We understand that you/your spouse may have experienced changes in childcare needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be eligible to adjust your Dependent Care Assistance Program election for 2020.

Qualifying Events

The IRS permits changes to an election for the following qualifying events.

Changes in Childcare Arrangements

• You no longer need childcare.
• You no longer need childcare as frequently.
• The amount you pay for childcare has increased or decreased. Example: Childcare temporarily shut down due to the pandemic. 
• You now need childcare. This is a qualifying event to add the Dependent Care FSA if you are not currently enrolled.

Changes to Employment

• You or your legally married spouse’s termination of employment.
• Your legally married spouse’s commencement of employment.
• You or your legally married spouse’s change to either part-time or full-time status.
• You or your legally married spouse’s unpaid Leave of Absence (LOA).

Questions

If you have questions about your 2020 Dependent Care unused balance, contact the Insurance Division by calling 410-887-2568 or emailing bcbenefits@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Beginning January 1, 2021, Labor First will be administering medical and prescription benefits for Medicare eligible retirees, dependents and beneficiaries exclusively through the Retiree Private Medicare Exchange. Watch the virtual retiree health seminar to learn more about the plans offered through Labor First. Note: Labor First will be accepting 2021 changes until December 4, 2020.

Active employees and retirees will be able to enjoy a "no deduction December," a one-time deduction holiday for medical, dental and vision coverage for the month of December, 2020. Beginning December 2020, medical, dental and vision deductions will no longer be paid a month in advance. You will now pay for benefits in the month in which you are covered. Example: January deductions will pay for January coverage. In addition, active employees benefit deductions will now be taken every pay.

Your new Cigna ID card with updated prescription information will arrive in late December. Continue using your current ID card until the end of 2020. Your current card will not work after January 1, 2021 when trying to fill a prescription. Don’t forget to show your new card to your pharmacist starting January 1, 2021.

CareFirst BCBS dental members will see the following plan enhancements effective January 1, 2021:

• Dental implants now covered. 50 percent after deductible. Treatment plan required.
• Increased maximum benefit per calendar year
  • BCBS Traditional Dental—$2,000 per person per year
  • BCBS Preferred PPO—$1,500 per person per year

Beginning January 1, 2021, Cigna OAP and OAPIN will have the following copay changes:

• OAP/OAPIN Emergency room copay increasing to $100
• OAPIN Specialist copay increasing to $25

An additional medical plan option will be available for active employees and non-Medicare retirees effective January 1, 2021. In partnership with Cigna and Benefit Strategies, we will be offering a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that can be combined with a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing you to pay for eligible, out-of-pocket, healthcare expenses with pretax dollars.