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Human Resources Department Austin Community College 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd. Austin, Texas 78752-4390 512.223.7572 |
Group Insurance Programs, Retirement and Other Benefits
Useful HR Benefits Web SitesEmployee Assistance Program Employee Retirement System (ERS) FMLA Forms Insurance Benefits Long-Term Disability Insurance Retirement Benefits Sick Leave Pool Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Workers’ Compensation Group Insurance ProgramsACC offers eligible staffing table employees (regular employees who are funded in the ACC Budget and qualified for benefits, i.e., Classified, Professional-Technical, full-time faculty, and administrators) medical, dental, term life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance. The insurance plans with the Employees Retirement System (ERS) are offered under a state-mandated plan referred to as the Group Benefits Plan (GBP). Employees may choose to decline all insurance coverages with ERS or the employee may decline only Medical Coverage while Optional Coverage will begin immediately for the employee and at the first of the following month for any dependents. New employees must attend a Human Resources Orientation program where they may select insurance coverages for themselves and eligible dependents effective on the first of the following month following any state-mandated delays. Staffing Table (Full Time)
Staffing Table (Part Time)
The following is general information about your insurance benefits. Refer to your ERS insurance booklets, contact ERS online at http://www.ers.state.tx.us or contact your ACC Benefits Supervisor for a more detailed explanation. Medical InsuranceACC offers all benefits eligible employees comprehensive health and prescription drug benefits which includes a $5,000 basic term life insurance policy after a 90 day (State mandated) waiting period. You may enroll your eligible dependents in available health coverage without restrictions when you enroll as a new employee and pay the premiums. Coverage commences on the first of the following month after 90 days of employment. You may decline health coverage, however, if you wish to enroll in Health Select after your period of eligibility, Evidence of Insurability (EOI) is required and acceptance is not guaranteed. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996The HIPAA privacy law sets limits on how health providers and plans may use individually identifiable health information. Under the HIPAA law, health providers and plans may only use individual health information for necessary treatment, payment, or healthcare operations without obtaining your permission. Personal health information (PHI) may generally not be used for purposes “not related” to health care. The release of PHI must be limited to the minimum necessary designated for the purpose of the disclosure. ACC abides by the HIPAA law both as an organization, a business entity and an educational institution through ERS and the ACC HIPAA Task Force. Privacy of personal health information (PHI) as an employee requires that the ACC employee retain all PHI. PHI is defined as Health Information from any provider, hospital, doctor, etc. or any document (application, etc.) having such personal health information displayed. As an employee, please contact the insurance company, medical provider or hospital for any questions on your PHI, health applications, billings, etc. Please refrain from sending any personal health information documents to ACC in the mail, e-mail, etc. As a student, applicable HIPAA and Privacy training will occur at the classroom level. Life Insurance (Term Life)ACC provides term life insurance (Term Life) for full-time employees (40 hours per week) for one times annual salary. Part-time employees (20-39 hours per week) can purchase life insurance at their own cost. An employee can voluntarily purchase 2X, 3X, 4X his or her annual salary at the employee’s cost, Evidence of Insurability (EOI) may apply. The life insurance policy includes an accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) clause that doubles the amount your beneficiary will receive in the event of accidental death or loss of limb. Any future changes may require Evidence of Insurability. These policies are effective during employment only; upon termination these policies cannot be transferred or converted. Optional Insurance Available through ERS by Employee Selection:The following optional coverages are available for employees to purchase through monthly payroll deductions. Some optional coverages for full-time employees are funded by ACC. All optional coverages for part-time employees are self-selected and self funded. Dental Insurance:ACC provides dental insurance for all eligible full-time employees through ERS. Employees may enroll themselves and eligible dependents in either of the following plans:
Dental insurance is available immediately for the employee at date of hire and effective on the first of the following month for enrolled dependents. Part-time employees (20-39 hours per month) are required to fund all dental premiums monthly. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance:ACC provides Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage in the amount of $55,000 for all eligible full-time employees. If you sustain an accidental bodily injury that results in death within 180 days of the accident or if you suffer the loss of a foot, hand, or eye, insurance benefits will be payable to you or your beneficiary. You can increase AD&D coverage to a maximum of $200,000 for yourself and your family at your expense. Evidence of Insurability (EOI) may be required. Part-time employees (20-39 hours per month) are required to fund all AD&D premiums for the employee and dependents. Long-term Disability Insurance (LTD)ACC provides protection from “loss of income due to a disability” should an employee become totally disabled at any time while employed by ACC. There is a waiting period (the greater of 90 consecutive days or the number of days you are entitled to sick leave which must be satisfied) before disability benefits become payable. Accrued sick and vacation leave must be used to cover all or part of the waiting period to prevent any loss of income. Monthly disability payments are equal to 60% of the employee’s annual salary up to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 per month. Part-time employees (20-39 hours per month) are required to fund all LTD premiums monthly. Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)- UNUM Commercial Coverage
Part-time Employees Short-term Disability Insurance (STD)Employees may choose to purchase short-term disability insurance through ERS. The cost is age and salary dependent and provides protection against the loss of income should the employee become temporarily disabled for less than (5) five months. The maximum monthly benefit payable is 60% of an employee’s salary (up to $3,000). Maximum of $1,800 per month payout for up to five months after a thirty-day (30) elimination period. STD applications are available at the HR Benefits Office and must be submitted directly to the company by the employee. Dependent Life InsuranceEmployees may choose to purchase dependent life insurance through ERS. The cost is minimal and covers spouses and eligible children up to age 25. The benefit payable is $5,000 per covered dependent and the plan includes an accidental death and dismemberment feature, if applicable. Optional Life Insurance (2X, 3X, 4X)Employees may choose to purchase additional life insurance up to a maximum of three times their annual salary through ERS. Evidence of Insurability (EOI) will be required after the initial enrollment period at ACC Orientation. EOI applications are available at HR Benefits and must be submitted directly to the company by the employee. Insurance Deductions (Monthly Paycheck)An employee who choses any optional insurance coverage will have monthly premiums deducted from his or her next available paycheck. Employees paid bi-weekly will have one-half of the premiums deducted from each bi-weekly check. Employees paid monthly will have the full premium deducted from each check. Adjustments for missed deductions will be made accordingly. Employees (Less than 12 months)Employees (particularly full-time faculty on less than twelve month contracts) who do not receive paychecks during the summer have an additional premium deduction taken out of their paycheck each month during their employment period. This “accelerated” deduction pays for coverage over the summer months. Selected insurance coverage continues until August 31. Employees on LWOP or Unpaid StatusAn employee on a LWOP or unpaid status needs to insure that all ERS insurance premiums are paid to ERS in a timely manner. Failure to keep insurance premiums current will result in a cancellation of all policies for non-sufficient funds (NSF). Reimbursement Accounts (TEXFLEX)Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA)The TEXFLEX plan allows an employee to set aside money from his or her salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible day care expenses. The day care expenses must be necessary for the employee and spouse to continue working. If the employee is married, the spouse must be employed, a full-time student, or disabled. Eligible expenses include: child care services inside the employee’s home or someone else’s home; charges by a licensed day care facility; adult day care facility inside the employee’s home or someone else’s home; expenses for summer day camp in accordance with IRS regulations. Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)The TEXFLEX plan allows an employee to set aside money from his or her salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for annual eligible health and dental expenses (IRS out-of-pocket expenses) not covered by family insurance plans. Eligible expenses include such items as glasses, prescription, medical and dental co-pays, contact lenses, hospitalization, etc. for both medical and dental plans including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs if qualified. Please check the IRS rules for eligibility of “out-of-pocket expenses.” Under IRS rules, the HCRA account may be used for eligible “out-of-pocket” expenses incurred by employee and all dependents. Other Employee BenefitsACC Bookstore Discounts:Barnes & Noble will allow faculty and Staff of ACC a 10% discount on all merchandise available at the Bookstore except adopted textbooks, special orders, sale books, class and alumni rings, computer software, periodicals, discounted merchandise, computer hardware, stamps, health and beauty aids, food snacks, and beverages. COBRA (Loss or Reduction of Job Status):If an employee loses their eligibility for medical and dental coverage from ACC due to termination of employment or a reduction of work hours, whether voluntary or involuntary (except for gross misconduct), the employee will be automatically offered a continued “self payment” medical and dental coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) through Employee Retirement System (ERS). The normal continuation period is for 18 months at the group rate. (Please consult with ERS for any dependent or disability questions.) The employee must formally elect COBRA coverage within 60 days of the “Date of Notice” on the Termination COBRA Election form from ERS. The employee is responsible for paying all premiums directly to ERS in a timely manner. ERS will bill the employee directly and the employee is responsible for making payments directly to ERS. If the former employee is covered under another group plan, COBRA may not be available. Please consult with ERS. Upon notice of intent to terminate from ACC, the employee’s immediate supervisor should direct the employee to contact the Office of Human Resources, Benefits Section by telephone, for a brief description of COBRA. If desired, final application and payment for COBRA has to be accomplished through ERS within 60 days of termination. If a covered dependent loses medical coverage due to death, divorce, or a child loses coverage due to marriage or attainment of age 25, the dependent may elect COBRA and continue their health insurance for a specified period. ERS will send COBRA notification to the employee’s last address on file. Employee Assistance Program (EAP):ACC offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a Short Term transition counseling program to help employees, and their family members, cope with a wide range of personal and professional problems that may adversely affect daily work performance at ACC. The EAP provides assessment, combined with short-term counseling, for employees and their families in many areas including, but not limited to, marital and relationship issues, parenting issues, substance abuse, legal and financial counseling. The EAP also provides counseling and coaching regarding workplace issues such as job-related stress, burnout and motivation issues, on-the-job conflicts, harassment or other personal problems that affect work performance. Employees who use the EAP as a resource to resolve work-related or job performance problems are not required to use accrued leave for appointments that occur during regularly scheduled work hours. Employees who experience work-related performance problems may be required to attend EAP as a condition of continued ACC employment. The employee will be required to provide EAP notification that the supervisor can be given the following information: 1) confirmation that the employee has made an appointment; 2) confirmation that the employee is in attendance; and 3) confirmation that the employee has completed the recommended counseling. The supervisor must document the required attendance and completion of counseling as a part of the performance management document. If the employee refuses to attend EAP as a mandatory requirement, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including termination, depending upon the severity of the performance problem. Any employee contact with the EAP is strictly confidential. The supervisor, co-workers or family will not receive any indication of the employee’s personal use of the EAP program (unless the employee volunteers the information). This benefit has been prepaid each fiscal year by ACC. Employees (or the family member) should contact EAP directly to schedule an appointment. EAP is not a substitute for long-term medical or psychological counseling under any employer health plan. Environmental Health and Safety and Insurance Office:The Environmental Health and Safety and Insurance Office is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of life safety, environmental health and safety, and property/casualty/liability insurance placement at ACC. Property and casualty claims are reported, monitored, and managed through this department. Workplace safety including inspections, training, and federal and state regulation compliance are initiated through this office. The Environmental Health and Safety and Insurance Office also is responsible for any student insurance such as student accident, student travel coverage, and student/faculty professional liability. Additional information is located at the ACC web site: http://www.austincc.edu/ehs/. Employee Exemption Tuition Vouchers:After completing 180 days of employment, employees are eligible for tuition exemption vouchers. Tuition Exemption Vouchers are available online each year in July. Full-time employees receive three (3) tuition vouchers. Part-time employees receive two (2) tuition vouchers. Qualified ACC Retirees receive one (1) tuition voucher. Tuition Exemption Vouchers can be used for college-credit, non-credit, or continuing education courses at ACC only. These courses are to be taken outside normal working hours unless the immediate supervisor has approved arrangements during the normal work day. Tuition Exemption Voucher information is located on the HR web site at http://www.austincc.edu/hr/records/tuitionvouchers.php. Educational Stipend Incentive:Non-faculty employees who have held a staffing table position for at least 12 consecutive months are eligible to receive an educational stipend upon earning a doctorate, masters, bachelor, or associate degree. The degree must be in a field directly related to job responsibilities as determined by Human Resources. Employees must be in good standing and not on probation to be eligible for the stipend. See Administrative Rule 6.05.001, Educational Incentive, http://www.austincc.edu/admrule/6.05.001.htm. Library Card:All ACC employees have library borrowing privileges. Employees on or off campus may check the library catalog at http://library.austincc.edu. Employees who do not have convenient access to a campus library may request by phone or email that material be sent to them via intercampus mail. In addition, ACC staffing table employees and adjunct faculty may participate in the TexShare borrower card program by obtaining a Borrower card at one of the ACC campus libraries. This card, along with picture identification, entitles the employee to borrow books at all participating libraries. Some of the area libraries that participate in the TexShare program are the University of Texas, Texas State University, Austin Public Library, and Round Rock Public Library. Check with ACC Library Services for a complete listing of participating libraries or more information on services available to employees. Tax Sheltered Annuities (TSA):All ACC employees may participate in the ACC Tax Sheltered Annuity Program. The tax-sheltered annuity is a deferred-voluntary retirement tax arrangement expressly granted by Congress in IRS Code section 403(b). Under this provision, the amount deposited into the TSA is not taxed as current income. Taxes on earnings and deductions are deferred until a later date, usually retirement. The College maintains a list of authorized TSA companies (contact HR Benefits, 223-7576). To start a TSA deduction, employees need to complete and submit to HR Benefits the following:
Contributions to a TSA can be stopped at any time with written notice (signed document). Tax consequences and penalties may arise for early withdrawals prior to age 59½. Contact HR Benefits, 223-7576, for further information. 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan):All ACC employees may participate in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. This program is subject to all applicable provisions of Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. A 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is an agreement an employee executes with ACC to defer payment of earnings (and taxes) from the employees’ monthly salary by a stated percentage or exact amount. By selecting the 457 Plan, the employee is allowed to postpone payment of taxes on these monthly deductions and any gain on the investment until a later date. Required forms to establish a 457 Plan deduction include:
Contributions to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan can be stopped at any time by notifying HR Benefits in writing. Withdrawals at or after age 59 ½ of age are not penalized. There is no penalty for withdrawals before age 59 ½ under the following circumstances:
U.S. Savings Bond:Employees may sign up for payroll deductions for U.S. Savings Bonds. The U.S. Savings Bonds Plan provides an easy and convenient method of saving money through purchase of Savings Bonds. When you enroll in the plan, you select an amount to be set aside from each paycheck (minimum of $5.00) to buy bonds. Bonds may be purchased in $100, $200 or $500 dollar denominations. U.S. Savings Bonds earn the guaranteed minimum rate in effect on the date they are issued. Bonds may be redeemed any time after six months from the date of purchase. The bonds have flexible maturity (time needed to reach face value) rates depending on the interest actually earned. Please contact the Savings Bond vendor directly. National Bond and Trust (NBT) is our provider. The phone number is (800) 426-9314. Their website is www.nbtco.com. The process for starting Savings Bonds:
Employees may enroll in the Payroll Savings Plan for U.S. Savings Bonds program within 30 days of hire or during each fiscal year (July/Aug). Workers' Compensation:All ACC employees are covered under provisions of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act. Any accident or illness caused while performing services for the College must be filed under Workers’ Compensation. In the event of an accident or injury that occurs while on the job, do the following:
In the event of a serious accident or injury, seek immediate medical attention FIRST and then contact the ACC Environmental Health Safety and Insurance Office within 24 hours. Workers’ Comp Claims: The Workers’ Compensation procedures and/or Injury Report are located on the Environmental Health and Safety and Insurance Office web site at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs/insurance.html. Concerned about an aging family member?Do you remember how easy it used to be to just pick up a phone to get information? Call now and get answers to the most common concerns to caring for your aging family member and list of resources to help you deal with the most challenging caregiver situation. Are you in a caregiving situation? Yes Retirement Programs (Staffing Table)Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)In 1981, The ACC Board of Trustees decided that ACC employees would not participate in Social Security. TRS is a Texas State defined benefit plan. The TRS plan is similar to other educational retirement systems, providing benefits for service longevity based upon years and salary or a disability retirement (upon approval). Retirement benefits are based on a formula established by the Texas State Legislature that uses the number of years of service and the salary earned. Access TRS via web at www.trs.state.tx.us. Upon initial employment, all ACC full-time (40 hours per week)/ part-time (20-39 hours per week) Staffing Table employees (as defined by the TRS) are automatically enrolled in TRS “retroactive to the start of the ProfTech or Classified pay period” following a 90-day State mandated delay. During any State mandated delays, retirement plans will be funded to the Austin Community College Money Purchase Plan (ACCMPP) until the 90-day period is completed. Employee retirement deductions to TRS occur seamlessly without any action from the employee after the 91st day. Employees with an existing TRS account are enrolled in TRS upon date of hire. ACCMPP Distribution Retirement Age You may qualify for early TRS retirement if you meet the following criteria:
Please check the TRS web site at www.trs.state.tx.us for early retirement qualifications. Proportional and Transfer Credit ACC Retirement Program / TRS OnlyEmployee Contribution: 6.4% of gross salary Optional Retirement Program (ORP) for Fullt-Time Faculty and Administrators Only:The Optional Retirement Program is an individualized Texas State retirement plan in which each participant (100% full-time faculty or institution administrators only) selects retirement investments through various ACC authorized companies offering ORP investment products. The ORP is a defined contribution plan. The retirement benefit is based on the actual amount contributed during employment and any returns on investment (ROI) at the time of retirement. Specific retirement benefits under ORP vary by company and are subject to individual contract provisions and federal tax law. Upon initial employment, a full-time faculty member or administrator is automatically eligible to be enrolled in TRS and failing to make an initial ORP selection will be enrolled in TRS. Eligible ORP employees are given 90 days from the date of TRS qualification to make a lifetime choice to relinquish membership in the TRS and to become a participant in the ORP. As outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the Administrative Council of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, www.thecb.state.tx.us, the following positions at ACC meet eligibility standards for participation in the ORP: Faculty, Librarians, Deans, Counselors, President, Executive Vice Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Provosts, Assistant to the President, Executive Assistant, and eligible Directors. Employment at an ISD under TRS will revert any ORP member to a TRS status for life. Optional Retirement Program (ORP)Employee Contribution: 6.65% of gross salary ACC Retiree BenefitsIn 1981, The ACC Board of Trustees decided that ACC employees would not participate in Social Security. An ACC qualified retiree is an employee who retires from ACC following tenure of at least 10 years of service. A TRS retiree is an employee who retires with qualified TRS time through ACC as a retiring agency. This employee may have worked at ACC for tenure, but is not qualified under ERS Retirement rules for health insurance benefits. An ERS retiree is an employee who retires with qualified ERS State time through ACC as a retiring agency. This employee may have worked (or retired and is working) at ACC for a period of time, but retires under ERS and does not qualify for TRS. An “other agency retiree” is a former employee (regardless of tenure) who separates from ACC prior to official retirement (for any reason) and then elects to retire under ERS (if TRS qualified) through ACC for State-paid health insurance benefits. Normal retirement age under TRS is 65 or the “Rule of 80.” You may qualify for retirement if you meet the following criteria:
Employees retiring under ORP must meet the same criteria as employees retiring under TRS in order to be eligible and must be covered with ERS insurance (as per THECB). In accordance with Senate Bill 1102 (SB 1102), effective September 1, 1997, an employee will be eligible for ERS retiree insurance provided that the ACC employee has at least 10 years of service credit in a benefits eligible position with an agency or institution that participates in the Group Benefit Plan (GBP). Currently, ACC retirees receive the following insurance benefits: Retiree Medical InsuranceRetirees may enroll in any of the ERS medical plans available to active ACC employees through ERS. There is an annual enrollment period when changes can be made (July/Aug) through ERS. Retirees are notified by ERS of enrollment periods and any changes in the GBP plans. Enrollment and changes to enrollment is done online at www.ers.state.tx.us. The State of Texas covers the cost of the retiree’s medical insurance premiums only. Please consult the ERS web site for retiree costs. Retiree Dental InsuranceACC qualified retirees may enroll in any of the dental programs available to active ACC employees. There is an annual enrollment period when changes can be made (July/Aug). Retirees are notified by ERS of any changes in the dental plans and of enrollment times. ACC currently reimburses ACC qualified retirees for the cost of the retiree’s dental premium quarterly. Retiree Life InsuranceRetirees receive $2,500 of Basic Term Life coverage. This is included in the retiree health plan and does not include an accidental death and disability clause. Retiree Life Insurance Options (Self Paid)Option I Dependent Life Insurance (Self Paid)A retiree may retain Dependent Term Insurance coverage in the amount of $2,500 for spouse and $2,500 for each dependent child. Summary of Full-Time Employee Benefits
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Last modified: July 17 2008 @ 1:42 pm | Austin Community College District • Austin, TX