Welcome to Your Benefits

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Health Plan Notice

The notice packet we provide is related to the health plan we offer and includes important information that News-Press & Gazette is required by the Department of Labor to share with you. Click HERE for the entire English packet. If you have a child eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), click HERE for the English flyer that shows you where to go for information in your state.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Your one stop for all benefits-related information.

Eligibility

Employee Eligibility

If you are in an eligible class and work 30 hours per week or more, you are eligible to enroll in benefits. For new hires or newly eligible employees, benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment or 30 days following the transfer date from a regular part-time or temporary position.

Dependent Eligibility

To be eligible to enroll as a dependent, an individual must be:

• The employee’s legal spouse.

• The employee or legal spouse’s child. This includes:

  • A child by birth or by adoption;

  • A child under the age of 18 who has been placed with the employee for adoption for whom the employee has a legal obligation to support;

  • A child under the age of 18 who has been placed under the employee’s legal guardianship.

Coverage for a Dependent child under this section will apply without regard to whether such child (defined above) is: married, a tax dependent of the employee or employee’s spouse, a student, actively employed, or residing with or receiving financial support from the employee or employee’s legal spouse. All eligible children will continue to be covered by the plan until the end of the year in which they reach age 26.

Eligibility will continue past the age limit only for unmarried dependent children who cannot work to support themselves due to physical or mental handicap.  The handicap must have started before the end of the Calendar Year in which the dependent reached the limiting age and the dependent must have been continuously covered by NPG’s or a prior plan at the time of reaching limiting age. 

Enrolling

Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment or 30 days following the transfer date from regular part-time or temporary position.

Note: If this is your first time logging in, click New User? Get Started

ADP Registration code is: npgco-1234

Can I make changes outside open enrollment?

Once health insurance benefits are elected or waived, no changes may be made throughout the remainder of the calendar year unless you experience a qualifying life event. Enrollment changes must be made within 31 days of a qualifying life event.  A qualifying life event is one or more of the following (not fully inclusive):

• Marriage

• Divorce or legal separation

• Birth of child

• Death of covered spouse or dependent

• Adopted or foster child put in care of employee

• Employee or dependent loss or gain of other health insurance

Termination of Coverage

If your employment is terminated you will no longer be eligible for benefits with NPG. Your coverage for each benefit will terminate as follows.

• Medical/Rx: Last day of the month in which termination of employment occurs. 
• Dental: Last day of the month in which termination of employment occurs. 
• Vision: Last day of the month in which termination of employment occurs. 
• Basic and Voluntary Life/AD&D: Last day of employment.
• Short-Term Disability: Last day of employment.
• Long-Term Disability: Last day of employment.

Health Plan Notice

The notice packet we provide is related to the health plan we offer and includes important information that News-Press & Gazette is required by the Department of Labor to share with you. Click HERE for the entire English packet. If you have a child eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), click HERE for the English flyer that shows you where to go for information in your state.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Medical Benefits and Prescriptions

Benefits provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and SmithRx.

News Press & Gazette offers three medical plans through Blue KC.

Quick Overview

Monthly Employee Contributions

Note: NPG will continue to offer a premium differential for those who complete the wellness program, and achieve the requirements and are tobacco-free. Go to the Wellness Tab for more information on requirements and the premium differential.

By enrolling in the medical plan, you are opting in to receive marketing text messages (e.g. program information, scheduling opportunities, etc.) from Lockton Nurse Advocate at the number provided by News-Press & Gazette Company. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP or clicking the unsubscribe link (where available). If you choose to unsubscribe, you are still eligible to participate in the Lockton Nurse Advocate program, and you may continue to receive email and/or mailer information.

Medical and Prescription Drug Plan Summaries and Benefit Booklets

Prescription drug coverage

SmithRx is your prescription benefit provider. SmithRx is dedicated to giving you the best service and resources to help you and your family make better healthcare decisions. Please present your prescription card along with your prescription to your pharmacy.

You save money when you use generic drugs. Generics offer the same ingredients as brand-name drugs at the same level of quality and safety. Always ask your doctor if a generic is available for your condition. To locate an in-network pharmacy, find the cost of a drug or get questions answered, contact SmithRx 
at 844-454-5201. 

Online tools at mysmithrx.com

The SmithRx Connect program identifies alternate sources for your high-cost specialty and branded medications to be covered at little to no cost for you. The SmithRx team helps you navigate the process, doing much of the heavy lifting. If you are taking medications that qualify for the program, you will receive communication from the SmithRx team to start the process of saving you money.

SmithRx

SmithRx partners with over 83,000 retail pharmacies across the nation including the major national chains, regional chains, grocers and independent pharmacies. You can always find the pharmacy with the best price by using the Find my Meds search tool in the Member Portal at mysmithrx.com

Traditional Drugs

• Generic drugs offer the lowest copay: You pay the lowest copay for generics, making these drugs the most cost-effective option for treatment.
• Brand drugs are a higher copay: This category includes preferred, brand name drugs that don't yet have a generic equivalent. These drugs are more expensive than generics, and a higher copay.
• Non-preferred drugs are the highest copay: In this category are nonpreferred brand name drugs for which there is either a generic alternative or a more cost-effective preferred brand. These drugs have the highest copay. Make sure to check for mail order discounts that may be available.

Specialty Drugs

• Preferred drugs offer the lowest specialty drug copay: Specialty drugs are generally more effective and less expensive than nonpreferred specialty drugs.

• Non-preferred drugs are the highest specialty drug copay: These drugs have the highest copay for specialty drugs, usually because there may be a more cost-effective generic or preferred brand available.

Save money with generic preferred drugs. 

Ask your doctor if it’s appropriate to use a generic drug rather than a brand. Generic drugs are less expensive, and according to the FDA, they contain the same active ingredients as a brand name.

Helpful cost savings tips 

• Mail order: Many drugs are available in a 90-day supply, rather than the 30-day retail supply. The Mail order cost is 2.5x the preferred copay.

• Good Rx: You can save on prescription costs by utilizing online tools like GoodRx.com This platform provides an Rx database to help you find the most affordable pharmacy for your specific prescription. You may also find coupons directly from the drug manufacturers via their websites that may reduce your expenses. Keep in mind that some coupons can only be used outside of your prescription plan and will not count towards your annual out-of-pocket maximums.

Need help?

Please reachout to your local HR representative.

BlueKC Resources and Tools

Benefits provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City.

My Health Toolkit

My Health Toolkit is a secure portal you can use to manage your benefits, connect with resources and personalize your experience with your health plan. Log in from wherever you access the internet or from the convenient mobile app to do all this and more

How do I register for the My Health Toolkit?

Finding Care

BlueKC has several resources for finding the best care for you. Please use the attached flyers to learn how to find providers, care, and the best savings.

Mental Health Resouces

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Wellness Program

Benefits provided through Wellworks and Lockton Nurse Advocate.

2026 Wellness Program

All questions regarding your Wellness Program structure, status in the program, deadlines, etc. should be directed to your Wellness Team via your Wellness Portal. 

At NPG, we care about the health and well-being of our employees and their families. NPG provides an employer-sponsored wellness program available to you through Wellworks. This wellness program impacts every employee enrolled in one of NPG’s health insurance plans.

1. Participants who complete the activities listed below by July 31, 2026, will avoid a premium surcharge in 2027.
   Complete an Annual Physical with Biometric Screening by July 31, 2026
   
   • Visit your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for an annual physical with lab work. Print out the Physician Results Form located within the Wellness Locker and take it to your doctor.
   • All metrics must be collected between January 1, 2026, and July 31, 2026, and submitted to Wellworks by July 31, 2026.
2. Complete the Know Your Number Assessment by July 31, 2026
   
   • Select Know Your Number Assessment on the Homepage under the Wellbeing Desktop. Complete all questions, except for the Health Metrics section. Wellworks will upload your screening results once you complete the Annual Physical with Lab Work/Physician Results Form.
   • Once your assessment is fully completed (questionnaire and health metrics), your results report will be available on the Know Your Number Assessment page within Wellworks, as well as uploaded to the Wellness Locker under the Health Records section.
3. Complete the Tobacco Attestation on the Wellness portal by July 31, 2026
   
   • You must complete the Tobacco Attestation on the wellness portal whether you are or are not a tobacco user. Go to the Homepage – My Next Steps – Tobacco Attestation. Select Get Started > Get Started > Confirm Your Participation > Enter Today’s Date > Confirm.

1. Meet three (3) of five (5) healthy ranges obtained from your annual physician’s visit and lab work or complete three (3) LNA calls by stated deadlines.
   • Call 1 must be completed by September 30, 2026.
   • Call 2 must be completed by October 31, 2026.
   • Call 3 must be completed by November 30, 2026.
2. Be tobacco-free by end of wellness program or complete the LNA tobacco cessation program if you are a tobacco user.

Be on the lookout for information on how to participate in the wellness program in 2026!

Wellworks Portal

To participate in the wellness program, employees must be registered on the Wellworks portal. To access your account, please follow the below instructions if you have not previously registered on the Wellworks portal.

1. Go to wellworksforyoulogin.com
2. Your username will be: your local company email address
   • For example: john.smith@npgco.com
3. You temporary password will be: your birthdate in MMDDYYY
   • For example: 01051990
4. Accept the terms of the consent form
5. Fill in the required information

Discover the

Lockton Nurse Advocate (LNA) Program

Unlock a world of support and guidance with the Lockton nurse advocate (LNA) program. Our dedicated nurse team is here to assist you with personalized care and expert advice. Explore the resources below to learn more about how the LNA program can benefit you.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Tax-favored Accounts

Use these accounts to pay for healthcare expenses.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is available for eligible employees enrolled in the HDHP. An HSA is a personal healthcare bank account that you can use to pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars. You own and administer your healthcare savings account. You determine how much you will contribute to your account, when to use your money to pay for qualified expenses and when to reimburse yourself. HSAs allow you to save and “roll over” money if you do not spend it in the calendar year. The money in this account is always yours. 

You are Eligible to Open and Fund an HSA if:

• You are covered by NPG’s qualified HDHP.
• You are not covered by another health plan, including your spouse’s health plan, unless it is a qualified HDHP.
• You and/or your spouse do not have funds in a Healthcare FSA or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
  • Note: If you currently are enrolled in a Health FSA account, you cannot have any funds left in your account at the end of the year before electing the NPG HDHP and HSA.
• You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
• You are not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or TRICARE For Life.
• You have not received Veterans Administration benefits in the past three months.

Advantages of an HSA

• Money you put into your account is deducted pre-tax, thereby reducing your taxable income.
• Money that stays in your account earns tax-free interest.
• Money taken from your account to pay for qualified healthcare expenses is not taxed.
• Money rolls over from year to year — no “use it or lose it” restriction.

2026 Maximum HSA Contribution Limits

Maximum limits include both NPG and employee contributions. The 2025 IRS maximum contributions to the HSA are:

• $4,400 employee only
• $8,750 employee + dependent tiers

Individuals ages 55+ may make an additional $1,000 annual catch-up contribution to their HSAs.

If you are enrolled in NPG's HDHP, NPG will contribute $30 a month for employee only coverage and $50 a month for employee + dependent coverage into your HSA for 2026!

The HSA is administered by UMB. If your coverage status or employment status changes, you will be responsible for all HSA account holder fees. 

HSAs offer you the following advantages

Distributions made for any other purpose are subject to income tax and a 20% penalty. The 20% penalty is waived in the case of death or disability. The 20% penalty is also waived for distributions made by individuals age 65 or older.

Flexible spending account (FSA)

A great way to plan ahead and save money over the course of a year is to participate in a flexible spending account (FSA). A FSA lets you redirect a portion of your salary on a pretax basis into a reimbursement account.

WEX will administer NPG’s FSA for the 2026 plan year. FSAs can save you money by allowing you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to cover qualified expenses that you would normally pay out of pocket with after-tax dollars. NPG offers two different FSAs — a Healthcare FSA and a Dependent Care FSA.

FSA Overview

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Dependent care FSAs allow you to set aside money pretax to pay eligible out-of-pocket day care expenses so that you or your spouse can work or attend school full time. You must contribute money through payroll deduction to your dependent care FSA before you can spend it.
You must decide how much to set aside for this account. You may contribute up to $7,500 per household — or up to $3,750 if you are married and file separate tax returns.

WEX Mobile App

Access your benefits anytime, anywhere

Access your benefits on the go 24/7 with the WEX benefits mobile app. Our free app gives you convenient, real-time access to all your benefits accounts in one spot. This makes it easy to use your hard-earned dollars and view recent account activity without ever needing to call in.

The benefits mobile app keeps your benefits always within reach. Want to know the status of a recent claim or easily check the balance of your accounts? Log in to our secure app to get answers to those questions and so many more - wherever and whenever you want.

Mobile App Features

Watch these brief videos to learn more about HSAs and FSAs.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Dental Benefits

Benefits provided through Guardian.

NPG offers a comprehensive dental plan through Guardian that provides coverage for preventive, basic, major and orthodontia services for all members. To find an in-network provider, visit guardianlife.com. 

Quick Overview

 Monthly Employee Contributions 

What Is the Maximum Rollover Feature?

The Guardian dental plan has a maximum rollover feature  A portion of your unused annual maximum can be rolled into a maximum rollover account that can be used in future years, if you reach the plan’s annual maximum. 

Dental insurance

Taking care of your teeth is about more than just covering cavities and cleanings. It also means accounting for more expensive dental work, and your overall health.

With dental insurance, routine preventive care can lead to better overall health. And you'll be able to save money if any extensive dental work is required.

The Oral and Overall Health Connection

Periodontal disease is known to trigger the body’s inflammation response and adversely affect a number of different organs. 

• The brain: Gum disease carries a stronger risk for stroke than diabetes. Research has found that the impact of gum disease is almost equivalent to high blood pressure, which is a major cause of strokes.
• The heart: Those with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those with healthy gums.
• The lungs: Poor oral health may worsen respiratory illnesses by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria that can be transported to the lungs.
• The pancreas:  Research suggests a significant association between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.
• The kidneys: The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease. And, edentulism, the condition of being toothless, is closely associated with chronic kidney disease.

Other health concerns: Periodontal disease is a cause for concern for pregnant women and diabetics. Expecting mothers who have gum disease are said to be four to seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small. Nearly 95 percent of Americans who have diabetes also have periodontal disease. Studies strongly suggest that this disease has the ability to disrupt blood sugar levels.

A distinct connection exists between the health of your mouth and that of your body.

Research shows more than 120 illnesses can be identified in the mouth through a dental exam, including osteoporosis, bulimia, diabetes and oral cancer. Even more importantly, an unhealthy mouth can have harmful effects on the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and brain.

Understand the Underlying Issue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of two Americans, 30 years of age or older, has periodontal disease. This translates to 64.7 million individuals with a mild, moderate or severe form of this gum condition. 

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It can occur for many reasons, including poor hygiene, unhealthy diet, smoking and stress.

Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums. In this milder form of the disease, only the gums are affected. At this stage, the condition is treated with a proper oral health regime and regular dental visits. Gingivitis is usually reversible.

In the later stage of the disease, called periodontitis, gums are seriously damaged. Gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and supporting bone may be lost. This stage is irreversible and could require surgical treatments.

Sources: Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, American College of Prosthodontists, Centers for Disease Control, Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient (7th ed.).

Proactively Protect Your Oral and Overall Health

Maintaining good oral health practices is essential to keeping your natural teeth strong and healthy as you age.

Establishing and maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall health and wellness.
To prevent gum disease, be sure to:

• Brush at least twice a day (morning and evening) with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss gently once a day
• Drink fluoridated water
• Eat wisely and limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Visit your dentist twice a year

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Vision Benefits

Benefits provided through Guardian.

NPG’s vision plan through Guardian allows you the option of choosing to participate in the VSP or the Davis network. Rates are the same for the two networks. VSP typically contracts with private-practice providers, while Davis contracts with some private-practice providers as well as some big-box retailers.

Quick Overview

Monthly Employee Contributions

Vision insurance

Vision insurance helps protect the health of your eyes by providing coverage for benefits that are often aren't covered by regular medical insurance.

Protecting your eyesight means allowing for routine visits to the optometrist for eye exams, as well as coverage for glasses and contacts. Make sure your eyes remain in great chape at any age - no matter how much time you spend staring at digital screens.

Find a vision provider

It's easy to find a network vision provider

We are committed to ensuring that you have the tools and resources to get the most from your benefits. This starts with making it easy to find a network provider. Remember, using a network vision plan is one of the best ways to save on important care.

Why Your Heart Loves Regular Eye Exams

Just as your primary care physician may listen to your heartbeat and check your blood pressure to monitor your heart rate, your eye doctor examines your eyes to get a clear look into your cardiovascular system. In fact, the eye is one of the only areas of the body where doctors have an unobstructed view of blood vessels. A full eye examination may reveal the first signs of serious heart conditions, including high blood pressure, before symptoms show up elsewhere in the body. And if not managed effectively, many of these cardiovascular conditions can lead to vision loss, too.

As part of your exam, your eye doctor may examine the retina to view small changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye. This test can detect more serious diseases and is painless and noninvasive. Recent advancements such as digital retinal imaging enable your eye doctor to monitor all the structures of the retina over time.

What Your Eyes Say About Your Blood Pressure

Known as the “silent” disease because its victims often lack symptoms, high blood pressure affects about one in three adults in the United States — while more than one in five people don’t even know they have it.¹ A comprehensive eye exam, however, may uncover early signs of cardiovascular disease.

Your eye doctor can check for subtle changes in the retina that result from high blood pressure, a condition called hypertensive retinopathy.² If your eye doctor sees these changes, he or she can refer you to your primary care physician, who can recommend further testing and treatment.

In some cases, vision loss can occur due to hemorrhages or hypertensive retinopathy. This condition happens when blood obstructs the retina, the eye is deprived of oxygen or the macula (the central part of the eye) swells. Obstruction of the arteries and blood vessels in the retina can be temporary or permanent.³

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help avoid risk factors that may affect heart health and vision. Take care of your heart and eyes by following these steps:

• Exercise regularly

• Maintain a proper weight

• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and soluble fiber

Consult with your medical doctor before starting any exercise or diet program. And don’t forget to see your eye care professional for regular eye exams. Your eyes and heart will thank you.

1 National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
2 American Heart Association, “Understand Your Risk for High Blood Pressure,” 
3 Harvard Medical School, “Eye Exams, High Blood Pressure Symptoms & Diabetes Symptoms,”

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Basic Life Insurance & Disability

Benefits provided through Lincoln Financial.

NPG provides term life to full-time employees who work 30 or more hours per week and their families. Each employee is covered in the amount of 1 x annual earnings to a maximum of $500,000 in the event of your death. Additionally, a matching cash benefit is provided to your loved one should your death be an accident. If you suffer a covered loss in an accident, such as losing a limb or your eyesight, a cash benefit is available. Basic life coverage is provided for your spouse and eligible child(ren) in the amount of $2,000. 

In addition to the NPG paid life benefit, there is supplemental coverage for you and your spouse. Spousal coverage can not exceed employee coverage. Rates are based on age, as shown below. 

• Employee: Increments of $10,000 to $500,000; guaranteed issue $100,000.
• Spouse: Increments of $5,000 to $250,000; guaranteed issue $25,000.

Important Voluntary Life Information

During annual open enrollments, employees who did not enroll during their initial enrollment period OR employees who have current supplemental coverage can increase their election amounts by $10,000 or $20,000, $5,000 or $10,000 for spouses, without providing evidence of insurability.

Other amounts, including those over the guaranteed issue, are subject to evidence of insurability.

2026 Voluntary Life Rates

Your Disability Options

Have you considered what happens if you could not go to work as a result of a disabling illness or accident? Disability insurance goes to work when you cannot.

Voluntary Short-Term Disability*

Voluntary Long-Term Disability

Long-term disability insurance is designed to pay a monthly benefit to you in the event that you cannot work due to a covered illness or injury. The benefit amount is up to 60% of your salary to a maximum of $13,000 per month. Benefits begin after 90 days of illness or injury. This coverage is voluntary, and the cost is paid by the employee. Rates are based on age and income.

Important Voluntary Disability Information

Voluntary STD and LTD coverages are subject to a 3/12 pre-existing condition provision for new hires and late entrants who enroll during the defined annual enrollment period.

If you have a medical condition that begins before your coverage takes effect, and you receive treatment for a condition within the 3 months leading up to your coverage start date, you may not be eligible for benefits for that condition until you have been covered by the plan for 12 months.

Watch these brief videos to learn more about your salary protection options.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Retirement

Benefits provided through Principal Financial Services.

Access to your funds

In-plan Roth transfer

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Employee Assistance Program

Benefits provided through Lucet Health.

Employee Assistance Program

NPG offers, at no cost to employees, a comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP) through Lucet Health. Life is always changing. It’s filled with challenges, opportunities and questions that can lead you into uncharted territory. Even when you’re just trying to balance family, work and everyday life, things can get unpredictable. Personal problems can impact our daily lives, both at home and at work. Sometimes it’s difficult to admit the effect that problems can have or to ask for help.

Our EAP is a work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals and follow-up services to our employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. The EAP provides access to trained professionals in individual, marriage and family counseling, as well as employee assistance. It is available for a wide variety of work or life concerns, including but not limited to:

You can call the EAP for assistance as many times as you need, and you also have access to three (3) face-to-face or telephonic sessions at no cost with a specialist per issue. Counselors will be able to assess your situation, recommend an action plan and/or refer you to other resources, if necessary. All calls into the EAP are 100% confidential. 

 Employee Assistance Program

Personalized care and resources, when you need them.

Whether its planning for your financial future or beginning to seek mental health resources, your Employee Assistance program (EAP) is here to help. Available to you and your household members, Lucet's EAP is your first step to resources, counseling and so much more to support your well being

• Go to lucethealth.com
• Choose Log in
• Select “Employee Assistance Program” in the drop-down box
• Enter your EAP company code: NPGCO

For any additional questions or concerns, call 800-624-5544 or visit lucethealth.com. EAP representatives are available 24/7/365.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for immediate, free, confidential support from a trained professional. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. 

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Perks and Time Off

Benefits provided through News-Press & Gazette.

NPG currently recognizes the following holidays which are available to all regular full-time employees:

• New Year's Day (January 1)

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

• Independence Day (July 4)

• Labor Day (first Monday in September)

• Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)

• Christmas (December 25)

• 2 Personal Holidays (Per Calendar Year)

 Personal holidays can be taken any time throughout the calendar year with supervisor approval.  If an employee starts after June 30, he/she will get only one personal holiday during that calendar year.  If an employee starts after September 30, he/she will not receive a personal holiday that calendar year.

Personal holidays do not roll over from one calendar year to the next (i.e., personal holidays must be used by December 31 of each calendar year), unless otherwise required by applicable law.

NPG provides Paid Time Off (PTO) to eligible employees. PTO is an all-purpose time-off policy. You can use PTO for vacation, illness or injury and other personal time. PTO combines traditional vacation, sick leave and personal time into one flexible, paid time-off policy.

PTO Utilization

Termination

NPG offers educational assistance program for regular full-time employees to maintain and improve their job-related skills through formal education. You must first complete 90 calendar days of service as a regular full-time employee to participate in educational assistance and you must continue to be an active employee while you receive education assistance. Click on more information to see full details on qualifying courses/expenses and application process.

Assistance reimbursement are limited to $1,000 per semester, not to exceed $2,000 per calendar year. Education assistance will be paid according to the following schedule:

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Additional Services

SmartConnect is a free Medicare education and enrollment resource available to employees, retirees, and their friends/family. This concierge service helps explain everything you will need to know through on -demand resources and live Medicare experts. This is all provided at no cost to you! Call 833-799-3312 or visit SmartConnect’s website

Caring for an aging parent? A child with unique support needs? A spouse or partner with a chronic health condition? NPG employees and families have access to Trualta, an online platform with education, resources and support to help make caregiving easier and more fulfilling.

The LifeKeys program provides access to a wide array of services to prepare you and your loved ones through life’s ups and downs. LifeKeys services include:

• Online Will Preparation: Having a will allows you to designate who will receive your property and assets when you're gone. Without one, your state determines how your estate is distributed. Learn more.

• Protection Against Identity Theft: Identity theft is widespread, and everyone is vulnerable. LifeKeys includes an online resource for the information you need to recognize and prevent identity theft — and restore your good name.

• Information on Important Life Matters: You have access to GuidanceResources® Online, where you’ll find articles, tutorials, videos and “Ask the Expert” advice on a wide range of topics — including legal, financial, family and career.

Call 855-891-3684 or visit guidanceresources.com. (First-time user: Enter Web ID — LifeKeys.)

TravelConnect is a comprehensive program that can bring help, comfort and reassurance if you face a medical emergency while traveling 100 or more miles from home. Whether traveling for business or leisure, you have support — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can count on TravelConnect to:

• Arrange and pay for transportation to the nearest medical facility. They’ll also arrange and pay for the patient’s trip home.
• Coordinate travel and airfare for your dependent children under 18. This includes the services, transportation expenses and accommodations of a nonmedical escort.

• Medical record requests
• Communication with your family, employer and physician back home
• Recovering lost or stolen documents
• Language translation

For a complete list of TravelConnect services, go to lincolnfinancial.com/travelconnect and enter your policy number.

Beneficiary Services

Beneficiaries of employees covered under group term life insurance policies from Lincoln Financial Group are eligible for LifeKeys services. These services offer additional support to cope with the loss of a loved one. Services are available for up to one year after a loss and include a total of six in-person or virtual sessions and unlimited telephonic support for grief counseling and legal or financial resources.

WellnessPATH

Meeting your everyday financial goals is hard, especially when you're struggling with credit card debt, paying off student loans, trying to save more for retirement, or building a vacation fund. Now is the time to get your  financial life in order - and Lincoln Financial can help. Lincoln WellnessPATH^® is an online tool that offers personalized action steps to help you
manage your financial life. Complete a quick quiz to receive a wellness score and some simple steps you can take to
improve your score. Whether you want to create a budget, determine if you have enough life insurance, or figure out a way to save for your dream vacation, you can do it using Lincoln WellnessPATH.

Employee Assistance Program

Lincoln Financial offers EmployeeConnect through ComPsych Guidance Resources to all employees and dependents at no cost! EmployeeConnect offers professional, confidential services to help you and your loved ones improve your quality of life. You and your family get up to five in-person sessions with a counselor per person, per issue, per year (California residents are only eligible for up to three sessions in six months). You also have access to in-person consultations with network lawyers including one free 30-minute consultation per legal issue and 25% off subsequent meetings.

Visit guidanceresources.com, download the GuidanceNow mobile app, or call 888-628-4824 for more information.

Website: guidanceresources.com

Username: LFGSupport

Password: LFGSupport1

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Helpful Terms

Here are some terms you may see that describe your benefits.

Balance Billing

When a provider bills you for the balance remaining on the bill that your plan doesn’t cover. This amount is the difference between the actual billed amount and the allowed amount. For example, if the provider’s charge is $200 and the allowed amount is $110, the provider may bill you for the remaining $90. This happens most often when you see an out-of-network provider. A network provider may not bill you for covered services.

Claim

A request for a benefit (including reimbursement of a health care expense) made by you or your health care provider to your health insurer or plan for items or services you think are covered.

Coinsurance

Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percentage (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You generally pay coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. (For example, if the health insurance or plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you’ve met your deductible, your coinsurance payment of 20% would be $20. The health insurance or plan pays the rest of the allowed amount.)

Copay

A fixed amount (for example, $15) you pay for a covered health care service, usually when you receive the service. The amount can vary by the type of covered health care service.

Cost Sharing

Your share of costs for services that a plan covers that you must pay out of your own pocket (sometimes called out-of-pocket costs). Some examples of cost sharing are copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Family cost sharing is the share of cost for deductibles and out-of-pocket costs you and your spouse and/or child(ren) must pay out of your own pocket. Other costs, including your premiums, penalties you may have to pay, or the cost of care a plan doesn’t cover usually aren’t considered cost sharing.

Deductible

An amount you could owe during a coverage period (usually one year) for covered health care services before your plan begins to pay. An overall deductible applies to all or almost all covered items and services. A plan with an overall deductible may
also have separate deductibles that apply to specific services or groups of services. A plan may also have only separate deductibles. (For example, if your deductible is $1,000, your plan won’t pay anything until you’ve met your $1,000 deductible for covered health care services subject to the deductible.)

Embedded Deductible

If you are on a family medical plan with an embedded deductible, your plan contains two components: an individual deductible and a family deductible. Having two components to the deductible allows each member of your family to have your insurance policy cover their medical bills prior to the entire dollar amount of the family deductible being met. The individual deductible is embedded in the family deductible.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

An EOB is a statement from the insurance company showing how claims were processed. The EOB tells you what portion of the claim was paid to the healthcare provider and what portion of the payment, if any, you are responsible for.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Ambulance services for an emergency medical condition. Types of emergency medical transportation may include transportation by air, land, or sea. Your plan may not cover all types of emergency medical transportation, or may pay less for certain types.

Emergency Room Care/Emergency Services Services to check for an emergency medical condition and treat you to keep an emergency medical condition from getting worse. These services may be provided in a licensed hospital’s emergency room or other place that provides care for emergency medical conditions.

Health Insurance

A contract that requires a health insurer to pay some or all of your health care costs in exchange for a premium. A health insurance contract may also be called a “policy” or “plan”.

Hospitalization

Care in a hospital that requires admission as an inpatient and usually requires an overnight stay. Some plans may consider an overnight stay for observation as outpatient care instead of inpatient care.

Hospital Outpatient Care

Care in a hospital that usually doesn’t require an overnight stay.

Individual Responsibility Requirement

Sometimes called the “individual mandate”, the duty you may have to be enrolled in health coverage that provides minimum essential coverage. If you don’t have minimum essential coverage, you may have to pay a penalty when you file your federal income tax return unless you qualify for a health coverage exemption.

In-network Coinsurance

Your share (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for covered healthcare services. Your share is usually lower for in-network covered services.

In-network Copayment

A fixed amount (for example, $15) you pay for covered health care services to providers who contract with your health insurance or plan. In-network copayments usually are less than out-of-network copayments.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit

Yearly amount the federal government sets as the most each individual or family can be required to pay in cost sharing during the plan year for covered, in-network services. Applies to most types of health plans and insurance. This amount may be higher than the out-of-pocket limits stated for your plan.

Network Provider (Preferred Provider)

A provider who has a contract with your health insurer or plan who has agreed to provide services to members of a plan. You will pay less if you see a provider in the network. Also called “preferred provider” or “participating provider.”

Out-of-Network Coinsurance

Your share (for example, 40%) of the allowed amount for covered health care services to providers who don’t contract with your health insurance or plan. Out-of-network coinsurance usually costs you more than in-network coinsurance.

Out-of-Network Copayment

A fixed amount (for example, $30) you pay for covered health care services from providers who do not contract with your health insurance or plan. Out-of-network copayments usually are more than in-network copayments.

Out-of-network Provider (Non-Preferred Provider)

A provider who doesn’t have a contract with your plan to provide services. If your plan covers out-of-network services, you’ll usually pay more to see an out-of-network provider than a preferred provider. Your policy will explain what those costs may be. May also be called “non-preferred” or “non-participating” instead of “out-of-network provider”.

Out-of-Pocket Limit

The most you could pay during a coverage period (usually one year) for your share of the costs of covered services. After you meet this limit the plan will usually pay 100% of the allowed amount. This limit helps you plan for health care costs. This limit never includes your premium, balance-billed charges or health care your plan doesn’t cover. Some plans don’t count all of your copayments, deductibles, coinsurance payments, out-of-network payments, or other expenses toward this limit.

Plan

Health coverage issued to you directly through an employer, union or other group sponsor (employer group plan) that provides coverage for certain health care costs. Also called "health insurance plan", "policy", "health insurance policy" or "health insurance".

Preauthorization

A decision by your health insurer or plan that a health care service, treatment plan, prescription drug or durable medical equipment (DME) is medically necessary. Sometimes called prior authorization, prior approval or precertification. Your health insurance or plan may require preauthorization for certain services before you receive them, except in an emergency. Preauthorization isn’t a promise your health insurance or plan will cover the cost.

Premium

The amount that must be paid for your health insurance or plan. You and/or your employer usually pay it monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

Prescription Drug Coverage
Coverage under a plan that helps pay for prescription drugs. If the plan’s formulary uses “tiers” (levels), prescription drugs are grouped together by type or cost. The amount you'll pay in cost sharing will be different for each "tier" of covered prescription drugs.

Preventive Care (Preventive Service)

Routine health care, including screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling, to prevent or discover illness, disease, or other health problems.

Primary Care Provider

A physician, including an M.D. (Medical Doctor) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant, as allowed under state law and the terms of the plan, who provides, coordinates, or helps you access a range of health care services.

Provider
An individual or facility that provides health care services. Some examples of a provider include a doctor, nurse, chiropractor, physician assistant, hospital, surgical center, skilled nursing facility, and rehabilitation center. The plan may require the provider to be licensed, certified, or accredited as required by state law.

Reasonable and Customary

The amount of money a health plan determines is the normal or acceptable range of charges for a specific health-related service or medical procedure. If your healthcare provider submits higher charges than what the health plan considers normal or acceptable, you may have to pay the difference.

Referral

A written order from your primary care provider for you to see a specialist or get certain health care services. In many health maintenance organizations (HMOs), you need to get a referral before you can get health care services from anyone except your primary care provider. If you don’t get a referral first, the plan may not pay for the services.

Rehabilitation Services

Health care services that help a person keep, get back, or improve skills and functioning for daily living that have been lost or impaired because a person was sick, hurt, or disabled. These services may include physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and psychiatric rehabilitation services in a variety of inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Screening

A type of preventive care that includes tests or exams to detect the presence of something, usually performed when you have no symptoms, signs, or prevailing medical history of a disease or condition.

Specialist

A provider focusing on a specific area of medicine or a group of patients to diagnose, manage, prevent, or treat certain types of symptoms and conditions.

Specialty Drug

A type of prescription drug that, in general, requires special handling or ongoing monitoring and assessment by a health care professional, or is relatively difficult to dispense. Generally, specialty drugs are the most expensive drugs on a formulary.

UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable)

The amount paid for a medical service in a geographic area based on what providers in the area usually charge for the same or similar medical service. The UCR amount sometimes is used to determine the allowed amount.

Urgent Care

Care for an illness, injury, or condition serious enough that a reasonable person would seek care right away, but not so severe as to require emergency room care.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.

Carrier Contacts

When you need a little help.

Medical Plan

BlueKC

Policy Number: 71-5944M

Customer Service: 888.495.9340

Website: MyHealthToolKitKC.com

Prescription Drug

SmithRx

Customer Service: 844.454.5201

Website: mysmithrx.com

Health Savings Account

UMB

Policy Number: 150125

Customer service: 866.520.4472

Website: hsa.umb.com

Flexible Spending Account

WEX

Policy Number: 24093

Customer service: 866.451.3399

Website: wexinc.com

Retirement

Principal Financial Services

Policy Number: 444198

Customer service: 800.547.7754

Website: principal.com

Dental

Guardian

Policy Number: 507349

Customer service: 800.541.7846

Website: guardianlife.com

Vision

Guardian

Policy Number: 507349

VSP Network Customer service: 877.814.8970

Davis Network Customer service: 877.393.7363

Website: guardianlife.com

Life and AD&D Insurance

Lincoln Financial Group

Policy Number: 10247276

Customer service: 877.275.5462

Website: lfg.com

Short- and Long-term Disability

Lincoln Financial Group

STD Policy Number: 10247278

LTD Policy Number: 10247277

Customer service: 877.275.5462

Website: lfg.com

EAP

Lucet Health

Company Code: NPGCO

Customer service: 800.624.5544

Website: eap.lucethealth.com

This site is not intended to be a complete description of News-Press & Gazette Companies' insurance benefit plans. Please refer to the plan document(s) for a complete description. Each plan is governed in all respects by the terms of its legal plan document rather than by this or any other summary of the insurance benefits provided by the plan.

In the event of any conflict between this site and the official document, the official document will prevail. Although News-Press & Gazette Companies maintains its benefit plans on an ongoing basis, News-Press & Gazette Companies reserves the right to terminate or amend each plan in its entirety or in any part at any time.The descriptions of the benefits are not guarantees of current or future employment or benefits. If there is any conflict between this guide and the official plan documents, the official documents will govern.

Need help?

Please reach out to your local HR representative.