* Any regular employee, working at least 50 percent of the time is eligible to participate in the University's benefit programs. Retirees from such positions are also eligible. Contract II employees, as well as graduate and research assistants are also eligible for most benefits with the exception of the state-sponsored retirement plans.

The following information can also be found in the 2006-2007 State of Maryland Summary of Health Benefits booklet for Maryland State Employees, at this university website: http://www.personnel.umd.edu/Benefits

** Forms for change of name/address, application for an estimated retirement allowance, and request to purchase previous service may be downloaded from this university benefits website as well.**

Questions regarding this information may be directed to:

1. Eligibility
2. New Enrollments
3. Changes in Coverage
4. Effective dates of coverage (pay period covered by deduction in paycheck)
5. Questions about Changes in Coverage
6. Benefits Appeal Process
7. Continuation of Insurance Coverage (If you took a leave of absence without pay (LAWP), or leave University service, or if one of your dependents becomes ineligible to continue coverage under the University Health Benefits Program, you or your dependent may be eligible to continue health benefits coverage under a variety of regulations.)

The following information is provided for each insurance plan:

• What the Plan Provides
• Choosing the Best Plan
• Comparing Benefits
• How to Receive Benefits

Year 2006-2007 Premium Rates Chart

• Medical//Prescription/Dental Plan Rates

To learn more about the following programs, select one of the items below:

1. Medical Insurance Plans
2. Dental Plan
3. Life Insurance
4. Long Term Care Insurance Plan
5. Mental Health/Substance Abuse Plan
6. Personal Accidental Death/Dismemberment
7. Prescription Plan
8. Vision Plan (now a part of medical insurance plans)
9. Long Term Disability Insurance

For contact information (web sites and telephone numbers) for individual insurance providers, click here.

At the time of employment, all regular employees of the University of Maryland are required to enroll in one of the pension programs offered through the State of Maryland. The pension program for which you are eligible depends on your category of employment. Non-exempt employees must enroll in the defined benefit plan offered by the Maryland State Pension System. Faculty, Exempt Staff, and Academic Administrators can elect to enroll in either the Maryland State Pension System or a defined contribution plan offered through the Optional Retirement Plan. Your mandatory participation in these programs is set up so that all contributions going into the plan on your behalf are made by the employer. Any monies you must contribute are made on a salary reduction basis. Also, please note that employer and/or employee contributions to both the State Pension System and the Optional Retirement Plan are made on the first 12 paychecks of the year and the last eight paychecks of the year. No contributions are made from the six paychecks issued during the summer months.

Topics of Interest: Please select one of the following

1. Choosing a Program
2. State Retirement Program
3. Optional Retirement Programs (e.g. TIAA-CREF)
4. Terms You Should Know
5. SUPPLEMENTAL Retirement Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts (Tax-free reimbursement accounts for eligible expenses for either medical coverage or dependent care.)

Tuition Remission Benefits (Policies and procedures for employees, spouses,and dependents to receive tuition remission.)

Live Near Your Work Program (Employees are eligible to receive a $3,000.00 grant toward closing costs associated with the purchase of a home in the City of College Park.)

Sabbatical Leave for Faculty

Worker's Compensation: You are covered under the Workers' Compensation Law for injuries sustained on the job in the line of duty. Medical expenses are covered and compensation is based on the nature of the injury and your salary at the time of the injury. Injury and accident reports should be reported promptly to your supervisor to assure timely payment of these expenses. As an additional benefit, accident leave at two-thirds of pay may be granted for up to one year from the date of the injury. This status is available for a disabling condition that results from an accidental personal injury sustained in the performance of your job duties. Download Worker's Compensation Form.