1. Hunter College Benefits Orientation Full Time Instructional Staff HEO SERIES Executive compensation plan
Office of Human Resources
Valerie Kelly, Associate Director of Human Resources T:
Revised 05/12/2015

2. Topics of Discussion: About Hunter NYC Health Benefits Program
PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Benefits
Pension Plans
Alternative Funding Vehicles (AFV’S)
Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA)-Voluntary Savings Leaves
Retirement Health Benefits
Other Benefits
Policies and Procedures
CUNY Campaign
Revised 05/12/2015

3. ABOUT HUNTER COLLEGE
Hunter College is a comprehensive teaching, research, and service institution, long committed to excellence and access in the education of undergraduate and graduate students in liberal arts and sciences, as well as in the professional fields of education, health science, nursing, and social work.
Founded in 1870, by Thomas Hunter who was influenced by the free higher education open to young men and wished to offer the same for women.
Hunter is the second-oldest college in The City University of New York and is dedicated from its earliest days to serving a student body which reflects the diversity of New York City.
Revised 05/12/2015

4. HEALTH BENEFITS How do I Enroll?
Complete the Health Benefits Application (Form ERB)
To enroll any eligible dependents you must submit acceptable documentation to support their eligibility status and
Return the health benefits application to the Human Resources Department/Benefits within 30 days or 90 days wait for processing post 30 day enrollment period
Qualifying event
Revised 05/12/2015

5. HEALTH BENEFITS Transfer Period
The Transfer Period is a time in which you can
make changes to your health plan without
having a qualifying event
The NYC Health Benefits Program determines the exact dates; usually enrollment takes place during the Fall
All changes become effective the first day of the first full pay period in January of the next year
Revised 05/12/2015

6. HEALTH BENEFITS Who can be Covered?
A legally married husband or wife, but never an ex-spouse
Domestic Partner
Children under age 26 (whether married or unmarried)
Unmarried children who cannot support themselves due to disability that occurred before the age at which the dependent coverage would otherwise terminate
Revised 05/12/2015

7. HEALTH BENEFITS Types of Health Plans and Services
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) – A system of healthcare that provides managed, pre-paid hospital and medical services to its members. An HMO member chooses a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from within the HMO network
Plans presently offered: CIGNA Healthcare, GHI HMO, Empire HMO New York, Empire HMO New Jersey, HIP Prime HMO and Vytra Health Plans
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) – Offers a higher level of choice and flexibility than many other managed care plans. Members can see any EPO network provider. There is no need to choose a PCP and no referrals are necessary to see a specialist. Plans presently offered: Empire EPO and Aetna EPO
Revised 05/12/2015

8. HEALTH BENEFITS Types of Health Plans and Services continued
Point of Service (POS) – Offers the freedom to use a network or an out-of-network provider for medical and hospital care. When using out-of-network providers, healthcare delivery resembles that of a traditional indemnity plan
Plans presently offered: HIP Prime POS
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) – Offers the freedom to use either a network or an out-of-network provider for medical and hospital care. Participating plans contract with health care providers who agree to accept negotiated lower payment from the health plan
Plans presently offered: GHI-CBP/EBCBS
Revised 05/12/2015

9. Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) - Health Benefits Buy-out Waiver program
Eligible employees who have non-city group health benefits may waive city health benefits in return for an annual cash incentive ($500 for individual and $1,000 for family coverage) post-tax payment.
Must provide proof of coverage under another group health plan.
No person can be covered by two City heath contracts at the same time
Revised 05/12/2015

10. PSC-CUNY WELFARE FUND Welfare Fund covers optical, dental, prescription and hearing aid
To enroll you must complete the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Enrollment Form which you can obtain from your Human Resources
Dependent information will be obtained from your NYC Health Benefits Application
Revised 05/12/2015

11. PSC-CUNY WELFARE FUND Effective Date of Coverage
Your PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund benefits begins on the 1st day of the next month following your appointment (or on the first day of the month if you start on the 1st day of the month), if your enrollment form is received within 30 days
If the Human Resources Department does not receive your enrollment form within 30 days of your appointment date, there may be a delay in benefits.
Revised 05/12/2015

12. PSC-CUNY WELFARE FUND What are the benefits?
Non Contributory Plans are provided at no cost to you. These include:
Catastrophic Medical Supplement for members in GHI-CBP/EBCBS
Death Benefit
One-Year Term Life Insurance
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental Plan
Optical & Hearing Aid Benefits
Group Long Term Disability
Contributory Plans are voluntary and require a contribution from you. These include:
Catastrophe Major Medical SPECIAL NOTE: Enrollment in the Marsh Catastrophe Major Medical plan is currently closed while changes are made to the plan. Will reopen enrollment shortly.
Optional Long Term Disability
Term Life Insurance (provided through NYSUT)
Revised 05/12/2015

13. OPTICAL BENEFITS General Vision Services (GVS) Davis Vision
Direct Reimbursement (up to $100)
Hearing Aid
Revised 05/12/2015

14. PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT
The Medco Health Prescription Drug Plan is available for members enrolled in the NYCHBP.
Medco has an annual cap of $10,000 per individual.
Employees that select Aetna HMO, CIGNA Healthcare, HIP Prime POS, or GHI HMO as their health carrier and decide to purchase the optional drug rider provided by the health carrier instead of Medco will be eligible for an annual stipend to offset the cost of the rider.
Revised 05/12/2015

15. PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT continued
Medco Health Retail Network Service
Participating Retail Pharmacies should be used when filling prescriptions for a short period of time. If used after the second refill your co-insurance will increase from 20% to 35%.
At Non-Participating Pharmacies you must pay the full cost of the prescription. Medco will reimburse you the cost of the medication minus the co-insurance. A direct reimbursement claim form must be completed. The form can be obtained on-line through the Human Resources Website.
Revised 05/12/2015

16. PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT cont.
Medco Health Home Delivery Service
The Home Delivery Services should be used when filling prescriptions for maintenance medication or for a 100-day (three-month) supply.
Standard shipping and handling is free.
Revised 05/12/2015

17. Dental Plan Delta Dental USA Program-DMO Plan
No premiums, claims forms, deductibles or annual lifetime limits
Out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on services
Orthodontia coverage for children and adult
Flexibility in switching and selecting dentists within HMO network
Revised 05/12/2015

18. DENTAL PLAN Continued Guardian PPO Plan
No premiums, deductibles, or annual lifetime limits
Out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on services
Orthodontia coverage for children
Freedom to use participating or non-participating dentist
Revised 05/12/2015

19. PICA PROGRAM
PICA is a prescription drug program made available through the joint effort of the City of New York Office of Labor Relations and the Municipal Labor Committee and covers all employees, non-medicare retirees and their dependents enrolled in a health plan offered by the City Health Benefits Program
Revised 05/12/2015

20. PICA PROGRAM continued
PICA covers medication in two specific drug categories:
Injectable - most medications normally administered by injections not requiring administration by a health care professional
Chemotherapy - medications used to treat cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy
There is an annual deductible of $100 per person for Injectable and Chemotherapy medications.  This deductible is independent of any other deductibles.
Revised 05/12/2015

21. TERM LIFE INSURANCE through New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Trust
New Full-time employees receive free for one year a $25,000 term life insurance policy. Fund participants may elect further term life insurance by paying a premium.
This option is not available to prior NYSUT members
The free term life coverage is for the employee only
Employees under age 65 may purchase up to $1,000,000 of life insurance coverage. Physical exam may be required.
Revised 05/12/2015

22. CHOOSING A PENSION PLAN! Your Choices are…
Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of NY (TRS)
TIAA-CREF - (Optional Retirement Program)
NYC Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) (only as a Transferred Contributor)
Board of Education Retirement System (BOERS) (only as a Transferred Contributor)
Please note: As a new staff member you have 30 days from your appointment date to choose a pension plan. This choice is IRREVOCABLE. After 30 days, New York State Education Law Section 6253 mandates assignment to TRS.
Revised 05/12/2015

23. Tier VI TRS/CUNY ORP
Effective for all employees joining the NYC Teachers’ Retirement System or CUNY Optional Retirement System on or after April 1, 2012.
Requires 3% employee contribution, regardless of salary, until April 1, 2013; thereafter, the contribution rate in a given year is based upon regular compensation.
Employee contributions will now be required of all participants for the duration of their employment.
All participants will be required to make employee contributions at the current rate of 3% until April 1, Thereafter, employee contribution rates in a given calendar year will be based upon their earnings in the second calendar year preceding the current calendar year as follows:
Wages of $45,000 or less %
Wages between $45,000 and $55, %
Wages between $55,000 and $75, %
Wages between $75,000 and $100, %
Wages between $100,000 but less than $179, % (TRS)
Wages between $100,000 or more % (CUNY/ORP)
Revised 05/12/2015

24. CHOOSING A PENSION PLAN! - Review at a Glance
TRS
Defined benefit plan
Vesting after 10 years
Employee contributes base salary, pre-tax to the Qualified Pension Plan (QPP) for the duration of employment
$45,000 or less 3%
$45,000 - $55, %
$55,000 - $75, %
$75,000 - $100, %
$100,00 - $179,000 6%
Employer contributes lump-sum to pension fund, not individual accounts
Benefits based on age, final average salary (FAS) and years of service credit
TIAA-CREF (ORP)
Defined contribution plan
Vesting after 366 days
Employee contributes base salary, pre-tax for the duration of employment
$45,000 or less 3%
$45,000 - $55, %
$55,000 - $75, %
$75,000 - $100, %
$100,00 – or more 6%
Employer contributes 8% of salary for first seven years and 10% thereafter.
Employer/employee Contributions held in suspense for 366 days unless you have a vested open retirement plan contract.
Benefits based on amounts contributed by employer, employee, investment experience.
Revised 05/12/2015

25. TRS To enroll, complete the following:
Retirement Program Election Form and
TRS Enrollment Application and Beneficiary Form
must be notarized
necessary proof of birth documentation must be submitted
Membership begins on day TRS receives Tier VI Enrollment Application or 30 days after CUNY appointment, whichever comes first.
Revised 05/12/2015

26. TRS Transferring Membership
After joining TRS, and if you are a member of one of the following retirement systems, you may transfer your membership (service credit and accumulated pension funds) to TRS:
NYC Employees’ Retirement System
NYC Board of Education
NYC Fire Department Fund
NYC Police Department Pension Fund
NYS and Local Police and Fire Retirement System
NYS Teachers’ Retirement System
NYS and Local Employees’ Retirement Systems
Revised 05/12/2015

27. TIAA-CREF To enroll, complete the: beneficiaries must be listed
Retirement Program Election Form and
TIAA-CREF Retirement Annuity Application
beneficiaries must be listed
Revised 05/12/2015

28. TIAA-CREF Vesting Cycle
If you do not have a previous vested CUNY Retirement Annuity contract or a vested open retirement plan contract from another employer, employee & employer contributions will be held in an escrow account for 366 days (the vesting cycle).
Upon the completion of the vesting cycle, employee contributions which are being held in an escrow account in Albany will be sent from the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) and applied to your TIAA-CREF annuity contracts with 2% interest. The University will apply the employer contributions with 2% interest to your contracts.
After vesting you will start receiving quarterly statements from TIAA-CREF.
Revised 05/12/2015

29. TIAA-CREF Impact of Multiple Employment on Contributions
Effective July 1, 2001, earnings in a part-time/hourly Instructional Staff position held by a full-time Instructional Staff member became pensionable
Part-time earnings require both employee and employer contributions
Staff member must complete Form 102b
Revised 05/12/2015

30. ALTERNATE FUNDING VEHICLES
In order to allow for diversification of your ORP investments two AFV’s are permitted. At present, the AFV’s are the Guardian (represented by the Halliday Financial Group) and MetLife. Once you are vested (after 366 days) in your retirement annuity you may transfer your assets. Please review with each vendor what fees, if any, apply to such transfers
Revised 05/12/2015

31. How do I add to my Personal Investments for Retirement?
Employees have the option of participating in a tax-deferred annuity
The tax-deferred annuity allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars subject to IRS limits
As a result, employees may voluntarily reduce their taxable income
Tax-deferred annuity options:
Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (for TRS members only)
TIAA-CREF
Lincoln Life (represented by the Halliday Financial Group - HFG)
Revised 05/12/2015

32. LEAVES FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE JURY DUTY MILITARY LEAVE.
MILITARY LEAVE
SPECIAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE- (SLOAC)
TEMPORARY DISABILITY (Sick Leave)
TRAVIA LEAVE
Revised 05/12/2015

33. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE (FMLA)
Under the CUNY Family and Medical Leave (FML) employees are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave for family (including Domestic Partners) and medical care during designated FML year, September 1st through August 31st
Employees pay their share of premiums through direct pay. Employer share paid by CUNY
Revised 05/12/2015

34. Jury Duty State or Local Juries of New York
CUNY employees shall be released to serve on State or local juries in New York. The employee shall suffer no loss of pay nor reduction of leave credits for serving.
Employees summoned to jury duty must notify, as soon as possible, their immediate supervisor and the Director of Human Resources that they have been summoned. A photocopy of the jury duty summons must be presented by the employee.
When returning from jury duty, you must submit a photocopy of the completed jury duty certificate to your immediate supervisor and the Director of Human Resources
If the State inadvertently issues a check for the per diem jury duty service, you must reimburse the college for the full amount.
Revised 05/12/2015

35. Jury Duty Federal and out-of-State
CUNY employees shall be released to serve on Federal and out-of-state jury duty.
Employees summoned to jury duty must notify, as soon as possible, their immediate supervisor and the Department of Human Resources that they have been summoned. A photocopy of the jury duty summons must be presented by the employee.
When returning from jury duty, you must submit a photocopy of the completed jury duty certificate to your immediate supervisor and the Department of Human Resources
Revised 05/12/2015

36. Military Leave
The Board of Trustees of the City University of New York passed a resolution for a continuation of military leave and employer-paid health and welfare benefits coverage for employees are members of the National Guard, Reserve forces, or Reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States recalled from the reserves to active military service.
Supplemental Military Leave
Military Leave at Reduced Pay
Continued Health Insurance Coverage
Revised 05/12/2015

37. Special leave of absence coverage (sloac)
Special Leave of Absence Coverage (SLOAC) may provide continued City health coverage for specified periods of time to certain employees who are on authorized leave without pay as a result of temporary disability or illness.
Revised 05/12/2015

38. TRAVIA (Sick Leave Paid Upon Retirement)
Members of a public retirement system (TRS, ERS or BOERS) must meet the eligibility requirements for a service retirement and must declare their bonafide intention to retire, file an application for retirement with their retirement system
ORP members are eligible for Travia if they declare their bonafide intention to retire, file an application for retirement with TIAA/CREF and are:
Tier 1/2 - age 55 or with at least 20 years of pensionable, continuous, full-time CUNY service.
Tier 3/4/5 - age 55 and possess 5 years of pensionable, continuous, full-time CUNY service.
Tier 6 – established on 4/1/12. Further details to follow.
Retirees are granted a retirement leave of absence with full pay consisting of a maximum of five (5) months of pay if they have accrued 160 days. Those who have fewer than 160 sick days will receive one-half of their accumulated unused sick days
Revised 05/12/2015

39. Eligibility for Retiree Health Benefits
TIAA-CREF members initially appointed to a full-time position on or after September 1, 1985:
1. Separated at age 62 or over with 15 years of pensionable, continuous, full-time CUNY service, or
2. Separated prior to age 62 with 15 years of pensionable, continuous, full-time CUNY service and no subsequent full-time employment in a college, university, or other institution of post secondary education related to duties performed while in active service in CUNY or to duties normally performed by Instructional staff at CUNY and attained age 62.
Revised 05/12/2015

40. Eligibility for Retiree Health Benefits continued
TRS/ERS/BOERS are eligible for retiree health benefits under the NYCHBP if the following criteria is met:
At least 10 years of credited service as a member of a retirement or pension system maintained by NYC at the time of retirement * AND
You have been TRS members who retire with deferred payability retain the right to retiree health coverage upon receiving retirement income from TRS
Retirees pay their share of the premiums through pension deductions. The employer share is paid by CUNY
*As of current rules. Subject to change.
Revised 05/12/2015

41. OTHER BENEFITS COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN (529) TRANSIT BENEFIT
This plan allows you to save money for a family member’s education, i.e., dependents, parents, etc.
Up to $10,000 is deductible from New York State taxable income for married couples filing jointly; single taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 annually.
TRANSIT BENEFIT
This plan allows you to deduct transportation expenses on a pre-tax basis.
TUITION WAIVERS
Eligible CUNY employees are eligible for a tuition waiver for undergraduate or graduate degree courses.
FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONS
Eligible CUNY employees and their immediate families may join and get special offers on benefits such as, Insured savings and investing accounts, checking accounts, credit cards, loans and more.
SAVINGS BONDS
To open an account, please visit
Revised 05/12/2015

42. Other Benefits continued
CUNY Work/Life Program
A free confidential service for you and your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . This service will help you manage your personal and professional responsibilities.
CUNY eMALL
CUNY eMALL is a virtual shopping site that offers discounts for faculty and staff.
Revised 05/12/2015

43. Policies and Procedures
Affirmative Action
Americans w/ Disabilities
CUNY Dedicated Sick Leave
Non-Discrimination
CUNY Domestic Violence and Workplace Policy and Procedures
CUNY Workplace Violence Policy Statement
Policy Against Sexual Harassment
CUNY Policy on Drugs & Alcohol/ Information about risks
CUNY Tobacco Free Policy
Revised 05/12/2015

44. Policies and Procedures
Family Medical leave Act
Gifts to Faculty
Right to Know
Statement of Policy on Multiple Positions
State Ethics
IT Security Policies and Procedures:
/ Password Usage Advisory
Policy on Acceptable Use of Computer Resources.
IT Security Procedures- General
Revised 05/12/2015

45. CUNY Campaign for Charitable Giving
An annual charitable drive that takes place within the City University of New York system through December 31st.
The CUNY Campaign is now in its 31st year.
Over 1,000 charity participants. Including our very own Hunter College Foundation
Revised 05/12/2015

46. CONCLUSION
Your responsibility is to determine which plans are best for you and your family. The College may not make health benefits or pension elections on your behalf.
Take the time to review your options carefully. It is important for you to play an active role in understanding your benefits and how they work. We encourage you to weigh all factors before making a decision.
Revised 05/12/2015