The City of Corona offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, flexible spending plans (healthcare and dependent care), short and long term disability plans, employee assistance program (EAP), and retirement programs (Cal PERS, deferred compensation). Additionally, the City offers paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and an employee fitness center. The City takes pride in offering a competitive program with a variety of plans to meet the needs of each employee.

MEDICAL PLANS

The City of Corona offers a choice of medical plans under the Public Employees Medical and Health Care Act (PEMHCA) through Cal PERS. Through Cal PERS you can choose from a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). To view the 2024 Health Benefit Rates click here. To view the 2024 Dental and Vision Rates click here. View the  2024 Health Benefit Summary.

HMO- a medical plan that requires you to receive all of your care from within a network of participating physicians, hospitals and other related health care providers. In order to be covered for benefits or be referred to a specialist you must access care from your primary care physician (PCP). The following is a list of HMOs offered under Cal PERS:

• Kaiser Permanente
• Blue Shield Access+
• Blue Shield Trio
• Health Net Salud Y Mas
• Anthem Blue Cross Select
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional
• UnitedHealthCare SignatureValue Alliance
• UnitedHealthCare Signature Value Harmony

PPO- a medical plan that lets you choose between in-network providers who offer their services at discounted (or contract rates) and out-of-network providers. You do not need a referral to see a specialist. The following is a list of PPOs offered under Cal PERS:

• PERS Gold
• PERS Platinum
• PORAC- for sworn officers only paying dues to PORAC

In addition to the above, employees who are covered by another group medical program outside of the City sponsored plan or are covered as a dependent under a spouse or domestic partner may elect to opt out and receive a cash benefit in lieu of coverage. Proof of other coverage and dependent verification is required.

DENTAL PLANS

Employees may choose from two different dental plans: Delta Dental PPO and Delta Care HMO. Like the medical plans, the HMO dental plan requires that you choose a dentist at the time of enrollment. In order for benefits to be paid or to be referred to a specialist such as an orthodontist or periodontist, you must access services from the provider you are assigned to. The Delta Dental PPO plan works like the medical PPO plan. You may choose from an in-network dentist or an out-of-network dentist. However, your benefits may be reduced when choosing an out-of-network provider.

VISION PLAN

The City offers vision care services through EyeMed vision plan. EyeMed gives coverage for exams, glasses, contact lenses and related vision services through their network of providers that include individual optometry offices as well as the chain stores such as Lens Crafters, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Target and Pearl Vision. In addition to standard vision services, EyeMed offers discount programs for Lasik surgery as well as programs to educate members on the importance of eye wellness and how your vision can affect your overall health.

LIFE INSURANCE

City paid life insurance is provided to employees in the amount equal to 5 ½ times the employee’s annual salary up to a maximum of $750,000.

In addition to the City paid life insurance, employees may elect to purchase other optional benefits provided by Colonial Life Insurance Company. The following optional plans are offered: Disability and ADD coverage, Cancer Insurance, Accident Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Hospital and Medical Bridge Insurance. As a courtesy, the premium for these plans is payroll deducted.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a way for an employee to re-direct pre-tax dollars through payroll to help pay for unreimbursed medical expenses, or qualified dependent care expenses. Examples of qualified medical expenses include, but are not limited to the following: deductibles, co-insurance, co-payments, prescription glasses, contact lenses, Lasik eye surgery, chiropractic care, etc…

The City of Corona offers optional participation in an FSA plan for either medical and/or dependent care. If you choose to enroll, you will elect an annual amount you wish to contribute to the FSA account. It is very important to calculate this number carefully. Under IRS regulations, funds deposited into an FSA account are considered “use it or lose it”. This means if you do not incur expenses high enough to be reimbursed the full balance of your elected annual amount, then participants have a 2 ½ month grace period to incur expenses for prior plan year with a runout period of 3 months.

The FSA plans through the City are administered through Ameriflex. At enrollment you will receive a debit card pre-loaded with the amount of your annual election to use at retailers and doctor’s offices to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses. Dependent care expenses are not available through the debit card and must be reimbursed via a claim form mailed or faxed to Ameriflex. Employees participating in the FSA will also receive a pin number from Ameriflex so they can access their account on-line.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY

The City provides employees with a short term disability plan through The Standard insurance. An employee who is off work due to an illness may receive benefits equal to 55% of their salary up to $10,000 per month. In addition, employees may supplement the plan with annual leave to provide salary replacement during recovery time.

LONG TERM DISABILITY

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD) through The Standard Insurance Company is provided to employees. LTD provides financial protection for eligible employees by paying 66 2/3 percent of monthly earnings up to $10,000 in the event of a covered disability.

Sworn Police personnel are enrolled into a long-term disability plan through California Law Enforcement Association (CLEA). Under the plan and employee may be eligible for up to 85% benefit for non-industrial disabilities.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The EAP program is designed to help employees manage life during difficult times. To help cope with life’s challenges the EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and other services that can help resolve emotional issues related to health, family and work. The EAP is administered through Health Advocate and is available 24 hours a day 7 days week to all employees and any family members living in the household.

RETIREMENT PROGRAMS

Cal PERS
As a benefitted City employee you are automatically covered under California Public Employee’s Retirement System (Cal PERS). The plan provides a defined monthly retirement benefit based on your salary, number of years of plan participation and the City of Corona’s benefit formula.

The current benefit formula for Classic CalPERS members is 2.7% @ 55 for Miscellaneous employees and 3% @ 50 for Safety employees. The current benefit formula for New CalPERS members is 2% @ 62 for Miscellaneous employees and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety employees.

Effective January 1, 2013, the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (Assembly Bill 340, 2012) will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as any of the following:

A new member includes:

1. A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any other California public retirement system.
2. A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system.
3. A member who established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is hired by a different CalPERS employer after January 1, 2013, after a break in service of greater than six months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit the definition of a “new member” as a “classic member“

Benefits are payable when you reach certain life events such as retirement or a disability. Normal retirement benefits are payable if you have reached age 50 and have at least 5 years of service. In addition to normal retirement the plan also provides death benefits, disability retirement and survivor benefits. You may visit the Cal PERS website at www.calpers.ca.gov for more information.

Deferred Compensation (457)

In addition to your Cal PERS retirement plan, you may contribute on a pre-tax or post-tax (ROTH) basis to the deferred compensation plans offered by the City. The deferred compensation plans are administered by Nationwide. These plans allow you to save additional funds for retirement. Participation is voluntary and depending on employment status you may be eligible for a City match and/or contribution.

For more information on the deferred compensation plans you may visit the following website:

• Nationwide - www.coronaca457.com

Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan
The City offers a retirement health savings plan through Nationwide PEHP to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses in retirement on a tax-free basis. Participation in this plan is dependent on your bargaining unit and hire date. This plan is funded by employer contributions only. Employees may access this account once they have left employment with the City of Corona.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Employees are encouraged to seek higher education in order to obtain their career goals. The City offers a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to employees who are obtaining a degree in a job-related field. Employees are required to complete an education plan for approval before starting classes. Once approved, reimbursement is processed according to MOU guidelines for permitted tuition and book expenses.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

In addition, full-time employees are afforded benefits such as annual leave, paid holidays and special compensation, and employee fitness center access. The amount and/or accrual of these benefits vary based on the employee’s classification and/or hire date and are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Benefit Resolutions.