|
Go to table of contents.
UTCE-MnSCU Master Agreement 1999-2001
ARTICLE 17
Insurance
Section 1. State Employee Group Insurance Program.
During the life of this Agreement, the Employer agrees to offer a Group
Insurance Program that includes health, dental, life, and disability coverages
equivalent to existing coverages, subject to the provisions of this Article.
All insurance eligible employees will be provided with a Summary Plan
Description describing these coverages. Such Summary Plan Description
shall be provided no less than biennially and prior to the beginning of
the insurance year. New insurance eligible employees shall receive a Summary
Plan Description within thirty (30) days of their date of eligibility.
Section 2. Eligibility for Group Participation.
This section describes eligibility to participate in the Group Insurance
Program.
Subd. 1. Employees - Basic Eligibility.
Employees may participate in the Group Insurance Program if they are
employed on the basis of at least fifty percent (50%) of a full-time
work assignment, as defined in Article 14. Coverage
will terminate at the end of the payroll period of the effective date
of resignation, termination or non-renewal.
Subd. 2. Employees - Special Eligibility.
The following employees are also eligible to participate in the Group
Insurance Program.
- Employees with a Work-related
Injury/Disability. An employee who was off the payroll due
to a work-related injury or a work-related disability may continue
to participate in the Group Insurance Program as long as such employee
receives workers' compensation payments or while the workers' compensation
claim is pending.
- Totally Disabled Employees.
Consistent with Minnesota
Statute 62A.148, certain totally disabled employees may continue
to participate in the Group Insurance Program.
- Retired Employees. An
employee who retires from State service, is not eligible for regular
(non-disability) Medicare coverage, has five (5) or more years of
allowable pension service, and meets the age or length of service
requirements of TRA or MSRS (thirty (30) years service, no age limit;
or fifty five (55) years of age, not less than three (3) years of
service; or Rule of Ninety (90), and is entitled at the time of retirement
to immediately receive a retirement benefit under Minnesota
Statute 354B or an annuity under a retirement program, may continue
to participate in the health and dental coverages offered through
the Group Insurance Program. Pension service includes service from
K-12, Joint Vocational, or Intermediate District.
Consistent with Minnesota
Statute 43A.27, Subd. 3, a retired employee who receives a retirement
benefit under Minnesota
Statute 354B or an annuity under a retirement program may continue
to participate in the health and dental coverages offered through
the Group Insurance Program. A spouse of a deceased retired faculty
member may continue health and dental coverages through the Group
Insurance Program provided the spouse was a dependent under the
retired member's coverage at the time of the retiree's death and
continues to make the required premium payments. Retiree coverage
will be coordinated with Medicare.
- Summer Coverage - Temporary Employees.
An employee on a temporary appointment who is eligible to participate
in the Group Insurance Program continues that eligibility during the
summer if notice has been received from the Employer by May 31 of
each year that the employee will be rehired in an insurance eligible
position for the subsequent fall semester.
- Sabbatical Leave. For
the duration of this agreement, an employee who is eligible to participate
in the Group Insurance Program immediately prior to taking a sabbatical
leave continues that eligibility during the sabbatical leave.
- Employees on Unpaid Leaves of
Absence. An employee who is eligible to participate in the
Group Insurance Program immediately prior to taking an unpaid leave
of absence continues that eligibility during the unpaid leave of absence.
Subd. 3. Dependents.
Eligible dependent for the purpose of this Article are as follows:
- Spouse. The spouse of an
eligible employee (if not legally separated). For the purposes of
health insurance coverage, if that spouse works full-time for an organization
employing more than 100 people and elects to receive either credits
or cash (1) in place of health insurance or health coverage or (2)
in addition to a health plan with a seven hundred and fifty dollars
($750) or greater deductible through his/her employing organization,
he/she is not eligible to be a covered dependent for the purposes
of this Attachment. If both spouses work for the State or another
organization participating in the State's Group Insurance Program,
neither spouse may be covered as a dependent by the other, unless
one spouse is not eligible for a full Employer contribution as defined
in Section 3., Subd. 1. (a.)
- Children and Grandchildren.
An eligible employee's unmarried dependent children and unmarried
dependent grandchildren: (1) through age eighteen (18); or (2) through
age twenty four (24) if the child or grandchild is a full-time student
at an accredited educational institution; or (3) a child or grandchild,
regardless of age or marital status, who is incapable of self-sustaining
employment by reason of mental retardation, mental illness, or physical
disability and is chiefly dependent on the employee for support. The
handicapped dependent shall be eligible for coverage as long as s/he
continues to be handicapped and dependent, unless coverage terminates
under the contract.
"Dependent Child" includes an employee's (1) biological child,
(2) child legally adopted by or placed for adoption with the employee,
(3) foster child, and (4) step child. To be considered a dependent
child, a foster child must be dependent on the employee for his/her
principal support and maintenance and be placed by the court in
the custody of the employee. To be considered a dependent child,
a step child must maintain residence with the employee and be dependent
upon the employee for his/her principal support and maintenance.
If both spouses work for the State or another organization participating
in the State's Group Insurance Program, either spouse, but not both,
may cover their eligible dependent children and grandchildren. This
restriction also applies to two divorced, legally separated, or
unmarried employees who share legal responsibility for their eligible
dependent children or grandchildren.
Subd. 4. Continuation Coverage.
Consistent with state and federal laws, certain employees, former employees,
dependents, and former dependents may continue group health, dental,
and/or life coverage at their own expense for a fixed length of time.
As of the date of this Agreement, state and federal laws allowed certain
group coverage's to be continued if they would otherwise terminate due
to:
- termination of employment (except for gross misconduct);
- layoff;
- reduction of hours to an ineligible status;
- dependent child becoming ineligible due to change in age, student
status, marital status, or financial support (in the case of a foster
child or stepchild);
- death of employee; or
- divorce
Section 3. Eligibility for Employer Contribution.
This section describes eligibility for an Employer Contribution toward
the cost of coverage.
Subd. 1. Full Employer Contribution - Basic
Eligibility.
The following employees covered by this Agreement receive the full
Employer Contribution:
- Employees who are appointed for at least seventy five percent (75%)
of a full-time assignment receive the full Employer contribution.
Subd. 2. Partial Employer Contribution - Basic Eligibility.
The following employees covered by this Agreement receive the full
Employer Contribution for basic life coverage, and at the employee's
option, a partial Employer Contribution for health and dental coverage.
The partial Employer Contribution for health and dental coverage is
fifty percent (50%) of the full Employer Contribution.
- Part-time Employees. Employees
who hold part-time appointment of at least fifty percent (50%) of
a full-time assignment but less than seventy five percent (75%) of
a full-time assignment.
Subd. 3. Special Eligibility.
The following employees also receive an Employer Contribution:
- Employees On Layoff. An
employee who receives an Employer contribution, who has three (3)
or more years of continuous service, and who has been placed on layoff,
remains eligible for an Employer contribution and all other benefits
provided by this Master Agreement for a period of six (6) months from
the date of layoff.
- Work-related Injury/Disability.
An employee who receives an Employer Contribution and who is
off the State payroll due to a work-related injury or a work-related
disability remains eligible for an Employer Contribution as long as
such an employee receives workers' compensation payments. If such
employee ceases to receive workers' compensation payments for the
injury or disability and is granted a disability leave under provision(s)
of the applicable Master Agreement, s/he shall be eligible for an
Employer Contribution during that leave.
- Summer Coverage - Temporary Employees.
An employee on a temporary assignment who is eligible for an
Employer contribution continues to receive the Employer contribution
during the summer if notice has been received from the Employer by
May 31 of each year that the employee will be rehired in an insurance
eligible position for the subsequent fall semester.
- Sabbatical Leave. For
the duration of this Agreement, an employee who is eligible for an
Employer contribution immediately prior to taking a sabbatical leave
continues that eligibility during the sabbatical leave.
Subd. 4. Maintaining Eligibility for Employer Contribution.
- General. An employee who
receives a full or partial Employer Contribution maintains that eligibility
as long as the employee meets the Employer Contribution eligibility
requirements, and appears on a State payroll for at least one (1)
full working day during each payroll period. This requirement does
not apply to employees who receive an Employer Contribution while
eligible for workers' compensation payments as described in Section
3., Subd. 3., (b.).
- Unpaid Leave of Absence.
If an employee is on an unpaid leave of absence, then vacation leave,
compensatory time, or sick leave cannot be used for the purpose of
maintaining eligibility for an Employer Contribution by keeping the
employee on a State payroll for one (1) working day per pay period.
- Academic Year Employment.
When employees are employed on a basis of an academic year and such
employee contemplates absence from the State payroll during the summer
months or vacation periods scheduled by the Appointing Authority which
occur during the regular school year, the employee shall nonetheless
remain eligible for an Employer Contribution, provided that the employee
appears on the regular payroll for at least one (1) working day in
the payroll immediately preceding such absences.
- An employee who is on an approved FMLA qualifying leave as provided
elsewhere in this agreement maintains eligibility for an Employer
Contribution.
Section 4. Amount of Employer Contribution.
For employees eligible for an Employer Contribution as described in Section
3, the amount of the Employer Contribution will be determined as follows;
beginning on January 5, 2000. The Employer contribution amounts and rules
in effect on June 10, 1999, will continue through January 4, 2000.
Subd. 1. Contribution Formula - Health Coverage.
- Employee Coverage. For employee health coverage, the Employer contributes
an amount equal to the lesser of one hundred percent (100%) of the
employee-only premium of the Low-Cost Health Plan, or the actual employee-only
premium of the health plan chosen by the employee.
- Dependent Coverage. For dependent health coverage, the Employer
contributes an amount equal to the lesser of ninety percent (90%)
of the dependent premium of the Low-Cost Health Plan, or the actual
dependent premium of the health plan chosen by the employee.
- Low-Cost Health Plan. For the purposes of Section 4., Subd. 1.
"Low-Cost Health Plan" means the health plan with: (1) the lowest
family premium rate: and (2) operating in the county of the employee's
permanent work location; county of residence for Insurance year 2001;
See Section 4, Subd. (e.) below. "Family premium" is the total of
the employee premium and the dependent premium.
The Low-Cost Health Plan for each county for the 2000 insurance
year is listed in Appendix B. During the 2000 insurance year, the
list may be changed only if the Low-Cost Health Plan no longer operates
in a county.
- Low Cost Health Plan Determination 2001. The list for the 2001
insurance year shall be established in accordance with the following
procedures:
- At least twelve (12) weeks prior to the open enrollment period
for the 2001 insurance year, the Employer shall meet and confer
with the Joint Labor/Management Committee on Health Plans in an
attempt to reach agreement on the low-cost health plan for each
county.
- If no agreement is reached within five (5) working days, the
Employer and the Joint Labor/Management Committee on behalf of
all of the exclusive representatives shall submit counties in
dispute to a mutually agreed upon neutral expert in health care
delivery systems for final and binding resolution. The only counties
that may be submitted for resolution by this process are those
in which, since the list for the 2000 insurance year was negotiated,
one or more of the following has occurred:
- changes in the network of one or more of the plan offered;
- changes in premium amounts affecting which plan is low cost;
- The addition or deletion of carriers affecting which plan
is low cost.
- Absent agreement on a neutral expert the parties shall select
an arbitrator from a list of five (5) arbitrators supplied by
the Bureau of Mediation Services. The parties shall flip a coin
to determine who strikes first. One-half (1/2) of the fees and
expenses of the neutral shall be paid by the Employer and one-half
(1/2) by the exclusive representatives. The parties shall select
a neutral within five (5) working days after no agreement is reached,
and a hearing shall be held within fourteen (14) working days
of the selection of the neutral.
- The decision of the neutral shall be issued within two (2)
working days after the hearing.
- Location as the Basis for Employer Contribution. The Employer Contribution
for each employee is based on the employee's permanent work location
on the effective date of the 2000 insurance year. For the 2001 insurance
year, the Employer Contribution will be based on the employee's county
of permanent residence (for Minnesota residents) or the employee's
county of permanent work location (for Minnesota non-residents). If
the health plan an employee is enrolled in is not available at the
permanent work location, then the Employer Contribution changes to
the amount in effect at the permanent work location.
Subd. 2. Contribution Formula - Dental Coverage.
- Employee Coverage. For
employee dental coverage, the Employer contributes an amount equal
to the lesser of one hundred percent (100%) of the employment premium
of the State Dental Plan, or the actual employee premium of the dental
plan chosen by the employee.
- Dependent Coverage. For
dependent dental coverage, the Employer contributes an amount equal
to the lesser of fifty percent (50%) of the dependent premium of the
State Dental Plan, or the actual dependent premium of the dental plan
chosen by the employee.
Subd. 3. Contribution Formula - Basic Life Coverage.
For employee basic life coverage and accidental death and dismemberment
coverage, the Employer contributes one hundred percent (100%) of the
cost.
Section 5. Coverage Changes and Effective Dates.
Subd. 1. When Coverage May Be Chosen.
All employees must make their choice of plans and choice of employee
health and dental plans and dependent coverage (if applicable) within
sixty (60) calendar days of the date of initial appointment to an insurance
eligible position. When health and dental coverage are elected, the
employee will automatically be enrolled in basic life coverage. Employees
eligible for a partial Employer contribution may elect health and dental
coverage within sixty (60) calendar days of initial employment or during
an open enrollment period. Employees who become eligible for a full
Employer contribution must make their choice of employee health and
dental plans and dependent coverage within sixty (60) calendar days
of becoming eligible or be enrolled in the low cost in the county of
the employee's work location.
Subd. 2. Initial Effective Date.
The initial effective date of coverage under the Group Insurance Program
is the first day of the first payroll period beginning on or after the
28th calendar day following the employees' first day of employment,
re-employment, re-hire, or reinstatement with the State. An employee
must be actively at work on the initial effective date of coverage,
except that an employee who is on paid leave on the date State-paid
life insurance benefits increase is also entitled to the increased life
insurance coverage. In no event shall an employee's dependents coverage
become effective before the employee's coverage.
Subd. 3. Changing Coverage - All Employees.
An employee may change his/her health or dental plan if the employee
changes to a new permanent work location, and the employee's current
plan is not available at the new work location. An employee who receives
notification of a work location change between the end of their initial
enrollment period and the beginning of the next insurance year, may
change his/her health or dental plan within thirty (30) calendar days
of the date of the relocation under the same provisions accorded during
the last open enrollment period.
An employee and a retired employee may also add dependent health or
dental coverage following the birth of a child or dependent grandchild,
or following the adoption of a child without regard to the thirty (30)
day enrollment period.
An employee and a retired employee may add dependent health or dental
coverage within thirty (30) calendar days after the following events:
- If an employee or a retiree becomes married, the employee or retiree
may also add his/her spouse and any dependent children/grandchildren.
- If the employee's spouse loses group health or dental coverage,
the employee may add his/her spouse and any dependent children/grandchildren.
- If the retiree's spouse involuntarily loses group health or dental
coverage, the retiree may add his/her spouse and any dependent children/grandchildren.
(Spouse's loss of coverage due to his/her retirement would be considered
involuntary.)
Subd. 4. When Coverage May Be Canceled.
- An employee may cancel dependent health or dental coverage outside
of open enrollment only in the case of certain life events that are
consistent with the request to cancel coverage. The request to cancel
coverage must be made within sixty (60) days of the event. Life events
include, but are not limited to:
- loss of dependent status of a sole dependent;
- death of a sole dependent;
- divorce;
- change in employment condition of an Employer or spouse; and
- a significant change of spousal insurance coverage (cost of
coverage is not a significant change).
- Dependent health or dependent dental coverage may also be canceled
during the open enrollment period that applies to each type of plan
for any reason.
- A part-time employee may also cancel employee coverage within sixty
(60) days of when one of these same life events occurred.
- Medical coverage termination will take effect on the first of the
month following the end of the pay period coinciding with or next
following the date of application to cancel coverage, or the loss
of eligible employee or dependent status. All other benefit coverage
terminations will take effect on the first day of the pay period coinciding
with or next following the date of the application to cancel coverage,
or the loss of eligible dependent status.
Subd. 5. Effective Date of Coverage.
- The initial effective date of coverage under the Group Insurance
Program is the first day of the first payroll period beginning on
or after the 28th calendar day following the employee's
first day of employment, re-employment, re-hire, or reinstatement
with the State. An employee must be actively at work on the initial
effective date of coverage, except that an employee who is on paid
leave on the date State-paid life insurance benefits increase is also
entitled to the increased life insurance coverage. In no event shall
an employee's dependent's coverage become effective before the employee's
coverage.
If an employee is not actively at work due to employee or dependent
health status or medical disability, medical and dental coverage
will still take effect. (Life and disability coverage will be delayed
until the employee returns to work.)
Subd. 6. Delay in Coverage Effective Date.
- Basic Life. If an employee is not actively at work on the initial
effective date of coverage, coverage will be delayed until the first
day of the pay period coinciding with or next following the employee's
return to work. The effective date of a change in coverage is not
delayed in the event that, on the date the coverage change would be
effective, an employee is on an unpaid leave of absence or layoff.
- Medical and Dental. If an employee is not actively at work on the
initial effective date of coverage due to a reason other than hospitalization
or medical disability of the employee or dependent, medical and dental
coverage will be delayed until the first day of the pay period coinciding
with or next following the employee's return to work.
The effective date of a change in coverage is not delayed in the
event that, on the date the coverage change would be effective,
an employee is on an unpaid leave of absence or layoff.
- Optional Life and Disability Coverages. In order for coverage to
become effective, the employee must be active in payroll status and
not using sick leave on the first day of the pay period coinciding
with or next following approval by the insurance company. If it is
an open enrollment period, coverage may be applied for but will not
become effective until the first day of the pay period coinciding
with or next following the employee's return to work.
Subd. 7. Open Enrollment.
- Frequency and Duration. There shall be an open enrollment period
for health coverage in each year of this Collective Bargaining Agreement,
and for dental coverage in the first year of this Collective Bargaining
Agreement. Open enrollment periods shall last a minimum of thirty
(30) calendar days. Open enrollment changes become effective on January
5, 2000 in the first year of this Agreement, and on January 3, 2001
in the second year of this Agreement.
- Eligibility to Participate. An employee eligible to participate
in the State Employee Group Insurance Program, as described in Section
2., Subd. 1. and Subd. 2, may participate in open enrollment. In addition,
a person in the following categories may as allowed in Section 5.,
Subd. 5. (a.) above, make certain changes. (1) a former employee or
dependent on continuation coverage, as described in Section 2., Subd.
4., may change plans or add coverage for health and/or dental plans
on the same basis as active employees; and (2) an early retiree, prior
to becoming eligible for Medicare, may change health and/or dental
plans as agreed to for active employees, but may not add dependent
coverage.
- Materials for Employee Choice. Each year prior to open enrollment,
the Appointing Authority will give eligible employee the information
necessary to make open enrollment selections. Employees will be provided
a statement of his/her current coverage each year of the contract.
Subd. 8. Coverage Selection Prior to Retirement.
An employee who retires and is entitled to receive an annuity under
a State retirement program may change his/her health or dental plan
during the sixty (60) calendar day period immediately preceding the
date of retirement. The employee may not add dependent coverage during
this period. The change takes effect on the first day of the first pay
period beginning after the date of retirement.
Section 6. Basic Coverage.
Subd. 1. Employee and Family Health Coverage.
- Coverage Options. Eligible
employees may select coverage under one of the health plans offered
by the Employer, including the State Health Plan, or other health
plans. Coverage offered through these plans is subject to change during
the life of this Agreement upon approval of the Employer after consultation
with the Joint Labor/Management Committee on Health Plans. However,
actuarial reductions in the level of the other plan coverages effective
during the term of this Collective Bargaining Agreement, including
increases in co-payments, requires approval of the Joint Labor/Management
Committee on Health Plans. Coverage offered through the State Health
Plan is determined by Section 6., Subd. 1., (b.).
- Coverage Under the State Health Plan. From July 1, 1999 through
January 4, 2000, coverage under the State Health Plan Point of Service
and State Health Plan Select (hereinafter referred to as SHPPOS and
SHPS, respectively) will continue at the level in effect on June 30,
1999. Effective January 5, 2000, SHPPOS and SHPS will cover allowable
charges for the following eligible services subject to the co-payments
and coverage limits stated. Services provided through both plans are
subject to their managed care procedures and principles, including
standards of medical necessity and appropriate practice. Effective
January 5, 2000, all other Plans providing services to State employees
will have the same coverages as the SHPS.
- Services received from, or
authorized by a primary care physician within the primary care
clinic. State Health Plan Point of Service (SHPPOS) and State
Health Plan Select (SHPS).
The following health care services under SHPPOS and SHPS shall
be received from, or authorized by a primary care physician
within the primary care clinic. The primary care clinic shall
be selected from approved clinics in accordance with SHPPOS
and SHPS administrative procedures. Higher out-of-pocket costs
as described in Section 6., Subd. 1., (b.) (2.) apply to the
following services if not received from, or authorized by, a
primary care physician within the primary care clinic.
- Inpatient hospital services. One hundred percent (100%)
coverage.
- Outpatient surgery center services. One hundred percent
(100%) coverage.
- Home health services. One hundred percent (100%) coverage
up to a maximum of five thousand ($5,000) eligible expenses
per person per year.
- X-rays and laboratory tests. One hundred (100%) percent
coverage.
- Preventive care. One hundred percent (100%) coverage.
- Physicians services. One hundred percent (100%) coverage.
- Durable medical equipment. Eighty percent (80%) coverage.
All diabetic supplies, including
test tapes and syringes, are covered under durable medical equipment.
- Services not authorized by
a primary care physician within the primary care clinic. Coverage
under this Section 6., Subd. 1., (b.) (2.) is only available to
individuals who elect SHPPOS coverage and then only under the
terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Coverage.
For services under Section 6., Subd. 1., (b.) (2.) which are
not authorized by a primary care physician within the primary
care clinic in the 2000 and 2001 insurance years:
These deductibles and co-payments are separate from the deductibles
and co-payments for authorized services under Section 6., Subd.
1., (b.) (1.).
- Special Service networks
(applies to SHPPOS and SHPS). The following services must
be received from Special Service network providers in order to
be covered.
- Mental health services
- inpatient and outpatient. One hundred percent (100%)
coverage (up to three hundred and sixty five (365) days for
inpatient services). No coverage for services obtained from
out-of-network providers under SHPS. Out-of-network services
are available under SHPPOS according to the terms of the Certificate
of Coverage. In-Network Services need not be authorized by
a primary physician within the primary care clinic under either
plan.
- Chemical dependency services
- Inpatient and outpatient.
One hundred percent (100%) coverage (up to 365 days for inpatient
services. No coverage for services obtained from out-of-network
providers under SHPS. Out-of-network services are available
under SHPPOS according to the terms of the Certificate of
Coverage In-network. Services need not be authorized by a
primary physician within the primary care clinic under either
plan.
- Chiropractic services.
One hundred percent (100%) coverage. No coverage for services
obtained from out-of-network providers. Services need not
be authorized by a primary care physician within the primary
care clinic.
- Transplant coverage.
SHPPOS and SHPS shall provide transplant coverage as
specified in their respective Certificate of Coverage. No
coverage for services obtained from out-of-network providers.
Referrals for eligible transplant services must be authorized
by a primary care physician within the primary care clinic.
- Cardiac services. No
coverage for non-emergency cardiac services obtained from
out-of-network providers. Referrals for services must be authorized
by a primary care physician within the primary care clinic.
- Home Infusion Therapy.
SHPPOS and SHPS shall provide Home Infusion Therapy
coverage as specified in their respective Certificates of
Coverage. No coverage for services obtained from out-of-network
providers. Referrals for eligible Infusion Therapy services
must be authorized by a primary care physician within the
primary care clinic.
- Hospice Benefit.
One hundred percent (100%) coverage for services obtained
from in-network providers. Seventy percent (70%) coverage
for services obtained from out-of-network providers under
SHPPOS. Referrals for eligible hospice services must be authorized
by a primary care physician within the primary care clinic.
- Services not requiring authorization by a primary care physician
within the primary care clinic.
The following services do not require authorization by a primary
care physician within the primary care clinic in order to be
covered.
- Prescription drugs.
- Eye exams. SHPPOS
and SHPS. One hundred percent (100%) coverage. (Limited to
one routine examination per year.)
- Outpatient emergency
and urgicenter services within the area. SHPPOS and
SHPS. Thirty dollars ($30) co-payment per visit for outpatient
emergency visits and fifteen dollar ($15) co-payment per visit
for urgicenter visits that do not result in hospital admission
within twenty four (24) hours; one hundred percent (100%)
coverage thereafter.
- Emergency and urgently
needed care outside the area. (SHPPOS and SHP). Professional
services of a physician, emergency room treatment, and inpatient
hospital services covered at eighty percent (80%) of the first
two thousand dollars ($2,000) and one hundred percent (100%)
thereafter of the charges incurred per insurance year. The
maximum eligible out-of-pocket expense per individual per
year for this benefit is four hundred dollars ($400). This
benefit is not available when the member's condition permits
him or her to receive care within the network of the plan
in which the individual is enrolled.
- Ambulance. SHPPOS
and SHPS. Eighty percent (80%) coverage for eligible expenses.
(Air ambulance paid to ground ambulance coverage limit only,
unless ordered "first response" or if air ambulance is the
only medically acceptable means of transport as certified
by the attending physician.)
- Lifetime maximum.
SHPPOS and SHPS. Coverage under the State Health
Plan is subject to a per-person lifetime maximum. The
lifetime maximum is two million dollars ($2,000,000) except
for services not authorized by a primary care physician
within the primary care clinic (SHPPOS) where the five
hundred thousand dollar ($500,000) lifetime maximum remains.
The lifetime maximum for services under Section 6., Subd.
1. (b.)(2.) is limited to five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). The five hundred thousand dollar ($500,000)
maximum which applies under Section 6., Subd. 1. (b.)(2.)is
part of, and not in addition to, the two million dollar
($2,000,000) lifetime plan maximum.
- Coordination with Workers'
Compensation. When an employee has incurred an on-the-job
injury or an on-the-job disability and has filed a claim for
worker's compensation, medical costs connected with the injury
or disability shall be paid by the employee's health plan,
pursuant to M.S.
176.191, Subd. 3.
- Health Promotion and
Health Education. Both parties to this Agreement recognize
the value and importance of health promotion and health education
programs. Such programs can assist employees and their dependents
to maintain and enhance their health, and to make appropriate
use of the health care system. To work toward these goals:
- Develop Programs.
The Employer will develop and implement health promotion
and health education programs, subject to the availability
of resources. Each Appointing Authority will develop a
health promotion and health education program consistent
with the Department of Employee Relations policy. Upon
request of any exclusive representative in an agency,
the Appointing Authority shall jointly meet and confer
with the exclusive representative(s) and may include other
interested exclusive representatives.
Agenda items shall include but not be limited to smoking
cessation, weight loss, stress management, health education/self-care,
and education on related benefits provided through the
State Health Plan and HMO plans.
- Health Plan specifications.
The Employer will require health plans participating
in the Group Insurance Program to develop and implement
health promotion and health education programs for State
employees and their dependents.
- Employee Participation.
The Employer will assist employees' participation in health
promotion and health education programs.
Health promotion and health education programs that have
been endorsed by the Employer (Department of Employee
Relations) will be considered to be non-assigned job-related
pursuant to Administrative Procedure 21B. Approval for
this training is at the discretion of the Appointing Authority
and is contingent upon meeting staffing needs in the employee's
absence and the availability of funds. Employees are eligible
for release time, tuition reimbursement, or a pro rata
combination of both. Employees may be reimbursed for up
to one hundred percent (100%) of tuition or registration
costs upon successful completion of the program. Employees
may be granted release time, including the travel time,
in lieu of reimbursement.
- Health Promotion
Incentives. The Joint Labor-management Committee
on Health Plans shall develop a program which provides
incentives for employees who participate in a health promotion
program. The health promotion program shall emphasize
the adoption and maintenance of more healthy lifestyle
behaviors and shall encourage wiser usage of the health
care system.
Subd. 2. Employee and Family Dental Coverage.
- Coverage Options. Eligible
employees may select coverage under any one of the dental plans offered
by the Employer, including health maintenance organization plans,
the State Dental Plan, or other dental plans. Coverage offered through
health maintenance organization plans is subject to change during
the life of this Agreement upon action of the health maintenance organization
and approval of the Employer after consultation with the Joint Labor-Management
Committee on Health Plans. However, actuarial reduction in the level
of HMO coverages effective during the term of this Agreement, including
increases in co-payments, require approval of the Joint Labor-Management
Committee on Health Plans. Coverage offered through the State Dental
Plan is determined by Section 6.B2.
- Coverage Under the State Dental
Plan. The State Dental Plan will provide the following coverage:
- Co-payment. Effective
January 5, 2000, the State Dental Plan will cover allowable charges
for the following services subject to the co-payments and coverage
limits stated. Higher out-of-pocket costs apply to services obtained
from dental care providers not in the State Dental Plan network.
Services provided through the State Dental Plan are subject to
the State Dental Plan's managed care procedures and principles,
including standards of dental necessity and appropriate practice.
The plan shall cover general cleaning two (2) times per plan year
and special cleanings (root or deep cleaning) as prescribed by
the dentist.
| Service |
In-Network |
Out-of-Network |
| Diagnostic/Preventative |
100% |
50% |
| Fillings |
80% |
50% |
| Endodontics |
80% |
50% |
| Periodontics |
80% |
50% |
| Oral Surgery |
80% |
50% |
| Crowns |
80% |
50% |
| Prosthetics |
50% |
None |
| Prosthetic Repairs |
50% |
None |
| Orthodontics* |
80% |
50% |
*Please refer to your certificate of coverage for information
regarding age limitations for dependent orthodontic care.
-
Deductible. An annual
deductible of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) per person
applies to State Dental Plan basic and special services received
from out of network providers. The deductible must be satisfied
before coverage begins.
- Annual Maximums. State
Dental Plan coverage is subject to a one thousand dollar ($1,000)
annual maximum in benefits payable (excluding orthodontia) per
person. "Annual" means per insurance year.
- Orthodontia Lifetime Maximum.
Orthodontia benefits are available to eligible dependent children
ages eight (8) through eighteen (18) subject to a two thousand
eight hundred dollar ($2,800) Lifetime maximum benefit.
Subd. 3. Employee Life Coverage.
- Basic Life and Accidental Death
and Dismemberment Coverage. The Employer agrees to provide
and pay for the following term life coverage and accidental death
and dismemberment coverage for all employees eligible for an Employer
Contribution, as described in Section 3. Any premium paid by the State
in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) coverage is subject
to a tax liability in accord with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
An employee may decline coverage in excess of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000) by filing a waiver in accord with Department of Finance
procedures. The basic life insurance policy will include an accelerated
benefits agreement providing for payment of benefits prior to death
if the insured has a terminal condition.
| Employee's Annual Base Salary |
Group Life Insurance Coverage |
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Principal Sum |
| $0-$20,000 |
$30,000 |
$30,000 |
| $20,001-$30,000 |
$40,000 |
$40,000 |
| $30,001-$40,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
| $40,001-$50,000 |
$60,000 |
$60,000 |
| over $50,000 |
$70,000 |
$70,000 |
- Extended Benefits. An
employee who becomes totally disabled before age 70 shall be eligible
for the extended benefit provisions of the life insurance policy until
age 70. Current recipients of extended life insurance shall continue
to receive such benefits consistent with applicable statutes.
- Additional Death Benefit. Employees
who retire on or after July 1, 1995, shall be entitled to a five hundred
dollar ($500) death benefit payable to a beneficiary designated by
the employee, if at the time of death the employee is entitled to
an annuity under a State retirement program. A five hundred ($500)
cash death benefit shall also be payable to the designated beneficiary
of an employee who becomes totally and permanently disabled on or
after July 1, 1995, and who at the time of death is receiving a State
disability benefit and is eligible for a deferred annuity under a
State retirement program.
Section 7. Optional Coverages.
Subd. 1. Eligibility During Unpaid Leaves or Layoff.
An employee who takes an unpaid leave of absence or who is laid off
may discontinue premium payments on optional policies during the period
of leave or layoff. If the employee returns within one (1) year, the
employee shall be permitted to pick up all optionals held prior to the
leave or layoff. For purposes of reinstating such optional coverages,
the following limitations shall be applicable.
- For the first twenty four (24) months of short-term and /or long-term
disability coverage after such a period of leave or layoff, any
such disability coverage shall exclude coverage for certain pre-existing
conditions. For disability purposes, a pre-existing condition is
defined as any disability which is caused by, or results from, any
injury, sickness or pregnancy which occurred, was diagnosed, or
for which medical care was received during the period of leave or
layoff. In addition, any pre-existing condition limitations that
would have been in effect under the policy but for the discontinuance
of coverage shall continue to apply as provided in the policy.
- For the first twenty four (24) months of optional life coverage
after such a period of leave or layoff, any such optional life coverage
shall exclude coverage for certain pre-existing conditions. For
optional life purposes, any death which is caused by, or results
from any injury or sickness which occurred, was diagnosed, or for
which medical care was received during the period of leave or layoff
shall be excluded from coverage for such twenty four (24) month
period.
The limitations set forth in (a.) and (b.) above do not apply to
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leaves.
Subd. 2. Regular Eligibility for Life and Disability Coverage - Evidence
of insurance may be required.
The following optional life and disability coverages may be available
with evidence of insurability. Each of the following requires evidence
of insurability unless otherwise indicated.
- Life Coverage.
- Employee. An employee
may purchase a combined total of up to five hundred thousand
dollars ($500,000) additional life insurance, in increments
established by the Employer, subject to satisfactory evidence
of insurability. A new employee hired on or after July 1, 1995,
may purchase up to two (2) times annual salary or two hundred
thousand dollars ($200,000), whichever is less, in optional
employee life coverage within sixty (60) calendar days of hire
without evidence of insurability.
- Spouse. An employee
may purchase up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)
life insurance coverage for his/her spouse in increments established
by the Employer, subject to satisfactory evidence of insurability.
A new employee hired on or after July 1,1995 may purchase either
five thousand dollars ($5,000) or ten thousand dollars ($10,000)
in optional spouse life coverage within sixty (60) calendar
days of hire without evidence of insurability.
- Children/Grandchildren.
An employee may purchase life insurance in the amount of ten
thousand dollars ($10,000) as a package for all eligible children/grandchildren
(as defined in Section 2., Subd. 3. of this Attachment). Child/grandchild
coverage for new employees hired on or after July 1, 1995, requires
evidence of insurability if application is made after the first
sixty (60) calendar days of employment. Child/grandchild coverage
commences fourteen (14) calendar days after birth.
- Accelerated Life.
The additional employee, spouse and child life insurance policies
will include an accelerated benefits agreement providing for
payment of benefits prior to death if the insured has a terminal
condition.
- Waiver of Premium.
In the event an employee becomes totally disabled after the
effective date of insurance coverage provided by this agreement
but before age seventy (70), there shall be a waiver of premium
for all life insurance coverage that the employee had at the
time of disability.
- Paid Up Life Policy.
At age sixty five (65) or the date of retirement, an employee
who has carried optional employee life insurance for the five
(5) consecutive years immediately preceding the date of the
employee's retirement or age sixty five (65), which ever is
later, shall receive a post-retirement paid-up insurance policy
in an amount equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the smallest
amount of optional employee life insurance in force during that
five (5) year period. The employee's post-retirement death benefit
shall be effective as of the date of the employee's retirement
or the date the employee reaches age sixty five (65), whichever
is later. Employees who retire prior to age sixty five (65)
must be immediately eligible to receive a state retirement annuity
and must continue their employee life insurance to age sixty
five (65) in order to remain eligible for the employee post-retirement
death benefit.
An employee who has carried optional spouse life insurance for
the five (5) consecutive years immediately preceding the date
of the employee's retirement or spouse age sixty five (65),
whichever is later, shall receive a post-retirement paid-up
life insurance policy in an amount equal tofifteen percent (15%)
of the smallest amount of optional spouse life insurance in
force during that five (5) year period. The spouse post-retirement
death benefit shall be effective as of the date of the employee's
retirement or the date the spouse reaches age sixty five (65)
whichever is later. The employee must continue the full amount
of optional spouse life insurance to the date of the employee's
retirement or spouse age sixty five (65), whichever is later,
in order to remain eligible for the spouse post-retirement death
benefit.
Each policy remains separate and distinct, and amounts may not
be combined for the purpose of increasing the amount of a single
policy.
- Disability Coverage
- Short-term Disability Coverage.
Subject to evidence of good health, an employee may purchase
short-term disability coverage that provides benefits of from
three hundred dollars ($300) to five thousand dollars ($5,000)
per month, up to two thirds (2/3) of an employee's salary, for
up to one hundred eighty (180) calendar days during total disability
due to a non-occupational accident or a non-occupational sickness.
Benefits are paid from the first day of a disabling injury or
from the eighth day of a disabling sickness. Employees hired
on or after July 1, 1995 may purchase coverage without providing
evidence of good health if coverage is purchased within the
first sixty (60) days of their insurance eligibility.
- Long-term Disability Coverage.
New employees may enroll in long-term disability insurance within
sixty (60) days of employment or insurance eligibility. The
terms are the same as for employees who wish to add/increase
during the annual open enrollment. During open enrollment only,
an employee may purchase long-term disability coverage that
provides benefits of from two hundred dollars ($200) to five
thousand dollars ($5,000) per month based on the employee's
salary, commencing on the 181st calendar day of total disability,
with a limited term pre-existing exclusion. Employees hired
on or after July 1, 1995 may enroll within the first sixty (60)
days of their employment or their insurance eligibility. In
the event that the employee becomes totally disabled before
age seventy (70), the premiums on this benefit shall be waived.
Employees should be aware that other wage replacement benefits
as described in the certificate of coverage (i.e., Social Security
Disability, Minnesota State Retirement Disability, etc.) may
result in a reduction of the monthly benefit levels purchased.
- Limited Term Pre-existing
Exclusion. Pre-existing medical conditions are excluded
from coverage during the first twenty four (24) months of long-term
disability coverage. A pre-existing condition is defined as
any disability which is caused by or results from any injury,
sickness or pregnancy which occurred, was diagnosed, or for
which medical care was received during the 12 months prior to
the effective date of your long-term disability coverage.
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Coverage. For employees hired on or after July 1, 1995,
an employee may purchase accidental death and dismemberment
coverage that provides principal sum benefits in amount ranging
from five thousand dollars ($5,000) to one hundred thousand
dollars ($100,000), with evidence of insurability. Payment is
made only for accidental bodily injury or death and may vary,
depending upon the extent of dismemberment. An employee may
also purchase from five thousand dollars ($5,000) to twenty
five thousand dollars ($25,000) in coverage for his/her spouse,
but not in excess of the amount carried by the employee.
|