Benefits FAQs
Find answers to common questions related to your benefits and open enrollment.
Enrolling and Making Changes
Who is eligible for benefits through Tufts University?
The following categories qualify you as benefits eligible:
- Staff: Regularly scheduled to work at least 17.5 hours a week for a minimum 90-day period
- Faculty: Half-time or more with an appointment of at least two semesters (as determined by the academic department)
- Postdoctoral Scholars: Work at least 17.5 hours per week*
- International Employees: Expatriates or locally hired non-US nationals who work abroad for a period of at least 180 days (6 months) in a consecutive 12-month period
- Eligible Dependents: Legal spouses, domestic partners, dependent children up to age 26
*Note that some benefits require additional qualifications such as a social security number.
ACA-Eligible Employees
Some Tufts faculty and staff are eligible to receive health benefits through the Affordable Care Act. To be eligible through the ACA, employees work 130+ hours per month over a 12-month period and are not otherwise eligible for health coverage through Tufts University.
Before an eligible employee is offered ACA benefits, there is a 12-month measurement period that begins on the first of the month after the date of hire, followed by a 30-day administrative assessment period. After that, Tufts has a 30-day period to offer the election to an eligible employee. By November 30 of each year thereafter, the university will evaluate the data based on the hours each employee works and notify the employee that he or she continues to be an ACA-eligible employee for health coverage for the next calendar year.
How do I enroll in or change my benefits?
To change your benefits, log on to eServe, Tufts’ online portal for personalized payroll and benefits information. For your security, you must be enrolled in two-factor authentication to log onto eServe. Enrolling is simple and should take less than 15 minutes provided that you have all the required information. Be sure that you either "enroll" or "waive" and do not leave any benefit plan choices blank.
How can I find my username and password for eServe?
Use the same username and password that you use to log in to your Tufts email account. If you forgot them or need to reset your password, contact Tufts Technology Services 24/7 at 617-627-3376 or by email at it@tufts.edu.
Can I enroll on my personal computer at home?
Yes. You can enroll in benefits from any computer with internet access.
What if I don’t have access to a computer?
If you need assistance contact Tufts Support Services at 617-627-7000, to see what resource options are available.
Can I change my benefits at any time?
It depends. You can only enroll in or change your core benefits within 30 days of your first day of benefits eligible employment. After that, you can only enroll in or change your core benefits within 31 days of a qualifying life event, or during annual Open Enrollment. Core benefits include:
- Health Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care or Dependent Care)
- Life Insurance (including Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance)
- Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Legal Services
Do I have access to other benefits?
You can use, change, or discontinue the following benefits any time throughout the year:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness and Weight Watchers Reimbursement
- Occupational Health Services
- Retirement Savings Plan (university and self-funded options)
- Home and Auto Insurance
- Bright Horizons Childcare
- Nurtury
- Care.com Child and Elder Care
- Commuter Benefits
- Pet Insurance
- Real Estate Advantage Program
How can I find out which doctors and hospitals participate in Blue Cross Blue Shield?
You can look up participating health care providers by visiting bluecrossma.org.
How can I find out which dentists participate in the university dental plan?
Delta Dental provides a tool to look up dental providers in your area. Select Delta Dental Premier as your coverage type.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my benefits?
Start with the benefit plan vendor. The Benefits Directory provides contact information. If you still need assistance, contact Tufts Support Services.
Open Enrollment
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the period each year when you can make changes to the benefits you are eligible for through Tufts University.
Can I make corrections to my Open Enrollment elections after submitting them?
Yes - as long as you make them before Open Enrollment ends. Log onto eServe and make any changes you wish. Remember to print your updated Open Enrollment confirmation statement once you have made your changes.
What if I want to keep the benefits I have?
You must enroll in flexible savings accounts (health care or dependent care) every year to continue that benefit.
Your other benefits will continue unless you change them. It's a good idea, however, to review your benefits every year to make sure you have selected the best options for you and your family.
Provided by Human Resources