TWU Voluntary Benefits
more info on enrollment
As previously announced all benefits eligible employees will be able to access voluntary benefits through payroll deduction this fall. We are excited to present the vendors that have been selected for these new insurance products.
This voluntary benefit program is sponsored by TWU and is in addition to your state benefits sponsored by ERS (Employees Retirement System). The voluntary benefit enrollment period will occur through online enrollment July 16th through August 2nd. A benefits fair for TWU benefits eligible employees will take place in the TWU Fitness Center on July 16th. The voluntary benefit vendors listed below will be present to introduce the products and assist with the enrollment process. Further details coming soon.
Voluntary Supplemental Medical Plan Coverage:
HUMANA: Three separate voluntary benefit plans that offer supplemental coverage to your medical plan.
Accident
This plan offers coverage for accident, injuries, ambulance services and accidental death.
Critical Illness/Cancer
The Critical Illness and Cancer plan offers you and your family benefits following a serious illness or a condition such as a heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease or cancer.
Hospital Indemnity
The Hospital Indemnity plan pays cash benefits when you are hospitalized.
Participation is voluntary and all premiums for voluntary supplemental medical plan coverage are fully paid by the employee through pre-tax payroll deduction. Enrollment will occur through an online portal. More details will follow regarding the enrollment process in future emails and during annual enrollment 2013.
Other Voluntary Benefit Coverage:
Legal Shield:
Identity Theft and Legal Insurance
Identity Theft protection provides services to help prevent your identity from being stolen and can assist you in repairing your credit if your identity is stolen. Legal Assistance provides services such as a legal consultation for will preparation, traffic ticket defense, contract review, and other legal issues.
MASA: Medical Air Services Assistance
Emergency Assistance
The Emergency Assistance plan provides lifesaving, emergency assistance while at home, on the job or traveling.
ASPCA Pet Insurance:
Pet Insurance
Pet Insurance offers pay for quality veterinary care for your pets. This coverage is for cats and dogs only.
In addition to the benefits offered above, Auto and Home insurance will be offered to all TWU Benefits Eligible employees at a discounted group rate.
Participation is voluntary and all premiums are fully paid by the employee through after tax payroll deduction. Enrollment will occur through an online portal. More details will follow regarding the enrollment process in future emails and during annual enrollment 2013.
Frequently asked questions
Why is TWU offering Voluntary Benefits?
TWU is offering these benefits to provide options to your current benefit package that are not available through ERS. Voluntary benefits allow you to enhance your overall benefits package by providing you an opportunity to purchase additional insurance products through payroll deduction, often at lower rates than if you were to purchase them on your own.
Can I take these benefits with me if I leave TWU?
Yes. These benefits are portable. You would be responsible for making premium payments directly to the vendor.
I currently participate in AFLAC-will I be allowed to continue this coverage?
If you are currently enrolled in AFLAC, you can continue your current coverage and your payment arrangements. This plan will not be offered as a payroll deduction.
Can I enroll in AFLAC in the future?
Employees may continue to enroll in the TWU AFLAC program through August 31, 2013.
Can I only make changes once a year?
Changes for the Humana products (Accident, Critical Illness, and Indemnity) can be made during annual enrollment or when a family status change occurs. In addition, New Hires will have 30 days to elect this coverage. The remaining benefits are open to changes throughout the year.
Can these deductions be paid with pre-tax dollars?
The premiums for the Humana products (Accident, Critical Illness, and Indemnity) will be deducted on a pre-tax basis as authorized by the Internal Revenue Code. The premiums for the other benefits (Identity Theft, Legal Insurance, Emergency Insurance, Pet Insurance, Auto and Home Insurance) are not eligible for pre-tax deduction and will be deducted on a post-tax basis.
How will the voluntary benefits information be distributed on the Dallas and Houston campuses?
During the annual enrollment period benefits staff will visit each campus with vendor provided materials and instructions on how to complete online enrollment.
Benefits Staff
Angela Cagle,
Benefits Manager
(940) 898-3552
acagle@twu.edu
Anthony Yardley,
Senior HR Generalist
(940) 898-3563
ayardley@twu.edu
