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|Benefits
Employees of Bethesda Lutheran Communities hired for at least 60 hours per two-week pay period, may be eligible for our full benefit package. All employees may be eligible for some of the listed benefits. Please refer to your Employee Handbook for details on Bethesda's benefits and policies.
This information is a brief outline of benefits ONLY. If there is any discrepancy between this information and information contained elsewhere, the appropriate Bethesda Lutheran Communities policy or benefit contract will govern.
Regularly scheduled employees who are hired to work 60 hours per pay period or more and are not limited term are eligible for the following benefits:
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Bethesda offers Paid Time Off. PTO accrual begins from the date of hire and accrues for each regular paid hour of work or other benefited hours. The accrual rate is based on hours statused hours and years of service. PTO can be used after 90 days of employment and can be used in ¼ hour increments.
Extended Illness Benefit (E.I.B.)
Bethesda also offers an Extended Illness Benefit (E.I.B.). This benefit also begins from the date of hire and accrues based on status hours. These hours are to be used to assist benefit eligible employees with extended illness benefits for long-term illness in accordance with stated schedules and procedures. They are available on the fourth day of absence due to illness, or on the first day of absence if other circumstances apply. This benefit is available after 180 days of employment.
Short-Term Disability
This benefit provides partial income replacement (60% of gross pay up to $500 per week) beginning on the 15th day of absence due to illness or non-work related injury for a maximum period of 26 weeks. Bethesda covers the cost of this benefit.
Life Insurance
The benefit is equal to the employee’s annual earnings, up to a maximum of $100,000. The premium is fully paid by Bethesda Lutheran Communities.
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employees may purchase additional life insurance. Employees may elect up to 5 times their annual salary up to a maximum benefit of $500,000. Employees are responsible for premium.
Voluntary Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance
Employees who purchase the voluntary supplemental life insurance may also elect to purchase life insurance on their spouse and/or dependents. Spousal insurance coverage can be up to 50% of employee voluntary life purchased amount. Dependent life has a maximum benefit of $10,000 pre dependent.
Pension Plan
The entire cost of this plan is paid by Bethesda Lutheran Communities. An employee is eligible for the plan upon attaining 18 years of age and having completed one full year of service. Any employee who completes at least 1,000 hours of service each year may be eligible to participate. Complete details of the plan are covered in the Pension Plan booklet.
Direct Deposit
Bethesda offers a Direct Deposit program that automatically deposits your paycheck in your checking or savings account. Employees must complete an authorization form and return it with a voided check or savings deposit form. Earning statements are distributed the same as paychecks.
Flu/Hepatitis Vaccinations
Some of Bethesda’s provide for these vaccinations at no cost or a reduced cost to employees.
Tax Sheltered Annuity Withholding Program
Employees of a non-profit organization are eligible to establish a personal tax sheltered annuity program. This type of plan is another savings plan for retirement. It allows an employee to set aside a sum of money each pay period without paying income taxes on it at this time. The money is taxable when you start to draw from the plan. Bethesda will deduct the specified sum from your paycheck each month and forward it to the investment entity you select. You are responsible to initiate the investment contract. For more detailed information, contact your investment agent or investment advisor. You must have scheduled hours in each pay period in order to participate.
Health Insurance
Eligible employees may participate in their choice of available plans. Bethesda Lutheran Communities pays a significant portion of the premium for either single, single + one, or family coverage. Bethesda offers multiple options – please contact the regional HR office to see what is offered in your area. In general, an employee’s health insurance takes effect the first day of the month following three full months of employment. Premiums are withheld a month in advance and are deducted from an employee’s paycheck in two installments.
Dental Insurance
Two Options are Available. The low option provides coverage for routine dental services such as cleanings and yearly check-ups. The Hi option covers routine dental services plus some coverage for more complex services. Dental coverage is available for single, single + one, and family. The premium is the full responsibility of the employee.
Vision Care Program
This plan offers employees discounts on eyewear (frames, lenses, contacts, laser corrective surgery) at approved eye care providers. The cost of the plan is $13.00 annually and is the responsibility of the employee.
Personal Accident Insurance
This plan provides full 24-hour accident protection anywhere in the world, on or off the job, on business – on vacation – at home. The employee selects the benefit level and the premium is fully paid by the employee.
Pre-Tax Health Insurance Premium Deduction Plan
Employees who participate in the health and dental insurance programs are eligible to participate in this plan. It allows an employee to have a portion of their insurance premiums deducted from their gross pay before taxes are calculated. Because the deduction reduces your taxable income, it results in less taxes being withheld from your check and less of a tax obligation at year-end. Benefit eligible employees are provided a summary plan description at the time they begin employment that explains this plan in detail. Because this plan is beneficial for the majority of employees, employees are automatically enrolled in this plan unless a waiver is completed.
Flexible Spending Account
Bethesda allows eligible employees to set aside up to $1,200 to be used for qualified health-related expenses. Deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and are done two times per month.
Dependent Care Account
In accordance with IRS regulations, Bethesda allows up to $5,000 to be set aside to pay for qualified dependent care expenses. Deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and are done two times per month.
Employee Benefit Fund
This plan is for the benefit of all employees. This fund pays for memorials, flowers or fruit, Thanksgiving and Christmas gift certificates for eligible employees when funds allow. For details, refer to the benefit section of the Employee Handbook.
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