Benefits
General info about Benefits | Six Options for Benefits | Outsourcing Human Resources

General info about Benefits:

• Benefits are a tool in a tough job market.
• A general eligibility requirement is that libraries must have a minimum of 2 full-time employees (figured at 20 hours / week) and that only those full time employees are eligible for the plan.
• Five most important elements:
  1.      Copay
  2.      Drug card
  3.      Hospital charge
  4.      Network
  5.      Rate
• $20 is currently the average co-pay. In general, a higher copay results in a lower rate.
• Vision coverage is usually not bought separately, but may be included in medical plans.
• Some carriers will also let library trustees buy into the plan.
• Make sure it provides the coverage where you want to use it, whether that is a neighboring state or the list of doctors.
• Board could control their costs by offering to pay all or part of premium for employees, employee pays for family members. Approach board with “any money would be appreciated for this”.

Six Options for Benefits:

1. A Broker can offer you a sampling of carriers:

For example: ROSE AND KIERNAN, INC (formerly The Daniels Agency). Contact Robert Ranieri Jr., 845-471-2113 x4151, E-mail to:rranieri@rkinsurance.com. This is a full insurance broker for a number of insurance plans, at no additional charge over the premiums. (Brokerage fees are paid directly by the insurance companies.) Rob presented a Benefits Workshop at MHLS on 5/17/01.

2. Call http://quotesmith.com/

3. Contact the insurance carrier directly

4. Libraries with 501C3: http://www.councilservicesplus.com/what.htm

5. Healthy New York for Small Businesses

6. Municipal public libraries should be eligable for benefits under their town government.

Outsourcing Human Resources & all employee benefits:

For example with Staff-Line, Inc. Contact John White, 845-471-1200 x357, E-mail to:johnw@eastaffing.com. Staff-Line, Inc. is a full-service "Professional Employer Organization," offering complete personnel services to small and medium-sized companies, including:

• All payroll preparation and payment, including withholding and tax reporting
• Federal and state unemployment reporting and claims processing
• Workers’ compensation and disability reporting and claims processing
• All employee benefits record keeping and tracking
• Risk management, including workplace safety programs and compliance assistance

Updated September 2005