Furman University

The Fringe Benefits and Welfare Committee met with the Benefits Committee for Renewal Processes, (Jean Adams, Amy Blackwell, Todd Duke, Raymond Kuhne, Mary Lou Merkt Giselle Williams,) twice during the 2010-2011 Academic year.  The following list summarizes the issues discussed and voting results of those meetings.

Medical Plan and Health Risk (HRA) Incentives
Because the university encourages wellness and long-term physical well-being of the entire Furman Community, the Fringe Benefits Committee voted to significantly increase premiums for faculty and staff who choose not to participate in HRA. The committee also voted to allow spouses to participate in HRA.  Since we are self-insured, healthier faculty and staff members mean lower costs for the university and for every participant in the plan.

The committee voted to retain the 3 tier system, (employee/employee+one/
employee+family,) rather than move to a 4 tier system which would divide the employee+one into two tiers, (employee+spouse /employee+children.)

Changes for 2011 in Furman’s medical plan resulting from health care reform include an increase in age for dependents, who are now eligible for coverage up to age 26; a restriction on over the counter medicine from coverage regarding the flexible spending account; and the fact that cost-sharing requirements for preventive services will be completely eliminated.

The committee voted to increase the cost of insurance premiums for participants making the university responsible for contributing 82% of the cost.

Dental Plan
The committee voted to switch dental carriers from Standard Insurance Company to Delta Dental. The committee voted for the change in order to avoid a rate hike in Standard’s premiums.

Vision Plan
The committee voted to add the VSP Vision Plan, effective January 1, 2011

Committee Members:
Margaret Caterisano (Chair)
John Beckford (Administration)
Timothy Fehler
Cris Ferguson
Jack Garihan
Tim Patrick
Thomas Smythe
Pamela Barkett (Resource)
Boyd Yarborough (Resource)