2015 SPDs and SMMs

This week, you will receive a Message Center alert with a link to your cooperative’s 2015 summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and/or summaries of material modifications (SMMs). To access your SPDs and SMMs directly, go to My Benefits > Document Library > Summary Plan Descriptions > Group Plan SPDs and SMMs.

Distribute SPDs
First, review your SPDs and SMMs to confirm the elections your co-op made through the Benefit Plan Rating system (e.g., deductible amounts and coinsurance). Next, distribute the notices to all participants and beneficiaries by March 2, 2015.

SPDs were issued for all NRECA Medical Plans in 2015. Distribute the SPDs to existing plan participants and beneficiaries by March 2, 2015. Give them to 2015 new hires within 90 days of their hire date.

SMMs were issued for all other plans in the Group Benefits Program, unless your co-op changed plan elections or enrolled in a new benefit plan during open enrollment, in which case your co-op will receive an SPD. Distribute 2015 SMMs to existing participants and beneficiaries by March 2, 2015. Give the 2015 SMM (along with the most recent SPD) to new hires within 90 days of their hire date.

Return the acknowledgment form
After you distribute the SPDs, complete and send the online distribution and acknowledgment form found on the Employee Benefits website. Go to My Benefits > Document Library > Group Plan SPD and SMM Distribution. Select your subgroup, if applicable.

Resources
Use this checklist for step-by step instructions for reviewing, distributing, and acknowledging your SPDs and SMMs.

For a list of 2015 plan changes, go to Document Library > Documents for Co-ops > Insurance Plans > Annual Renewal Materials. Choose Benefit Plan Changes, Policies and Guidelines 2015.

For a list of 2015 SPD and SMM changes, go to My Benefits > Document Library > Documents for Co-ops > Insurance Plans > All Plans > 2015 SPD Updates.

If you have questions about downloading SPDs, contact the Member Contact Center at 866.673.2299 or contactcenter@nreca.coop.

For all other SPD or SMM questions, contact benefits compliance at 866.673.2299, option 7, or at group.compliance@nreca.coop.