Voluntary Dental Insurance

A. Coverage

The University provides a voluntary dental insurance plan that allows employees the opportunity to purchase dental coverage at a lower rate than they could get on their own. The University's plan covers diagnostic and preventive services at 100% in-network; basic services at 80% in-network; major services at 50% in-network after a 12-month waiting period; and orthodontic services (up to age 18) at 50% after a 12-month waiting period. This plan pays up to a maximum of $1,000 per person per calendar year.  In addition, this plan provides $750 in coverage for orthodontic care per person, but once this limit is reached it will not renew.  It is a lifetime limit.

B. Cost

Costs are based on the University's experience and are subject to annual change.

C. Enrollment

A full-time Employee is eligible for coverage on the 1st of the month following his/her official employment date. If he/she begins employment on the 1st of the month, then he/she is eligible immediately. If a part-time Employee becomes full-time, then he/she is eligible for coverage on the 1st of the month following the date that his/her status is changed to full-time. If the Employee begins full-time work on the 1st of the month, then he/she is eligible immediately.

It is the responsibility of the Employee to complete an enrollment application for the University's dental insurance plan no later than thirty-one (31) days after his/her employment date. If an Employee fails to comply with this requirement, he/she will have to wait to enroll until the next Open Enrollment period.

D. Dependant Coverage

The Employee has the option to enroll eligible family members, defined for this benefit's purpose as the Employee's spouse/same sex domestic partner and dependant children(until the end of the calendar year in which the child turns 23), into his/her dental plan. 

For same sex domestic parnters, certain tax implications are associated with these premiums.  Please refer to the Same-Sex Domestic Parnter Policy for the details or contact the Human Resource Services Office for additional information.

Section 125 Flexible Benefits Plan

A. Definition

Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allows Employees to convert taxable salary into non-taxable benefits. Employees may choose to pay for qualified benefits with "before tax dollars", rather than "after tax dollars", thereby, paying less in taxes and having more spendable income.

B. Coverage

The following benefits qualify for pre-tax treatment:

• Dependent Care Reimbursement - covers eligible dependent care expenses up to a limit of $5,000 annually;
• Group Dental Plan Premiums - covers premiums for dental coverage an Employee selects which requires a payroll deduction;
• Group Medical Premiums - covers premiums for health insurance coverage an Employee selects which requires a payroll deduction;
• Medical Reimbursement - covers eligible out of pocket medical expenses up to a limit of $5,000 annually;
• Short-Term Disability Plan Premiums - covers premiums for income protection for lost time due to accident and sickness.

C. Cost

Administrative fees paid entirely by the University.

D. Enrollment

A full-time Employee is eligible to participate beginning as early as his/her start date or the date the enrollment form is signed, whichever is later. In order to participate, an Employee must submit a completed enrollment application to the Department of Human Resource Services within thirty-one (31) days of the hire date.

Unless a qualifying condition is met, enrollment in this plan cannot be changed during the calendar year in which the election is made. The University has an open enrollment period each year. Current Employees must re-enroll in this plan every year during Open Enrollment. If an application is received during Open Enrollment, then the plan will be effective on January 1st of the next calendar year.

Pre-Paid Legal Care Plan

A. Coverage

The Pre-Paid Legal Care Plan provides a variety of legal services with the cost of the attorney fees fully covered by the Employee's monthly premium. There are no additional fees for those basic covered services. In addition to the basic services, other legal consultations and services are covered at a discount to the Employee.

B. Cost

Premiums are paid entirely by the Employee through payroll deduction.

C. Enrollment

A full-time Employee is eligible to enroll during two specified open enrollment periods. However, coverage does not begin until the Employee completes an application for enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement negates the Employee's eligibility to participate until the next Open Enrollment for this benefit occurs. Once enrolled, the Employee must remain in the plan for a period of no less than twelve (12) months.

Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability (Optional)

1. Coverage

This optional benefit provides income protection while the Employee is under a doctor's care and unable to work due to a covered accident or illness. NOTE: Approval for this optional benefit does require medical underwriting and is not guaranteed issue.
   
2. Cost

Paid entirely by the Employee.  This benefit is provided as part of the University's Section 125 Flexible Benefits program.  Premiums must be paid through pre-tax payroll deductions.

3. Enrollment

A full-time Employee is eligible to enroll on the 1st day of the month following his/her employment date.  However, coverage does not begin until the 1st of the month following receipt of the application for enrollment if you are approved for coverage.   A part-time Employee who becomes full-time is eligible on the 1st day of the month following the status change.

In order to enroll in this plan, the Employee must meet with the short term insurance representative (who is on campus each month) and must complete an application no later than thirty-one (31) days after his/her eligibility occurs and be approved for coverage.  Failure to comply with the application requirement negates the Employee's eligibility to participate until an open enrollment period takes place.  Open Enrollment occurs each year and during this period, changes in elections and enrollment may be made.  Such changes, if made, will be effective January 1st of the next calendar year.  Unless a qualifying condition is met, enrollment in this plan cannot be changed during the calendar year in which the election is made. 

Note - Certain references have been made concerning other contracts and benefits such as life insurance, short term disability insurance, medical insurance etc. These references are provided as general guidance and are not a replacement or supplement to the terms and provisions of the actual contracts or benefit referenced. For specific information concerning these policies please contact Human Resource Services for further information.

4/15/05