Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

ENROLLMENT

  1. As a postdoc paid direct, I pay the premiums for my own medical insurance. I would like to opt out of medical and just pay for the dental and optical insurance. Is that possible?

  2. Yes.

  3. Is there any information on how many HealthNet doctors are accepting new patients?

  4. You can check on the HealthNet website. If you have a particular doctor in mind, the best way to find out is to call the doctor's office regarding availability.

  5. If I have HealthNet HMO under the faculty/staff program now and switch to the postgraduate scholar HealthNet coverage, will the change be transparent?

  6. Basically, yes. You may keep the same doctor, although you will be issued new HealthNet identification cards. However, you must still follow the procedures to indicate your choice of physician. You should also notify your doctor's office of the new plan coverage.

  7. I am a postdoc on a non-immigrant visa and my wife and child will be coming to the U.S. later in the year. Must I add them to the benefits plan now or can I add them effective with the date they arrive?

  8. You can add them to your coverage as of the day they arrive, but you must add them within 31 days of their arrival. For easier transition, call Garnett-Powers at 800.254.1758 about three weeks prior to arrival to start the paperwork.

HEALTH PLAN COVERAGE

  1. Is all medical care covered?

  2. Please refer to the plan details at the Garnett-Powers website. For example, certain elective procedures, such as cosmetic surgery, are not covered.

  3. Are pre-existing conditions covered under the medical plan?

  4. Yes. Garnett-Powers has negotiated with HealthNet to ensure that pre-existing conditions are covered.

  5. Does the PPO under the postdoc plan provide coverage nationwide or only in California?

  6. The PPO provides coverage nationwide. The HMO provides coverage ONLY in California.

  7. What do I do if I need care outside of California or the U.S. and I have the HMO coverage?

  8. Emergencies are covered. Remember to obtain an itemized receipt for any money you pay for medical care. Contact your Primary Care Physician for follow-up care. The telephone number for Health Net, while you are traveling outside of the country is (818) 676-8900. The hours are: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm PST Monday through Friday. Non-emergency care is not covered. Review your plan details for more information.

  9. Is COBRA coverage available for dental and vision insurance upon separation?

  10. Yes, if coverage is lost due to a qualifying event.

DISABILITY COVERAGE

  1. Does the long-term disability plan pay even though the recipient lives outside the U. S.?

  2. Yes, however, payment is made in U.S. dollars.

  3. Are pre-existing conditions covered under the short-term disability plan?

    No. For details, please contact Garnett-Powers and Associates directly.

  4. Can I take 6 months of maternity leave using the short-term disability plan?

  5. The standard for disability benefits for maternity leave is six weeks, but review plan details regarding the disability period by calling Garnett-Powers and Associates.

SICK LEAVE

  1. Is the new sick leave bank based on a calendar year? 

  2. Policy states that the new leave provisions cover a 12-month period. Departments may choose to administer this differently, either on a calendar year, or an academic year or anniversary year. For the time-off provision, it will not be a "bank" but you must report your time usage and your department will track the totals to ensure compliance with the policy.

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Last Modified Mar 7, 2008