Faculty and Staff Information

• Help with affording increasing health costs. This year, health care costs are inflating by more than they have in over a decade. The University is taking steps to help employees afford these increases and to continue to keep their costs as low as possible:
  • The University will absorb more of the health cost increase, so employee paycheck deductions for Schedule A increase by no more than $7 to $40 more per month depending on the plan and coverage tier. This is based on a 12-month calendar year and the actual paycheck deduction will depend on your payroll cycle.
  • The University will increase its subsidy of reduced Schedule B rates to offer more affordable contributions for those who need assistance the most.
  • Eligibility for Schedule B will be expanded so employees with household incomes under $50,000 for a household of one to under $110,000 for a household of four or more will now qualify for reduced contributions. Enrollment is not automatic, and a separate application is required.  Visit the Schedule B webpage for more information.
  • No increase in deductibles, copays and coinsurance for any benefit plan.

• Enrollment changes allowed for dental and vision coverage. A new two-year commitment cycle for the University’s dental and vision plans will start Jan. 1, 2023. Dental and vision benefits will continue to be administered by Delta Dental and VSP Vision.
• Make sure your personal information is current. Log in to MySlice to review your personal information, such as your address, life insurance beneficiaries, emergency contacts, military status, tax withholding information, and direct deposit.
• Subsidies available for child care and health care costs. The University provides subsidies to assist employees with dependent care expenses through the Dependent Care Subsidy Program and reduced health care contributions through Schedule B. Each program requires a separate application, which are due by Dec. 2.
• Action required for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) enrollment. FSA contributions will not continue into 2023 unless you take action during Open Enrollment. $570 of unused funds from 2022 health care FSAs will carry over to 2023 and there will be no carryover for dependent care FSAs.
• Take action! From Oct. 31–Nov. 11, when you’re ready to enroll, log in to MySlice, make your elections and click FINISH to submit.

The University offers benefits-eligible employees three health plan options: SUBlue, SUOrange and SUPro. Please visit the health plan information webpage for additional information on member cost sharing and plan design. All three options include medical coverage administered by Excellus BCBS and prescription drug coverage through Optum Rx.

This year, health care costs are increasing by more than they have in over a decade. The University is taking steps to help employees afford these increases and to keep their costs as low as possible by absorbing more of the increase, expanding eligibility for reduced payroll contributions under Schedule B, and not increasing deductibles, copays or coinsurance for any plan.

As a reminder, Optum Rx regularly evaluates and makes changes to the prescription drug formulary and programs that focus on safety and proper usage of certain prescriptions. If there are changes that may impact you, Optum Rx will notify you with additional information.

Employee Health Plan Contributions

The following rates apply to full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Contributions are based on the 12-month calendar year. The actual deduction from your paycheck depends on your deduction cycle.

Qualifying for Reduced Employee Health Plan Contributions

Depending on your household income and size, you may be eligible for lower health plan contributions under the newly expanded Schedule B contribution schedule. If you think you may qualify, complete the application by Dec. 2. You will be notified after this date if your application is approved.

You must apply each year to receive a reduced contribution. For more information about the application process, visit the Schedule B webpage.

This is the year to make changes to your dental and vision coverage - for a two-year commitment - unless you have a qualifying life event.  The choices you make during this Open Enrollment will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2024.  If you do not take action during this Open Enrollment, your current elections will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2024.  Review our online resources to ensure you’re using your dental and vision benefits to the fullest.

2023 Monthly Dental and Vision Plan Contributions

Life circumstances can change from year to year, and Open Enrollment is a time to review who is covered under your benefits and add or remove dependents, if necessary. A few reminders:

• If you add a dependent to any benefit plan, you must provide proof of eligibility (i.e., marriage license, domestic partner documentation, birth or adoption certificate, legal custody paperwork, etc.). Eligible dependent criteria can be reviewed at the Benefits Eligibility Policy webpage.
• Beneficiary designations can be updated through MySlice for your life insurance policy or TIAA for your retirement account.
• While you’re in MySlice on the Employee Home page, review your personal information, such as your address, military status, tax withholding information, direct deposit and emergency contacts, and make any changes.

If you expect to have health care or dependent care expenses next year, setting aside money in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a great way to save on taxes—whether you enroll in the University’s health plans or have other coverage.

Which type of FSA do you need?

*Amount subject to change pending IRS regulation

Health care and dependent care FSAs have different rules. Be sure you read and understand which expenses are eligible, when you can access the funds and how to file claims by the deadline. Details, online calculators and tips can be found on the HealthEquity website or on the FSA webpage.

In support of the changing needs of families, the University provides the following resources:

• Care@Work by Care.com. Eligible faculty and staff have access to a free premium membership for Care.com where they can get help finding child care providers, tutors, elder caregivers, pet sitters, house cleaners and more through the world’s largest network of caregivers.
• Through the Dependent Care Subsidy Program, the University provides assistance to households with an annual income of less than $150,000. If approved, the subsidy amount listed below is per dependent, with an annual maximum benefit of $3,000.
  • You may qualify for an annual tax-free dependent care subsidy of $1,500 for children under age 6, $750 for children ages 6 through 12 or $750 for adult or disabled dependents, when provided by qualified caregivers.
  • If approved, the subsidy will be deposited by the University into a Dependent Care FSA on your behalf for use in 2023.
  • If you think you may qualify, complete the application by Dec. 2. You will be notified after this date if you are approved. For more information, visit the Dependent Care Subsidy Program webpage.
• The Syracuse University Child Care Centers provide on-site, full-day early childhood education and care to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. For more information, visit the Syracuse University Child Care Centers webpage.
• Additional resources can be found on Human Resources’ WorkLife Benefits and Resources webpage, including Carebridge, the University’s faculty and staff assistance program, which connects faculty and staff with information, resources and referrals for caregiving.

Programs and resources are available throughout the year to help employees find and support their healthiest, best self.

• The Syracuse University Wellness Initiative provides learning opportunities, activities, programs and other resources to empower and encourage faculty and staff to make choices and changes that lead to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
• Carebridge, our Faculty and Staff Assistance Program provides comprehensive counseling, worklife services and resources to you and your dependents. This partnership enables the University to offer independent, confidential counseling (both in person, using a telehealth platform and by phone) and other resources to help people manage challenges at work and in their personal lives. Licensed, credentialed counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by calling Carebridge at 800.437.0911 (TTY: 711). 
• The University provides faculty and staff with a variety of financial wellness resources to help navigate the financial demands of many of life’s most significant events. Resources include financial counseling through TIAA and Carebridge, educational opportunities and much more.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): The University provides you with life insurance and AD&D through MetLife, with options to purchase supplemental coverage for yourself and your family members at favorable group rates. Visit the Life Insurance page or the Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance page to learn more. A Statement of Health must be approved by MetLife before certain coverage is effective. Enroll or increase your supplemental life coverage to protect your family and gain a valuable additional benefit—free will preparation.
• Voluntary Long Term Disability Insurance: Offered through The Standard Life Insurance Company, this benefit provides supplemental income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Review information about the policy and how this benefit integrates with the University’s disability programs.

• Voluntary Retirement Plan Contributions. Although you can change your retirement plan contributions at any time, Open Enrollment is a perfect time to evaluate what you’re setting aside for retirement and ensure you’re on track to meet your future goals. You can log in and review your retirement account balance online with TIAA and update your voluntary contributions through MySlice.
• Remitted and dependent tuition benefits provide employees with valuable access to advance both their own and any eligible dependents’ educational pursuits. Learn more about each policy on the tuition benefits webpage.
• Live Local provides expanded home ownership assistance to employees seeking to purchase, improve, and live in homes in convenient proximity to Main Campus. The program allows borrowers to choose to make a down payment, receive favorable interest rates and are not required to pay private mortgage insurance. Additionally, you can also receive a forgivable home improvement loan for qualified home improvements. More information can be found on the Live Local webpage or by contacting the Office of Real Estate at realestate@syr.edu.
• Find out about adoption assistance, auto and home insurance, discounts and more on the additional benefits webpage.

There are several ways to connect with resources that will enable you to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. Please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with any questions or requests for accommodations.

• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request.
• Attend a live virtual information session to learn about your 2023 benefits.
• Call our dedicated Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical plan questions. Excellus BCBS has expanded hours of operation Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.
• TIAA offers personalized financial planning services to help you pursue your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (2873) (TTY: 800.842.2755) or sign up online.
• View the entire list of our benefit partners and all their contact information online.

Once you are ready to enroll, follow these simple steps to make your selections for 2023.

1. Log in to MySlice. From Oct. 31-Nov. 11, click on the Open Enrollment tile located on the Employee Home page within MySlice to begin the enrollment process. If you do not know your NetID or password, visit Self-Serv or call 315.443.2677.
2. Select Your 2023 Benefits. Be sure to maximize your benefits! Don’t forget you can add/change/drop your plan options and dependents, elect an FSA, update your beneficiaries and more.
3. Click Finish. Be sure to update your selections by clicking FINISH to replace your prior choices. You can update your benefits as often as you like before the deadline of Nov. 11.
4. Review Your Confirmation Statement. Review the email sent to your syr.edu email account. This will confirm your 2023 plan choices and pre/post-tax costs.