Announcements and Reminders

Welcome back, Benefit News has returned on a quarterly basis!

Change made to university retirement plan share class

In mid-February, a letter was sent to all Marquette University Retirement Plan participants informing them, as of March 19, the university had replaced the Retirement Share Class on all investments with a new, lower-cost Institutional Share Class. This letter outlined all of the pertinent information needed and is available below.

• Marquette University Share Class Change Letter

It is important to note that none of the plan’s annuity accounts were affected by this share class change, and as always, participants can change their contribution allocations at any time online. Refer to the MU Retirement Plan area of this website or the TIAA-Cref’s microsite for additional information.

 

NEW-Heath Risk Assessments Now Available Quarterly in 2013

Second Quarter Information

All employees and their spouses/same sex domestic partners are eligible to participate in the HRA process, although the Marquette employee must participate in order to receive the insurance discount. Spouse and same sex domestic partner participation is not mandatory for the discount. Employees who complete both HRA parts — biometric screening and on-line health risk appraisal by May 17th, 2013— receive a 10-percent discount for their remaining 2013 health insurance premiums starting as soon as administratively feasible in June, 2013.

• Biometric screenings on campus are available by appointment ONLY on Monday, May. 6^th and Tuesday, May 7^th from 7 a.m. to Noon at the Alumni Memorial Union in rooms 364 and 368
• To schedule an on campus biometric screening appointment call 1-877-765-3213 and press “1.” or click on this link www.aurora.org/apptregmarquette.
• The cost for both employee and spouse or same sex domestic partner assessment is paid by Marquette University.
• Biometric screenings with a primary care provider are also eligible if completed between Dec. 1, 2012 and May 17th, 2013. The primary care provider can complete the Health Risk Assessment Primary Care Provider Form Qtr 2 and submit it to Aurora Health Care (contact information provided on the form) by Feb. 18, 2012.  All screening information is confidential.
• Health Risk Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Benefit Information

• Tax Treatment - Same-Sex Domestic Partner
• Same-Sex Domestic Partner Affidavit for Insurance Enrollment

Preventative Verification for Wellness Initiatives

• Click on the Wellness tab at the top of the page or this Frequently Asked Questions document.
• MU Preventative Care Verification Form

Benefits that you don't pay for. They are free!

Employee Assistance Program through Aurora is confidential and accessible 24/7 by anyone living in your household. One assessment and up to five visits per incident at no charge. You do not need to have the MU health insurance. Call 800-236-3231.

All routine health, dental, and vision exams are co-pay, deductible, and coinsurance waived.

If you have the MU health insurance, consider visiting the Marquette Neighborhood Health Center. Routine and non-routine visits are free. Not feeling well at work or have a sick child? Call today at 414-933-9100.

Full-time employees receive basic life insurance at no charge. The policy is in the amount of the yearly salary rounded to the next thousand. Need to update your beneficiaries? Click here.

Prospective Employees

Marquette University has consistently ranked one of the Best Places to Work by MRA and Milwaukee Magazine. As you can see, we offer a generous benefit package to our employees. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

• Summary of Benefits (Staff)
• Summary of Benefits (Faculty)
• Benefits take effect on your date of hire. No waiting period if you submit applicable benefit enrollment forms within 30 days of your employment.
• Full-time regular employees are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.
• Full-time temporary employees with a one year contract (academic or calendar) are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.
• Part-time regular employees are offered health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and optional life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. There are no premium contributions from Marquette University. Employees who participate in any of these benefits are responsible for the full premium. TIAA-CREF 403(b) Marquette Match offered after two years of employment whereby the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and Marquette will contribute 8% of gross salary. (Subject to IRS maximums.) Voluntary participation in the supplemental retirement account is available the first of the month following the date of hire. Access to voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.
• Part-time temporary employees will have access to a limited number of voluntary benefits and employee discount programs.

Current Employees

Marquette University has consistently ranked one of the Best Places to Work by MRA and Milwaukee Magazine. Marquette University is proud to offer generous benefit options to our employees. Take a look around and if you have any further questions, we invite you to contact a member of the benefits team.

Primary Benefits

Health Insurance	Contact UMR at (800) 826-9781 to find in-network doctors, order new insurance cards, claim inquiries, and covered benefits. Available M-F during business hours. Contact UMR at (800) 808-4424 to pre-notify or pre-authorize a procedure. Available M-F during business hours. prescription drug coverage
Dental Insurance	Contact Delta Dental at (800) 236-3713.
Vision Insurance	Contact VSP at (800) 877-7195.
Basic & Optional Life Insurance	Contact Human Resources for information about your coverage level and eligibility to increase coverage.
Short-term Disability	Reference the University Policy on this benefit.
Long-term Disability	Contact Human Resources for information about your eligibility and current benefit level.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)	Contact the Employee Benefits Corporation at (800) 346-2126.

Voluntary Benefits

Marquette Retirement Plan	Learn more about your TIAA-CREF 403(b) and the two investment options we offer eligible employees. Income Options Staying on Track in a Volatile Market 5 Habits of Highly Successful Investors
Leaves of Absences	Do you need time away from work? Review our leave of absence policies to find an option for your situation.
MetLaw Legal Insurance	Enrollment is restricted to new hire (30 days) and annual enrollment (late October).
Tuition Remission	All tuition remission and FACHEX questions should be directed to Octavio (Cas) Castro, Vice President of Human Resources.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)	Contact Aurora 24/7 at (800) 236-3231. You can connect with a professional EAP counselor to schedule a consultation who can link you with specialized services for stress (work, relationships, financial), alcohol or drug abuse (yours or a family member’s), and/or balancing work and family.
Long-term Care	Marquette University has partner with Northwestern Mutual and John Handcock to assist employees in finding long-term care for themselves, parents or other family members. Employees have the option of having premiums deducted through their paycheck and this can be coordinated through Northwestern or John Handcock and Marquette's Payroll Department. Long-term Care FAQ Contact John Hancock at (800) 377-7311. Contact Northwestern Mutual at (414) 271- 3242.
MetPay Auto & Home Insurance Discounts	Receive special discounts that could save you money and convenient payment options including payroll deduction.           Auto & Home Insurance Flyer           Renter's Insurance Flyer Contact MetLife at (800) 438-6388 for a quote.
Employee Discounts	Did you know Marquette University employees can get discounts at local hotels, attractions and even cellular companies. Click below to see where you can save money. (Note: You must be on campus to access the Department of Purchasing's Website.)

 

Thinking of Retiring?

Retirement is no doubt one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. The benefits team is proud to offer several educational opportunities and resources for you to explore in order to make educated decisions for your retirement plan. Please continue to visit the "Upcoming Events" section of our main page for future events that may pertain to your situation.

• Retiree eligibility and definition of a retiree
• Retiree benefit synopsis
• Emeritus retiree benefit synopsis
• I will be retiring when I am under age 65.
• I will be retiring when I am over age 65.

Basic/Optional life insurance & LTD continuation

• Marquette University retirees will be provided the option of continuing their desired coverage(s) by converting from a group policy to an individual policy. Rates are determined by MetLife and Northwestern Mutual.
• If you were hired prior to January 31, 1982, you may be eligible for a term basic life insurance policy at no cost to you. Contact a member of the benefits team for more information.

TIAA-CREF 403(b) Retirement Accounts

• You have the option of either leaving your funds in your 403(b) account upon your retirement until you wish to draw from your balance, rollover your funds into another account, or choose from one of several distribution options. Call TIAA-CREF at (800) 842-2776 for more information.
• If you are a faculty member and are considering the contract buyout implications and your TIAA-CREF 403(b) contract, you should make an appointment our TIAA-CREF individual consultant by calling (800) 842-2005 ex. 255674.

Social Security and Medicare

• We recommend that you attend one of the Social Security and Medicare sessions offered twice per semester. We will post more information on our main page as it becomes available.
• Contact a Social Security Administration office three months prior to your 65th birthday. The nearest office to Marquette University is the blue federal building located on 4th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Appointments are recommended.

Internal Marquette University process to retire

• Give your department at least a two week notice. We recommend giving a two to three month notice to ensure all of your questions are answered and all of your benefit-related paperwork is processed prior to your actual effective date of retirement.
• Your supervisor or business manager will complete a "termination form"
• A member of the benefits team will receive your "termination form" and will contact you directly regarding retiree status eligibility and any applicable paperwork you may need.
• Still have questions about the procedure?  Click here to view a schematic diagram of the process.

Tenured Faculty

• The University will buy out a faculty member's tenure if the faculty member holds tenure and is eligible for retirement from Marquette University. Please read the specific Tenure Buy-Out Policy to review all of the conditions
• Faculty members must apply for a buy-out no later than Dec. 1 of the academic year that will be his/her final year of full-time employment.
  
• All buy-outs will have a retirement date immediately following the last day of the contract.  E.g. If the final, full-time contract ends May 23, the effective retirement date would be May 24. 
• Benefit coverage for a faculty member in his/her terminal year expires the final day of the terminal contract month. E.g. If the final, full-time contract ends May 23, health, dental, and vision coverage would continue through May 31.
• The rank of emeritus may be conferred upon a retiring tenured faculty member or a retiring academic administrator whom the university designates in recognition of the sustained high quality performance shown throughout his/her career.  Nominations and/or applications are coordinated through the Office of the Provost.

Time line and resources to remember

Vendor	Contact Information	Notification Time line
Medicare and Social Security	www.ssa.gov (800) 772-1213	3 - 4 months prior to retirement or turning age 65
TIAA-CREF	www.tiaa-cref.org (800) 842-2776	2 – 3 months prior to retirement or withdrawing funds
Marquette University: Tenure Buy-Out and Emeritus Status	Office of the Provost, Faculty Handbook	Prior to Dec. 1 of the final academic year.
Marquette University: Benefits	Department of Human Resources, Employee Benefits (414) 288-7305	2 – 3 months prior to your last day of work
Benefits that Cease on your Last Day of Employment	Basic Life Optional Life Long Term Disability Flexible Spending (FSA health care expenses must be incurred on last day of employment; employees have a 90 day run-out period to submit for reimbursement)
Benefits that Cease at the End of the Month	Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance
*Italicized benefits are COBRA eligible.  Employees may elect a continuation of current coverage under COBRA for up to 18 months.  For 2011 rates, please consult with a Benefits Specialist at (414) 288-7305.

 

Retirees

Marquette University retirees should use this page for any upcoming events and announcements pertaining to your retiree status.

• Retiree eligibility and definition of a retiree
• Retiree benefit synopsis
• 2013 Retiree Rate Sheet
• 2013 Retiree Plan Comparison
• Highlights for 2013 – Retiree
• VSP Schedule of Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Basic life insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability continuation

• Download and print "change in life insurance beneficiary form"
  
  Mail completed form to

  Marquette University HR
  Attn.: Benefits
  Straz Tower, Room 185
  P.O. Box 1881
  Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881

TIAA-CREF 403(b) Retirement Accounts

• You have the option of either leaving your funds in your 403(b) account upon your retirement until you wish to draw from your balance, rollover your funds into another account, or choose from one of several distribution options. Call TIAA-CREF at (800) 842-2776 for more information.

Social Security and Medicare

• We recommend that you attend one of the Social Security and Medicare sessions offered twice per semester. As a retiree, we will mail upcoming Social Security and Medicare information session notices to your home.
• Medicare and You 2012
• Prescription Drug Notice

Preventive Care

Marquette University’s health, dental, and vision plans offer preventive care at 100% when in-network providers are visited. 

Health:

• Routine physical exams waive any applicable co-pays and deductible. 
• Immunizations
• Routine Diagnostic Tests, Lab & X-rays
• Routine Mammograms
• Pap Test and Pelvic Exams
• PSA Test and Prostate Exams
• Routine Colonoscopy (From age 50)
• For a complete list of preventive care benefits, please review the Summary Plan Description.

Dental: Two free cleaning per year, per covered member (deductible waived).

Vision: One free well-vision exam per year, per covered member (co-pay waived).

Preventative Verification for Wellness Initiatives

Employees are encouraged to be current with their recommended age and gender specific preventative screenings (measured from November 1, 2012 through October 31, 2013). Verification with these recommended screenings may impact your 2014 premium contributions. Helpful links are below.

• MU Preventative Care Verification Form
• Preventative Screening Flyer
• Preventative Care FAQ's

Wellness

Marquette University's wellness mission is to develop a well workplace in accordance with national guidelines and regulations.

• Employee Wellness Web site

Webinars from UMR on Healthy Living

Developing a Healthy Vision
Heart Disease Prevention
Control Your Asthma
You Don't Know What CAN Hurt You
Family Fitness Fun