2008 Benefits Survey Q&A / Human Resource Services

Unfortunately, this is an IRS rule, not a PLU rule. However, if you have a change of status mid-year (marriage, divorce, change in employment status for yourself or spouse, or the benefits offered by his or her employer) the IRS does allow you to make a corresponding change to your benefits here at PLU. Contact HR to find out what does and does not qualify.

While it doesn’t seem like it, PLU does offer another medical plan option. The Alliant Plus Plan allows you to choose any licensed provider you like; if you choose a provider in the First Choice network, they agree to accept a lower, contracted fee and to bill GH for you.
If you are having issues with claims processing or eligibility, we want to hear about it. Contact our benefits broker, Albers & Company at 253-272-2711 or 888-8ALBERS (825-2377). They can help you get your issues resolved quickly and effectively!

Debit cards for the flex account, long term care insurance, disability insurance, activity classes, and retirement plan savings options will be explored.

Could PLU offer a flex plan to pay for copays for those of us who hold insurance from our spouse’s insurance plan, not PLU’s?

You can participate in PLU’s Flexible Spending Account, even if you do not have insurance through PLU. Additionally, Flex Plans (both PLU’s and other employers) allow you to send claims for reimbursement for expenses incurred by anyone who is considered a “tax-defined” dependent, regardless of whether he or she is enrolled on PLU’s plan.

Although I recognize that PLU cannot negotiate on the scale of a national employer, could PLU join a consortium and expand its clout?

PLU is part of a regional peer group of higher ed institutions that have discussed this idea. It’s a tricky, complex, and costly endeavor to pursue. To date it has not been feasible, but we routinely review this option on your behalf.

PLU has made the choice to direct funds into employee premiums. However, if you enroll yourself and your child/children on the Essentials Plan, PLU does contribute towards the premiums for children.

We have had a weight watchers group in the past. Despite efforts in 2006 to offer the program, it was canceled due to lack of enrollment. We will once again try to offer this program in the Fall, so keep your eye out for more information and spread the word!

Bariatric surgery is covered under our medical plan when it is medically necessary. If you are considering surgery please discuss this with your provider to check to see if you meet the criteria.

PLU will subsidize eligible employees and commuter students for the cost of a monthly transit pass not to exceed $49.00 per month. Visit the commute smart website or contact Gretchen Howell at x7329 for more information.

It would be nice if there was an on-campus exercise room that faculty and staff could use.

All PLU employees and their dependents (over 16 years of age) with a Lute ID card can use the Names Fitness Center which has an indoor jogging track and weight training and conditioning equipment. Employees and dependents can also use the swimming pool, tennis courts, and track. Visit departmental websites or contact individual centers for public hours.

An on-site consulting nurse might help reduce trips to the doctor and save time and money.

Although PLU does not have an on-site consulting nurse, for those who hold benefits through PLU, there is a consulting nurse helpline service offered to Group Health members – at no additional cost. See the back page of the April ’08 Good Fit Newsletter for more information.

You can also use Group Health’s secure online messaging service to send a message to the consulting nurses. To access the online Consulting Nurse Service visit: https://member.ghc.org/open/login/register.jhtml

Visit the Dining Services website to view their class options for Culinary Week, including a healthy cooking class taught by Erin McGinnis.

We need to have a choice not to enroll in any insurance; GH gets in the way of my coverage with other insurance.

You can elect to waive benefits if you have coverage through a spouse. PLU just wants to be sure you’ve got some type of coverage for yourself. You just need to sign the enrollment form’s waiver section. Contact HR for more information.

One of PLU’s newest programs is the service offered by Enhanced Benefits Group through our EAP. They offer discounted services for buying, selling, and refinancing your home. This benefit is available to all employees, friends, and families. For more information visit www.ebgi.org or call 866-505-3244.

Graduate tuition remission is available to eligible employees, spouses, and domestic partners only. Please contact Gretchen Howell at x7329 for more information.

Vision insurance is included as part of the medical coverage on all three of the plans.

It would be nice if PLU offered some sort of daycare benefit or had an onsite daycare facility.

While PLU does not have its own daycare facility, there are several childcare, preschool, and kindergarten services in the area, some of which offer discounts to PLU employees. You may also wish to take advantage of the daycare referral service provided by our EAP.

If you are not already taking advantage of PLU’s Flex Spending Account for Dependant Care, now’s the time to take a look. You can put monies into an account on a tax-free basis and use it throughout the year to pay for child care costs.

We make every attempt to offer exercise classes on campus each semester. Pilates and Yoga have been offered in the past and will continue to be offered, however class options and times vary each semester in an effort to accommodate the wide variety of interests of PLU faculty, staff, and administrators.

Human Resource Services