No. But you should take time to learn about the medical coverage available to you through the HISD medical plan options, as well as any other source available to you such as your spouse’s medical benefits plan. Compare and consider the cost of coverage for each option. This can help you decide which coverage works best for you and your family.

You receive two ID cards. Your Cigna ID card contains medical information. This card lists a unique ID number (not your SSN) for medical claim purposes. You also receive an Express Scripts ID card to use when purchasing prescription drugs. This card has a unique ID number as well.

For more information, call Cigna at 800-Cigna24 (244-6224) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or Express Scripts at 855-712-0331.

Copay — A copay is a set fee that you pay for certain services such as prescription drugs. Copays also apply to doctor office visits and services performed during office visits under the Open Access option.

Coinsurance — For the Limited and Choice plans, this is the percentage of expenses for covered services that you pay after you meet your deductible and until you reach your annual out-of-pocket maximum. For example, for in-network care under the Plus Limited option, the coinsurance amount is 20 percent. For the Open Access option, it’s the percentage you pay for covered services other than doctor’s office visits.

All medical plan options offer network care through Cigna. You may request printed directories by calling Cigna; however, the most up-to-date information about providers can be found by logging on to myCigna.com or by accessing myCigna on your mobile app.  Contact Cigna customer service at 800-Cigna24 (244-6224), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for additional questions.  

Remember that directory information is for reference only. Always verify the provider's address, phone number, specialty and any other information before making an appointment.

It's important not to use hospital or stand-alone ERs for minor illnesses or injuries, even after hours, especially when you have the option of Next Level Urgent Care centers for $20 per visit, the HISD Employee Health & Wellness Centers at no charge, or a walk-in retail clinic. Trips to the ER for minor health issues can be very costly. And if you go to an out-of-network ER for a non-emergency, you may be billed the entire balance.

Pre-certification is the process of obtaining Cigna's approval before certain healthcare services or procedures are performed. Pre-certification is required for all in-patient admissions and a number of outpatient services, including high-tech radiology procedures such as MRIs and CT scans. For a full list of services or supplies that require pre-certification or pre-notification, log on to myCigna or call Cigna at 800-Cigna24 (244-6442), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Failure to get pre-certification when required results in a penalty of 50% before the appropriate coinsurance is applied or, in the case of high tech radiology, the procedure is not covered.

Although your provider may contact Cigna for authorization on your behalf, you’re ultimately responsible for making sure Cigna's approval is obtained or the care or service you receive may not be covered.

If you’re unable to obtain pre-certification due to an emergency, report the emergency to Cigna as soon as possible to comply with this requirement.

As a participant in an HISD medical plan, you can maximize your savings by using a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA) to pay expenses that aren’t covered such as coinsurance amounts. If you’re enrolled in one of the HISD medical plans and choose to contribute to an FSA, you must use your remaining HealthFund dollars first before you can use your FSA dollars. Please note: Effective January 1, 2017, HISD no longer supports the HealthFund. You may continue to use any funds you have left over from previous years to pay for eligible expenses as long as you are enrolled in an HISD medical plan. 

You may check your HealthFund balance at myCigna. You need to register before accessing the system. You can also get your balance by calling Cigna member services.

Call Cigna at 800-Cigna24 (244-6224), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.