New Hire Benefits Information

New Hire Benefits Information

On this new hire benefit page, you will find valuable information and resources to help you make an informed decision when it comes to benefits for you and your family. Medical coverage begins on your start date, and once you make your selection, information will be back-dated to reflect that.

Important 鈥� Benefit selection deadlines are based on your hire date. Please note all the deadlines on this page to make sure your benefits are selected in time.

The information in the tabs below will address common questions from new employees, as well as highlight the forms you must complete for each type of insurance, and the deadline for completing those forms.

Note: If you enrolled in your benefits online already, you do not need to complete the forms marked with an asterisk (**).

How much will I pay for health insurance?

Kent State health insurance premiums are deducted from your paycheck twice monthly. The cost of these premiums is determined by your salary, the number of pays you鈥檒l receive annually, and whether you are selecting single or family coverage.

Below is the contribution table, where you can see what you should expect to pay in monthly premiums, based on which Medical Mutual plan you choose.

2025 CONTRIBUTION TABLE (PDF)

Other costs, such as deductibles and out of pocket, will be determined based on the Medical Mutual plan you select. Medical Mutual offers a PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

2025 MEDICAL PLANS COMPARISON CHART - FACULTY (PDF)

2025 MEDICAL PLANS COMPARISON CHART - STAFF (PDF)

What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts?

What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts?
Consideration	HSA (Health Savings Account)	FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Eligibility	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Must enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan Cannot contribute to an HSA if enrolled in Medicare	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? No requirements
What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Contribution Limit	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? $4,300 single or $8,550 family (2025) *amounts include an employer contribution	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Medical FSA: $3,300 single or family (2025) Dependent Care FSA ("daycare"): $5,000
What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Change Contributions	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Anytime throughout the year	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Only during open enrollment or life status change
What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Rollover	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Unused balances roll over	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Use it or lose it. Funds must be used by March 15 of the following year unless separating from the university. If separating, must be used within 30 days. NOTE: You must re-enroll each year.
What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Taxes	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Pre-tax deduction	What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts? Pre-tax deduction

Forms, Deadlines and More

Health Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Retirement

Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Fee

Opting into medical insurance includes the following forms of coverage:

Relevant Forms

Form	What is it?	Is it required?	Due Date
Form New Hire Portal Instructions (PDF)	What is it? Use the Portal Instructions to set up your Benefits portal. From there, select/enroll in your medical (which includes prescription and vision coverage) and dental insurance.	Is it required? YES	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form Opt-Out Affidavit (PDF)	What is it? Use this form if you would like to opt out of insurance provided by Kent State. Note, you will need to provide evidence of alternative coverage.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form Domestic Partner Affidavit (PDF) and supplemental documentation (if applicable)	What is it? If you have a domestic partnership and would like to cover your partner, use this form and guidelines.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form	What is it? This is an acknowledgment that if you leave the university, COBRA information will automatically be offered to you. This form does not automatically sign you up for COBRA.	Is it required? YES	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date

If you select the PPO medical insurance plan option, you can register for a Flexible Spending Account.

Relevant Forms

Form	What is it?	Is it required?	Due Date
Form **Flexible Spending Account Form Contact the Benefits office at benefits@kent.edu for this form.	What is it? Fill out this form to set up your contributions to your Flexible Spending Account.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date

Kent State partners with Securian Financial (Minnesota Life) for life insurance policies and some optional benefits like accidental death & dismemberment and group term supplemental life insurance.

We also partner with Unum for long-term disability insurance.

Relevant Forms

Form	What is it?	Is it required?	Due Date
Form	What is it? Use this form to designate beneficiaries of your life insurance policy.	Is it required? YES	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form Accidental Death & Dismemberment Enrollment Form (PDF)	What is it? Use this form if you would like to opt into Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form Supplemental Life Insurance Enrollment Form (PDF)	What is it? Use this form if you would like to opt into additional life insurance, beyond what you will already get through Kent State.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date
Form Voluntary Group Long-Term Disability Enrollment (PDF)	What is it? Use this form if you would like to opt into long-term disability coverage.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date

Full-time classified and unclassified employees may elect to participate in either the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP).

Full-time faculty members may elect to participate in either the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) or an ARP.

Part-time classified and unclassified employees must participate in OPERS and part-time faculty must participate in STRS.

Relevant Links

Form	What is it?	Is it required?	Due Date
Form Retirement Plan Election Form (PDF)	What is it? Use this form to select your retirement plan. You will use this form for selecting OPERS/STRS and ARP.	Is it required? YES	Due Date 120 Days after your hire date
Form Supplemental Retirement Plans (403b and 457b)	What is it? Click this link to explore supplemental retirement plans through Kent State's recommended vendors.	Is it required? Optional	Due Date Anytime

A working spouse fee/domestic partner fee will be applied each pay for employees providing medical coverage to a spouse or domestic partner who is employed full-time, eligible for group health care coverage through their employer and elects not to enroll.

You might be eligible to waive that fee if your spouse/domestic partner is:

Part-time employed
Retired
Enrolled in Medicare
Self-employed/unemployed
Employed in a benefits-eligible position at Kent State University
Employed, but does not qualify for or is not offered group health insurance
Employed, but in a non-Kent State medical plan as primary coverage, utilizing Kent State for secondary coverage

Relevant Forms

Form	What is it?	Is it required?	Due Date
Form Affidavit of Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Insurance Status (PDF)	What is it? Use this form to declare the employment and insurance status of your spouse/domestic partner.	Is it required? YES	Due Date 31 Days after your hire date

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