Eligibility & Rates - Research Associates & PostDocs

Eligibility

• Benefits eligibility begins with an initial contract of at least nine (9) months and a FTE of 50%.
• Research Associates and Postdocs with a 50% FTE to 99% FTE are eligible for part-time medical, dental and vision insurance rates.
• If you obtain a J1 Visa, Mines currently offers one medical plan that meets the required eligibility.  Please refer to the FAQ page for more specifics.

Effective Date of Coverage

• Date of hire or 1st of the month following your nine-month anniversary.

Termination of Coverage

• Benefits will remain active through the last day of the month in which you separate from Mines or experience a loss of eligibility.  Following the separation or loss of coverage, a COBRA notice will be issued to you. You will receive this via post mail, and it will have an effective date of the 1st of the month following the separation/loss of coverage. If you choose to elect COBRA, you will then work with the COBRA administrator directly.

Cost

• Employees with 50% FTE to 99% FTE currently pay Part-Time rates.
• Employees with 100% FTE currently receive fully paid medical and dental coverage by Mines until 6/30/2026 and begining 7/1/2026 the cost share will be in effect for Full-Time rates.
• Premiums are deducted monthly and catch-up payments may be required depending on time of enrollment and processing of payroll.
• Enrollment in a medical plan also requires enrollment in the dental plan.

Healthcare Cost Share (Effective 7/1/26)

• Employees with a 100% FTE will participate in cost sharing for medical and dental coverage, as outlined in the charts below.
• Employees with a 50% FTE to 99% FTE currently pay part-time medical, dental and vision insurance rates.
• The table below has been prepared using the total premiums by plan and tier based on the 2026 Plan Year.
• Premiums are deducted either monthly or semi-monthly,  and catch-up payments may be required depending on time of enrollment and processing of payroll.