Eligibility & Rates - Research Associates & PostDocs

Eligibility

• Benefits eligibility begins with an initial contract of at least nine (9) months and a FTE of 50%.
• Research Associates and Postdocs with a 50% FTE to 99% FTE are eligible for part-time medical, dental and vision insurance rates.
• If you obtain a J1 Visa, Mines currently offers one medical plan that meets the required eligibility.  Please refer to the FAQ page for more specifics.

Effective Date of Coverage

• Date of hire or 1st of the month following your nine-month anniversary.

Termination of Coverage

• Benefits will remain active through the last day of the month in which you separate from Mines or experience a loss of eligibility.  Following the separation or loss of coverage, a COBRA notice will be issued to you. You will receive this via post mail, and it will have an effective date of the 1st of the month following the separation/loss of coverage. If you choose to elect COBRA, you will then work with the COBRA administrator directly.

Cost

• Rate Information can be found here.
• Research Associates and Postdocs with a 100% FTE receive fully paid medical and dental coverage by Mines.
• Premiums are deducted monthly and catch-up payments may be required depending on time of enrollment and processing of payroll.

Healthcare Cost Share (Effective 7/1/26)

• Employees with a 100% FTE will participate in cost sharing for medical and dental coverage, as outlined in the charts below.
• Employees with a 50% FTE to 99% FTE currently pay part-time medical, dental and vision insurance rates.
• The table below has been prepared using the total premiums by plan and tier based on calendar year 2025. 
• Premiums are released in October every year.  Exact 2026 rates will be announced October 2025. 
• It is projected that premiums in 2026 will be about 6% greater than the numbers listed below.
• The employee-paid percentage of premiums will remain constant for calendar years 2027 and 2028 for healthcare.
• Premiums are deducted either monthly or semi-monthly,  and catch-up payments may be required depending on time of enrollment and processing of payroll.
• Read the December 2024 email communication about the healthcare cost share.