Home  >  Employment  >  Employee Questions & Answers Regarding Layoffs

1. If I am laid off, may I use the funds in my account?

   Yes. You become eligible to collect benefits when you separate from service from the County of Sacramento. Remember, these funds may be used to reimburse yourself for the COBRA premiums you may pay that are not subsidized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

2. Who handles medical benefit claims?

   Medical benefit claims processing and payment will be handled by ICMA-RC’s third-party claims administrator, Meritain Health Inc. There is a $7.50 claims administration charge to your account each quarter after you leave County service.

3. What is the procedure for submitting a claim for medical reimbursement? How long does it take?

   After you become benefit-eligible, claims for medical expenses that qualify under your employer’s RHS Plan are submitted for reimbursement on VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan Benefits Reimbursement Request Form. This form is available from the Employee Benefits Office, or directly from the Meritain Health (1-888-587-9441). The claims are generally processed within 10 days (and no more than 30 days). If a claim is suspended or denied, you will be notified in writing within 30 days.

4. What are eligible expenses?

   Benefits eligible for reimbursement consist of all Medical Expenses eligible under the Internal Revenue Code Section 213, other than direct long-term care expenses, and include non-prescription medication allowed under IRS guidance. Examples are as follows:

   Medical Insurance Premiums, Medical Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Medicare Part B Insurance Premiums, Medicare Part D Insurance Premiums, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Premiums, Prescription Drug Insurance Premiums, non-ARRA subsidized COBRA Insurance Premiums, Dental Insurance Premiums, Dental Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Vision Insurance Premiums, Vision Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums, Non-Prescription medications allowed under IRS guidance, and other qualifying medical expenses.

5. When will I be fully vested?

   Your account is 100 percent vested at all times. That means that the funds in that account are available for you to use when you leave County employment.

6. What happens to the account balance if I die?

   Upon your death, remaining assets will be transferred to an account for continuing tax-free use by your eligible surviving spouse and/or dependents for their own qualifying health expenses.

7. How are payments from RHSP accounts treated for tax purposes?

   RHSP benefits paid in the form of medical expense reimbursements are not taxed to you, your spouse, or dependents. No income tax withholding or reporting is required, and you do not need to report any medical benefits on your income tax return.

8. Whom should I contact with questions regarding the RHSP?

   Depending upon your question, you may contact the Employee Benefits Office, ICMA-RC, or Meritain Health, Inc. 

   • ICMA-RC (800) 669-7400
     For all account issues not claim related
     With questions regarding your account statement
     To change personal data (also inform Meritian Health if you are eligible for benefits) 
     
   • Employee Benefits Office (916) 874-2020
     For eligibility Plan details
     
   • Meritain Health, Inc. 1-888-587-9441
     For all claim-related issues once your are eligible to receive benefits
     To change personal data if you are eligible for benefits (also inform ICMA-RC)

COBRA Monthly Rates