7.2 Insurance Provisions
7.2.1 Medical Insurance
7.2.1.1 Single Coverage
Full-time and reduced-load faculty members with a load of at least 50% are eligible for medical insurance, including prescription and dental coverage. Coverage for new faculty begins at the first day of September. If a faculty member begins mid-year, coverage begins on the first day of employment. All employees covered by health insurance are required to contribute a portion of the cost of the premium. This amount is automatically deducted from the paycheck with pre-tax dollars unless the employee notifies Calvin not to deduct on a pre-tax basis. Persons on reduced-load appointments pay an increased premium share based on their less-than-full-time load.
7.2.1.2 Family Coverage
If an employee is financial-head-of-household, dependents may also be covered under Calvin's health insurance program. The cost is covered in the same way as for individual coverage, as outlined above. Since opinions vary as to what constitutes financial-head-of-household, Calvin operates under the definition as stated in the Federal Tax Code:
Someone maintains a household only if s/he furnishes more than one-half the cost of maintaining the home during the tax year. The cost of maintaining a household includes the expenses incurred for the mutual benefit of the occupants by reason of its use as the principle place of abode of those occupants. These expenses include property taxes, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, upkeep-repairs, property insurance, domestic help, and food consumed on the premise.
If a spouse's income is used to maintain more than half of household expenses, the employee is eligible for single coverage only. If the employee is not financial-head-of-household, s/he may still purchase the coverage and pay the difference between the cost of single and double/family coverage. We are confident that each employee will be truthful about this requirement. The difference in cost to Calvin is significant.
If an employee's status changes from single to married, or if an employee becomes a parent, it is up to the employee to notify Human Resources of this change in status. Procedures must be followed to implement a change in type of coverage, and this is the employee's responsibility. Calvin is not responsible if coverage changes are not initiated by the employee.
7.2.1.3 Open Enrollment
January 1 has been established as the open enrollment date. Prior to this time an opportunity is provided for employees to switch from one health plan to another. At the time of initial employment, and annually thereafter in November or December, detailed information about each of the health plans is distributed to all employees.
7.2.2 Life Insurance
Calvin provides each faculty member who teaches 3/8ths time or more with life insurance in an amount equal to twice their annual salary with a maximum of $100,000. The policy includes a $4000 benefit for spouses and a $2000 benefit for dependent children. Faculty members are enrolled immediately, with Calvin paying the entire premium.
7.2.3 Long-term Disability Insurance
All faculty who teach 1/2 time or more are enrolled in a long-term disability insurance program effective on the first day of the calendar month following 30 days of employment. The payment of benefits begins six months after the total disability begins and continues to age 65. The plan pays 60% of monthly salary, reduced by the amount of any Social Security disability benefits received. The total monthly benefit, including any Social Security payments, may not exceed $7500. Additionally, if the employee is participating in the TIAA-CREF retirement program, the disability plan will continue Calvin's pension contribution at the full salary amount.
Enrollment in this program is automatic. Further information is available from Human Resources.
7.2.4 Workers' Compensation
Calvin is obligated by law to provide workers' compensation insurance for all employees. Work-related injuries must be reported immediately to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHOS) and Human Resources. Report forms can be obtained from EHOS or Human Resources and must be filled out and filed with Human Resources.
