Benefits

Benefits Overview  

To recruit and retain a quality workforce, the State of Minnesota has put together a comprehensive benefits program.  Eligible employees participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program and may choose either single or family coverage.  There are a variety of insurance benefits and services available for eligible state employees. 

Health Insurance 

The Minnesota Advantage Health Plan is the medical benefits program available for all state employees. Choose from among three health insurance carriers:  BlueCross BlueShield, Health Partners, or Preferred One.  Each plan provides comprehensive health benefits, flexibility to make choices that best fit your needs, free preventive care services, a prescription drug program (Navitus Health Solutions), low out-of-pocket expenses, and clinic locations throughout the state and bordering communities.  Health insurance is free-of-charge for a permanent full-time employee, and family coverage may be provided at a monthly cost to you.  Permanent part-time employees may also be eligible to apply for coverage.

Convenience Care Clinics provide a cost-effective alternative to family care clinics for minor illnesses, tests, and vaccinations. 

Health Assessments are a valuable educational tool enabling employees to learn more about their personal health.  They are offered annually and include a follow-up call from a health coach to offer specific action plans.  A personalized, confidential report will be provided to employees, and reduced office visit copayments are available for those who participate in the annual health assessment.

Dental Insurance  

Choose from two dental carriers:  Health Partners or the State Dental Plan (Delta Dental).   Each plan provides comprehensive coverage for most conditions requiring dental diagnosis and preventive care, including orthodontic treatment for children.

Dental insurance may be purchased as a new employee on an optional basis.  Dental is open every other year to enroll, drop, or to change dental plans. 

Life Insurance 

The state offers both basic and optional life insurance coverage for you, your spouse, and children.  With the basic package, you automatically receive a term life insurance policy in an amount equal to your annual salary.  This basic package is provided at no cost to you.  At your option, you may also purchase additional life term insurance for you, your spouse, and children at competitive rates.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 

This optional benefit is available for both an employee and their spouse.  It provides coverage for death or dismemberment due to an accident. 

Disability Insurance 

Optional disability insurance offered through the state will help replace lost income should you become totally disabled. 

Short-Term Disability insurance provides you with income for up to 180 days if you become totally disabled due to injury, sickness, or pregnancy.

Long-Term Disability insurance provides you with income beyond 180 days of total disability for an injury or sickness.

Managers Income Protection Plan – long-term disability and special basic life coverage are combined for employees covered in the managerial plan and certain employees in the commissioner’s plan.

Long-Term Care Insurance

This optional insurance pays for a variety of services for people who are unable to care for themselves due to an injury, chronic illness, acute episode, or cognitive impairment. Long-term care services may include assistance in a home or adult day care center with nursing or personal care activities, or assisted living facility or nursing home.  All employees with health care may apply.  In addition, spouses and parents of employees may apply, regardless of whether the employee applies.  Long-term care website:  www.mpel.org/

Pre-Tax Benefits

Pre-tax benefits offered by the state can provide you with substantial tax savings. By paying your health and dental plan premiums, eligible dependent care, and medical and dental expenses with pre-tax dollars, your taxable income - and your taxes - are reduced. Because you pay less in taxes, your actual income may be greater.  Pre-tax website:  www.mmb.state.mn.us/ee-pre

Dependent Care Expense Account - This benefit allows you to pay for certain dependent care expenses, such as day care, with pre-tax dollars.

Medical/Dental Expense Account - This benefit allows you to pay for certain unreimbursed medical and dental expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Health and Dental Premium Expense Account - The amount you pay for your health and dental insurance is automatically withdrawn from your pay before it is taxed.

Retirement

State employees are automatically enrolled in a retirement plan through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).  The General Plan is the largest plan administered by the MSRS.  As a member of this program, you receive a state contribution toward your retirement fund that matches your own contribution of approximately 4.75 percent of your salary.  Some positions at this agency are covered by the Correctional Employees Retirement Plan.   MSRS website: www.msrs.state.mn.us/

The Deferred Compensation Program is another way to save for retirement and defer taxes. With this program, a portion of your income is deposited in a tax-deferred account.  A wide variety of investment options is available to help you meet your retirement objectives.  Deferred Comp website: www.mndcplan.com/

The Health Care Savings Plan is another way to save money, tax free, to use upon termination of employment to pay for eligible health care expenses.  Eligibility for participation is determined by contracts and plans.

JourneyWell – Wellness Program

Wellness programs support lifestyle changes to achieve your best mental and physical health.  A good program can boost your quality of life and prevent or manage chronic disease.  These programs are offered free-of-charge by phone or online.  Select from weight management, stress management, physical activity, smoking cessation, blood pressure, 10,000 steps, back health, and more. JourneyWell website:  www.aboutjourneywell.com/index.html

Work Well

Health and Wellness Committees, Health Promotion Programs, and events may be available at our various work locations.  In addition, proper set-up of your work station is important to us.  Ergonomically correct workstations may help to avoid injuries over time.  Information and assistance will be available to you. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

This program provides free, confidential, professional assistance to help employees and families resolve work and personal issues.  Phone:  651-259-3840 or 1-800-657-3719.  website:  www.mmb.state.mn.us/eap

Value-Added Benefits

Minnesota Life offers three value-added benefits to employees at no cost. 

Will Preparation and Legal Services  - Phone access to a national network of accredited attorneys for consultation on simple wills, estate planning documents, and other legal issues.

Travel Assistance – Available 24/7 when traveling more than 100 miles from home for business or pleasure.  Includes assistance to locate and access physicians, dentists, medical facilities, and pharmacies; arrange and pay for a medical evacuation or return of mortal remains; and provides interpreters.  A wide range of travel information is available.  Phone:  1(877)708-6992.  website:  www.lifebenefits.com/travelassistance  

Beneficiary Financial Counseling – Beneficiaries who receive at least $25,000 in policy benefits may use an independent beneficiary counseling service through Pricewaterhouse Coopers.  They offer advice and counsel with the beneficiary's written consent.

State Employees Incorporated

State Employees, Inc. (SEI) is a non-profit organization that offers State of Minnesota employee members entertainment and other valuable discounts.  An SEI membership includes a membership in the Minnesota Employee Recreation and Services Council (MERSC).  There are many discounts on various services, event tickets, recreation, restaurants, travel, and much more.  website:  www.mnsei.com/

Credit Union Membership

Full-service financial institutions are available and include: 

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union www.affinityplus.org/pages/default.aspx

Highway Federal Credit Union www.hiway.org

Pay Periods
Employees are paid every other Friday.

Paid Days Off

Vacation Leave  - Full-time permanent employees accrue 13 vacation days each year through the first five years of employment. As your length of service with the state increases, so does the amount of vacation time you accrue. Part-time employees receive vacation leave based on hours worked.

Sick Leave - Full-time employees receive 13 days per year. Part-time employees receive sick leave based on hours worked.

Paid Holidays - There are 10 paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.

Leaves of Absence

Leaves of absence are available and are outlined in contracts and plans.  These may include:  bereavement, court appearance, jury duty, military, medical, parenthood, and more.

Family and Medical Leave

Qualifying employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family or medical situations. While on unpaid leave, the employer contribution to your insurance coverage continues and your job is protected. For more information, please visit the following website at http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

Combined Charities Campaign

State employees may make contributions to the state’s combined charities campaign, which has raised millions for Minnesota organizations. 

Vacation Donation Program

This program helps critically ill state employees who are burdened with high medical bills and critically ill employees who have used up all sick and vacation time due to their illness.  website:  www.mmb.state.mn.us/vacation

Advantage Health Advisors (AHA)

AHA offers confidential, phone-based, one-on-one support, free-of-charge.  AHA professionals help you understand new diagnoses, learn about treatment options, or find a specialist.  They can guide you through the health care system by helping with coverage benefit questions. 

Get healthcare support with AHA.  Call 1-877-242-0111, website:  www.advantagehealthadvisors.com/

SEGIP Call Center

An insurance call center was established to assist employees with their insurance questions.  This includes health, dental, life, disability, long-term care, pre-tax benefits, and retiree coverage.   These services are available through Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   Phone:   651-355-0100.  E-mail:   Segip.mmb@state.mn.us.

MMB website

Access to additional information on insurance benefits and services may be obtained at:  www.mmb.state.mn.us/pay-bene/ins                                                          

This is a general summary of the state’s benefits program for full-time, benefits-eligible employees and is provided for informational purposes only.  Eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and actual benefit levels and coverage are determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of each collective bargaining agreement.  Such documents govern in every instance.  Prorated medical and dental benefits are also available for less than full-time employees.  The state reserves the right to change, amend, or discontinue any plan at any time as permitted by applicable law.  Values expressed are based on data available for full-time, benefits-eligible employees as of revision date.   Updated:  08/25/09