Fort Hays State University Summary of Benefits

Fringe benefits for faculty and staff employed in budgeted positions of .5 FTE or more

Group Health Insurance--Coverage provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Coventry, or Preferred Health Systems insurance companies. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. Health plan includes prescription drug plan. Dental and Vision plans are also available. The following describes the health plans available to FHSU employees.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield--a self insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Inc. In-network services provided in Kansas by Blue Choice providers and nationwide by Blue Card providers. See summary comparison of medical plans below.

Coventry--a fully insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan administered by Coventry Health Care of Kansas. In-network services provided in Kansas and surrounding areas by Coventry providers. See summary comparison of medical plans below.

Preferred Health Systems--a fully insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan administered by Preferred Health Systems of Kansas. In-network services provided in Kansas by Preferred Health Systems providers and outside Kansas by First Health Network. See summary comparison of medical plans below

Qualified High Deductible Plan--a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan offered through Coventry Healthcare. Meets Federal requirements to establish a Health Savings Account (HSA). See summary comparison of medical plans below.

Summary Comparison of Medical Plans - effective 1/1/08
http://www.khpa.ks.gov/SEHBP/benlink.htm

Faculty and Unclassified Staff Retirement Plan--One year waiting period for those with no prior participation in a pension plan at an institution of higher education. The plan is a 403(b) defined contribution plan. Employee contribution is 5.5%; University contribution is 8.5% for a total of 14% to be distributed at employee's discretion. Employee may choose from one of these two companies: ING or TIAA-CREF.  Additional information may be found at the Kansas Board of Regents Web site http://www.kansasregents.org/RegentsRetirementPlan.html.

KPERS--Kansas Public Employees Retirement System--Classified staff retirement program, one-year waiting period for new employees. The plan is a 401(a) defined benefit plan that pays benefits based upon a formula. Employee contributes 4.0%, University contribution changes each year.

Voluntary Tax Shelters--Options for additional tax shelters through the basic retirement companies above or any other Board of Regents approved company licensed to sell in the State of Kansas.

Deferred Compensation Plan--Available immediately to all eligible employees.  Provides a monthly retirement benefit.

KanElect Flexible Benefits--Tax deferred spending accounts for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance--University-provided with coverage at 150% of employee's annual salary.

Optional Life Insurance--Available as a supplement to the University-provided life insurance. Employee may purchase coverage from $5,000 to $250,000 in additional life insurance.

Disability Insurance--University-provided coverage after 180 days of disability; employee receives 60% of annual salary up to $5000 per month.

Learning Quest--Education Savings Program established by the State of Kansas is a 529 Plan offering investments for college education.

Social Security--Mandatory for all employees with university matching employee contributions.

Worker Compensation--Provided for all employees. Injuries must be reported within 10 days of incident.

Unemployment Insurance--Provided for all eligible employees.

Vacation Leave--Available to employees in covered positions; unclassified staff earn 8 hours per 80 hour pay period, with a maximum of 176 hours per year. Classified staff earn on a graduated scale of 3.7 to 6.5 hours per 80 hour pay period.

Sick Leave--Available to eligible employees; accrues at 3.7 hours per 80 hour pay period.

Military, Funeral, Jury, Family and Medical Act Leave--Available to all eligible employees on an as needed basis.

Holidays and Discretionary Day--Available to all eligible employees.  Paid holidays designated by the governor.

Shared Leave--Available to eligible employees upon qualification; may receive donations of leave in case of extreme or life-threatening health condition.

Sabbatical Leave--Available to eligible faculty positions.

Unclassified Phased Retirement Plan--Reduction in appointment and salary with retention of full-time University-provided benefits in preparation for full retirement.

Health Promotion--Programs offered through the State of Kansas; Healthquest promotes healthy lifestyles, and Lifeline provides resources for counseling and consultation.

Tuition Assistance--Currently available to full-time employees; may extend to spouse and dependents based on University policy.

Staff/Faculty ID Card--Provides all employees with identification card and access to Forsyth Library and Tiger Wellness Center.

Credit Card--Employees may apply for a credit card with no annual fee to be used for business expenses.

Health/Counseling Services--Use of Student Health Center, Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, and Kelly Center.  Available to all employees with appropriate fees.

Cultural/Athletic Events--Employees have opportunity to purchase tickets to the local movie theatre and University-sponsored events, often at reduced prices.

These benefits are administered through the Personnel Office of Fort Hays State University. You can obtain more information by calling (785) 628-4462.

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