Summary of Benefits for Full-Time CSEA Employees

Employer Paid Term Life/AD&D Insurance:  Each regular employee receives University paid group life insurance through Guardian. The benefit is equivalent to annual base salary rounded up to the next $1,000.  Eligibility:  First of the month following employment

Voluntary Term Life/AD&D Insurance: The University offers this voluntary benefit through Guardian to employees (increments of $25,000), their spouses/domestic partners (increments of $25,000) and children ($5,000 or $10,000). Premiums based on employee’s age. Eligibility:  First day of the month following employment

Medical Insurance:  The University offers two self- insured health insurance plans administered by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.  Eligibility:  First day of the month after 60 days of employment

1. Simply Blue Hybrid Plan: Individual $750 deductible per calendar year (maximum $2250 deductible per family), plan pays 80% (in-network) or 60% (out-of-network) once deductible has been satisfied. Maximum out-of-pocket co-insurance per calendar year is $1250 per individual ($3750 per family). Co-payments apply for office visits (e.g. physician visits, short-term therapy, ER visits).

Prescription drug benefit is administered by OPTUM Rx, the University’s pharmacy benefit manager:  Short-term and maintenance drugs are covered up to a 30 day supply at a retail pharmacy.  The four tier drug co-payment plan is as follows:

  • Tier 1 (Generic) $10 co-payment per prescription, $0 co-payment for children under age 19
  • Tier 2 (Preferred Brand) $30 co-payment per prescription 
  • Tier 3 (Non-Preferred Brand) $50 co-payment per prescription 
  • Tier 4 (Specialty Medications) 20% co-insurance

There is a mail order provision for maintenance drugs.  Participants can receive a 90 day supply (three months) for two co-payments. For example, through the mail order pharmacy a three month’s supply of a generic drug will cost $20 (two co-payments).

CanaRX International Mail Order Program (SLUMeds):   Program for brand-name maintenance medications (those for conditions that are not related to sudden illness). This is a voluntary program offered by the University with no co-payments to the participant.  Participant must be enrolled in the Simply Blue Hybrid Plan in order to participate. 

Monthly Employee Premium:   

  •  Single: $63.04 
  •  Employee & child: $450.44
  • Employee & spouse: $487.20               
  •  Family: $834.36

2. Simply Blue High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA):  $2800 calendar year deductible for individuals and $5600 calendar year deductible for family coverage. The University contributes $1000 for individuals and $2000 for families each calendar year into the HSA.  Participant may also contribute money, tax-free, into the HSA.  The plan pays 80% of in-network medical expenses after the deductible has been satisfied.

Prescription drug benefit is through Excellus BCBS.  Once the deductible has been satisfied, the four tier drug co-payment plan will become effective:

  • Tier 1 (Generic) $5 co-payment per prescription, $0 co-payment for children under age 19
  • Tier 2 (Preferred Brand) $35 co-payment per prescription 
  • Tier 3 (Non-Preferred Brand) $70 co-payment per prescription
  • Tier 4 (Specialty Medications) 20% co-insurance

Monthly Employee Premium:   

  •   Single: $50.54              
  •  Employee & child: $360.92     
  •  Employee & spouse: $390.92     
  •  Family: $668.84

Both Health Plans Offer:

Dependent coverage:    Qualified dependents/students are covered until the age of 26. Spouses/domestic partners are eligible for coverage.

Preventative health care services (e.g. routine adult physical, well child visits, and routine gynecological exams) are covered at 100%.  

FitThumb Wellness Program:  Participates may earn up to $400 annually and spouses/domestic partners may earn up to $200 annually cash back for participating in the wellness program. Redeem wellness points annually or semiannually.

Telemedicine:  Participants may visit a board-certified doctor by video conference (smartphone, tablet or computer) or phone right from home, or while traveling, for non-emergency medical conditions.  Telemedicine benefits are available 24/7/365.  For those enrolled in the Hybrid health plan there is no cost. The cost is $40.00 for those enrolled in the HDHP.  Payment expected at time of service.

Dental Insurance:  The University offers two dental plans through Guardian; a Base Plan and a Buy-Up Plan.

Eligibility:  First day of the month after 60 days of employment  

Base Plan Monthly Employee Premium:           

  • Single: $37.64
  • Employee & Child(ren): $96.80
  • Employee & Spouse: $81.08
  • Family: $140.16                                                

Buy-Up Plan Monthly Employee Premium:

  • Single: $54.04
  • Employee & Child(ren): $130.74
  • Employee & Spouse: $108.98
  • Family: $188.18

Vision Insurance:  The University offers vision coverage through Guardian utilizing the Davis Vision network.

Eligibility:   First day of the month after 60 days of employment  

Monthly Employee Premium:          

  • Single: $7.20 
  • Employee & Child(ren): $12.34
  • Employee & Spouse: $12.10     
  • Family $19.54

Flexible Benefit Plan:  Employees will automatically pay their health insurance premiums and/or dental & vision insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis (opt-out of pre-tax premium is permitted), and may also set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for anticipated out-of-pocket medical expenses (including unreimbursed dental and vision expenses).  Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for work-related child care expenses.  Eligibility:  First day of the month after 60 days of employment

Retirement:   The University participates in TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association). St. Lawrence makes a bi-weekly contribution to the plan equal to 10% of the employee’s salary; the employee is required to contribute a minimum of 1% of salary. Eligibility:  After one year of service (mandatory participation)

Tuition-Free Courses:  Employees are eligible for one free course per semester at St. Lawrence, or two per semester if matriculating for a degree.  Employees may also cross-register within the Associated Colleges for up to two courses per academic year (cross-registration courses count toward course limit).  Dependents/spouses/domestic partners are eligible for tuition benefits. Please see Human Resources for specific information.   Eligibility:  Immediate

Eyeglass Reimbursement: Up to $300 towards purchase of new glasses or contact lenses, once every 2 years.       

Eligibility:  After completion of 90-day probationary period.  Employee must regularly spend a substantial portion of their work time using a video display terminal to qualify.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):  Free, confidential professional counseling service for employees and their families to help with issues that commonly occur throughout life (marital and family concerns, substance and alcohol abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, financial problems, etc.). Three free face to face counseling sessions as well as 24/7 prepaid counseling services via the telephone.  Eligibility:  Immediate

SLU Bookstore Discount:  15% discount to employees for book purchases and 10% discount for all other items. Please present your SLU ID card at the time of purchase.

Revised: Jan 2024