Employee Insurance Benefits Policy

Purpose

Columbia College values the health and well-being of its employees. The College is committed to providing a healthful and productive employment environment and consistent with that commitment the College offers health and wellness benefits to eligible employees. 

Scope

This policy applies to eligible College employees.

Policy 

Life Insurance

Regular full-time employees receive group life insurance with the accidental death and dismemberment clause in an amount equal to two (2) times their annual salary effective the first day of the month following the date of hire. This insurance is provided at no cost to the employee. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance at an additional cost. Each employee should become thoroughly familiar with the terms of this policy. More information can be found in the College benefit booklets available from the Human Resources office. 

Health Insurance

The College makes available for regular full-time employees health insurance effective the first day of the month following the date of hire. This insurance is provided at a reduced cost to the employee. Coverage for spouses or domestic partners and/or dependents is available at an additional cost to the employee. Employee and dependent coverage must be obtained within the first thirty (30) days of eligibility or qualified event. Each employee should become thoroughly familiar with the terms of their coverage. More information can be found in the College benefit booklets available from the Human Resources office.

Retiree Health Insurance Coverage

Upon twenty-five (25) years of continuous service and reaching the age of sixty-two (62), Columbia College will provide retiree health insurance benefits. The retiree health benefit will allow the employee to retire and retain their current health care coverage by paying the current employee premium percentage of cost, and the College will pay the remaining balance of the premium. If the employee premiums change, the retiree will pay whatever rate is established for all employees.

The retiree health benefit will terminate the first day the retiree become eligible for Medicare.

Additionally, if the retiree is enrolled in the high deductible plan, the College will not continue to contribute to the retiree’s HSA beyond the last day of employment.

No other benefits will be extended during this time; only the health insurance benefit in which the employee is enrolled at the time of retirement.

Dental Insurance 

The College makes available for regular full-time employee’s dental insurance effective the first day of the month following the date of hire. This insurance is provided at a reduced cost to the employee. Coverage for spouse or domestic partner, and/or dependents is available at an additional cost to the employee. Employee and dependent coverage must be obtained within the first thirty (30) days of eligibility or qualified event. Each employee should become thoroughly familiar with the terms of their coverage. More information can be found in the College benefit booklets available from the Human Resources office.

Unemployment and Workers' Compensation Insurance 

The College provides unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance as required by federal and state laws.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

The College provides regular full-time employees with long-term disability insurance. This protection provides an employee sixty percent (60%) of salary if totally disabled and unable to work. Compensation begins six (6) months after the disability has occurred. More information can be found in the College benefit booklets available from the Human Resources office.

Continuation of Health Coverage/COBRA

All health coverage ends on the last day of the month of the employee's termination date. Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), a terminated employee may continue their group health and/or dental coverage up to a certain maximum time allowable at their own expense. Life insurance coverage may be extended via a private conversion privilege allowed under the College’s group plan at the terminated employee’s own expense. Upon, or soon after separation, an employee will receive information regarding their COBRA rights and responsibilities consistent with applicable legal requirements.

Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (Cafeteria Plan)

This plan allows participants the opportunity to reduce their taxable earnings, thus saving federal and state income and social security taxes on the deferred amount. Columbia College offers regular full-time employees three (3) menu accounts from which to participate: (1) medical, dental and vision insurance premiums; (2) dependent care assistance; and (3) medical reimbursement.

Regular full-time employees are eligible to participate in the medical, dental and vision insurance premium benefit the first day of the month following the date of hire and will automatically be enrolled in this option if medical, dental and/or vision benefits are elected, unless otherwise specified. Regular full-time employees are eligible to participate in the dependent care assistance and/or the medical reimbursement accounts the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Voluntary Benefits

Voluntary plans are available for vision, supplemental life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident and short-term disability insurance coverage. Coverage for spouse or domestic partner and/or dependents is also available at group rates. Contact the Human Resources Office for cost and details.

HIPAA Policy and Procedures

View information on Columbia College’s HIPAA Policy and Procedures PDF link as it relates to employee benefits.