By now you should have received your $500 check (minus deductions) from the County Office to help defray your medical expenses. The COE also has contributed $500 to an Unreimbursed Medical Expenses Account for you. The Q and A below addresses many of the questions we have been receiving about your COE contributions.

Q   I got a check for $500.  Was there a mistake?
A   The $500 check is a special payment to help employees with out-of-pocket medical expenses.  This Health Care Cost Subsidy can be used to pay for medical plan deductibles, doctor visit co-payments, dental work, eye glasses, contacts or any other expense.

Q  Why was my check less than $500?
A   All mandatory statutory deductions were required to be made because it is considered salary.

Q  I heard about a $500 expense account that all employees received.  How does that work?
A    The SCCOE has contributed $500 for each employee who is eligible for medical benefits on November 1.  American Fidelity is the company that administers the accounts.  Whenever you pay for medical expenses such as medical plan deductibles, doctor visits co-payments, dental work, eye glasses, contacts, prescriptions and other eligible expenses, you can be reimbursed.

Q  Where do I send my medical expense receipts for reimbursement?
A   To be reimbursed you need to complete a reimbursement form and attach your receipts. Mail or fax the documents to American Fidelity as explained on the reimbursement form.  Be sure to keep a file with your copies.

Q   I didn't make an appointment with American Fidelity for the $500 medical expense account.  Does that mean I don't get the money?
A   No.  All employees who are eligible for medical benefits on November 1 received the $500 medical expense account.

Q    How do I learn more about what expenses qualify for reimbursement through the American Fidelity medical expense account?
A     Lots of information is linked on the front page of the SCCOE intranet. Go there to find the reimbursement form and other information. You can also attend one of the group meetings that are scheduled through January 2012 (click here for meeting schedule).  At those meetings, American Fidelity representatives will be making a short presentation to help employees learn how to complete reimbursement forms and where to send their receipts for reimbursement.

Q    How much time do I have to spend the $500 in the medical expense account?
A     You have until October 31, 2012 to submit medical expense receipts to American Fidelity for reimbursement. Dec. 31, 2012 to spend this money, and until Jan. 15, 2013 to submit medical expense receipts to American Fidelity for reimbursement.

Q    What happens if I don't use all of the $500 by then?
A     Whatever funds are remaining in the medical expense account at the end of the year will be returned to the SCCOE.

Q    Can I submit medical expense receipts for my husband and children?
A     Yes, if your husband and children are your IRS dependents you may submit those receipts for reimbursement.

Q    Do I have to be enrolled in the SCCOE medical plans to receive the $500 Health Care Cost Subsidy and the $500 medical expense account?
A     No.  All employees who were eligible for health care benefits on November 1 will receive a gross total of $1,000 to help with medical expenses.