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Retiree Benefits

Find information about 2024 benefits:

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Benefits Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 28

The annual Benefits Open Enrollment period will be held October 28th through November 15th, 2024. Open Enrollment will not be extended.

Open Enrollment is the annual time period in which benefit-eligible retirees can make changes to their benefit elections. Retirees should review their personal information, the benefits being offered by HCPSS, and the plans that they are enrolled in, to determine if they would like to make any changes.

Details regarding Open Enrollment are posted online the HCPSS website:

As in the past years, if you wish to update your personal information, enroll, change, or waive any benefits, please complete a Retiree Open Enrollment Benefits Change Form and email the completed form to benefits@hcpss.org by November 15, 2025. You may take photograph of the form and email it to us.

Virtual Benefits Fairs

Retirees will have the opportunity to learn more about their benefit options by attending a Virtual Benefits Fair. Carrier representatives and HCPSS Benefits staff will be available to meet, provide information and answer any benefit questions.

Please note that the virtual fairs and accompanying chat rooms are accessible to all HCPSS retirees and families and are not confidential so please be mindful of disclosing any personal information.

Virtual fairs will be held from 10:30am – 12pm, and from 1-4:30 p.m. on:

  • Wednesday, October 30
  • Thursday, November 7
  • Tuesday, November 12

The Virtual Benefits Fairs will be accessible by visiting www.employeewellnesshub.com/hcpss. (Note: this is a third-party website that is not managed or supported by HCPSS)

Questions?

HCPSS Benefits Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. by calling 410-313-7333, Option 1. You also may email questions to benefits@hcpss.org.

Drop-In Office Hours are available by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Schedule an appointment by calling (410) 313-7333 Option 1.

Annual Medical Costs

2025 Medical, Dental, and Vision Plan Costs

Medical and Prescription Plans

CareFirst BlueChoice HMO Open Access

With CareFirst BlueChoice HMO Open Access, you can select your doctor from a regional network of physicians, specialists and hospitals located throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. CareFirst aims to keep you healthy by emphasizing prevention, early detection and early treatment.

Prescription Plan – CVS Caremark

CVS Caremark continues to manage your prescription benefits on behalf of Howard County Public School System. CVS Caremark offers affordable medication pricing, thousands of network pharmacy choices (including home delivery) and personalized support for you and your family. If you are enrolling in the Medical Plan, you will be automatically enrolled in the Pharmacy Plan administered by CVS Caremark.

Dental Plans

Cigna PPO (Total Plan)

The Cigna PPO has a national network of dentists with no need to select a primary care dentists. Employees will have the freedom to visit any licensed dentist you wish, but selecting an “in-network” Cigna PPO provider will result in the lowest out-of-pocket costs to the employee.

Aetna DMO

Aetna DMO is a dental maintenance organization (DMO). Aetna DMO offers a list of participating dentists for your care. It is important that you review your choices of Primary Care Dentist (PCD) in your area to make sure that this is the right plan for your dental needs. A PCD selection will not be mandatory during enrollment process. However, in order to use your DMO benefits a PCD is required. Once you enroll, Aetna will send you a “Welcome Kit” in the mail The Welcome Kit will include a reminder of the mandatory PCD election and a sample ID card. Once the Welcome Kit is received, employees should call the Aetna Customer Service line at 877-238-6200 Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm or login to the member website at https://www.aetnaresource.com/p/HCPSS-Open-Enrollment-2025 to select your PCD and/or for additional assistance. Once a PCD is elected from the Aetna network, employees can set-up a dentist appointment to see their provider. There is no deductible to meet, no annual dollar maximums, and no claim forms for you to file.

Your selection of PCD must be made prior to the 15th of the month, in order to take effect the first of the next month.

Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Maryland State Pension

MetLife Insurance

Basic Life and Accidential Death and Dismemberment (AD & D)

HCPSS offers eligible employees life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance at not cost to the employees. The amount of life insurance is equal to the employees’ current annual salary.

Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Information

Accessing Workday

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