How do I know what effective date to use for the HSA and 403b salary reduction forms?

Monthly: The first day of the pay period for monthly is the 21st and runs through the 20th, with a check date at the end of the month. Therefore, an effective date of September 21st would reflect on October 31st paycheck.

Biweekly: Two pay periods a month. Please view pay schedule provided by Fiscal for effective dates. This can be found in ESS under "Important Fiscal Information- 2017 Payroll Schedule". The start of a new pay period will reflect after "Biweely P/E (period ending).

How do I change my address?

To update your address, log into ESS. Here you will find a link under your personal information to "Change My Address". This will send HR a notification to update all benefit vendors.

Where can I locate benefit forms on the HR website?

Under the "Forms" drop down, located on the top right of the HR Webpage.

How do I create personal accounts with the benefit vendors? This helpful guide will walk you through the enrollment process.

How often can I make changes to my HSA?

HSA changes can be made anytime throughout the year by completing the HSA Salary Reduction form.

When I hit my deductible, why are my prescriptions not covered?

Prescriptions are covered at the coinsurance rate. Once your out of pocket maximum is reached, all drugs are covered at 100%. For more information on perscription drugs, please review the Medical Summary Plan Description

Is it still the law that I must carry insurance, and if not I will pay a tax penalty?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or "Obamacare") has not been repealed. As such, you are still required to carry insurance. However, there is no penalty for not carrying coverage. This may change in the future years as Congress impacts the applicable legislation.

How often can I make changes to my 403b retirement contribution?

403b changes can be made anytime throughout the year by completing the 403b salary reduction form.

Where can I update the beneficiary with TIAA or Fidelity? Employee's must update their beneficiaries directly through their personal account with the retirement vendors. Human Resources does not have access to update these.

More information available here

Can I elect to change supplemental life insurance at any time? Can I also update beneficiaries for this?

Yes. Please complete a new LTD form to elect additional supplemental coverage. You will also need to complete an Evidence of Insurability form which will be sent to Cigna for approval. Beneficiaries can be updated on the LTD form. This is all done on paper. Please send completed forms to Sarah Arnold for processing.

I wish to elect spousal life insurance. Am I eligible? What forms do I need to complete this?

An employee is eligible for spousal life insurance only if the employee has supplemental coverage. You will need to complete the Dependent Evidence of Insurability. Please send completed forms to Sarah Arnold for processing.

What does AD&D mean?

AD&D stands for Accidental Death and Dismemberment.  If you are killed in an accident, regardless of location, your beneficiary receives double your elected amount of benefit. If you are dismembered in an accident, a percentage of your principle benefit will be paid. 

What is the difference between Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development?

Tuition Reimbursement is only used towards degree programs, such as a bachelors or masters. Professional Development can be used towards a class, certificate, conference, etc. that will benefit you in your current job functions. If you are interested in Tuition Reimbursement, please discuss with your Supervisor and Benefits Manager (Denise Merricks) to see if your program is eligible for reimbursement. The tuition application can be found here. If you are interested in Professional Development, please discuss with your supervisor. More information is available here.

If my manager does not support my request for Professional development, is there an avenue to appeal the decision?

If you manager does not support your request for professional development, please contact Faye Giles, HR Director, to discuss next steps.

More information available here

What happens to my benefits when I retire?

Under 65

If you are under 65 and retiree medical eligible, you can continue your benefits at the employee premium rate set in place at the time (adjusted annually). You will be set up with our third party administrator WageWorks who will direct bill you each month.

Dental and Vision will continue through provisions of COBRA.

When you reach age 65, you will be moved to One Exchange.

Over 65

If you Medicare eligible (age 65+) you must sign up for parts A and B. The AUI medical plan for Medicare eligible retirees is administered through Towers Watson One Exchange. For more information, please contact Sarah Arnold

If you have any questions as to whether or not you are retiree medical eligible, please contact Sarah Arnold or Denise Merricks.

As a benefits eligible employee at least age 30, why is it mandatory that I participate in LTD insurance?

The AUI Wrap Plan Document requires employees over the age of 30 to have long-term-disability (LTD) protection. LTD provides 60% of your base income if you are injured or have a serious illness that prevents you from working.

How long do I have to wait for LTD coverage to be effective?

You must be unable to work due to illness or injury for 180 days before your LTD benefit takes effect.

Can I continue my benefits while on LTD?

Yes. Employees on LTD can continue their benefits until age 65 as long as they are considered fully disabled.  To continue benefits, participants must pay the employee premium in force (adjusted annually).  Medical, dental and vision coverage can be continued.

What forms do I need to complete with my supervisor to apply for Tuition Assistance?

Please review and complete the Degree Application Form. Your supervisor will also have to write a summary on why the degree should be supported.

If my manager does not support my request for Tuition Assistance, is there an avenue to appeal the decision? If your manager does not support your request you should contact the Benefits Manager for further assistance.

Why is there a cap of $5,250.00 per year for tuition assistance? The IRS allows the first $5,250 of tuition assistance to be given to employees tax exempt. This amount was chosen as the threshold for tuition assistance. The plan allows for additional reimbursement, based on organizational need. See the Employee Education Assistance Plan document for more information.

More information available here

How does FML work? Why should I apply for FML when I have a large sick leave balance?

FML provides job-protected leave of absence for up to 12-weeks per rolling month period. For more information, please visit the Family Medical Leave web page.

Types of Leave Available to Employees

Parental Leave- Separate from other AUI paid leave and provides 8 weeks of paid leave per 12 month period. This benefit begins after 6 months of employment. More information available here

Bereavement Leave- Regular full-time employees may be granted up to 24 hours of absence in the death of an immediate family member, and 8 hours for a family member that is not immediate.

Other Leave- AUI also provides leave such as Military Leave, Voting Time, Jury Duty, and Subpoenaed Witness.

For more information on leave available to staff, please visit the HR Policy Section 3.