Human Resources & Equal Opportunity
Student Employment

Insurance Benefits Information

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Health Insurance

Salem State College provides a variety of health insurance plans to eligible employees, their spouse and dependent children (under the age of 19) through the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission.

Coverage for Dependents Age 19 or Over

New Legislation allows for dependent coverage age 19 and over up to age 26 (if applicable). See application form "Dependent Age 19 or Over"

• Coverage for a dependent who is turning 19 ends on the last day of the month in which the dependent turns 19 (unless the parent completes the "Dependent Age 19 or Over Application for Coverage".
• Dependents who qualify as dependents under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules are eligible for coverage up to age 26 or two years after losing dependent status according to IRS rules, whichever occurs first.
• For current insureds, continuous coverage will be allowed after the 19^th birthday if the GIC receives a continued dependent coverage application within 30 days of the 19^th birthday. Applications received at the GIC more than 30 days after the dependent's 19^th birthday will have coverage beginning on the first day of the second month after receipt of the application.
• For new insureds, coverage for the dependent aged 19 and over will begin on the new insured's coverage effective date if he/she submits a completed dependent application before the insured's effective date of coverage. Applications received after the inssured's effective date of coverage will be processed with a later effective date.
• Full-time students must attend an accredited school.
• Dependents age 19 to 26 who are not full-time students or handicapped dependents may be eligible for continued coverage.
• Married dependents are not eligible for GIC coverage.
• The GIC will determine coverage eligibility and effective dates.
• The insured must have family plan coverage.
• Your Health Plan will contact you periodically to verify your dependent's continued eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE VERIFICATION REQUESTS, YOUR DEPENDENT'S COVERAGE WILL BE TERMINATED.

GIC Insurance Plans

The Group Insurance Commission offers coverage through the plans listed below. For more information, you may click on the links. You may obtain a Benefits Decision Guide and/or info package on each plan from the HR Benefits Coordinator. Call Pam at 978-542-6030 or email Pam Oppelt.

On January 1, 2006 most active employees saw a decrease in their basic life and health insurance premiums. Employees hired after June 30, 2003 now pay 20% (down from 25%), and employees hired on or before June 30, 2003 with an annual salary of $35,000 or more pay 15% (down from 20%). Employees who earn under $35,000 and were hired before June 30, 2003 were already paying 15% of the cost and will see no change in contribution rate. New hires now pay 20% (down from 25%).

Comparison Cost of health insurance monthly rates between July 2007 - July 2008 [PDF 14KB]

As of July 1, 2008 the following health plans are offered at Salem State:

CIC – Comprehensive Care – plan pays 100% of a reasonable rate for most services
w/o CIC – plan pays 80% of reasonable rate for most services
PPO – Preferred Provider Organization

Employees are eligible to join a health plan during their first 10 working days of employment. Changes to health plans may also be made during annual enrollment in April-May each year. There are other qualifying events (i.e. birth/adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, loss of spouse's benefits, etc.) that allow for enrollment in health plans outside of the annual enrollment period.

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Dental Care Insurance

Dental coverage is available to employees, their spouse and children in accordance with collective bargaining agreements or the non-unit employees' benefits package. Eligibility requirements and covered benefits differ according to the benefit package.

If you are an APA administrator, a full-time faculty member or librarian, your dental carrier is MetLife. You can reach them at 1-800-942-0854 or visit their Website at www.metlife.com/dental. Your group # is 93994. McKenzie & Company is the Dental Administrator and they can be reached at 617-723-7232 (Linda McKenzie). Continuation of your dental plan under COBRA is handled through McKenzie & Company.

AFSCME bargaining unit members who would like more information about what is covered under your dental plan should call The Mass Public Employees Fund Dental Unit at 1-800-553-6277. If you are enrolled in the "closed" plan your group number is 7007-7777. If you are enrolled in the "open" plan, your group number is 7008-7401.

Non-Unit staff or administrators who would like more information about their dental plan should contact MetLife at 1-800-942-0854 or visit their website at www.metlife.com/dental. Your group # is 105385. McKenzie & Company is the Dental Administrator and you can reach Linda McKenzie at 617-723-7232. Continuation of your dental plan through COBRA is handled through McKenzie & Company.

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Long Term Disability Insurance

Full and part-time employees whose contracts provide for benefits are eligible to purchase long-term disability insurance. Under this policy, if you are disabled for an extended period of time you will receive 50% of your basic monthly salary (tax free) up to a maximum monthly benefit. Premium payment is deducted from your paycheck. Premiums are based on your age and current salary and the premium will be adjusted as your age and salary increase.

UNUM Provident is the Long Term Disability carrier for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts employees as of July 1, 2007 (formerly under The Hartford Insurance Company). For more information you can contact 1-877-226-8620 or visit their website at http://www.mass.gov/gic, or you may pick up a pamphlet in the Human Resources Department.

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Long Term Disability Insurance under ORP

Faculty or administrators who have enrolled in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) are automatically covered under a Long Term Disability plan. This LTD plan has different benefits than the State LTD plan. Pamphlets are available in the Human Resources & Equal Opportunity Office.

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Life Insurance

A basic life insurance program of $5,000 term life and an additional $5,000 in accidental death and dismemberment is provided at a low cost premium to full-time and part-time employees whose employment contract provides for benefits. Participants in a health insurance plan at the College are automatically covered by this basic life insurance. If you did not enroll in basic life when first hired, you can enroll only during open enrollment which is held in March/April each year.

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Optional Life Insurance (OLI)

Optional life insurance is available up to 8 (eight) times your annual base salary. New hires may purchase optional life insurance without proof of good health during the new hire enrollment period (within 10 working days from their date of hire). Purchase of this insurance after the new hire enrollment period is dependent on proof of good health. You can purchase additional insurance at any time during the year (not just during the annual enrollment period).

As of July 1, 2006 The Hartford is the Life Insurance carrier for Commonwealth of Massachusetts' employees. Employees should contact the Group Insurance Commission at 1-617-727-2310 ext. 2). There will be a decrease in the cost of this optional life insurance effective July 1, 2006. This insurance is portable in that should you leave state employment, conversion options are available to you.

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Optional Life Insurance for Employees under the ORP Retirement Plan

The following is a schedule of optional life insurance that is automatically provided all participants in the ORP (Optional Retirement Plan). Life insurance is equal to a multiple of your annual wage, as determined by your attained age, as follows:

If the amount of your life insurance is not a multiple of $1,000, your benefit is raised to the next multiple of $1,000. The maximum amount of life insurance for you under this plan is $400,000.

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Other Benefits

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