Dear Colleagues,
In addition to working our way through the various holidays during this time of year, it is also the time for you to review and consider various benefit opportunities. These include an Option Transfer Opportunity, Flexible Spending Accounts, the Productivity Enhancement Program, and Vacation Day Donations.
Information on the Option Transfer Opportunity can be found here:
Specific Health Insurance Information can be found here:
https://www.cs.ny.gov/employee-benefits
The 2022 open enrollment period for Flexible Spending Accounts has begun. Eligible state employees can enroll in PEP now through 10 pm E.T. November 29, 2021. Flexible spending accounts provide a way for you to save money by allowing you to pay for qualifying health care, dependent care, and adoption expenses with pre-tax dollars. If you are enrolled for the 2021 plan year, you must re-enroll to continue your benefits in 2022.
You can learn more about the program details, including eligibility requirements and enrollment instructions, by viewing the announcement on the HR website.
Please contact the FSA Hotline at 1-800-358-7202 or email fsa@goer.ny.gov if you have any questions regarding the Flexible Spending Accounts.
The 2022 Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) is now open for enrollment. Eligible state employees can enroll in PEP now through November 26, 2021. The PEP program allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) and personal leave for credit to be applied toward health insurance premiums.
You can learn more about the program details, including eligibility requirements and enrollment instructions, by viewing the announcement on the HR website.
Even though UUP has negotiated a carryover of vacation days over 40 to December of 2022, you are asked to consider Donating Vacation Days to fellow UB employees who are very sick or seriously injured and have run out of sick time. The vacation days will be converted to sick days for their use. Otherwise, they will fall off the payroll and lose their health insurance, which could be catastrophic to many employees and their families.
Please note:
- You can donate ONLY vacation days (not sick days) and you must have at least 10 vacation accruals left after your donation. All faculty members can receive donations but only faculty members on 12-month contracts can donate days because they, unlike those on 10-month academic year contracts, earn vacation days.
If you are interested in donating excess days, please click the following link: *Please note – there is no need to attach your timesheet*
Questions? Contact State Benefits, Human Resources at 716-645-7777 or ub-hr-timeandattendance@buffalo.edu.
In Solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center