Here're some Frequently Answered Questions regarding your SMMC Benefits. If you need more information, please call Cheryl Patten, Benefits Manager, at extension 7261.

Your 403(b) Account

How do I change my 403(b) contributions?

To change your 403(b) contributions you must complete a Salary Reduction Agreement which is available here as a printable form or in the Human Resources Department.

How do I make changes to my 403(b) investments?

To make changes to your 403(b) investments, you may call the Benny Voice Response system at 1-800-234-3500 or you can access Lincoln's website at www.lincolnalliance.com. When you access these sites you will need your social security number and pin number assigned by Lincoln.

How often can I make changes to my 403(b) contribution level or investments?

The amount of money you contribute or the investments you allocate can be changed anytime that you would like to and as often as you would like to.

What is the maximum amount of money I can contribute to my 403(b)?

The government sets the standards as to how much money can be contributed into a 403(b). The maximum amount any individual under the age of 50 can contribute is $14,000 for the 2005 calendar year. Any individual age 50 or older may contribute up to $18,000 for the 2005 calendar year.

At what age can I access my 403(b) money?

The government allows you to take a distribution from the 403(b) plan at age 59 ½ without paying any penalties. However, you would still be responsible for paying taxes on the distribution since your salary deferrals were pre-tax.

If I have a financial hardship can I access my 403(b) funds?

The government does allow you to withdraw money from your 403(b) plan due to severe financial hardship, if you have exhausted all other financial means available to you. Reasons for hardship withdrawals include the following:

You cannot make salary deferral contributions for six months after receiving a hardship distribution. If you are considering this type of withdrawal please contact the Human Resources Department to discuss the tax consequences.

Medical and Dental Insurance

If I have questions about what services are covered under the Medical or Dental Plans who do I contact?

You may refer to your Summary Plan Description which would have been mailed to your home by Health Plans, Inc. or contact Health Plans, Inc. at 1-800-343-7674. A summary of both Plan A and Plan B is also available on Health Plan's website. The website can be accessed at www.healthplansinc.com.

I recently was married (or divorced) can I make changes to my coverage?

Yes, marriage (or divorce) is a status change. You have 31 days from the date of the event to complete a change form. Please contact the Human Resources Department immediately. In order for you to make a change to your benefits you will need to provide proof of the status change (ie., a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree).

My dependent child just turned age 19 or recently graduated from school, do I need to contact the Human Resources Department?

Yes, your dependent child is no longer considered a dependent and will lose coverage under the SMMC Medical and/ or Dental plan. You must complete a change form in HR to take your child off the plan. By notifying the Human Resources Department within a reasonable time frame (60 days); your child would then be offered the opportunity to pick up coverage under the COBRA regulations.

I just lost health insurance coverage through my spouse's health plan, can I add health insurance at SMMC?

Yes, if your spouse lost their coverage due to a job change or reduction in hours, you would be eligible to add yourself and any dependent family members to the SMMC Medical and/ or Dental Plans, as long as you completed an enrollment form within 31 days from the date of loss of your current coverage.

When should I complete paperwork to add a new baby or adopted child to my insurance?

If you have recently had a baby or adopted a child, please contact the Human Resources Department immediately. You must complete an enrollment form within 31 days from the birth or adoption date to add the child to your insurance plan.

Is it possible to add my domestic partner on the medical or dental insurance?

Yes, in some circumstances you may be able to add your domestic partner to the medical or dental plans. You must file an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership with the Human Resources Department. There are certain criteria you must meet in order to be eligible and the IRS has ruled that benefit premiums paid by SMMC on behalf of your domestic partner are taxable income. If you are interested in adding your partner to the health plans, please contact the Human Resources Department for further details.

Open Enrollment

What is Open Enrollment?

If you do not have a status change but would like to make changes to your benefits Open Enrollment is the period of time when you are eligible to do this.

When is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment begins October 1st and ends October 31st of each year.

When I complete paperwork during Open Enrollment, when do my changes take effect?

The changes will be effective January 1st of the following calendar year.

Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

If I have questions about which charges are eligible for reimbursement under the Medical Reimbursement plan, who should I contact?

You may contact our account managers, Adam Block or Paul Lowd at Benefit Strategies to review covered charges. They can be contacted at 1-888-401-3539.

If I want to know the balance I have available under the Medical or Dependent Care Reimbursement accounts how would I access this information.

You may access this information at any time by logging on to the Benefit Strategies website, located at www.benstrat.com. In order to access your information you must have your access code and password provided by Benefit Strategies. If you do not have access to benefit strategies website you can contact our account managers, Adam Block or Paul Lowd, at Benefit Strategies at 1-888-401-3539.

Medical Leave

I know I am going to miss time from work due to medical reasons, what do I need to do?

If you are going to be out of work for three or more days, please contact the Human Resources Department to discuss your eligibility for FMLA or medical leave and complete any necessary paperwork.

If I have an ill dependent and I am missing time from work, what should I do?

Please contact the Human Resources Department immediately. You may be eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act.

If I am unable to work due to an accident or medical illness am I entitled to any benefits from SMMC?

If you sustain an accident or illness which is not related to your job, you may be entitled to short-term or long-term disability benefits. Please contact the Human Resources Department to determine if you have these benefits and how they work.

Education Reimbursement

Am I eligible for education reimbursement?

If you are a benefits-eligible employee (regularly scheduled to work 24 to 40 hours per week), with a minimum of three months of employment prior to the start of any course, you may apply for education reimbursement.

How much money am I ensubtitled to reimbursement under the Education Reimbursement Program?

Reimbursement is limited to $1200 per calendar year for full-time employees (35 to 40 hours per week), $1000 for employees working 30-34 hours per week, and $800 for employees working 24-29 hours per week.

How do I apply for education reimbursement?

Prior to the start of the course, you must complete an Education Reimbursement Application (available in the Human Resources Department) and submit the application to the appropriate Director/ Manager for recommendation. This completed application must be submitted to the Human Resources Department prior to the start of the course. You will receive written notification determining if the course meets all the criteria and has been approved.

Will all courses I apply for be eligible for the education reimbursement program?

There is specific criteria to determine which courses are eligible for education reimbursement. Please refer to the Human Resources Policy Manual section VII.G.2., or contact the Human Resources Department for more details.

I applied for Education Reimbursement, was approved and have completed my course, what further steps do I need to do to receive my reimbursement?

You must submit a copy of your grade (it must be a passing grade) and a copy of an itemized statement showing the charges for your course to the Human Resources Department.