Current Employee Health Benefits Information Web Site
http://www.co.kern.ca.us/cao/empbenefits/current.asp

Kern County Administrative Office
Health Benefits Division: 868-3182

1. Medical Plan - Group medical coverage is provided to employees and their eligible dependents (Gallagher Benefit Administrators, formerly Schaller Anderson). Coverage includes prescription drug programs through which employees can obtain covered prescriptions at reduced rates from participating pharmacies (CatalystRx, formerly PCN) or at usually more reduced rates (or free) by mail order (Walgreen's - the County's mail service pharmacy location is Portland.)
2. Dental Plans - Group dental coverage is provided to employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in the medical plan. There are two plans the employee may choose:
   • National Pacific Dental (or NPD, formerly Blue Cross): A 'Preferred Provider' plan under which the patient can obtain service either from a Preferred Provider dentist (with the plan paying 90%) or any other dentist with lower benefits paid by the plan.
     Contact information:
     National Pacific Dental
     1-866 Kern PPO
     1-866-537-6776
   • Pacific Union Dental (or PUD, formerly HBI Dental): An HMO-type plan under which the employee selects one permanent dentist from a pre-approved list and has cost limits
     Contact Information:
     Pacific Union Dental
     1-877-640-5376
3. Vision Plan - Group vision coverage is provided to employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in the medical plan (Vision Service Plan or "VSP").
   Contact Information:
   VSP
   1-800-877-7195           
4. Retirement Plan - The defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contributions. Employee contributions are based upon salary and age at entry, and for employees hired prior to August 7, 2004, are discontinued once the employee completes five years of qualified service. Benefits are determined by years of service, compensation (highest 12 months) and age upon retirement. Subject to certain limitations, prior public service, prior County time, extra-help time, and military time may be "purchased" to enhance the retirement benefit.
5. Other – Kern County Employee Benefits Summary
   http://www.co.kern.ca.us/cao/empbenefits/empbenefit_summary.asp