Your Benefits: A Quick Reference Guide

Transcription

1 Your Benefits: A Quick Reference Guide JANUARY 2009

2 Accessing Benefits Information on the RF Web site You can access your benefits information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by logging in to the Research Foundation Web site ( You ll find everything you need to know about your benefits including handbooks and forms, information about flexible spending accounts, health/vision/dental benefits, life insurance, retirement and more. Don t have a Web site User Account? If you don t yet have a user name and password to log in to the RF Web site, go to and access the New Users: Request a user name and password link in the Your RF Web site area of the homepage. Once you have a User Account 1. Go to and log in to the RF Web site with your user name ( address) and password. 2. Select the Your RF Employment link from the left navigation, and then choose Benefits from the drop down list. 3. Choose from the content under the Benefits for Regular Employees section. For assistance with accessing your benefits on the RF Web site, contact Customer Services at customerservices@rfsuny.org or (518) Disclaimer This Quick Reference Guide to your benefits is intended to provide general information about Research Foundation (RF) benefits and is not intended to serve as an official Plan Document or Summary Plan Description. If there is a conflict between this summary and any official plan document, the plan documents will prevail. For more detailed information about these plans, please refer to the following documents, all of which are available on the RF Web site or from your local campus benefits office: The RF Benefits Handbook and addenda Benefit Booklet for your PPO or HMO health plan Prescription Drug Benefit Handbook (PPO participants only) Delta Dental Plan Booklet Vision Care Plan Brochure Basic and Optional Life Insurance Certificate of Coverage (Prudential) Long-Term Disability Certificate of Coverage for Full-Time Employees (First Reliance Standard) Voluntary Short-Term Disability Enrollment Kit (First Reliance Standard) Flexible Benefits Plan Reference Guide Long Term Care Handbook

3 Your Benefits: A Quick Reference Guide Table of Contents Introduction Health Care Health Insurance 6 2 Dental Insurance 7 Vision Care Services 7 Disability/Income Protection Short-Term Disability New York State 10 Workers Compensation 10 Long-Term Disability 10 Voluntary Short-Term Disability 11 Long-Term Care 11 Life Insurance Basic Life Insurance 13 Optional Life Insurance 13 Dependent Life Insurance 14 Retirement Basic Retirement Plan 16 Optional Retirement Plan 16 Work/Life Benefits Paid Leave 19 Other Types of Leave 19 Flexible Spending Accounts 19 College Savings 20 Home/Auto Insurance Discount 20 Unemployment Benefits 21 International Travel International SOS 23 CIGNA MBA 23 CIGNA GHA 24 1

4 Introduction The Research Foundation (RF) offers you a comprehensive benefits package that is a valuable part of your total compensation. Please carefully review this Benefits Reference Guide to make decisions that best meet your needs. Our benefits package includes everything from health insurance and retirement income to a college savings program. This reference guide provides an overview of the benefits that are available to you. For a more complete description please refer to the Research Foundation Benefits Handbook. The Research Foundation Benefits Handbook can be accessed online at Just enter your username and password and follow this path from the navigation bar on the left side of the page: Your RF Employment > Benefits > Benefits Handbook and Summary. Who is eligible for benefits? Employees Eligibility for benefits is determined based on your appointment type (regular, summer-only or student) and whether you work full time or part time. A few benefits programs also take into account whether you are salaried or hourly; some require a minimum annual salary. A regular employee is an employee who is not a student, and who works throughout the year (not just in the summer). A full-time schedule is either 37.5 hours per week or 40 hours per week (as determined by the campus you work out of). A 50% of full-time schedule is 20 hours (if the campus full-time schedule is 40 hours) or hours (if the campus full-time schedule is 37.5 hours). If you are a regular employee... and you work... you are eligible for... waiting period a full-time schedule Long-term disability 1 year at least 50% of a Health insurance 42 days full-time schedule Dental and vision care insurance 6 months Voluntary short-term disability 28 days (note: you must earn at least $15,000) Long-term care 6 months Life insurance (with accidental death 6 months and dismemberment) Retirement 1 year Health care flexible spending account 6 months (note: you must be a salaried employee to be eligible for this benefit) less than 50% of a Unemployment insurance None full-time schedule Short Term Disability: New York State 28 days Workers Compensation None Optional retirement None Dependent care flexible spending None account (note: you must be a salaried employee to be eligible for this benefit) Dependents Your dependents may also be eligible for benefits. A dependent is a spouse, domestic partner or child up to the age of 19 (25 if a full-time student). Dependents are eligible for Health insurance Long-term care insurance 2 Dental and vision care insurance Dependent life insurance

5 Who pays for benefits? The RF pays the entire premium for some benefits on your behalf. For those plans in which you share a premium cost, the RF works hard to keep your share of the premium costs down. Benefit Plan RF Pays You Pay Dental Insurance 100% 0% Vision Care 100% 0% Workers Compensation 100% 0% Short-Term Disability: New York State 100% 0% Long-Term Disability 100% 0% Unemployment Insurance 100% 0% Life Insurance: Basic for you 100% 0% Retirement: Basic 100% 0% Health Insurance: for you 90% 10% Health Insurance: for your dependents 75% 25% Voluntary Short-Term Disability 0% 100% Long Term Care 0% 100% Life Insurance: Optional for you 0% 100% Life Insurance: Optional for your dependents 0% 100% Retirement: Optional 0% 100% Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 0% 100% Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts 0% 100% Deferred Compensation 0% 100% How do I enroll for benefits? Complete the forms shown below and return to your campus office that handles employee benefits. Forms are available on the RF Web site ( or from your campus Benefits Office. (See the inside front cover for more information about accessing benefits information online.) Enroll promptly to avoid limitations that may apply for late enrollment. Refer to the Research Foundation Benefits Handbook for late enrollment and special enrollment rules. Benefit Plan Health Insurance: for you Health Insurance: for your dependents Dental Insurance Vision Care Voluntary Short-Term Disability Long-Term Care Life Insurance: Basic for you Life Insurance: Optional for you Life Insurance: Optional for your dependents Retirement: Basic Retirement: Optional Forms Benefits Enrollment Form/HMO Form Benefits Enrollment Form/HMO Form Benefits Enrollment Form Benefits Enrollment Form Group Disability Enrollment Form Group Long Term Care Enrollment Form Benefits Enrollment Form Benefits Enrollment Form Dependent Term Life Enrollment Form None enrollment is automatic RF Salary Reduction Agreement + TIAA- CREF and/or Fidelity Application Form 3

6 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Flexible Spending Account Enrollment Form Flexible Spending Account Enrollment Form Where can I get more information about benefits? You may contact the providers directly. Benefit Provider Phone Web site Health - PPO Empire Blue Cross Health - PPO Medco Prescription Drug Health - HMO Aetna Health Health - HMO Excellus BC of Rochester Health - HMO Capital District/CDPHP Health - HMO Empire Blue Cross HMO Health - HMO HIP Health - HMO Excellus BC of Central NY Health - HMO Independent Health/IHA Health - HMO MVP Health - HMO Preferred Care Health - HMO Univera Healthcare Health - HMO Vytra Premium Network (HIP) Dental Insurance Delta Dental of New York Vision Care Davis Vision Short-Term First Reliance Standard Life Disability Workers Chubb Insurance Company Campus Compensation RF office Long-Term First Reliance Standard Life Disability Voluntary Short- First Reliance Standard Life Term Disability Long-Term Care CNA Password: trfsunyltc Life Insurance Prudential Life Insurance Retirement TIAA-CREF Retirement Fidelity Investments Flexible Spending FBMC Accounts Home/Auto Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance lm/rfsuny College Savings Vanguard / U Promise 877-NYSAVES International International SOS Travel International CIGNA Travel 4

7 S E C T I O N 1 Health Care 5

8 Health insurance is an important piece of the RF s benefits package. The RF provides several options for health coverage as well as dental and vision care. You can also enroll your spouse or domestic partner, and/or your children in health insurance coverage at low group rates. Health Insurance The RF provides hospital, medical and prescription drug benefits for you and your eligible dependents. A statewide/nationwide plan is insured by Empire Blue Cross, and is known as a PPO or Preferred Provider Organization plan. If you enroll in this plan, your prescription drug benefits will be provided by MEDCO. Local plans are also offered in different parts of the state, and are known as HMOs or Health Maintenance Organizations. Your campus benefits office can tell you which plans are offered in your area. Co-payments generally apply to prescription drugs and office visits, and sometimes to lab and x-ray tests. You are responsible for the co-payment at the time service is rendered. Who pays: The RF pays 90% of the cost for individual coverage and 75% of the cost of dependent coverage; however, the RF s contribution is limited to the amount it pays for the PPO Plan. You pay the balance through biweekly payroll deductions. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage begins on day 43 from the date you are hired or from your eligibility date. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. You will have a choice of individual, individual + spouse/domestic partner, individual + child(ren) or family coverage. You will need to list your covered dependents. How to obtain services: When you join a health plan you will receive an identification card and member handbook, with detailed information about your benefits. Each health plan has participating providers who agree to accept certain fees for their services. You must use a participating provider in order to receive the maximum benefits from each plan. The health plan you choose will tell you how to find out who the participating providers are. If you use a non-participating provider, your benefits will be reduced if you are in the PPO (refer to the Empire Blue Cross member handbook), or may not be covered at all if you are in an HMO. Where to get help: PPO Plan Empire Blue Cross MEDCO Prescription Drug Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Contact your campus Benefits Office. 6

9 Dental Insurance The RF provides a dental plan through Delta Dental for you and your eligible dependents that covers preventive services (exams and cleanings), basic services (fillings), major services (dentures and bridges) and orthodontics. The Delta Dental brochure you receive from your campus benefits office explains deductibles, how much is paid for each type of service and annual limits. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of individual and/or family coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: There is a waiting period for dental coverage. Type of service Preventive Basic/orthodontic Major and Prosthodontic Waiting Period 6 months from the date of hire or eligibility date 6 months from the date of hire or eligibility date 12 months from the date of hire or eligibility date How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. You will need to list your covered dependents. How to obtain services: Find out if your dentist participates with Delta Dental by asking or checking the Delta Dental Web site. The RF uses the Delta Dental Premiere and Delta Dental PPO networks. Participating providers will submit the claim directly to Delta Dental who will pay the dentist. You will pay any remaining balance. You do not need an identification card. Non-participating providers will submit a claim form (provided by you) to Delta Dental who will reimburse you according to the plan s benefits. You may have to pay for the services first. Where to get help: Delta Dental Vision Care The RF provides a vision care plan through Davis Vision for you and your eligible dependents. This plan covers the full cost of an eye examination, lenses and frames from the plan selection once in a 24-month period. Contact lenses are also available with a co-payment. If you use an out-of-network provider, you receive benefits based on a schedule. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of individual and/or family coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage begins six months from the date you are hired or from your eligibility date. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. You will need to list your covered dependents. How to obtain services: Obtaining services and your level of reimbursement is determined by whether you go to a Davis Vision provider. Participating provider - Schedule an appointment and the provider will verify your eligibility for services with Davis Vision. You do not need an identification card. Non-participating provider - You must pay the provider directly for all charges and then submit a claim for reimbursement to the Davis Vision Processing Unit. Benefits will be lower. Where to get help: Davis Vision

10 How to Continue Health, Dental and Vision Benefits Your campus benefits office can make arrangements for you to continue your health, dental and vision care benefits under the following circumstances. Refer to the Benefits Handbook for more complete information. During medical leave or family illness Continue your contributions for up to 12 weeks under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). No contribution is required for dental and vision. During military leave Continue your contributions for the first 12 weeks. After 12 weeks you pay the full health, dental and vision insurance premium (employee and RF share) for up to one year, then the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee for the next 12 months. While you are receiving disability income benefits While receiving Short-Term Disability or Workers Compensation benefits, continue your contributions for the period you are on the payroll and receive benefits. Once you are no longer on the payroll, benefits continue for the period of the disability. While receiving Long-Term Disability or Social Security disability benefits, your health, dental and vision care benefits will continue for up to one year with no contributions required from you. After employment ends and you are not disabled You continue to pay the full premium (employee and RF share) for health, dental and vision care benefits plus a 2% administrative fee for up to 18 months. If you die and your dependents had RF health care benefits Their benefits will continue for 6 months at no cost to them. If you qualified for retiree health benefits (see below), your dependents may continue health insurance by paying the full premium. If you retire after reaching age 55, with at least 10 years of full-time equivalent service Continue your RF contributions until you qualify for Medicare at age 65. You must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in order to continue secondary benefits from the RF. You may continue to pay for dental insurance with no age limitation. 8

11 S E C T I O N 2 Disability/Income Protection 9

12 The RF offers several benefits that support employees who cannot work because of disability or who need to be away from work due to a family or medical emergency. Short Term Disability: New York State Under New York State Law, the RF provides this off-the-job illness or injury coverage to all employees. You must first exhaust any sick leave benefits. After a seven calendar day waiting period, you receive 50 percent of your average salary for the eight weeks prior to disability, up to the maximum benefit established under the New York State Disability Benefits Law, currently $170 per week. You can receive benefits up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Your medical claims should be submitted to your health insurance plan. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost for this coverage. Who is eligible: All RF employees. Waiting period: If you were not eligible with a previous employer, coverage begins: Full time employees - after four consecutive weeks of service Part time employees - after 25 regular work days How to enroll: You are automatically enrolled in this benefit. How to file a claim: Contact your campus Benefits Office to obtain documents and information necessary to file your claim. Where to get help: First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co Workers Compensation Under New York State Law, the RF provides this on-the-job illness or injury coverage to all employees. You will receive income replacement benefits up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, but no more than the maximum benefit set by the New York Workers Compensation Board. Your medical expenses should be filed with the Workers Compensation carrier. Your income benefits will continue until your physician approves your return to work. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of this coverage. Who is eligible: All RF employees. Waiting period: Coverage begins the first day of active work. Income replacement benefits begin seven days after the day the disability begins. If the disability extends beyond 14 days, income replacement benefits will be paid retroactive to the first day of the disability. How to enroll: You are automatically enrolled in this benefit. How to file a claim: Contact your campus Benefits Office. Where to get help: Chubb Insurance Co Long-Term Disability 10 This benefit begins on the first day following 180 consecutive days of a certified total disability (or when full sick leave payments end, if later) and ensures a monthly income on a long-term basis. You will receive 60 percent of your regular monthly salary up to a maximum of $7,500 per month (this amount is offset by other income such as disability insurance, Workers Compensation and actual or estimated Social Security benefits).

13 Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of this coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage begins on the first day of the month following one year of full-time service. How to enroll: You are automatically enrolled in this coverage. How to file a claim: If your disability is expected to last beyond 180 days, the insurance carrier will send a claim package to you. You and your physician must complete the information and submit the claim to the carrier. Where to get help: First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co Voluntary Short- Term Disability The RF offers eligible employees the option to purchase additional short-term disability coverage beyond those provided by the New York State Disability Benefits Law (DBL). You may purchase additional short-term disability benefits to supplement New York State Disability. You may purchase a weekly benefit in $100 increments not to exceed the lesser of $1,250 or 60% of salary. Your benefit is offset by the benefits provided by New York State Disability (DBL), but the benefit will never be less than $25/week. You can receive benefits up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Who pays: The employee pays the full cost of this coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment and whose annual salary is at least $15,000. Waiting period: There is a 28-day waiting period before coverage begins. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and Voluntary Short-Term Disability Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. How to file a claim: Contact your campus Benefits Office to file a claim. Where to get help: First Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company Long-Term Care This insurance offers comprehensive, flexible benefits to help pay for the cost of long-term care services in a nursing home, at home and at other facilities for individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to an illness, accident or disability. You can enroll yourself, your spouse or domestic partner, and/or your parents and grandparents in long-term care insurance coverage at low group rates. Who Pays: The employee pays the full cost of this coverage. Who is eligible: A salaried employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage begins six months from the date you are hired or from your eligibility date. How to enroll: Complete a Long-Term Care Enrollment Form and return it to CNA or to your campus Benefits Office. The form is available from the CNA Web site below. How to file a claim: Contact the carrier (CNA) at the number provided in the informational material. Where to get help: CNA Password: trfsunyltc 11

14 S E C T I O N 3 Life Insurance 12

15 The RF provides you with Basic Life Insurance through the Prudential Life Insurance Company and allows you to purchase additional coverage for yourself under the Optional Life Insurance plan. You can also purchase life insurance coverage for your spouse or domestic partner, and/or your children at low group rates. Basic Life Insurance The RF provides Basic Life Insurance coverage for all benefits eligible employees as well as a matching Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit. If you became eligible You are insured for Before July 1, 1992 and have Three times your annual salary up to $50,000 not had a break in service On or after July 1, 1992 $10,000 The basic life insurance benefit reduces 10% each year starting at age 70 and continuing to age 74 when the reduction is 50%. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost for this coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage is automatic and effective six months after your date of hire or eligibility date. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. You ll need to designate a beneficiary. How to file a claim: In the event of your death, your family should contact your campus Benefits Office, which will provide assistance in the claims process. You should also contact the Benefits Office if you survive an accident that results in a serious injury covered by the plan. Where to get help Prudential Insurance Optional Life Insurance You can purchase additional life insurance equal to up to five times your annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, minus the Basic Life amount for a maximum combined benefit of $300,000. There is also a matching Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. The age benefit reduction is the same as for Basic Life. The cost of optional life insurance depends on the option chosen and the salary and age of the insured. Who pays: The employee pays the full cost for this coverage. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Waiting period: Coverage becomes effective six months after your date of hire or eligibility date. NOTE: If you delay enrollment beyond 60 days of your eligibility date you will be required to complete a statement of health and have it approved by the insurance company. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. You ll need to designate a beneficiary. How to file a claim: In the event of your death, your family should contact your campus Benefits Office, which will provide assistance in the claims process. You should also contact the Benefits Office if you survive an accident that results in a serious injury covered by the plan. Where to get help Prudential Insurance

16 Dependent Life Insurance You may purchase life insurance coverage for your spouse/domestic partner and/or your dependent children. There is also a matching Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. The cost of dependent life insurance depends on the coverage amount chosen. Spouse/partner: coverage amounts are: $10,000, $20,000, $40,000, $60,000, $80,000 or $100,000. Amounts of $10,000 and $20,000 are available on a guaranteed basis as long as your spouse/partner is not confined for medical care or treatment at home or elsewhere when the coverage goes into effect. Spouse/partner coverage cannot exceed the coverage amount you have for yourself. Children: Coverage amounts are $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, $8,000 or $10,000. One premium provides coverage for any number of eligible dependent children. All coverage amounts are offered on a guaranteed basis, as long as your dependent child is not confined for medical care or treatment at home or elsewhere when the coverage goes into effect. Who pays: The employee pays for this benefit. Who is eligible: An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment is eligible. The employee must be covered under Basic Life Insurance. Waiting period: Coverage becomes effective six months after your date of hire or eligibility date. How to enroll: Complete the Dependent Term Life Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. The employee is automatically designated as the beneficiary. How to file a claim: In the event of the death of a covered dependent, you should contact your campus Benefits Office, which will provide assistance in the claims process. Where to get help Prudential Insurance How to Continue Your Life Insurance Benefits Your campus Benefits Office can make arrangements for you to continue your life insurance benefits under the following circumstances. Refer to the Benefits Handbook for more complete information. During unpaid leave or family medical leave (FMLA) You can continue your Basic and Optional Life Insurance for the leave period if you pay the full premium. During military leave You can continue your Basic and Optional Life Insurance for up to a year if you pay the full premium. While you are receiving disability income benefits Your Basic Life Insurance will continue in effect throughout your disability, but the coverage amount is subject to reduction once you reach age 70 as described above. You can continue your Optional Life Insurance by paying the full premium, which is also subject to the age reduction. After retirement; or after your employment ends and you are not disabled Your coverage may be converted or portable to an individual policy. The matching Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit cannot be continued. If you die while your policy is in effect Life insurance proceeds will be paid to your named beneficiaries. 14

17 S E C T I O N 4 Retirement 15

18 The RF helps you prepare for a financially secure retirement by contributing a percentage based on your RF earnings to the basic retirement plan. Employees can also participate in an optional retirement plan and reduce taxable income. Basic Retirement Plan The RF provides eligible employees with bi-weekly contributions to a retirement account. The contribution amount you get depends on your date of hire (see the chart below). There are some exceptions for employees who have been rehired after a break in service. See the Benefits Handbook for details. The plan does not permit employee contributions. See Optional Retirement Plan below if you want to supplement your retirement income with payroll deductions. If you were hired Before January 1, 1981 On or after January 1, 1981 but before July 1, 1992 On or after July 1, 1992 but before July 1, 1994 On or after July 1, 1994 Then the RF contributes the following percentage of your annual calendar year earnings 12% of the first $16,500 and 15% of the excess 12% of all amounts 9% of the first $16,500 and 12% of the excess pre-tax 8% for the first 7 years of eligible service, and 10% thereafter of all amounts Who is eligible: A regular or summer non-student RF employee who works a minimum number of hours in the twelve months following each anniversary of their hire or eligibility date. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of this benefit. Waiting period: Contributions begin after you meet the first year of eligibility. The RF may waive this waiting period if you have enough prior service with another eligible employer (such as SUNY or a bona fide research organization). How to enroll and invest: Enrollment is automatic. You gain control of the funds (called vesting ) when contributions begin after the one-year waiting period. Contributions are invested in an age appropriate, diversified lifecycle fund. To change your investment allocations, contact TIAA-CREF. How to collect benefits: You need to notify your campus Benefits Office of your intent to retire, and contact TIAA-CREF for your distribution options. Where to get help: Contact your campus Benefits Office TIAA-CREF Optional Retirement Plan Eligible employees can supplement their Basic Retirement Plan savings with pre-tax bi-weekly contributions to a retirement annuity or account. The IRS places limits on how much you can put aside. See the Benefits Handbook for details. Who is eligible: Any regular or summer non-student RF employee on the RF payroll. Who pays: The employee pays for this benefit. Waiting period: None. Deductions begin on the payroll in which the enrollment form is processed by your campus Benefits Office. 16

19 How to enroll and invest: Complete an RF salary reduction agreement, available on the RF Web site or from your campus Benefits Office. Contributions will be invested in an age appropriate, diversified lifecycle fund. To select an alternative investment, request a TIAA-CREF or Fidelity application kit from your campus Benefits Office. If you already have had a deduction, you can change your allocation online via the TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Web sites. How to collect benefits: You need to contact TIAA-CREF and/or Fidelity for your distribution options. Where to get help: Contact your campus Benefits Office TIAA-CREF Fidelity How to Continue Retirement Benefits Your RF retirement contributions may be continued in certain cases. Refer to the Benefits Handbook for more complete information. During medical leave or family illness, if you supplement your income with paid leave The RF will make retirement contributions based on the amount you receive through payroll. You can choose whether or not you want to continue optional retirement deductions. During military leave Retirement contributions continue while you remain on the RF payroll (up to 30 days). Service for retirement purposes will be credited up to five years if you return to RF employment immediately after your military leave, and you return to the RF no later than five years after your leave begins. Basic retirement contributions, also up to five years, will be made on salary you would have earned if you were paid by the RF during that time. While you are receiving disability income benefits Your basic retirement contributions will continue as long as you remain on the RF payroll. You can choose whether or not you want to continue optional retirement deductions. The insurance carrier will contribute to your retirement account while you are receiving RF Long Term Disability benefits. After employment ends (and you are not disabled) Basic and optional retirement contributions end, with the exception of contributions on any final pay for unused vacation time. If you are eligible for retiree health insurance, the RF will make a retirement contribution based on your accrued sick leave, up to 200 days. If you die Your vested balance will be distributed to your named beneficiary. 17

20 S E C T I O N 5 Work/Life Benefits 18

21 The RF realizes that it s important for employees to have a healthy work-life balance, and offers a variety of leave options as well as money-saving benefits including flexible spending accounts, a college savings program and insurance discounts. Paid Leave The RF offers 12 paid holidays per year. In addition, eligible RF employees earn accruals for the following types of paid leave based on their date of hire, position classification and employment status: Vacation Employees may request to use vacation time after a six month waiting period. Sick Leave Employees may use sick leave for an illness, a doctor/dentist appointment or to care for an ill family member. Personal Leave Employees may use personal time for personal or family reasons other than illness. Who is eligible: In general, salaried regular employees working at least 50 percent of the time are eligible to receive paid leave. Employees working in student titles are not eligible to receive paid leave. Where to get more information: Refer to the RF Employee Handbook or contact your campus Human Resources Office for details on your individual eligibility and accrual rates. Other Types of Leave Jury Duty Employees who are called to jury duty will receive the necessary time off with full pay to fulfill this obligation. Military Leave Employees who are called to active military duty will be paid for up to 22 work days or 30 calendar days (whichever is greater) during any one calendar year or any continuous period of military service. You may use accrued time off after that period to supplement your income. Unpaid Leave You may be eligible for the following types of leave of absence: disability, child care and personal. Who is eligible: All RF employees are eligible for jury duty and military leave. Where to get more information: Refer to the RF Employee Handbook or contact your campus Human Resources Office for details on your individual eligibility and how to request leave. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) help you save money by allowing you to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Your contribution to an FSA will reduce your taxable income. Health Care FSA - RF employees may set aside up to $4,000 each year on a pre-tax basis to pay for health, dental, and vision care expenses that are not covered by insurance. Eligible expenses include deductibles, copays and over-the-counter medications. Dependent Care FSA - RF employees may set aside between $2,500 and $5,000 each year (depending on your tax filing status) on a pre-tax basis to pay for dependent care expenses. Eligible expenses include child day care, adult day care (if you're caring for an elderly parent), pre-school, and summer day camps. Who is eligible: Health Care FSA An employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Dependent Care FSA Salaried non-student employees. 19

22 Waiting period: Health Care FSA Deductions can start six months after your date of hire or eligibility date. Dependent Care FSA None. How to enroll: Complete the RF Benefits Enrollment Form and Flexible Spending Account Plan Enrollment Form and return it to your campus Benefits Office. Where to get more information: Contact your campus Benefits Office or FBMC College Savings Program RF employees may set aside up to $5,000 per year ($10,000 per year for a married couple) to pay for higher education expenses. Your contribution will be deductible from New York State gross income. No federal or state income tax will be applied to withdrawals made after 36 months. Who is eligible: Employees using payroll direct deposit. Who pays: The employee pays for this coverage. Waiting period: None. How to enroll: Contact your local campus Benefits Office. Where to get more information: Contact your campus Benefits Office or Vanguard 877-NYSAVES Auto and Homeowner s Insurance Discount Program RF employees enjoy a discount of up to 10% over standard rates for personal auto and homeowners insurance (including renter s insurance) with Liberty Mutual s Group Savings Plus program. Convenience fees for making payments in installments are waived when you sign up for scheduled electronic payments. Who is eligible: An RF employee working at least 50 percent of full-time on a regular appointment. Who pays: The employee pays for this coverage. Waiting period: None. How to enroll: Call Liberty Mutual directly and identify yourself as an RF employee (or provide them with the RF client number ). You can also enroll online, or in person at your local Liberty Mutual office. There are no payroll forms to complete. How to file a claim: Contact Liberty Mutual. Where to get help: Liberty Mutual Insurance

23 Unemployment Benefits New York State Unemployment Insurance The RF, through the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), provides unemployment insurance compensation for up to 26 weeks. The weekly benefit amount paid to you is based on your wages and a DOL formula. Benefits end when you are no longer unemployed or after 26 weeks have elapsed since the day you began receiving benefit payments, whichever occurs first. Who is eligible: Employees who involuntarily terminate employment with the RF. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of this benefit. Waiting period: There is a seven-day waiting period after you file your claim for unemployment insurance. The first week of unemployment is an unpaid waiting week. How to enroll: Enrollment is automatic. How to file a claim: You can file your your claim for unemployment insurance benefits online using the DOL Web site ( or by calling the Telephone Claims Center at for New York State residents (or for out of state residents).your campus Human Resources Office will provide you with a record of employment slip that includes your exact date of termination. Where to get help: New York State Department of Labor 21

24 S E C T I O N 6 International Travel 22

25 As SUNY and the RF reach out across the globe, international travel has become an increasingly common activity for RF employees. To support these important research, education and training activities, the RF provides blanket international travel assistance coverage, as well as emergency health insurance benefits, for all persons traveling overseas on official RF business. International SOS Assistance Provides Worldwide Emergency Assistance and Global Security Services for RF and SUNY employees traveling outside the country on official RF business. Services include: Emergency and routine medical advice and referrals Medical and emergency evacuation Lost document assistance Legal referrals Contact information for embassies Emergency messages to family members Emergency telephone translation services Who pays: The RF pays the full cost for this coverage. Who is eligible: An RF or SUNY employee traveling outside the country on official RF business. Your spouse/domestic partner, and/or your children are covered if they are traveling with you. Waiting period: Coverage becomes effective when international travel is scheduled. How to enroll: Contact your campus Benefits Office for an identification card and informational materials. How to obtain services: Contact International SOS using the information on the back of your identification card. Where to get help: International SOS CIGNA International Medical Benefits Abroad (MBA) Provides up-front payment guarantees to hospital and physicians worldwide for non-routine medical services. The service also makes direct payments, and guarantees of payments, to physicians, laboratories, clinics and urgent care centers, and recommendations to facilities of all types. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost for this coverage. Who is eligible: An RF or SUNY employee traveling outside the country on official RF business for fewer than 90 consecutive days. Your spouse/domestic partner, and/or your children are covered if they are traveling with you. Waiting period: Coverage becomes effective when international travel is scheduled. How to enroll: Contact your campus Benefits Office. How to obtain services: Contact CIGNA using the information in the informational materials. Where to get help: CIGNA

26 CIGNA Global Health Advantage (GHA) The coverage provides up-front payment guarantees to hospitals and physicians worldwide for RF employees traveling outside the country for more than 90 consecutive days or for a total of 180 or more days during a twelve-month period. The coverage also provides a comprehensive medical plan complete with routine medical coverage. Who pays: The RF pays the full cost of this coverage. Who is eligible: An RF employee traveling outside the country on RF official business for more than 90 consecutive days or for a total of 180 or more days during a twelve-month period. Your spouse/domestic partner, and/or your children are covered if they are enrolled. Waiting period: Coverage becomes effective when you enroll. How to enroll: Contact your campus Benefits Office. How to obtain services: Contact CIGNA using the information on the back of your identification card. Where to get help: CIGNA Enter Your Campus Benefits Office Contact Information Here 24

27 Printed on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer waste

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