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Computer Loan Plan
To actively encourage enhancement of computer
skills for employees and their families, Smith offers a loan program toward the purchase
of a computer for personal use. The interest rate is the prime rate minus 2% at the
time you take out the loan. In addition, the Smith Computer Store offers discounted
prices to employees. For information on a computer loan contact the Smith College
Controllers Office at (413) 585-2220.
Domestic Partner Coverage (same sex)
Smith's definition of family embraces today's
diversity by offering benefit eligibility to same-sex partners who share a long-term
commitment relationship.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that
same-sex couples can legally marry in Massachusetts effective May 17, 2004. As of
this date, Smith College will provide benefits to same-sex married couples in the
same way as other married couples, with the exception of those benefits granted under
federal law. Because same-sex marriages are not recognized under federal law, all
pre-tax deductions (health and dental premiums) will continue to be subject to imputed
federal tax. Retirement monies will not be automatically granted to a same-sex spouse
in the event of the employee’s death if the spouse is not listed as a beneficiary
with the employee’s retirement account. Finally, Flexible Spending Accounts
still will not cover same-sex partners. Other than these exceptions, same-sex married
couples will be eligible for all benefits just as opposite-sex married couples are,
including not being subject to the imputed Massachusetts tax for health and dental
premiums.
Smith College will continue to keep its domestic partner
definition in place. There are several reasons for this decision which are highlighted
below.
- The federal government does not recognize
same-sex marriage; therefore in order to offer benefits to same-sex couples we
must have a domestic partner definition in place.
- We can not reasonably expect all same-sex
couples to get married immediately upon the effective date of the new legislation.
- We have to consider the possibility that
this ruling could be overturned; therefore keeping the
domestic partner definition in place for same-sex couples will make for a smoother,
more seamless transition if the ruling is overturned.
- Our dental carrier is not currently recognizing the
May 17 ruling because the Division of Insurance has not made any amendments regarding
it at this time. We need to have the domestic partner definition in place to
continue to provide dental benefits to same-sex couples.
Based on the new Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
ruling we will be amending our domestic partner definition to include the following
eligibility requirement:
- If you were married, your marriage would not be recognized
by the federal government.
Employees may add their same-sex
spouse to their benefit plans by providing a copy of their marriage certificate and
completing the applicable benefit enrollment form(s) within 30 days of the date
of the marriage. If an employee currently covers a domestic partner but gets married,
Human Resources will need a copy of the marriage certificate to stop imputing Massachusetts
taxes.
If you have any questions please feel free
to contact Lynn Cocco at extension 2273.
Employee Discount Program
Smith partners with several vendors in the
Northampton area to provide an Employee Discount Program. All discounts offered
are individual by the respective vendors. Smith College and Staff Council in no way
endorse or specifically support the patronage of the vendors listed.
NOTE: these discounts vary widely from
vendor to vendor. Often the discount does not apply to all store items. Call ahead
or ask whether the discount applies before making your purchase.
Questions about the Employee Discount Program
should be directed to Judith Roberge in College Relations.
International SOS
Smith College is now an institutional member of International SOS through Five Colleges Incorporated, a membership that gives faculty and staff who are traveling abroad access to a full range of medical information and emergency services.
As a member, you have access to International SOS information services at no charge. These services range from the information provided on the website (including country risk ratings, State Department postings, medical travel recommendations and immunization requirements) to access to medical doctors via phone consultation, referrals to English-speaking doctors, to care assessment and translation services in case of hospitalization.
However, use of actual medical services (beyond information services) or any service that requires an expenditure of funds to another party is not free.
While members have access to International SOS clinics and doctors around the world, delivery of services must be covered by the traveler and/or the traveler’s health insurance policy. This program and membership is not an insurance plan! Travelers should check their personal health insurance to determine if it covers them while traveling abroad; if coverage is not provided out of network or if coverage is very limited, consider purchasing travel insurance. The College does have insurance coverage through AIG and our health insurer for medical evacuation and repatriation; if these services are needed they must be coordinated through the Human Resources office, the Five College Risk Management Office and AIG for coverage to apply. See the web site for more information.
We recommend that faculty and staff traveling on school business register their trips using the International SOS Personal Travel Locator. This will give you the opportunity to receive e-mail alerts from I-SOS and enable the College to contact you in the event of an emergency.
We strongly recommend you use another feature of the International SOS membership: the online Emergency Record. Travelers can input medical history, blood type, recent surgeries, allergies, etc. (even copies of your travel documents) and this confidential information is only accessed by ISOS medical staff in an emergency situation where the student is not able to communicate. Travel plans and contact information (destination, dates, flights, and hotels) can also be logged on the website, and will not be accessed unless the information is needed in an emergency.
Faculty and staff who are traveling for personal reasons (leisure travel) are not covered under Smith’s membership, but may purchase an insured individual International SOS membership at a 20% discount on the International SOS Portal.
Please visit the Five College web site to access the International SOS Portal and obtain detailed information on the International SOS program benefits.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Smith faculty and staff may choose to supplement their
benefits package with long-term care insurance
coverage offered through the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
This voluntary benefit helps cover nursing home and home health care
expenses. Employees and their family members are eligible for a five percent group discount. Premiums are paid directly to the carrier.
For more
information, contact Martha Hand at (800) 492-3553, ext. 28602 or visit www.metlifeltc.com/muw.
People's Institute
Smith offers back-up child care on days when
school is closed such as snow days and public school vacations. For more information
on this child care benefit please call (413) 585-2273. |
