Postdoctoral Scholars Benefits Plan [PSBP]
Eligibility
University of California Postdoctoral Scholars with the following title codes are eligible for a package of benefits specifically designed for them.
- Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee [Title code 3252] used when paid through the University payroll system
- Postdoctoral Scholar - Fellow [Title code 3253] used when a fellowship has been awarded by an extramural agency and paid through a University account
- Postdoctoral Scholar - Paid Direct [Title code 3254] used when a fellowship or traineeship for postdoctoral study by an extramural agency and the agency pays the Postdoc directly
To qualify for this benefit package, a Postdoctoral Scholar’s appointment must be 50% for one year or more or 100% for 3 months. Postdoctoral Scholar’s may be assigned to more than one Postdoctoral title concurrently depending on extramural funding agency requirements. Additionally, Postdoctoral Scholars may be assigned a lecturer title up to 50% concurrently with a Postdoctoral title code at 50%; BELI code must be P. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by Graduate Division.
Garnett-Powers & Associates (GPA)is the insurance broker/administrator for the Postdoctoral Scholars Benefits Plan (PSBP). Garnett-Powers is pleased to offer a PSBP Customer Service Representative, dedicated to this program and available to assist with questions about plan coverage. They can be reached at 1-800-254-1758.
The PSBP offers the following insurance choices:
- Medical
- Health Net Health Maintenance Organization [HMO]
- Health Net Preferred Provider Organization [PPO]
- Dental
- Health Net Dental Health Maintenance Organization [DHMO]
- Principal Preferred Provider Organization [PPO]
- Vision
- Health Net Preferred Provider Organization [PPO] also known as Eye Med
- Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) The Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) program offered by Standard Insurance Company is a comprehensive benefit that helps you responsibly secure your financial resources. You will be automatically enrolled in the Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit. The $10,000 of Medical Evacuation Insurance and $7,500 of Repatriation of Remains Insurance required for J1 visa holders will be covered by the Standard Life Insurance Program. More information at the following link: :Insurance Requirements for J-1 Scholars
- Short-term Disability You will be automatically enrolled in the Short-Term Disability Insurance program offered by Standard Insurance. This disability benefit offers you a percentage of your pre-disability earnings during a benefit period of up to 180 days.
- Voluntary Long-term DisabilityThis program offered by Standard Insurance provides you a way of protecting your income should you become disabled. It would begin after your Short-Term Disability income protection ends, after 180 day waiting period.
- Postdoctoral Scholars appointed in title code 3252 (Employee) are eligible to participate in the Retirement Savings Programs,403b and/or 457b.
- Postdoctoral Scholars appointed in title codes 3253 and 3254 (Fellows or Paid Directs) are not eligible to participate in the Retirement Savings Programs.
- Defined Contribution Plan [DC Plan]
- In addition, University of California Postdoctoral Scholar Employees who are not otherwise covered by a retirement system contribute to the University of California DC Plan in lieu of paying Social Security taxes at 7.5% rate of your wages, pre-tax. Participation in the plan is mandatory as a condition of employment. Nonresident aliens with F-1 or J-1 visa status are exempt from the mandatory DC Plan participation. For more information: http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/retirement_savings/ret_save_safe_harbor.pdf
Monthly
rates for 2008 for insurance plans for postdoctoral scholars- Monthly
rates for 2009 for insurance plans for postdoctoral scholars
- The University contribution towards the premium varies depending upon the Postdoc appointment title code and the grant specifics.
- The University contribution towards the premium varies depending upon the postdoc appointment title.
- Taxability of Health Benefits provided to Postdoctoral Scholars
Have questions or problems with your insurance plans?
- Frequently asked Questions about Postdoctoral Scholar insurance plans
- List of Policy Numbers
- Contact Postdoc Benefits Coordinator at: (805) 893-2186
Policy & Procedures
- The Academic Personnel Manual, section 390, contains the major provisions of the university's policy on Postdoctoral Scholars.
- The
Graduate Division must approve exceptions to
the policy when postdoctoral scholars are appointed.
- Sick Leave & Time Off Policy for Postdoctoral Scholars