Human Resources & Talent Management serves as the university’s chief representative in all benefits related matters, including insurance, retirement, tuition credits, flexible spending accounts, and many more employee benefits. Our benefits staff provides guidance on a wide variety of employee benefits. To learn more or to setup an appointment contact the office of Human Resources at 508-531-1324.
The information here is an overview for Bridgewater State University benefit-eligible employees. It does not list all benefits available to a particular employee category. Policies relating to benefits, periods of leave, appointment and other aspects of employment are contained in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) offers the choice of 11 different health insurance plans, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and flexible spending account options to BSU's benefit-eligible employees. Health insurance elections can be made at the time of hire and may be changed during the annual enrollment period. The annual GIC Benefit Guide provides an overview of all of the programs available to BSU employees.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all employees enroll in a qualified retirement plan. Retirement programs for state employees fall under either the State Employees’ Retirement System (MSERS) or the Department of Higher Education Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), an option for benefitted faculty, librarians and administrators. Membership in the State Employee Retirement System (a defined benefit plan) is mandatory for nearly all state employees who are regularly employed at least 50 percent of full-time hours.
Benefitted faculty, librarians and administrators have the option to enroll in the Department of Higher Education Optional Retirement Program (a defined contribution plan). Part-time, seasonal or temporary employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to participate in an Alternate Retirement Plan (OBRA) through the SMART Plan. This plan is an alternative to Social Security as permitted by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA).
Massachusetts state employees do not have Social Security taxes withheld from their earnings. Employees retiring from the commonwealth, who are eligible for Social Security benefits, may have their Social Security benefits reduced by Social Security’s windfall elimination provision or government pension offset. Please contact your local Social Security Office if you have questions regarding this information.