The New Benefits Program Design
The new benefit program recommended by the Funded
Retirement and Insurance Committee (FRIC), and approved by President Mason takes effect January 1, 2011.
This robust benefits
program is designed to be sustainable, equitable, and flexible.
To review the multimedia presentation of the 2011 benefit program, visit the module in the benefits Education Center at:
Four "Core" Insurance Benefits
There are four "core" insurance benefits provided for all faculty and Professional & Scientific staff. The four "Core" insurance Benefits will be provided as follows:
Health Insurance
- Faculty and Staff will be provided a 100% University contribution for single coverage from either of the existing insurance plans (UI Choice or CHIP II).
- The University will contribute 80% toward the cost of coverage for employee/spouse, employee/child(ren) or employee family, based upon the premium cost of the UI Choice plan. This can also apply toward the cost of the CHIP II plan, with the employee paying any difference in cost. This represents an increase from the current 75% employer contribution level.
- Where two spouse/partners are Faculty, Professional & Scientific, or Merit Supervisory Exempt Staff employed by the University(double spouse) - they can elect to take the Double Spouse Credit & they will be provided with their choice of one employee/spouse or family health insurance plan with no out-of-pocket expense.
Dental Insurance
- Faculty and Staff will be provided a 100% University contribution for single coverage from either Dental I or II plans.
- The University will contribute 80% toward the cost of coverage for employee/spouse, employee/child(ren) or employee family, for either Dental I or II plans.
- Where two spouse/partners are Faculty, Professional & Scientific, or Merit Supervisory Exempt Staff employed by the University(double spouse) - they can elect to take the Double Spouse Credit & they will be provided with their choice of one employee/spouse or family dental plan with no out-of-pocket expense.
- Dental III will no longer be an option due to declining enrollment.
Group Term Life Insurance
Faculty and Staff will be provided life insurance at the amount of two times salary, up to a maximum of $400,000 in coverage. Individuals can choose to buy additional supplemental life insurance if they desire.
Disability Insurance
Faculty and Staff will receive long-term disability insurance to provide 60% salary replacement upon employment.
The new program has an element of choice, as each employee will receive a General Benefit Credit to use for additional benefit expenses.
Pre-tax Elective Insurance Benefits
The plan offers flexibility in that you have the option of selecting a number of elective
pre-tax benefits, including;
- purchasing additional life insurance
- the purchase of accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- funding a dependent care or health care spending account
General Benefit Credits
All faculty and staff will be provided $90 per month in General Benefit Credits to be used at their discretion toward:
- the cost of health or dental insurance, or:
- the purchase of additional life insurance
- the purchase of accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- funding a dependent care or health care spending account
Shared Savings Credits
Depending on the choices a faculty or staff member makes, they may be eligible for Shared Savings Credits which they can use in the same manner as the General Benefits Credits.
Individuals who have health and/or dental insurance, but are not enrolled in a University or State of Iowa (state agencies, Board of Regents, UI Merit), health and/or dental insurance plan will receive an additional Shared Savings Credit as an incentive to remain with their current insurance provider. Individuals who elect not to enroll in the University’s or a State of Iowa (state agencies, Board of Regents, UI Merit) health insurance plan will receive an additional $200 per month in Shared Savings Credits. Individuals who elect not to enroll in the University’s or a State of Iowa (state agencies, Board of Regents, UI Merit) dental insurance plan will be provided an additional $25 per month in Shared Savings Credits.
Double spouse couples who elect the Double Spouse Credit are paired together for health and dental insurance benefits purposes. One person carries both health & dental insurance plans, while the other person has neither option available to them on their enrollment (because they can be covered on the spouse’s plans). Electing the Double Spouse Credit gives them their choice of one employee/spouse or family health and dental insurance plan at no out-of-pocket cost.
Members of a double spouse couple who elect the Double Spouse Credit are not eligible to claim individual status for health or dental insurance coverage. Double spouse couples are only eligible for a Health or Dental insurance Shared Savings Credit if they both waive coverage. You will need to contact the Benefits Office if you wish to do this.
Finally, individuals whose salary is over $25,000 who elect to receive only $50,000 in life insurance will receive an additional $40 per month in Shared Savings Credits. The life insurance Shared Savings Credit will be in effect for the first year, but will be subject to further review for continuation into subsequent benefit years.