The information in this chapter is meant to be a summary of benefits for UVM staff members. In regard to insured benefits, actual plan provisions are contained in the individual insurance/subscriber certificates. In the case of discrepancies, the insurance/subscriber certificate will prevail. UVM reserves the right to amend, alter, or terminate all benefits herein described.
Unless noted otherwise, the following description of eligibility for employees and dependents will apply to all UVM benefits.
The following six groups of employees are eligible for UVM benefits:
| Benefit Groups Defined | ||
| Months of Year Worked | Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) | |
| Full-time | ||
| Group A | 12 months | 100% |
| Group B | 9, 10, 11 months (academic year) | 100% |
| Group C | 12 months | 75 - 99% |
| Part-time | ||
| Group D | 9, 10, 11 months (academic year) | 75 - 99% |
| Group E | 12 months | 50 - 74% |
| Group F | 9, 10, 11 months (academic year) | 50 - 74% |
For benefit eligibility, there is a difference between full-time and part-time employees.
For benefit eligibility purposes, a full-time staff member is employed in a regular capacity of at least 75% of a 12-month work year of 37-1/2 or 40 hours per week (Groups A and C) or in a regular capacity of 100% of an academic year of 9, 10, or 11 months for 37-1/2 or 40 hours per week (Group B).
A part-time staff member is employed in a regular capacity of 50 - 74% of a 12-month work year of 37-1/2 or 40 hours per week (Group E) or 50 - 99% of an academic year of 9, 10, or 11 months for 37-1/2 or 40 hours per week (Groups D and F).
Note: An employee is considered to be employed in a regular capacity if (1) the position is continuing, not temporary, (2) it appears on UVM's position inventory or is an approved hourly position included in the department's wage budget, and (3) a completed and approved position description exists. An employee is considered to be temporary when he or she is paid by electronic payroll systems for temporary employees, whether full-time or part-time, or by time sheets that are designated as temporary.
The terms and conditions of employment for postdoctoral fellows and trainees and for postdoctoral associates are not covered in this handbook.
Dependent Eligibility
UVM employees may wish to apply for benefits for their dependent spouse, civil union partner, or dependent children. In order to qualify, dependents must meet the eligibility conditions of the University medical, dental, and life insurers. The following summarizes those conditions:
Dependents are considered qualified dependents if they are the spouse, civil union partner, or dependent child of the employee. A spouse or civil union partner will qualify if (i) the marriage or civil union is valid in the jurisdiction in which it was solemnized, and (ii) the marriage or civil union does not violate Vermont law or the express public policy of the State of Vermont.
The University reserves the right to request from the employee, at the employee's expense, an opinion from a qualified attorney attesting to the validity of the marriage or civil union according to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was solemnized. The University further reserves the right to seek an independent verification of validity. The University also reserves the right to require proof of legal responsibility for dependent children.
The University will also extend benefits eligibility, for the first 3 months of employment, to the same-sex spousal equivalent of a new employee who comes to UVM from another state where civil unions are not legal. To retain spousal benefits, these employees must enter into a civil union under Vermont law within 3 months of employment.
A qualified dependent child is under 19 years of age and single, and:
Qualified dependent children are covered until the end of the month after their 19th birthday or their marriage, if earlier. Eligibility may be extended beyond an eligible child's 19th birthday to the 24th birthday as long as the child is otherwise eligible and a full-time student. In addition, eligibility is extended to a child with a disability which prevents the child from being able to obtain meaningful, gainful employment. The dependent must have been eligible for benefits prior to his/her 19th birthday and such disability must occur or exist on the date eligibility would normally end. Proof of such disability must be provided to the medical plan administrator or the insurer prior to the child's 19th birthday, or in any event, no later than 31 days following age 19. If approved, eligibility for such a child will be continued as long as the child lives with the employee.
- a natural child of an employee; or
- a legally adopted child of an employee; or
- a stepchild, foster child, or any other child for whom an employee has legal guardianship and who lives in the household of an employee in a parent/child relationship and is dependent upon the employee for support.
Adding a Dependent
New dependents are eligible for benefits on the first day of the monthh following the day they become your qualified dependent, provided you complete an enrollment form and agree to make the necessary contributions, if required. If for some reason you do not enroll within 30 days of the date your dependent becomes eligible, coverage will be delayed until the first day of July in the next enrollment year.
If a child is born or adopted while you are covered, the child will be automatically covered for up to 31 days after the date of birth or placement for adoption. Coverage beyond the 31-day period will be continued provided you enroll the child within 31 days of the date of birth or placement for adoption (and make the necessary contributions, if required). If you enroll within 32 to 60 days following the birth or placement for adoption, the child's membership and the new membership type will become effective on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment request. If you fail to enroll within 60 days, you must wait until the next open enrollment to do so. To prevent a lapse in coverage, Human Resources/Benefits should be immediately notified and you should complete an enrollment form after the child is born.
If a child is born to a covered child while the mother is insured as a dependent child, the birth will be covered and the child will be insured for 31 days after the date of birth. In order for such a grandchild to be covered beyond 31 days, you must adopt the child or be appointed legal guardian for the child.
An adopted child is eligible on the date the child is placed in your legal custody. You are considered to have custody when there is a legal document which places the child under your care and protection and the child is in your physical possession. A newborn adopted infant will not be considered to be in your physical possession until the infant is discharged from the hospital immediately following birth.
Change in the Number of Dependents or Your Marital Status
Please report immediately to the Benefits Office any changes in the number of your dependents when that change results in the loss of eligibility. Failure to do so within 60 days of the change will result in loss of COBRA rights for your former dependents.
If your marital status changes, or a civil union ends, report that change immediately to the Benefits Office. Failure to do so will result in the loss of COBRA rights.
In the case of a dependent child who no longer qualifies as a dependent, coverage will terminate at the end of the month on which she or he no longer qualifies for benefits.
In the case of divorce or dissolution of a civil union, coverage of your former spouse/civil union partner terminates on the first day of the month following the day your divorce becomes final or the first day of the month following the day on which the civil union partnership ends. Your spouse or civil union partner may be able to extend coverage at the group rate at his/her expense by exercising COBRA rights.
Change in Address or Name
Notify your department of any change in your name or address immediately after the change. Change your name or address through PeopleSoft Employee Self-Service or by emailing payroll@uvm.edu with the new address. You must notify your retirement plan, medical insurance, and dental insurance vendors of name or address changes directly. You can find vendor change of address forms in the Benefits Office or on the Benefits website.
Change in Your Employment Status
Any University-initiated temporary reduction (not exceeding 4 months) of your FTE will not affect your insurance coverage. However, vacation and medical leave will be based on your reduced FTE and retirement contributions will be based upon your reduced salary.
If you initiate a temporary reduction of your FTE and remain in benefit groups B or C, it will not affect your insurance coverage. However, vacation and medical leave will be based on your reduced FTE and retirement contributions will be based upon your reduced salary. If you move outside benefit groups B or C (except as described in the policy for Partial Leave for the Purpose of Caring for Members of the Immediate Family), your benefits will be reduced or terminated as appropriate with your benefit group and your length of service. Deductions will begin automatically unless you notify Human Resources/Benefits to discontinue your insurance. This cost is waived for reductions lasting less than 30 calendar days; however to maintain coverage, you must always make your own personal contributions.
Enrollment and Effective Date of Coverage
In order to enroll, you must complete and sign the appropriate applications and submit them to the UVM Benefits Office. Normally, you will be asked to enroll in all benefits except the retirement plan at the new employee orientation which is held on the first and third Monday of every month, usually in Room 427A, Waterman Building. If Monday is a holiday, it will be held on Tuesday following the holiday.
Your coverage will begin on the date you become eligible if you enroll and agree to pay the required premium within 15 days of your eligibility date. Otherwise, it will become effective on the first of the month following the date upon which the Benefits Office receives your application, provided it is received within 60 days of your eligibility date (30 days for MVP Health Plan, Northeast Delta Dental, life, and long-term disability insurance). If you do not apply within 60 days of your eligibility date (or 30 days for MVP Health Plan, Northeast Delta Dental, life and long-term disability insurance), you must do so during open enrollment for coverage to begin in the new plan year on July 1. Both life and disability insurance require proof of good health and the carrier's approval before your coverage can begin.
In the case of life insurance, if you wish to enroll after 31 days of employment, you must do so during Open Enrollment, and coverage is contingent upon providing proof of insurability to the life insurance carrier. In the case of long-term disability insurance, if you do not enroll within 31 days of your eligibility date, you may enroll later during Open Enrollment, but you will be required to show proof of insurability. You must be actively at work on the date you become eligible for coverage. Otherwise, coverage will not begin until you are actively working at UVM in an eligible position for at least 5 consecutive work days. In addition, if a special life event occurs, such as the birth of a child or a marriage, a special open enrollment occurs for long-term disability. Within 30 days of the special life event, employees who previously waived coverage or who elected a lower level of coverage may enroll without proof of insurability. A one-year preexisting condition exclusion will apply.
Coverage for eligible dependents will begin when your coverage begins if they meet the definition of dependent on that date unless, as is the case for life insurance in excess of $50,000, proof of insurability is required. If your dependent is hospitalized on the day coverage would begin, medical coverage will not begin until your dependent is discharged from the hospital. If they meet the definition of dependent after coverage begins, you must apply for coverage and agree to pay your share of the required premium for each dependent. You must apply for MVP Healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and/or Northeast Delta Dental coverage within 30 days of eligibility. If you do so, coverage will become effective on the date the dependent becomes eligible. Otherwise, coverage will not begin until the next plan year, which is the following July 1. With respect to the BCBS and MVP plans, there is one exception to the 30-day enrollment requirement. Newborn children will be covered for the first 30 days retroactively as long as the mother is covered on the date of delivery, even if the enrollment is more than 31 days from the date of birth. Enrollment must be done within 60 days of birth, or else the child cannot be added until the next open enrollment. However, if enrollment of the newborn isn't done as soon as possible after birth (within 30 days) claims for the child might initially be denied and if enrollment is after 31 days, coverage will not be effective until the first of the month following enrollment, resulting in a lapse of coverage between the 32nd day and the effective date of coverage.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Temporary employees including postdoctoral fellows, postdoctoral associates, graduate teaching fellows, graduate teaching assistants, and regular staff members who work less than 50% of full-time equivalency are not eligible for benefits other than those legally mandated, such as Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and Social Security. Benefits for postdoctoral fellows, postdoctoral trainees and associates are not covered in this handbook.
The conditions of employment for temporary employees or those working less than 50% of full-time equivalency are the following:
Summary of Benefit Costs for Regular Active Staff
This is a summary of the benefits for active employees, groups A-F, organized by benefit groups. See above for definitions of groups. UVM reserves the right to change, amend, or terminate these benefits at any time. In the event of a discrepancy between what appears in this handbook and the individual insurance subscriber certificate, the insurance subscriber certificate of a fully insured plan will govern. This includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
Effective Dates of Coverage
For non-represented staff members, non-represented faculty, and administrative officers, medical insurance coverage will begin the first day of benefits-eligible service.
Cost of Coverage
The University offers health insurance to employees who work 50% or more in groups A-F.
All full-time employees will be charged a percentage of the premium cost based on their base salary (see Medical & Dental Costs on the Benefits website)
Employees with 9, 10, or 11-month appointments will pay their share of year-round medical insurance premiums through their regularly scheduled paychecks. For example, a 9-month staff member will pay for 12-month coverage by deductions from his or her 18 annual paychecks. A 10-month staff member will pay for 12-month coverage by deductions from his or her 20 annual paychecks.
The salary will be the employee’s base salary as of January 1 of each year and will not be affected by salary changes during the year, unless you have a job or FTE change.
For College of Medicine employees paid by the common UVM/FAHC paymaster, base salary for the purpose of determining premium payments will be defined as the combined salary under the common paymaster. The Benefits office will charge such employees 30% of the premium cost unless notfied otherwise.
Part-time staff must pay the full cost of coverage during the first year of employment. After one year of employment, cost of coverage is shared in proportion to the employee’s FTE. If he or she is working at 60% FTE, the employee will pay 40% of the cost of coverage.
Part-time staff may waive coverage during the waiting period without affecting enrollment at the beginning of the semester after completion of one year in groups A-F.
As a condition of employment, all premium payments will be made through pretax dollars in accordance with the provisions of Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Service code. Exception: Premiums for coverage of parties to a civil union will be made in after-tax dollars in accordance with IRS regulations and guidelines and Vermont tax laws. In addition, the value of the University’s contribution for coverage will be considered taxable income to the employee for federal tax purposes (and for state tax purposes if the same sex spousal equivalent is not a party to a civil union).
There are three (3) medical insurance options offered to full-time employees as follows:
Reference to "you" includes you and your eligible dependents.
For a comparison of the two insurance options, BCBS and MVP, click here.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS)
If you elect BCBS, your plan is based on where you live. If you live in the network area, which includes the State of Vermont and western New Hampshire, you will enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Vermont Health Partnership. If you live outside the network area, you may elect to be covered under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Vermont Freedom Plan.
BCBS Vermont Health Partnership (VHP)
Under VHP, you will be required to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from a list of doctors who are members of the Vermont Health Partnership. Each individual may select a different PCP. You may seek medical care from either your PCP or any other network physician without a referral. You will pay $10 per visit to your PCP and $20 per visit to any other network physician.
You have the option of seeking medical treatment from a network hospital or physician (Preferred Benefits) or from a non-network hospital or physician (Standard Benefits). All hospitals in Vermont and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire belong to the network, but not all physicians in this same area belong to VHP. When you receive treatment from an out-of-network hospital or physician the plan covers 70% after a $500 deductible per covered family member ($1,000 family maximum). You will pay 30% until you have met a $2,500 out-of-pocket maximum ($5,000 family out-of-pocket maximum) after which you will be reimbursed 100%. The maximum lifetime out-of-network benefit is $1,000,000.
You may receive treatment from a network hospital or physician without getting referrals from your PCP and still receive Preferred Benefits. Instead of referrals, you need prior approval when you plan to have one of the 16 specific procedures or services listed below, whether treated by an in-network or out-of-network hospital or physicians. If you fail to get prior approval for a procedure on the list, you may receive standard benefits or be denied benefits regardless of the medical necessity of the procedure.
Emergency hospital care has a $50 co-pay per visit that is waived if followed by hospitalization. There is a co-pay of $250 for each hospitalization with a maximum of three co-pays per family per plan year. This co-pay is for an entire course of treatment; if one is readmitted to the same hospital for the same diagnosis or treatment after a discharge within 21 days, there is no additional co-pay. Out-patient surgical benefits have a co-pay of $100 and ambulance services have a co-pay of $50.
One advantage of the Blue Cross Plan is that you can go to any physician or acute care short-term general hospital worldwide. However, the plan will pay only reasonable and customary charges. If the provider does not participate in the local Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan and the charges are above reasonable and customary, you must pay the difference.
Mental health and substance abuse (MH/SA) treatment is provided through a network managed by Magellan Behavioral Health (MBH). As long as outpatient MH/SA treatment is pre-certified by MBH, you will be required to pay a co-payment of $20. If you receive out-of-network treatment for MH/SA, you must pay a $200 deductible and then the co-payment is 50%. The maximum benefit for self-referred MH/SA is $3,000 per year, subject to a $10,000 lifetime limit. Self-referred MH/SA claims do not apply to the out-of-pocket maximum. The self-referred MH/SA deductible is separate from all other plan deductibles.
Prescription drug coverage is provided through a pharmacy network managed by RESTAT under contract with BCBS. After a $100 per person / $300 per family deductible, the covered member pays $5 per generic prescription, $20 per preferred brand prescription or $40 per non-preferred brand ($5/20/40). An optional mail-order prescription drug program, Immediate Pharmaceutical Services (IPS), is available for people who use maintenance drugs. You may purchase a 90-day supply at a cost equal to two co-pays (i.e., $10/40/80). There is no deductible on mail-order prescriptions. Retail and mail-order prescription drug coverage will have a out-of-pocket maximum of $1,300 for individuals and $3,800 for family coverage.
Limited coverage for routine vision examinations is provided by Vision Services Plan (VSP). Those who identify themselves as a member of the BCBS Vermont Health Partnership are covered for one routine vision exam per year with a $20 co-payment. Lenses, frames, and contact lenses are not covered under this plan.
BCBS Vermont Freedom Plan (VFP)
The Vermont Freedom Plan (VFP) covers the same scope of services as the Vermont Health Partnership without naming or using a PCP. Under this plan, since there is no network of physicians available, you may use any physician for primary or specialty care without a referral. However, when you use a provider who contracts with their local Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan, you will receive better benefits. These providers are called Participating Providers. When using a Participating Provider, the plan will pay 90% of reasonable and customary charges after a $100 deductible ($300 per family). The out-of-pocket annual maximum is $1,100 per person plus prescription drug co-payments and the plan pays 100% thereafter. Otherwise, the plan will pay 70% after a $200 deductible.
In the event you require hospitalization or hospital-based, (i.e., outpatient) surgery, tests, or x-rays, you must obtain prior approval from BCBS. If you do not obtain prior approval, there is a $1,000 penalty.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse (MH/SA) benefits are the same as the VHP Plan, except instead of paying a $20 co-pay for approved care from a MBH network provider, you pay 10% of the provider's charge after a $100 deductible ($300 per family) and out-of-network benefits are not covered.
Prescription drug coverage is provided through a pharmacy network managed by RESTAT under contract with BCBS. After a $100 per person / $300 per family deductible, the covered member pays $5 per generic prescription, $20 per preferred brand prescription or $40 per non-preferred brand ($5/20/40). An optional mail-order prescription drug program, Immediate Pharmaceutical Services (IPS), is available for people who use maintenance drugs. After you have met the $100 deductible, you may purchase a 90-day supply at a cost equal to two co-pays (i.e., $10/40/80).
UVM offers MVP's Co-Plan 15 Health Plan.
Under the plan, you will be required to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who belongs to MVP. Each individual may select a different PCP. All medical care must either be directly provided by or referred by the PCP. Office visits such as well baby, periodic physicals, OBGYN, laboratory and testing services, outpatient surgery, mental health, physical therapy, chiropractic and such are $15 per visit. If you receive services from a physician who is not your PCP without a referral, there will be no coverage. Emergency hospital care is $50 per visit in-area that is waived if followed by hospitalization and no charge for out-of-area. There is a co-pay of $240 for each hospitalization. Out-patient surgery has a co-pay of 20% or $100, whichever is less.
After the $240 co-pay, hospital care is 100% covered with a PCP referral.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse (MH/SA) benefits are provided by MVP, although you must receive a prior referral from the MH/SA unit of MVP for all treatment. The co-payment is $15 per office visit.
Prescription drug coverage is provided through a $5/20/40 formulary drug card program which requires you to pay a deductible of $100. Once the deductible is met, you will pay $5 per generic prescription, $20 per preferred brand name drug if the prescribed medication is on the formulary, or $40 per non-preferred brand. If the prescription is not covered under the formulary, you must pay the entire cost of the prescription. You must seek prior approval for all non-formulary drugs unless the non-formulary drug is:
1. Medically necessary for the covered person; and
2. If a formulary drug is available, the drug;
a. Has not been effective in treating the covered
member; or
b. Causes or is reasonably expected to cause adverse
or harmful reactions.
One feature of MVP which may be attractive to parents with college age students is Expanded College Student Coverage providing up to $2,500 annually for out-of-area care including doctors visits, lab work, physical therapy and emergencies. Expenses over $2,500 must be approved by MVP or they will not be covered.
With MVP, you may not seek care from providers who are not MVP participating physicians. You are not free to choose your specialty care. Specialist services are covered only if they are first authorized by your PCP and MVP.
The State of Vermont has established the Catamout Health Plan for individuals who are not covered by their employer. A provision requires annual certification of coverage when an employee waives medical insurance coverage. Beginning July 1, 2007, if you elect to waive medical insurance coverage, you are required to complete an annual written certification form attesting that you are covered with two-person or family coverage by your spouse or civil union partner. Certification must be returned to the Benefits Office, 228 Waterman Building. Failure to provide annual certification will make you ineligible for the waiver payment described below.
UVM offers an annual $1,000 payment in lieu of medical coverage. This option is available to any full-time employee with two person or family coverage who certifies that they and their dependents are covered by non-UVM group medical insurance. This option is not available to employees whose spouses or civil union partners also work at UVM nor is it available to former employees retired from UVM with post-retirement benefits, or their spouses or civil union partners. Further, it is not available if you waive coverage for your eligible dependents but not for yourself.
The $1,000 is a payment, subject to withholding taxes, spread throughout the year based on the number of paychecks you receive during the year. All or part of the waiver payment can be converted to pretax dollars if you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account.
If you lose your other insurance coverage by an event outside your control, you are allowed back into a UVM medical coverage option. You will be entitled to only a prorated portion of the $1,000 based on the length of time (in whole months) your coverage was waived. If you waived coverage for yourself and your dependents, you may come back into the UVM plan if your spouse or civil union partner loses employment, or if you lose coverage because of divorce or your spouse or or civil union partner's death . You may not come back into a UVM plan simply because your spouse or civil union partner's employer increases premiums or decreases coverage until your next year's Open Enrollment period.
Termination of Coverage
Coverage will end on the date you terminate employment, i.e., your last day worked. If you are paid for accumulated vacation at termination, coverage will be extended one calendar day for each vacation day paid, up to a maximum of 30 days. When coverage terminates, you will be offered the option of extending coverage under COBRA.
Dependents' coverage will end when they no longer meet the definition of dependent under the plan. When coverage terminates, former dependents will be offered the option of extending coverage under COBRA.
Eligibility for Health Insurance During Educational/Professional Development Leave
If you are granted a paid leave for educational or professional development, there will be no change in your health insurance coverage.
Medical Leave
If you take a paid or unpaid full or partial medical leave, and if you were covered by health insurance through UVM before taking leave, UVM will continue to contribute toward your coverage up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Coverage will continue during medical leave as long as you contribute your portion of the cost. The University's contribution will be in the same proportion as it was before your medical leave.
Re-Employment
When you have three or more years of continuous service and are re-employed by UVM in another continuous regular position in groups A-F within two years of the original separation (except when terminated for cause) the waiting period for health insurance will be waived. See Conditions of Employment for special re-employment rights when your position has been terminated due to the University's financial difficulty, reorganization, or loss of restricted funds.
The University provides two dental insurance plans insured by Northeast Delta Dental: a Base Plan and a High Option Plan. UVM pays the entire cost of coverage for you and your dependents if you are employed in benefit groups A, B, or C for the Base Dental Plan. If you are employed in benefit groups D, E, or F, the cost of coverage is prorated between you and UVM with UVM's contribution corresponding to your FTE. If you select the High Option Plan you pay the cost difference between the Base and High Option Plan. The coverage is year round, so your term of employment does not affect the proportion you pay at any time.
All premiums are paid in pretax dollars as allowed under Section 125 of the IRS code. Exception: Premiums for coverage of civil union partners will be made in after-tax dollars in accordance with IRS regulations and guidelines.
Dental insurance is provided six months after the date of hire for employees in groups A, B, and C. It is offered to employees in groups D, E, and F twelve months after the date of hire. You may not purchase dental coverage individually before the end of the waiting period.
What Is Covered Under The Base Plan?
The base dental plan covers reasonable and customary charges incurred for medically necessary dental services and supplies when they are performed or prescribed by a licensed dentist. There is a $25 deductible per person or a maximum deductible of $75 per family each calendar year. After the deductible, preventive expenses will be paid at 100%, minor restorative expenses will be paid at 80%, and expenses for major restorative procedures such as bridgework and dentures are paid at 50%. The annual maximum dental coverage for individuals is $750. There is a lifetime maximum of $500 for orthodontics. The Dental Plan booklet, available from Human Resources/Benefits (228 Waterman or 656-3322), details the percentages paid for treatment.
What Is Covered Under The High Option Plan?
The High Option Plan is the same as the Base Plan except the deductible does not apply to Coverage A (see table); Coverage C is paid at 60%, not 50%; the Annual Limit is increased from $750 to $1500 and the Coverage D Lifetime Limit is increased from $500 to $1000.
The following table compares the two plans:
| Base Plan | High Option Plan | |
| Coverage A (Preventive) | 100% | 100% |
| Coverage B (Minor Restorative) | 80% | 80% |
| Coverage C (Major Restorative) | 50% | 60% |
| Deductible/person/calendar year | $25 | $25 |
| Deductible/family/calendar year | $75 | $75 |
| Deductible applied to Coverage A | Yes | No |
| Maximum/person/calendar year for service under A, B & C | $750 | $1,500 |
| Coverage D (orthodontics) | 50% | 50% |
| Orthodontics lifetime maximum per person | $500 | $1,000 |
Enrollment
Enrollment is not automatic. You must enroll within 30 days of your initial eligibility period or wait until the next Open Enrollment period in May of each year with coverage to become effective the following July 1. Dependents must be enrolled within 30 days of the initial eligibility. If they are not enrolled at this time, they may only be later enrolled during the annual Open Enrollment. Normally, full-time employees will enroll at the initial benefits orientation.
Coverage will end on the date you terminate employment, i.e. on the last day worked. If you are paid for accumulated vacation at termination, coverage will be extended one calendar day for each vacation day paid, up to a maximum of 30 days. When coverage terminates, you will be offered the option of extending coverage under COBRA.
Dependents' coverage will end when they no longer meet the definition of dependent under the plan. When coverage terminates, former dependents will be offered the option of extending coverage under COBRA.
To ensure proper coverage, when a dental fee is expected to be $300 or more, pretreatment authorization should be requested by your dentist before any of the work is begun. (Such pre-authorization is not required in an emergency. Do not hesitate to seek treatment in an emergency.)
Pretreatment authorization protects you. It allows you to learn if the dental procedure is covered by your insurance and how much will be paid by the plan, before committing to treatment. The pretreatment authorization form is the same as the regular claim form. It must be completed and sent to Northeast Delta Dental by your attending dentist. Once it has been reviewed and approved, copies explaining covered services and the dollar value of insurance coverage will be sent to your dentist.
You are eligible for Base dental coverage at retirement on the same basis as active employee. Currently, there is no cost for this coverage unless you work part-time. See Summary of Benefit Costs by Benefit Groups chart. The Optional Plan is also available to retirees. If Base Plan coverage or premium requirements change for active employees, they will also change for retirees.
Death
If you die while an active employee at UVM or while receiving disability benefits, the University will continue to pay for dental insurance on behalf of your surviving spouse or civil union partner and your dependent children for a period of one month for each month of service, up to 24 months. In addition, your spouse or civil union partner will be able to continue coverage under COBRA rights for the rest of a 36-month period from the date of your death or ending date of employment if sooner (see COBRA). If you are a part-time employee covered by the dental insurance plan at the time of death, your surviving spouse or civil union partner and dependent children are entitled to prorated premiums based on your FTE.
Educational/Professional Development Leave
If you are granted a paid leave for educational or professional development, there will be no change for your base dental insurance coverage. If you have the high option dental coverage, you must continue to pay your portion of the premium.
Medical Leave
If you take a paid or unpaid full or partial medical leave, and if you were covered by the dental insurance plan before taking leave, UVM will continue to contribute toward your coverage up to a maximum of 26 weeks. The University's contribution will be in the same proportion as it was before your medical leave. In order to continue high option dental coverage, you must continue to pay your portion of the premium.
Re-Employment
When you have three or more years of continuous service and are re-employed by UVM in another continuous regular position within two years of the original separation (except when terminated for cause), the waiting period for your dental insurance will be waived. See Conditions of Employment for special re-employment rights when your position has been terminated due to the University's financial difficulty, reorganization, or loss of restricted funds.
COBRA Rights as Applied to Medical and Dental Insurance and Medical Reimbursement Flexible Spending Accounts
UVM is subject to the requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). This law allows qualified beneficiaries to continue medical and dental insurance coverage if a qualifying event occurs. Coverage can continue for either 18 or 36 months depending upon the qualifying event. Those who choose to extend coverage may be charged up to 102% of the premium for that coverage. A qualified beneficiary is a spouse, civil union partner, or dependent child covered by UVM's medical or dental plan or an employee who loses medical or dental coverage due to termination or a reduction in hours. A qualifying event is any event that, prior to this law, would cause a qualified beneficiary to lose medical or dental coverage. Qualifying events include:
Coverage can be terminated prior to the 18 or 36 months under certain circumstances which include the date upon which:
Notification Requirement
Within 60 days of a qualifying event, qualified beneficiaries must inform Human Resources/Benefits (656-3322). Human Resources/Benefits will notify the qualified beneficiaries of their rights under the continued coverage provision within 14 days of receiving this information. Within 60 days of receiving this notice or on the date medical or dental care coverage would otherwise terminate, whichever is later, the qualified beneficiaries must notify Human Resources/Benefits of the decision to continue coverage. Payment of the first quarterly premium must be received by Human Resources/Benefits (228 Waterman) within 45 days of the decision to continue coverage.
All premiums are payable in advance. There will be a 30-day grace period for payment of premiums. If a premium payment other than the initial premium is not received before the expiration of the grace period, coverage will automatically terminate retroactively to the due date. Insurance which is so terminated may not be reinstated.
The Flexible Spending Account program allows you to reduce your earnings by a fixed amount determined by you each year. To be eligible for participation, you must be employed in at least a nine-month position of at least 50% FTE. You may reduce earnings up to $5,000 per year to pay for un-reimbursed medical/dental expenses, and up to $5,000 into an account to pay for dependent care. Your dependent care account may be used for child care, elder care, or the care of a disabled spouse or civil union partner. The money you set aside is placed in a Flexible Spending Account, designed to shelter some of your earnings in order to pay for certain medical and day care expenses tax-free.
The money you deposit in your Flexible Spending Account is not taxed. That could mean a substantial tax saving for you, reducing your costs for dependent care, dental, medical, or vision expenses. In the lowest tax bracket, for example, an estimated 25% of the deposited amount can be saved in taxes when you plan your account carefully. It is important to read the Flexible Spending Account booklet before signing a salary reduction agreement. The booklet is provided to you at Orientation or if requested during Open Enrollment in November.
There are restrictions to consider when setting up your Flexible Spending Account. Federal requirements state that dependent care expenses must be allocated as such when you start your Flexible Spending Account. You cannot subsequently shift them to medical expenses or vice versa. And if you are considering an account for dependent care expenses, it may eliminate your ability to use the dependent care tax credit when you file your federal income tax return. In some cases, the tax credit could be more valuable than a Flex Account. Review this with your tax advisor before you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account.
You must incur your expenses for services rendered in the tax year in which your Flexible Spending Account is established. If expenses are not incurred, the money in your account cannot be returned to you.
If your employment terminates or your employment status changes and you are no longer contributing to your medical reimbursement Flexible Spending Account, your account will be capped at the amount of your contributions and you will not be able to submit expenses which are incurred after your contributions cease unless you elect to exercise COBRA rights as applied to medical, dental and COBRA flexible spending accounts.
To request detailed information about a Flexible Spending Account, visit the Benefits website, or contact Human Resource Services at 656-3322 or 656-3323.
Group Life Insurance is currently provided by The Standard Insurance. If you are employed in benefit groups A, B, C, or D, the University offers several options for group term life insurance coverage. If you are employed in benefit group D, you must wait one year before you are eligible for the coverage.
When you enroll in the life insurance program, you name a beneficiary who will receive the payments on your death. This beneficiary is not affected by a last will or any changes in your marital status. Therefore, you should periodically review your beneficiary designation to be sure it is current.
There are several coverage options as follows
2. $50,000
If you would like the maximum tax-free insurance available under the law,
you may choose this option. UVM will pay for the first $17,000 of coverage
and you will pay for the remaining $33,000 of this coverage. Premiums for
this coverage are the same regardless of age. If you remain employed by UVM,
this coverage is reduced by 33% at age 65, 55% at age 70, and 70% at age
75, with a minimum benefit of $6,000. If you have a salary under $25,000,
you may choose this option, but use caution. Your health may change between
the time you choose your life insurance coverage and the time your salary
is more than $25,000. If this should happen, you may not qualify for increased
coverage options since good health must be proved to the insurer's satisfaction
or increased coverage will be denied.
3. 2 Times Annual Base Salary
If you elect coverage at 2 times annual base salary, UVM will pay for the
first $6,000 and 25% of the remainder, up to a total of $50,000. In addition
to contributing to a portion of the first $50,000 of coverage, you will pay
the full cost of all coverage over $50,000. Premiums for this coverage are
the same regardless of age. Note: The cost of the first $50,000 of coverage
is the same under this option as under the previous option.
4. 3 to 7 Times Annual Base Salary
If you elect coverage at 3,4,5,6, or 7 times annual base salary, the University
will contribute the same as if you had elected 2 times salary of coverage.
You will pay the amount you would have paid for 2 times salary plus the full
cost of all additional coverage based on an age rated premium.
All coverage for active employees includes accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits as well as disability waiver of premium coverage. This coverage corresponds to the amount of coverage elected and is not optional.
Under the AD&D provision, the coverage is doubled in the event of an accidental death. It is tripled in the event of an accidental death while a fare paying passenger in a public conveyance. In addition, should you lose 2 or more limbs or eyes as the result of an accidental injury, the plan will pay you the full insured amount. It pays half the insured amount in the event of the loss of one limb or eye as the result of an accidental injury.
Under the waiver of premium provision, the insurance carrier will waive premium payments for you after you have been totally disabled for at least 6 months and you provide proof satisfactory to The Standard Insurance that you satisfy the definition of disability in the policy.
Contact the Benefits Office at 656-3322 for current premium rates. These rates are subject to change. In addition, coverage will be reduced on the next January 1 following ages 65, 70, and 75 as follows:
| Age | % of under age 65 coverage |
| 65-69 | 67% |
| 70-74 | 45% |
| over 75 | 30% |
These life insurance options are based on annual straight-time earnings. Your coverage becomes effective on the date of employment or the date on which your enrollment application is complete, whichever is later. Optional coverage of up to two times salary must be elected within 31 days of employment, otherwise it is subject to proof of insurability. Coverage in excess of two times salary requires proof of insurability. Your coverage ends on the last day you work at the University.
If you have chosen a level of insurance that is less than the maximum coverage allowed, you may apply to increase the amount of your coverage at a later date. The insurance company will require you to furnish proof of insurability at your own expense if you change coverage at any time after 31 days of employment.
Insurance coverages for choices 2, 3 and 4 are adjusted annually to reflect salary increases or decreases and age changes on January 1.
When your full-time equivalency is reduced by your employer for a period of not more than four months, your life insurance coverage is not affected. If you request a temporary reduction (up to four months) of your FTE to as little as 75% of your full-time position, you will remain eligible for life insurance coverage. However, the amount of your coverage will be reduced based on your lower salary if such lower salary is in effect on January 1.
If you purchase optional life insurance through the University's group term life policy, you may be required to pay taxes on "imputed income" due to the favorable rates offered by the insurance carrier. Under federal law, the maximum amount of tax-free insurance provided by an employer is $50,000. The premium cost for the first $50,000 will automatically be converted to pretax dollars under a Section 125 premium conversion account.
To comply with federal requirements, the University must calculate imputed income on group-term life insurance on a monthly basis and automatically withhold the required taxes for affected employees. Taxes are withheld once each month.
If either of the following two conditions apply to you, the University will calculate and report "imputed income" and withhold taxes:
Spouse or Civil Union Partner Coverage
If you have elected more than $6,000 in coverage, you may also elect to insure your spouse or civil union partner. There are 2 spousal insurance options as follows:
Note: If you are eligible for coverage as an employee or retiree and your spouse or civil union partner is eligible for group life insurance, you cannot also be covered as a spouse or civil union partner.
Dependent Children Coverage
If you have dependent children you may also insure them in the amount of $10,000 each if you have elected the optional coverage for yourself. Coverage must be elected within 31 days of initial eligibility. Otherwise, proof of insurability is required. If this coverage is elected, all eligible children will be covered. Coverage for newborn children begins at age 14 days.
The cost of this coverage is $.26 per child per month as of 1/1/00 and is subject to change.
Life Insurance Coverage on Retirement or Disability
Upon retirement at UVM or in the case of an award of disability benefit, your life insurance coverage will be affected by the following conditions:
All dependent coverage will end at retirement. When you reach age 70, all life insurance ends.
Conversion to Individual Insurance Coverage
When your life insurance or your dependents' coverage is reduced or terminated, you may be able to convert the amount of group coverage being dropped to an individual policy. The cost is considerably higher, but you do not have to provide evidence of insurability if the conversion is made within 31 days of reduction or termination. Conversion forms are available from Human Resources/Benefits (228 Waterman).
Re-Employment
If your coverage ends because your employment terminates or you are no longer in an eligible class and you are rehired in an eligible class within one year of the date your employment ceases, you will become eligible for the coverage you had prior to termination.
Transitional Benefits for your Beneficiary
If you die while actively employed at UVM, the University will pay your estate for accrued and unused vacation up to two times the annual accrual rate or 44 days, whichever is less. In addition, a payment equal to 10 workdays' pay will be made to your estate along with your regular compensation.
There are two separate programs which protect you from loss of income as a result of a disability that prevents you from continuing to perform the duties of the position you hold. Short-term coverage is a University self-funded disability program providing benefits for the first six months of perceived total and permanent disability.
Long-term coverage is a group disability policy, insured by Standard Insurance, providing benefits beginning six months after the date of total or partial disability.
Neither plan covers disabilities lasting less than six months. Coverage from both plans is only for active employees and ceases when employment is terminated.
Generally, total and permanent disability from performing job duties is not a sudden event. A chronic condition may exist which exhausts your sick leave well before you would retire because of an award of disability benefits. Since both Social Security and long-term disability require up to six-month waiting periods before benefits begin, an employee seeking those benefits could go for several months without pay. To alleviate or avoid the problem, UVM provides short-term total permanent disability insurance coverage which complements other paid time-off benefits. However, there may be a period of time without pay if a disability determination occurs after paid medical leave runs out.
If you are employed in benefit groups A, B, or C, your coverage begins automatically
at no cost after four months of service. The plan provides an income for
up to 26 weeks if you retire due to an award of long-term disability benefits.
If you are not employed in these groups, you are not eligible for this plan.
To be considered totally and permanently disabled, you must qualify for disability
benefits under either the Social Security Administration or the Long Term
Disability Plan and you must be unable to perform any gainful employment
at the time Social Security or Group Long Term Disability payments become
effective.
This total and permanent disability insurance does not apply to partial or temporary disabilities. Absences caused by such disabilities may be covered by policies concerning accrued medical leave, family medical leave, vacation, and personal days.
Your 26 weeks of short-term disability benefits will be reduced by the amount of accrued vacation, personal days, compensatory time and medical leave you have which are paid to you at 100% of your gross straight-time salary. Also, the weekly benefit amount would be reduced by any amount you receive from Workers' Compensation.
The benefit period begins on the first day of absence caused by an illness or an injury that is eventually believed to totally and permanently disable you from performing your job. It extends for a maximum of 26 weeks. The amount of your benefit is based on the length of your service at the University as follows:
If there is a delay in the diagnosis of a total and permanent disability, you will receive payment retroactively at the time of determination. Payments will become effective on the day when all your compensatory time, personal days, accrued vacation and medical leave expires.
If you are approved for total and permanent disability benefits, you will be considered retired at the end of the 26-week period beginning on the disability date.
If you receive disability payments from UVM, you will remain, if participating, in the insurance and retirement programs and the University will pay the total premium for the duration of your disability payments. The benefit payment will be charged to your department budget unless yours is a grant-funded position.
A decision by the University to provide an employee with disability benefits
should not be construed as a determination that the employee has a disability
as defined by law, including, but not limited to, The Americans with Disabilities
Act.
Long-term disability insurance coverage is available to you and you must pay a part of the insurance premium to receive it. This coverage provides you with a monthly income six months after you become totally disabled or cannot perform essential duties of your normal University position due to illness, bodily injury, or other disabling circumstance. You may also qualify for partial disability payments when you are physically capable of working part-time. After 30 months of disability, you will continue to qualify for benefits only if you are unable to perform any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience due to sickness, bodily injury or other disabling circumstance.
Our group disability coverage is provided by an insurance policy with Standard Insurance. To participate, you must complete one year of regular UVM employment and be an employee in benefit groups A, B, or C. You may qualify for immediate participation in the UVM Group Disability plan if:
You may choose between two levels of benefits:
1. Basic Coverage
You may choose basic coverage for 60% of salary with a $10,000 monthly maximum.
This is financed by a 30% employee contribution and a 70% University contribution
to the total cost of coverage.
2. Optional Coverage
You may choose coverage for 70% of your salary with a monthly maximum of
$11,667. You will be required to pay the difference between this option and
the cost of basic coverage in addition to the premium as described previously.
Under the plan, monthly disability payments will be reduced by the amounts of your Workers' Compensation and family Social Security disability payments. The total amount of compensation from all sources will be 60-70% of your monthly salary, depending on the option you select. Your total monthly benefit will not exceed $10,000 or $11,667 depending on whether or not optional coverage is in effect. The insurance carrier monthly benefit will never be less than $100 or 10% of the benefit amount, whichever is greater, even if this amount may bring the total disability income to more than the guaranteed benefit.
Payments begin on the first of the month after you have been totally disabled for six months. After 42 months of continuous disability, monthly benefits will be increased 3% annually or by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) if lower.
If you become totally disabled before age 60, your disability payments will continue until your disability ceases or until you reach age 65, whichever is first. If your disability occurs after age 60 but before age 65, you will receive benefits until the disability ends, or for four and one-half (4 1/2) years from the date of disability. If your disability occurs after age 65 but before age 68 1/2, you will receive benefits until the disability ends or age 70, whichever is first. If your disability takes place after age 68-1/2, benefits will be paid for one (1) year.
Disability and Your Retirement Plan
You must be enrolled in the UVM Retirement Plan and eligible for UVM contributions before you become disabled to be eligible for retirement protection payments. If you have retirement protection, regardless of which option you choose [60% or 70%], the insurance carrier will automatically continue to pay into your retirement plan. The amount will be equal to 12% for staff and 13% for administrative officers of the rate of your monthly straight-time pay as of the date of your disability.
Beginning 42 months after the date of your disability, your retirement contributions will be increased by 3% annually or the CPI if less. Your retirement benefits may begin at your option once your disability benefits cease.
Special Note: If you are enrolled in the Prudential or Fidelity retirement plans on the date of your disability, you will be eligible to receive continuing retirement contributions. However, you will need to enroll in a TIAA/CREF annuity account.
Disability and Your Social Security Benefits
If you become disabled, you must apply for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and Medicare Parts A and B immediately. Medicare becomes effective after you have been receiving Social Security disability payments for 24 months.
If you are over 65 and become totally disabled, you must apply for Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare Parts A and B. The amount of your long-term disability payments will be reduced by Social Security whether applied for or not.
You are not required to apply for early retirement benefits (i.e., prior to age 65) from Social Security, and in fact, we would recommend that you do not. If you do apply for them, your disability benefits will be reduced in direct proportion to your Social Security benefits.
Insurance Benefits During Disability
When you are totally disabled and receive benefits from either the group long-term disability policy or Social Security disability, medical and dental insurance is paid by the University at the same rate as for active employees in benefit groups A, B, or C during the time disability benefits are received. UVM reserves the right to require additional proof of a qualifying disability.
Group life insurance premiums may qualify for the waiver of payment for insured employees who become totally and permanently disabled while working at UVM.
If you are in benefit groups D, E, or F and covered by UVM's insurance plans, your premiums will be paid by UVM on the same prorated basis as before the award of disability benefits. In order to qualify for benefits continuation, however, you must qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Coverage will continue under the same conditions as for part-time staff.
If you die while receiving disability benefits,your spouse or civil union partner and dependent children are covered by medical and dental insurance plans for one additional month beyond death for every month of service prior to receipt of disability benefits, up to 24 months. UVM will continue its contribution of the coverage in the same proportion as before death. Your surviving spouse or civil union partner must continue to pay his or her share of the premiums in order to continue coverage.
If you were eligible to retire with benefits on the day of disability, the dependents will be treated as if you had actually retired.
If you did not qualify for retirement, your eligible dependents may qualify for an extension of their medical and dental insurance by exercising their COBRA rights if death occurs within one year of your disability retirement.
Your Medical Insurance Coverage During Disability
Medical insurance continues until you and your dependents become eligible for Medicare. Coverage options will be the same options offered to active employees, except that MVP will not be available.
If you become eligible for Medicare while disabled, you must enroll in and pay for parts A and B, and UVM will provide the Medicare Carve-Out Plan as described for retirees. If one of your dependents becomes eligible for Medicare, he or she must enroll in parts A and B. The University will not reimburse you for the cost of Medicare Part B.
You will be required to pay a portion of the premium based on your post-retirement adjusted base salary. The post-retirement adjusted base salary is 75% of the average of the final three years base salary. Just as active employees do, you will pay from 4% to 24% of the premium depending on the post-retirement base salary.
This premium requirement continues after qualification for Medicare.
Group Life Insurance During Disability
If you receive benefits for a permanent and total disability, your life insurance may be continued at the face value in effect on the date of receipt of disability benefits if the insurer approves a waiver of premiums. Coverage will continue for life, or until your disability benefits cease. At age 65, however, the face value of your coverage is reduced by 33%, by 55% at age 70 and by 70% at age 75. Life insurance coverage will not be less than $6,000.
If you had dependent coverage at the time of receipt of disability benefits, premiums will be waived for their coverage if your premiums are waived.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage ends when you retire due to disability, no matter what your age.
The University of Vermont helps you plan for a secure retirement by offering a program to save and invest through the 403(b) retirement savings plan. You may begin your retirement savings plan immediately upon employment by contributing the minimum amount required by the plan and by choosing the kind of investment you would like to make. You must be employed at 75% FTE or greater for three years before UVM begins to contribute 10% of your base salary to your retirement savings plan and you must contribute at least 2% for staff and 3% for faculty of your base UVM salary to the plan at that time. Human Resources will send a reminder to you after three years of employment. University contributions will begin after three years as long as you enroll and contribute at least your minimum contribution of your base UVM salary to the plan. Your taxes will be deferred on your contributions. As soon as you begin making your contributions to the retirement plan, they are immediately vested. You own them and you have a non-forfeitable right to their current value, even if you decide to leave UVM before retirement.
The three-year waiting period will be waived if you have an active TIAA-CREF account or a vested interest in the retirement plan of your immediate past employer and that employer is a nonprofit or governmental employer.
When you retire, these contributions and any earnings may be withdrawn in cash (except TIAA's traditional annuity) or they may be used to purchase a guaranteed or variable annuity, no matter which investment option you choose.
After you retire or your employment terminates, if you opt to withdraw cash rather than an annuity prior to reaching age 59-1/2, it will be subject to IRS penalties.
Even if you are not yet eligible for University contributions, you may enroll at any time before you become eligible for UVM's contribution. The University's contribution will begin automatically in those instances at the time you become eligible.
If you fail to enroll when you first become eligible for University contributions, you may enroll at any time thereafter, but the University contribution will not be retroactive.
Beginning January 1, 2002, contribution limits to the retirement plan were simplified. Participants may contribute to the plan a dollar amount up to 100% of their compensation minus their benefit costs (e.g., FICA and Medicare taxes, health and dental deductions, etc.) to a limit of $15,000 in calendar year 2006.
The overall employer-employee contribution combined limit per year is $42,000 for 2006, not to exceed 100% of compensation minus benefit costs.
Participants aged 50 or older by December 31 may contribute an additional $5,000 to the plan in 2006.
If you come to the University from another nonprofit organization and you enroll in the University's retirement plan upon employment, contributions to a 403(b) plan through that other employer's plan during that initial calendar year will be combined with UVM's when determining your maximum contributions for that year. The sum of such contributions cannot exceed $15,000 in 2006 if you are 49 years of age or less or $20,000 in 2006 if your are 50 years of age or more, subject to change annually in accordance with IRS regulations.
The University offers a wide variety of investment alternatives which provide flexibility for risk, growth, or security. This is a summary of the main investment groups available.
TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Funds)
Contributions made to TIAA's Traditional Annuity purchase a definite amount of future retirement income. In the Traditional Annuity, the principal is guaranteed and TIAA will pay interest on that principal. The interest rate is variable and is declared several times a year. TIAA invests almost exclusively in fixed dollar obligations made up of a broadly diversified group of bonds and mortgages. On retirement, if you annuitize your account, TIAA issues a check on a regular schedule for as long as you live. The dollar amount is stable, and you will receive a dividend as it is declared from time to time.
CREF and TIAA Real Estate Portfolio offer several different variable annuities as investment alternatives. CREF and TIAA Real Estate Portfolio differ from TIAA Traditional Annuity in that they do not offer a guaranteed annuity, but are designed instead to provide equity, bond and real estate investments as alternatives. CREF contributions buy accumulation units that are shares of ownership in broadly diversified investment portfolios including Stock, Bond, Social Choice, Global Equities, Equity Index, Money Market, and TIAA Real Estate Portfolio each with its own investment objectives. The dividends and other earnings are reinvested to buy additional accumulation units. On retirement, you receive an amount equal to the current value of a certain number of annuity units. You may transfer previous contributions to CREF from your TIAA Traditional Annuity but you must only do so over a period of 10 years.
Group Supplemental Retirement Annuities (GSRA)
Contributions may be directed to either a Retirement Annuity (RA) or a Group
Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA).
The GSRA has the same investment alternatives as the RA, with three exceptions
Fidelity Group
- The Traditional Annuity under the GSRA is fully transferable within the Retirement Savings Plan, whereas, under the RA it can only be transferred over a 10-year period.
- The GSRA has a loan provision that will allow you to borrow up to 45% of the value of the account.
- The Traditional Annuity investment alternative pays 1% less in interest.
Fidelity Investments is currently among the largest managers of mutual funds in the country. Investors may choose from a wide variety of mutual funds, each with different strategies and corresponding results. Shares may be purchased in one or a combination of funds that invest in a diversified pool of securities. These range from very conservative U.S. government money market funds to highly speculative ones. In addition to its own funds, Fidelity offers a family of socially conscious mutual funds offered through the Calvert Group.
The Calvert Group (contributions administered through Fidelity) is a mutual fund manager offering funds ranging from money market accounts and government-backed securities to common stocks and corporate bonds as well as several socially and environmentally responsible investment opportunities which screen investments for social impact as well as for financial soundness. Social criteria include equal opportunity, environmental responsibility, occupational health and safety, and fair labor practices. The fund also avoids investments in weapons system manufacturers and nuclear power.
Prudential’s MEDLEY Program is a combination of a fixed annuity, several equity funds, and a money market account. The fixed annuity guarantees principal and provides a lifetime income after retirement. Its equity funds are somewhat riskier, and the money market account does not guarantee any particular rate of return. Any percentage of an employee’s total annual contribution may be invested in one or more of the MEDLEY programs.
As with the GSRA offered by TIAA-CREF, Prudential offers a loan provision. However, only your contributions and the earnings on those contributions are eligible to be borrowed against.
Enrollment in the UVM Retirement Savings Plan is voluntary and can be done at any time. Each month, a special retirement plan orientation is held. During this orientation, the enrollment options are explained and you will be provided assistance in enrolling in the plan. The orientation is normally held in the Waterman Building from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Please call 656-3322 to get the date and location of this month's meeting.
It is your responsibility to contact Human Resources/Benefits to actually enroll in the plan. To enroll, you decide the amount you wish to defer for tax purposes and choose how the contributions will be invested. A beneficiary must be chosen to receive the value of your account if you die. If you decide to enroll in the plan after your third-year anniversary has passed (or your employment date if you qualify for waiver of the waiting period), UVM will contribute 10% of your straight-time salary to the plan beginning with the next payroll following receipt of your enrollment forms. UVM's contributions are not retroactive.
From time to time, Human Resources/Benefits organizes a seminar entitled "Planning for a Secure Retirement." Those 50 and older are invited to attend. This program is designed for people who are within 10 years of retirement in an effort to encourage them to plan for retirement in advance. The seminar generally takes place in the fall.
You are eligible to join the plan by contributing at least 2% of your gross base or straight-time pay per month for staff employees and 3% of gross base or straight-time pay per month for faculty.
To receive University contributions to the plan, you must have at least three years of continuous, regular employment in benefit groups A, B, C, or D (or qualify for a waiver of the waiting period as described below). Human Resources/Benefits will mail a reminder to you on completion of three years of qualifying service.
If you come to work at UVM from a nonprofit employer and you have a vested interest in that employer's retirement plan (that is, you are entitled to receive money from that plan), or if you have a TIAA/CREF Retirement Annuity contract, the three-year waiting period may be waived. It may also be waived if you are a former UVM employee who terminated with three or more years of continuous regular employment in benefit groups A, B, C, or D and are re-employed by UVM in a continuous regular position in one of these same benefit groups within two years after the original termination. (This does not apply if you had been terminated for cause.)
If you are participating in the plan and voluntarily reduce your full-time equivalency so that you no longer qualify for benefits groups A, B, C, or D, you cease to be eligible for University contributions, but you may continue to participate in the plan on a voluntary basis.
If your full-time equivalency is involuntarily reduced for a period of four months or less, UVM contributions will continue. If you are involuntarily terminated (except for terminations for cause) and return within two years, you will be credited with prior service toward the waiting period. (See also Partial Leave for the Purpose of Caring for Members of the Immediate Family).
Restrictions to the Retirement Plan
There are certain restrictions to the UVM Retirement Plan. Once the University has begun to make contributions toward your fund, you may not reduce your own contributions below the 2% for staff and 3% for faculty level unless such contributions exceed your annual maximum. You cannot drop out of the program after University contributions have begun. Further, UVM contributions toward your retirement plan cannot be withdrawn while you are an employee here, nor can you borrow against them. Withdrawal of your own personal contributions is subject to IRS restrictions and penalties. In the case of severe financial hardship, your contribution (not UVM's) may be withdrawn prior to reaching age 59-1/2. You will be required to pay the IRS a 10% tax penalty and 20% of your funds will be withheld for estimated income tax purposes.
Currently you can borrow from your contributions (not UVM's) if your retirement plan is invested with Prudential or TIAA's GSRA. For details and current rates, contact each company. TIAA can be reached at 1-800-842-2776 and Prudential can be reached at 1-800-458-6333.
Tax-Deferral
You may defer taxes on your contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan by signing a "Salary Reduction/Investment Agreement" in which you agree to have your pay reduced by the amount you contribute to the plan. This option is valuable because salary after the reduction determines the amount of federal and state income taxes you pay. Other benefits like life insurance, disability insurance and Social Security are calculated on full base pay and are not reduced, no matter how much is contributed to the retirement plan. You may increase or decrease your retirement plan contribution as often as you wish as long as it goes no lower than 2% for staff and 3% for faculty and does not exceed your annual contribution limits.
When you retire, you may select from a wide range of distribution options with payment plans that suit your personal needs. A joint life annuity, for example, guarantees income for you and your spouse or civil union partner for as long as you or your spouse or civil union partner live. A single life annuity guarantees a lifetime income for you alone. Or you can elect a periodic distribution plan in which you ask the company with your retirement plan account to distribute a certain amount periodically. These options are not chosen until you retire.
Termination
Your contributions and UVM's contributions are immediately owned by you, even if you leave UVM. Upon termination of employment, you may choose to cash in your account or roll over the proceeds, tax-free, to an IRA. If you allow the account to remain inactive you will not be able to add new funds to it unless it is a TIAA-CREF IRA and you become employed by another educational employer who participates with TIAA-CREF but you will still participate in any investment gains or losses and continue to transfer among funds as long as you remain a participant. UVM's contributions stop on your termination date. Under current rules, if cash withdrawal is done before age 59-1/2, in addition to income taxes, the IRS assesses a 10% tax penalty.
Military Service
Former employees who return to UVM after leaving to fulfill their military service requirement as defined by the Veterans' Re-employment Rights Act, and who maintained their vested interest in their UVM Retirement Savings Plan during their absence may, after one year of re-employment, regain the amount of retirement money the University would have contributed on their behalf during their obligated military service. After one year of re-employment, you must contribute the minimum required percentage of gross straight-time pay at the time of separation, for the period of obligated service as defined by the Veteran's Re-employment Rights Act. You will then receive UVM's contribution for the period of your absence, based on your pay at the time of separation. Eligibility requires that your absence and re-employment meet UVM's military leave policy and the provisions of the Veterans' Re-employment Rights Act.
Re-Employment Rights
When you have three or more years of continuous service and are re-employed by UVM in another continuous regular position within two years of the original separation (except when terminated for cause), the waiting period for your University retirement plan contributions will be waived.
In addition, if you were involuntarily terminated (not for cause) due to University financial difficulty, reorganization, or loss of restricted funds, and return within two years, your former length of service will be credited toward your waiting period. See Re-employment Rights.The University offers a voluntary employee funded Deferred Compensation Plan [457(b)] to employees who have contributed the maximum under the University’s Retirement Savings Plan [403(b)].
Under the 403(b) Plan, there is an annual maximum contribution limit of $12,000 in 2003. Employees who attain age 50 by 12/31/03 are allowed to make an additional contribution of $2,000 in 2003. Each of these limits will increase by $1,000 per year until they reach $15,000 and $5,000, respectively, in 2006.
The 457 (b) Plan employee annual maximum contribution limit is $12,000. This limit increases by $1,000 per year until it reaches $15,000 in 2006. There is a catch-up provision in 457(b) Plan. Under the catch-up, employees who are within 3 years of their employer’s normal retirement age may contribute a catch-up amount equal to the annual limit. The Plan’s normal retirement age is 65. Thus, employee’s age 63 through 65 may contribute a total of $24,000 to the 457(b) Plan in addition to $12,000 under the 403(b) Plan. This catch-up amount will increase by $1,000 per year until it reaches $15,000 in 2006. Thus, in 2006, employees between 63-65 may contribute a total of $20,000 under the 403(b) Plan and an additional $30,000 under the 457 Plan, for a total of $50,000.
The investment options under the 457 Plan are the same as those available under the 403(b) Plan.
In order to enroll, employees must first agree to contribute the maximum to the 403(b) Plan, either totally through UVM or in combination with contributions through another employer (e.g., Fletcher Allen Health Care).
UVM insures you for accidental bodily injuries, occupational illnesses, and work time lost as a result of these occurrences while you are performing assigned job duties. Workers' Compensation is governed by state law which supersedes any University policies.
Accident Reports
Any injury, no matter how insignificant, must be reported to your immediate supervisor. You and your supervisor will complete a "First Report of Injury" form which is available from Risk Management, 656-3242. This form must be returned to Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident. Call Risk Management if you have any problem completing the form. All reports must be submitted by Risk Management to the State within 72 hours of the injury.
Medical Expenses
If you must pay for medical expenses due to a job-related injury or illness, submit your bills and receipts to Risk Management. Medical expenses for job-related accidents should not be submitted to the medical insurance plan.
Temporary Disability Payments
If you lose work as a result of an injury or illness due to a job-related accident, you will receive payments according to a schedule set by state regulations.
Workers' Compensation payments will be paid at a rate equal to two-thirds of your average weekly earnings for the 12 weeks before the date of your disability, subject to the minimum and maximum allowable by law. You will receive an additional amount, also defined by law, for each dependent under age 21. You can request information regarding the amount of disability payments from Risk Management.
Payments will be made for time lost in excess of three days. If you are disabled for four to ten consecutive days, you will receive payment calculated from the third day of disability. If your disability extends beyond ten days, you will receive payment calculated from the first day of disability.
When Workers' Compensation pays for time lost and a waiting period applies, you will not be charged medical leave for the waiting period. The University pays wages for time lost during the waiting period.
Medical Leave
You may choose to be paid from either your accrued medical leave or you may receive Workers' Compensation disability payments during absences caused by a work-related accident or illness. Only one option may be chosen. If you receive Workers' Compensation payments directly, you will not accrue additional vacation or medical leave from the University, nor will you receive UVM contributions to the retirement plan if enrolled.
If you decide to be paid from medical leave, you will receive full pay for the period of available medical leave. Workers' Compensation insurance payments to you under this option must be endorsed to UVM and deposited to the appropriate departmental account. After deposit of the insurance check, you receive a credit of the time equivalent of the insurance payment to your medical leave (the total insurance dollars divided by hourly rate equals equivalent hours of medical leave). If you are receiving short-term disability payments from UVM, the amount of short-term disability will be reduced by the amount of Workers' Compensation received.
Follow-Up Appointments
Once you have returned to work after an injury or illness that was covered by Workers' Compensation, any follow-up visits to a doctor required by that injury are not charged to your accumulated medical leave. As with other Workers' Compensation claims, any bills must be submitted to Risk Management where they are forwarded to the Workers' Compensation insurer for payment. If your claim is refused by Workers' Compensation, your medical leave will be charged for the absence retroactively.
Unless there is an emergency, notify your supervisor of a medical appointment as far in advance as you can. Make your appointment toward the beginning or end of the day since your absence may not exceed a half day. Return to work directly after your appointment and provide your supervisor with written evidence of the time and place of your appointment.
UVM is a covered employer under the Vermont Unemployment Compensation Law. To draw unemployment compensation benefits, you must meet state eligibility requirements and serve any disqualification periods.
Unemployment Compensation is governed by federal and state law which supersedes any University policies. Request information and applications for benefits from:
The following rules are in accordance with federal and Vermont law. They are subject to revisions in federal and state law and are not all-inclusive.
Required Conditions
You must have worked in any covered employment and have earned at least $1,000 in any calendar quarter of the base period, and have earned at least 40% of the high quarter amount in the remainder of the base period. For additional information, contact the Vermont Department of Employment and Training.
Other Conditions
As an unemployed person, you must:
Qualifications and Disqualifications
Any employee who loses a job through circumstances beyond his or her control, such as layoff, reduction in force, grant termination, non-reappointment, non-adaptability, etc., and who is otherwise eligible, may be entitled to unemployment benefits.
Termination for cause or misconduct connected with work may disqualify a claimant for benefits for a period of 6 to 12 weeks, as determined by the state, depending on the issue.
Voluntary resignation or termination for gross misconduct connected with work disqualifies a claimant for benefits until he or she has purged the disqualification by earning a total of six times the weekly benefit amount with a bona fide employer and is then laid off by that employer.
Any employee who leaves work because of a health condition, as certified by a physician, will be disqualified for benefits for a period of one to six weeks.
Benefits
Any qualifying person may draw a weekly benefit amount computed by dividing the total wages paid in the two highest base period quarters by 45, subject to a maximum weekly amount as established by State law. The benefits may be drawn for a maximum amount of 26 weeks except during times of high unemployment when the maximum number of weeks may be extended.
Funding of Unemployment Compensation
Unlike most employers who pay payroll taxes into the Unemployment Trust Fund, UVM pays unemployment compensation by direct reimbursement, dollar for dollar. This means benefits paid to former employees are billed directly to UVM by the State of Vermont. Since these costs affect fringe benefit rates, benefits are paid only in genuine cases of unemployment and are not considered as severance or termination payments.
Federal law governs Social Security and supersedes any UVM policies. For details of any changes in the law, information, answers to questions, and applications for benefits, contact your local Social Security office. The Burlington office is located at:
The following is a description of some of the benefits provided by Social Security:
Retirement Benefits
If you were born before 1938, you will be eligible for your full Social Security benefit at the age of 65. However, beginning in the year 2000, the age at which full benefits are payable has increased in gradual steps from 65 to 67. This affects people born in 1938 and later. For example, if you were born in 1940, your full retirement age is 65 and 6 months. If you were born in 1950, your full retirement age is 66. Anybody born in 1960 or later will be eligible for full retirement benefits at 67.
No matter what your "full" retirement age is, you may start receiving benefits as early as 62. However, if you start your benefits early, they are reduced five-ninths of one percent for each month before your "full" retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 65 and you sign up for Social Security when you're 64, you will receive 93 1/3% of your full benefit. At 62, you would get 80%. (Note: The reduction will be greater in future years as the full retirement age increases.)
Note: There are disadvantages and advantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The disadvantage is that your benefit is permanently reduced. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. Each person's situation is different, so make sure you check with Social Security before you decide to retire.
Survivor Benefits
Monthly income payments may be provided to survivors of deceased UVM employees. Application should be made promptly to Social Security since it can take several months before payments begin. A lump sum payment of $255 toward funeral expenses is provided to the eligible surviving spouse.
Disability Benefits
If you become totally and permanently disabled, or if your disability is so severe as to prevent you from substantial work and is likely to continue for at least 12 months, or if it may result in death, you may begin receiving Social Security benefits six months after the disability occurs. You must have worked under Social Security long enough and recently enough to be eligible. Application for disability benefits may be made to the Social Security Administration. Payments may also be available to your dependents on the same basis as the retiree.
Medicare
Medicare is a two-part health program for retired people over age 65 and people under 65 who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for two years or people who have end-stage renal disease.
| Part A: | Hospital Insurance at no charge. |
| Part B: | Medical Insurance. For current premium rates as defined by Social Security legislation, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or Human Resources/Benefits at 656-3322. |
To Enroll in Medicare
Once you are eligible, you must enroll in Medicare through a local Social Security office. The enrollment period lasts from three months before the month of your 65th birthday to three months after the month of your 65th birthday. You'll have to wait until the next general enrollment period, January to March, if you miss your regular enrollment. In addition, you'll be assessed a 10% penalty for each year after your original eligibility date. Coverage becomes effective on July 1 following general enrollment. Any active employee or a dependent of an active employee who qualifies for Medicare should enroll in Part A immediately upon attaining eligibility. The enrollment period is extended and penalties are waived for people who are Medicare-eligible but are covered under a large group medical plan as an active employee, or a dependent of an active employee until the employee retires.
Federal law governs Social Security and supersedes any UVM policies and is subject to change. For details of changes, information, answers to questions, and applications for benefits, contact your local Social Security Office. The Burlington Office is located at 56 Pearl Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401, telephone toll free at 1-800-772-1213.
You are covered by blanket bond protection, general liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance while working. The University shall provide its officers and employees a legal defense, and pay costs, judgments or settlement expenses incurred in connection with the defense or resolution of external civil actions filed against such persons in connection with their performance of University duties, provided that all eligibility criteria established by the University are otherwise met. Please contact Risk Management for a copy of the Officer and Employee Indemnification Policy.
If you are involved in an accident while operating a personally owned vehicle or a vehicle leased in your name, liability protection will be governed by your automobile insurance coverage, not by UVM's. If you are involved in an accident while operating a vehicle owned or leased in the name of the University, you must report the accident to your supervisor immediately who must then report it to Risk Management (656-3242) and Police Services (656-3473). You should not operate UVM owned or leased vehicles for personal use. If you are in an accident while using a UVM vehicle for personal use, you will be responsible for damages and/or liabilities. You must maintain a personal automobile policy with extended non-owned and physical damage coverage to protect you against claims arising out of personal use.
Your personal property, whether used to perform your assigned duties or not, is not covered by UVM insurance. It is your sole responsibility.
Notify the Office of General Counsel (656-8585) and Risk Management (656-3242) immediately if you are served with a complaint relating to performance of your University duties.
In addition to group life insurance, UVM also provides travel and accident insurance to you if you are traveling on University business. Business is defined as "while on assignment by or at the direction of UVM for furthering its business interest, but shall not include any period of vacation or leave of absence." Coverage provides $150,000 per accident resulting in death and $75,000 per accident resulting in loss of hand, foot, or eye.
Coverage extends to employees while riding as a passenger in, or boarding or alighting from, any land or water conveyance, or riding as a passenger in, or boarding or alighting from, any civil aircraft while on University business. The beneficiary of this policy is pre-designated For further information and details contact Risk Management (656-3242).
Any employee in benefits group A, B, C, D, E, or F may be granted tuition remission for courses taken for credit or audit at The University of Vermont. Employees in benefits groups A, B, and C may take up to 15 credits of course work or thesis research per year beginning September 1 and ending August 31, tuition free.
Employees in benefits groups D, E, and F may take up to 6 credits in one year (beginning September 1 and ending August 31), tuition free.
While the University places no restrictions on the courses taken, the IRS has ruled that under some conditions, tuition remission for courses taken toward a graduate degree may be taxable. Contact the Benefits Office for more information.
If a course is not available during the evening session, supervisors may authorize an employee to attend classes during the workday. However, time spent away from the job to attend classes must be made up by the employee or taken as vacation, personal days (if applicable), or unpaid leave, if approved by the supervisor.
The University will pay the comprehensive fee and summer session registration fees associated with courses which receive tuition remission benefits.
To be covered by tuition remission for a given semester, the employee must begin employment before the close of the semester add/drop period. Tuition remission is available only to paid employees during active employment and to employees who retire after qualifying for post-retirement benefits as described previously. Course work begun under tuition remission during active employment may be completed after an employee becomes inactive (e.g., on unpaid leave or terminated) provided that the separation of active employment occurs after the end of the semester add/drop period.
Tuition remission benefits are automatically credited for eligible employees when they register for courses through Continuing Education or the Registrar's Office during the registration process.
Tuition Reimbursement for Employees Living and Working Over 40 Miles from the University of Vermont Main Campus
UVM faculty and staff members who live and work 40 or more miles from the University of Vermont main campus in Burlington may apply for tuition reimbursement for courses taken at any of the colleges for which tuition remission is now available to dependent children. These are Johnson State College, Lyndon State, Castleton State, Community College of Vermont, and Vermont Technical College. Employees will qualify for tuition remission at these colleges using the same criteria for which employees qualify for on-campus tuition remission.
Tuition remission for UVM faculty and staff at these colleges is paid for by UVM as a direct expense and is not covered in the reciprocal agreement for tuition exchange between UVM and the State Colleges.
To qualify for tuition remission, the employee must complete the course, although there is no requirement for completion with a passing grade.
Employees may apply for reimbursement in either of the following ways:
Method 1: Payment in Advance
After qualifying for tuition reimbursement by submitting an application to the Benefits or Payroll Records Offices in Human Resources, the employee may then pay for the course in advance. Upon completion of the course, the employee submits proof of completion and evidence of tuition payment to the Payroll Records Office. Reimbursement will follow by inclusion in a subsequent paycheck. Having paid his or her tuition in advance, the employee will immediately qualify for tuition remission in the following semester within the guidelines of the UVM tuition remission policy.
Method 2: Direct Billing
An employee may find it difficult to pay for tuition in advance of taking a course. In this case, when applying for tuition remission, he or she may request that UVM authorize the College to bill UVM directly in advance of the course. If the College cannot bill UVM directly, UVM will arrange to pay for the course in advance.
Once the course is completed, the employee will be required to provide proof of completion before applying for tuition remission for another course. If the employee has not shown evidence of having completed the course, payment for a subsequent course must be paid for in advance by the employee as in Method 1.
If the employee drops or withdraws from the course, any tuition paid by UVM or any credit due from payment of the employee's tuition will be refunded by the College where the course is taken to UVM directly. If direct refund to UVM is not possible, UVM will require reimbursement from the employee. UVM reserves the right to deduct the refunded amount from the employee's paycheck.
Residency
The University will pay for in-state tuition or out-of-state tuition dependent upon whether the employee or his/her dependents meet the criteria for state residency. It is the responsibility of the employee to correctly complete the necessary paperwork to confirm residency status upon enrollment.
Spouses or Civil Union Partners of Employees
The spouse or civil union partner of an employee in group A, B, or C may audit courses at UVM without tuition charge on the same basis that the employee may take courses for credit, i.e., 15 audit hours per year from September through August (a total of 6 audit hours during the year for the spouse or civil union partner of an employee in group D, E, or F). In addition, comprehensive and summer session fees are cover