As an American Eagle Outfitters employee, you’re lucky to have access to some really great health insurance options. But with all the different plans, programs, and perks available, it can be tricky to figure out how to make the most of your benefits. That’s where this guide comes in!
I’ve worked at American Eagle for over 5 years now, so I know firsthand how confusing health insurance can be when you start I remember feeling totally overwhelmed trying to pick the right medical plan when I was hired But once I learned how to take full advantage of what’s offered, it made a huge difference for my health and my wallet.
In this article, I’ll walk through all the key health insurance benefits American Eagle provides, explain how each works, and offer tips to maximize the value you get. My goal is to help you understand your options so you can make smart choices. Let’s dive in!
Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
American Eagle offers several medical plan options through major insurance carriers like UnitedHealthcare. Options include HMO and PPO plans with various deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and premium costs. The company also provides prescription drug coverage.
Tip: Use the plan comparison tool on the benefits website to see which plan makes the most financial sense based on your expected medical spending. Going with a lower premium plan can save you money if you rarely need care.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
If you enroll in a high deductible health plan, you can open a health savings account (HSA) through Optum Bank. HSAs allow tax-free contributions to save for medical expenses. American Eagle will contribute up to $500 annually to your HSA if you participate.
Tip Max out your annual HSA contributions to lower your taxable income And invest your HSA funds to grow your balance long-term
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
American Eagle offers both healthcare and dependent care FSAs to pay for out-of-pocket medical costs and childcare with pre-tax dollars. You can contribute up to $2,850 to the healthcare FSA in 2023.
Tip: Use the FSA for predictable recurring expenses like prescriptions, contacts, and daycare. Just don’t over-contribute, since unused funds are forfeited.
Telemedicine
Through Teladoc, you can access board-certified doctors by phone or video 24/7 for minor illnesses, consultations, and prescriptions. Visits are free with the UnitedHealthcare plans.
Tip: Use telemedicine for cold/flu symptoms or other simple concerns to avoid costly urgent care visits. It’s speedy, convenient, and effective.
Dental and Vision Insurance
American Eagle provides dental and vision insurance options that cover exams, cleanings, glasses, contacts, and more. Dental plans are through Delta Dental and MetLife. VSP provides the vision plans.
Tip: Review the dental and vision plans to see which provides the best coverage for your needs at the optimal cost. Vision discounts may save money on contacts.
Onsite Gyms and Fitness Classes
At the corporate headquarters, American Eagle offers state-of-the-art gyms, group fitness classes, and personal training. Retail stores also organize fitness challenges and other wellness initiatives.
Tip: Take advantage of the onsite gyms and fitness programs to improve your health. Classes are a great way to unwind, have fun with coworkers, and destress.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP through Health Advocate provides confidential counseling, financial/legal help, and work-life assistance for issues like stress, grief, substance abuse, and relationship problems. It’s free for employees and family.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to use the EAP if you’re facing mental health challenges, family conflicts, addictions, or other issues. Getting help early can prevent small problems from turning into crises.
Mental and Behavioral Health Benefits
All medical plans offer comprehensive mental and behavioral health benefits, including therapy, psychiatric services, medication management, and inpatient/outpatient treatment programs.
Tip: Pay attention to plan differences that affect mental health coverage, like higher specialist copays or separate deductibles. Make sure your therapists are in-network.
Healthy Pregnancy and Healthy Babies Programs
Expecting American Eagle employees get special access to nurse coaching, risk screenings, education tools, and monetary incentives through UnitedHealthcare’s pregnancy support programs. Partners can enroll too.
Tip: Register for the programs in your first trimester to maximize the benefits. You’ll get personalized guidance before, during, and after pregnancy.
Caregiver Support Benefits
Balancing work and caregiving duties isn’t easy. That’s why American Eagle provides backup child and elder care, tutoring stipends, and caregiver leaves of absence. There’s also a parents community and developmental assessments.
Tip: Don’t struggle alone if you become a caregiver. Tap into the company resources so you can take time off, get financial assistance, and find helpful support services.
Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance
American Eagle aims to make growing your family more affordable through adoption cost reimbursement, paid surrogacy leaves, and access to surrogacy guidance and referrals. There are also pharmacy and travel discounts.
Tip: If you’re pursuing adoption or surrogacy, understand how to take advantage of the unique benefits offered. The reimbursements and services provide real financial and emotional help.
Disability Insurance
The company provides basic short and long-term disability coverage as well as the option to buy enhanced voluntary disability insurance for added financial protection if you can’t work due to illness or injury.
Tip: Consider your regular income and savings to determine if buying increased disability coverage makes sense. It could replace 60-70% of income if you became seriously disabled.
Life Insurance
American Eagle offers basic life and AD&D insurance equal to 1x your annual earnings at no cost. You can purchase supplemental coverage up to 5x earnings with evidence of insurability.
Tip: Review your overall financial picture to decide if you need additional life insurance beyond the company policy. It helps replace income to support dependents if you pass away.
401(k) Retirement Plan
Through Fidelity, American Eagle provides a 401(k) plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contribution options. The company matches 100% of contributions up to 4% of pay.
Tip: Contribute enough to get the full company match – it’s free money! Consider setting a goal to increase your contribution rate by 1% annually.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP offers American Eagle stock at a 15% discount through convenient payroll deductions. Employees can contribute 1-10% of pay. The company provides a matching contribution.
Tip: Use the ESPP to purchase stock at below market price. It’s a great way to share in the company’s success. Just be sure to diversify your savings – don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
