FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Health Care
Providers
|
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
|
Phone Number
|
Website
|
Group Number
|
Blue Cross/BlueShield
-
- Traditional
- Community Blue PPO
- Includes:
- Vision Services Plan (VSP)
- Medco Health (mail order Rx)
|
1-800-637-2227
1-800-877-7195
1-800-903-8346
|
|
|
|
Priority Health
|
1-800-446-5674
|
www.priorityhealth.com |
100785
|
DENTAL COVERAGE
|
DENTAL COVERAGE
|
Phone Number
|
Website |
Group Number |
|
Delta Dental
|
1-800-482-8915
1-866-356-0301
(tool kit support)
|
|
1873
|
RETIREMENT PLANS
|
RETIREMENT PLANS
|
Phone Number
|
Website
|
|
TIAA-CREF
|
1-866-842-2949 (Ann Arbor)
1-800-842-2776 (New York)
1-800-842-2044 (Southfield)
|
|
|
MPSERS
|
1-800-381-5111
|
|
|
COMMONWEALTH
|
1-800-358-9567
Comprehensive Planning Group, Inc.
|
|
EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
|
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
|
Phone Number
|
Website
|
|
LIFEWORKS
|
1-877-234-5151
|
|
FLEXIBLE SPENDING
ACCOUNT
| FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT |
Phone Number
|
Website
|
|
CERIDIAN BENEFITS SERVICES
|
1-877-799-8820
|
|
EMPLOYEE
CLASSIFICATION ABBREVIATIONS
|
EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION
ABBREVIATIONS
|
|
AC = Athletic Coach
|
|
AP = Administrative Professional
|
|
CC = Confidential Clerical
|
|
CP = Campus Police
|
|
CS = Clerical Secretarial
|
FA = Faculty |
FM = Food Service, Custodial & Maintenance |
LE = 100% Appointment Lecturers |
PS = Police Sergeants |
PT = Professional Technical |
VF = Visiting Faculty |
Questions and Answers
1. What are your office hours
and location?
The Benefits office is located in 140 McKenny Hall (lower level)
Telephone# (734) 487-3195; Fax# (734) 487-4389
Our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
2. When will I be
eligible to participate in the Tuition Waiver Plan and what does it
cover?
CS, FM, and PT employees are eligible for the benefit the first
available term following completion of their employment probation
period, prior to the first day of classes of the semester.
Non-Bargained For Employees (AC, AP,CC) are eligible for the benefit the
first available term following their date of hire. All other employees
are eligible the term after one year of employment. The benefit covers
up to 6 credit hours of tuition for full time and 3 credit hours for
part-time; either undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral.
VF employees are not eligible for the
tuition waiver.
Spouse/Dependents get 50% of
undergraduate tuition waived. This benefit covers an unlimited number
of hours.
Successful completion of classes
is required: grade of at least C for undergraduate courses and grade of
at least B for graduate courses.
Tuition waiver form must be turned in
every semester by the announced deadline.
3. How do I get a
waiver?
You
can pick one up outside the Benefits Office (140 McKenny Hall). Complete and
return by the announced deadline. A copy of the application will be
mailed
back when approved.
These forms are also available online on the Human Resources website at: http://www.emich.edu/hr/hrforms/index.html
4. How do I change my
tuition waiver?
Put in writing any changes made and send to the Benefits Office, Attn:
Karyn Jones 140 McKenny Hall, or email Karyn Jones at kjones@emich.edu
5. I received a letter indicating
I owe for a tuition waiver but I passed.
Present
a copy of the grade and we will make the necessary correction as long
as it is within the time limits of the waiver.
6. Does the University pay for
classes at Washtenaw Community College?
Only for FMs and PTs, who must complete a Vocational Reimbursement Form
with their department. Classes must be work related. Forms are
available in the Benefits Office.
7. When do my health and dental benefits take
effect?
AC, AP, CC, FA, LE, and VF health benefits are effective as of one's
date of hire. Delta Dental is effective on the first month after date
of hire. CP, CS, FM, PS, and PT health and dental are effective on the
91st calendar day of employment.
8. When will I get my health and
dental cards?
Health care cards are mailed directly to your home. CP, CS, FM, PS, and
PT employees will get the cards before the 91st day; AC, AP, CC, FA,
LE, and VF, within 10-14 business days from the date of enrollment.
Delta Dental cards come to the Benefits Office and are distributed
through campus mail.
9. When can I add my spouse or
my child to my benefits?
Add the individual within 30 calendar days of the event (i.e. marriage,
birth, adoption, etc.) by completing the appropriate change forms and
providing the appropriate documentation or during open enrollment which
is held in the fall of each year. Coverage for Open Enrollment activity will be effective January1st.
For a marriage, a copy of the marriage license is required. For a
birth, a statement from the hospital or physician certifying the birth
is required.
In the case of adoption, include a copy of the court order. Check the Benefits website under Health Care Life Events for more information at: www.emich.edu/hr/benefits
10. How do I waive
health care?
Employees may waive their participation in EMU's health plan by
presenting proof of health coverage elsewhere and completing a waiver
form. In lieu of participation in the health plan, the staff or faculty
member will receive a monthly reimbursement, which varies by employee
group.
For FM employees, the annual reimbursement amount is $900.00
For FA/LE employees, the annual reimbursement amount is $1,000.00
For CS employees, the annual reimbursement amount is $1,020.00
For AC/AP/CC/CP/PT employees, the annual reimbursement amount is $1,200.00
The
decision to waive participation is an annual one (during Open
Enrollment or within 30 days of new hire).
11. My child is going
to school and I need proof of health coverage, what do I do?
Supply
name of the institution to the Benefits Office and a letter will be prepared indicating coverage of your dependent.
12. What is a
Traditional Health Plan?
A traditional healthcare plan (BCBS) allows complete freedom to select
providers. Benefits are paid on a fee-for-service basis with the
insurer determining the reimbursement amounts. It requires an annual
deductible to be met.
13. What is
Master Medical Coverage?
Coverage through BCBS, which covers office visits, ambulance and medical
equipment. Complete claim forms and mail in with
receipts. Get reimbursed 90% of out of pocket expenses after annual
approved deductible is met. This plan is only available to Faculty.
Annual deductible amount (January - December): $100 per person/$200 per
family.
14. Where do I get a Master
Medical Claim form?
Master Medical Claim forms are located in the Benefits Office (140 McKenny Hall). Master Medical Claims may also be submitted online by going to
the Blue Cross Blue Shield website at: www.bcbsm.com
15. What is a PPO??
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a health plan that
encourages the use of selected providers by reimbursing at 100% of
reasonable and customary amounts, less any deductibles and co-pays.
Non-network providers may be used but the reimbursement amounts are
reduced.
The Community Blue PPO offers a nationwide choice of providers. Plan
allows flexibility by using "in network" and "out of network" services.
A directory of participating physicians and facilities is available by
going online to the Blue Cross Blue Shield website at: www.bcbsm.com. Once
at the website, select the "Physician Search and Other Directories"
icon, select the type of search (physician/facilities/urgent care
locations), then select Community Blue under "choose plan" option and begin search.
Effective January 1, 2007, there is a choice of two Community Blue PPO Options: Option 1 & Option 2 for most employee groups - see Health Care Information on the Benefits website at: http://www.emich.edu/hr/healthcareinfo/index.html
Option 1 - has annual deductibles (single $250/ family $500) which must
be paid before the plan begins to pay for services. This plan covers
90% of in - network services with an out of pocket maximum of $500 for
single coverage and $1,000 for family coverage. Office visit co pays
($15); Prescription Drug co pays ($10/$20/$30) and ER Visit co pays
($50) DO NOT count toward the out of pocket maximum. This is the base
plan that requires no payroll deductions. The University pays for this
coverage.
Option 2 - has no annual deductibles which must be paid before any
in-network services begin. This plan covers 100% of in - network
services with the exception of co payments for office visits ($10); ER
visits ($50) and prescription drug co-payments ($10/$20/$30). The
employee shares the cost with the University. These costs vary by employee group. See current Health Care Rates on the Benefits website at: http://www.emich.edu/hr/benefits/healthcare.html. This cost sharing is on
a pre tax basis.
16. What is an HMO?
An HMO is an organization of healthcare personnel and facilities that
delivers a comprehensive range of health services to members who enroll
voluntarily and pay a fixed, prepaid fee.
In an HMO, a primary care physician either directly provides or
arranges for all the healthcare services needed by members. An HMO
provides coverage for the usual health insurance benefits, as well as
routine care. Members must select a primary care physician to monitor
his/her health care needs. Check the Priority Health website for a list of participating physicians at: www.priorityhealth.com
Priority Health is only available to Faculty.
17. Do we have vision coverage?
For those who participate in the Community Blue PPO, full vision
benefits are provided by Vision Services Plan (VSP). The network of
providers is listed on the website at: www.vsp.com (password is VSP) or by
calling 1-800-877-7195.
18. Who is eligible for EMU's health care?
An employee, who is appointed to a regular position with at least 50% appointment, is eligible to enroll in EMU's health plan. An employee's spouse and IRS dependent children are also eligible to be covered by the employee's plan. An employee who does not enroll a spouse, is eligible to enroll an 'Additional Eligible Adult' (known as AEA), provided the following necessary criteria are met. See Benefits website at: http://www.emich.edu/hr/benefits/aea_info_2007.pdf
1. Primary Place of Residence
a. The AEA resides in the same primary dwelling as the employee and has done so for a minimum of twelve (12) continuous months other than as a tenant; OR
b. The AEA currently co-owns and has so owned for at least twelve (12) months, a dwelling unit as his/her primary residence with the employee even though one of the two individuals is temporarily living away from the primary dwelling unit OR
c. The AEA currently co-leases and has so leased for at least twelve (12) months a dwelling unit as his/her primary residence with the employee even though one of the two individuals is temporarily living away from the primary dwelling unit. An individual who meets only this residency term must also demonstrate the following:
i. The employee and AEA have a joint checking account, joint savings account or joint credit account.
ii. The AEA has been designated as the primary beneficiary under the employee's EMU life insurance contract, the employee's will or a retirement contract held by the employee.
19. How do I change my
beneficiary designation for my various benefits?
Come to the Benefits Office to pick
up the change of beneficiary forms, or we will mail them to you, for
life insurance and travel insurance (if applicable).
To change beneficiaries for your retirement plan you need to contact
MPSERS, Commonwealth, or TIAA-CREF directly. You can check their websites for
the appropriate forms at:
TIAA-CREF at: www.tiaa-cref.org
MPSERS at: www.michigan.gov/ors
Commonwealth at: www.commonwealthannuity.com
20. How much
is my life insurance coverage?
AC, AP, CC, FA, and LE life insurance coverage takes effect as of one's
date of hire. Coverage for the remaining employee groups will take
effect after 90 calendar days.
Coverage (after the applicable waiting period) for the first twelve (12) months is one times the base salary rounded to the
highest $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000.00 for CC/CP/CS/PT employee groups, $200,000.00 for LE employee group and $275,000.00 for AC/AP/FA/FM/PS employee groups.
After the first year, coverage is the base salary rounded to the highest $1,000 times two.
At age 65 there is a 35% reduction in coverage. This is a one time
reduction.
21. Do we have auto insurance,
extra life insurance, or dependent life insurance coverage?
The University does not offer any of the above insurance coverage at this time.
22. How much am I paying for my
benefits?
Information for Health Care Rates is available on the Benefits website at:
http://www.emich.edu/hr/benefits/healthcare.html
23. Do we have any books
explaining my benefits?
Yes. Health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD),
retirement, and short-term disability (STD) booklets, as well as
Benefits in Brief and Open Enrollment Booklets are available in the
Benefits office.
24. Where do I get my
identification card?
A temporary ID card will be issued at the New Employee Orientation.
Take this card to room 120 at the EMU Student Center to get a permanent
Eagle One
Card, which provides discounts at various campus venues.
25. How much paid time off do I
get for bereavement?
Check applicable contract. Non bargained for employees (AC/AP/CC) get
up to three (3) days of bereavement pay for the death of immediate
family members; One half (1/2) day off to attend the funeral for
someone outside of the immediate family.
26. What does LIFETX on my check
mean?
It represents the cost of the life insurance premium in excess of
$50,000. This cost is treated as a taxable fringe benefit and is added
to your wages total for tax reporting purposes.
27. What does MIT on my check
mean?
MIT stands for Michigan Income Tax which is the amount withheld from
your check and paid to the State of Michigan each pay period.
28. What does MIP mean?
Member Investment Plan is a part of MPSERS (Michigan Public School
Employees Retirement System). An employee's pension is calculated using
the employee's three (3) highest years of wages. These payroll
contributions are mandatory by the pension plan. Refer to the MPSERS
website for information at: www.michigan.gov/ors
29. I am thinking of retiring,
what should I do?
You should contact the pension plan carrier (either TIAA-CREF or
MPSERS) for an estimate of your monthly pension. It takes approximately three to
six months lead time to go over information. Contact the Benefits
office to inform them or your plan to retire.
30. When do I get my longevity
pay?
Your longevity is paid according to the schedule included in your union
contract. Please refer to your contract for this information.
31. What is Assist America?
AXA Assistance USA is worldwide Emergency Travel Assistance Program
which is a feature of the University's Group Life Insurance Benefit. It
provides protection for employees and family members traveling at least one
hundred (100) miles away from home. This benefit, like our Group Life
Insurance Benefit, is administered by MetLife. Access is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week through a toll free number in the United
States (1-800-454-3679) and a collect number abroad (1-312-935-3783).
Brochures are available in the Benefits office.
32. Does the University offer a
Flexible Spending Account?
Yes,
EMU offers a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account. This allows the
following benefits:
Dependent
health riders can be paid on a pre-tax payroll deduction basis, which
saves the employee taxes.
Dependent Care Account: Employees can
set aside up to $5,000
per calendar year in child and dependent care expenses.
Medical Spending Account: Employees can
receive
reimbursement for
predictable medical, dental and vision expenses up to $5,000 a year.
The
plan is administered through Ceridian Benefits Services. Check website at:
www.ceridianfsa.com
33. Is it possible to
save money for my retirement?
Yes, you are able to participate in a tax deferred annuity (IRS 403b
code). The University offers a choice of two plans: TIAA-CREF Group
Supplemental Retirement Annuity and Commonwealth. Both offer tax deferred
payroll deductions; loan features; tax deferred earnings; variety of
mutual fund investments. Forms and brochures are available in the
Benefits office. In addition, the University offers employees a 457(b)
Plan as an option.
34. Is there a plan to save
for my dependent's
college fund?
Yes, but not offered through EMU. The plan is offered through the
Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) as administered by TIAA-CREF.
THE MESP provides families with a flexible way to save money for their
children's higher education expenses. There are many tax advantages to
the program. Call toll free 1-877-861-MESP (6377) or visit www.misaves.com
35. What is COBRA?
COBRA is the Federal Law which requires employers who sponsor health
and dental plans to offer their employees and families the opportunity
for a temporary extension of health coverage at group rates in the
event of the loss of their coverage as a result of termination,
retirement, layoff, divorce, death or loss of dependency. The employee
is able to continue these benefits up to 18 months. Spouses/Dependents,
which lose coverage as a result of specific reasons, are able to
continue these benefits up to 36 months. The cost is the entire premium
plus a 2% administrative fee.
36. How do I change my address?
For all Faculty and Staff employees, the new procedure to update your
permanent mailing address or phone number is to submit an e-mail
request to: hr_addresschange@emich.edu
from your my.emich email account (for security reasons, requests will
not be considered if submitted from a personal email account).
Change requests will also continue to be handled in person, by your
respective Human Resources office: Academic HR - 202 Boone & Staff
HR - 140 McKenny Hall.
