University Park

Employee Benefits issues annual deadline reminders

The Office of Human Resources' Employee Benefits Division reminds faculty and staff members of the following information and deadlines:

Flexible benefits reimbursements
Flexible benefits requests for reimbursement for services incurred in 2003 must be submitted on or before March 31. Reimbursements are based on the date that the service occurred, not on the date of payment, so only services from Jan. 1, 2003, through Dec. 31, 2003, are eligible.

Employees can check their flexible benefit balance amount and claim activity online through the Employee Benefits Inquiry System (EBIS). The link to EBIS is on the Employee Benefits Division Web site at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/benefits/benefits.htm
Major medical claims

March 31 also is the last date HealthAmerica and Aetna will accept major medical claims for Healthpass (Aetna's Open Choice Plan) and Plan A for 2003 charges from University faculty and staff members or their dependents.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling sessions for University faculty, staff and members of their household. Up to three visits per problem situation are paid for by the University. With the exception of the College of Medicine, the EAP provider for Penn State faculty and staff is Value Options. To receive a free consultation, contact the Penn State EAP at (866) 749-1735. Employees in the College of Medicine at Hershey Medical Center can call (800) 543-5080.
SERS statements

The annual statement of account that each State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) participant receives will be mailed to the participant's home address again this year. In order to receive statements in a timely manner, employees need to make sure their home address information is current. The only method of changing a home address is to complete a new W-4 form through the Payroll Department.

Tax deferral maximums increase
Federal tax legislation authorizes an increase to the amounts that faculty and staff may contribute to a tax-deferred annuity (403(b)) and to a deferred compensation plan (457(b) beginning this year. For this calendar year, TDA participants are limited to 100 percent of their salary or $13,000, whichever is less. Participants who are age 50 or older, including those who will reach their 50th birthday this year, may contribute an additional $3,000 as part of a catch-up provision. Both the $13,000 basic limit and the $3,000 catch-up amount are scheduled to increase by $1,000 each year through 2006.

Contribution amounts will not increase automatically. Faculty and staff who wish to
take advantage of the increased maximum contribution levels must complete a new
voluntary salary reduction agreement form. Forms for both the 403(b) and 457(b) are available for download from the Employee Benefits Divisions Web site at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/benefits/forms.htm

Contribution amounts may begin or may be changed at any time during the year. Voluntary salary reduction agreement forms are due in the Employee Benefits Division office by the first business day of the month in which contributions are to begin or in which the new contribution amount is to be effective.
Forms, information online

The Employee Benefits Division Web site provides faculty and staff with a variety of benefits-related information, including the benefit plan descriptions for Plan A, the Healthpass PPO, Flexible Benefits and the University-sponsored dental and vision programs. Each provides detailed descriptions of the coverage being provided.

Additionally, the Web site provides access to the forms necessary to make eligible benefit changes. Faculty and staff can review the site at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/benefits/benefits.htm

Medical plan ID cards
Faculty and staff are encouraged to present their current medical plan ID card during their initial visit to a health-care provider or when filling a prescription at the pharmacy. Many health-care providers require a copy of the individual's health-care card each year to verify coverage and to note any changes in co-pays.

Last Updated March 20, 2009

Contact