- Providing world class service and value for employee benefit group plans since 1987
Did you know that Kansas state employees have access to an array of benefits that can improve their quality of life and help them save on expenses? In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to understand the employee and benefit programs and packages Kansas offers. In this blog post, we will explore the employee and benefit programs and landscape in Kansas, providing you with valuable information to make the most of your employment experience.
Kansas state employees are eligible for various benefit programs, including group health insurance, retirement plans, and paid sick leave. The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) believes that contented and healthy associates contribute to an improved work atmosphere, which is why they offer an attractive package of benefits to eligible state employees. Benefits of working here include a variety of options. Comfortable office conditions, competitive compensation and generous benefits are some examples. There are also plenty of opportunities for professional growth..
The subsequent sections provide detailed information about the array of benefits Kansas state employees can access. These encompass:
Kansas state employees, as Kansas’ benefits eligible employees and state employees, enjoy the following Kansas benefits eligible employee amount:
Employees and their covered spouses enrolled in Plans C, J, and N can each earn 50 credits, facilitating the maximum employer contribution into their Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Additionally, eligible employees can benefit from disaster service volunteer opportunities.
Kansas state employees have access to two main retirement savings options: the Kansas Board of Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan (KBOR) and the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Both plans offer different contribution rates and eligibility requirements, catering to the diverse needs of Kansas state employees.
Under the Kansas Board of Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan, employees have 5.5% of their gross salary withheld from their pre-tax salary, with the university contributing 8.5% of their salary. To be eligible for the KBOR full retirement plan however, individuals must be between the ages of 55 and 59 and have accrued a minimum of 10 years of service in a benefits-eligible position at a KBOR state university or institution.
On the other hand, KPERS employees contribute 6% of their gross pay prior to taxation. Employees who transfer to KBOR from another state agency and have participated in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Plan (KPERS) are subject to a one-year waiting period, unless the conditions of the waiver are fulfilled.
A range of benefits, including vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave, are accessible for Kansas state employees. A full-time Kansas state employee is entitled to up to 176 hours of vacation leave per pay period per year. There is no upper limit of sick leave that can be accrued by a Kansas state employee, and full-time employees accrue 3.7 hours of vacation leave per pay period.
Other sick leave and benefits offered to Kansas state employees include:
Additionally, the Shared Leave benefit may be available in certain situations to assist employees facing challenging circumstances.
Life insurance and disability benefits form integral parts of the state employee health plan and benefits package. Kansas state employees are eligible for:
These benefits provide financial protection and peace of mind for employees and their families in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
The basic group term life insurance coverage for Kansas state employees is set at 150% of their annual compensation. Employees also have the option to purchase additional coverage ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, depending on their needs. Additionally, the Kansas Board of Regents offers voluntary benefit plans, such as Hospital Indemnity, Accidental Injury, and Critical Illness insurance.
All benefits-eligible staff are eligible for the State of Kansas Long Term Disability program, which provides income to employees who become disabled due to injury or illness and are consequently unable to work full time again. Long Term Care Insurance is another optional benefit available to benefits-eligible staff, providing coverage for care not typically covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
Basic life insurance coverage, equivalent to 150% of their annual compensation, along with optional life insurance coverage ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, is available to Kansas state employees. KPERS members may take advantage of optional life insurance coverage with a guaranteed issue of $250,000 if purchased within 30 days of the employee’s initial hire. The coverage can be increased up to $250,000. Approval is required if the amount exceeds the guaranteed issue or if the purchase is outside the guaranteed issue window..
In addition to the KPERS optional life insurance benefits eligible employee has, the Teachers and Employees Association (TEA) Optional life insurance coverage for Kansas state employees provides:
Long-term disability insurance coverage is accessible to Kansas state employees. Long Term Disability is a program that provides income to employees who become disabled due to injury or illness and are consequently unable to work. Specific eligibility requirements and procedures may vary, so it is recommended to consult the relevant sources and agencies for detailed information on eligibility criteria and application processes.
Short-term disability insurance is also available for Kansas state employees. To claim disability benefits, employees must apply for Social Security Disability benefits at their local office in Kansas or online through the Social Security Administration’s website, as well as file a workers’ compensation claim if the disability is work-related.
Beyond health and insurance benefits, the department of administration, financial and educational assistance benefit programs are also available to Kansas state employees. The Kansas Board of Regents, managed by the department of administration Kansas State Treasurer, offers initiatives such as the Tuition Assistance Benefits and the Learning Quest Education Savings Program (529).
The Tuition Assistance Benefits are available to all full-time, benefits-eligible employees of the state, providing financial assistance for higher education through Kansas State University and other affiliated universities. This program is designed to help employees enhance their job skills, knowledge, and abilities.
The Kansas Board of Regents is offering a postsecondary education savings program named Learning Quest Education Savings Program. This program is administered by the Kansas State Treasurer. This program enables earnings to be accumulated without facing any taxes. Distributions made from this program to pay qualified education expenses don’t incur taxes or penalties.
Tuition assistance benefits are available not only to Kansas state employees but also their spouses and eligible dependents also, offered by several state universities in partnership with the Kansas Board of Regents. These benefits are available to all full-time, benefits-eligible employees of the state.
To apply for the Tuition Assistance program, Kansas state employees can submit an application to the Kansas Department of Student Financial Assistance prior to the start of each semester. Further information regarding the application and submission guidelines can be found by contacting Student Financial Assistance at 785-532-6420 or via email at finaid@k-state.edu.
The Learning Quest Education Savings Program (529) is a tax-advantaged postsecondary education savings program available to Kansas state employees. This program allows employees to save for their children’s college education by offering tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses.
Qualified education expenses under the Learning Quest Education Savings Program include:
Certain costs associated with K–12 tuition may also be less benefits eligible employees under this program, making it a valuable resource for employees looking to invest in their children’s education.
In addition to other benefits, Kansas state employees can utilize Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) for healthcare expense savings. FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that enable eligible employees to to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses, while HRAs are employer-funded accounts that help employees cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
State employees in Kansas have access to a Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These accounts allow employees to save money by deducting tax-free dollars to cover certain health care and dependent care expenses, ultimately reducing their taxable income and potentially saving money on taxes.
The Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is available to Kansas state employees who enroll in Plans C, J, or N, providing contributions from the state that can be used to pay for health-related expenses, including copayments. This tax-advantaged savings account helps eligible employees to further save on eligible healthcare expenses.
A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Kansas state employees allows them to set aside pre-tax funds for qualified expenses such as:
The maximum contribution limit for 2022 is $570, and it will be increased to $610 for 2023.
Similarly, a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows Kansas state employees to cover qualified daycare expenses on a pre-tax basis full time employees. By utilizing FSAs, eligible employees, can pay for eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars, reducing their taxable income and potentially saving money on taxes.
The Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is a tax-advantaged savings account available to Kansas state employees who enroll in Plans C, J, or N. The state provides contributions into the HRA, which can be used to pay for health-related expenses, including copayments.
Employees can enroll in a state employee health plan HRA by accessing the State Employee Health Program’s Membership Administration Portal (MAP) and following the enrollment process. The HRA can be used to cover a wide range of eligible expenses, including:
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing short-term counseling services and resources to maintain work-life balance, is accessible to Kansas state employees for managing personal and work-related issues. This complimentary service is available to all active, benefits-eligible employees of the State of Kansas, as well as their family members living in the same household or dependent children.
The EAP offers up to eight sessions per issue to assist employees in addressing personal concerns such as:
Additionally, the program provides advice, referrals, and support to employees facing various challenges, promoting a healthy work-life balance and overall well-being.
The short-term counseling services provided by the EAP for Kansas state employees are completely confidential and conducted by licensed professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or social work.
Each employee has access to up to eight sessions per year without issue, ensuring they receive the support they need to address their concerns and improve their well-being.
The Kansas Employee Assistance Program provides resources to promote work-life balance, including:
The program also offers assistance with childcare and eldercare, as well as resources for mental health and stress management, including support for issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
In conclusion, Kansas state employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance options, retirement savings plans, full paid vacation, time off and sick leave benefits paid vacation only, life insurance and disability benefits, financial and educational assistance programs, flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements, and employee assistance programs. These benefits not only provide financial protection and support for employees and their families but also contribute to a healthier work-life balance and overall well-being.
Employee benefits typically include medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance and retirement planning, as well as additional perks and compensation such as stock options, training opportunities, and more. Employers provide these benefits to attract and retain top talent, while also improving employee productivity and engagement. Federal law requires employers to offer certain benefits like COBRA, FMLA, and minimum wage standards; many states mandate further coverage including disability, workers comp, and additional leave.
Kansas recognizes and celebrates New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas as mandatory paid holidays.
Your total cost for employee benefits should be 31% of their base salary, using a range of 1.25 to 1.4 times their base salary.
Kansas state employees can take advantage of medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Yes, Kansas state employees are eligible for both short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Todd Taylor with Taylor Benefits gives our small business the kind of personal service we need. Insurance benefits are important to our employees and Todd helps us find a balance between benefits and value. Todd responds immediately to my phone calls & e-mails. He has even gotten in touch with me on a Sunday when we were in need of coverage answers immediately. We are very pleased with the hands-on service Todd and his staff provide.”
-Ken and Linda Orvick, Orvick Management Group, Inc.
We’re ready to help! Call today: 800-903-6066