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Benefits

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Overview

This summary is intended to highlight the plans that constitute the comprehensive benefits program. These plans are described in more detail in The Rockefeller University Employee Handbook. This summary does not cover all of the details. Those details can be found in the official plan documents or insurance contracts which legally govern all aspects of the plans. In the event of a discrepancy between the plan documents/contracts and this summary, the plan documents/contracts are controlling.

If you have any questions or if you need any additional information about University benefits, refer to The Rockefeller University on-line summaries or consult a member of the Benefits Department. This summary is subject to change. Neither it nor any other document creates a contract between the University and any employee. In order to meet its needs under changing conditions, the University, at its discretion, may at any time terminate or change any of these plans or the statements made in this summary.

Eligibility

 

Regular employees scheduled to work at least 910 hours per year of service are eligible for benefits. Some benefits require specific waiting periods.

Health Insurance – No Waiting Period*
Life Insurance – No Waiting Period*
LTD** – 1 Year of Service
Retirement Annuity*** – 2 Years of Service
Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity – No Waiting Period

*Coverage will begin on the first day of the month that coincides with or follows your employment/anniversary date, provided you complete and return the appropriate enrollment forms to Human Resources within 31 days of your hire/eligibility date.

** Employees who were covered under a similar plan immediately preceding Rockefeller University employment may be eligible for earlier enrollment.

***Employees who have an existing annuity contract or service at a similar institution may be eligible for earlier enrollment.


Health Benefits

Medical Insurance Plans (Transparency in Coverage)

The University pays for most of your elected coverage. You pay a small percentage of the cost of the coverage on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. The University offers two options:

The Rockefeller University Choice Plan

The Choice Plan is administered by a Third Party Administrator (TPA). The Plan consists of an in-network option and an out-of-network option. The in-network option allows you to pay a copay for services provided by a participating provider. No referrals are needed. For out-of-network services, once you satisfy your annual deductible, the TPA reimburses covered expenses at 70% of reasonable and customary charges up to the Plan maximums. Claim forms must be submitted.

The Rockefeller University Managed Care Plan

The Managed Care Plan is administered by a Third Party Administrator (TPA). The Plan consists of an in-network option and an out-of-network option. The in-network option allows you to pay a copay for services provided by a participating provider. No referrals are needed. Pre-certification for certain services are required. For out-of-network services, once you satisfy your annual deductible, the TPA reimburses covered expenses at 80% of reasonable and customary charges up to the Plan maximums. Claim forms must be submitted.

Oxford Freedom Plan (for Students, Visiting Students and Postdoctoral Fellows only)

Oxford is a Point-of-Service plan providing both in-network and out-of-network benefits. The in-network benefits are provided through your chosen Primary Care Physician (PCP), while the out-of-network benefits allow you to choose any doctor. Most treatments recommended by the PCP, including preventive measures, are covered with a minimal co-payment. Services provided by non-participating providers are subject to deductibles and co-insurance.

Comprehensive Dental Plan

The University pays for most of your elected coverage. You pay a small percentage of the cost of the coverage on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

The Plan is divided into four types of coverage: Preventive care is covered at 100% of reasonable and customary (R&C) charges with no deductible. Basic restorative services are covered at 80% of R&C charges after the deductible has been satisfied. Major restorative services are covered at 80% of R&C charges after the deductible has been satisfied. All covered expenses are subject to Plan maximum. An orthodontic benefit covers expenses for dependent children to the age of 19 at 50% of R&C charges up to the lifetime maximum.

Vision Plan

You may elect to participate in the EyeMed program which provides significant discounts on glasses, contacts, and vision services.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

You may elect to participate in the Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. If you participate in these accounts, you contribute pre-tax dollars to help pay for eligible health care and/or dependent care expenses and save on your taxable income.


Insurance

Group Life Insurance

The University provides free life insurance of your base salary up to $50,000. You are eligible to purchase additional insurance. (Contact the Benefits Department for amounts.) Upon your death, your beneficiary receives a benefit equivalent to the free amount provided by the University, as well as any additional amounts you may have purchased.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

The University will provide the same coverage for you as you have under the Group Life Insurance Plan. In addition, you have the option to purchase higher amounts of family AD&D benefits at low costs. You may purchase between $10,000 – $750,000 in AD&D Insurance. If an accident causes your death or loss of limbs or eyesight, a full or partial AD&D benefit is payable to you or your covered dependents.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

The University pays the full cost. At the end of the 26th week of disability, you are eligible to apply for LTD benefits. Once approved, the Plan pays you 60% of your monthly salary to a maximum of $10,000 (minus payments from other sources) each month. Contributions may continue into the Non-Contributory Retirement Annuity.

Business & Travel Accident Insurance

The University pays the full cost. You are covered while traveling on business for the University.


The Rockefeller University Retirement Plan

Non-Contributory

The University contributes the full amount into your Retirement monthly. Once you have completed two years of service, the University will contribute the following percentage of your annual salary into a Retirement Annuity through TIAA: 1-10 years of participation – 6% to the FICA wage base/11.7% above the FICA wage base; 11-20 years of participation – 8% to the FICA wage base/13.7% above the FICA wage base; 21+ years of participation – 14.3% to the FICA wage base/20% above the FICA wage base. Under certain conditions, the waiting period may be reduced or waived and prior years of participation may be counted toward the contribution schedule.

Group Supplemental

You may contribute to TIAA upon employment at the University. (Check with the Benefits Department as to the maximum amounts allowed by the IRS.) You select the investment options. You will receive quarterly statements on the performance of the funds. In addition, you may receive loans from your GSRA. (See the Benefits Department for more information.)


Other Benefits

Housing (For Academic Research Scientists)

The University owns 750 apartments (including studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units), located on and close to campus, that are rented to faculty. 50 furnished guest rooms are also available at competitive rates on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis.

Child & Family Center

The Center provides developmentally appropriate early childhood education for the youngest members of the Rockefeller community, beginning at age 3 months. Those attending the programs come from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The mix of languages and customs provides a rich learning environment and is often reflected in daily activities.

Bright Horizons

Provides free emergency backup childcare at a center or in-home when your regular arrangements break down or are unavailable. Employees are eligible for 10 visits per child per year, for up to five consecutive days. You must register before you begin using the service. In-home care is available for back up childcare, eldercare and self-care (07/15/2016).

Short Term Disability

If you have an illness or injury that prevents you from working, you may have 100% continuation of pay and benefits for up to 26 weeks.

Tuition Reimbursement Program (For Staff members only)

The University will reimburse full-time staff employees for 85% of the total tuition charges, registration, books, and necessary supplies for approved courses up to the following maximum benefit per fiscal year: $15,000.

Transportation Reimbursement Incentive Program (TRIP)

You may claim your commuting costs to be excluded from your taxable income. You will not pay federal income and payroll taxes on the elected eligible amount.

Adoption Assistance Program

The University will reimburse up to the IRS allowable amount for any services connected with the adoption of a child (e.g., legal fees, medical fees, newspaper advertisements).

Fitness Center

The Rockefeller University Fitness Center is a free gym for use only by faculty, students, and staff of The Rockefeller University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and MD-PhD students who are actively performing their PhD work in a Rockefeller laboratory (“Authorized Users”). From free weights to cardio equipment, the gym contains several options to fit everyone’s fitness needs. Locker rooms provide showers and in-transit storage.


Employee Perks

The University has acquired a variety of discounts through various tri-state establishments.

employee perks