Employment Changes and My GIC Benefits
Questions and Answers

Q) As a new employee, when do my GIC benefits begin?
A) GIC benefits begin on the first day of the month following 60 days or two full calendar months of employment, whichever comes first. Your basic life and health insurance benefits are on a pre-tax basis unless you opt out. GIC benefits can include: basic life, basic life and health insurance, long term disability, optional life insurance, dental/vision for employees not covered by collective bargaining, (primarily managers, Legislators, Legislative and certain Executive Office staff), and several GIC pre-tax programs: the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) Program and the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). DCAP enrollment is effective as of your date of hire.

Q) I am an active state employee who works fewer than 18 ¾ hours per week in a 37.5 hour work week or 20 hours per week in a 40-hour work week; am I eligible for GIC benefits?
A) No.

Q) What happens to my GIC benefits if I work less than 18 ¾ hours in a 37.5 hour work week or 20 hours in a 40-hour work week?
A) Your GIC coverage will end at the end of the month after  your hours are reduced provided your premium for that month is paid.  You may elect to continue coverage through GIC COBRA or non-group conversion.

Q) If my salary changes, does it affect my costs or any GIC benefits?
A) Yes, premiums and benefits for optional life insurance and/or Long Term Disability coverage are based on salary and age.   See the rate section for details.

Leave of Absence and My GIC Benefits
Questions and Answers

Q) I am taking an approved leave of absence without pay for medical reasons. May I continue to pay part cost of the premium for my GIC benefits?
A) Provided that your agency head approved your leave of absence, you may apply to continue paying part cost for your basic life and health insurance premiums (the contribution percentage you were paying while you were working).  Submit a completed Insurance Enrollment and Change Form (Form-1), a letter from your agency head approving the leave, and a completed Application to Continue Part Cost Premiums (Form 11) to the GIC.  You, your Agency Head and physician must all complete the Form 11 before it can be considered.  The GIC will notify you of its decision.  In the case of a leave without pay for reasons of personal illness you must exhaust your vacation, sick, and compensatory time before a Form 11 can be submitted.  If you do not pay your premium, or if your agency no longer continues your employment, your coverage will end.

Q) I am taking an approved, unpaid leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  How long may I continue my GIC health and life coverage?
A) You will be able to continue your GIC coverage at your current employee contribution percentage for up to twelve weeks. 

Q) What are my benefit options when I go on military leave?
A) Employees with GIC coverage taking military leave of absence may do one of the following:

• Cancel all GIC insurance coverage and be reinstated upon return from military leave.  You will be reinstated with the same GIC coverage you had immediately prior to the military leave of absence.
• Cancel health coverage and retain life insurance only coverage. You will be directly billed for the part-cost premium for the life insurance coverage; you may continue your life insurance coverage as long as the monthly premiums are paid.
• If you have family coverage, you may want to consider electing Federal benefits offered to military personnel. Or, you may continue GIC coverage.  The GIC will directly bill for the part cost premium at your home address. As long as the monthly premiums are paid, your family may continue GIC benefits.