Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Browse these questions and answers on a variety of benefits topics. For more help, contact the BBI Resource Center at 1-800-555-5808 (Option 3) or email bbiconnect@bloominbrands.com.
I am not sure which medical plan to choose. Will you please tell me?
Only you can determine which medical plan option works best for you and any eligible dependents.
Some items to consider:
- Do you want to pay more each paycheck and have a lower deductible when you incur eligible medical and prescription drug claims?
- Do you want to pay less each paycheck and have a higher deductible when you incur eligible medical and prescription drug claims?
What if I miss the open enrollment period?
If you miss the open enrollment period, you will not be able to enroll or make changes until the next open enrollment period, generally, each fall, unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event that permits you to make benefits changes under IRS rules.
My family and I do not use a lot of health care and do not have a lot of health issues. Which medical plan option do you recommend I choose?
Only you can decide which medical plan option will meet the needs of you and your family. You can compare the plan designs and the costs per paycheck to help you decide.
Is my domestic partner eligible for coverage?
Only legal spouses, regardless of gender, are eligible for coverage in Bloomin’ Brands benefits.
I am newly eligible for benefits. When does that coverage begin?
When you first become eligible, as long as you enroll within your required timeframe, your coverage is effective the first of the month following the date you become eligible, or timely submit your changes due to a Qualifying Life Event.
If I add new dependents to my medical, dental, and/or vision coverage, will I need to provide proof that they are eligible?
Yes, you will receive a request from Consova to provide the required documentation and the deadline by which you must submit it. Generally, you will need to provide a copy of the birth certificate for a dependent child. For a spouse, you typically need to provide a copy of your official (not religious) marriage license and a copy of your most recent tax return. If you do not provide the documentation by the deadline, your dependent(s) will be removed from coverage.
Please explain how the coverage tiers work.
If you are enrolling only yourself for coverage, you select Employee (Empl) Only.
If you are enrolling yourself and your spouse for coverage, you select Employee & Spouse (Empl & Spouse) and check the box next to your spouse’s name.
If you are enrolling yourself and your child(ren) for coverage, you select Employee & Child(ren) (Empl & Child(ren)) and check the box next to each child’s name you are enrolling for coverage.
If you are enrolling yourself, your spouse, and your child(ren) for coverage, you select Family and check the box next to your spouse’s name and each child’s name you are enrolling for coverage.
How do I view my coverages for the current year?
Once you log in to BBI Connect, click on “Menu” in the top left, then the “Myself” tab. In the second column on the “Myself” tab, locate “Benefits” and click on “Benefits Summary.” This will show you a listing of your current coverages and per-paycheck deductions.
What is the eligibility measurement period for this open enrollment cycle?
For annual eligibility, a Team Member must earn 1,560 hours of service (an average of 30 hours per week) over a particular period of time. Generally, the period of time checked for annual eligibility will be 52 weeks beginning and ending in early October.
Your eligibility for benefits in 2024 is based on your hours of service (including credited hours for eligible leave) included in pay dates between October 2, 2022, and October 1, 2023.
When can I enroll next, if I am not currently eligible?
Generally, you must have 1 year of continuous service and earn 1,560 service hours (an average of 30 hours per week) within your initial measurement period to be eligible for benefits. Your initial measurement period begins on the first day of the pay period following the pay period in which you first have hours and ends 12 months later, provided you have not had a Break in Service (described below).
If you have earned 1,560 hours of service at the end of your initial measurement period, you will become eligible for benefits. Benefits will be effective on the first of the month following the end of your initial measurement period.
If you have passed your initial measurement period, you will be measured for the next open enrollment cycle.
I need insurance but am not yet eligible. What are my options?
If you lost eligibility from 2023 to 2024, you will receive a COBRA package at your home address.
If you are not currently eligible, you may have the opportunity to purchase coverage when the Marketplace has their open enrollment, generally between November and December. Visit healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information.
Where can I find the 2024 paycheck rates?
The 2024 rates are available by choosing “Benefits” from the top navigation menu, then “Medical and Rx.” One on that page, click “learn more” within the box for “Compare cost per paycheck for 2023-2024” to see the rates by plan, coverage tier, and salary band.
How many paycheck deductions are there in 2024?
The per-paycheck rates are calculated based on 26 pay periods.
I am not sure which medical plan to choose. Will you please tell me?
Only you can determine which medical plan option works best for you and any eligible dependents.
Some items to consider:
- Do you want to pay more each paycheck and have a lower deductible when you incur eligible medical and prescription drug claims?
- Do you want to pay less each paycheck and have a higher deductible when you incur eligible medical and prescription drug claims?
What if I miss the open enrollment period?
If you miss the open enrollment period, you will not be able to enroll or make changes until the next open enrollment period, generally each fall, unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event that permits you to make benefits changes under IRS rules.
My family and I do not use a lot of health care and do not have a lot of health issues. Which medical plan option do you recommend I choose?
Only you can decide which medical plan option will meet the needs of you and your family. You can compare the plan designs and the costs per paycheck to help you decide.
Is my domestic partner eligible for coverage?
Only legal spouses, regardless of gender, are eligible for coverage in Bloomin’ Brands benefits.
I am newly eligible for benefits. When does that coverage begin?
When you first become eligible, as long as you enroll within your required timeframe, your coverage is effective the first of the month following the date you become eligible, or timely submit your changes due to a Qualifying Life Event.
If I add new dependents to my medical, dental, and/or vision coverage, will I need to provide proof that they are eligible?
Yes, you will receive a request from Consova to provide the required documentation and the deadline by which you must submit it. Generally, you will need to provide a copy of the birth certificate for a dependent child. For a spouse, you typically need to provide a copy of your official (not religious) marriage license and a copy of your most recent tax return. If you do not provide the documentation by the deadline, your dependent(s) will be removed from coverage.
Please explain how the coverage tiers work.
If you are enrolling only yourself for coverage, you select Employee (Empl) Only.
If you are enrolling yourself and your spouse for coverage, you select Employee & Spouse (Empl & Spouse) and check the box next to your spouse’s name.
If you are enrolling yourself and your child(ren) for coverage, you select Employee & Child(ren) (Empl & Child(ren)) and check the box next to each child’s name you are enrolling for coverage.
If you are enrolling yourself, your spouse, and your child(ren) for coverage, you select Family and check the box next to your spouse’s name and each child’s name you are enrolling for coverage.
How do I view my coverages for the current year?
Once you log in to BBI Connect, click on “Menu” in the top left, then the “Myself” tab. In the second column on the “Myself” tab, locate “Benefits” and click on “Benefits Summary.” This will show you a listing of your current coverages and per-paycheck deductions.
Where can I find the 2024 paycheck rates?
The 2024 rates are available by choosing “Benefits” from the top navigation menu, then “Medical and Rx.” Once on that page, click “learn more” within the box for “Compare cost per paycheck for 2023-2024” to see the rates by plan, coverage tier, and salary band.
How many paycheck deductions are there in 2024?
The per-paycheck rates are calculated based on 26 pay periods.
Do I still have coverage with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (FL) if I live in a different state?
Yes! As a member of BCBSFL, you have access to the National Alliance of Blue Cross and Blue Shield providers nationwide.
When will I receive medical ID cards from BCBSFL?
You will receive your medical ID cards after enrolling in your benefits for the first time. Generally, it takes up to 14 business days for cards to arrive after BCBSFL receives and processes your enrollment.
Does BCBSFL have coverage for virtual/telehealth doctor visits?
Yes, BCBSFL has an arrangement with Teladoc for virtual/telehealth visits.
Does BCBSFL offer any benefits or discounts for wellness or gym memberships?
Yes! As a member of BCBSFL, you will have access to a number of wellness, fitness, and other discounts through the Blue 365 discount program. You will be able to access more information when you log in to your account at MyHealthToolkitFL.com.
What is a deductible?
This is the amount you must pay for your eligible medical and prescription drug claims before your health plan starts to share in the cost. If you receive non-covered services (such as cosmetic surgery), or are balance billed by an out-of-network provider, these expenses will not count toward your deductible.
Do in-network and out-of-network claims count toward the in-network deductible?
The in-network deductible is separate from the out-of-network deductible.
What is coinsurance?
It is a percentage amount that you are responsible for paying after you have met your deductible but before you have met your out-of-pocket maximum. This is when the plan starts to share in the cost of eligible claims.
What is an out-of-pocket maximum?
The out-of-pocket maximum is the maximum amount you are responsible to pay for eligible, covered expenses during a calendar year. If you receive non-covered services (such as cosmetic surgery), or are balance billed by an out-of-network provider, these expenses will not count toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
Do in-network and out-of-network claims count toward the in-network out-of-pocket maximum?
The in-network out-of-pocket maximum amount is separate from the out-of-network out-of-pocket maximum.
Do my paycheck contributions for my medical coverage go toward my deductible or out-of-pocket maximum?
Your paycheck contributions are separate from your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts.
Why do you only offer medical plans with deductibles, and not a PPO or HMO?
Every year, we benchmark BBI against other employers in our industry, and the benefits we offer are in line with our competitors.
Are infertility services covered under the medical plans?
Infertility services, such as AI and IVF, are not covered by the medical plans. We continue to review our benefit offerings annually.
What is the difference between an HRA and HSA?
An HRA is a fund, established by Bloomin’ Brands, in which money you earn by completing Health Rewards is deposited by Bloomin’ Brands. You cannot contribute your own money, and you do not own the account so you cannot take unused money with you if you are no longer enrolled in an HRA medical option or leave Bloomin’ Brands.
An HSA is a type of bank account, opened by you, in which money you contribute plus money you earn by completing Health Rewards is deposited by Bloomin’ Brands. Once you have a certain amount of money in your account, you have the option to invest those funds. You always own the account, and the money is yours.
What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
It is a bank account that you and Bloomin’ Brands can contribute to on your behalf if you are enrolled in either the Choice or Value HSA medical option. You must take action to open this account.
Can I contribute my own money to the Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Yes, you may contribute your own money to the HSA. The total amount contributed by you and by any Health Rewards contributions you earn from Bloomin’ Brands cannot exceed the annual amount set by the IRS.
What is the maximum amount I can contribute to the Health Savings Account (HSA)?
For 2024, you and Bloomin’ Brands can contribute a total of $4,150 if you are enrolled in single medical coverage, or a total of $8,300 if you are enrolled in family medical coverage. If you are age 55 years old or older, you may contribute an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions. Remember, these amounts are the full annual amount permitted by the IRS. The amount you may elect to contribute is reduced by the maximum amount of Health Rewards dollars you are eligible to earn.
Do I lose the money in my Health Savings Account (HSA) if I don’t use it during the year?
No, that money is yours and rolls over from year to year, if you do not use it to pay for eligible health care expenses. It is also yours to keep if you no longer work for the company.
Why am I seeing HSA deductions from my paycheck, but AccrueHealth says I have a zero balance in my HSA? Where is my money going?
You are required to open an HSA account with AccrueHealth, so that your HSA paycheck contributions can be deposited into it. The account is not automatically opened on your behalf.
When I retire, can I use my HSA funds to pay for my insurance and/or Medicare premiums?
When you are no longer actively working, certain premiums for health insurance may be eligible expenses under your HSA. Please consult a tax adviser for more information on what expenses are eligible.
How do I access information about my Health Savings Account (HSA)?
To open and access your 2024 HSA account with AccrueHealth, visit member.accrue-health.com. You will need your AccrueHealth debit card to create a new account.
What is the difference between an HRA and HSA?
An HRA is a fund, established by Bloomin’ Brands, in which money you earn by completing Health Rewards is deposited by Bloomin’ Brands. You cannot contribute your own money, and you do not own the account so you cannot take unused money with you if you are no longer enrolled in an HRA medical option or leave Bloomin’ Brands.
An HSA is a type of bank account, opened by you, in which money you contribute plus money you earn by completing Health Rewards is deposited by Bloomin’ Brands. Once you have a certain amount of money in your account, you have the option to invest those funds. You always own the account, and the money is yours.
What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
It is a fund that only Bloomin’ Brands can contribute to on your behalf if you are enrolled in either the Choice or Value HRA medical option. This fund is opened on your behalf when you enroll in one of the HRA medical options.
Can I contribute my own money to the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
Only Bloomin’ Brands can contribute to the HRA. You, and your enrolled spouse, can earn these contributions (also called Health Rewards) by completing activities with Strive.
Will I lose the money in my Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) if I don’t use it during the year?
No, that money rolls over from year to year, if you do not use it to pay for eligible health care expenses and remain enrolled in an HRA medical option.
Will I lose the money in my Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) if I change to a Health Savings Account (HSA) medical option, drop my medical coverage entirely, or stop working for Bloomin’ Brands?
Yes, you will lose the money in your HRA if you:
- Change from an HRA to an HSA medical plan option,
- Drop medical coverage entirely, or
- Stop working for Bloomin’ Brands.
What is the 90-day “runout” period for my Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
After the end of each plan year (December 31), the first 90 days of the new plan year, beginning January 1, are a runout period. This means that you may continue to submit and get reimbursed for eligible claims incurred in the prior year during those 90 days only. For example, if you incur an eligible claim on November 1, 2023 but it is not finished processing until January 2024, you may submit that claim for reimbursement from your Optum HRA before the end of March 2024.
How do I access information about my Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
To open and access your 2024 HRA account with AccrueHealth, visit member.accrue-health.com. You will need your AccrueHealth debit card to create a new account.
Will my FSA debit card still work in 2024?
Yes, if you enroll in an HRA medical plan option and elect to contribute to the Health Care FSA for 2024.
Who is the FSA administrator?
WEX benefits will continue to administer the Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs for 2024.
Can I use my Dependent Care FSA to pay for the health care expenses for my spouse or children?
No, the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is only for eligible day care expenses for your children under age 13.
I have not used some or all of my Dependent Care funds. Can I get these refunded to me so I do not lose them?
No. The IRS requires that any unused funds in a Flexible Spending Account are forfeited.
Will my Flexible Spending Account elections automatically roll over each year?
No. You are required to actively make your Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account elections annually if you want to contribute.
How much can I earn in Health Rewards annually?
For completing the health survey and other healthy activities, the amount you can earn annually to be deposited in your HSA or HRA account varies based on your medical coverage tier.
- For employee only coverage, you can earn up to $400.
- For employee and spouse coverage, you can earn up to $550, if both you and your enrolled spouse complete healthy activities.
- For employee and child(ren) coverage, you can earn up to $800.
- For family coverage, you can earn up to $950, if both you and your enrolled spouse complete healthy activities.
How do I set up my new Strive account?
If you’re new to Health Rewards, you will need to create a Strive account.
- From a desktop computer: Log in to myhealthtoolkitfl.com, select the Wellness tab, and then Strive.
- From a mobile device: Log in to your My Health Toolkit account, select Benefits, and then Strive to get started.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Once your account is set up, you’ll begin with a short, confidential survey called the Personal Health Assessment.
- Download the Virgin Pulse mobile app by searching “Virgin Pulse” in the App Store or Google Play.
Can my family members or dependents join Strive too?
Yes. As long as they are on your health plan, family members and dependents can sign up by logging in to My Health Toolkit and creating a new Strive account.
Can I still earn Strive rewards if I have an injury or medical exception?
Yes. Members who are unable to achieve ideal targets due to a current or chronic medical condition or are unable to take measurements and/or track physical activity because of a disability can fill out a Reasonable Alternative form. Go to Virgin Pulse support and select the Help icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. There, you can request a document and either submit a form online or fax it to 1-888-501-6442.
How do I connect a fitness tracker or device to my Strive account?
Open your Strive app and view your Profile menu. From the drop-down list, select Devices & Apps. You have the option to connect one of your personal devices/trackers, but you can also use one of the free compatible devices or apps to track your daily steps.
Can I still use my Rally coins or earn rewards?
No. Strive has replaced Rally as our Health Rewards provider. Members will not be able to complete any activities on Rally, earn rewards or coins, or use the Rally platform as of January 1, 2023.
What is Express Scripts (ESI) and what do they provide?
Express Scripts (ESI) is the administrator for the prescription drug plan. When you purchase your prescriptions at a participating retail pharmacy, or use the ESI Mail Order or Walgreens Smart90 program for your maintenance medications, you will save money on covered medications through the ESI negotiated rates, even when you are still in the process of satisfying your annual deductible. You may even pay nothing out of pocket for eligible preventive medications!
What is the website for Express Scripts (ESI)?
Before you become a member, you can check their pre-enrollment website to learn more about Express Scripts, check to see if your medication is covered, and the estimated cost. Members can log in at express-scripts.com to view their specific information.
Will I receive a new prescription drug ID card from Express Scripts (ESI) for my 2024 benefits?
No, if you are already enrolled for medical in 2023 and have an ID card, you will continue to use that ID card for your 2024 medical benefits with Bloomin’ Brands. If you enroll for medical with Bloomin’ Brands for the first time, you will receive new ID cards from Express Scripts. Generally, it takes up to 14 business days for cards to arrive after Express Scripts receives and processes your enrollment.
Are the dental plan options changing for 2024?
No, the dental plan options are not changing for 2024.
When will I receive dental ID cards from Cigna?
If you elect the DHMO plan, it can take up to 14 business days for cards to arrive after Cigna receives and processes your enrollment.
If you elect the DPPO plan, you will have access to electronic ID cards.
What is a Dental Preferred Provider Option (DPPO)?
The DPPO allows you to use either an in-network or out-of-network dental provider. The DPPO pays benefits after you and your covered dependents meet an annual deductible. You pay a percentage of the cost of services, or coinsurance, after you meet the deductible. The DPPO will only pay up to the annual maximum for eligible services each year; after the annual maximum, you pay 100% of costs for the rest of the plan year. See Dental Coverage for details.
What is a Dental Health Maintenance Option (DHMO)?
A DHMO provides coverage only for eligible dental services provided by a participating dentist. You must choose a primary dentist for yourself and each of your covered dependents. Generally, you only pay a fixed cost for eligible dental services, with no deductible. There is no coverage if you use a dentist not in the DHMO network. See Dental Coverage for details.
Is the vision plan changing for 2024?
No, the vision plan is not changing for 2024.
Will I receive vision ID cards from Vision Service Provider (VSP)?
No, VSP does not issue ID cards. Your vision provider will ask for specific information from you to verify your eligibility and benefits coverage from VSP.
How do the vision benefits work, and does it matter which medical plan I choose?
You elect vision benefits with VSP separately from your medical plan, and the coverage for your in-network routine vision care is the same regardless of which medical plan you choose.
VSP provides coverage with copayments or discounts on routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. You may get a routine eye exam once every calendar year. You may replace the lenses in your eyeglasses once every other calendar year, and replace your glasses frames once every other calendar year. If you prefer to use contact lenses, you may get a supply up to a certain dollar allowance, once every calendar year, instead of eyeglasses.
Is coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses included in my medical coverage?
You must enroll separately for Vision coverage with VSP in order to have benefits coverage for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Can I get new eyeglasses and contact lenses in the same calendar year?
The vision plan provides for either eyeglasses or contact lenses each year, but not both.
Can I get new eyeglass frames each year?
The vision plan provides coverage for eyeglass frames once every other year. For example, if you purchase a complete pair of eyeglasses (lenses and frames) in 2023, you can only get new lenses in 2024. You must wait until 2025 to receive benefits for a complete pair of eyeglasses again.
How do I register to take advantage of the discounts from Perks at Work?
Visit the Perks at Work website and click “Sign Up for Free.” On the next page, enter your work email address (or personal email if you do not have a Bloomin’ Brands email address), enter “Bloomin’ Brands” where it asks for the Company Name, and click “Continue.” Perks at Work will then send you an email to log in and complete your profile and registration, so you can begin using the discounts.
How do I contact Fidelity and what is their website?
You can reach Fidelity by calling 1-800-835-5095, between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday.
Fidelity’s website — netbenefits.com — is where you log in to enroll in and manage your 401(k) account, designate and update your beneficiaries for your 401(k) account, as well as take advantage of numerous tools and educational resources to help with your overall financial wellness and planning.
