Penn-Trafford School District
Effective, efficient, quality education

PSERS H.B. 2497 Benefit Changes Summary
 H.B. 2497 was passed by the General Assembly.  The benefit reductions contained in this legislation will only impact individuals who become new members of PSERS on or after July 1, 2011.  Any existing or former members of PSERS who return to service on or after July 1, 2011 will retain their old membership status. The current pension benefit that a PSERS retiree receives is not impacted by the legislation.
 
 Impact on Current Member of PSERS

• Once a member qualifies for membership all service earned as a member after the initial qualification will be considered qualified. Previously members had to qualify each year (500 hours or 80 days for hourly and per diem employees).   
  
• Creates a three-year window beginning July 1, 2011 for current active members to file an application to purchase Non-Qualifying Part-Time service (NQPT). Current members who are inactive but return to active service after July 1, 2011, will have a one-year window to purchase NQPT service.

1. Original Birth Certificate of the child
2. Original Social Security Card of the child
3. Complete a new Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Enrollment Application adding a dependent.
   

Extending Coverage for Adult Dependents Age 26
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into the law the Affordable Care Act. The most current change to take place is Extending Coverage for Young Adults. Children can remain on their parents’ health insurance policy until they are 26 years old. The health care reform law allows you to keep your children on your health plan until they turn 26 years old regardless of their student status, marital status, whether they live with their parents, or are claimed as a dependent on their parents’ tax return, as long as the dependent is not eligible to enroll in other employer provided coverage.

Please review the attached letter of instruction and dependent enrollment form.  This form must be returned to the HR Department no later than APRIL 22, 2011.  This is a one-time special enrollment period per the Affordable Care Act.  

Please note: Because of the change in our status from “Grandfathered” to “Non-Grandfathered”, ALL adult dependents under the age of 26  are eligible for medical coverage regardless of the current medical benefits enrollment.