Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Family members also are covered and include spouse and dependent children. Currently, the employee's portion of the cost is approximately $150/month for full coverage for self and family. Part-time regular employees may purchase this coverage for a slightly higher cost.

Life Insurance

The Borough provides $50,000 of life insurance coverage as well as $50,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance. There is limited life insurance for spouse and children; however, additional coverages may be purchased through the Supplemental Benefits System (SBS).

Borough employees enjoy participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Currently, there are 4 tiers in the retirement plan. If hired prior to July 1, 2006, employees are covered under the defined benefit program. If hired after July 1, 2006, employees are covered under a defined contribution plan.

Alaska Supplemental Benefits System   

The Supplemental Benefits System (SBS) is in lieu of Social Security and mandatory also.  An employee contributes at 6.13% of gross wages, matched by the Borough (6.13%), on the present wage base of $106,800. SBS offers various benefit options which are fully explained on their website at www.state.ak.us/drb.  A review of the website, prior to enrollment, is suggested to enable the selection of options most beneficial to the employee. Employees have 30 days from date of hire to enroll in additional SBS benefits.  

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their pre-tax wages to the deferred compensation plan.

Holidays

The Borough recognizes 11 paid holidays per year (plus 1 floating holiday). Regular employees will receive their regular compensation on those days.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Employees' Association (MSBEA)/(APEA/AFT)

Any regular employee covered by the Association agreement shall make application for membership by their 31st day of employment or be required to pay a service fee equal to the mandatory monthly dues.   They will receive a copy of the current Borough/Association Agreement.  To join APEA/AFT there currently is a $100.00 initiation fee and monthly dues of $47.65.  Dues will be withheld from the first two paychecks of each month.  The initiation fee will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck at a rate of $25.00 per paycheck until paid in full.

Personal Leave

Personal leave is accrued at 5.9996 hours per bi-weekly pay period from the date of hire; and is available for use after successful completion of six months of service. Accrual rates are increased incrementally based on years of service.

Unemployment Compensation

All employees, except elected officials, are covered under the Alaska Employment Security Law.  

Federal Medicare

All employees hired after March 31, 1986 are subject tote the hospital insurance (Medicare) tax portion of Social Security. AN employee contributes 1.45% of gross wages, matched by the Borough (1.45%), on gross earnings.

Workers' Compensation

All Borough employees and volunteers are covered under the Alaska Workmen’s’ Compensation Act.   This provides compensation for loss of time and medical cost if the employee suffers accidental injury arising out of and in the course of employment.  Any accident or injury should be reported as soon as possible to the Human Resource Department, and must be reported within 10 days.

Employee Assistance Program

Matanuska-Susitna Borough has an employee assistance program (EAP) now provided by CERIDIAN, offering up to three (3) sessions of counseling, assessment and referral services per problem per year.

Who can use the EAP?
All Borough Employees to include On-call Responders, and their dependents.  

What are some of the typical concerns for which people contact the EAP?
People use the EAP for a wide range of issues, including:

     *Job or work stress
     *Parenting issues
     *Alcohol or durge abuse/dependencies
     *Burnout
     *Marital or relationship problems
     *Anxiety or depression
     *Anger management
     *Coping with change
     *Grief or bereavement
     *Legal and financial concerns

Is the program really confidential?
All EAP records and services are treated with the strictest confidence. The personal information that you share with your counselor is confidential, unless you sign a release of information or if the law requires disclosure. 

When should I contact the EAP?
You may call the EAP any time you need help working out a personal problem. The philosophy of the EAP is that problems are most effectively handled before they become serious. The key is to get assistance as soon as a problem begins affecting your work or personal life.

How much does it cost to use the EAP?
The Borough has pre-paid the cost of this service, so there is no cost to you. In many cases, problems can be resolved within the scope of the assistance provided by the EAP. However, if the situation requires help beyond the scope of the EAP, your counselor will work with you to find an affordable solution. If you use any resources outside of the EAP, you will be responsible for any associated fees. The decision to use outside resources is left up to you. 

Legal and financial resources are a part of your EAP
Your program provides confidential legal and financial consolations services to you and your family. Your legal and financial benefits can help with numerous types of issues (with some exclusions). These services may be accessed by calling the below phone numbers. Legal or financial 30 minute consolations are provided free of charge. If you need additional legal assistance, you may retain an attorney from this program at a discounted rate of 25% of the usual fees. You always have the option to find your own attorney. In addition, the lifeworks.com website has additional legal and financial resources.  

For more information
Representatives are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.