Benefits
Health & Dental Benefits
Bedford Public Schools provides medical insurance to eligible staff through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) ~ GIC Website
Please take this opportunity to think about what you and your family need in terms of health care. Be sure to read the attached Municipal GIC Benefit Decision Guide, or on the GIC Website. Your GIC Benefit Decision Guide is an overview of GIC benefits; it is not a comprehensive plan handbook. There may be other services that you and your family need. Contact each plan to find out details about those benefits.
Health Benefits Rates 2023-2024
*Please note - there is a mandatory GIC Medical 60 (sixty) day waiting period for all new BPS employees*
403b Plan
Employees have the option to participate in a 403b plan.
403b Plan Loans (Approved by SC: 5/24/2022)
Participants may be eligible to borrow their 403(b) plan accumulations depending on the provisions of their 403(b) account contract and provisions of the employer plan. If loans are available, they are generally granted for a term of five years or less (general-purpose loans). Loans taken to purchase a principal residence can extend the term beyond five years depending on the provisions of their 403(b) account contract and provisions of the employer. Details and terms of the loan are established by the provider. Participants must repay their loans
through monthly payments as directed by the provider. Prior to taking a loan, participants should consult a tax advisor.
through monthly payments as directed by the provider. Prior to taking a loan, participants should consult a tax advisor.
LifePlus Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
New benefit offered to Bedford employees.
FY24 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Our FSA plan runs from July 1st through June 30th and are available to all benefits eligible employees (20+ hours per week). The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program allows employees to set aside money out of their paycheck on a pre-tax basis to put towards eligible medical expenses.
You can use your FSA Health Care funds to pay for health insurance deductibles and co-pays with our low deductible HMO plans.You can have a Dependent Care Account regardless of your health insurance plan.You can not have an FSA Health Care account if you are opening an HSA (Health Savings Account).
Health Care: Maximum Annual Health Care Election: $3,050
Eligible expenses and services include: non-cosmetic medical, dental, and vision care services; prescription medications; over-the-counter ‘medicines’ (not vitamins or supplements); orthodontics, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery;mental health services; alternative health therapies
(e.g. chiropractic, acupuncture), and MORE!
(e.g. chiropractic, acupuncture), and MORE!
Dependent Care: Maximum Annual Dep. Care Election: $5,000 per family
For dependent children under age 13, elderly dependents, and dependents with special needs. Eligible expenses include day care, pre-school, before/after school care, day camp, elder day care.
Additional Documents (IRAs, Life Insurance)
- SMART Plan Flyer
- 457 ROTH SMART Plan Flyer
- ICMA Roth 457 Flyer
- Annuity Limits 2020
- Boston Mutual Rates (Life Insurance)
MIIA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP, More Than A Benefit, A Lifeline – Your Employee Assistance Program is a benefit offered by MIIA that is available to you, your household members and dependents offering access to confidential, professional support, 24/7/365. Support and services include:
- Live, Immediate Assistance 24/7 by calling: (800) 451-1834
- Mental Health Counseling
- Organizational Consultation
- Legal/Financial Resources
- Work/Life Resources
- Life Coaching
More information available on their website here.