Medical
Overview
To support your health and financial wellness, Publicis Groupe provides valuable benefits that help you and your family stay healthy and pay for care in the event of illness or injury.
Publicis Medical Plans
The benefits program includes medical plan options with a range of coverage levels and costs designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees.
| Plan | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Health Savings Account Plan, or Medical HSA Plan Administered by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | A consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) that puts you in charge of your spending through lower paycheck contributions, higher deductibles, and a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA). You must take the additional step of opening this account to use it. |
| Standard Preferred Provider Organization Plan, or Standard PPO Plan Administered by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | A traditional Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan that offers benefit levels and paycheck contributions that fall in the middle of the three medical plan options. |
| Premier Preferred Provider Organization Plan, or Premier PPO Plan Administered by: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | A traditional PPO plan that has the highest benefit levels and highest paycheck contributions of the three medical plan options. |
| Compare the plans | |
Key features at a glance
All our medical plans provide:
Comprehensive, affordable coverage
that fulfils the requirements of the health care reform law.
Free in-network preventive care
with services such as annual physicals, recommended immunizations, and routine cancer screenings covered at 100%. See more covered preventive services.
Prescription drug coverage
included with each medical plan.
Financial protection
through annual out-of-pocket maximums that limit the amount you’ll pay each year.
Get to know your plan
Some ways the Medical HSA Plan is different from the Standard PPO and Premier PPO Plans
| Medical HSA Plan | Standard PPO Plan and Premier PPO Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Health Savings Account (HSA) |
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| Cost of coverage |
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| Annual deductible |
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| Coinsurance vs. copayments |
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| Annual out-of-pocket maximum |
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| Prescription drugs |
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Plan Comparisons
How the Plans work with HSA
| Medical HSA Plan5 | Standard PPO Plan | Premier PPO Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSA eligible | Yes | No | No |
| Company contribution to HSA | $250 (Employee Only tier) $500 (all other tiers) | No | No |
Your costs
| Medical HSA Plan | Standard PPO Plan | Premier PPO Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness care1 | No cost to you when you see in-network providers — covered at 100% in-network | No cost to you when you see in-network providers — covered at 100% in-network | No cost to you when you see in-network providers — covered at 100% in-network |
| Individual/family deductible | |||
| In-network | $1,650/$3,3002 | $1,100/$2,200 | $850/$1,700 |
| Out-of-network | $3,300/$6,6002 | $2,200/$4,400 | $1,700/$3,400 |
| Individual/family out-of-pocket maximum | |||
| In-network | $6,650/$13,3003 | $6,250/$12,500 | 3,900/$7,800 |
| Out-of-network | $13,300/$26,6003 | $12,500/$25,000 | $7,800/$15,600 |
| Your coinsurance | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Office visits (primary and specialist) | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | $30 copay for primary care visit/$45 for specialist visit | $25 copay for primary care visit/$40 for specialist visit |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Hospital visit | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Emergency room visit | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20%; not subject to deductible | 20%; not subject to deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 20%; not subject to deductible | 20%; not subject to deductible |
| Mental health/substance abuse (outpatient) | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | $45 copay | $40 copay |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Mental health/substance abuse (inpatient) | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Infertility office visit | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | $45 copay | $30 copay |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Infertility hospital or outpatient facility services4 | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Most other services | |||
| In-network | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible | 20% after deductible |
| Out-of-network | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible | 40% after deductible |
| Hearing Aids | Up $2,500 annually, once every 3 years | ||
Family Planning Benefit
Coverage under the Publicis medical plans covers family planning services without evidence of medical necessity (e.g., infertility). We are committed to assisting our employees looking to build their families through the use of various fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro insemination.
Note: There is a $15,000 lifetime fertility benefit maximum. A covered individual will need to satisfy the plan’s deductible and pay the applicable coinsurance up to the out-of-pocket or lifetime maximum, whichever comes first. The fertility benefit does not include cryopreservation (storage) for eggs.
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Transparency in Coverage Rules
The federal Transparency in Coverage Rules require certain group health plans to publicly disclose price and cost-sharing information. This information includes in-network provider rates as well as historical out-of-network allowed amounts and billed charges for covered items and services, which is to be shared via two separate machine-readable files (MRFs).
The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data. The MRFs for the Publicis medical plans can be found here.
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New Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act provides new protections against surprise billing, or balance billing, under medical plans, such as those offered by Publicis. This legislation prohibits medical providers from sending surprise bills for most emergency and some non-emergency out-of-network care. For example, if you visit an in-network facility for emergency services, you may see providers, such as specialists like an anesthesiologist, who are not in-network providers under the Publicis medical plan. The No Surprises Act now protects you from charges and balance bills for these additional services.
You can learn more about your rights under the No Surprises Act here.
How the Medical HSA Plan Works
The Medical HSA Plan pairs low-paycheck contribution, high-deductible medical coverage with a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) that helps you save and pay for eligible health expenses. This combination gives you more control over your money and rewards you for making healthy, cost-conscious choices.
With this plan, you can choose any in-network or out-of-network provider each time you receive care. But keep in mind: You will generally receive higher benefits when you use in-network providers.
Fund your HSA
You can contribute tax-free money from your paycheck and receive company contributions to help cover your costs — now, or in the future.
Deductible
You pay 100% of costs until you meet the annual deductible.
Coinsurance
After meeting the deductible, you and the plan share the cost of certain services, with the plan paying the majority.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You’re protected by an annual limit on costs — the plan pays 100% of any further covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.
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Money-saving Tip
Use your HSA to budget for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses while also saving money — your HSA contributions are tax-free! You also can pair your HSA with a Limited Purpose Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to save even more.
Make the most of your coverage
Take advantage of these resources to manage your care and your costs.
Budgeting for your costs
With the Medical HSA Plan, you pay less in paycheck contributions and assume more financial responsibility when you receive care. So, it’s important to plan ahead for your out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some ideas to consider:
Think about your costs. Contribute at least enough to your HSA to cover your expected out-of-pocket costs, such as your annual deductible and coinsurance. Remember — because you’re keeping more of your paycheck by paying lower medical plan paycheck contributions, you may have extra money available to put in your HSA.
Plan ahead. You can only spend HSA money that’s actually been deposited into your account. Adjust your contributions as necessary during the year to make sure you have money available when you need it. And if you don’t, remember to reimburse yourself later so you take full advantage of your HSA’s tax savings.
Look long term. You will never forfeit any money left in your HSA — it rolls over year after year. If you know about future expenses — or if you want to save for your health care costs in retirement — set aside a little extra each paycheck so your balance can grow over time.
How the PPO Plans Work
The Standard PPO Plan and Premier PPO Plan offer lower out-of-pocket costs than the Medical HSA Plan in exchange for higher paycheck contributions. With this plan, your costs are more predictable, but you’ll likely still have out-of-pocket expenses.
You can choose any in-network or out-of-network provider each time you receive care. Keep in mind: You will generally receive higher benefits when you use in-network providers.
How the PPOs work
You pay the plan paycheck contributions to have coverage.
Copay
You pay a small fee at the time of service for most doctor’s office visits.
Deductible
You pay 100% of costs until you meet the annual deductible.
Coinsurance
After meeting the deductible, you and the plan share the cost of certain services, with the plan paying the majority.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You’re protected by an annual limit on costs — the plan pays 100% of any further covered expenses for the rest of the year.
Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.
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Money-saving Tip
A Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you take advantage of tax-free savings when paying for care. But, be sure to plan your FSA contributions carefully: the money in your FSA does not carry over to the next plan year; you must “use it or lose it.”
Make the most of your coverage
Take advantage of these resources to manage your care and your costs.
Valuable BCBSIL Programs
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Blue Access for Members™
Blue Access for Members™ (BAM) connects you instantly to health information. By registering for BAM, you will be able to:
Check the status of a claim and your claims history
Confirm the family members who are covered under your plan
View and print an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement for a claim
Locate a doctor or hospital in-network
Request a new or replacement member ID card or print a temporary member ID card, and much more
You can also use BCBSIL while you’re on the go. Register or log in by going to the BCBSIL website from your mobile device web browser for secure and convenient access.
Additional benefits through BCBSIL include:
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Special Beginnings® Maternity Program
If you participate in a Publicis medical plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and you or one of your covered dependents become pregnant, the pregnant participant may enroll in Special Beginnings® during the first trimester of pregnancy. The program provides personalized support, including care management and education, from obstetrical nurses.
Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, which covers various pregnancy and infant care-related topics. Participation is confidential — Publicis Connection is not informed when the participant enrolls and is not told about the pregnancy or what the participant discusses with the nurses.
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Blue Care Connection
Blue Care Connection is a program offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois that connects you with a Personal Health Clinician (PHC) to help you manage a medical condition, answer questions about your diagnosis and help you take steps to improve your overall health. PHCs are registered nurses who know your health plan benefits and can provide resources that may help you reach your health goals and get the most value from your benefits.
Contact a PHC (or expect a call from a PHC) at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois when you:
Are planning a surgery or a hospital stay
Have a serious illness, an injury or a high-risk pregnancy
Have an ongoing health problem
Are in the hospital or have just gone home from the hospital
You don’t have to wait for the PHC to call you. You can call the Customer Service number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois ID card and ask for your Personal Health Clinician (PHC) whenever you need support and/or additional information.
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BCBSIL Member Rewards Program
The Member Rewards Program, administered by Vitals, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois partner, is a health-shopping program designed to reduce member out-of-pocket health care costs for eligible services, while providing cash rewards for selecting quality, cost-effective health care providers. This program is available to employees enrolled in a Publicis medical plan. To access the Members Rewards health care shopping portal, you need to register for Blue Access for Members™ via the BCBSIL website. You can search for eligible services and cost-effective providers online using the Provider Finder at the BCBSIL website.
You can also contact a Benefits Value Advisor (BVA) at the number on the back of your medical plan ID card for help with identifying eligible services and local health care providers. Within four to six weeks of completing a Member Rewards-eligible provider service and payment of the claim, you will receive a check for the reward in the mail. Note that rewards are taxable.
Learn more about Member Rewards.
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BlueCard Program for International Coverage
Traveling across the country or around the world? The BlueCard Program helps Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) members:
Get needed health care when you travel or live outside your Blue Plan service area
Get the same benefits as your BCBSIL plan when you travel or are away from home for an extended amount of time
Find a doctor or hospital throughout the United States — more than 90% of all hospitals and doctors in the U.S. contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS)
Find a doctor or hospital outside the U.S. in more than 200 countries around the world through BCBS Global Core
Telemedicine (Teladoc)
Publicis' telemedicine program can save you money, time and a trip to the doctor’s office. If you are enrolled in a Publicis medical plan, you and your eligible dependents can use telemedicine through Teladoc for just $0 (PPO plans) or $55 (HSA plan). Use Teladoc as a low cost alternative to an urgent care or emergency room visit. Telehealth is a good option when:
You need care immediately
You’re considering the ER vs. an urgent care center for a non-emergency issue
You’re on vacation, on a business trip or away from home
You’re considering leaving a non-emergency health care issue untreated
Seek medical advice from board-certified physicians who are available 24/7/365 to consult with you over the phone or through live video right from your mobile device or computer. Telehealth physicians can provide fast, convenient diagnosis and treatment for many common conditions.
Teladoc (1-800-835-2362)
Teladoc is available to you 24/7/365 via phone or online video consultation. You will need to set up an account before you can call a Teladoc doctor. Note: If you participate in the Medical HSA Plan, a copayment will apply if you use Teladoc services before you have met the annual deductible. There will be no cost to you for these services after you meet the deductible.
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Conditions Teladoc can treat
Cold and flu symptoms
Allergies
Bronchitis
Urinary tract infection
Respiratory infection
Sinus problems
Children (e.g., diaper rash, kid issues)
And more
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What are your colleagues saying about Teladoc?
“I thought it was an ulcer. She thought differently and urged me to go to the ER. I had an emergency appendectomy. Thankfully, I listed to her advice.”
“I got a doctor within 10 minutes!”
“I was able to get a prescription for my illness without hassle”
“I appreciated her openness to homeopathy (yay) and also that she shared realistic expectations on how soon I should feel better and when to seek additional care. Lovely, doctor!”
Contacts
Group Numbers:
Premier PPO Plan: 015695 (Prefix: PGI)
Standard PPO Plan: 095837 (Prefix: PGI)
Medical HSA Plan: 119287 (Prefix: PGI)
Benefits Service Center
Weekdays, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm ET