As part of the January 1, 2004 collective bargaining agreement between the University and NSF Unit 18 employees (lecturers), a Benefits Bridge provision was created.
What is the Benefits Bridge?
- Allows continuation of benefits during the summer, IF a lecturer has a written commitment for re-employment at the end of the Benefits Bridge period
- If a lecturer is enrolled in a UC plan on the last day of their appointment, coverage can be maintained for up to three months by making direct payment, in advance to the payroll office, for the full monthly cost of the premium
- Plans eligible for continuation are: medical, dental, vision, legal, AD & D, basic and supplemental life insurance, and basic and expanded dependent life insurance
Leave of Absence regulations will be followed to administer the Benefits Bridge, although the Benefits Bridge is not a Leave of Absence. No UCRP Buyback is available.
Process for the Benefits Bridge:
- Determine which benefits you want to continue and complete a “Benefits: Request to Continue/Cancel Coverage" form.
- Meet with your Department Benefits Counselor, find out full premium rates, and provide him/her with a check made payable to UC Regents for an amount which covers the benefits to be continued by the tenth of the month, in advance.
- The department mails the first check and form to Payroll at 2195 Hearst Avenue #120, Berkeley, CA 94720-1104.
- For the months after the first month, you will need to mail a copy of the form and a check to the Payroll office by the tenth of the month in advance.
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