Additional Benefits Offered

Long Term Care

Unlike health insurance which provides for acute care needs resulting from an illness or injury, the Town's Long-Term Care Program provides coverage for a chronic disability or long-lasting disease.

When employees enroll in this plan, they can select the plan and benefit option that suits their needs and budget. The Disability Plan offers Daily Benefit Amounts (DBA) ranging from $50 to $250 (in $10 increments). Upon qualifying for benefits, participants will receive 100% of the DBA for nursing facility care and 50% of the DBA for care received in another setting regardless of the cost of care. The Service Plan offers DBAs ranging from $50 to $350 (in $10 increments). Upon qualifying for benefits, participants receive reimbursement for actual expenses up to 100% of the DBA for nursing facility care. The Service Plan offers a choice in coverage for care received in other settings. Participants may choose to receive reimbursement for actual expenses up to 100% of the DBA or 50% of the DBA for care received in any other setting such as home care or adult day-care.

Spouses, parents and parents-in-law of eligible employees may enroll throughout the year with approval of medical evidence of good health. They can enroll even if the employee does not.

MoneyPlu$

MoneyPlu$ will help employees retain more spendable income by enabling them to pay certain premiums, health and dependent-care expenses with pre-tax dollars. MoneyPlu$ offers pre-tax group insurance premiums for certain coverages, a pre-tax Medical Spending Account, a pre-tax Dependent Care Spending Account and a pre-tax Health Savings Account. Because these accounts offer significant tax savings, they are governed by strict rules regarding contributions and use of funds.

MEDFLEX

This plan is designed to reimburse employees for medically-related employee or qualified dependent expenses not covered by the State Plan and typically deductible under IRS guidelines. Based on years of service, the Town contributes an amount annually to each employee's MEDFLEX Account. Unreimbursed credits are carried over for use in subsequent plan years. New employees become eligible the first day of the calendar year following their date of hire.

Preventive Care Programs

The Town offers annual flu shots at no cost to employees as well as two Preventive Care Reimbursement Accounts. Up to $200 is available for reimbursement of expenses associate with an annual medical physical, gynecological exam or other preventive care tests for employees or one of their dependents. Reimbursement is also be available for expenses associated with preventive dental care for the employee and all covered family members. Up to $150 per year per covered individual is available for reimbursement of dental fees in excess of the amount covered by our insurance for preventive care exams, cleanings and x-rays. Both of these benefits are use-it-or-lose-it – they do not rollover from one year to the next.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential professional counseling and other kinds of help to employees and eligible family members troubled by personal concerns. Participants use EAP for support with financial issues, emotional problems, alcohol and/or drug use, stress, marital distress, family conflict, parenting, grief, depression, job concerns, and other problems of every day living. The plan is provided at no cost to employees.

Tuition Reimbursement

To encourage personal development and improve job-related skills, the Town offers tuition reimbursement to regular, full-time employees with at least six months' service and an overall satisfactory performance rating on their last review. For grades of "C" or higher (or "Pass"), employees are reimbursed for registration and other required fees at 100%, up to $3,000 a year. Pro-rated repayment will be required if an employee terminates within one year of receiving reimbursement.

Certification / Degree Bonus Program

Employees may be recognized and rewarded by receiving a bonus for attaining a job-related certification or degree (for example, Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's degrees), if all requirements of the bonus program are met.

Service Anniversary and Retirement Awards

As employees reach significant milestones in their Town career, (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service, and at retirement), they are eligible to receive service awards, including certificates, gifts, and savings bonds.

Employee Referral Bonus Program

The Town has established a bonus program to encourage employees to refer qualified candidates for vacant positions. Employees referring new hires are eligible to receive $500 for an exempt hire and $250 for a non-exempt hire once the new hire has successfully completed a six-month probationary period.

Computer Loan Program

After six months of employment, employees are eligible to receive an interest-free loan of up to $3,000 with a repayment period of three years to purchase computer equipment.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance for new employees will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.   Relocation assistance is available only to new hires who meet the relocation Distance Test requirements as defined in IRS Publication 521 found on website http://www.irs.gov/publications/p521/index.html. Employees terminating within one year of reimbursement of relocation-related expenses will be required to repay a pro-rated portion of the reimbursement.  For this purpose, the reimbursement is considered an advance of wages that will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck(s).

Financial & Estate Planning Reimbursement Benefit

The Town has established a reimbursement benefit to encourage employees to seek professional guidance in the areas of Financial Planning and/or Estate Planning. A one-time career reimbursement benefit of $300 is available for services provided by a qualified professional in one or both of these areas.

Palmetto Pass Reimbursement

Employees may be reimbursed for toll charges incurred when using the Cross Island Parkway for commuting to and from work. Reimbursements for qualifying trips will be made for up to a maximum of two tolls per work day, minus applicable taxes.

Credit Union

Employees may join the MCAS Beaufort Federal Credit Union. Being a member is a convenient way to save systematically, to obtain loans, and to repay loans through payroll deductions.

Social Security

Town employees are covered by the Federal Social Security Act. A required percentage of an employee's salary is deducted to pay the employee's portion of this protection, and the Town matches this deduction. This plan provides retirement, disability, death survivor and Medicare benefits.