Health and Dental Insurance

Eligible staff members may enroll in the single coverage option of health (including prescription) and/or dental insurance programs. Coverage begins on the first day of employment. Both the college and the staff member contribute to the cost of health and dental insurance. The premium share contribution for eligible part-time staff members is pro-rated based on the percentage of time worked. At the time of initial employment, and annually thereafter, detailed information about each health plan is made available to enrolled staff members. Calvin College operates on a calendar year for all health plans.

Dependent Coverage

If an eligible staff member is the financial head of household, the staff member may enroll his or her dependents in the family coverage, or a spouse or child in the double coverage option of the health insurance program. Both the college and the staff member contribute to the cost of insurance for double or family coverage. The premium share contribution for eligible part-time staff members is pro-rated based on the percentage of time worked. Since opinions vary as to what constitutes financial head of household, Calvin operates under the definition as stated in the Federal Tax Code. (See the Human Resources Office for a more detailed definition) If the eligible staff member is not financial head of household, but wishes to carry either double or family health insurance, it may be purchased. See the Human Resources Office for premium shares amounts.

Change in Status

If a staff member's marital status changes, it is the responsibility of the staff member to notify the Human Resources Office within thirty days of the “qualifying event” to initiate the necessary procedures to implement a change in coverage. The same is true if a staff member becomes a parent, or if a staff member's dependent is no longer eligible because of age and/or full-time student status. Calvin College is not responsible for loss of insurance if the staff member does not initiate coverage changes within thirty days of the qualifying event.

Open Enrollment

January 1 has been established as the beginning of the health plan year. At the time of initial employment, and annually thereafter in November or December, an opportunity is provided for eligible staff members to make plan changes. In addition, certain life events (such as change in marital status, becoming a parent, etc.) also trigger the ability to make plan changes.

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility Chart for eligibility for this benefit.