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Maximizing Your EPIC Benefits

By Immaculate Anyangwe, MHRM, PHR

EPIC’s 2020 open enrollment season is now over and I am EPIC partners with M&T Bank to provide HSA benefits, and

glad to report that we had a higher than usual level of par- no taxes are owed on funds withdrawn from these ac-

ticipation from our staff. I want to use this opportunity to counts to pay for medical expenses. According to the IRS,

educate employees about EPIC’s benefit plans and the employees are able to put money into an HSA account up

ways that they can maximize them. As always, we provide to an annual limit yearly. The annual limit for individual

health coverage through Kaiser Permanente along with coverage is $3550 and $7100 for family coverage in the

dental, vision, and life insurance coverage through Hu- year 2020. Most importantly, HSAs are individually owned

mana. I am proud to note that EPIC's health benefit costs and portable allowing the account to remain with the em-

went down this year, which seriously bucks the industry ployee if they change jobs.

trend.

Making sure that you understand the services available to

EPIC offers a choice of three plans which include: you and that you understand the circumstances under

1. A No-Deductible Health Maintenance Organization which each plan would be most beneficial is paramount.

(HMO) ideal for those who want to be covered for Taking the time upfront to carefully choose your health

every eventuality plan helps you to better manage your finances throughout

2. A Deductible Health Maintenance Organization - the year, this in turn alleviates stress and promotes

(DHMO) suitable for those who are comfortable taking productivity. Also, EPIC contributes $304 per month to
each employees’ plan regardless of the option selected, so
on some upfront costs
3. A High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), which has sig- those who choose to waive EPIC’s health insurance cover-
age are walking away from an extra $304.
nificantly lower premiums and a higher deductible

than other traditional plans Remember, your Human Resources team is here to assist

Most of our staff selected the HDHP, which are considered you to make the most meaningful benefit choices and to

consumer-driven plans when linked to a Health Savings maximize your benefits throughout the year. I encourage

Account (HSA). Since the HDHP has a relatively higher de- you to take care of your health in 2020 by using your EPIC
ductible, it is advisable to tie it to an HSA to offset medical health, dental, and vision benefits.
expenses regardless of whether the deductible has been

met.

Immaculate Anyangwe, MHRM, PHR, Human Resources Director, started her career in the human services
field at EPIC in 2014 where she utilizes her Master’s degree and certifications in Human Resources to oversee
Benefit Administration, Employee Relations, and Training and Development for over 200 employees.

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