• Changes in your Benefits effective July 1, 2009
• Dependent Children Age Limits
• Dental Plan
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life Insurance
• Medical Plans
• Prescription Plan
• Vision Plan

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS AT UD
Because employees have different needs, the University of Delaware sponsors a flexible benefits program. Flexible Benefits gives you the opportunity to design your benefits program to fit your personal needs. And, as your circumstances change, so can your benefits.  As the time gets closer, look for enrollment dates published in individual mailings and on "UDAILY."

Annual open enrollment
The University allows employees to make changes in their flexible benefits during open enrollment which is generally early in May.  You must make all changes via FlexNet@UD, the University's electronic enrollment resource.  You will need your UNIX signon and password.  In addition, you must complete an application form if you enroll in or change your medical plan. If you select "Employee and Spouse" or "Family" coverage, you must also complete a spousal Coordination of Benefits form. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna forms are available on line at www.udel.edu/hr/forms or at the Office of Human Resources, Room 150 at 413 Academy Street.

Eligibility
Full-time and permanent part-time (equal to or greater than 50% time) employees are eligible to participate in the Flexible Benefits Program.  Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.  Your dependents can be covered under the medical, dental and dependent life plans.  Eligible dependents are your spouse and your dependent children.  Visiting faculty and visiting professionals are not eligible for the flexible benefits program.

Enrollment for new employees
An enrollment form and benefits-related information are provided at new employee orientation.   New employees who are eligible for flexible benefits must submit their benefits elections within 30 days of their benefits eligibility date.

Your UDollar allowance
The University of Delaware recognizes the importance of a comprehensive benefits program and remains committed to providing one of the best benefit packages available in this region. To assist you with the expense of your benefits, the University provides a benefits allowance (or credit) called "UDollars." These are the dollars that the University spends for your coverage. For full-time employees the University's medical coverage contribution equals the cost of the Blue Cross Blue Shield "Basic" plan.  The University also pays the full cost of dental coverage, standard long-term disability and life insurance equal to two times benefits base salary for full-time employees. Employees working part-time receive 60% of the full-time contribution for medical and dental if the percent time worked is less than 75%.  Depending on the options you choose, you will either:

* Have NO payroll deduction if the cost of your benefits equals your total UDollars.
* Have a payroll deduction if the cost of your benefits exceeds your total UDollars, or
* Receive taxable Flex Cash, if the cost of your benefits is less than your total UDollars.

Before-tax contributions
If you spend all your UDollars, you can pay for the rest of your benefits with before-tax contributions. Because these contributions are tax-free, they are deducted from your salary before taxes are calculated. You will never pay Federal/Delaware Income or Social Security taxes on them.  Some states and municipalities do consider your contributions as part of your salary and tax them.  If you live outside the State of Delaware,  check with your tax advisor for more details.  Medical premiums paid with pre-tax dollars cannot be used when itemizing medical expenses (that exceed 7.5%) for your federal tax return.  All contributions are made on a semi-monthly basis -- 24 paychecks a year -- even if you are paid on a bi-weekly pay schedule.

Cash
Instead of spending all your UDollars on benefits, you may take some as cash and increase your take-home pay. If you do so, the extra cash is taxable.

Benefit choices
You may choose from a variety of benefit options that provide a range of coverage. All options are described under each benefit.

Benefit prices
Each benefit option has a price. The greater the coverage an option provides, the higher the price is for that option. All prices are shown on your personal benefits report.

Changes during the year
You can change your coverage between annual enrollments only if you have a change in  status, as defined by federal law.  A change in  status happens when:

• You  marry, divorce or legally separate
• You have or adopt a child
• Your spouse becomes employed, loses his or her job (full-time employment) or involuntarily loses medical coverage
• Your spouse or your dependent child dies
• Your dependents become ineligible for coverage
• You or your spouse have a change in job status from full-time to part-time or vice versa
• You or your spouse take an unpaid leave of absence
• You or your spouse have a significant change in health coverage due to a change in your spouse's employment.

• Increase or reduce the number of dependents you cover under your medical or dental plan
• Choose a different medical option (certain plan changes during the year are not permitted by the insurance carriers)
• Choose a different long-term disability or employee life insurance option
• Change your dependent life insurance option<
• Begin, stop or change your contributions to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).