Scholar Exempt (SE) Benefits Program for JDP students and Post Docs
SDSU Research Foundation offers employer paid employee-only health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to appointed employees in the employee class of Scholar Exempt (SE). Employees wanting to cover any eligible dependents would be responsible for full cost of dependent premium. These employees may also participate in the health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs). This benefits program is specifically designed for those individuals who are enrolled in SDSU's Joint Doctoral Program or have completed a doctoral degree, and who are receiving practical training in a particular scientific area either as a joint doctoral student or a post doc. Please be aware that this program affects Scholar Exempt (SE) only and does not apply to other categories of SDSU Research Foundation employees, nor does it apply to those with non-employee awards, fellowships, or training grants.
Benefits through SDSU Research Foundation
The employer paid employee-only health plan available to Scholar Exempt (SE) employees is Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, dental insurance is available for those employees who choose to enroll, and vision insurance is automatically provided to those individuals who enroll in the health plan.
Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the appointment into the SE employee class. Scholar Exempt (SE) employees will have an annual opportunity to add and drop eligible dependents during Open Enrollment, usually held in November. Changes made during Open Enrollment are effective the following January 1.
More detailed information regarding the flexible spending accounts (FSAs), the contribution limits, and the Employee Assistance Program, is available through HR’s website or by contacting SDSURF Human Resources.
Kaiser Web Site Just for SDSURF Employees
Kaiser HMO Summary (Northern CA Employees) (PDF Format, 97KB)*
Kaiser HMO Summary (Southern CA Employees) (PDF Format, 97KB)*
SBC - Kaiser HMO (PDF Format, 663KB)*
Kaiser HMO Chiropractic Benefit (PDF Format, 629KB)*
Cigna Dental DHMO or Cigna Dental PPO
Cigna Dental DHMO Benefits Summary (PDF Format, 262KB)*
Cigna Dental PPO Benefits Summary (PDF Format, 539KB)*
Cigna Find a Provider (PDF Format, 608KB)*
Choosing Between Cigna Dental DHMO and Cigna Dental PPO
Choosing Between Cigna Dental DMO and Cigna Dental PPO
To determine which plan is best for you and your family:
- DMHO
You'll pay a specific and predetermined copayment for procedures as performed by the network dentist. You must select a DHMO provider. - PPO
You'll pay a percentage of the dental bill and will be able to receive treatment from any dentist. You will pay less out of pocket and save money, however, if you receive treatment from a PPO provider. - Dental option selection can be changed monthly. Changes made the 1st - 14th of the month are effective the 1st of the following month. Changes made the 15th - end of month are effective the 1st of the second following month. (i.e., a change made the January 25th would be effective March 1st.)
- Cigna Find a Provider (PDF Format, 473KB)*
Vision Service Plan
Vision is covered through VSP (Vision Service Plan) and exams are covered every 12 months with a $10 copay. Glasses OR contacts are covered within certain time and dollar limits. To locate a VSP Choice provider register with VSP to view the online directory.
VSP Vision Summary (PDF Format, 91KB)*
VSP I'm a Member. Let's Get Started! (PDF Format, 316KB)*
VSP Eyewear Protection Program (PDF Format, 225KB)*
VSP Exclusive Member Extras (PDF Format, 944KB)*
VSP Hearing Aid Discount Program (PDF Format, 122KB)*
Supplemental Coverages
How do you enroll in the plan?
Enrollment is available within the first 31 days of the SE appointment, or during the annual Open Enrollment period held during the month of November. Typically, you will be scheduled for a new employee orientation and provided details regarding online enrollment process.
When does coverage start and end?
The effective date of coverage will be the first day of the month following the appointment date into an SE employee class.
Coverage will end the last day of the month of the regular appointment. Coverage may also end the last day of the month in which an unpaid leave of absence begins. At the end of your appointment, or at the beginning of your unpaid leave of absence, you may be eligible to continue coverage through COBRA. For more information regarding COBRA, contact SDSU Research Foundation's Human Resources at (619) 594-4139 or email at sdsurfbenefits@sdsu.edu.
Who's an Eligible Dependent and What Proof is Required
Eligible employees who enroll in the health or dental insurance plans may elect to enroll their eligible dependents. The cost for this coverage is paid in full by the employee. Although the eligibility standards for dependents may vary slightly among the specific plan “agreements,” generally, the following classes of dependents are eligible for health and dental benefits:
- The employee's spouse
- The employee's same sex or opposite sex domestic partner
- Children or domestic partner's children through age 25
- Child(ren) of eligible and enrolled dependents
- Children over age 25 and incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of mental retardation or physical handicap incurred prior to age 26 and chiefly dependent upon the employee, their spouse, or domestic partner for support.
Dependents who are on active duty in any of the armed forces are not considered eligible dependents. Additionally, if both the employee and spouse are employed by SDSU Research Foundation, each will be covered separately as employees. For such employees who wish to enroll their eligible dependent child(ren), the child(ren) may be covered under either employee, but not both. A person who is eligible for coverage as an employee, is not considered an eligible dependent.
The employee is responsible for maintaining accurate enrollment status with SDSU Research Foundation's Human Resources Office. Failure to notify SDSU Research Foundation timely, shall make the employee liable for any and all additional expenses incurred, if applicable, including premiums paid by SDSU Research Foundation.
View a list of documents you may use to prove dependent eligibility.
Questions about coverage?
If you wish to enroll or have questions about this program or the coverage, contact SDSU Research Foundation Human Resources at sdsurfbenefits@sdsu.edu, or call an SDSU Research Foundation Benefits Specialist at 619-594-4139.
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