIC is not Licensed to solicit business in New York, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.Continental American Insurance Company • Columbia, South CarolinaFor more information, scan the QR code or contact the Open Enrollment Call Center at 877-651-3601.
If an employee goes on an approved LOA, please notify Aflac Group within 30 days. If premiums are not remitted during the LOA period, the coverage will lapse due to nonpayment of premium. It is the insured’s responsibility to contact Customer Service to continue to remit payment. Please make checks payable to Aflac Group Insurance and send payments to the following address: Aflac Group Insurance P.O. Box 641629 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-1629Be sure to include your certificate number and employers name on the check • If premiums are not maintained while on leave, and you return within 90 days from the approved leave date, payroll deductions should resume and your coverage will remain active. However, there will be a gap in coverage for the time that you were on leave. This gap of coverage is a period where coverage is not in force no claims would be payable.• If premiums are not maintained while on leave and you do not return within 90 days from the approved leave date, your coverage will terminate on the 91st day. • If you return after 90 days then you must wait until the next annual open enrollment to reapply for coverage.• If you are on military leave and return within 5 years, your coverage can be reinstated. Leave of Absence Policy
Thank you!
DC Government Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Group Life Insurance Highlights
Short Term Disability (STD) & Long Term Disability Highlight (LTD)Short Term DisabilityAll benefits-eligible employees may enroll in the Short Term Disability Insurance Program. Short term disability insurance provides income replacement that may be used in conjunction with your annual or sick leave. This program has a 20-day elimination period and coverage lasts for six months. Income is replaced at 66 2/3 percent of the employee’s base pay reduced by deductible income. Deductions for both disability programs are done on an after-tax basis. This assures that any payments you receive from the program are not taxed.This program is designed to lessen the financial burden employees may incur from an extended non-work-related injury or illness. Short term disability insurance specifically addresses absences from work due to one’s own healthrelated reasons. If you have a qualifying medical condition, this insurance provides a partial replacement of your income.Key Features:❖Weekly disability benefits of $15-$1,385❖Income coverage of up to 66 2/3 percent of your salary❖Worldwide coverage❖Waiver of premium while disabledLong Term DisabilityAll benefits-eligible employees may enroll in the Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Program. Long term disability insurance provides income replacement that may be used in conjunction with your annual or sick leave. This program has a 180-day elimination period. Income is replaced at 66 2/3 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income. If you become disabled before age 62, LTD benefits may continue during disability until you reach age 65. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the benefit duration is determined by your age when disability begins as indicated in the Standard Insurance Long Term Disability table. Deductions for both disability programs are done on an after-tax basis. This assures that any payments you receive from the program are not taxed.Key Features:❖Monthly LTD benefit of $100-$6,000❖180-day elimination period❖Worldwide coverage❖Waiver of premium while disabled
Group Term Life Insurance Coverage HighlightBasic Life InsuranceYou may elect Basic Life Insurance equal to 1 times your Annual Salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, plus additional $2,000. The minimum amount is $10,000. An extra benefit is provided for loss of life before age 45. The cost of the monthly premium is shared with the District. You pay two-thirds of the total cost, and the government pays one-third.Optional Life InsuranceIn order to enroll in Optional Life insurance, you must participate in Basic Life insurance. Optional life insurance is available at a low cost for employees and their dependents, but employees pay 100 percent of the cost of optional life insurance. You may apply for any or all of the following Optional Life options, except that your dependents may be insured under only one option.❖ Option A: $10,000❖ Option B: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 times your annual earnings as of last January 1. The amount of insurance elected under Option B is determined by multiplying your annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000, by the option you elect.❖ Option C: You may apply for one of the following Dependents Life insurance options:▪ $10,000 for eligible spouse and $10,000 for your eligible child(ren)▪ $25,000 for eligible spouse and $10,000 for your eligible child(ren)▪ $50,000 for eligible spouse and $10,000 for your eligible child(ren)Please Note: Dependents up to age 21 (age 24 for students) may be eligible for Life Insurance Option C Coverage.
Learning how to save is easyFor use only by authorized registered representatives ofAscensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC. Not intendedfor print or distribution. Current as of January 2021.See plan website for more info.
Benefits & features• DC tax deduction*• Tax-deferred growth• Tax-free withdrawals**• Flexible & affordable• Attractive investment options• Gifting and rewards optionsWhat the DC 529 provides*Contributions by DC taxpayers in excess of the annual limit can be carried forward and deducted in future years on their DC tax return. If a participant makes a non-qualified withdrawal or a transfer/rollover to another state’s program within two (2) years of opening the account, the amount of the deduction is “recaptured” and must be included in the participant's District of Columbia income.**Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes and recapture of DC tax deductions. Tax and other benefits are contingent on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are subject to federal, state, and local taxes.
OverviewPayroll Direct Deposit (if available)Set up account: select payrollas contribution methodDetermine contribution amountPrint payroll authorization formGive to employer
Start saving todayPlease Note: Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other statebenefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in thatstate’s qualified tuition program. You should consult your financial, tax, or other advisor to learn more about how state-basedbenefits (or any limitations) would apply to your specific circumstances. You also may wish to contact directly your homestate’s 529 college savings plan(s), or any other 529 plan, to learn more about those plans’ features, benefits, and limitations.Keep in mind that state-based benefits should be one of many appropriately weighted factors to be considered when makingan investment decision.The Plan is administered by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Finance and Treasury. AscensusCollege Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC (\"ACSR\"), the Program Manager, and its affiliates, have overall responsibility for the dayto-day operations including recordkeeping and administrative services. Ascensus Investment Advisors, LLC serves as the InvestmentManager.For more information about The DC College Savings Plan (“The Plan\"), call 800-987-4859, or visit www.DC529.com to obtain aProgram Disclosure Booklet, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information;read and consider it carefully before investing.Mr. Rydzeski is a registered representative of Ascensus Broker Dealer Services LLC, 877-529-2980, 95 Wells Ave, Newton MA(member FINRA/SIPC) and is not employed by the District of Columbia.• Visit DC529.com to learn more about the Program, request an information kit or enroll online.• Call 1-800-987-4859 to speak with a Program representative Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST
David RydzeskiAscensus Government SavingsRepresentative for DC College Savings Plan Institutional Relationship [email protected] C 571-565-5869www.dc529.com
Office of the Student Loan OmbudsmanDepartment of Insurance, Securities and Banking1050 First Street NE, Suite 801Washington, DC 20002PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
148INTRODUCTIONWhat benefits are you eligible for as a public servant?Can I get my loans forgiven?
149WELCOMEAGENDA❑District of Columbia Statistics❑Requirements ❑Contact InformationAndrea McCargoStudent Loan Program Manager
150IMPORTANT STATISTICSCurrent Trends:• $1.814 trillion in total U.S. student loan debt• 42.5 million Americans with federal student loan debt▪ Average student loan balance is $39,075 ▪ Average monthly student loan payment is $536