UMass Amherst - Benefits

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Benefits for UMass Postdoctoral Researchers

Health

Health Insurance for Postdoctoral Researchers positions is managed through the Division of Human Resources .

Eligibility

Employees in positions represented by the Postdoctoral Researcher Organizing (PRO) bargaining unit are eligible for health insurance coverage through the Health New England / PD (HNE/PD) plan effective the later of:

• August 1, 2012
• Date of hire into an eligible position.

HNE/PD is a PPO ("preferred provider organization") plan, providing coverage both in-and-out of a nationwide provider network.

Plan overview documents

• PPO overview
• Prescription Plan overview
• How to search for a provider
• Special Programs and Discounts
• Wellness reimbursement form

Enrollment for coverage

A completed enrollment package consists of:

• HNE Enrollment form
• UMass Amherst deduction authorization form
• Documents supporting the employee's relationship with dependents to be covered under the plan (see table below)

Employee contributions and required documents to establish health insurance coverage for a dependent:

Coverage level	Bi-Weekly employee contribution(two payperiods per month)	Enrollment requires that you provide photocopies of following supporting documents:
Employee Only	$46.61	N/A
Employee + Child(ren)	$83.70	Proof of Marriage and proof of relationship for each covered child(eg certificate of birth or adoption)
Employee + Spouse	$116.11	Proof of Marriage
Employee + Spouse + Child(ren)	$199.81	Proof of Marriage and proof of relationship for each covered child(eg certificate of birth or adoption)

For individuals providing health insurance coverage to a same-sex spouse:

The United States federal government does not recognize same gender spouses. As a result the premium for a same-gender spouse's health insurance is not tax-free under U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. If you are providing health insurance to a same gender spouse the University must add the value of that health insurance plan (full individual monthly premium) to your taxable income. The value of your spouse's health insurance plan will be reported as "imputed income" on your bi-weekly paycheck. Federal income taxes will be withheld on your taxable gross, which will include that "imputed income". If your spouse qualifies as a dependent under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 152 you may complete and submit the attached "Same Gender Spouse Dependent Form" to Human Resources with your enrollment package. If you are uncertain if your spouse qualifies as a dependent under IRC Section 152 please consult a tax advisor.

Dental and Vision Benefits

Dental and vision benefits for UMass Amherst post-doctoral employees are available through the UAW Health and Welfare Trust Fund. Please visit the UAW Health and Welfare Trust Fund at http://www.hwtrust.geouaw.org/

Policy on Post-Doctoral Scholars and Post-Doctoral Education at the University of Massachusetts

For information on University of Massachusetts Amherst policies on post-doctoral scholars and post-doctoral education at UMass Amherst please visit the Research and Engagement webpage for post-doctoral employees at http://www.umass.edu/research/policy-procedure/post-doc-policy