What is eBenefits?
A valuable feature within our Peoplesoft Employee Self Service computer system is eBenefits, a program that allows employees to enroll in benefit programs online when available. No forms to fill out, it’s fast, convenient, and all done over the Internet.

What changes cannot be done on eBenefits?

• Adoption
• Divorce
• Death of Spouse or Dependent
• Add/change same sex Domestic Partner
• Move out of HMO service area

If you need to make any of the above changes please call the Benefits Office at 617-726-8133, as documentation is required!

How long does it take to receive my medical cards?
It takes about four weeks to receive the cards. You may use the paper copy you received at Orientation before that if needed. The cards will be mailed to your home address.

What do I do if I lose my medical card?
You will need to contact the insurance carrier for a new card. If you do not know your insurance carrier’s number you need to contact Benefits at 617-726-8133.

I would like to drop my medical coverage right now, how can I do that?
You can only change your benefits coverage (medical plan included) during the annual open enrollment period (normally in the fall) unless you experience a qualifying event.

What is a qualifying event?
A qualifying event is considered one of the following:

• Marriage or divorce;
• addition of a dependent through birth, adoption, or change in custody;
• death of a spouse or dependent;
• gain or loss of medical coverage elsewhere;
• you or your spouse change from benefit eligible to ineligible or vice versa;
• your spouse’s enrollment ends;
• you move out of your HMO’s service area;
• or gain or loss of full time student status for dependents age 19 – 25.

To drop coverage, you need to prove that you are eligible for medical coverage elsewhere and have 30 days to notify Benefits from the date of the qualifying event. You can do this through eBenefits or by calling Benefits at 617-726-8133.

I am changing hours, how is this going to affect my benefits and time off accruals?
If you are in a non-contract position and your new hours will be less than 20 hours per week, you will no longer be eligible for benefits or for accruing time off.

If your new hours will be between 20 and 39 hours / week, the cost of your benefits will increase slightly, but there will be no change to your benefit choices. Your Time Off accruals will be prorated based on your new hours.

I am thinking about transferring to another Partners affiliate, will my benefits remain the same?
Not exactly the same. Generally when one moves to a new affiliate, the employee takes on the benefits offered by that affiliate. Each affiliate’s benefits are similar but not exactly the same. Before deciding to accept the new position, you should contact the HR department of the new affiliate to get the specifics around its benefit program

I am getting married; can I add my husband/wife to my medical plan?
Yes, but you must do this within 30 days of the marriage date. Getting married is considered a qualifying event (see above), and therefore you are able to change your medical coverage outside of the open enrollment period. You can do this via eBenefits or by calling 617-726-8133.

I am getting married, and as a result will no longer need medical coverage, can I stop my coverage?
Yes, same as above, but you will need to indicate that you have coverage elsewhere, before we can discontinue your coverage.

I am having a baby, how do I add my child as a new dependent?
This is a qualifying event, and you can add your baby within 30 days from his/her birthday. You may do this by calling Benefits at 617-726-8133 or through eBenefits.

I am doing the same job and working the same number of hours as my colleague and he is paying less for his medical and dental insurances than I am, why is this?
Starting January 1, 2004 BWH elected to charge new employees a higher rate for benefits during their first year of employment. Upon completing one year of service an employee will see a reduced rate in their paycheck for benefit deductions. This change to our benefit program was done to help defray the rising cost of health insurance benefits and is consistent with some of our other Partner Affiliate programs.

How do I sign up for direct deposit and how long does it take?
The easiest and quickest way to sign up for direct deposit is through Employee Self Service. You must sign up through ESS by the 15th of the month in order to receive the T-pass the following month. To do this: log into Peoplesoft: self service; employee; task; direct deposit.

You may also sign up for direct deposit by filling out the Direct Deposit form and sending it to the payroll department via interoffice 149-7001, Charlestown Navy Yard. It usually takes two – three weeks to process. The forms are available on the Partners Intranet site, under Human Resources FAQ and then Forms.

I am looking for an apartment and understand this is service offered to employees, who do I contact?
You may contact Friends of Brigham at 617-732-5318 for a listing of available apartments. Employees may also list apartments for rent by contacting the above service.

If I go on an approved FMLA for a medical reason, how do I get paid?
The first five days will be paid out of your BT bank then you will be paid out of your ESL bank. Once the ESL bank is exhausted, you will be paid out of your BT bank.

For further information regarding Leaves of Absences and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), please contact the LOA Coordinator at: BWHloacoordinator@partners.org.

What is ESL?
ESL stands for Extended Sick Leave bank. This bank can only be used for illnesses extending more than 5 days. For more information on ESL, please contact your HR Consultant.

I am having a child, are there resources available to me as a working parent at the Brigham?

We offer the following benefits/resources for working parents:

• Dependent Care Spending Account: Up to $5000 (tax free) per year can be deducted from your paycheck to help defray the cost of childcare. This money is then used to pay for dependent care in order for you and your spouse to work. You end up saving money because the dollars used to pay for childcare are tax-free. There are a number of things to think about and understand with this program. To get more information and to sign up for this benefit, you may contact Benefits at 617-726-8133.
• LongwoodMedical Area Child Care Center: This is available to employees working in the Longwood Medical Area. For more information call the Center at: 617-732-2755 or the Staff Activities Coordinator at 617-732-6584.
• Parents in a Pinch: A back-up childcare service. For information call: Staff Activities Coordinator at 617-732-6584 or EAP: 617-732-6017. Please note, this benefit is only offered to those NOT covered under the collective bargaining agreement between BWH and MNA.
• HarvardMedical CenterOffice at Work & Family: BWH is a participating sponsor of the Harvard Medical Center Office of Work and Family. This service offers free information and referral services for both children and elderly relatives. You may contact this office directly at 617-432-1615.
• Employee Assistance and Work/Life Resources Website: The EAP maintains a wealth of resource information on a variety of life cycle issues, pertaining to childcare, eldercare, work, family and personal life stresses. You may access the EAP over the internet at: www.eap.partners.org or toll free at 1-866-724-4EAP.

I am interested in advancing my career and would like to go back to school, does BWH offer programs to assist me in growing professionally?
Yes. BWH encourages continued education. Tuition reimbursement is offered to full time and part time non-contract employees after 6 months of employment. Reimbursement rates vary. If you are a full time employee pursuing a degree related program you can receive up to $2000 each fiscal year. Part time staff would be eligible for up to $1000 per fiscal year for a degree track program. Smaller amounts (FT $1000 / PT $500 per fiscal year) are available for certificate type programs. Courses must be job related relating to any field at BWH; and approved in advanced by your supervisor.

Additionally, we offer career enhancing programs through Organizational Development and Learning and Workforce Development.

Information and forms are available in the BWH mailroom (Lobby level) or at the Human Resources Office (801 Mass. Ave, 7th Floor-Crostown Building). You may also contact Irasema Ramirez in Organizational Development and Learning Department for more information at 617-582-0150

Does the BWH have a credit union that I can join?
Yes. Medical Area Federal Credit Union (MAFCU) offers a wide range of competitive financial services. To become a member you need to open a primary savings account with a minimum deposit of $25.00. This account entitles you to all the benefits of credit union membership such as: direct deposit and payroll deductions; club accounts; auto and home equity loans; competitive mortgage rates; credit and debit cards. You may apply on line at www.medareafcu.org or by completing the application. Question can be answered by calling: 800-556-2328.

Does the Brigham offer a retirement plan for its staff?
Yes. To prepare staff for retirement BWH offers both a voluntary Tax Shelter Annuity program (TSA) and a BWH – sponsored cash balance pension plan. If you are a physician and have questions you should contact Frank Mihovan at 617-724-8573. All other staff may contact Patrick Tan at 617-726-6534.

What is a Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA)?
Through our TSA program a portion of your income can be invested for your retirement, while federal and state taxes are deferred on both the sheltered income and the investment returns.  For more information please click here to visit the TSA web page (please note, this link is an internal link and can only be viewed from either a Partners PC or throught VPN) or call Benefits at 617-726-8133.

Please explain the Cash Balance pension plan.
BWH provides for your financial security during retirement by paying the full cost of the Cash Balance plan. You are a participant if you are at least age 21 and have completed one year of service. Each year BWH credits your account with an amount based on your age, annual pay, and length of service. Hospital contributions range from 3.5% to 11% of pay. In addition, your account will grow in value through interest credits equal to the one year Treasury Bill rate in effect on the preceding September 30th, plus one percent (with a minimum 5%). You will be 100% vested if you complete at least 1,000 hours in each of five calendar years without a break in service. You may obtain a copy of the Summary Plan Description by contacting your HR Generalist or the Benefits Department directly at 617.726-8133.

???Need More Information about our benefit program???
For all other Benefit related questions you may contact your HR Consultant or the Benefits Office directly at 617-726-8133.