College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty
Fringe Benefit Programs
Group Health, Life & Disability Insurance
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Office of the Dean
Fringe Benefits
(352) 273-5077
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/fringe-benefits/
College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT
THINGS TO DO!
IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT DEADLINES!
State of Florida and University-Sponsored Benefit Programs
(LIFE, DENTAL, VISION, MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT, PRE-TAX CHILD CARE, ETC.)
If you choose to enroll in these programs, you must do so within 60 days of
your date of hire.
The UF publication Welcome to the Gator Nation provides an overview.
•
hr.ufl.edu/publications/newemployeeguide.pdf
For more detailed information regarding the UF supplemental plans and the
State of Florida supplemental plans, please visit:
•
http://hr.ufl.edu/benefits (UF supplemental benefits)
•
http://www.myflorida.com/MyBenefits/Health/Health.htm (State of
Florida supplemental benefits)
State University System Optional Retirement Program (SUSORP) and College
of Medicine AEF Retirement Programs – 403(b)
These plans are defined contribution plans, in which the university will
contribute a percentage (5.14% on the first $260K of base annual salary). You
are encouraged to enroll within 90 days of your hire date. Enrollees are
immediately vested. Your representative will be able to assist you with
enrollment in both the employer programs and employee 403(b) programs.
You may also choose to enroll in the State of Florida Deferred Compensation
Plan. The 457(b) plan is a non-qualified tax-deferred compensation plan that
works similarly to other retirement plans, such as the 403(b). This plan is
administered by the Florida Bureau of Deferred Compensation.
www.myfloridadeferredcomp.com/SOFweb/index.htm
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/fringe-benefits/
The College of Medicine provides a broad and comprehensive fringe benefit
program to eligible faculty members of the University of Florida. The insurance
programs are designed to protect against the economic effects of total disability,
medical expense and death from accidental or natural causes. The retirement
programs are planned to provide maximum financial security during retirement
years.
Eligibility
Eligible participants for the Group Health, Life and Accidental Death and
Dismemberment programs include the following employees who must be
appointed at .50 FTE or above: Clinical M.D. and Clinical Ph.D. faculty, ranked
Lecturer and above and Associate and Assistant Deans and Vice Presidents as
designated by the Fringe Benefit Committee, the Executive Committee, and the
Dean of the College of Medicine, Visiting clinical M.D. or Ph.D. faculty, ranked
Instructor/Lecturer and above, appointed for one year or more, and receiving
other than OPS salary.
Eligible participants for the Group Disability program include the following
employees who must be appointed at .75 FTE or above: M.D. or Ph.D. faculty
ranked Lecturer and above, appointed in a clinical or basic science department,
Visiting M.D. or Ph.D. faculty ranked Lecturer and above appointed for one year
or more, in a clinical or basic science department and receiving other than OPS
salary.
Leave of Absence
Clinical faculty who have been employed by the College of Medicine for one year
or more may continue all fringe benefit programs during an approved Leave of
Absence, not to exceed one year during an aggregate seven year period.
Approved leave of absences include partial disability, FMLA leave, Extension of
FMLA leave, Educational Venture or Fellowship, with the recommendation and
approval of the Chairman of the Department and signed by the Dean.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
A recommendation letter must be filed with the Office of the Dean. Upon approval,
you will be covered for up to 12 months following the date your approved leave of
absence begins. You may be covered for an additional six months of approved leave
of absence, subject to the approval of the Dean of the College of Medicine and the
insurance provider. Premiums will be paid by the Department.
If you are on any other leave of absence, and if premium is paid, you will be covered
through the end of the month that immediately follows the month in which you have
used all of your accrued leave and vacation time.
If you are on a temporary layoff, and if the premium is paid, you will be covered
through the end of the month that immediately follows the month in which your
temporary layoff begins.
Regardless of your term of employment, if you are on a Leave of Absence due to a
claim of total or partial disability you are eligible to continue your coverage for
Health, Life and Disability until the disability claim is approved* or declined by the
insurer. Premiums will be paid by the department for a period not to exceed six
months.
Reduced FTE Eligibility – Faculty appointed at no less than .75 FTE (30 hours) can
retain health insurance, life insurance and long term disability. Faculty appointed at
.74 FTE and no less than .50 are eligible for the health program; the life insurance
program with a reduced benefit of $100,000; the accidental death &
dismemberment with a reduced benefit of $50,000. The employee is not eligible for
long term disability.
If less than .75 FTE occurs due to partial disability, all benefits can be retained for a
period of 24 months with costs incurred by the department, pending certification of
the disability by the insurer. After the 24 months have occurred, the partially
disabled employee will be eligible for the health plan; the life insurance benefit of
$100,000; and the accidental death benefit of $50,000. When an employee returns
to 1.00 FTE, full benefits will be restored.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
In the case of total disability, benefits will be as follows: The disability insurance will
continue through the payment of benefits (waiver of premium after the elimination
period of 180 days). The life insurance will be continued by waiver of premium, if
approved, ** in the full benefit amount. Health insurance may be continued through
the annual/sick leave, a Leave of Absence and COBRA. An employee may choose to
expend all leave balances and then request a Leave of Absence for one year. At the
end of the Leave of Absence, under COBRA they will have the opportunity to continue
health insurance for a maximum of 29 months. Health insurance will terminate at the
end of annual/sick leave, a Leave of Absence or COBRA. If an employee has
completed ten or more years of continuous service with the College of Medicine
immediately before becoming disabled and was insured as an active employee, he or
she may continue major medical insurance upon full time disability under the Post
Retirement Health Plan. The policy will be the same as that provided for active
employment. When a participant who is disabled becomes eligible for Medicare, the
College group health plan will pay only as secondary carrier. The covered participant
must pay the entire cost of the insurance. (**"If approved" means that a disabled
employee will be approved for a waiver of premium if he meets the requirements of
disability for life insurance, (to meet the requirement an employee may not be
capable of working in any occupation).
Group Health Insurance - Welcome to GatorCare. We are pleased to introduce
GatorCare, a new health insurance plan created with your health and wellness needs
in mind. Designed to promote improved health care access, quality of care and
employee health, GatorCare is a consolidated group health insurance plan available
to eligible employee groups associated with the University of Florida and its
affiliates. GatorCare is a self-insured health plan. Both Florida Blue (formerly Blue
Cross Blue Shield) and Magellan Pharmacy Solutions have partnered with UF to
manage the plan’s administration. Each offer comprehensive provider networks
within Florida and across the U.S. and has extensive experience with the processing
of both medical and pharmacy claims for payment. You may choose between two
plan options: Prime Plus or Premium. For plan details and the schedule of benefits
visit the GatorCare website: http://gatorcare.org
Magellan Pharmacy Solutions - GatorCare has partnered with Magellan Pharmacy
Solutions to provide the highest-quality prescription drug benefit program with
safety and cost savings in mind. This program provides efficient electronic claims
processing, as well as retail and mail order prescription drug services at a reduced
rate through a national pharmacy network. You may speak with a customer service
representative at 800-651-8921.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
FloridaBlue.com is the Online Resource for GatorCare participants. Florida Blue’s
member website is your online resource to know more about your health plan. You
can view benefits, check claims information, access monthly statements, research
general health information and more. To create an online account, go to
www.floridablue.com, click on Login and then Register. You will need your member
number (located on your ID card) and a valid email address.
In all Plan Options, Pre-Certification is required for Inpatient Admissions.
Prescriptions written by an insured for self or any family members will not be
eligible for reimbursement through the prescription drug program or the health
insurance plan.
It is your responsibility to notify the Fringe Benefit office of any changes in your
family status.
C.O.B.R.A. If a covered employee or dependents' medical insurance terminates due
to a Qualifying event (employment termination, work hours reduction, divorce/legal
separation, Medicare entitlement, and maximum age for child), medical insurance
may be continued under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(C.O.B.R.A.). For additional information, contact Fringe Benefits/Gainesville at 352273-5077 or Fringe Benefits/Jacksonville at 904-244-8531. The employee pays
premiums. It is the member's responsibility to contact the Fringe Benefits Office for
change of family status and change of address.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Life Insurance - Level term group life insurance underwritten by The Standard Insurance
Company provides $500,000 of life insurance for all covered employees with an
additional $150,000 in the event of accidental death and dismemberment. A copy of
your Plan Booklet is located on the Fringe Benefit website.
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/fringe-benefits/certificate-booklets/.
Where discrepancies exist, the Master contract will apply. Coverage begins on the first
day of employment. Life insurance premium paid by your employer for coverage over
$50,000 is ordinary income to you. The cost of the group term life insurance coverage of
more than $50,000 will be included in your income.
Disability Insurance -This policy is underwritten by The Standard Insurance Company and
is designed to offset the economic impact brought about by total or partial long-term
disability. The benefits as set forth under this policy will begin after the insured's sixth
month of total or partial disability. The maximum benefit period due to sickness is based
on your age at the time of disability. The monthly income benefit is equal to 60% of the
monthly salary to a maximum of $15,000 per month. There is no offset until benefits
from The Standard, Social Security, Worker's Compensation, the Teacher's Retirement
System or any other group disability compensation exceed 70% of the monthly salary, in
which case The Standard Insurance Company benefit is reduced to a level equal to 70% of
the monthly salary. Cost of Living Adjustment rider is included. A copy of your Plan
Booklet is located on the Fringe Benefit website
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/fringe-benefits/certificate-booklets/
STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PLAN (SUSORP) –
Participation in the ORP is compulsory for all faculty members employed at the Health
Science Center. The SUSORP is a defined contribution plan, in which UF will contribute
5.14% of an employee’s biweekly earnings to a 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity Program.
Enrollment is complete when a contract has been issued by a Provider Company, and
when the proper enrollment forms have been submitted to the Division of Retirement.
Enrollees are immediately vested. Participants may also choose to make voluntary tax
sheltered annuity contributions up to the maximum allowed by current IRS guidelines.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Annual (Vacation) Leave – provided for twelve-month faculty. This leave should
be taken when it is necessary for a faculty member to be absent from assigned
duties and responsibilities for reasons other than for illness. Full time faculty
members on twelve-month appointments accrue annual leave at the rate of
6.769 hours biweekly (roughly 22 days / year). Part time faculty on twelve-month
appointments accrue leave at a rate directly proportional to the percent of time
employed. A maximum of 352 hours (roughly 45 days) of annual leave may be
accumulated. All requests for annual leave should be submitted to the chair or
supervisor as far in advance as possible. Additional information may be obtained
from your department's business manager or administrative assistant. Upon
resignation or retirement, an employee may cash out up to 200 hours of annual
leave.
Sick Leave – Full-time faculty members earn four hours biweekly (roughly 13
days / year) of sick leave. Part time faculty accrue leave at a rate directly
proportional to the percent of time employed. There is no limitation on total
hours to be accrued. Sick leave must be earned before being taken. Additional
information may be obtained from your department's business manager or
administrative assistant. There is no cash out option for sick leave.
December Personal Leave (DPL) – Full time faculty members earn four additional
days of leave which are credited to their account in December of each year. Part
time faculty accrue DPL at a rate directly proportional to the percent of time
employed. These days are typically used between December 26 th – 31st. However,
due to department staffing needs, these days will be available for use until the
end of the current fiscal year (usually June 30th).
Holidays – Full time faculty members are also given up to ten days of holiday
leave. Holidays typically include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, UF Homecoming, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving,
Day After Thanksgiving and Christmas.
More information on both the December Personal Leave and the Holiday
Schedule can be found at http://www.hr.ufl.edu/leave/holidays.asp
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE - Pursuant to Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, the
University of Florida Board of Trustees is exclusively responsible for any civil claims or
actions arising from the acts of its employees and agents. The UF BOT is protected for
such liabilities by the J. Hillis Miller Health Center Self-Insurance Program (UF SIP), a
self-insurance program managed by a governing council created by the Florida Board of
Governors that is chaired by the Sr. Vice President for Health Affairs. As an employee of
the University of Florida (UF), you are personally immune from civil liabilities which may
arise from acts or omissions committed by you in the course of your employment. UF
SIP affords you personal professional liability protection while you act as a Good
Samaritan, while you are involved in community service work, which has been preapproved by your college, or if you are on a job assignment outside of Florida. UF SIP
also provides defense costs for certain licensure investigations by the Department of
Health. If you have questions regarding professional liability, please contact the UF SIP
Director at 352-273-7006 or visit their website at http://www.flbog.sip.ufl.edu/.
Baby Gator Child Development Center at Newell Drive was established as a partnership
with the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health and Health Professions. Faculty and
Housestaff Members whose children are between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years are
eligible for enrollment at reduced tuition rates. Questions or comments about Baby
Gator should be directed to babygator@admin.ufl.edu Phone: 352-273-8000, Fax:
(352) 273-8747. Baby Gator maintains a waiting list for all age groups. Please apply to
the waiting list by visiting the website at www.babygator.ufl.edu. There is a $100.00
application fee that must be paid by either check or money order, after you have
completed the application. Once the application and payment have been received, the
enrollment coordinator will contact you with information regarding the enrollment
process.
Fringe Benefits
Gainesville – 352-273-5077
Jacksonville – 904-244-8531
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Group Term Life & AD&D
The Standard Insurance Company
GROUP TERM LIFE POLICY
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/files/2013/01/Standard-Life-Policy.pdf
Policy Highlights
This coverage provides basic protection for your beneficiary by paying the benefit in the
event of your death. The amount of benefit is based in the amount of coverage that you
have just prior to the date of your death according to provisions of the plan.
Fulltime Faculty (0.75 – 1.0 FTE)
Life Insurance Benefit:
Accidental Death & Dismemberment:
$500,000
$150,000
Part time (0.5 – 0.74 FTE) or Partially Disabled Faculty
Life Insurance Benefit:
Accidental Death & Dismemberment:
$100,000
$ 50,000
Waiver of Premium for totally disabled benefit is included for Life coverage
The amount of Life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 70
and to 50% at age 75.
Coverage terminates at retirement.
Your coverage is Portable. New rates and billing fees will apply.
This is a brief description of your coverage. You should review your Plan Booklet
Certificate for details. Limitations and Exclusions apply as stated in the booklet
Certificate and Master contract.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Standard Travel Assistance Program
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/files/2012/12/The-Standard-Travel-Assistance-Brochure.pdf/
Travel Assistance Program
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Group Long Term Disability
The Standard Insurance Company
GROUP DISABILITY POLICY
Policy Highlights
http://adminaffairs.med.ufl.edu/files/2012/05/Faculty-Group-Long-Term-Disability-Policy.pdf
Disability Income coverage provides benefits to replace a portion of your
lost income if you have an illness or injury and are unable to work.
Monthly Income Benefits help assure financial support that will fill the gap between
expenses and income for an extended period of disability.
Coverage:
Monthly Income Benefits
60% of Basic Monthly Earnings to $15,000/mo
All Sources Benefit
70% between All Sources
Minimum Monthly Income
$100 or 10% of your LTD Benefit before reduction by
Deductible Income, whichever is greater.
Maximum Monthly Benefit
$15,000
Elimination Period
180 Days
Maximum Benefit Duration
Determined by your age when Disability begins.
Definition of Disability
Specialty Own Occupation
Survivor Benefit
3 months of gross monthly benefit
Cost of Living Adjustment ‐ COLA
CPI to 3%; 2nd year for 5 years, Compounded
Return to Work Incentive
24 months
Pre‐Existing Exclusions
No Loss No Gain; 3/12 exclusion
This is a brief description of your coverage.
You should review your Plan Booklet Certificate for details.
Limitations and Exclusions apply as stated in the booklet Certificate and Master contract.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
403(b) and 457 Retirement Programs
State University System Optional Retirement Program (403b Plan)
Employer Contribution – 5.14% on first $260,000 of salary
Employee Contribution (Mandatory; See below) – 3.00% on first $260,000 of salary (Pre-tax)
Optional Employee Contributions – Under 50 years old - $18,000 for 2015 calendar year
Optional Employee Contributions – 50+ years old - $24,000 for 2015 calendar year
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
No Employer Contribution
Optional Employee Contributions – Under 50 years old - $18,000 for 2015 calendar year
Optional Employee Contributions – 50+ years old - $24,000 for 2015 calendar year
** Employees Can Participate in Both the 403(b) and 457 plans**
2011 Retirement Legislation for 403(b) Plans
A summary of the 2011 Retirement Legislation is now available on the Division of Retirement’s
web site, https://www.rol.frs.state.fl.us/forms/Legislation_2011.pdf
The effective date of the changes provided below is July 1, 2011.
All employees—except employees enrolled in DROP prior to July 1, 2011, or classified as
reemployed retirees—will be required to contribute 3% of their gross eligible earnings to their
respective retirement plans. This includes those employees in the Optional Retirement Program
(ORP).
For example, an employee with an annual salary of $40,000 will contribute $1,200 annually
toward his or her retirement plan. The 3% mandatory employee contribution is tax-deferred but
will not be included in the yearly maximum elective deferral limits established by the IRS.
Questions may be referred to:
Lisa Hodges, Assistant Director for University Benefits
(352) 392-2477 or benefits@ufl.edu.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
403B Retirement Program
State of Florida Optional Retirement Program
Employer Contributions
Your department will make employer contributions to the Optional
Retirement Program.
Please meet with an ORP annuity representative to enroll in this program.
•
Voya Financial Advisors (Formerly ING)
Deborah James, debbi@gaboragency.com, 352-538-0106
Russell Renner, Russell.Renner@gaboragency.com, 352-278-4250
John E. McAvoy, jmcavoy@gaboragency.com, 352-372-1802, cell 352-215-1676
•
MetLife Resources
Josh Fischer, jjfischer@metlife.com, 352-371-7638
•
TIAA CREF
Ben Tyson, Benjamin.Tyson@tiaa-cref.org, 352-316-6475
Howard Reiff, hreiff@tiaa-cref.org, 877-267-4510
Barbara Vaught, Bvaught@tiaa-cref.org, 407-335-9608
•
VALIC
Shawn Bennett, shawn.bennett@valic.com , 352-514-1001
Owen Brock, Owen.brock@valic.com, 352-262-5863
Bascom Kurtz, bascom.kurtz@valic.com, 904-716-1407 or 904-244-8160
For additional information please call UF Benefits at 352-392-2477.
All contributions are subject to IRS guidelines.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
403B Retirement Program
State of Florida Optional Retirement Program
Employee Contributions
You must contact a participating company representative to set up your account.
Contributions are made by payroll deduction and are subject to IRS guidelines .
•
Fidelity Investments
Brian Biehn, Brian.Biehn@fmr.com, 561-516-2004
•
Voya Financial Advisors (Formerly ING)
Deborah James, debbi@gaboragency.com, 352-538-0106
Russell Renner, Russell.Renner@gaboragency.com, 352-278-4250
John E. McAvoy, jmcavoy@gaboragency.com, 352-372-1802, cell 352-215-1676
•
MetLife Resources
Josh Fischer, jjfischer@metlife.com, 352-371-7638
•
TIAA CREF
Ben Tyson, Benjamin.Tyson@tiaa-cref.org, 352-316-6475
Howard Reiff, hreiff@tiaa-cref.org, 877-267-4510
Barbara Vaught, Bvaught@tiaa-cref.org, 407-335-9608
•
VALIC
Shawn Bennett, shawn.bennett@valic.com , 352-514-1001
Owen Brock, Owen.brock@valic.com, 352-262-5863
Bascom Kurtz, bascom.kurtz@valic.com, 904-716-1407 or 904-244-8160
For additional information please call UF Benefits at 352-392-2477.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
College of Medicine Retirement Program
• The College of Medicine is creates two employment/salary records for most clinical faculty. While
total salary will not change and faculty will continue to receive one paycheck from UF, salary will
be split between the two salary records. The first salary record will be linked to the state of
Florida’s Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and, for full-time faculty, will have a salary of
$26,000. For part-time faculty, the first salary record will be pro-rated based on FTE.
• The second salary record will be linked to the College of Medicine’s local retirement program and
will have a salary equal to the remainder of current total UF salary.
• Because UF will need to know where to deposit employer-paid retirement contributions
associated with the newly established second employment/salary record, faculty members
impacted by this change will need to contact one of the College of Medicine’s local retirement
program vendors.
• The majority of clinical faculty members currently participate in the ORP and should already have
an established relationship with one of the participating vendors. A faculty member may elect to
use the same vendor for both the ORP and AEF retirement plans; however, there is an option for
selecting a different vendor when enrolling in the College of Medicine’s local retirement
program. The vendor representative will assist with completing a “Vendor Selection Form,”
which is the enrollment document that authorizes UF to remit employer-paid retirement
contributions to the vendor selected. Until a completed “Vendor Selection Form” is signed by
the annuity representative and submitted to UF, employer-paid retirement contributions will be
remitted to a holding account.
• If a faculty member is currently making voluntary contributions to the ORP, the reduction of
salary associated with the ORP account to $26,000 will impact the amount of annual voluntary
contributions. Faculty members are advised to review voluntary contribution amounts with the
retirement vendor to ensure contributions at the desired amount within the IRS limits. To
provide an additional means to save for retirement, UF continues to offer a separate voluntary
403(b) plan. The same vendors are available in the voluntary UF 403(b) plan.
• For additional information or assistance, please contact the company representatives at the
numbers shown below or call the College of Medicine Fringe Benefits at (352) 273-5077.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
457 Deferred Comp Plan (employee only)
State of Florida 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
www.hr.ufl.edu/retirement/voluntary/annuities.asp
Another savings option is the Deferred Compensation Plan.
It is a participant-directed plan pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 457.
You can enroll with a minimum of $10 every bi-weekly pay period. The maximum amount of
salary that you can defer into the Plan is the lesser of 80% of your compensation or $18,000
in 2015. If you are age 50 or older, you may participate in the “50+ Catch-up” provision.
This allows a participant to contribute $6,000 over the maximum in 2015 for a total of
$24,000.
To enroll, contact one of the six approved 457 providers:
https://www.myfloridadeferredcomp.com/SOFweb/providors.htm
VALIC
1-888-568-2542
www.VALIC.com/floridadcp
Charles Schwab
1-888-393-7272
www.schwab.com
Great West
1-800-444-9412
www.florida457.com
Voya (Formerly ING) 1-800-282-6295
www.ingretirementplans.com/custom/fl457
Nationwide
1-800-949-4457
www.nrsflorida.com
T. Rowe Price
1-800-893-0269
www.rps.troweprice.com
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Professional Liability Insurance Information
University of Florida JHMHC Self-Insurance Program
Q. What is the University of Florida JHMHC Self-Insurance Program (UF SIP)?
A. UF SIP is a self insurance program created by the Board of Governors of the State of Florida (FBOG)
(as the ultimate successor to the Florida Board of Regents) as authorized by §1004.24, F.S., and Rule
6C-10.001, F.A.C. It provides comprehensive general liability protection, including professional liability,
for the UF Board of Trustees and the faculty, housestaff, other employees, agents and students of the
UF Health Science Center. UF SIP also provides Professional Liability protection to Shands Teaching
Hospital and Clinics, Inc., and its community hospitals in the Shands HealthCare System, and such
protection extends to its employees. UF SIP is governed by a Council created by FBOG that is chaired
by the Vice President for Health Affairs. UF SIP has offices at the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses.
In addition to the UF SIP, FBOG has established the University of Florida Healthcare Education
Insurance Company (UF HEIC), a captive insurance company that is wholly owned by FBOG and is
domiciled in the State of Vermont. UF HEIC provides coverage for losses that exceed the protection
provided by UF SIP.
Q. Do I have to apply for coverage?
A. No, coverage will apply upon your employment by the University or Shands, however, you may be
asked by UF SIP to periodically answer questionnaires about your clinical practice for rating purposes
only.
Q. I am an employee of Shands HealthCare. How am I covered for professional liability claims?
A. Shands HealthCare participates in and is afforded professional liability protection by the UF SIP as is
authorized by §1004.24 and §1004.41, F.S. Professional liability protection is provided to Shands
HealthCare (all hospitals in its multi-hospital system) and to its professional health care employees in
the amount of $2,000,000 per claim, with no annual aggregate. The described coverage applies to
employees only when acting within the course and scope of Shands assigned responsibilities. Coverage
shall extend to duly authorized off-campus assignments.
Q. I am a University of Florida Health Science Center clinical faculty member. How am I covered for
professional liability claims, and how am I protected by §768.28, F.S.?
A. All HSC faculty members, housestaff, other employees and students are provided personal
protection for general and professional liability claims that arise from their UF HSC function. This
protection is provided by either §768.28(9), F.S., or by the University of Florida JHMHC Self-Insurance
Program. The State of Florida, for itself and its political subdivisions, such as the University of Florida
Board of Trustees (UFBOT), has waived its governmental immunity for tort claims arising from the acts
of their employees and agents occurring within the State’s jurisdiction. Employees and agents are
subject to a personal immunity for any such claims. §768.28(9) F.S., states in part: “No officer,
employee, or agent of the state or any of its subdivisions shall be held personally liable in tort or
named as a party defendant in any action for any injury or damage suffered as a result of any act,
event, or omission of action in the scope of her or his employment or function, unless such officer,
employee, or agent acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and
willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property.”
The described coverage applies to employees only when acting within the course and scope of
University of Florida assigned responsibilities. Coverage shall extend to duly authorized off-campus
assignments.
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College of Medicine
Clinical Faculty Fringe Benefit Programs
Professional Liability Insurance Information
University of Florida JHMHC Self-Insurance Program
Q. How much personal coverage do I have?
A. UF and Shands employees have $2,000,000 per claim primary coverage and excess coverage, provided by
UF HEIC, with shared per-claim limits of not less than $10,000,000. You have $500,000 per claim coverage for
your acts as a Good Samaritan or when you engage in approved community service activities. A note of
caution: coverage for community service activities is subject to pre-approval in writing by your department
chair and the Dean of your college for UF staff, and the Hospital CEO for Shands employees, and by the UF SIP
Director. Students of UF HSC colleges are covered for $200,000 per claim with higher limits under some
circumstances.
Q. When does my coverage begin? Do I need tail coverage when I leave?
A. Coverage begins on the date of your UF or Shands employment and ends on the date your employment
ends. The protection afforded by UF SIP is “occurrence based” and will remain in effect for claims and actions
that arise from incidents that have occurred during the term of your employment even if they are asserted
after your termination date. Students of UF HSC colleges are covered for all clinical rotations and electives
that are officially approved as part of the student’s UF curriculum.
Q. Do I need approval for outside employment or self-employment outside my UF practice?
A. All faculty, both part time and full time, who desire to engage in outside employment or self-employment
of any nature must obtain pre-approval of the specific activity. The faculty member must fill out the University
form to make the request; the form is located at www.generalcounsel.ufl.edu/downloads/
Appendices/appendixB1.pdf. Housestaff must obtain pre-approval for non-programmatic clinical activities.
Requests for continuing outside activities must be resubmitted at the end of each UF fiscal year. Florida state
laws and rules, as well as University regulations govern what activities may or may not be approved. (A
summary of some of these laws can be found at www.generalcounsel.ufl.edu/downloads/ COI.pdf.) In most
instances, faculty members will not be permitted to practice medicine (treat patients) while employed by an
entity other than UF. Specific questions may be addressed to the UF Associate General Counsel based at the
Health Science Center (telephone 352-273-6836).
The Insurance Services Division is located at the Gainesville office.
Insurance Services Contact Information:
Questions regarding insurance coverage should be directed to the administrative offices of UF SIP.
Requests for proof of insurance coverage and/or requests for individual claim history information should be
directed to the administrative offices of UF SIP, Attention of Insurance Services.
Health Science Center Self-Insurance Program
Insurance Services Division
PO Box 112735
Gainesville, Florida 32611-2735
Tel: (352)
Health Science Center/Jacksonville Self-Insurance Program
580 W. 8th Street, Box T-35
Jacksonville, Florida 32209-6511
Tel.: (904) 244-9070 Fax: (904) 244-9081
273-7006 Fax: (352) 273-7287
The information in this document is intended only for general information. This information is not fully
descriptive of the terms and conditions of the protections afforded by either UF SIP or UF HEIC, nor shall it
be construed as extending coverage for specific activities.
Website: www.flbog.sip.ufl.edu e-mail: rmeduc@shands.ufl.edu
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