Emory Report

September 25, 2000

Volume 53, No.5

Focus: Human Resources Benefits Q&A Wynell Lauver is communications consultant for Human Resources. In this issue, Human Resources addresses questions pertaining to benefits and employment. What is the process for following up on a medical or dental bill that was not paid by EmoryCare? For unpaid medical bills: EmoryCare members should contact CIGNA member services at 800-251-0670; EmoryChoice members should contact Aetna member services at 877-719-3993. For unpaid dental bills: OHS members should contact OHS member services at 800-407-1500. At what point do Emory employees become eligible for retirement? Those eligible include regular employees, principals and faculty who work at least 20 hours or more per week, are at least 55, have 10 years of service of at least half time with breaks not to exceed a 12-month period, and are retiring from a paid status (unless retiring from a disability leave of absence). The total years of age and service must add up to at least 70. Employees who accrue sick leave can apply up to one year of accrued leave toward the service requirement. For example, an employee age 56 with 13 years of service could add one year of accrued sick leave to the service requirement to equal 70. (As faculty do not accrue sick leave, this change does not apply.) Do we have to use exactly one full year of sick year toward retirement, or can we use whatever amount of sick leave we've accrued up to a year? Employees may apply up to a year of accrued sick leave toward retirement. What benefits carry over into retirement? Some benefit programs available to eligible retirees include: · Health care coverage with the cost shared by Emory. · Basic term life insurance coverage at $10,000 for full-time employees or $5,000 for part-time employees. · Courtesy scholarship for retiree and spouse for undergraduate and graduate courses; dependent children for undergraduate courses only. · Emory identification card. · Full use of all University libraries and library search services. · Free annual parking permit if not receiving compensation from Emory. · Continued Blomeyer Health Fitness Center and physical education center memberships. · 10 percent discount for Senior University. I want to follow a physician who backed out of EmoryCare. Since my wife and I selected this more expensive option due to physician membership, I would like the option to change programs if physicians leave. What are the obstacles to making this change? EmoryCare offers the flexibility to see out-of-network physicians. However the level of benefits is lower than in-network-eligible charges will be reimbursed subject to an annual deductible and co-insurance. You must submit a claim form (available from HR) to CIGNA for reimbursement of eligible expenses. If you wish to switch to EmoryChoice, remember the ability to change health care programs for any reason is available only during the annual Open Enrollment period, with the change effective Jan. 1 of the following year. Open Enrollment this year is Oct. 23­Nov. 10. Is there a glass ceiling at Emory for the hiring process-i.e., degree vs. nondegree with experience? Or for individuals who have bachelor's degrees but cannot apply for the job because they do not have a master's, although they have more experience than the applicant with a master's degree? Minimum qualifications are established for each job. However, for some jobs an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Usually employees with relevant experience would be referred even if they do not meet the education requirement. If I apply for a position in another department, will my application be kept confidential from my present supervisor? HR maintains strict confidentiality on all applicants submitting transfer requests or resumes. Employees may indicate on their transfer applications whether it is appropriate to contact the current supervisor. Return to September 25, 2000 contents page