Benefits at the University of Arkansas

The following benefits are a valuable part of your total compensation package at the University of Arkansas.   Appointed employees (non-student titles) working one-half time or greater are eligible for most benefits through the University.  Eligible dependents include your lawful spouse and children from birth until the date they attain age26.

Employees must enroll in their benefits within 31 days of their benefits-eligible appointment dates.   Benefits are effective the first day of the month following the enrollment date as long as the enrollment forms are received in Human Resources within the 31-day enrollment eligibility window.        

Retirement:
All benefit-eligible employees must participate in a retirement plan.   Two categories of retirement are available, a 403B and 457B Defined Contribution Plan and a Defined Benefit Plan.   Employees make an irrevocable decision upon hire which option they will participant in.   The 403B/457B Defined Contribution plan offers retirement investment options with TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments.  The Defined Benefit Plan available is the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS).

Medical Coverage:
You may choose between two plans:   The Point of Service Plan and the Classic Plan, both administered by UMR (a division of United Health Care). Neither plan has pre-existing condition restrictions.  Each plan has four coverage levels: employee only, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family.  The University of Arkansas pays at least 72% of the total premium for full-time employees.

Dental Coverage:
Dental coverage is available for individuals and their families through Delta Dental of Arkansas.  Twice a year checkups and cleanings are covered in full.  The plan has a $50 deductible for other services and pays up to $1,500 annual maximum benefit per person.   The University of Arkansas pays half of the total premium for full-time employees. 

Vision Insurance:
Lower your out-of-pocket costs when you purchase frames, lenses and contacts.  Services provided by Superior Vision.

Life insurance:
You receive one times your annual salary, up to $50,000, in personal term life insurance at no cost. You may purchase additional coverage for yourself, your spouse, and eligible dependent children.

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:
LTD insurance provides you income protection should you not be able to work for more than six months due to serious illness or injury.    The benefit is generally 60% replacement of salary.   The University of Arkansas picks up the cost of basic coverage and you can purchase additional coverage.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance:
AD&D covers accidents which cause injury or death. AD&D coverage is available in multiples of $25,000, up to $300,000. 

Flexible Benefit Plan:
Reduce your taxable income by enrolling in a Medical FSA or a Dependent Care FSA.   You predict your calendar year healthcare and daycare expenses, deduct it from your check on a pre-tax basis, then file claims to be reimbursed.

Voluntary Products:
Critical Illness Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance and Group Rated Auto/Home Insurance.  Convenient payroll deduction and group discounted rates