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.
How Do Flexible Benefits Work?
When you are initially hired and/or become eligible, you will enroll for most benefits through the BSwift Benefit System, which allows you to choose the benefits you and your family need.
The BSwift 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 BSwift 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”.
Index of Life Events Exceptions
While you are generally only allowed to change your benefits elections during the open enrollment period each year, certain life events provide an exception. Those life events allow you to change your benefits elections in the middle of the plan year if certain requirements are met.
The following are examples of types of life events that may allow you to change your benefit elections during a plan year:
- Birth/Adoption
- Change in Insurance Coverage
- Change of Address (which affects plan eligibility)
- Change in Employment Status
- Death in the Family
- Dependent Child Reaches Limiting Age
- Divorce/Annulment
- Domestic Partnership
- FMLA-related Leave
- Legal Separation
- Loss / Gain of Other Coverage
- Marriage
- Medicare / Medicaid Eligibility
- Significant Coverage Reduction or Cost Increase
Please notify the UBF Benefits Department immediately if you experience any life event changes so that we can ensure there is no interruption or error in your benefits. You will have 30 days from the date of the life event to make the change.
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 BSwift Benefit System. You will be notified in advance of the Open Enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits
How do I learn about my benefits?
UBF conducts a benefits orientation the first Tuesday of every month starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Center for Tomorrow, North Campus. This orientation would be most beneficial for newly eligible participants, however, all participants are welcome to attend.
Preregistration is appreciated, but not required, by calling 716-645-8731 or sending email to Joyce Weeman.
Jahaira Shaver
Payroll & Benefits Administrator
UB Foundation
Phone: (716) 645-8733
Email: jahairal@buffalo.edu
Are graduate students eligible for benefits?
No, but you may be reimbursed 88% of the student's cost and 73% of dependent cost for health insurance.
In order to receive reimbursement, submit a copy of tuition bill showing insurance and a zero balance due to the UBF payroll department via email ubf-timesheets@buffalo.edu, campus mail, or US Mail. Upon receipt, UBF will verify the graduate student's eligibility of working 10 hours per week and will process the reimbursement with the next payroll.
Campus Mail:
UBF Payroll Department
103 Center for Tomorrow
North Campus
US Mail:
UBF Payroll Department
PO Box 900
Buffalo, NY 14226-0900
When are benefits available to individuals on payroll administered by UBF?
Most coverages are available on the first day of the month following the date of hire or eligibility date.
Jahaira Shaver
Payroll & Benefits Administrator
UB Foundation
Phone: (716) 645-8733
Email: jahairal@buffalo.edu
Benefit Types
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:
- Encompass D plan (for individuals residing in Western New York)
- Flex Fit plans (for individuals residing in Western New York)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan (only available to those who reside outside of Western New York).
A detailed summary of these plans is available in the Library section on the BSwift Benefit System, and is also available from the UBF Benefits Department.
Medical Highlights
Independent Health (In Network Benefits)
| Type of Service | Encompass D | Flex Fit Active | Flex Fit Family | PPO** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Visit Primary | $20 | $10 Adult $25 Child | $15 Adult $0 Child | $20 |
| Office Visit – Specialist | $20 | $25 | $25 | $20 |
| Inpatient Hospital Stay | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Prescription Drug | $10 / $30 / $50 | $10 / $30 / $50 | $10 / $30 / $50 | $10 / $30 / $50 |
Emergency Room/ Ambulance | $150/$100 | $150/$150 | $150/$150 | $150/$100 |
After Hours Urgent Care Centers | $45 | $35 | $35 | $75 |
| Outpatient Surgery (facility) | $75 | $150 | $125 | $150 |
| Out of Network Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Benefits | Not applicable | $250 for health club membership & alternative therapies | $250 for activity programs & sports/fitness programs | Not applicable |
** Available to Participants outside of Western New York Only
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 receive coverage elsewhere to be eligible for this option.
Exception
If you are covered under your spouse’s medical insurance and he or she receives his or her 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 is offered at no cost.
Dental Highlights
| 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 | 50% to a maximum of $1,500 |
| Dependent | Age 26 |
Vision Insurance
UBF offers optional vision insurance through Davis Vision. The plan provides an exam and lenses or contacts every 12 months for all participants, with frames available every 24 months.
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 BSwift 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
Robin Hoeltke
Payroll & Benefits Administration Manager
UB Foundation
Phone: (716) 645-8735
Email: rhoeltke@buffalo.edu
Jahaira Shaver
Payroll & Benefits Administrator
UB Foundation
Phone: 716-645-8733
Email: jahairal@buffalo.edu
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