Faculty Handbook

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2022-23

X. Benefits

1. Health Insurance (Optional) The State College of Optometry participates in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) offering eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive health insurance protection. The Program offers two options for eligible employees: The Empire Plan or a choice of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The two alternatives present a different approach to health insurance protection, but each provides a comprehensive range of benefits. Employees pay their share of the premiums by payroll deduction, which can be on a pre-tax basis. • The Empire Plan is available to all employees who qualify for the New York State Health Insurance Program. It pays for covered hospital services, physicians' bills, and other covered medical expenses. The Empire Plan provides you and your eligible dependents: • Inpatient and outpatient hospital coverage for medical, surgical, and maternity care through Blue Cross. Covered inpatient services are paid in full. • Medical and surgical coverage administered by United Health Care. Coverage under the Participating Provider network, or the Basic Medical Program if you choose a non-participating provider. • Home care services, diabetic supplies, durable medical equipment, and certain medical supplies through the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP). • Physical medicine (chiropractic and physical therapy) coverage administered by Managed Physical Network, Inc. (MPN). The Human Resources/Affirmative Action Office will provide informational booklets describing each of these options. Employees should read the materials on their specific plan and keep them for future reference. 2. Retirement (Enrollment is mandatory for all full-time employees) Full-time faculty or professional employees of the State College of Optometry; and those part-time faculty or professional employees with "Term Appointments," are eligible to elect one of three retirement programs: • New York State Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), defined benefit plan -- State pension based on years of service and final average salary. Vesting period: 10 years of New York State service. • New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS), defined benefit plan -- State pension based on years of service and final average salary. Vesting period: 10 years of New York State service. • The Optional Retirement Program (ORP), a defined contribution plan. Employer contributes 8% of gross calendar year earnings for the first seven years of employment and 10% of gross calendar year earnings thereafter. Vesting period: 366 days. Part-time employees with other than "Term Appointments," are eligible to join the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) or the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). These employees are not, however, eligible to join the ORP. • Mental health and substance abuse coverage administered by Value Options. • Hospital and Medical Benefits Management Program, HealthCare, through Intracorp. • Prescription drug coverage, administered by CVS Caremark.

77