3.28 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Effective: August 15, 2024

Purpose: To outline the various benefits, eligibility, and requirements for University employees.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees campus wide.

Responsible Office: Human Resources

Policy Statement:

Flexible Spending Accounts

KanElect includes a flexible spending account program which allows employees to pay either child/dependent care expenses and/or uncovered medical/dental expenses with tax-free dollars. The program allows employees to set up accounts and direct a set amount of their salary into the account. The money passes from the employee's salary before any taxes - federal, state, and social security - are withheld. Then, as employees incur expenses, they file a claim through a third-party company and the money is paid out of the flexible spending account directly to the employee. Again, no taxes are withheld.

For employees with predictable expenses, the KanElect program permits very efficient use of their money. However, if an employee signs up for a flexible spending account and does not use all the money in the account by the end of the calendar year, federal law states that the unused amount of money will be forfeited. For this reason, the KanElect program may only benefit certain employees at certain times. Employees should contact Human Resources to review their specific situations and possible benefits from the program.

Accidental Work-Related Death Benefit

In addition to an employee's life insurance, this benefit provides a lump-sum payment of $50,000 and a monthly income benefit equal to fifty percent (50%) of the employee's salary paid to the surviving spouse until death or remarriage, and/or to dependent children to age 18, or to disabled children until they are no longer disabled or until death, in the case of an accidental work-related death.

Disability Insured Benefit

All employees who are eligible to participate in the Kansas Board of Regents mandatory retirement plan or in KPERS are provided coverage for a Disability Income Benefit at no cost to the employee. The disability insured benefit is effective on the appointment date. The disability benefit is based on sixty percent (60%) of the employee’s annual compensation and reduced by primary Social Security, Workers’ compensation, or any other disability income benefit by reason of employment, subject to a minimum disability income benefit of $100 per month. To qualify for a disability benefit, the employee must be totally disabled and unable to work for 180 continuous days. Unclassified employees who are approved for the disability benefit shall have provided through the University both the employer’s and employee’s contributions at the rate specified by the plan.

Optional KPERS Group Life Insurance

This insurance is available immediately for all new employees who are working half-time or more in a benefits eligible position. Such employees must decide within fourteen (14) days of their appointment if they want this insurance, or they must wait until the next open enrollment period. Open enrollment periods are announced by HR.

Employees Association Insurance

Employees may purchase optional group life insurance coverage for themselves and family members through the Employees Association. Open enrollment is conducted annually in October. Contact HR for additional information.

HealthQuest Employee Assistance Program

HealthQuest EAP is a confidential employee assistance program for active, benefits-eligible State of Kansas employees and family members. It provides short-term personal counseling and numerous other services. The HealthQuest Employee Assistance Program is available 24-hours day by calling toll free 1-888-275-1205.

Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.

Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Human Resources.

[Human Resources procedures - coming soon]

Related Policy Information: [coming soon]