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New Hire Benefits Information

On this new hire benefit page, you will find valuable information and resources to help you make an informed decision when it comes to benefits for you and your family. Medical coverage begins on your start date, and once you make your selection, information will be back-dated to reflect that.

Important — Benefit selection deadlines are based on your hire date. Please note all the deadlines on this page to make sure your benefits are selected in time.

The information in the tabs below will address common questions from new employees, as well as highlight the forms you must complete for each type of insurance, and the deadline for completing those forms. 

Note: If you enrolled in your benefits online already, you do not need to complete the forms marked with an asterisk (**).

How much will I pay for health insurance?

Kent State health insurance premiums are deducted from your paycheck twice monthly. The cost of these premiums is determined by your salary, the number of pays you’ll receive annually, and whether you are selecting single or family coverage.

Below is the contribution table, where you can see what you should expect to pay in monthly premiums, based on which Medical Mutual plan you choose.

2025 CONTRIBUTION TABLE (PDF)

Other costs, such as deductibles and out of pocket, will be determined based on the Medical Mutual plan you select. Medical Mutual offers a PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

2025 MEDICAL PLANS COMPARISON CHART - FACULTY (PDF)

2025 MEDICAL PLANS COMPARISON CHART - STAFF (PDF)

What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts?

What is the difference between HSA and FSA accounts?

ConsiderationHSA (Health Savings Account)FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
Eligibility

Must enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan

Cannot contribute to an HSA if enrolled in Medicare

No requirements
Contribution Limit

$4,300 single or $8,550 family (2025)

*amounts include an employer contribution

Medical FSA:    $3,300 single or family (2025)

Dependent Care FSA ("daycare"):   $5,000

Change ContributionsAnytime throughout the yearOnly during open enrollment or life status change
RolloverUnused balances roll over

Use it or lose it. Funds must be used by March 15 of the following year unless separating from the university. If separating, must be used within 30 days.

NOTE: You must re-enroll each year.

TaxesPre-tax deductionPre-tax deduction
How can I enroll my dependents?

If you have dependents to be added to your elections, you must submit a Dependent Verification Form (PDF) along with supporting documentation.  If adding a spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate is needed and if adding a child, a copy of the birth certificate(s) is needed.  If you are adding a domestic partner, you must complete the application for Domestic Partner.

Glossary of Insurance Terms

Feeling overwhelmed? Medical Mutual has created this handy glossary of insurance terms for your convenience:

Glossary of Insurance Terminology

Do I HAVE to sign up for insurance with Kent State?

No, you do not have to enroll in coverage at Kent State. However, you must fill out the Opt-Out Affidavit. If you opt-out of insurance, and provide evidence of other coverage, you can receive a $100 monthly opt-out incentive. Or, you can refuse medical coverage and waive the opt-out incentive.

Additional New Hire Resources

Once you've looked over your health coverage and other medical benefits, check out some of the additional benefits available to you as a Kent State employee:

Forms, Deadlines and More

Health Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
Life Insurance
Retirement
Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Fee

Opting into medical insurance includes the following forms of coverage:

Relevant Forms

FormWhat is it?Is it required?Due Date
New Hire Portal Instructions (PDF)Use the Portal Instructions to set up your Benefits portal. From there, select/enroll in your medical (which includes prescription and vision coverage) and dental insurance.YES31 Days after your hire date
Opt-Out Affidavit (PDF)Use this form if you would like to opt out of insurance provided by Kent State. Note, you will need to provide evidence of alternative coverage.Optional31 Days after your hire date
Domestic Partner Affidavit (PDF) and supplemental documentation (if applicable)If you have a domestic partnership and would like to cover your partner, use this form and guidelines.Optional31 Days after your hire date
COBRA Acknowledgement Form (PDF)This is an acknowledgment that if you leave the university, COBRA information will automatically be offered to you. This form does not automatically sign you up for COBRA.YES31 Days after your hire date

 

If you select the PPO medical insurance plan option, you can register for a Flexible Spending Account.

Relevant Forms

Form

What is it?

Is it required?

Due Date

**Flexible Spending Account Form Contact the Benefits office at benefits@kent.edu for this form.

Fill out this form to set up your contributions to your Flexible Spending Account.

 Optional

31 Days after your hire date

 

Kent State partners with Securian Financial (Minnesota Life) for life insurance policies and some optional benefits like accidental death & dismemberment and group term supplemental life insurance.

We also partner with Unum for long-term disability insurance.

Relevant Forms

Form

What is it?

Is it required?

Due Date

Life Insurance Beneficiary Form (PDF)

Use this form to designate beneficiaries of your life insurance policy.

 YES

31 Days after your hire date

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Enrollment Form (PDF)

Use this form if you would like to opt into Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.

Optional

31 Days after your hire date 

Supplemental Life Insurance Enrollment Form (PDF)

Use this form if you would like to opt into additional life insurance, beyond what you will already get through Kent State.

Optional

31 Days after your hire date 

Voluntary Group Long-Term Disability Enrollment (PDF)

Use this form if you would like to opt into long-term disability coverage.

Optional

31 Days after your hire date 

 

Full-time classified and unclassified employees may elect to participate in either the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP). 

Full-time faculty members may elect to participate in either the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) or an ARP. 

Part-time classified and unclassified employees must participate in OPERS and part-time faculty must participate in STRS. 

Relevant Links

Form

What is it?

Is it required?

Due Date

Retirement Plan Election Form (PDF)

Use this form to select your retirement plan. You will use this form for selecting OPERS/STRS and ARP.

 YES

120 Days after your hire date

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403b and 457b)

Click this link to explore supplemental retirement plans through Kent State's recommended vendors. 

Optional

Anytime

 

A working spouse fee/domestic partner fee will be applied each pay for employees providing medical coverage to a spouse or domestic partner who is employed full-time, eligible for group health care coverage through their employer and elects not to enroll.

You might be eligible to waive that fee if your spouse/domestic partner is:

  • Part-time employed
  • Retired
  • Enrolled in Medicare
  • Self-employed/unemployed
  • Employed in a benefits-eligible position at Kent State University
  • Employed, but does not qualify for or is not offered group health insurance 
  • Employed, but in a non-Kent State medical plan as primary coverage, utilizing Kent State for secondary coverage

Relevant Forms

FormWhat is it?Is it required?Due Date
Affidavit of Working Spouse/Domestic Partner Insurance Status (PDF)Use this form to declare the employment and insurance status of your spouse/domestic partner.  YES31 Days after your hire date

 

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