Benefits Information

Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, three health insurance plans are available to regular full-time and part-time employees and their dependents.

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month after starting employment. Eligible dependents may be enrolled within 31 days of hire. Changes may only occur if the employee experiences a qualifying event. For more information about qualifying events, contact the Office of Human Resources.

Employees who participate in A Healthier You Event held in the fall of each year are eligible for reduced health insurance rates. Employees who are eligible to participate in "A Healthier You" and do so, will pay a reduced monthly premium.

UCM and full-time employees share in the employee and dependent health insurance cost based on the employee's salary. Part-time employees are responsible for the full cost of health insurance coverage.

Employees can "opt out" of the health insurance plan with verification of other coverage. Benefit dollars will not be transferable or redeemable for cash.

Employees may login to view additional information, including premiums and plan summaries.

As of January 1, 2020, the Blue KC Pharmacy team has partnered with OptumRx to provide all your pharmacy benefits.  In addition to being the pharmacy benefit manager for retail pharmacy needs, Optum Rx also provides our mail order and specialty pharmacy services. 

Retail locations:  Covered persons can purchase prescription drugs from a network pharmacy in amounts up to a 34-day supply. To receive prescription drug benefits under the plan at local area retail pharmacies, a covered person must present their Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card  at the time the prescription is filled.

Mail Order Services:  A covered person can order long-term maintenance prescription drugs  in amounts up to a 102-day supply.  Medications obtained through the mail order service are delivered to your home. A covered person must set up a payment profile with OptumRx to take advantage of this benefit.

Specialty Pharmacy:  Filling specialty medication prescriptions is fast and easy with OptumRx’s Specialty Pharmacy (BriovaRx). A Patient Care Coordinator from Optum Specialty Pharmacy, will help you enroll in our program when we receive your request to fill a specialty medication. The coordinator will also help you schedule your next medication delivery and manage appropriate medical supplies.

Specific questions about prescription benefits may be directed to Blue Cross Blue Shield customer service at 800-228-1436. You can also access your plan benefits, to include a listing of current prescriptions,, through your BlueKC member portal at https://members.bluekc.com/plan-benefits/pharmacy 

Employees may login to view additional information, including co-payments and deductibles.

Two dental plans are available to full-time and part-time employees and their dependents through Delta Dental of Missouri. UCM will pay for the full-time employee portion of Plan A. Part-time employees are responsible for the full cost of dental insurance coverage.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, dental benefits are provided on a calendar year basis. 

Coverage is effective the first day of the month following your hire date. Dental services must be obtained from a dentist in the Delta Dental of Missouri network.

Employees may login to view additional information, including premiums and plan summaries.

Two vision plans are available to full-time and part-time employees and their dependents through VSP. UCM will provide full-time employees with vision insurance for any coverage selected up to a maximum of $53.64 per year.

Part-time employees are responsible for the full cost of vision insurance coverage.

Employees may login to view additional information, including premiums and plan summaries.

This program is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City as a part of UCM's health insurance. A Healthier You™ supports healthy lifestyles for you and your family through the program. The program provides information and resources to keep you healthy, including a wellness portal, where you’ll complete your Health Risk Assessment and have access to tools and trackers designed to make healthy living easier. The A Healthier You™ program promotes personal responsibility for managing health and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Registration for A Healthier You Begins on Oct. 1.

Employees may login to register for the “A Healthier You” event and additional information. 

The objective of the CuraLinc Healthcare Employee Assistance Program is to reduce problems in the work force and to retain valued employees. UCM recognizes that personal and work problems can be dealt with successfully when identified early and referred to appropriate care.

It is the purpose of this program to provide an opportunity for all employees to obtain confidential assistance in resolving personal and work problems as the need arises. While the employer does not intend to intrude upon employees’ personal lives, the employer offers professional and confidential assistance to resolve problems when declining work performance, attendance or behavioral problems occur.

SupportLinc EAP will arrange for help or provide resources for emotional/behavioral, family, and marital, alcohol and/or drug, financial, legal, work and other personal problems.

SupportLinc EAP resources provide problem assessment, short-term counseling, and referral. Costs for these services are covered by the employer. Costs incurred for other services not covered by insurance or other benefits are the responsibility of the employee.

Employees may login to view contact information, program details, and additional information.

UCM provides full-time employees basic life insurance coverage at no cost to the employee. The benefit is one times employee's annual salary rounded to the next multiple of $1,000 to a maximum of $300,000.

Employees may purchase additional life insurance up to five times their rounded basic life insurance amount and may not exceed $1,250,000 when combined with university paid basic life insurance. An employee may also purchase dependent life for their eligible dependents. The monthly premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis. If you turn 40, 50 or 65 in the current year, then in January of the following year your rate for additional life will change according to the rates below.

Please note: Benefits reduce to 65% at age 65; 45% at age 70; 30% at age 75; and 20% at age 80 or over.

Employees may login to view premiums and additional information.

Full-time employees are provided accidental death and dismemberment insurance equal to the amount of the basic life insurance coverage for loss of life resulting from an accident. The benefit also provides a percentage of payment for certain losses resulting from an accident. This benefit is provided at no cost to the employee.

Basic Life Insurance and AD & D

UCM provides long-term disability insurance benefits to full-time employees at no cost to the employee.

Coverage is 60% of an employee's monthly salary as of September 1 of each year with a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month, less any payments received from MOSERS, social security, or workers' compensation. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the hire date.

Employees who apply for long-term disability may be considered for short-term disability if they are out of all available sick leave and vacation time.

For more information: LTD Insurance Benefit Summary

Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Missouri State Employees' Cafeteria Plan.

You may elect to set aside tax-free money into a flexible spending account from your salary to pay for qualifying medical and dependent care expenses. You must enroll during open enrollment each year (Oct. 1 – Dec. 1) for the upcoming calendar year. You may also be eligible to enroll mid-year if you experience a qualifying Change in Status event. The Health Care and Dependent Care FSA have slightly different rules with regard to making an election change or enrolling mid-year. More information is available online at MO Cafe or by phone at 1-800-659-3035.

Qualifying medical expenses are all medical, dental, and vision expenses not covered or not reimbursable by insurance and which would be allowed by the IRS as itemized deductions on your federal income tax return which are incurred during your period of coverage.

Qualifying dependent care expenses are expenses that you incur in order for you and your spouse to work or look for work during your period of coverage. Only expenses for care and well-being qualify for this tax break. Day care expenses are limited to care for children under age 13, for whom you have more than 50% custody, or for a spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself, who lives in your home at least eight hours each day.

Reimbursements are paid by direct deposit and account information is available online at MO Cafe or by phone at 1-800-659-3035.

Security That Travels With You - UCM provides regular full-time benefit eligible employees Travel Assistance through The Standard Life Insurance Company.

Travel Assistance helps you cope with emergencies when you travel more than 100 miles from home or internationally for trips of up to 180 days. It can also help you with non-emergencies, such as planning your trip.

You do not have to enroll. As a participant in your employer’s group insurance from The Standard,‡  you are automatically covered – and so is your family. All services are available 24 hours a day, every day.

Travel Assistance Offers The Following Services:

• Pre-trip Assistance including passport, visa, weather and currency exchange information, health hazards advice and inoculation requirements

• Trip Assistance including emergency ticket, credit card and passport replacement assistance, funds transfer assistance and missing baggage assistance

• Medical Assistance including locating medical care providers and interpreter services *

• Legal Assistance including locating a local attorney, counselor, officer or bail bond services

• Emergency Transportation Services including arranging and paying for emergency evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility and medically necessary repatriation to the employee’s home, including repatriation of remains**

• Personal Security Services including logistical arrangements for ground transportation, housing and/or evacuation in the event of political unrest and social instability. In more complex situations, assists in making arrangements with providers of specialized security services.

‡  The Standard is a marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. Insurance products are offered by Standard Insurance Company of Portland, Ore. in all states except New York, where insurance products are offered by The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York of White Plains, N.Y. Product features and availability vary by state and company, and are solely the responsibility of each subsidiary. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition. Standard Insurance Company is licensed to solicit insurance business in all states except New York. The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York is licensed to solicit insurance business in only the state of New York.

Travel Assistance is provided through an arrangement with UnitedHealthcare Global, which is not affiliated with The Standard, and is subject to the terms and conditions, including exclusions and limitations, of the Emergency Travel Assistance Program Employee Description. Travel Assistance is not an insurance product, except in Oregon. UnitedHealthcare Global is the marketing name for Frontier MEDEX, Inc.

*If you have the university's BCBS health coverage and are traveling internationally, you can contact BlueCard WorldWide Service Center at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or call collect at 1-804-673-1177, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An assistance coordinator, in conjunction with a medical professional, will arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization, if necessary. You should verify your international benefits with Blue KC before leaving the U.S. as coverage may be different outside the country.

**  Emergency Transportation Services must be arranged by UnitedHealthcare Global. Related medical services, medical supplies and a medical escort are covered where applicable and necessary.

Wallet Reference Card 

 

Workers’ Compensation is a benefit prescribed by state law to ensure medical expenses and compensation is paid to any employee for any injury or illness arising out of and in the course of employment. It also provides death benefits should the injury or disease result in death. Workers’ compensation benefits are administered by the Missouri Office of Administration, Risk Management Section, Central Accident Reporting Office.

Resources for Injured Workers provides step-by step instructions, answers to frequently asked questions, and necessary forms to help employees and their supervisors in the event of a work-related injury.

UCM has an Early Return to Work Program. It and other compensation and work availability questions can be answered by the Office of Human Resources.

UCM provides employees with complimentary tuition for coursework at UCM each academic year. This benefit applies to both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Full-time employees are also eligible for funding provided by UCM towards non-credit courses each fiscal year. Spouses and qualified dependents of full-time employees are eligible for tuition and mandatory fees paid by UCM.

All employees will need supervisory approval before class enrollment, and non-exempt employees must make up the time missed from work to attend class or a flexible schedule may be granted. To learn more, download the Educational Development Program FAQs and Scenarios.

Please see policy 2.1.040 for full details regarding this program.

The Missouri Saving for Tuition Program provides families with a smart, flexible way to save for their children’s future.

MOST offers a choice of investment options, significant tax advantages and the flexibility of using your savings at any eligible higher educational institution both in the U.S. and abroad.

Anyone--a parent, grandparent, relative, or friend--who is interested in investing for higher education can open an account for any beneficiary.

Employees may contact Human Resources to open their MOST account and begin saving today. Learn more about Missouri's 529 College Saving Plan by visiting MOST.

Full-time and part-time employees may elect voluntary supplemental insurance coverage through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. AFLAC employee benefits are available through payroll deductions.

AFLAC specializes in helping to fill the gaps created by co-payments, deductibles, loss of income, and various out-of-pocket expenses. For information about the insurance programs available and premium prices, contact the AFLAC office at 1-888-339-3593.

In addition to UCM benefits, employees are also eligible to receive special promotions and discounts from retailers, fitness, banking, and entertainment providers.

Full-time employees designated as 1.0 FTE will accrue vacation pay depending on their exempt or non-exempt status and their years of continuous eligible service based on their anniversary date. Employees who occupy a .75 to .99 FTE will also accrue vacation pay on a prorated basis.

Select 12-month faculty positions are eligible to accrue vacation based on the same schedule as indicated below.

Employees may use vacation once they have accrued the leave. Vacation is credited at the conclusion of each semi-monthly pay period.

Unused vacation at the end of the anniversary year may be carried forward. However, once unused vacation reaches 280 hours, further accumulation stops until additional vacation is used.

Upon termination of employment and after successfully completing the probationary period (if applicable), employees will be paid all earned, unused vacation time.

Employees may login to view the vacation accrual schedule, vacation leave procedures and vacation policy guidance.

Holidays recognized by the University of Central Missouri shall be New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and seven additional days to be determined and announced at the beginning of each fiscal year by the president of the university. 

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed and when a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed.

To be eligible for holiday pay, all regular employees must have completed five calendar days of service and have worked or been on paid leave their entire scheduled shift immediately prior to and following the holiday.

Full-time employees on less than 12-month appointments, or persons who work full-time only when students are on campus, will receive the above stipulated holidays with other prorated benefits on the basis of the total yearly work schedule.

(Please note:  Facilities Planning and Operations holidays may vary due to work schedule.) 

Please see policy 1.2.100, "University Holidays."

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides a leave of absence for employees who must be away from work for specific reasons. FMLA allows up to 12 weeks of leave for:

• Serious health condition for self, spouse, or parent
• Childbirth/adoption
• Placement of foster child
• Care for a child under age 18 with a serious health condition/injury 

To be eligible for FMLA, an employee must have been employed for at least 12 months at UCM and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12--month period prior to the leave start date.

The university requires employees to use all applicable paid leave (sick, vacation, and/or personal) while on FMLA status. 

For more information or assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Sick leave is provided to full-time employees to be used during temporary absences due to personal illness or injury. Sick leave may not be used for other types of absences unless specified by policy 2.1.020.

Eligible employees accrue five hours of sick leave at the conclusion of each semi-monthly pay period. During the summer semester, faculty will receive a pro-rated amount based on their teaching load.

Unused sick leave will not be paid to active employees upon termination of employment. Unused sick leave will be reported to MOSERS upon termination from UCM.

Policy 2.1.020 "Sick Leave Procedures"

UCM recognizes that employees may find themselves in a crisis situation during their employment with us. During these difficult times, the university values the importance and ability to take time off. The university realizes that employees may not have sufficient leave to cover the time they need to be away. Additionally, employees of the university consistently demonstrate a compassion for their colleagues and may wish to help cover these unexpected absences. As a result, the university has established a Crisis Leave Pool where employees can get help from - and give help to - each other.

Employees wishing to donate leave or needing to request leave under the Crisis Leave program should refer to the appropriate section below. Please contact the Office of Human Resources for additional assistance.

Making a Crisis Leave Pool Donation

Full-time employees may donate their personal accrued vacation leave in either four- or eight-hour increments to the Crisis Leave Pool. Donations are completely voluntary. Employees who donate leave will not receive remuneration of any kind for the donation and may not rescind their donation at a later date.

A signed statement indicating the number of vacation hours the employee wishes to donate to the Crisis Leave Pool is to be submitted to the Office of Human Resources.

Eighty hours or two weeks of vacation must remain in the donating employee's personal balance.
The deadline to donate each quarter is the 10th of March, June, September, and December.

Requesting Leave from the Crisis Leave Pool

Full-time employees may only draw upon the Crisis Leave Pool if they are in a no-pay status. Vacation leave, sick leave and all other personal leave must be exhausted.

Full-time employee must have been employed at UCM for at least one year and either a) the employee must have experienced a catastrophic illness or injury, or b) the employee must provide care for a member of their immediate family who has experienced a catastrophic illness or injury.

An employee may request leave from the Crisis Leave Pool by completing a Crisis Leave Request. The request must be accompanied by the employee's Family Medical Leave Act form (if not already on file) and any accompanying documentation to the Office of Human Resources.

The Office of Human Resources will review the request to make sure that the employee is eligible to receive Crisis Leave. The employee requesting Crisis Leave must provide all requested information necessary to make a final determination of eligibility.

Personal leave is awarded each fiscal year and is designed to provide an employee with time off for any personal reason that would not fall under the sick or vacation leave policies.

Full-time employees are awarded 8 hours of personal leave each fiscal year. The fiscal year is July 1-June 30. Any unused personal leave does not carry over into the following fiscal year.

For additional information, please refer to the Personal-Leave Policy and Procedure.

 

Please see the "Bereavement Leave" procedure in the policy library.

UCM automatically enrolls regular full-time and regular part-time employees in the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System - MOSERS.  MOSERS is a non-contributory defined benefit for employees hired before Jan. 1, 2011 or newly hired employees that have prior MOSERS credit. Five years of service credit in a MOSERS-eligible position are required to be vested in this plan. Each pay period UCM remits contributions to MOSERS based on the eligible employee's gross wages. Employees hired prior to July 1, 2000 may choose between MSEP and MSEP 2000 plan benefits.

Employees hired in a MOSERS-eligible position for the first time on or after Jan. 1, 2011 are required to contribute 4% of their gross wages per pay period. UCM will also remit contributions to MOSERS based on the eligible employee's gross wages. Five years of service credit in a MOSERS-eligible position are required to be vested in the MSEP 2011 plan. If the employee leaves UCM employment, they will have the option of requesting a refund of the contributions they have made to the retirement system plus any applicable interest.

Full-time faculty members hired on or after July 1, 2002 are automatically enrolled in the College and University Retirement Plan (CURP) unless they have prior MOSERS credit.  Faculty hired on or after 07/01/18 will be required to contribute 2% of their gross salary to the plan.  CURP is a non-contributory 401(a) defined contribution plan for education employees. MOSERS has been given the responsibility by law to implement and oversee the administration of the plan. Each pay period UCM remits contributions to CURP based on the eligible employee's gross wages. The TIAA-CREF group of companies is the third-party administrator for CURP and manages the investment options under the plan. For more information go to MOSERS. 

UCM offers a voluntary Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) program that allows eligible employees to make additional pre-tax contributions to a retirement plan.

The voluntary TSA contributions are 100% paid by the employee and are in addition to MOSERS or CURP retirement benefits.

To obtain additional information regarding the TSA Program, please contact Human Resources.  

Employees may login to complete the TSA Salary Reduction form and/or access a listing of current vendors, to include contact information. 

MOSERS PensionsPlus Newsletter

How and when do I apply for retirement?  You should contact the Office of Human Resources at least 90 days prior to your expected retirement date and make an appointment to complete a retirement packet. At this time you also need to submit a letter to your supervisor informing them of your intent to retire. A copy should also be sent to Human Resources. 

How much will I receive when I retire?  The easiest way to receive a benefit estimate is by contacting a MOSERS benefit counselor. The amount of your benefit is determined by a formula based on your service and salary. It also depends on other factors, including which plan you choose, whether you choose normal or early retirement, whether you choose BackDROP, and whether you choose to leave anything to a beneficiary. 

What happens to my unused sick leave at retirement?  Under the MSEP, if you are eligible to retire on the date of your termination, you will receive one month of credited service for every 168 hours of unused sick leave reported to MOSERS.

Under the MSEP 2000, once you are vested, you will receive one month of credited service for every 168 hours of unused sick leave reported to MOSERS on your date of termination. 

Can I have my retirement benefit direct deposited in my bank account?  Yes. The standard form of payment for receiving a benefit is direct deposit, which assures that your benefit payment will be automatically deposited in your checking or savings account on the last working day of the month. 

What is BackDROP?  An option available at retirement to employees in the MSEP and the MSEP 2000. If you work at least two years beyond your eligibility for normal retirement, this option provides a way for you to receive a one-time lump sum payment at retirement in addition to your ongoing monthly benefit. 

What happens to my retirement if I die before I start receiving my benefit?  If you are a vested member, your eligible spouse will receive a survivor benefit. If there is no eligible spouse or your spouse dies, your child(ren) under 21 will receive a monthly death benefit until he/she reaches age 21. 

2022 Premiums and Summaries 

• Retiree Health Insurance Rates 2022
• Retiree Health Benefit Plan Summary 2022
• Retiree Benefits and Coverage Summary 2022

2021 Premiums and Summaries 

• Retiree Health Insurance Rates 2021
• Retiree Health Benefit Plan Summary 2021
• Retiree Benefits and Coverage Summary 2021

Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar

MOSERS BackDROP Brochure

MOSERS BackDROP Website

Additional Retirement Information