SMCPS offers a comprehensive package of health care benefits for eligible employees and dependents that covers doctor visits, prescription drugs, office and surgical procedures, hospital coverage, mental health benefits and substance abuse care. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield health insurance is available on a shared cost basis to all permanent employees who work a minimum number of hours per week. (15 hours for non-certificated employees; 18.75 hours for certificated employees). Full-time employees pay 15% of the premium cost and SMCPS pays 85%. Part-time employees pay 57 1/2% of the premium cost and SMCPS pays for 42 1/2%.
As a new employee, you have a choice of two different health insurance plans designed to meet your personal and family health care needs. These choices include: a preferred provider network plan (PPN), and a managed care plan (BlueChoice).
The costs of participation in the health insurance programs for full-time employees are as follows:
| Plan Type | PPN - 100% Monthly Premium | PPN - Employee's Twice a Month Share (15%) | BlueChoice (HMO) - 100% Monthly Premium | BlueChoice (HMO) - Employee's Twice a Month Share (15%) |
| Individual | $658.00 | $52.00 | $451.00 | $38.00 |
| Parent/Child | $938.00 | $75.00 | $802.00 | $60.00 |
| Husband/Wife | $1,315.00 | $100.00 | $1,028.00 | $77.00 |
| Family | $1,710.00 | $130.00 | $1,340.00 | $100.00 |
Additionally, regardless of which plan you choose, you will also have access to prescription benefits, as well as dental and vision benefits.
Part-time employee costs (57 1/2%) are as follows:
| Plan Type | PPN - 100% Monthly Premium | PPN - Employee's Twice a Month Share (57.5%) | BlueChoice (HMO) - 100% Monthly Premium | BlueChoice (HMO) -Employee's Twice a Month Share (57.5%) |
| Individual | $658.00 | $189.18 | $451.00 | $129.66 |
| Parent/Child | $983.00 | $282.61 | $802.00 | $230.58 |
| Husband/Wife | $1,315.00 | $378.06 | $1,028.00 | $295.55 |
| Family | $1,710.00 | $491.63 | $1,340.00 | $385.25 |
Additional information about the insurance program may be obtained by contacting Heather Huff at hrhuff@smcps.org or 301-475-5511, ext. 182 in the Department of Fiscal Services. A further source of information about CareFirst BlueCross/BlueShield can be obtained from their website: http://www.carefirst.com.