Benefit Basics
Health + Well-Being
Additional Benefits
Financial Well-Being
Payroll + Taxes
Employee Self Service
Medical Options
Our medical plans are designed to give you the options you need to manage your health the way you want. In most locations, you can choose from three national medical plans - an EPO HP-NetworkPlan/EPO Network Plan, HSA Plan, and PPO Plan administered by Blue Cross of Idaho (BCI).
Medical Plans
EPO HP-Network Plan
Depending on your zip code, you will be offered the EPO HP-Network Plan or the EPO Network Plan. See locations for the EPO HP-Network Plan noted below. Both plans exclusively cover you for in-network doctors and facilities. Except in the case of an emergency, you’ll pay the full price for any out-of-network care.
Note: The EPO HP-Network Plan covers care only within these locations. Any dependents who live outside of these network locations, such as children away at school, will not be covered (except in the case of emergency). The EPO Network Plan will cover care outside of your location as long as you use in-network providers.
High performance network locations: Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Boston, MA, Portland, OR, Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Houston, TX, Statewide HP network locations: CO, MD, NJ, NV, OK, TN & WA.
EPO Network Plan
This plan exclusively covers you for in-network doctors and facilities. Except in the case of an emergency, you’ll pay the full price for any out-of-network care.
If you do not live in a high-performance network location, you will be offered the EPO Network Plan. The EPO Network Plan uses the national PPO network.
HSA Plan
You can see both in-network and out-of-network providers without a referral, but keep in mind staying in-network for care will almost always be less expensive. To help with your share of costs, this plan gives you the option to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA).
PPO Plan
You can see both in-network and out-of-network providers without a referral, but keep in mind staying in-network for care will almost always be less expensive.
Additional Medical Benefits
SMARTSHOPPER®
Save money and earn cash rewards* with SmartShopper® simply by shopping for the healthcare you need. When you need certain medical services or tests, our experts can help you choose a high-quality location for care. Once your procedure is complete and your claim is paid, if you are eligible, a reward check will be mailed to you.
SmartShopper® can help you:
• Compare costs and quality for numerous common medical procedures
• Use the information provided to help you estimate out-of-pocket costs
• Earn cash* while shopping for care
• Save money and make the most efficient use of your healthcare benefits
*Cash rewards are funded by your employer (and distributed by SmartShopper®), are a taxable form of income, and are subject to applicable tax and wage withholding requirements.
SHOP
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- When your doctor recommends a medical test, service, or procedure, call (866) 507-3528 to speak to a SmartShopper® personal assistant or visit members.bcidaho.com to shop for a lower-cost, high-quality option in your area.
SELECT
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- Select the location of your choice with a cash-back option listed. The reward is limited to designated network providers who can perform the requested procedure. (Remember, some services require pre-authorization before you have the service performed. Call Blue Cross of Idaho to see if your procedure requires pre-authorization)
EARN
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- Once your SmartShopper® eligible procedure is complete at an eligible location and your claim is paid, a reward check is mailed to your home within 4-6 weeks. No forms. No hassles. It’s that easy.
Preventative Care
Preventive care is covered at 100% when you enroll in an United Company medical plan and receive care from an in-network provider.
Preventive care includes:
- Regular check ups
- Standard immunizations
- Screening for blood pressure, cancer, cholesterol, depression, obesity, and type 2 diabetes; and pediatric screening for hearing, vision, autism and developmental disorders, depression, and obesity.
Some services are subject to certain limitations depending on medical necessity and other reasonable medical management techniques.
Here’s what to expect at a preventive care visit:
- Conversation about your medical, social, and family history
- Physical examination
- Review of current medications
- Immunizations, as necessary
- Age/gender-appropriate screening tests that can help you stay healthy and catch problems before they become serious threats to your health (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, and others as determined by risk factors such as age, weight, and others)
- You won’t be charged a copay or fee for the visit as long as your doctor is an in-network provider and the service is coded as preventive care.
Teladoc
Teladoc is the telemedicine provider for Blue Cross of Idaho members with coverage for non-emergency medical conditions, mental/emotional health, dermatology and nutrition. Teladoc doctors are available to help you and your family feel better while traveling, at work or at home—day or night. They can resolve many of your non-emergency medical issues via phone or video consultation. A Teladoc doctor can also send prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy if needed.
In addition to general medical services, Teladoc providers are available to help care for your mental/emotional health, dermatology and nutrition needs.
Get Started with Teladoc
You have 3 ways to set up your account:
- Go to Teladoc.com
- Download the Teladoc mobile app from the App Store or Google Play
- Call 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362)
Blue Distinction +
If you are enrolled in a Company-sponsored medical plan through Blue Cross of Idaho, you can take advantage of top quality care at Blue Distinction+ Centers for care that can lead to better outcomes while saving money.
Blue Distinction+ Center designations recognize healthcare facilities delivering specialty care for:
- Bariatric surgery
- Cardiac care
- Knee and hip replacement
- Maternity care
- Spine surgery
- Transplants (excluding kidney)
Blue Distinction+ Centers designations also recognize healthcare facilities delivering specialty care for complex and rare cancers.
Blue Distinction+ Centers may not be applicable to all collective bargaining agreements. Contact Blue Cross of Idaho at the number on your medical plan ID card if you have questions
Traveling Expense Coverage
If you need to travel for a surgery, travel benefits are available to you and can cover your travel costs (like rental care and hotel stay) to a Center of Excellence for complex and rare cancer treatment if you live more than 100 miles from the nearest facility. This isn’t the only benefit you get when choosing one of these centers. You will also be more likely to receive a high level of care and a higher benefit, meaning you will pay less for services provided at these centers.
To find a Blue Distinction+ Center, visi bcidaho.com or call the number on the back of your medical plan ID card.
Blue Cross of Idaho Resources
Bright Beginnings
Bright Beginnings is a program for expectant mothers created to encourage moms-to-be to start taking care of themselves and their babies as soon as they find out that they are pregnant.
- Enrollment: Upon enrollment, members receive a complimentary copy of “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” book.
- Incentive: Members who go to all perinatal (prenatal and post natal) care appointments with their physicians and provide proof they followed their doctors’ care and visit schedule receive $100 Carter’s clothing gift card and a book.
- Specialized Maternity Care Management: Members who enroll in the first trimester will receive an initial assessment to determine risk status. Reassessments also will occur in the second and third trimesters when appropriate. Expectant mothers at higher risk will be enrolled in high-risk care management.
Condition Support
Work with a Care Manager who will coach you and create a personalized care plan. Care Managers ensure you receive the education, resources, coaching and coordination of care with your physician(s) to better manage your condition.
Conditions eligible for care support include:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
To speak with a Care Manager, call toll-free at 800-627-6655.
Transcarent Surgery Care (Bridgehealth)
With the Transcarent Surgery Care (formly known as BridgeHealth), you can save money while receiving top-quality care with low complications, infection and readmission rates for certain non-emergency surgeries.
If you are enrolled in the EPO Network Plan/EPO HP-Network Plan, HSA Plan or PPO Plan through Blue Cross of Idaho, you have access to Surgery Care’s top-rated facilities and surgeons for non-emergency surgeries. Surgery Care is available to you at no additional cost.
Below is an example of how the benefits works.
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Covered Procedures (examples):
- Cardiac – Coronary artery bypass graft, valve repair and replacement
- Bariatric – Gastric band removal, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve
- General – Gall bladder removal, hernia repair
- Orthopedic – ACL repair, hip and knee replacement, shoulder repair and replacement
- Spine – Spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement
- Women’s Health – Hysterectomy
Get started with BridgeHealth
Contact a BridgeHealth Care Coordinator at (888) 387-3912 or at albertsons@bridgehealth.com before you schedule surgery.
Your Care Coordinator will provide you with information on the BridgeHealth facilities and doctors who are best qualified to handle your particular surgery. You’ll also receive guidance and support throughout the process to help you with scheduling and other arrangements.
You’ll receive care from a top-rated provider in the BridgeHealth program. This could mean a better outcome and faster recover for you.
Visit BridgeHealth online at bridgehealth.com.
*The first time you visit the site, you will need to register using the following company code: LPEVA
Diabetes Management Program
If you are diabetic, you may be eligible to enroll in the United Diabetes Management Program.
Participation in the program involves seven monthly visits with a United Wellness Pharmacist who is specially trained in diabetes medication management. Your pharmacist and physician will work together to evaluate your progress, maximize therapy and improve your health.
Each monthly visit will include a logbook review of your blood sugar values. If you do not currently test your sugar, your pharmacist will help you obtain a blood glucose meter and testing supplies. Fasting lab work measuring A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol will be done at visits one, four and seven. Wellness Pharmacist will report all test results to your doctor’s office, along with suggestions to optimize your therapy.
Medication changes will only be made with approval from your physician. By taking part in this program, you (or eligible family members) can obtain certain generic blood pressure medications, generic cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins and generic oral diabetes medications from an established list at no cost. The program also includes 100 percent coverage for diabetes supplies (syringes, lancets, pen needles and test strips) for a 30-day supply at a time.
The monthly appointments are required to stay in the Diabetes Management Program. You may even be eligible to continue monthly or quarterly visits after completing the program. Blue Cross of Idaho will pay for your services as part of your benefits—no out-of-pocket costs to you. We look forward to working together to improve your health!
To enroll in the United Supermarkets Diabetes Management Program, please contact the pharmacy call center at (844) 778-2083.
PLEASE NOTE: For your first visit, please bring your blood glucose meter, testing supplies, logbook, medications, and remember to fast for at least 10 hours. Drinking water while fasting is encouraged.
2nd.MD
2nd.MD Specializes in Medical Certainty
Starting January 1, 2023, if you are enrolled in a Blue Cross of Idaho medical plan, you and your covered family members have access to expert medical advice and second opinions for health concerns from some of the country’s leading medical providers.
When you’re facing a medical decision, 2nd.MD can help you receive the right diagnosis and the right course of treatment at no cost to you when you access the benefit. The 2nd.MD Care Team will coordinate all the details for you so you can focus on getting the best care possible.
2nd.MD specializes in medical certainty by providing access to elite specialists for questions about:
- Diseases or chronic conditions
- Surgeries or procedures
- Medications and treatment plans
Get Started with 2nd.MDCall: 1-866-841-2575
Visit: www.2nd.MD/albertsons
Download the 2nd.MD app on the App Store or Google Play.
Download a 2nd.MD flyer.
Medimpact
Medimpact is the pharmacy benefit manager for the BCI medical and certain regional plans. You will receive a prescription drug ID card from MedImpact, which is separate from your medical ID card, mailed to your home.
All Company-owned pharmacies are staffed with highly trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who treat your health with care and confidentiality.
MedImpact network pharmacies are only covered if the pharmacy is more than 10 miles from a Company-owned pharmacy.
If you need help with finding a network pharmacy, please contact MedImpact at 888-402-1984.
Employee Assistance Program
You and your family members can get up to three confidential counseling sessions by phone or in person per issue per year—for free through the EAP.
Who is eligible?
The EAP is available to all non-union, benefit-eligible associates, their household members and other eligible associates.
Why it’s important
We could all use some help from time to time. You may have supportive friends and family, but an objective, trained support professional can often provide the kind of unbiased assistance your loved ones can’t. A confidential conversation with the right person can be just what you need to start feeling better.
Highlights
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential professional program that allows you and your family members to seek assistance for personal concerns. The EAP also is available to provide resources in balancing the everyday challenges we all face in balancing work and home responsibilities. This is a company paid benefit that offers you up to 3 confidential and professional counseling services per issue per year for yourself and your eligible family members at no cost to you.
The EAP can help with:
The EAP is completely confidential. No information regarding who accesses services and for what reasons is shared with the Company. To receive assistance from the Employee Assistance Program, you can contact GuidanceResources toll-free at (877) 294-3271 or go online to www.guidanceresources.com. When registering on the website, use Albertsonscompanies for the required Organization Web ID.
Who is eligible?
The EAP is available to all non-union, benefit-eligible associates, their household members and other eligible associates.
Why it’s important
We could all use some help from time to time. You may have supportive friends and family, but an objective, trained support professional can often provide the kind of unbiased assistance your loved ones can’t. A confidential conversation with the right person can be just what you need to start feeling better.
Highlights
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential professional program that allows you and your family members to seek assistance for personal concerns. The EAP also is available to provide resources in balancing the everyday challenges we all face in balancing work and home responsibilities. This is a company paid benefit that offers you up to 3 confidential and professional counseling services per issue per year for yourself and your eligible family members at no cost to you.
The EAP can help with:
- Marital/Relationship Issues
- Family Problems
- Child Concerns
- Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse
- Job Stress
- Depression
- Emotional Problems
- Childcare and Parenting
- Elder Care
- Financial and Legal Issues
- Retirement Planning
The EAP is completely confidential. No information regarding who accesses services and for what reasons is shared with the Company. To receive assistance from the Employee Assistance Program, you can contact GuidanceResources toll-free at (877) 294-3271 or go online to www.guidanceresources.com. When registering on the website, use Albertsonscompanies for the required Organization Web ID.
myStrength
myStrength is designed to help with life’s challenges by supporting positive changes and improving your overall well-being.
- Get support for anxiety, depression, stress and managing life events through a range of guided programs and tools available 24/7 on the myStrength website and app.
- It’s completely free—you don’t pay anything to access myStrength resources.
- myStrength is available to all associates eligible for company health plans.
Get started with myStrength
After you have set up you account on the myStrength website and completed the myStrength assessment, download the myStrength by Teladoc Health app from the App Store or Google Play.
Need help? Call Member Support at 800-945-4355.
- Go to https://mystrength.com/join.
- Click Join Now and fill in your name and date of birth, and check the box to accept the Terms of Service. NOTE: myStrength and Livongo are subsidiaries of Teladoc Health and you might see references to Livongo and Teladoc Health throughout the registration process.
- Follow the prompts, then add your email address and a password.
- For registration code, use ALBERTSONSCOMPANIES. Then, follow the prompts to finish setting your account.
- Complete the myStrength assessment.
After you have set up you account on the myStrength website and completed the myStrength assessment, download the myStrength by Teladoc Health app from the App Store or Google Play.
Need help? Call Member Support at 800-945-4355.
AccessHope
AccessHope provides team members enrolled in a Blue Cross of Idaho medical plan with confidential, cancer-care navigation services via telehealth at no cost when you access the benefit. If you or an eligible family member (spouse/domestic partner, children (under and over age 26), parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandparents-in-law and siblings) is diagnosed with cancer, AccessHope connects you and your local treating oncologist to specialized experts at world-renown National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers including:
You also have access to compassionate oncology nurses who offer information, empowerment and support when people need it most.
- City of Hope
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Emory Healthcare
- Northwestern Medicine
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
You also have access to compassionate oncology nurses who offer information, empowerment and support when people need it most.
Helpful Links
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