Employee Benefits

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) administers both health insurance and other benefits for eligible state employees, dependents and retirees. Health insurance benefits begin on the first of the month following 60 days from the date of hire, or two calendar months, whichever comes first.

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.

Dental insurance is provided to benefit eligible employees and their qualified dependents. Dental coverage is determined by your employee category.

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.

As part of the benefits offered through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), employees have the opportunity to participate in a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).

Employees have the option to participate in voluntary Tax Deferred Savings Plans such as 403b or 457b accounts. There are various plans from which to choose.

Benefitted employees are entitled to paid and unpaid leave benefits and leave accruals in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements.

Benefitted employees are eligible for tuition benefits in accordance with their respective collective bargaining agreements or Department of Higher Education policy. Employees and dependents are eligible after six months of employment.

Bridgewater State University offers various programs to assist employees with work/life balance. We offer an Employee Assistance Program, Tinsley Fitness Center, and Employee Wellness Program. The Office of Human Resources is responsible for coordinating employees’ benefits at the university. If you have any questions about benefits, including eligibility and enrollment, call 508.531.1714.