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Human Resources & Inclusive Community

Human Resources & Inclusive Community

Benefits

The University of Denver is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees holding an appointed position that is at least half time (20 hours per week). Many of the plans also offer coverage for your eligible dependents.

You and your dependents are eligible for The University of Denver benefits plans on the first day of the month following your date of hire into an appointed position. If your hire date occurs on the first of the month, your benefits may start on your hire date or the first of the following month.

Eligible dependents include:

  • Your legal spouse, including common-law and civil union, and domestic partner (both same and opposite sex).
  • Your child who is less than 26 years of age. Children include your natural or legally adopted child, a stepchild, the child of your domestic partner, or a child who is less than 26 and has been placed under your legal guardianship.
  • Your child, who satisfies the above definition of child, age 26 or older, and who is mentally or physically incapable of earning a living, and is primarily supported by you..

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Benefits@du.edu. 

Over-the-counter COVID-19 Testing Kits for Cigna Members

Cigna will cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 antigen tests as a medical benefit for all US commercial customers per the federal mandate that is effective Jan. 15, 2022.

Summary of the Requirement

  • Customers may receive reimbursement for up to 8 (eight) OTC COVID-19 at-home tests per covered individual per 30-days without a health care provider prescription or individualized clinical assessment.
    • Each individual test is counted separately 􀂱 so, if a package includes 8 tests, it counts as 8 tests and not 1 (one) toward the quantity 
  • Health plans must reimburse the costs of OTC tests, regardless of where it was obtained (in- or out-of-network including online)
  • COVID-19 testing performed by health care providers is not subject to a quantity limit.
  • OTC testing used for employment purposes is not covered under this mandate. If a client would like to cover testing for employment purposes, please notify your client or account manager who can discuss options with you. Also, Cigna offers Evernorth Rapid Antigen Self-Testing Solutions to help control and manage the cost of workplace testing. Your client or account manager can provide more information on these programs. 

Review the flyer for additional information. To be reimbursed for the test kits, you must complete the COVID-19 OTC Test Kit Claim Form and submit the form to Cigna per the submission instructions on page 2 of the form. 

Important

New Law affecting Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts 

Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (The Act). The Act has several changes to health Flexible Spending Accounts and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts. These options are a great benefit for employees. The University of Denver has adopted the following changes:

Change Elections
Employees may change their health and dependent care flexible spending account elections at any time. The change is limited to the greater of the amount the employee has already been paid or the amount they have contributed less the amount they have been paid.

Carryover from 2020 Plan Year
Unused health and dependent care flexible spending account balances to carry over from plan years ending in 2020 to the next plan year with no maximum.

Carryover from 2021 Plan Year
Unused health and dependent care flexible spending account balances to carry over from plan years ending in 2021 to the next plan year with no maximum.

Extension of Grace Periods
Grace periods for health and dependent care flexible spending accounts ending in 2020 or 2021 are extended from 2½ months after the end of the plan year to 12 months after the end of the plan year.

Post-termination Reimbursement for Health FSAs
An Employee terminating or ceasing to participate in 2020 or 2021 may continue to receive reimbursements from unused benefits or contributions through the end of the plan year when their participation ceased.

Special Age Rule for Dependent Care
If an employee has dependent care and their dependent became too old for dependent care the age dependent care may be used is increased from 13 to 14 in the current plan year a carryover in the next plan year is allowed.

Benefits Overview 

2021-2022 Benefits Rates and Guides

2021-2022 Benefits Plan information 

Legal Notices

The Annual Notices (Spanish version) for our health plans should be reviewed by employees and their dependents. Each notice outlines the important benefits, terms, and limitations that apply to our health plans.  The Annual Notices contains the following:

  • HIPAA Special Enrollment Rights
  • HIPAA Privacy Notice
  • Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act
  • Newborn's and Mother's Health Protection Act
  • Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
  • Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 "Wellstone Act"
  • Premium Assistance under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Pregnant Workers Fairness Act 
  • Model COBRA Continuation Coverage General Notice Instructions
  • Medicare Part D
  • Marketplace Notice 
Medical Coverage

Provider: Cigna
Website: Cigna.com 

Employees residing or working in the following counties in Colorado will be in the Cigna Local Plus Network: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Eagle, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Montezuma, Routt, Summit, and Weld. The vast majority of DU employees will be in the Local Plus Network. 
 
All other employees will be in the Cigna Open Access Network. 
 
Network designation is automatic and is not a choice employees make during Open Enrollment. 

Cigna is available 24/7 to answer benefit questions at 888-806-5042.

Plan Summaries and Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

Prescription Drug and Pharmacy Information

Additional Information

Dental Coverage 

Provider: Delta Dental of Colorado 
Member Service: 800-610-0201
Website: www.deltadentalco.com 

The University offers two dental plan options through Delta Dental of Colorado:

  1. Delta Dental Base PPO Plan / Spanish Version
  2. Delta Dental Enhanced PPO Plan / Spanish Version

With the Delta Dental options, you and your family members may visit any licensed dentist, but you will receive the greatest out-of-savings if you see a PPO Provider.

Both plans include the  Right Start 4 Kids  program. This program covers children up to their 13th birthday at 100% with no deductible when you see a PPO or Premier provider (for the same services outlined in the plan, up to the annual maximum, and subject to limitations and exclusions. Orthodontia is not covered at 100% but at the plan's listed coinsurance.

Provider: Beta Health (formerly called Patient Direct Discount Program)
Member Service: 800-807-0706
Website: www.betaplans.com

The Beta Health Alpha Dental Plan is a network only dental program that provides an average of up to 70% savings on the most commonly performed dental procedures. Refer to the Plan's fee schedule to see how much each procedure will cost.

Vision Coverage

Provider: EyeMed
Member Service: 866-723-0514
Website: www.eyemed.com

The University offers two vision plan options through EyeMed: 

  1. EyeMed Base Plan / Spanish Version 
  2. EyeMed Enhanced Plan / Spanish Version 

Both plans include the Freedom Pass. Select any frame at Target Optical at no cost to you. Your frame will be covered 100% no matter the brand or the original retail price point. You must show this flyer to the Target store associate to receive the offer. 

Members-Only Special Offers for 2022

  • Glasses.com - $50 off non-prescription pair of designer sunglasses above $200; $20 off other non-prescription pair of sunglasses
  • LasikPlus - Use up to $800 toward Lasik at LasikPlus, TLC Laser Eye Centers and the LASIK Vision Institute
  • Pearle Vision - $50 toward the purchase of a complete pair of glasses or Rx sunglasses 

More offers are added all year so visit eyemed.com or the EyeMed App, register or sign in, and view Special Offers for the most current discounts. 

Life and AD&D Insurance

Provider: Life Insurance Company of North America, a Cigna Company

Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance 

The University provides a basic life insurance coverage of 1x your current salary to a maximum of $100,000, plus a basic accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage of 1x your current salary to a maximum of $100,000 at no cost to you. 

Voluntary Life Insurance 

You may purchase life insurance in addition to your company-provided coverage. You may also purchase life insurance for your dependents if you purchase additional coverage for yourself.

Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

You may purchase AD&D insurance in addition to your company-provided coverage. You may also purchase AD&D insurance for your dependents if you purchase additional coverage for yourself. 

Voluntary Accidental Insurance and Critical Illness

Provider: Life Insurance Company of North America, a Cigna Company

The University is excited to offer NEW benefits: Accidental Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance. Please view the premium rate sheet and see below for more detail plan information. 

Employees may now call a Q&A line at 800-351-9214, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (EST) to get more information.

Accidental Injury Insurance 

Accidental Injury coverage provides a fixed cash benefit according to the schedule below when a Covered Person suffers certain Injuries or undergoes a broad range of medical treatments or care resulting from a Covered Accident.

Critical Illness Insurance 

Critical Illness insurance provides a cash benefit when a Covered Person is diagnosed with a covered critical illness or event after coverage is in effect.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Provider: Rocky Mountain Reserve 
FSA Member Service: 888-722-1223
Website: www.rockymountainreserve.com 

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to use pre-tax dollars for healthcare or child/dependent care expenses not covered by insurance plans. The University offers three flexible spending account (FSA) options through Rocky Mountain Reserve:

  • Health Care FSA
  • Limited Purpose Health Care FSA
  • Dependent Care FSA

Healthcare FSA
A healthcare FSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance plan or elsewhere. It’s a smart, simple way to save money while keeping you and your family healthy and protected. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. For 2021, the contribution limit is $2,750.

Limited Purpose FSA
A limited purpose FSA (LPFSA) is a flexible spending account that only reimburses you for eligible dental and vision expenses. An LPFSA is available to employees who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP); you may enroll in both the LPFSA and the HSA. By establishing an LPFSA, you can save money on taxes by using your LPFSA dollars for your dental and vision expenses while preserving your HSA funds for other purposes, including simply saving those funds for the future. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. For 2021, the contribution limit is $2,750. 

There is a rollover feature for the health care FSA and Limited Purpose FSA. Employees may rollover $550 at the end of the plan year to use in future years. 

Dependent Care FSA
A dependent care FSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or elder daycare. A Dependent Care FSA is a smart, simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year.

For 2021 only, per the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) employees are allowed to contribute up to $10,500 married and filing jointly or single as head of household or $5,250 if married and filing separately, to their DCAP until December 31, 2021.

Starting January 1, 2022 contributions revert back to the standard IRS limit of $5,000 if married and filing jointly or single as head of household or $2,500 if married and filing separately.

To help you plan, use this FSA expense planning worksheet. For more information, view the FSA Enrollment Guide and visit RMR's FSA website. For a list of eligible expenses, visit RMR's website "What's Covered." 

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Provider: Rocky Mountain Reserve 
Member Service: 888-722-1223
Website: www.rockymountainreserve.com 

IMPORTANT: 
If you are enrolling in the Cigna HDHP plan and will have a HSA with Rocky Mountain Reserve (RMR) for the first time, you will receive a "Welcome" email from RMR. 

If you want to contribute to your HSA, please complete the HSA Payroll Deduction form and return it to Shared Services at Benefits@du.edu .  

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an individually-owned, tax-advantaged account that you can use to pay for current or future IRS-qualified medical expenses. With an HSA you’ll have the potential to build more savings for healthcare expenses or additional retirement savings through self-directed investment options.

Are you eligible for an HSA?
You can open and contribute to an HSA if you:

  1. Are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan (HDHP);
  2. Are not covered by other health insurance (with some exceptions);
  3. Are not enrolled in Medicare;
  4. Are not enrolled in TriCare;
  5. Are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return;
  6. Have not received health benefits from the Veterans Administration with the exception of services for a “service related disability” or an Indian Health Services facility within the last three months; and 
  7. Are not covered by your own or your spouse’s Healthcare FSA.

How does an HSA Account work?

  • You can contribute to your HSA via payroll deductions, an online banking transfer, or send a personal check to RMR. Your employer or a third party, such as a spouse or parent, may contribute to your account as well. 
  • You can pay for qualified medical expenses with your debit card directly to your medical provider or pay out-of-pocket. You can either choose to reimburse yourself or keep the funds in your HSA to grow your savings.
  • Unused funds will roll over year to year. After age 65, funds may be withdrawn for any purpose without a penalty but will be subject to ordinary income taxes. 

How much can you contribute to your HSA?
DU contributes $331.68 per year ($27.64 per month) to your HSA. Your contribution plus DU's contribution cannot exceed the IRS maximum for the calendar year. 

Coverage Tier on the HDHP Plan 2021 IRS Maximum Contribution
Self Only  $3,600
Family (includes EE+Spouse and EE+Children) $7,200
Catch-up (Age 55+ may cotribute an additional amount) $1,000

 

For more information, view the HSA Enrollment Guide and visit RMR's website about HSA. 

Retirement Plan

Provider: TIAA
Customer Service: 800-842-2252
Website: www.tiaa.org/du   

The University offers a 403(b) retirement savings plan. Roth option is available. View the retirement savings plan overview for general information or for more detailed information, you may view the Plan document. 

Roth in-plan conversion option is now available. View this flyer to learn more about this option including general information about Roth contribution.

Register to enroll in a new retirement plan or login to view your account on the TIAA website set up exclusively for DU.

Please note: TIAA has decided to temporarily suspend on-site visits to institutions by Financial Consultants, Relationship Managers and other members of your service team. They are also suspending face-to-face client meetings at TIAA offices. Instead, TIAA will work with you by phone, email, webex, virtual meetings (phone or video), websites and other channels. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Please visit the Well@du webpage for more information on the employee assistance program.   

Additional Benefits

*NEW* Student Loan Assistance   

Provider: Savi
Customer Service: 833-604-1226 weekdays between 5:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (MT)
Website: www.tiaa.org/du/student

Take advantage of a robust solution that can make a significant difference when it comes to student debt.* Brought to you through TIAA and powered by Savi, this tool helps find the best federal repayment and forgiveness programs for your financial situation—plus it simplifies the long-term task of navigating the way to forgiveness.

  • Caps your payment based on your income and family size
  • Frees up funds that you can direct towards other financial goals
  • Removes the complexities of forgiveness 

What to expect when applying for forgiveness

Savi streamlines the entire process, from helping you enroll in forgiveness programs to ongoing support and payment tracking, ensuring you remain on track from start to forgiveness—all for a small fee.** Here's a snapshot of what will happen:

  1. First, you need to enroll in Savi Essential Service.
  2. Next, provide your basic information. From there, Savi handles the rest—from checking your forgiveness application for accuracy and completion all the way to submission.
  3. After some verifications with us, which Savi handles, everything is sent to your loan servicer.
  4. You'll receive reminders from Savi for ongoing things you may need to do afterward, like an annual submission to the PSLF program. That way you stay in compliance with all of the particulars that go along with forgiveness programs.

Take a minute and find out how much you could lower your monthly payment.

Visit TIAA.org/du/student today to calculate your savings.

Learn more and attend a live webinar just for DU employees

Tuesday, September 14 at 12:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend the exclusive DU webinar, Savi conducts additional live webinars every month.  To see dates, times and to register, click here.

*Between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, based on Savi’s internal measurements, Savi users saw average projected savings of $1,880 per year.

**A portion of the fee may be shared with TIAA to offset costs to support the program. In addition, TIAA has a minority ownership interest in Savi.  

Legal and Identity Theft Protection 

HRIC has partnered with LegalShield to provide legal and identity theft protection services for a low monthly cost to employees.

What your legal plan membership offers:

Professional Legal Advice and Counsel
You have access to a variety of legal services including: advice on unlimited personal legal issues, attorney letters or calls made on your behalf, contract and document review and so much more. See details

Dedicated On-Call Law Firm
After you become a member, just contact our provider law firm to speak to a lawyer in your area that is experienced in most fields of law and can provide you advice and counsel on an unlimited number of personal legal issues. We even provide 24/7 access for covered emergencies. Proven, professional advice is just a phone call away, when you need it!

What your IDShield membership plan offers:

IDShield Detection and Resolution
IDShield protection provides you valuable services from detection to resolution. You'll feel empowered knowing that for a small monthly fee you have the expertise you need to help protect yourself against identity theft and resolve issues related to it.

Additional Materials

For more information on the plans and to enroll online visit:
https://www.legalshield.com/info/du

Town Hall Video Archive

Benefits FORMS

All Benefits forms are now located in Fresh Desk. You must login with your DU email and password. Forms can be found under Human Resources > Human Resources Forms. 

Benefits Events

CANCELLED: January 9: Faculty, Staff, and Retiree Appreciation Event 

We have cancelled this event due to the overall rise in COVID cases in the state. We look forward to rescheduling this event in the near future.

January 12, 13, 25, and 26: TIAA Retirement Counseling Sessions 

TIAA Individual Retirement Consultants will work with you by phone, email, virtual meetings (phone or video), and other channels for 1-on-1 retirement counseling sessions to answer your questions about your account and DU's retirement savings plan. Click here to register for TIAA financial counseling.

January 13 from 11am-12pm (MST): Autism Education Session - Building Your Own Community of Support (Cigna Seminar)

Would you like to learn about autism spectrum disorder? Our phone seminars will help you learn more about the physical, behavioral and emotional growth of individuals who may display its symptoms. Ourseminars are free and you don’t have to register. The seminars are open to anyone, including parents, caregivers and loved ones. Sign up for any one of these seminars and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.

The Autism seminars take place on the second Thursday of each month, January–October. Please mark your calendar today.

Sign up for seminars

These seminars offer basic educational information. For more help, call 800-274-7603 and talk with a Cigna health advocate. 

January 19 from 11am-12pm (MST): Boundaries, and Codependency: You and Your Loved One with Substance Use Disorder (Cigna Seminar)

Is substance use a concern? Our phone seminars will help you learn more about physical, behavioral and emotional signs, as well as offer coping techniques and support. Our seminars are free and you don’t have to register. The seminars are open to anyone, including parents, caregivers and loved ones. Sign up for any one of these seminars and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.

The Substance Use Disorder seminars take place on the third Wednesday of each month, January–October. Please mark your calendar today.

Sign up for seminars

These seminars offer basic educational information. For more help, call 800-274-7603 and talk with a Cigna health advocate. 

January 20 from 11am-12pm (MST): The New Lonely: Today's Loneliness in Children and Adolescents (Cigna Seminar)

Could you use more help understanding behavioral health issues in children? Our phone seminars will help you learn more about common issues, as well as offer coping techniques and support. Our seminars are free and you don’t have to register. The seminars are open to anyone, including parents, caregivers and loved ones. Sign up for any one of these seminars and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.

The Children and Families seminars take place on the third Thursday of each month, January–October. Please mark your calendar today.

Sign up for seminars

These seminars offer basic educational information. For more help, call 800-274-7603 and talk with a Cigna health advocate. 

January 25 from 11am-12pm (MST): Eating Disorders and Substance Use: Switching Deckchairs on the Titanic (Cigna Seminar)

Do you know someone with anorexia nervosa or bulimia? We’d like to help you learn more about the physical and emotional symptoms of eating disorders like these. Our seminars are free and you don’t have to register. The seminars are open to anyone, including parents, caregivers and loved ones. Sign up for any one of these seminars and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.

The Eating Disorders seminars take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, January–October. Please mark your calendar today.

Sign up for seminars

These seminars offer basic educational information. For more help, call 800-274-7603 and talk with a Cigna health advocate.