ARTICLE VI HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS
A. Each member of the bargaining unit, whose first day of employment in the District was before the 2004-2005 school year, shall have the option of either receiving health, vision, and/or dental insurance premiums withdrawn from their pay on a pre-tax basis pursuant to the Pre-Tax Premium Contribution Plan, or, in the alternative, may opt to receive cash in lieu of benefits up to four hundred eighty-six dollars and thirty-nine cents ($486.39). Bargaining unit members opting to receive the cash benefit should be aware that options may be available for investing such cash benefits or a portion thereof in tax-free accounts.
B. All bargaining unit members who require and enroll in family coverage will receive nine hundred ninety-seven dollars and ninety-eight cents ($997.98) per month for the purpose of funding pre-tax health and dental premium contributions and benefits. Those who enroll in two party or single parent coverage will receive six hundred sixty-nine dollars and eightyfive cents ($669.85) for the purpose of funding pre-tax health and dental premium contributions and benefits. Bargaining unit members, who select single coverage, will receive five hundred eighty dollars and thirty-six cents ($580.36) per month for the purpose of funding pre-tax health and dental premium contributions and benefits.
For the 2016-2017 school year, a one-time, off-schedule payment of six hundred dollars ($600.00) per each bargaining unit member enrolled in medical benefits will be paid on the October 2016 pay warrant.
C. Bargaining unit members whose first day of employment in the District is for the 2004- 2005 school year whose insurance benefits fall under the District cap of $486.39 will not receive cash benefits from the difference. No payments will be made to these employees in lieu of health benefits.
D. For part-time bargaining unit members who are regularly scheduled to work for one-half (½) of the school day or more, the District will increase the salary of each such individual a pro rata share of amounts in A, B & C for the purpose of funding pre-tax health and dental premium contributions.
E. Unit members may enroll with the company managing the District’s 125 Cafeteria Plan to use pre-tax salary deductions for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses, including orthodontics.
F. Employees on approved leaves of absence without pay will have the option to continue to receive health and welfare coverage as specified by this article by submitting a personal check made out to the school district for the full amount of the monthly premium. This is contingent upon the insurance carrier’s Agreement to provide such coverage. 30 July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018
G. An advisory committee comprised of members of NTA and the District shall be formed to make a recommendation to the Board and the Association for review and ratification of a replacement for the loss of a medical program.
H. Health Benefit Committee Commencing in 2016-17, a Health Benefits Committee will explore potential health benefit cost containments to help reduce employee out-of-pocket costs. The committee will use a broker as a resource when needed.
I. Retiree Benefits
The District will pay single medical premiums (medical, dental, and vision) up to the amount allocated for other certificated bargaining unit members until they reach age sixtyfive (65) for employees who have worked in the district for at least fifteen (15) consecutive years prior to retirement and enter the retirement system upon leaving the District.
In order to be eligible for retiree health benefits, the bargaining unit member must be enrolled in the plan the year prior to the year of retirement that he/she wishes to have after retiring from the District. This includes dental and vision. If a bargaining unit member is currently receiving cash back in lieu of insurance coverage, he/she may continue receiving cash back upon retirement from the District, however, IRS considers this taxable income.
J. Cal PERS Health Benefits In addition to the benefits offered in Section H, the District will offer all retirees the option of participating in Cal PERS health benefits plans. The coverage is for life contingent on the District participating in Cal PERS. Unlike section H, retirees who participate in a Cal PERS Plan do not need to have been employed with the district for 15 years, nor have been enrolled in the plan the year prior to the year of retirement that she/he wishes to have after retiring from the District.
If a retiree not covered in section H elects to participate in the District medical plan, the District will contribute to medical coverage only according to the following schedule:
• From July 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004, the District will contribute $1 per month.
• From January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005, the District will contribute $3.42 per month.
• From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, the District will contribute $6.65 per month.
• The District contributions for the Cal PERS retiree health benefits for Natomas Teachers Association shall end on June 30, 2008.
All past bargaining unit retirees will be contacted and offered this option; newly retiring unit members will be offered this option upon retirement.
If the Association elects not to participate in Cal PERS, this section becomes void. 31 July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018
K. Employee Assistance Program Bargaining unit members are included in the District Employee Assistance Program.
Natomas Teachers' Association 