State Of Oklahoma Employee Benefits

Member Materials And Information

Learn more about your GlobalHealth benefits! Download the Member Handbook and other important documents below. All documents shown are available in printed versions. If you need a printed version, please contact Customer Care and a copy will be mailed to you at no cost.

Find information in the Member Handbook, or in the FAQs about:

Unless otherwise stated, all plans are HMO and require referrals from your Primary Care Physician.

Senate Approves Increasing State Employee Flexible Benefit Allowance

Oklahoma has around 33,000 state employees and one of their benefits as state workers is to get most, if not all, of their health insurance covered under their flexible benefit allowance. As a measure to control costs, the annual benefit allowance was frozen in 2012 and has not increased since, even though health premiums have increased almost annually. On Monday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 650 to bring the benefit allowance more in line with current healthcare costs. Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David, R-Porter, authored the bill.

This state employee benefit allowance increase was needed to bring the benefit in line with inflation after being frozen for the past nine years. If the two dont keep pace, state employees actually take a pay cut, and thats definitely not what we want for these hardworking public servants, David said. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for approving this important modernization to state benefits. I hope the House sees the importance in it as well and gets it to the governors desk.

Starting January 1, 2023, the flexible benefit allowance will increase to allow for an inflationary rate of 2% for each year it has been frozen. Studies have shown that Oklahoma state employee compensation is approximately 12% below the market value.

SB 650 will next be considered in the House where House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, is the principal House author.

Welcome To Employee Benefit Professionals

Employee Benefit Professionals LLC is an independently owned health insurance agency dedicated to providing creative, personalized and cost effective benefit options for businesses of all sizes. Our client driven Business philosophy allows us to respond to the ever changing needs of our clients and their employees. We are currently licensed in Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Texas.

We service the Oklahoma City area and throughout the state of Oklahoma. At Employee Benefit Professionals, each one of our clients is given a dedicated team of experts that work together to proficiently address all your concerns.

We offer all types of Personal Insurance coverages to our clients in Oklahoma includingIndividual Dental Insurance, Individual Health Insurance, Individual Life Insurance, Individual Vision Insurance, and Individual Disability.

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Talk To A Friendly Local Representative

1-877-280-5600

Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm

Language assistance available

for member materials prior to 2022.

GlobalHealth is an HMO/SNP HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a state Medicaid contract for D-SNP. Enrollment in GlobalHealth depends on contract renewal.

Based on model of care review, GlobalHealth has been approved by the National Committee for Quality Assurance to operate a Special Needs Plan through 2023.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

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Taxpayers Pay Again For Ebc Behaving Badly

Every summer, the Oklahoma Employee Benefits Council puts together the benefit package for state employees. Recent news of a massive increase in overpayment of employee benefits is no surprise. The EBC has long been a significant part of the problem with how employee benefits are administered for state employees. The continued overpayment of employee benefits, as can be found at www.accountabilityok.com, has cost taxpayers almost $164 million in just the last three fiscal years. OCPA has already provided recommendations to solve this problem.

During the 2009 legislative session, the Oklahoma State Employee Health Insurance Review Working Group was created to address the enormous growth in state and education employee benefit costs. The Oklahoma Education Association, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Chris Benge, former Senate Pro Tempore Glen Coffee, former Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, and many others participated in the effort. I also participated in the effort while working at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. The working groups final recommendations were included in Senate Bill 2052 during the 2010 legislative session, which was passed by the legislature but vetoed by former Gov. Brad Henry.

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Ohfa Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance

Eligibility:

• Currently employed by a state agency to receive a special Oklahoma State Employees interest rate.
• Must be a first-time homebuyer This requirement is waved in certain areas.
• Income limit is based on county and household size.
• Maximum Debt to Income ratio of 45% and minimum credit score of 640

Details:

• Available for new and existing home purchases statewide.
• Loans: FHA, VA,USDA-RD, HUD Section 184 & Freddie Mac Conventional.
• Available for acreages up to 10 acres.
• Manufactured homes – multi section – FHA financing only

Questions? at 405-419-8207

Dependent Care Reimbursement Account

Employees may pay for work-related dependent care expenses with before-tax dollars by allowing pre-tax contributions to a flexible spending account. Employees choosing to establish such accounts must plan carefully: money not used in the account at the end of the calendar year will be forfeited.

If you wish to participate in this program, you must enroll during your first 30 days of employment, during the annual benefits enrollment period, or when you experience an IRS approved change in family status. The enrollment form may be completed online, printed and submitted to Payflex. You must enroll annually for this program.

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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• The PSLF Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue to work full-time in public service jobs. Under this program, you may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on your William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments on those loans while employed full-time by certain public service employers. Since you must make 120 qualifying payments on your eligible federal student loans after Oct. 1, 2007, before you qualify for the loan forgiveness, the first forgiveness of loan balances will not be granted until October 2017.
• The PSLF Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is not administered or endorsed in any way by OMES, Oklahoma State Government or any individual Oklahoma state agency.

• Hours: Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Sam’s Club

• Save up to 40% on a 1-Year New Club Membership at Sams Club.

Simply Unique Baby Gifts

• All State of Oklahoma employees can save 10% on in-store merchandise, including unique baby gift baskets and personalized items. No minimum purchase requirements to qualify and all orders include free shipping. Enter the code okgov10 in the shopping cart to save 10% off your entire order.
• Phone: 866-476-0213

True Car Employee Auto Purchasing

• Save on average over $3,500 off MSRP. If youre ready to buy your next car, the Employee Auto Buying Program is here to help. All major brands including: Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, Jeep, Nissan and more.

Summary Of Employee Benefits

This information provides an overview of benefits available to OBU employees. For more detail on the benefit packages for faculty, administrative and support staff, visit the Policies webpage or review the handbooks. Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of the OBU Board of Trustees.

OBU offers its employees a benefit package intended to provide financial protection against catastrophic illness or injury and an opportunity to accumulate assets for retirement.

As authorized by Sections 125 of the Internal Revenue code, health and dental premiums, retirement, medical reimbursement, and dependent care account deductions are made before taxes are applied, reducing taxable income and increasing take-home pay.

The costs of providing benefits are increasing however, the University wishes to continue to offer its employees a cost-effective benefits program.

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What You Should Expect From Your Employer Regardless Of Where You Live

Lawmakers have tried and failed in the past to pass legislation that would make paid time off for voting a federal requirement.

“Voting should not be a luxury that only the well-off can afford,” Rep. Matt Cartwright said in April, when he and a group of House Democrats introduced legislation that would require all U.S. employers to give employees at least two hours of paid leave to vote in federal elections.

That bill has yet to be brought up for a vote in Congress.

Of course, any individual company can and should opt to give its workers paid time off to vote, says Johnny Taylor Jr., CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management , a professional association based in Alexandria, Virginia.

That’s because it boosts employee morale at a minimal expense to the company. “It signals a commitment to patriotism and the responsibility to vote,” Taylor tells CNBC Make It, adding that there’s little harm to a company in showing support for the idea that “voting matters.”

Few employees may actually need that time off, Taylor notes: Roughly 70% of the more than 150 million ballots in the 2020 national election were cast before Election Day, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Taking advantage of those options is a good idea, Taylor says. Anything could happen on Election Day you could be sick, your car could break down and if you miss it, there’s nothing you can do about it.

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What Should Employee Benefits Packages Include In Oklahoma

Businesses cannot function without employees. The best way to appreciate your employees is to offer them comprehensive health insurance. That way, they know they are being taken care of.

It may be possible for you to recruit qualified candidates by offering such incentives. An employee benefits package that is comprehensive, low-cost, and comprehensive is one of the most important factors that educated job applicants to consider. Providing one of the best employee benefit plans and health insurance can help you stay ahead of your competitors.

Among other benefits, a good employee benefits package might include standard health, dental, disability, critical illness, vision, and death benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance And Employee Benefit Plans In Oklahoma

When a client is hospitalized or needs financial assistance after medical treatment, a comprehensive insurance plan covers medical expenses. Health care in the United States is a federal requirement. In Oklahoma, there is no law requiring employers to provide employees with group health insurance. Still, many employers offer health insurance as an employee benefit. State law requires employers who provide benefits to provide insurance that covers specific benefits. The following questions are frequently asked by clients:

Dell Member Purchase Program

The State of Oklahoma is now participating in Dells Member Purchase Program. MPP is a discount program that allows all employees, families and friends to receive member-only pricing on all personal purchases from Dell. The company has created a dedicated website that state employees can shop 24/7. To access your MPP discounting, please visit the state’s personalized URL. All member discounts are built into the site, and members are not required to log in or use any codes to qualify for discounts.

Additionally, if a member prefers, they can always reach out to who will provide a white glove customer quoting and ordering experience for consumer devices.

Member Purchase Program Benefits Include:

• Exclusive monthly offers
• Best price guarantee on consumer PCs from Dell
• Personalized URL with discount activated
• Free enrollment in Dell Rewards Loyalty Program: 3% back + free expedited shipping
• Standing 10% Coupon on Electronics and Accessories
• Standing 10% Active Military and Veteran Coupon
• Access to dedicated White-Glove Sales Assistance – Please reach out to your dedicated MPP Sales Representative Jarrett Parsons at for personalized quoting.
• For questions or concerns on the OMES OK program please contact your MPP Strategic Account Manager Shalayna Hoekstra at

In addition to the standard Dell discount that is given to State of Oklahoma employees, Dell is now offering us an additional 10% coupon which can be applied on all computers, electronics, and accessories!

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Oklahoma Employee Benefit Plans And Employee Benefit Packages

Employee benefits are recognized as a vital aspect of employee compensation. Workers evaluate the difference in offerings when comparing job opportunities. Benefits can include crucial components such as health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and assistance with retirement savings. Employers must provide health insurance if they have more than fifty workers, but other benefits are optional. The ones that employees put highest on their wish lists are:

• Flexible working schedules
• Childcare support

Unlike traditional insurance providers, Taylor Benefits works independently, which allows the opportunity to offer you truly tailor-made plans with you and your employees best interest in mind. We will work with your budget to figure out the ideal insurance scenario that will keep your company completely in compliance.

Healthcare reform is a hot topic, mostly because the industry is constantly undergoing changes, so we promise to keep abreast of these updates and can serve as an unparalleled resource, clearing up any confusion and answering any questions you may have.

We currently offer:

• Section 125 cafeteria plans

Whats The Cost Of Insurance For Small Business Insurance Plans Oklahoma

Insurance is all about numbers. Your employer can provide you with a health plan for a few hundred dollars. Due to the Affordable Care Act , people looking for Small Business Groups Insurance Plans may find them more easily.

In Oklahoma, a small business group insurance plan is expected to cost on average $106. This is based on the cheapest plan available.

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What Does The Affordable Care Act Mean For Your Oklahoma Business

The Affordable Care Act, nicknamed Obamacare, completely turned the healthcare marketplace upside down. It allowed individuals who were previously uninsured an opportunity to purchase or qualify for healthcare at a discounted rate. Of course, the flip-side is that it changed the way insurance was provided by employers as well. Oklahoma-based businesses were especially affected by this reform.

Similar to only two other states , Oklahoma relies on the federal government to review healthcare rates and plans offered. Unfortunately, this means that approval can take a long time, in the meantime, leaving too many residents of Oklahoma without insurance. Taylor Benefits offers the unique opportunity to completely avoid dealing with the exchange and be provided with an ACA compliant package that meets your companys needs while staying well within the employers budget.

If you need this type of attentive insurance assistance and are operating a Oklahoma-based business, please complete the form on the right or call the number at the top of the page for a FREE, customized proposal guaranteed to meet your needs exactly.

Health Plan Options For 2022

State employees have several plans to choose from including PPO and HMO plans. PPO Plans are available statewide. HMO Plans are available in selected zip codes. NOTE: BlueLincs is restricted from accepting new enrollees for Plan Year 2022.

Listed below are health, dental, and vision plan choices for state employees:

HEALTH CARRIERS INCLUDE:

Oklahoma state employees have the option to opt out of the offered benefits. A TRICARE Supplement plan is once again available through the employee benefit program for retired Military Employees.

DENTAL CARRIERS INCLUDE:

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Oklahoma Small Business Health Insurance Plans

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority created Insure Oklahoma to assist small and medium-sized companies with providing health insurance to low-paid workers. Companies with up to 250 employees that offer a qualified plan and pay at least 25 percent of the premium for their workforce can use the Insure Oklahoma options. Companies can buy small business health insurance plans from a broker like Taylor Benefits Insurance. The premiums that workers pay are restricted by their gross income if they are within the income guidelines for the program. Oklahoma is incorporating this in its overall effort to improve the delivery of health care services to its population.

Medical Dental Reimbursement Account

Employees may make pre-tax contributions to a medical spending account to pay for qualified medical expenses that are not covered by medical or dental insurance. Employees choosing to establish such accounts must plan carefully: money not used in the account at the end of the calendar year will be forfeited.

If you wish to participate in this program, you must enroll during your first 30 days of employment, during the annual benefits enrollment period, or when you experience an IRS approved change in family status. The enrollment form may be completed online, printed and submitted to Payflex. You must enroll annually for this program.

Also Check: Social Security Disability Dependent Benefits