FAQ: Benefits
Are there pre-existing
condition limitations when I enroll in the
medical plan?
There are pre-existing condition limitations
under your new plan. If you and/or your
dependents have had medical treatment for
a condition in the six months immediately
preceding your eligibility in the plan there
is a one-year waiting period.
When can my dependents
be added to my health and dental plans?
New employees may add a spouse and/or children
within the first 30 days of employment or
during the annual open enrollment.
Thereafter, enrollment periods are within
60 days of a change in family status. Examples
of a qualified change in family status include:
birth, adoption, change in marital status,
death of spouse or dependent, and/or change
in spouse employment status. Evidence for
these changes, such as a marriage license,
birth certificate or adoption decree will
be required.
How long can my children
be insured as my dependents?
Unmarried children may
remain insured as dependents until their
19th birthday or their 23rd birthday if
the child is a full-time student. Certification
of a child's student status is required
at age 19 and recertification is required
annually thereafter. Children who cease
to be eligible as dependents may continue
coverage on their own by paying the full
cost for up to 36 months under a federal
law referred to as COBRA. It is your
responsibility to notify Human Resources
if the dependent ceases to be a full-time
student or marries prior to the next recertification
period.
What happens to my insurance
in the event of a layoff, illness, or other
types of leave?
The health, dental,
and life plans may be continued during seasonal
layoff, illness, family and medical or educational
leaves without pay. If you are on paid leave
the insurance premium will be deducted from
the paycheck. Otherwise, it is your responsibility
to send in your premiums in a timely fashion.
Failure to pay a premium will result in
termination of the health, dental, and life
coverage until you return to work. Reenrollment
in some plans will be subject to evidence
of good health.
What happens to my insurance
during a period of personal leave without
pay?
If you are on a personal
leave without pay, you may continue coverage
for up to 6 months subject to your payment
of 100% of the premium, which includes the
employer contribution. It is your responsibility
to send in your premiums in a timely fashion.
Failure to pay the premium will result in
termination of the health, dental and life
coverage until you return to work. Reenrollment
in some plans will be subject to evidence
of good health.
What happens to my insurance
when I resign or my contract ends?
Persons leaving employment
at the University are entitled to continue
the health, and dental coverage for up to
18 months under a federal law referred to
as COBRA. Cost of coverage is borne fully
by the employee. Notice of the COBRA Continuation
Option is sent to employees by Human Resources
soon after their resignation or appointment
ending date.
Is there term life insurance
coverage available for my family and myself?
All eligible employees
automatically have employer-paid life insurance
equal to $50,000. You can elect to purchase
additional life insurance at your own cost.
Optional coverage for your spouse and/or
children is also available at your own cost.
Enrollment in the optional plans is guaranteed
within the first 30 days of employment;
thereafter evidence of good health is required.
For brochures or more information, contact
Human Resources.
Is there Accidental
Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
coverage available?
The University provides
accidental death and dismemberment coverage
for eligible employees at no charge. The
value of the policy is $50,000.
Does
the University make any contributions into
my retirement plan?
Yes, the University makes a contribution
equal to 6% of your base annual salary.
You can begin your contributions to the
pension plan immediately. However, there
is a one year waiting period before the
University makes their 6% contribution,
which may be waived under certain circumstances.
Where do I get information
regarding the pension plan?
You need to contact TIAA-CREF
directly. Their toll free number is 1-800-842-2776.
What tax-deferred savings
plans are available?
Tax deferred plans are
available through TIAA-CREF.
How do I report a change
in status such as a change of address or a
change in my dependents status?
Contact Human Resources
and your supervisor via memo or email. Human
Resources will notify payroll of the changes,
as well as updating your personnel file
and notifying the insurance and the retirement
plans.
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