Employee Benefits
Benefits Summary
(updated 06/06/2008 )

This information is intended to summarize the benefits offered to unclassified and classified PSU employees appointed to benefits-eligible positions at Pittsburg State University. Benefits for employees appointed to positions of less than 100% may be pro-rated. For additional information on each benefit, click on the link in this summary or contact HRS, 204 Russ Hall, Pittsburg, KS 66762, (620)235-4191.

Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate. It is not intended to replace the legal source (i.e. plan document, contract, memorandum of agreement, statute or regulation). In case of any discrepancy between this information and the legal source, the legal source will govern in all cases. Employees may review the legal source upon request. Although intended to be on-going, these benefits may be suspended, revoked or modified by the State of Kansas, the Kansas Board of Regents or Pittsburg State University at any time. Nothing in this information shall be construed as a contract of employment between the State of Kansas and any employee, nor as a guarantee of any employee to be continued in the employment of the State.

Health Insurance (effective January 1, 2008)
Coverage provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Plan A and Plan B), Coventry Health Care (Plan A, Plan B and the Qualified High Deductible Plan with Health Savings Account) or Preferred Health Systems (Plan A and Plan B). The following describes the health plans available to PSU employees:

• Plan A - a fully insured open access Preferred Provide Organization (PPO) offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Coventry Health Care or Preferred Health Systems
  
  See Summary Comparison of Medical Plans benefit design below.
  
  
• Plan B - a fully insured open access Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Coventry Health Care or Preferred Health Systems.
  
  See Summary Comparison of Medical Plans benefit design below.
  
  
• Qualified High Deductible Health Plan with Health Saving Account - a high deductible plan offered through Coventry Health Care PPO medical network.
  This plan includes medical and prescription drug coverage provided by Coventry Health Care.
  
  See Summary Comparison of Medical Plans benefit design below. (NOTE: This plan does not include the Caremark Prescription Drug plan.)
  
  
  Summary Comparison of Medical Plans
  
  When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment.
  Who Pays: University contributes a portion of the cost of full-time employee health coverage minus the employee's monthly salary range contribution. University and employee both contribute for dependent health coverage. Employee contributions can be deducted "before tax" or "after tax."

Coverage provided by Delta Dental Plan of Kansas.

• Delta Dental Plan of Kansas: Plan pays 100% for diagnostic, ancillary and preventative services; 50 - 60% for other covered services to a maximum of $1700 per individual per plan year. Certain covered services provided by a DeltaPreferred PPO Network dentist may be covered at a higher percentage.
• When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment (must be enrolled in the group health insurance).
• Who Pays: See Health Insurance above.
  

Prescription Drug Program - Caremark, Inc.

Employee pays 20% of prescription cost for generic medications; 35% of the cost for formulary brand medications; 60% of the cost for non-formulary brand medications; or $75 for special class medications.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment (must be enrolled in either Plan A or Plan B health insurance plan). This benefit is not included if you have the Qualified High Deductible Health Plan.
Who Pays: See Health Insurance above.

Employee pays for dependent care expenses and medical and dental care expenses not reimbursed by insurance with pre-tax dollars. Employees must sign up for the flexible spending accounts every year during open enrollment.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.

Employees may enroll themselves and any eligible dependents in the Basic or Enhanced Vision Service Plan--whether or not the employee or dependents are enrolled in State of Kansas medical coverage. The plan is designed to provide regular comprehensive eye examinations and benefits toward vision care expenses including glasses or contact lenses.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.

• Classified or Unclassified Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan: 150% of employee's annual salary paid to beneficiary in lump sum.
  
• Classifed Employees in Positions covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Death benefits paid depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or Tier II."
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
  Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
  

Employee may purchase from $5,000 to $250,000 in additional life insurance coverage.
When Eligible: May enroll at any time; however, guarantee issue of $50,000 within 1st 30-days of employment without providing proof of good health
Who Pays: Employee pays premium based on age of employee and amount of insurance purchased.

• Classified Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Unclassified Employees Contributing to the Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan: Spouse or dependent children receive lump sum payment of $50,000 and monthly amount of 50% of salary. Benefits may be reduced if workers compensation or social security benefits are received.
  
• Classified Employees in Positions covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Death benefits paid depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment for KPERS/KP&F covered positions. Unclassified Employees are eligible the 1st day of the pay period in which Regents Mandatory Retirement contributions begin.
  Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
  

• Classified Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Unclassified Employees Covered by the Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan: After 180 days of disability, employee receives 60% of annual salary up to a maximum benefit of $5,000 per month. Benefit may be reduced if employee receives any other form of disability benefits.
  
• Classified Employees in Positions Covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Benefits paid depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment for KPERS/KP&F covered positions and Unclassified Employees in Regents Mandatory Retirement covered positions.
  Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
  

• Classified Employees: Full-time classified employees earn 3.7 hours per pay period. Accrual at higher rate after 5, 10, and 15 years.
  
• Unclassified Employees: Full-time, 12 month employees earn 8 hours per pay period (16 hours maximum per month; 176 hours maximum per fiscal year). 9 month employees do not earn vacation.
  When Eligible: Accrual starts on 1st day of employment.
  Who Pays: University

Paid holidays designated by the Governor. Governor may also designate one discretionary holiday.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment. May use Governor's discretionary holiday after 6 months of employment.
Who Pays: University

Full-time employees earn 3.7 hours per pay period. May be used for personal illness or for illness of family member. Family member is limited to persons related to the employee by blood, marriage or adoption; and minors residing in the employee's residence as a result of court proceedings pursuant to the Kansas code for care of children or the Kansas juvenile offenders code.
When Eligible: Accrual starts on 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University

• State of Kansas Shared Leave Program for Classified & Unclassified Employees NOT in the KNEA Unit: Qualifying employees may receive donations of leave when they experience a serious, extreme or life threatening injury, impairment or physical or mental condition, either personally or by a family member. Family member is limited to persons related to the employee by blood, marriage or adoption; and minors residing in the employee's residence as a result of court proceedings pursuant to the Kansas code for care of children or the Kansas juvenile offenders code. Employee must use accumulated balances of leave, including vacation and sick leave and compensatory time earned, before requesting donations.
  
• Unclassified Employees in the KNEA Unit: Qualifying employees may receive donations from a sick leave pool when they experience an incapacitating illness or injury, either personally or by a family member. Employee must use accumulated sick leave balance, be on leave without pay for 10 working days and have donated at least one day of sick leave to the pool during the current academic year to request donations. Family member is limited to persons related to the employee by blood, marriage or adoption; and minors residing in the employee's residence as a result of court proceedings pursuant to the Kansas code for care of children or the Kansas juvenile offenders code.
  When Eligible: After 6 months of continuous service for the State of Kansas program and 1st day of employment for members in the KNEA Unit.
  Who Pays: University
  

Employee granted up to six (6) days funeral leave under certain circumstances.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University

Paid leave for required jury duty before court or other approved body.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: University

Up to 12 days paid each 12-month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year for active duty. Other military leave also available without pay.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: University

Time off with administrative approval for special circumstances, including pregnancy.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: N/A

Up to 12 weeks of leave for certain family and medical reasons. Leave may be "with pay" (with accrued vacation or sick leave) or "without pay."
When Eligible: After 12 months of service.
Who Pays: University (if leave with pay).

Up to 6 months paid leave following qualifying injury.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment (upon qualifying injury).
Who pays: University

Employees who are disabled due to a job-related injury or disease are entitled to medical expenses for treatment and income benefits to replace part of the wages lost due to the disability. Survivors' benefits also available if death results.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who pays: University.

Learning Quest is a 529 education savings program established by the State of Kansas and offers anyone who is a U.S. Citizen or resident an easy way to invest for a college education. Employees may contribute to Learning Quest through payroll deduction.
When Eligible:1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.

• Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) (Classified Employees): Monthly retirement benefit with various options. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax. 10 year vesting. Early retirement at age 55 with reduced benefits. Retirement with full benefits on the 85 point plan or at age 62 with 10 years of service. Normal retirement at age 65 with no minimum service requirements.
  When Eligible: Mandatory participation after 1 year of state service in a KPERS covered position.
  Who Pays: Employee contributes 4% of salary "before tax." Rate for University contribution is set by law each year.
  
• Kansas Police & Firemen's Retirement System (KP&F) (University Police Only): Monthly retirement with various options. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax. Vesting and retirement age depends on whether covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
  When Eligible: Mandatory participation on 1st day of employment in KP&F covered position.
  Who Pays: Employee contributes 7% of salary "before tax." Rate for University contribution is set by law each year.
  
• Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan (Unclassified Employees): Monthly retirement benefit with various options. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax. Early retirement at age 55 with 10 years of service. Regular retirement at age 60.
  When Eligible: Mandatory participation after 1 year service in an eligible position.
  Who Pays: Employee contributes 5.5% of salary "before tax" to one of the approved providers selected by the employee. University contributes 8.5% of salary to the same provider.

Monthly retirement benefit. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax to be used at retirement.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee

Monthly retirement benefit. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax to be used at retirement.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee

Reduction in appointment and salary but retention of full-time employer-paid benefits in preparation for full retirement.
When Eligible: Age 55 with 10 years of full-time service.
Who Pays: University

Financial assistance at retirement and in case of disability.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee pays percentage of gross monthly salary. University matches that same amount.

Employee receives payment for unused sick leave upon retirement based on the following:

Minimum Years of Service	Minimum Sick Leave Accrual	Sick Leave Bonus
8 years	800 hours (100 days)	240 hours (30 days)
15 years	1000 hours (125 days)	360 hours (45 days)
25 years	1200 hours (150 days)	480 hours (60 days)

When Eligible: Upon retirement with minimum 8 years of service and 800 hours of unused sick leave accumulated.
Who Pays: University

Coverage provided through Kansas Employment Security Law.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment
Who Pays: University

Employee receives payment of $500 after 10 years of satisfactory service, and an additional $50 each year thereafter for a maximum payment of $1250.
When Eligible: After 10 years of State service, classified employees hired or rehired prior to June 15, 2008. Classified employees hired on or after June 15, 2008, are not eligible for longevity pay.
Who Pays: University

9 month faculty salary paid over 26 biweekly pay periods, rather than 20 biweekly pay periods.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment
Who Pays: N/A

• Staff Enrollment Fees: Employees assessed fees at the "staff" rate (resident hourly rate minus campus privilege fees).
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment
  Who Pays: University
  
• Non-Resident Assistance: Employees who live out-of-state pay resident fees. If employee is full-time, spouse and dependents also pay resident fees.
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment
  Who Pays: Employee pays resident tuition.
  
• Tuition Assistance Program (Classified Employees and Unclassified Employees Not Appointed to Teaching Positions Only): University pays for a percentage of tuition and fees for approved courses.
  When Eligible: Must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefits-eligible position (two years in a part-time benefits-eligible position) prior to course start date and current performance review must be "Satisfactory" or better.
  Who Pays: University
  
• Tuition Waiver Program (Dependent Children): Percentage of tuition is waiver for qualifying dependents based on employee's length of service. Maximum of eight (8) semesters eligible for waiver.
  When Eligible: Employee must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefits-eligible position as of the first day of classes.
  Who Pays: University
  
• Tuition Assistance Program (Spouse): University pays for a percentage of tuition for approved courses for qualifying spouses.
  When Eligible: Employee must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefits-eligible position as of the first day of classes.
  Who Pays: University
  
• Professional Development Program (Classified Employees Only): Employees may apply for partial payment of expenses for attending job-related workshops or conferences.
  When Eligible: Must have permanent status in the Kansas Civil Service on date classes begin.
  Who Pays: University

• State of Kansas Service Pin
  When Eligible: After 10, 20, 30 or 40 years of service with the State.
  Who Pays: State of Kansas
  
• Pittsburg State University Service Pin
  When Eligible: After 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service with the University.
  Who Pays: University

• Educational Services: HealthQuest Newsletter provides information on a wide variety of topics.
  
• LIFELINE: Confidential professional help in resolving health or personal problems for employees and their families. 24-hours toll free call 1-800-284-7575.
  When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
  Who Pays: University

• Direct Deposit of Paycheck (EFT): Paycheck sent electronically to employee's bank or credit union.
  
• Credit Card - VISA: VISA credit card with no annual fee to use while a State of Kansas employee for travel-related expenses.
  
• Savings Bonds: Employee purchases United States Savings Bonds through payroll deduction.
  
• Suggestion Awards: Certificate and in many cases a cash award for improving state services.
  
• Recreation Facility: Employees & their families may use Weede gymnasium facilities (swimming pool, racquetball, basketball courts & fitness center) at designated times.
  
• Tickets for University-Sponsored Events: Full-time employees may obtain one complimentary ticket for University sponsored events.

State of Kansas Benefits Guidebook