Question

Responses

What are the steps to obtaining a Qualified Health Coverage (QHC) letter?

To obtain a Qualified Health Coverage (QHC) letter, please submit your request to the benefits mailbox at Benefits@waynecountymi.gov for processing.

What Is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)?

A QLE is a change in personal or family status that permits mid‑year benefit election changes. Examples include:

• Marriage, divorce, or legal separation
• Birth, adoption, or placement for adoption of a child
• Loss or gain of other health coverage
• Change in employment status affecting eligibility

What is a QHC Letter?

A QHC (Qualified Health Coverage) letter is an annual statement Wayne County provides on behalf of your health insurance carrier. It confirms whether your medical plan meets Michigan’s Qualified Health Coverage (QHC) standards. Auto insurance companies often require this letter if you choose to reduce or opt out of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage on your auto policy.

How can I request a QHC letter?

To request a QHC letter, send an email to Benefits@waynecountymi.gov. Please allow up to three business days for processing.

Who can I contact if I have health benefit questions?

The Benefits Team is available to assist with:

• Understanding benefit plan options
• Enrollment instructions and guidance

Benefits Team Contact Information

Main Office Phone: 313-224-5157

 benefits@waynecountymi.gov

• Technical assistance provided by IT, including Oracle-related issues and troubleshooting

IT Team Contact Information

Wayne County employees

Main Office Phone: 313-224-5051

http://wcmi.atlassian.net/jira/for-you 

Probate Court employees

The primary method of communication is via email

ISD@wcpc.us

3^rd CC employees

Main Office Phone: 313-224-0157

helpdesk@3rdcc.org

Question

 Responses

What Health Benefits does Wayne County offer?

• Medical and Prescription Drugs
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Health Management Systems of America (EAP)

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

Eligibility for health benefits is determined by employment classification (regular or temporary) and hours worked. Generally, regular full‑time employees working the minimum required hours per week, as defined in the organization’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, are eligible. Eligibility for dependents is defined by plan rules and may include spouses, domestic partners, and children up to the plan’s age limit.

Classifications

• Regular – Appointments to positions that are expected to last more than ninety (90) days, receive health and welfare benefits and eligible for retirement in accordance with the County Retirement Ordinance.
• Temporary – Appointments to positions that are expected to last less than ninety (90) days, do not receive health and welfare benefits unless they qualify under the ACA and not eligible for retirement in accordance with the County Retirement Ordinance.

Are project consultants eligible to participate in medical benefits?

The ACA Minimal Value Plan is available to Project Consultants, with eligibility requirements focused on consistent employment. Specifically, employees must have worked at least 32 hours per week over the past year to qualify.

Eligibility criteria for the Minimal Value Plan medical plan include:

• Hired as a TEMP full-time Project Consultant
• Working 40 hours per week
• Benefits become effective on the first day of the month after completing 90 days of work
• Eligible on the 91st workday following the hire date
• Dependents are limited to children only (spouses are not eligible)
• Not eligible for the HSA plan

Who Can Be Enrolled as Dependents in Health Benefits?

• Legal spouse
• Children up to the plan’s age limit (typically through age 26), including:
• Biological children
• Stepchildren
• Legally adopted children
• Children for whom the employee is the legal guardian

Question

Responses

Where can I find plan documents and cost information?

You can find the following items on the Wayne County website at Health Benefit Comparisons:

• Plan summaries
• Cost breakdowns
• Comparison tools

How do I check whether my doctor, hospital, or specialist is in network?

You can verify whether your provider is in‑network by using the BCBSM Find Care tool. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the BCBSM Find Care
2. Select “Log in to find a doctor” or “ Search without logging in”
3. Choose a location
4. Enter your location, and your provider’s name or specialty.
5. Review the search results to confirm whether the provider is listed as in‑network for your plan.

If you need help, you can also contact BCBSM Customer Service using the number on the back of your member ID card or visit the Vendor & Support Contacts page for additional support.

How do I choose the right health plan?

Consider:

• Your expected medical needs
• Prescription drug costs
• Provider networks (are your doctors in-network?)
• Monthly premiums vs. out-of-pocket costs
• Whether you prefer PPO vs. HMO

What is the difference between PPO, HMO, and HDHP?

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Flexible, no referrals needed, higher premiums.
• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Lower cost, requires referrals, must use in-network providers.
• HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan): Lower premiums, higher deductibles, compatible with (Health Savings Account).

Question

Responses

How can I view the health benefits I’m enrolled in right now?

To check your current health benefits, simply follow these steps within Oracle 

1. Click on "Me."
2. Select the "Benefits" tile.

How can I receive or request a Medical ID Card?

Health insurance cards are sent by mail upon initial enrollment. A new card will be issued each year if a new plan is chosen during Open Enrollment or if any changes are made by BCBSM:

• Contact BCBSM/BCN directly to request your member ID card over the phone.
• You can log in to your BCBS/BCN online account.
• Download the mobile app to access your virtual member ID card.

How can I receive or request a Dental or Vision ID Cards?

Dental and vision cards are not automatically mailed to you. However, healthcare providers can conveniently access your information by using your personal details. Should you require a temporary card or policy numbers, please do not hesitate to contact the vendor directly.

How do I check whether my dental provider is in‑network?

You can confirm whether your dentist is in‑network by checking directly with your dental plan. Use the links below to search each network’s provider directory:

• DENCAP Provider Search — Visit DENCAP’s website and use their provider lookup tool to search by dentist name, location, or specialty.
• Delta Dental Provider Search — Use Delta Dental’s “Find a Dentist” tool to confirm whether your provider participates in your specific Delta Dental PPO plan.

For the most accurate results, have your plan name or group number available when searching.

If you need assistance, you can also call the customer service number on your dental ID card or visit the Vendor & Support Contacts page for additional support.

How do I check whether my vision provider is in network with Heritage Vision?

You can verify your vision provider’s network status by using the Heritage Vision provider search to look up optometrists, ophthalmologists, or vision centers that participate in your plan.

If you need assistance, you can also call the customer service number on your vision ID card or visit the Vendor & Support Contacts page for additional support.

Question

Responses

What Is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the designated annual period during which eligible employees may elect, modify, or decline health and welfare benefit coverage for the upcoming plan year. Changes made during this period become effective on the first day of the new planned year.

The plan year is January 1 – December 31 each year.

When is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment takes place annually in November for active employees.The Personnel/Human Resources Benefits Division will provide precise dates and deadlines as the time approaches, ensuring you can plan accordingly.

When do my new benefits take effect?

All changes made during Open Enrollment take effect on the first day of the new plan year, January 1.

What benefits can I enroll in or change during Open Enrollment?

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplemental benefits (life insurance, disability, accident, etc.)

Can I add or remove dependents during Open Enrollment?

Yes. Employees may add, remove, or update dependent information during Open Enrollment. Documentation verifying dependent eligibility may be required.

Is there anything I need to do during open enrollment?

Here is your Open enrollment checklist

• Review all health benefits in which you are currently enrolled.
• Assess and update your beneficiaries as necessary.
• If you are enrolled in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), please ensure to re-enroll, as contributions will cease on December 31st unless you take action to do so.
• It is recommended that you print your enrollment confirmation page for your records.

What happens if I don’t make any changes?

If you take no action:

• Your existing medical, dental, and vision plans will automatically carry over into the next year.
• Your HSA and FSAs must be re-elected each year to avoid losing coverage or tax‑advantaged savings.
• Employees who do not enroll or make changes may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period to do so, unless they experience a qualifying life event.

Question

Responses

What is an Annual Wage Bonus?

The annual wage bonuses to support healthcare expenses are incurred while enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

What are the amounts for the Annual Wage Bonus?

• $750.00 for those employees with single-person healthcare contracts;
• $1,150.00 for those employees with two-person contracts; and
• $1,500.00 for those employees with family contracts

Note: Employees shall receive at least $750.00 annual bonus regardless of participation in a healthcare contract in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement or the Executive Benefit Plan.

How Can I receive my Annual Wage Bonus?

Employees must make one of two elections:

1) Receipt of the annual bonus remitted in a payroll check as taxable income in a payment in January of each year of the Agreement; or

 2) Receipt of the annual bonus remitted as pre-tax funds deposited into a qualifying Health Savings Account (“HSA”) by the Employer in January of each year of the Agreement.

The option to designate your annual wage bonus to your HSA must be done during Open Enrollment. If a selection is not made, you will receive the annual wage bonus in a payroll check as taxable income.

Question

Responses

What is an HSA and how does it work?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. Funds roll over year to year and belong to you even if you leave the company. Only available with HDHP plans.

What is an FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) also uses pre-tax dollars for medical or dependent care expenses. Unlike HSAs, FSAs typically do not roll over fully — unused funds may be forfeited at year-end depending on your plan.

Do I have to re-enroll in HSA, FSA every year?

Yes, must re-enroll, as contributions will cease on December 31st unless you take action to do so.

I have money left over in my HSA, will that rollover to next year?

Yes. Any unused funds in your Health Savings Account (HSA) automatically roll over from year to year. There is no ‘use it or lose it’ rule for HSAs, and the balance continues to grow tax advantaged. Your HSA funds remain yours even if you change plans or leave the organization.

What happens to unused money in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If you don’t use all of your FSA funds during the benefit period, you may lose some of the money. However, the plan includes a carryover provision that allows you to roll over up to $500 of unused funds into the next plan year.

Any amount over $500 will be forfeited. For more information about the roll over, please contact American Fidelity.

How can I change or cancel my bi-weekly HSA contributions?

You can make changes to your Health Savings Account (HSA) by following the steps in Appendix A

How can I add a Lump sum HSA contribution?

You can make changes to your Health Savings Account (HSA) by following the steps in Appendix B

Question

Responses

What are Supplemental (Voluntary) Benefits?

Supplemental voluntary benefits are optional insurance plans offered by partners of Wayne County that provide additional financial protection and can help cover costs not included in standard health insurance.

MetLife

• Supplemental Group Life and Dependent Group Life Insurance

                             

                               American Fidelity

• Disability
• Accident
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Accounts
• Cancel
• Whole Life insurance
• Critical Illness

Texas Life Insurance

• Whole life insurance

   

                           TMR and Associates

• Whole Life Insurance
• Long Term Care
• Legal Plans
• Identity Theft
• Pet Insurance

   

                                        UNUM

• Whole life insurance

How can I sign for Supplemental (Voluntary) Benefits?

Employees can enroll during Open Enrollment or as a new hire within their initial eligibility window. Outside of these periods, enrollment is only allowed if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

How do I enroll during Open Enrollment?

During the annual Open Enrollment period, employees can log into the American Fidelity system, review available voluntary plans (such as supplemental life, accident, critical illness, etc.), and make elections before the deadline. Changes take effect on January 1 of the following year.

How do new hires enroll in Supplemental (Voluntary) Benefits?

New hires can enroll in Supplemental (Voluntary) Benefits during their New Hire Enrollment window, which is the first 30 days from their hire date. Elections become effective once all required documentation is submitted, eligibility is verified, and payroll deductions are activated.

How can I cancel my Supplemental (Voluntary) MetLife Insurance?

To cancel your MetLife Insurance, please submit a written, signed notification to the Benefits Division at benefits@waynecountymi.gov, clearly specifying the plan and the amount you wish to cancel.

It is important to note that employees have the option to cancel their policies at any time. Should you decide to re-enroll later, please be aware that approval will be at the discretion of MetLife.

How can I cancel my Supplemental (Voluntary) American Fidelity Benefits?

To cancel your supplemental benefits with American Fidelity, please fill out the Drop form, specifying the benefits you wish to terminate along with their corresponding amounts. After completing the form, kindly submit it to the benefits team at benefits@waynecountymi.gov to finalize the process

How can I enroll in or cancel my Supplemental (Voluntary) with:

• UNUM Whole Life Insurance
• Long Term Care
• Legal Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance

To enroll in or discontinue your Supplemental (Voluntary) insurance policies, please contact TMR and Associates at 313-963-1135. Their office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

How can cancel my Texas Supplemental (Voluntary) Life Insurance?

To discontinue your supplemental benefits with Texas Life, please fill out the Drop form, specifying the benefits you wish to terminate along with their corresponding amounts. After completing the form, kindly submit it to the benefits team at benefits@waynecountymi.gov to finalize the process.

EXTERNAL PARTNERS

SERVICE PROVIDED

CONTACT NUMBER

WEBSITE

AMERICAN FIDELITY (AF)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA),

Supplemental Life Plans, AF Voluntary Benefit Plans

800-662-1113

www.AmericanFidelity.com

BLUE CARE NETWORK

Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits

800-662-6667

www.BCBSM.com

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

OF MICHIGAN

Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits

877-790-2583

www.BCBSM.com

DELTA DENTAL PLANS

Dental Benefits

800-524-0149

www.DeltaDentalMI.com

DENCAP DENTAL PLANS

Dental Benefits

888-988-3384

www.dencap.com

HEALTH EQUITY

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

866-346-5800

www.HealthEquity.com

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Confidential, 24/7 Employee

Assistance Program (EAP)

800-847-7240

Health Management Systems of America

HERITAGE VISION PLANS

VISION PLANS Vision Benefits

800-252-2053

www.HeritageVisionPlans.com

METLIFE

Life Insurance

800-638-5433

www.metlife.com

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES’

RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF

MICHIGAN (MERS)

Retiree Medical Savings Account

Plans

800-767-MERS (6377)

www.MERSofMI.com

Texas Life Insurance

Voluntary Whole Life Insurance

800-283-9233, extensions 6814 or 6815

https://www.texaslife.com

https://www.texlife.com/customerportal

TMR & ASSOCIATES

Unum, Life Secure, LegalShield,

Nationwide Pet Insurance

313-963-1135

www.TMRandAssoc.com

Employee Self-Service Instructions

Setting up bi-weekly contributions

• Click on “Me”
• Click on “Benefits” tile
• Click on “Report a Life Event”
• Click on “+Add Life Event”
• Select the “Change HSA Contribution” option
• Enter today’s date “When did this event occur”
• Click on “Save”
• Click on “Continue”
• Click on verify dependents and click on “Continue”
• Click on “Continue” for the confirmation
• Click on “Benefits that matter to you” screen
• Click on “Edit”
• Click on “Accept”
• Click on “HSA and FSA” on the right-hand side
• Scroll down

1. Click "Enroll".

2. Click "Coverage"

3. Click the "Coverage" field.

4. In the “Coverage” field, type in the amount you would like to contribute annually.

5. Click "Save"

To print of confirmation page, click on “Review and Submit

Employee Self-Service Instructions

Adding a Lump Sum

• Click on “Me”
• Click on “Benefits” tile
• Click on “Report a Life Event”
• Click on “+Add Life Event”
• Select the “Change HSA Contribution” option
• Enter today’s date “When did this event occur”
• Click on “Save”
• Click on “Continue”
• Click on verify dependents and click on “Continue”
• Click on “Continue” for the confirmation
• Click on “Benefits that matter to you” screen
• Click on “Edit”
• Click on “Accept”
• Click on “HSA and FSA” on the right-hand side
• Scroll down

1. If you wish to set up a one-time HSA Lump Sum Contribution, click "Unenroll" under “Waive Contribution”. This will allow you to “enroll” in the HSA Lump Sum Contribution.

2. Click "Enroll" under HSA Lump Sum Contribution.

3. Click the "Coverage" field and type the amount.

4. Click "Save"

5. Click "Submit"

Employee Self-Service Instructions

Print Confirmation

1. Click "View Enrollments” in the box with the green circle

2. Click on “view report” on the far right-hand side

Print or save the “Benefits confirmation and summary.”