Human Resources
Quinn Administration, 03, 00076
p. 617-287-5150
f. 617-287-5179
Your Benefit Options Upon Leaving The University
When employment ends with the University, you still have options for maintaining your benefits. You also have options on how you wish to handle your contributions to state retirement, and you may be eligible for unemployment insurance. The options that are available to you are presented below. For additional information, you can contact Human Resources at 617-287-5150, or the respective plan administrator.
Health Insurance and Dental/Vision Coverage
When employment with the University ends, coverage is continued for a
short period of time at a part-cost premium through the University. After
that, coverage can be continued temporarily at the full-cost premium through
COBRA.
A. Coverage Period through the University
Health Insurance – Your health coverage continues for one full month after the month in which the termination date falls. For example, if employment terminates on June 5, coverage will remain in effect until July 31. Employees can contact the Group Insurance Commission, the plan administrator, at 617-727-2310.
Dental/Vision Coverage (SEIU 509/285 employees only) – Your dental/vision coverage continues for 30 days after the month in which the termination date falls. For example, if employment terminates on June 5, coverage will remain in effect until July 31. For layoffs, coverage continues for 120 days after the month in which the termination date falls. Local 509/285 employees can contact the Mass Public Employees Fund, the dental/vision plan administrator, at 617-367-6167 or 1-800-325-5214.
Dental Coverage (MTA/Non-Unit employees only) – Your dental coverage continues for one full month after the month in which the termination date falls. For example, if employment terminates on June 5, coverage will remain in effect until July 31. MTA/Non-Unit employees can contact McKenzie & Company, the dental plan administrator, at 617-723-7232.
B. Extending Coverage through COBRA
The plan administrator will mail you a COBRA application. For more information
on COBRA, contact the appropriate plan administrator.
COBRA key points:
• Coverage can be extended up to 18 months
• Must pay full-cost premium
• Information sent to you by plan administrator
• Have 60 days from the date you would lose coverage to notify
the plan administrator of your intent to elect continuation of coverage
Vacation Payouts
Employees who leave employment with the University are entitled to a payout of any unused vacation time in accordance with their applicable collective bargaining agreements and/or personnel policies.
State Retirement Contributions
As an employee of the University, you have been contributing to the
State Employees Retirement Systems (SERS). When employment with the
University ends, you have three options with your state retirement funds:
1. You can withdraw all the money you have contributed, including any
interest if you were involuntarily terminated, but 20 percent will be
withheld for federal taxes. The form (“Request for Return of Accumulated
Deductions”) is available in Human Resources or on the State
Board of Retirement’s web site.
2. You may directly “rollover” the funds to a tax-qualified
IRA and not pay any taxes. The form (“Request for Return of Accumulated
Deductions”) is available in Human Resources or on the State
Board of Retirement’s web site
3. You may leave your funds in the State Retirement system in the event
that you return to state service. If you choose this option, you do
not need to contact the State Board of Retirement. The Board will contact
you about every two years to ask what you want to do with the funds.
Contact the State Board of Retirement at 617-367-7770 for more information.
Unemployment Insurance
Employees whose appointments terminate at the University may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. For information on eligibility, available services, and how to file a claim for unemployment insurance, check the Division of Employment and Training web site , or call the main number at 1-888-626-5553 or 617-626-5553. To assist you in filing a claim, you need the following information:
Employer Name and Address: University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125-3393
D.E.T. Employer ID Number: 78-418460 (State-funded jobs/positions)
78-418470 (Non-State-funded jobs/positions)
Federal Employer ID Number: 046002284
You may also be qualified for health insurance benefits through the Medical Security Plan, administered by the Division of Employment and Training. For information, visit the Medical Security Plan web site, or call 1-800-914-4455.
Correct Address
Please make sure your current address is on file in Human Resources.
The Personal
Data Change Form, can be used to update your address. Human Resources
sends updated address information to each of the plan administrators.
Not having an updated name and address on file in Human Resources can
result in mail not being received at your new address, health claims
being rejected due to a new name that has not been registered with the
proper plan administrators, an incorrect W-2 being filed with the IRS,
and a W-2 not being mailed to your proper address.