Following is a summary of typical employee benefits at United Health Services Hospitals.  Specifics regarding each benefit are detailed in an employee benefits booklet and the insurance plan booklets and given to all new employees.

Insurance

Medical: Employees can choose from five health insurance plans including indemnity, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Point of Service plans.  UHS Hospitals pays the major portion of whichever health plan the employee chooses: individual, 2 person or family coverage.  Coverage is effective the first of the month following three full months of employment.

Dental: The first of the month following 3 full months of employment, Employees are eligible to participate in one of two dental plans.  There is a Standard dental plan and a High-Option plan. 

The Standard Plan Pays 100% of the usual cost of preventive services.  After a deductible of $25 (two $25 deductible per family) each calendar year, the plan pays 50% of the usual cost of general services.  There is a minimal payroll deduction.

The High-Option Plan Pays 100% of the usual cost of preventive services.  After a deductible of $50 (two $50 deductibles per family) each calendar year, the plan pays 80% of the usual cost of general services, 50% towards crowns, bridges and dentures.  100% for x-rays and 100% for sealants.  There is a modest payroll deduction for this plan.

Group Life: 10,000 Life; 10,000 AD&D.

Short-Term Disability: In accordance with New York State law, employees receive benefits equal to one-half their average weekly earnings (up to a maximum of $170 a week) for as long as 26 weeks, after a waiting period of seven calendar days, for absences caused by illness or injury not related to employment.  Employees contribute up to a maximum of $1.20 per pay period.

Long-Term Disability: Employees receive 60% of base salary up to a maximum of $3,000 a month, reduced by benefits payable by Social Security, after six months of continuous disability.  Coverage is available after six months of employment.  UHS Hospitals pays 50% of the premium for those employees with less than 10 years of service, and 100% for those with 10 or more years of service.

Workers Compensation: Employees who are absent more than seven consecutive days because of work-related injury or illness will be paid Workers’ Compensation benefits in accordance with New York State law.

Social Security: UHS Hospitals deducts FICA Taxes from employee paychecks each pay period to be put into Social Security System.  FICA Taxes are also matched dollar for dollar, and these payments are credited to the employee’s Social Security Account.

Business Travel Accident: Employees have accidental death and dismemberment coverage to a maximum of $100,000 when traveling on official UHS Hospitals business.  UHS Hospitals pays the full premium.

Paid Time Off

Employees are entitled to paid time off to cover for vacations, holidays, unexpected illness or absences, and emergency personal days.  PTO hours are earned each pay period.  Scheduled PTO may begin any time after employment. Unscheduled PTO may be used upon completion of the six-month probationary period.

Bereavment Leave

A paid absence for up to three days is available in the event of a death of a member of the immediate family, after employees have successfully completed their probationary period.

Financial

Employee Choice Program: Contributions toward health insurance premiums may be deducted from employee’s paychecks before federal, state, and social security taxes are calculated.  Pre-tax contributions to a flexible spending account for health care may be used for reimbursement for medically necessary medical, dental, and vision expenses not covered by health/dental insurance.  Dependent Care account is available for pre-tax reimbursement of dependent care expenses.

Tax Deferred Annuity: Employees interested in creating a long-term savings program may participate in one of many tax deferred annuity programs available.  The listing is available upon request from the Benefits Department.  A specific amount can be deducted from the employee’s paycheck to be invested in a tax deferred annuity plan.  Payroll taxes are not computed on the invested amount, which earns interest tax free.

Credit Union: The Employee’s Federal Credit Union offers employees an opportunity, through convenient payroll deductions, to build a personal savings program or take advantage of low cost loans

Other

Retirement: Retirement benefits are paid entirely by UHS Hospitals, which provides a monthly pension based on a final average earnings and years of service.  Employees are eligible to participate after working 1,000 hours or more in one anniversary year.  Vesting occurs after five years of service.  Retirement benefits may be taken when leaving UHS as a lump sum or left in the fund until a future date.

Leave of Absence: This is designed to provide employees with necessary extended time off under appropriate circumstances.  Leaves traditionally are available for family and personal reasons, but may include other reasons.  Employees on an approved Leave of Absence may continue certain benefits depending on the reason for the Leave of Absence.

Adoption Assistance: UHS Hospitals will reimburse 80% of agency fees, legal fees, and court costs up to a maximum of $1,500 for each adoption preceding.  Employees are eligible for reimbursement for expenses incurred after they have been employed for one year and only when the adoption is completed.

Tuition Reimbursement: UHS Hospitals reimburse employees up to a maximum of $1,500 per semester for successfully completing courses directly related to their position or related career within UHS Hospitals.  Employees are eligible for approval to enroll in courses after 6 months of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and referral services are available at no cost to employees and their families.  Fees for services provided outside the EAP are the employee’s responsibility but may be covered by the insurance plans.

Pharmacy Services: Prescription drugs may be purchased at the hospital pharmacy.

Malpractice Insurance: UHS Hospitals provides all employees with Processional Liability (Malpractice) insurance coverage and pays the full premium for this coverage.  This covers any activities performed within the scope of their job description.