Employee Benefit Information

Valparaiso University is offering you two plans from which to choose, an HSA plan and a PPO plan.

The HSA Plan is a consumer-driven health plan. What’s special about this option is the health savings account (HSA) can be used to pay for eligible health care expenses. Valparaiso University has chosen to contribute money to this account (amount is prorated depending on enrollment date), and you have an opportunity to contribute tax-free dollars as well.

In the PPO Plan, you pay out-of-pocket until your expenses satisfy the annual deductible. Then, you and the plan share your health care expenses through coinsurance. When your total out-of-pocket expenses reach the designated maximum for both medical and prescription, the plan will pay the rest of your expenses at 100% for remainder of the year.

Employees and covered spouses who complete a Biometric Wellness Screening can earn a premium discount of $25 per pay period for employees or $50 if both employee and covered spouse complete the two required activities.: a physical exam and a biometric screening through Marathon Health.

The Lincoln Financial Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential support service designed to assist employees and their families in managing personal and professional challenges that may impact their well-being and productivity.

Key features of the Lincoln Financial EAP typically include: Counseling Services, Legal and Financial Assistance, Work-Life Resources, Wellness Programs, and Crisis Support.

The Lincoln Financial EAP is typically offered as a voluntary and confidential benefit, providing employees and their eligible dependents with valuable support and resources to address various life challenges and enhance overall well-being.

Valpo offers its Regular and Limited full-time employees an opportunity to participate in a Term Life and Accident Insurance plan at group rates, for a nominal premium fee. Additional coverage for spouse and dependent children, as well as higher payout amounts are available at established group premium rates after meeting approved criteria established by the carrier.

In recognition of its employees’ service to the University, Valparaiso University provides a death benefit to active Regular and Limited full-time employees, who die while employed with the University. These payments are made in addition to any benefits payable by the University’s Life Insurance carrier.

The FSA Plan, administered by iSolved Benefits Services allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars from their paycheck to cover eligible medical expenses not typically covered by insurance, such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, and certain over-the-counter items. These funds can also be used for dependent care expenses, such as daycare or elder care. By contributing to an FSA, employees lower their taxable income, resulting in potential tax savings. The iSolved FSA benefit provides employees with a convenient way to manage healthcare and dependent care expenses while maximizing tax savings.

Discover exceptional dental coverage at Valparaiso University through the Guardian Dental Guard Preferred Network. We understand the significance of having the freedom to choose your dentist. With over 130,000 providers spanning the nation, Guardian boasts one of the most extensive dental networks available. Rest assured, you’ll likely find a conveniently located network dentist near you. Our plans typically cover all or most of the expenses for routine checkups and cleanings, empowering you to prioritize your dental health without financial concerns. 

Valparaiso University provides the VSP Choice Network Plan through Guardian for Vision Benefits, ensuring comprehensive vision care for our valued faculty and staff. Annual eye exams are essential, regardless of your current eyesight status, to maintain optimal visual acuity. Recognizing that most individuals may require vision correction over time, our plan includes coverage for routine eye exams, aiding in the early detection of vision issues. Additionally, it assists in offsetting the costs associated with eyeglasses and contact lenses, which are typically not covered by standard health insurance policies. We prioritize your overall well-being by promoting regular eye check-ups through accessible coverage. With our plan, vision care becomes more manageable, making essential eyewear more affordable for you.

The HealthJoy benefit is a comprehensive healthcare management platform designed to empower employees in making informed decisions about their health and well-being. It offers a range of features and services aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and convenience. With 24/7 access to dedicated healthcare concierge team, visits, and care navigation tools, you never have to walk alone. HealthJoy helps you locate in-network doctors, find extra savings on your prescriptions, and navigate your benefits. 

The Lively HSA (Health Savings Account) benefit is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help individuals cover qualified medical expenses. It’s available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Contributions to an HSA are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing taxable income, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. The funds in an HSA roll over from year to year, so there’s no “use-it-or-lose-it” provision like with some other accounts.

The Lively HSA offers flexibility in managing healthcare costs, allowing individuals to save for current and future medical expenses. These expenses can include deductibles, copayments, prescriptions, and certain medical services not covered by insurance. Additionally, HSA funds can be invested, potentially allowing for growth over time.

Through Lincoln Financial, Valparaiso University offers Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance policies to provide financial protection for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Short-Term Disability (STD): This policy typically provides income replacement benefits for a short period, usually ranging from a few weeks to several months, after an employee becomes disabled and unable to work. 

Long-Term Disability (LTD): LTD insurance offers protection for disabilities that extend beyond the short-term period covered by STD. It provides income replacement benefits for an extended period, often until the employee reaches retirement age or is able to return to work. 

Valparaiso University has partnered with Marathon Health to offer employees free, best-in-class primary care service through an onsite clinic. Use of the clinic is voluntary, and the services you receive will be 100% confidential. The clinic is available to all full-time employees, as well as their spouses and dependents age 6 and over who are enrolled in a Valparaiso University health plan.

Valparaiso University provides paid time off benefits covering various situations, including vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, and funeral/bereavement leave.

Valparaiso University’s prescription drug benefit is managed by TrueScripts, offering you convenience and cost savings. Utilize their Drug Price Look-up and Pharmacy Locator tools to access real-time pricing information on medications and find nearby pharmacies for your convenience. The Member Portal reflects TrueScripts’ commitment to innovation and service, prioritizing your wellness by providing easy access to essential resources. Designed with TrueScripts’ core values of Innovation and Service, their portal is tailored to support both your financial well-being and lifestyle needs.

Valparaiso University offers a Defined Contribution Plan through TIAA. Eligible full-time faculty and staff can enroll starting the month after their employment begins. Upon eligibility, you’re automatically enrolled with a 4% contribution rate, which you can adjust anytime online. Employees who contribute 1–2% of pre-tax income receive a 4% match, while those contributing 3% or more get a 6% match. To receive the University match, you must contribute at least 1% and can contribute up to the IRS maximum annually. You can choose between pretax, Roth, or a combination of both contributions and allocate them among various investment options.

The Tuition Remission/Exchange Benefit at Valparaiso University offers educational support for employees and their dependents, reflecting the institution’s commitment to higher education. Full-time, limited full-time, and retiree employees are eligible. Employees must meet admission requirements, and courses must fit with their work schedule. Dependents, including spouses and children, are eligible as long as the employee meets initial criteria. The benefit applies to tuition only, excluding other fees and charges. The benefit has ongoing eligibility requirements and conditions, including standards for academic progress. Upon retirement or death of the employee, eligible family members can still receive tuition remission. The university also participates in the Tuition Exchange program, allowing eligible employees and dependents to attend other member institutions with tuition remission benefits.

The Valpo OneCard Discount Program is a collaborative effort between the University and local businesses. It not only serves as a token of appreciation for your dedication to our community but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the local economy and will enhance our ties with the vibrant community that surrounds us.