401(k)
This tax-deferred savings program is available to employees upon hire. Employees may contribute 1 to 75 percent of pay and are vested on the date of enrollment. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana matches 100% of the first 3% of pay you contribute and 50% of the next 2% of your pre-tax contribution.
Annual Retirement Contribution
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana employees who were hired, or rehired, on or after January 1, 2005, and who have 1,000 hours of service in a calendar year are eligible to receive an Annual Retirement Contribution (ARC), in addition to the basic benefits available through the tax-Favored Savings program.
Employees are vested in the ARC after three years (effective January 1, 2008) of service.
Flexible Spending Accounts
This plan allows payment of health plan premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and dependent-care expenses with pre-tax dollars through payroll deductions. Participating employees choose the amount they wish to contribute to each flexible spending account.
Health Coverage
Employees are covered under this program on the first day of employment.
Life Insurance
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana provides a group term life policy for each employee at no cost to the employee. Employees are eligible for coverage on the first of the month following the date of hire. Additional employee paid life insurance options are also available.
Long-Term Care
This benefit is optional and paid by the employee.
Earned Personal Time (EPT)
New employees receive 17 days (136 hours) per year of earned personal time based on a bi-weekly accrual. This increases with additional years of service.
Employee Assistance
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana offers one to four confidential counseling sessions for employees and their families at no cost.
Long-Term Disability
Employees are covered by the program after one year of service and may qualify after being disabled for five calendar months.
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Short-Term Disability is used when an employee is unable to work due to his/her illness. A full-time employee accrues four hours of STD every pay period.
Tuition Reimbursement Full-time employees may request tuition reimbursement after completing one year of service. Accredited courses are pre-approved and reimbursement is at 80 percent up to a maximum of $3,500 per calendar year. Courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
