Current Benefits Plans
Overview of Benefits
Important Contact Information
- Benefits Advocate Center
Benefits Advocate Center (BAC) provides complete support for maximizing your benefits plan and your health. BAC will assist with the following: answer questions regarding the explanation of benefits, claims issues, review what services and procedures are covered, authorization for medication, and more! Simply call the dedicated toll free number at 833-355-8939, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST. You can also email at bac.duadvocates@ajg.com. Language assistance is available.
- DU HRIC Benefits Team
DU HRIC Benefits Team will assist with enrollment, changes, health insurance premium deduction questions, leaves, and tuition waiver benefits. Contact a benefits specialist at Benefits@du.edu.
2023-2024 Benefits Plan Information
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Health Plan Mandatory Notices
The Annual Notices (Spanish version) for our health plans should be reviewed by employees and their dependents. Each notice outlines the important benefits, terms, and limitations that apply to our health plans, including:
- HIPAA Special Enrollment Rights
- HIPAA Privacy Notice
- Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act
- Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act
- Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
- Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 "Wellstone Act"
- Premium Assistance under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Model COBRA Continuation Coverage General Notice Instructions
- Medicare Part D
- Marketplace Notice
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Benefits Guide and Premium Contribution
The following documents cover the benefit period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
- Benefits Guide / Spanish version
- Premium Contribution / Spanish version
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Eligibility
Eligibility for DU benefit plans begins for both you and your eligible dependents on the first day of the month following your date of hire into an appointed position. If your hire date is the first of the month, your eligibility may begin on either your hire date or the first of the following month.
Eligible dependents include:
- Your legal spouse (including common-law and civil union) or domestic partner (including same and opposite sex)
- Your children up to 25 years of age (including natural or legally adopted children, stepchildren, the children of your domestic partner, and children who have been placed under your legal guardianship)
- Your children over 25 years of age who otherwise satisfy the above definition and are mentally or physically incapable of earning a living and primarily supported by you
You can make changes to your benefits during the annual Open Enrollment period in May for an effective date of July 1, or within 30 days of an IRS qualifying event.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact benefits@du.edu.
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Medical Coverage
Provider: Cigna
Phone: 800-244-6224
Website: www.mycigna.com
Employees residing or working in the following counties in Colorado will be in the Cigna Local Plus Network: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Eagle, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Montezuma, Routt, Summit, and Weld. The vast majority of DU employees will be in the Local Plus Network.
All other employees will be in the Cigna Open Access Network.
Network designation is automatic and is not a choice employees make during Open Enrollment.Cigna is available 24/7 to answer benefit questions at 888-806-5042.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)- Copay, LocalPlus / Spanish version
- HDHP, LocalPlus / Spanish version
- Copay, Open Access Network / Spanish version
- HDHP, Open Access Network / Spanish version
Prescription Drug and Pharmacy Information- Pharmacy clinical drug changes effective January 1, 2022
- Standard 4-Tier Prescription Drug List
- Patient Assurance Program Drug List
- myCigna Pharmacy Management
Additional Information- Away From Home Care
- Total Behavioral Health Programs Digital Resources Guide / Spanish version
- NEW! Providers through Collaborative Accountable Care Provider Groups
- Preventive Health Care: Understand what's covered
- Flu Shot - Participating Retail Pharmacies / Spanish version
- Commonly Asked Questions
- How is Cigna Different
- Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations on Cigna Plans
- Summary of Benefits and Resources
- Local Plus Welcome Guide / Spanish Version
- Cigna One Guide Benefits Overview / Spanish version
- myCigna App Key Features / Spanish version
- Health Advocacy Customer Brochure
- Kaiser-to-Cigna Checklist / Spanish version
- Local Plus In-network Flyer / Spanish version
- How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits / Spanish version
- Urgent and Emergency Care outside of the U.S.
- Travel Program / Spanish version
Town Hall Video Archive -
Dental Coverage
The University offers three dental plan options — two through Delta Dental of Colorado and one through Beta Health.
Delta Dental Plans
Provider: Delta Dental of Colorado
Phone: 800-610-0201
Website: www.deltadentalco.comWith the Delta Dental options, you and your family members may visit any licensed dentist, but you will receive the greatest out-of-savings if you see a PPO Provider.
Both plans include the Right Start 4 Kids program, which covers children up to their 13th birthday at 100% with no deductible when you see a PPO or Premier provider. Coverage includes the same services outlined in the plan, up to the annual maximum and subject to limitations and exclusions. Orthodontia is not covered at 100% but at the plan's listed coinsurance.
Plan Summaries
Beta Health Alpha Plan (Dental Discount Program)
Provider: Beta Health
Phone: 800-807-0706
Website: www.betaplans.com/Alpha18The Beta Health Alpha Dental Plan is a network only dental discount program that provides an average of up to 70% savings on the most commonly performed dental procedures.
Plan Summary and Fee Schedule
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Vision Coverage
Provider: EyeMed
Phone: 866-723-0514
Website: www.eyemed.comThe University offers two vision plan options through EyeMed--the Base Plan and the Enhanced Plan. Both plans include the Freedom Pass. Select any frame at Target Optical at no cost to you. Your frame will be covered 100% no matter the brand or the original retail price point. You must show this flyer (Spanish flyer) to the Target store associate to receive the offer.
Plan Summaries
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Life and AD&D Insurance
Provider: New York Life
Phone: 800-362-4462
Website: www.newyorklife.com
Basic Life InsuranceLife insurance provides financial security for the people who depend on you. Your beneficiaries will receive a lump sum payment if you die while employed by the University of Denver. The University provides basic life insurance of 1x your current salary to a maximum of $100,000 at no cost to you. Benefits will begin to reduce at age 65.
Plan Summary
Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) InsuranceAccidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance provides payment to you or your beneficiaries if you lose a limb or die in an accident. The University of Denver provides AD&D coverage of 1x your current salary to a maximum of $100,000 at no cost to you. This coverage is in addition to your company-paid life insurance described above.
Plan Summary
Voluntary Life Insurance
You may purchase life insurance in addition to your company-provided coverage. You may also purchase life insurance for your dependents if you purchase additional coverage for yourself.
Plan Summary
Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)You may purchase AD&D insurance in addition to your company-provided coverage. You may also purchase AD&D insurance for your dependents if you purchase additional coverage for yourself.
Plan Summary
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Voluntary Accidental Insurance and Critical Illness
Provider: Cigna
Phone: 800-754-3207
Website: www.supphealthclaims.com
Voluntary Accidental Injury InsuranceAccidental injury coverage provides a fixed cash benefit according to the benefits summary below when a covered person suffers certain injuries or undergoes a broad range of medical treatments or care resulting from a covered accident.
Do you need to submit a claim? Please visit www.supphealthclaims.com.
Plan Summary
Voluntary Critical Illness InsuranceCritical Illness insurance provides a cash benefit when a Covered Person is diagnosed with a covered critical illness or event after coverage is in effect.
Do you need to submit a claim? Please visit www.supphealthclaims.com
Plan Summary
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Business Travel Accident
Provider: Prudential/IMG Global
U.S. Toll Free: 855-847-2194
Anywhere Toll Free: 317-927-6881
Website: www.imglobal.comThe University provides a $200,000 Business Travel Accident (BTA) policy through Prudential. Prudential also partners with IMG Global to provide Travel Assistance Services and insured Evacuation coverages that wrap around the Prudential plan. This benefit gives you 24/7 access to medical and travel assistance services around the world, while on official University business. That way, you never have to worry where you’re covered and just have to worry about the situation at hand.
Emergency Medical Assistance Pre-Trip Information Emergency Personal Services - Medical referrals
- Medical monitoring
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- Traveling companion assistance
- Dependent children assistance
- Visit by a family member or friend
- Return of mortal remains
- Visa and passport requirements
- General information on local customs and business etiquette
- Foreign currency exchange rates
- Embassy and consular referrals
- Emergency travel arrangements
- Emergency cash
- Locating lost items
- Bail advancement
- Pet housing & return
Multilingual Assistance 24/7
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, Travel Assistance services are available when you're more than 100 miles from home for 180 days or less.Review the Travel Assistance Services brochure for more information.
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Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Provider: New York Life
Phone: 800-362-4462
Website: www.newyorklife.comShort-term and long-term disability insurance can provide you with the peace of mind that a protected paycheck brings if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury that occurs off the job. The disability plan provides income, after satisfying the elimination period, if you become disabled due to an injury or illness. The University of Denver provides disability coverage at no cost to you.
Plan Summary
- Short- and Long-term Disability Summary / Spanish version
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Provider: Rocky Mountain Reserve
Phone: 888-722-1223
Website: www.rockymountainreserve.comFlexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to use pre-tax dollars for healthcare or child/dependent care expenses not covered by insurance plans. The University offers three flexible spending account (FSA) options through Rocky Mountain Reserve:
- Health Care FSA
- Limited Purpose Health Care FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
Healthcare FSAA healthcare FSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance plan or elsewhere. It’s a smart, simple way to save money while keeping you and your family healthy and protected. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. For 2023, the contribution limit is $3,050.
Employees may rollover $610 at the end of the plan year to use in future years.
Limited Purpose FSAA limited purpose FSA (LPFSA) is a flexible spending account that only reimburses you for eligible dental and vision expenses. An LPFSA is available to employees who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP); you may enroll in both the LPFSA and the HSA. By establishing an LPFSA, you can save money on taxes by using your LPFSA dollars for your dental and vision expenses while preserving your HSA funds for other purposes, including simply saving those funds for the future. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. For 2023, the contribution limit is $3,050.
Employees may rollover $610 at the end of the plan year to use in future years.
Dependent Care FSAA dependent care FSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or elder daycare. A Dependent Care FSA is a smart, simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work. The IRS sets a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. For 2023, the contribution limit is $5,000 if married and filing jointly or single as head of household OR $2,500 if married and filing separately.
There is an added grace period for Dependent Care FSA allowing you to continue to use current dependent care funds to reimburse expenses incurred for 2 ½ months after the end of the benefits plan year.
Get More InformationFor more information, view the FSA Enrollment Guide and visit RMR's FSA website. For a list of eligible expenses, visit RMR's website "What's Covered."
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Health Savings Account (HSA)
Provider: Rocky Mountain Reserve
Phone: 888-722-1223
Website: www.rockymountainreserve.com
What is a Health Savings Account?A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an individually owned, tax-advantaged account that you can use to pay for current or future IRS-qualified medical expenses. With an HSA you’ll have the potential to build more savings for healthcare expenses or additional retirement savings through self-directed investment options.
Note: If you are enrolling in the Cigna HDHP plan and will have an HSA with Rocky Mountain Reserve (RMR) for the first time, you will receive a "Welcome" email from RMR. If you want to contribute to your HSA, please complete the HSA Payroll Deduction form and return it to benefits@du.edu.
Are You Eligible for an HSA?You are eligible to open and contribute to an HSA if you meet all seven of the following criteria:
- You are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan (HDHP)
- You are not covered by other health insurance (with some exceptions)
- You are not enrolled in Medicare
- You are not enrolled in TriCare
- You are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
- You have not received health benefits from the Veterans Administration (except for a "service related disability") or an Indian Health Services facility within the last three months
- You are not covered by your own or your spouse’s Healthcare FSA
How Does an HSA Account Work?You can contribute to your HSA via payroll deductions, an online banking transfer, or sending a personal check to RMR. Your employer or a third party such as a spouse or parent may contribute to your account as well.
You can pay for qualified medical expenses with your debit card directly to your medical provider or pay out-of-pocket. You can either choose to reimburse yourself or keep the funds in your HSA to grow your savings.
Unused funds will roll over year to year. After age 65, funds may be withdrawn for any purpose without a penalty but will be subject to ordinary income taxes.
How Much Can You Contribute to Your HSA?DU contributes $331.68 per year ($27.64 per month) to your HSA. Your contribution plus DU's contribution cannot exceed the IRS maximum for the calendar year.
Coverage Tier on the HDHP Plan
2023 IRS Maximum Contribution
Self Only
$3,850
Family (includes EE+Spouse and EE+Children)
$7,750
Catch-up (age 55+ may contribute an additional amount)
$1,000
More InformationFor more information, view the HSA Enrollment Guide and visit RMR's website about HSA.
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Retirement Plan
Provider: TIAA
Phone: 800-842-2252
Website: www.tiaa.org/duThe University offers a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an available Roth option. Please see the Retirement Plan page for a general overview or, for more detailed information, you may view the Plan Document.
You can register to enroll in a new retirement plan or view your existing account on the TIAA website set up exclusively for DU.
TIAA Individual Retirement Consultants are available to work with you by phone, email, virtual or in person meetings, and other channels for one-on-one retirement counseling sessions to answer your questions about your account and DU's retirement savings plan. Click on this link to view the availability and schedule an appointment.
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Vacation, Sick, and Paid Holidays
Vacation
Full-time, non-faculty employees accrue vacation time based on the employee’s work schedule and length of employment. Full-time employees accrue 1.25 days per month up to a maximum of 15 days. After completing seven years of service at the University, employees accrue 2 days per month up to a maximum of 22 days. Accrual rates are prorated by FTE for employees who work less than full-time.
Sick
Full-time, non-faculty employees accrue sick time at 1 day per month up to a maximum of 130 days. Sick accrual is prorated for employees who work less than full-time.
Holidays
The University observes the following holidays, which are paid holidays.
Holiday 2023 2024 New Year's Day Monday, January 2 (observed) Monday, January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 16 Monday, January 15 Memorial Day Monday, May 29 Monday, May 27 Juneteenth Monday, June 19 Wednesday, June 19 Independence Day Tuesday, July 4 Thursday, July 4 Labor Day Monday, September 4 Monday, September 2 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 23 Thursday, November 28 Day After Thanksgiving Friday, November 24 Friday, November 29 Half-Day following DU Holiday Party Friday, December 15 Friday, December 13 Winter Break Monday, December 25 through Friday, December 29 Wednesday, December 25 through Tuesday, December 31 -
COBRA
Provider: Rocky Mountain Reserve
FSA Member Service: 888-722-1223
Website: www.rockymountainreserve.comRocky Mountain Reserve administers COBRA for the University.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Information on the EAP is available on the Employee Assistance Program page.
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RTD EcoPass
RTD EcoPass Is Moving to the MyRide App!
Benefited employees have access to free RTD bus and train services through the RTD MyRide App.
The RTD MyRide App EcoPass still works for all regular bus and train services, including the A Line to Denver International Airport, just like your old EcoPass Card!
All cards will be switched off September 30, so you must install the MyRide App if you wish to continue using your RTD EcoPass.
Full instructions for installing the app, creating your account, and activating your EcoPass can be found here:
English language instructions
Spanish language instructions (Instrucciones en Espanol)If you cannot access the MyRide App, contact benefits@du.edu and we can assist you with obtaining a MyRide Card.
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Pet Insurance
Provider: MetLife
Phone: 888-438-6388
Website: www.metlife.com/getpetquoteNEW! Beginning July 1, 2023 you can enroll in MetLife Pet insurance and feel confident that their health and your wallet are protected if you're faced with an unexpected trip to the vet.
To get a quote or enroll, please contact MetLife at 1-800-GET-MET8 or visit www.metlife.com/getpetquote.
Additional Benefits
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Student Loan Assistance
Provider: Savi
Customer Service: 833-604-1226 (weekdays 5:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time)
Website: www.tiaa.org/du/studentTake advantage of a robust solution that can make a significant difference when it comes to student debt.* Brought to you through TIAA and powered by Savi, this tool helps find the best federal repayment and forgiveness programs for your financial situation — plus it simplifies the long-term task of navigating the way to forgiveness.
- Caps your payment based on your income and family size
- Frees up funds that you can direct towards other financial goals
- Removes the complexities of forgiveness
*Between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, based on Savi’s internal measurements, Savi users saw average projected savings of $1,880 per year.
What to Expect When Applying for ForgivenessSavi streamlines the entire process, from helping you enroll in forgiveness programs to ongoing support and payment tracking, ensuring you remain on track from start to forgiveness—all for a small fee.* Here's a snapshot of what will happen:
- Enroll in Savi Essential Service.
- Provide your basic information. Savi handles the rest — from checking your forgiveness application for accuracy and completion all the way to submission.
- After verification, which Savi handles, everything is sent to your loan servicer.
- You'll receive reminders from Savi for ongoing things you may need to do afterward, like an annual submission to the PSLF program. That way you stay in compliance with all of the particulars that go along with forgiveness programs.
Take a minute and find out how much you could lower your monthly payment. Visit TIAA.org/du/student today to calculate your savings.
Savi conducts live webinars every month. To see dates, times, and to register, click here.
*A portion of the fee may be shared with TIAA to offset costs to support the program. In addition, TIAA has a minority ownership interest in Savi.
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Legal and Identity Theft Protection
HRIC has partnered with LegalShield to provide legal and identity theft protection services for a low monthly cost to employees.
What Your Legal Plan Membership OffersProfessional Legal Advice and Counsel
You have access to a variety of legal services including: advice on unlimited personal legal issues, attorney letters or calls made on your behalf, contract and document review and so much more. See details
Dedicated On-Call Law Firm
After you become a member, just contact our provider law firm to speak to a lawyer in your area that is experienced in most fields of law and can provide you advice and counsel on an unlimited number of personal legal issues. We even provide 24/7 access for covered emergencies. Proven, professional advice is just a phone call away, when you need it!
What Your IDShield Membership Plan OffersIDShield Detection and Resolution
IDShield protection provides you valuable services from detection to resolution. You'll feel empowered knowing that for a small monthly fee you have the expertise you need to help protect yourself against identity theft and resolve issues related to it.
Additional Materials
- Summary and Rates
- IDShield: Privacy Management including Anti-bullying Consultation
- Overview for LegalShield & IDShield (webinar recording)
For more information on the plans and to enroll online, visit
www.legalshield.com/info/du.