Benefits for Employees Funded Through UBF

The benefits available through UB Foundation (UBF) are designed to meet the needs of today's workforce. You have a choice of benefits that will enable you to design a benefits package specifically for you and your family.

Not Paid Through UBF?

Return to My Benefits and the Employee Profile.

How Do Flexible Benefits Work?

When you are initially hired and/or become eligible, you will enroll for most benefits through the Benefit System, which allows you to choose the benefits you and your family need.

The Benefit System provides a summary of your current benefit elections and general information on all UBF benefits, including plan descriptions. You can also use the library section of the Benefit System to find: 

  • Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD)
  • Provider website links
  • Benefit forms 

Benefit Elections

Benefit elections for medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts are effective until December 31 of the calendar year that you enrolled, provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements. Because these are section 125 benefits, you cannot change these options (medical, dental, vision, health FSA) any time during the calendar year unless there is an IRS qualified “life event”.

Open Enrollment

UBF annual open enrollment is offered in late fall of each year and gives you the opportunity to review and select the same or different benefits using the Benefit System. You will be notified in advance of the Open Enrollment period. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits

Benefit Types

Medical,Dental,Vision Retirement Education Insurance Assistance,FSA

Medical Insurance

Medical Insurance offered through Independent Health allows you to see a participating doctor. The Independent Health plans provide:

  • Extensive coverage for hospital services
  • Routine and major medical care
  • Preventive services, many of which have no copayment.

Medical Insurance Eligibility

The insurance is available to eligible salaried individuals and hourly workers who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week. Coverage is effective on the first day of the month following date of hire or eligibility date. Eligible dependents or students are covered up to age 26.

Cost

UBF shares the cost of health insurance coverage with the participants. Your share of medical insurance is currently paid with pretax dollars.

Plan Options

The Independent Health options include:

  • Flex Fit plans

A detailed summary of these plans is available in the Library section on the Benefit System, and is also available from the UBF Benefits Department.

Medical Highlights

Independent Health (In Network Benefits)

Mobile Users: Swipe to scroll table

Medical Plans
Type of Service Flex Fit Active Flex Fit Family
Office Visit Primary

$15 Adult

$30 Child    

$25 Adult

$0 Child    

Office Visit – Specialist

$45 Adult

$45 Child    

$45 Adult

$45 Child    

Inpatient Hospital Stay $500    

$500 Adult

$0 Child

Prescription Drug $10 / $50 / $100 $10 / $50 / $100

Emergency Room/

Ambulance

$150 / $100 $150 / $100

After Hours

Urgent Care Centers

$35 $35
Outpatient Surgery (hospital) $150 $150
Outpatient Surgery (facility) $125 $125
Out of Network Benefits Yes Yes
Additional Benefits     $250 for health club membership, alternative therapies, sports/fitness programs

Enrolling in Medical Insurance

Opt Out

If you receive health insurance through your spouse's employer and you have a full-time appointment, you may elect to waive health coverage through UBF and receive cash, paid as taxable income. The cash amount is $600.00 annually, paid $25 on the first two pays of each month. You must be able to document that you received coverage through your spouse to be eligible for this option.

Exception

If you are covered under your spouse’s medical insurance and they receive their medical benefits from UBFA or another UB Pay line, you are not eligible for Opt Out.

Dental Insurance

The Guardian Traditional Plan covers preventive services at 100%, requires a calendar year deductible and co-payment for other services, and allows you to visit the dentist of your choice within the provider network.  

Dental Insurance Eligibility

Dental coverage is offered to eligible salaried individuals and hourly workers who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week. The coverage is effective on the first day of the month following date of hire or eligibility date.

Cost

Dental coverage premium is covered by your department.

Dental Highlights

Dental Plan
Dental Highlights     Guardian - Traditional Plan    
Preventive Care    
(e.g. cleanings) 
100% Scheduled Items 
$0 Deductible      
Basic Care 
(e.g. fillings)    
80% Scheduled Items 
$25 Deductible  
Major Care
(e.g. crowns/dentures)
 
60% Scheduled Items    
$25 Deductible    
Orthodontia    

Orthodontia is for Children up to age 19.

50% to a maximum of $1,500    

Dependents Unmarried up to Age 26.

Vision Insurance

UBF offers optional vision insurance through Guardian, utilizing the Davis Vision Network. The plan provides an exam and lenses or contacts every 12 months for all participants, with frames available every 24 months.

Copay Amount
Exams Copay $10
Materials Copay (waived for elective contact lenses) $25
Sample of Covered Services In-Network You Pay (after copay if applicable):
Eye Exams $0 Amount over $50
Single Vision Lenses $0 Amount over $48
Lined Bifocal Lenses $0 Amount over $67
Lined Trifocal Lenses $0 Amount over $86
Lenticular Lenses $0 Amount over $126
Frames 80% of amount over $130 Amount over $48
Contact Lenses (elective and conventional) 85% of amount over $130 Amount over $105
Contact Lenses (planned replacement and disposable) 85% of amount over $130 Amount over $105
Contact Lenses (medically necessary) $0 Amount over $210
Service Frequency
Exams Every calendar year
Lenses (for glasses and contact lenses) Every calendar year
Frames Every two calendar years
Network discounts (glasses and contact lens professional service) Applies to first purchase & courtesy discount from most providers on subsequent purchases.
Dependent Age Limits 26

Vision Insurance Eligibility

Eligibility is based on an appointment as UB Faculty or staff on a UBF funded account and working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The coverage is effective on the first day of the month following date of hire or eligibility date.

Vision Insurance Enrollment

Enrollment is handled through the Benefit System.

Cost

The cost of the vision insurance paid with pre-tax dollars by way of payroll deductions, subscriber is responsible for 100% of the cost.

Contact an Expert

Joyce Weeman.

Joyce Weeman

Benefits Specialist

UB Foundation

Phone: 716-645-8731

Email: joycewee@buffalo.edu

Lisa Adamshick.

Lisa Adamshick

Benefits and Human Resources Manager

UB Foundation

Phone: 716-645-8726

Email: ladamshi@buffalo.edu