2026-2027 Employee Benefits Guide

St. Charles Parish Public Schools knows how important it is to provide quality employee benefits to our employees and their dependents. We strive to provide a total benefits package that meets your specific needs as well as the needs of our organization. Please take the time to read the Employee Benefits Guide as it contains important information that will assist you in deciding the best selection of benefits for you and your family.

If you have any questions related to the benefits offered by St. Charles Parish Public Schools, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@wearescpps.org.

2026-2027 Employee Benefits Guide

Welcome to St. Charles Parish Public Schools!

You are eligible for St. Charles Parish Public Schools benefits if you are: an active full-time employee working 30 or more hours per week (22.5 hours/week for bus operators, bus monitors and child nutrition technicians).  New hires who are eligible for benefits must enroll within 30 days of employment.

Benefits for new hires will become effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. 

St. Charles Parish Public Schools offers medical insurance through UMR. Employees have three (3) plans from which to choose from: Base Plan, High Plan, or HMO Plan. 

UMR Portal

Members enrolled in the UMR insurance are encouraged to enroll in the UMR portal. Enrolling in the UMR portal gives you convenient access to your digital insurance ID card, plan details, and other important benefits information anytime. Members can also chat with, call, or message UMR's member support team, search for in-network providers, and access many additional tools and resources. 

Registering is easy, please follow the steps below:

1.) Go to umr.com.

2.) Change the sign in to your account drop down to "Member."

3.) Click on Create Healthsafe ID.

4.) Fill your first name, last name, and DOB. You will then change identification type to Social Security Number and enter your Social. You will use the group number 76416951.

5.) You will then hit Continue.

6.) You will be able to download the App after you create the Healthsafe ID in your browser.

UMR Maternity CARE Program

Whether you are considering having a baby or are already expecting, the UMR Maternity CARE Program can explain how to reduce your risk of complications and prepares you to have a successful, full-term pregnancy and a healthy baby. This program is offered at no additional cost to you. Program benefits include:

• One-on-one phone calls with a CARE nurse
• Guidance for your support person
• No-cost educational materials in the mail
• $25.00 gift card as a thank you for participating in the program

To learn more, please view the UMR Maternity CARE Program video.

Join today! You may enroll by calling 1-844-604-6244 and follow the prompts for Maternity CARE. 

UMR Complex Condition CARE Program

UMR's Complex Condition CARE program provides engaged members with a dedicated CARE nurse when experiencing a complex or catastrophic condition such as:

- Organ Transplant

- Cancer

- Neonatal/NICU stay

Your CARE nurse will guide you before, during and after your medical care. They will serve as your advocate, provide an understanding of complex medical concerns, help you understand your health benefits, and support treatment plans. This program is offered at no additional cost to you.

Join today! You may enroll by calling 1-844-604-6244 and follow the prompts for Complex Condition CARE. 

Resources to Download:

• How to Register on the UMR Portal
• UMR: How to Find an In-Network Provider

Equitable's Employee Assistance Program, provided by ComPsych, provides no-cost, confidential support you may access for life's challenges. Services include confidential emotional support, work/life solutions, legal guidance, financial resources, and identity theft services. For Employee Assistance Program support, resources, and information, please call (833) 256-5115 or visit guidanceresources.com and include the Web ID: EQUITABLE3. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long-Term Disability Insurance from Equitable is a district paid benefit for all active, full-time employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in Long-Term Disability at no cost to the employee. Employees are eligible to apply for long term disability after a 180-day waiting period period and employees must be on an approved medical leave with district. Employees must contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@wearescpps.org for information regarding filing a long-term disability claim.

Basic Life insurance is a district paid benefit for all active, full-time employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Basic Life & AD&D benefit at no cost to the employee. The Basic Life insurance coverage amount is 1.5 times your basic annual earnings rounded up to the next higher $1,000; up to a maximum of $40,000. 

It is important to ensure that your life insurance beneficiary designation form is up-to-date. To update your beneficiary information, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@wearescpps.org.

Qualifying Life Events

Please be aware that the only time (other than Open Enrollment) you are able to make changes to your benefits is if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). In the event of a QLE, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at (985) 785-3135 or sburas@wearescpps.org. Documentation of the qualifying life event must be received within 30 days of the QLE in order to change your current benefit selections. Please note, proof of qualifying life events are subject to approval by St. Charles Parish Public Schools.  

Qualifying Life Events examples include:

• A change in the number of dependents (birth, adoption, death, guardianship);
• A change in marital status (marriage, divorce, death);
• A dependent’s loss of eligibility (attainment of limiting age);
• A change in associate’s, spouse’s or dependents’ work hours;
• A termination or commencement of employment of associate’s spouse or eligible dependent with coverage;
• An entitlement to Medicare or Medicaid;
• Other events as the administrator determines to be permitted or any other applicable guidelines issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

When can I make changes to my insurance coverage?

Changes in coverage may be made during the annual Open Enrollment or if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Examples of QLEs include the birth of a child, adoption, marriage, divorce, or dependent's loss or gain of coverage. In the event of a QLE, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at (985) 785-3135 or sburas@wearescpps.org. Documentation of the qualifying life event must be received within 30 days of the QLE in order to change your current benefit selections. Please note, proof of qualifying life events are subject to approval by St. Charles Parish Public Schools. 

When is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your benefit plan elections and make adjustments that meet the needs of you and your family. Open Enrollment is held March-April. Changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on May 1st. 

Where is my medical insurance ID card?

After enrolling, you will receive your UMR medical insurance ID card within 10-14 business days. If you do not receive your insurance ID card within the stated time frame, please contact UMR customer service at 1-800-826-9781. You may also access your electronic UMR ID card at any time utilizing your UMR portal. 

How do I register for the UMR portal?

Registering is easy, please follow the steps below:

1.) Go to umr.com.

2.) Change the sign in to your account drop down to "Member."

3.) Click on Create Healthsafe ID.

4.) Fill your first name, last name, and DOB. You will then change identification type to Social Security Number and enter your Social. You will use the group number 76416951.

5.) You will then hit Continue.

6.) You will be able to download the App after you create the Healthsafe ID in your browser.

How do I file a Symetra Wellness Claim?

You may contact Symetra at 1-800-497-3699 for assistance with filing a Symetra Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and/or Critical Illness wellness claim.