Full-time and part-time (50-100%) CA staff with appointments of nine months or more are eligible for benefit and retirement programs as indicated below. CA staff with appointments of less than 50% or appointments of less than nine months are eligible for benefits on the same basis as similarly- situated TS Faculty. Each benefit is described briefly and more complete information regarding these programs is available from the Benefits Office. The provision of benefits is conditioned upon eligibility requirements, and in some cases, a written enrollment form is required.
OPTIONAL BENEFIT COVERAGE
The following programs are optional and new CA staff members have sixty days from the date of their appointment to enroll at the Benefits Office. Coverage can be retroactive to the initial appointment date for the health, dental and retirement plans, if enrollment occurs within 60 days of the initial appointment. If enrollment is not accomplished within sixty days of the initial appointment date, it is possible to enroll during an open enrollment period, or, in the case of Employee-Paid Life, by providing evidence of insurability .
HEALTH CARE BENEFITS
The University currently provides a monthly contribution toward health care coverage. If an additional premium is required, it will be deducted from the CA staff member's paycheck. The University does not make a contribution during periods when the staff member does not receive a check.
Health care coverage is available under a traditional plan or health maintenance organization (HMO). Coverage is currently provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network (HMO) or Physicians Health Plan (HMO) and coverage differs between the plans.
The health care plans offered through the University provide coverage for semi-private hospital room charges up to 365 days and additional hospital expenses, including intensive care, recovery room, anesthetics, etc. Surgical benefits, diagnostic x-ray and lab tests are provided whether performed in or out of the hospital. The plans provide coverage for prescription drugs and office calls subject to either a co-payment and or satisfaction of an annual deductible amount. Most other medically necessary out-of-pocket expenses are also covered subject to a deductible and co-payment. The Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO'S), Blue Care Network and Physician's Health Plan, are primarily available to employees who live in the service area. The HMO'S have no deductibles or claim forms; however, a co- payment is required for some services.
WAIVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
CA staff with health care coverage through another group health plan (e.g. health care coverage through their spouse or another employer) may elect to waive MSU'S health coverage in exchange for cash payment. The waiver period is July 1 through June 30 with payment to be received the following July.
DENTAL
Dental plan coverage is available under a traditional plan with Delta Dental or the dental maintenance organization Midwestern Dental Plans, Inc. (MDPI). Premiums are fully paid by the University for full-time CA staff. There may be a premium deduction for part-time staff depending on the percent of employment and the number of persons being covered.
The Delta Dental Plan covers 50% of the usual, customary, and reasonable cost of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, prosthodontics and orthodontic services. The plan provides an individual maximum of $600 per calendar year for covered charges. Orthodontic coverage is limited to those under 19 years of age and is subject to an individual lifetime maximum of $600.
Coverage for MDPI must be provided through one of the seven Midwestern participating centers. Benefits are provided with a fixed dollar co-pay. Some benefits, such as diagnostic, preventive, and minor restorative are covered at no cost to the member. There are no deductibles, annual maximums, or lifetime orthodontic maximums. Orthodontic services are covered for under age 19 with a $750 co-pay and for persons over age 19 with a $1,300 co-pay.
EMPLOYEE PAID LIFE
A decreasing term life insurance offered at nominal cost with eight plans to choose from for coverage in amounts up to $187,500 depending upon age and plan selected. Coverage may also be selected for eligible dependents.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D)
Coverage for accidental death, dismemberment, or loss of sight occurring at any time, whether in the course of business or pleasure is available in amounts up to $250,000. Optional family coverage is also offered.
RETIREMENT PLAN
The University provides a tax deferred base retirement plan. The program is funded by a 5% contribution from the base salary and matched by a University contribution of 10%. Participation in the program is initially optional but becomes mandatory at age 35 or older and after 24 continuous full-time equivalent (FTE) service months.
Additional employee contributions may be tax deferred to a supplemental retirement plan.
DEPENDENT CARE SPENDING ACCOUNT
CA staff may participate in the Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA) to meet their dependent care expenses such as care for a child, disabled spouse or dependent parent. The individual saves money by paying for dependent care expenses in pre-tax dollars. The CA staff member designates an amount of money (up to $5,000 per year) to be set aside from the paycheck. The money is deducted from gross pay before Federal, State, City and Social Security taxes are calculated. The CA staff member pays for actual expenses and requests reimbursement from their account.
AUTOMATIC BENEFIT COVERAGE
The following benefits coverage are provided at no cost. No application or enrollment materials are required. Coverage is automatic upon meeting the eligibility requirements, as indicated below:
TRAVEL ACCIDENT
The University immediately provides Travel Accident coverage for CA staff while traveling on University business both on and off campus. In the event of accidental death, dismemberment or loss of sight, a sum of up to $50,000 would be paid.
EXPANDED LIFE BENEFIT
The University provides immediate coverage for a life benefit equal to one year's base salary, up to a maximum of $50,000, payable upon death from any cause.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
Coverage is immediate for full-time CA staff with continuing appointments. The Long Term Disability program is designed to provide monthly income and retirement benefits if totally and continuously disabled.
The programs described in summary form above are described in booklets available from: Benefits Office, 140 Nisbet Building, 353-4434 or (outside the Lansing area), 1-800-353-4434.
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Index: NSCL Handbook