The University Record, May 21, 1996
Staff with RIF status may arrange for continuing benefits with U-M
From the Benefits Office
Faculty and staff members who are laid off or placed on Reduction In Force (RIF) status should notify the Benefits Office immediately to make arrangements for continuing benefits for themselves and their dependents. Call 763-1214 on Central Campus or 764-6584 on the Medical Campus and ask for a benefit representative. It is important to note that faculty and staff members affected by RIF status are not considered terminated.
Those RIF employees who agree to pay the full premiums before the 20th of the month in which their coverage ends can continue health, dental, vision, group life insurance, expanded long-term disability and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) prescription drug benefits at University rates for the duration of their RIF status. The length of the RIF status period is determined by individual contract.
Those who wait until their coverage ends will be offered continuation of their benefits through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) if they apply within 60 days of the date their coverage ends. The employee must agree to pay the full premiums plus a 2 percent administration fee; however, the premiums are at University group rates.
Faculty and staff members who continued their coverage during their RIF status will be offered COBRA at the end of their RIF status period. This will mean 18 additional months of coverage.
Other benefits available to RIF employees include:
University contributions to the cost of group life insurance will continue if faculty or staff members elect to pay their portion.
University contributions to the retirement plan will cease; however, faculty and staff members can continue to con tribute to their plan on an after-tax basis. Faculty and staff members are not eligible for retirement benefits until the end of their RIF status when they are terminated.
Reimbursement accounts will be affected by RIF status. Employees should contact the Benefits Office for a complete explanation.
