Benefits

STIPENDS
The stipend schedule in effect for the 2012-13 academic year is as follows:

PGY-1 $52,501 PGY-2 $54,600 PGY-3 $57,200

PGY-4 $59,485 PGY-5 $62,300

PAYROLL: 
Each bi-weekly stipend check represents 1/26 of the annual stipend rate.

LICENSURE: 
Bassett pays initial and subsequent New York State Licensing fees (cost $735) for all eligible PGY 2 House Officers and beyond during their training at Bassett.

PRIMARY CARE DEBT FORGIVENESS:
To promote careers in Primary Care, Bassett offers financial assistance to those residents who demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Primary Care Debt Reduction Committee a commitment to developing a career in Primary Care Medicine.  This includes all residents in the Columbia/Bassett residency track not electing future subspecialty training.  Residents in the Categorical Internal Medicine Program may be eligible for inclusion to this program.  This benefit is subject to the judgement and satisfaction of requirements set forth by the program committtee.

This program is designed to reduce the debt principal of the participating resident on medical education in the United States.  Our intent is to enable selection of a career in Primary Care unencumbered by massive debt, as has been expressed by the Federal and New York State government as a societal need.

The payment is capped at $10,000 per year for residents having debt in excess of $30,000; and awards are graduated downward for residents with lesser debt.

Upon satisfactory completion of each clinical year, payments are made directly to the resident to be applied to the debt principal.  Payments constitute taxable income.  Due to the unique structure of each resident's debt, applicants are urged to make specific inquiries prior to commitment through the match.  Residents are also eligible to participate in a Primary Care Loan Forgiveness Program administered by New York State.

EDUCATIONAL ALLOWANCES:
Bassett provides seven days per academic year for PGY2-5 residents for education leave including travel.  PGY-1 residents will receive an educational allowance of $500 per academic year to purchase medical textbooks, medical jounal subscriptions, medical applications software, compatible with any handheld device and medical society dues.  PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents will be allowed up to $1,250 per academic year for educational expenses, while PGY-4 and PGY-5 residents are allowed $1,750 per academic year for educational expenses.  All educational travel must be of value and related to the training program and approved by the appropriate Program Director.  Other educational travel may be approved on an individual basis by the appropriate Program Director or Director of Medical Education. 

MOVING ALLOWANCE:  Residents moving to Cooperstown for the first time will receive a gross payroll check in the amount of $650.  Individual check amounts will vary based on tax withholdings.

TRAVEL LIFE INSURANCE:
The policy covers residents for $100,000 when traveling on business.

TEXT PROCESSING: 
This service assists residents with manuscripts, employment/fellowship search letters and cirriculum vitae.

PHOTO/AUDIO-VISUAL SERVICES:
Photo/Audio-Visual services are available to residents, at no cost, for presentations within the educational program.

PHOTOCOPYING:
Unlimted photocopying for professional needs is available.

VACATION:

• Three (3) periods consisting of seven consecutive days each, per academic year.
• All time should be used by June 15th of the academic year. At the Program Director’s discretion, time may be used after this date if it is scheduled by October 1st of the academic year. Time not used by the end of the academic year will be forfeited unless inability to use time is due to denial by the Program Director.
• For PGY-1s, vacations are pre-scheduled prior to the start of the academic year. For PGY-2s and above, pre-scheduling is at the discretion of the Program Director.   It is desired that all vacation time be scheduled by October 1st of the academic year.
• Five (5) additional personal days per academic year will be allowed informally after advance arrangements have been made with the Program Director and Attending in charge of the resident’s service. Personal days must be scheduled by May 15th.  After this date, scheduling is at the Program Director’s discretion.  Days not used by the end of the academic year are forfeited.

HOLIDAYS:
Bassett observes six calendar holidays per year, which will have a variable effect upon the House Staff depending on requirements of the service requirements.  .

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY:
Bassett provides full coverage for hospital professional liability.
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BENEFLEX – a program of choices
Residents are eligible to join BeneFlex, Bassett's flexible benefits plan.  With BeneFlex, residents choose the type of benefit package that best meets the needs of their family situation and lifestyle.  Bassett allocates benefit credits (dollars) in order to "buy" the required basic levels of protection - individual medical insurance (unless the resident has coverage elsewhere), life insurance, accidental death/dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance.  Higher levels of coverage in these benefit areas or the addition of dental insurance, pharmacy plan, vision care and personal spending accounts is entirely optional and paid for through payroll deduction.  If benefit credits (dollars) are left over after all elections have been made, these may be converted into taxable pay.

Medical Plan - BeneFlex offers four medical plans, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utica-Watertown.  The Bassett Plus HMO15, Bassett Plus HMO 20 and Bassett Plus 20 Lower Cost Plan are Bassett in-network plans requiring the selection of a Primary Care Provider.  The Bassett Plus HMO 15 pays most charges in full after a $15 Visit Fee.  The Bassett Plus HMO 20 is designed for individuals who feel they will need less medical care throughout the year, with a $20 Visit Fee and $250 Inpatient Admission Deductable.  The Bassett Plus 20 Lower Cost Plan has higher out-of-pocket expenses.  The Bassett Plus EPO provides benefits both within and outside the Bassett network and provides greater flexibility in your choice of providers.

Dental Plan – Two dental plans are available under BeneFlex.  Dental plans are optional and Bassett pays a portion of the cost.

Comprehensive
Covers 100% of two routine visits per year (check up, cleaning, x-rays)
After you have met your annual deductible the plan will cover:
-- 80% of Basic care (fillings, root canals, extractions, oral surgery, periodontal)
-- Provides coverage for major dental work; ie, prosthetics, crowns, bridges and dentures at 60%
-- Orthodontia coverage at 50% to a maximum of $3000 (lifetime maximum)

Preventive
-- Covers 100% of two routine visits per year (check up, cleaning, x-rays)
-- Covers 60% of basic care (fillings, root canals, extractions, oral surgery, periodontal) after an
    annual deductible

Pharmacy Plan – The optional Pharmacy Plan provides 60% coverage of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies.  You may enroll in the Pharmacy Plan even if you elect to not have Medical Benefits.  All Bassett employees are also entitled to a 10% discount at our Bassett Pharmacy.

Personal Spending Accounts
Residents may use the PSA Plan to gain Federal, State, and Social Security tax advantagees on eligible health care and dependent care expenses.  The Plan requires a voluntary salary reduction in return for tax-free benefits checks.  Residents may claim up to $5,000 of qualified medical PSA expenses and child care/elder care expenses, in a calendar year. 

Long Term Disability – To ensure that income continues should a House Officer become disabled.  Long Term Disability provides income replacement if you become ill or injured and unable to work beyond a six-month total disability period.  Benefits are payable for as long as your doctor and the plan administrator agree that you are unable to work.

Group Life Insurance and AD&D– Term life insurance and AD&D are provided at no cost in an amount equal to one's annual salary and includes double indemnity for accidental death and dismemberment.  Residents may also choose additional optional life and AD&D insurance for one, two, or three times salary.

Voluntary Benefits through Payroll Deduction – There are several voluntary benefits that are also made available through the convenience of payroll deduction. For example, through a single vendor employees can sign up for auto insurance, homeowner’s and renters insurance. Voluntary Short Term Disability and Cancer Care coverage (AFLAC) are also available through payroll deduction along with Voluntary Dependent Life Insurance through Allstate, and coverage for certain legal expenses through Prepaid Legal, Inc.

DISCOUNT PLANS:

• Bassett provides a host of discounts through the following organizations. These programs offer significant discounts and services that are specially packaged and customized for you.
• Cooperstown Campus Cafeterias 10% discount on all purchases
• Workplace Energy Program with Mirabito Offers Bassett employees discounts on gasoline, home heating oil, propane and kerosene
• Verizon Wireless 22% discount on access charges
• AT&T 24% discount on access charges
• Sprint/Nextel 23% discount on Sprint and Nextel service plans with FREE national roaming
• Leatherstocking Region Federal The Credit Union offers many services, including payroll deduction, Credit Union savings plan, Christmas Club, and loans (car, mortgage, home equity,and personal) at reasonable rates. Checking accounts, direct deposit, and credit cards are also available.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION:
For loss of work resulting from on-the-job injury or illness, Bassett provides full payment of salary for three days.  After that time, the insurance carrier will provide satutary payment along with related medical cost..

PERSONAL INSURANCE PLAN:
Purchase of supplemental permanent universal life insurance is available.  The coverage provides a death benefit, a loan feature, and builds cash value based on current interest rates.

Residents and their family members are eligible and premiums are paid by payroll deduction.  Additional term life insurance is available for residents and family members.  Both of these programs are available through the Beiritz Agency:  607-547-2951.

Auto and Homeowners/Renters Insurance are underwritten by New York Central Mutual at discounted rates, and are available to residents and paid through payroll deduction.

PROFESSIONAL LEAVE:
Up to four days are provided during the term of the residency.  These days are for the prupose of interviewing for a residency, fellowship or practice positions and require approval from the Office of Medical Education and Attending in charge of the resident's service. Days not used by June 1 will be forfeited.

MATERNITY LEAVE:

• Residents will be given full pay through the disability period recommended by the resident’s physician, but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. A disability form needs to be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the disability.
• Unpaid leave beyond the disability period, not to exceed 12 weeks including the disability period, will be granted by the Program Director and the Director of Medical Education under the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act, but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. The Request for Family/Medical Leave form and the Medical Leave Certification of Health Care Provider form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the leave.

PATERNITY LEAVE:
Unpaid leave, under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, of up to 12 weeks will be granted by the Program Director and Director of Medical Education, but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. The Request for Family/Medical Leave form and the Medical Leave Certification of Health Care Provider form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the leave.

ADOPTION LEAVE:
Unpaid leave, under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, of up to 12 weeks will be granted by the Program Director and the Director of Medical Education, but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. The Request for Family/Medical Leave form and the Medical Leave Certification of Health Care Provider form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the leave.

COMPASSIONATE LEAVE:
Unpaid leave, under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, of up to 12 weeks for critical or terminal illnesses suffered by members of their immediate families (spouse, children, parents, or siblings), but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. The Request for Family/Medical Leave form and the Medical Leave Certification of Health Care Provider form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the leave.

MEDICAL LEAVE:

• Residents must notify the chief resident or program director as appropriate, for all short-term illnesses.
• After the second day of illness, within 30 days the house officer must be evaluated by a primary care provider and the program director notified of the expected duration of the sick leave.
• Illnesses that remain unresolved after seven days will need to be reevaluated on a weekly basis while the disability program is in effect. A disability form needs to be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division.
• Unpaid leave, under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, of up to 12 weeks will be granted by the Program Director and Director of Medical Education, but will force a restructuring of the resident’s academic year to meet residency and board eligibility requirements. The Request for Family/Medical Leave form and the Medical Leave Certification of Health Care Provider form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources Division prior to the leave.

MEDICAL LEAVE - Extended Illnesses:

• Stipends will continue for up to 180 consecutive days of extended illness.
• Circumstances of the illness and the appropriateness of continuing full stipend will be reviewed by the Director and Administrative Director of Medical Education, Vice President for Human Resources and the Program Director after 30 days and again after 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days.
• Claims for Long Term Disability benefits will be initiated as soon as it appears likely that the illness will extend beyond 6 months.
• The Long Term Disability coverage excludes absences which are caused by pre-existing conditions during the first 11 months one is enrolled. There is no waiting period for new illnesses or injuries.

HOUSING:
There are a number of opportunities available in Cooperstown and its surrounding hamlets for resident housing. 

We offer a generously subsidized thirty-eight unit townhouse apartment complex for residents.  These two- and three-bedroom units are located within easy walking distance of the Clinic and Hospital.  The units are set up in a cluster design which gives ample space for outside activities, play areas for children, and for parking.  Each unit has three floors with study area and basement storage.  Nearby, a former maple surgaring house offers a place for House Staff gatherings and recreation in warmer weather.

Included in the monthly rent are the costs of fuel, electricity, water and sewer, landscaping services, snow removal, refuse disposal, security, and maintenance.  Tenants are responsible for the cost of telephone and cable in addition to their rent.  Assignments are made after the match based on availability.

Residents may also find housing in the community.  Local realtors can help in locating both rental and purchase possibilities.

Current rental rates on campus for a three-bedroom unit are $975 to $1025, and $875 to $900 for a two-bedroom unit.

OVERNIGHT, WEEKEND AND HOLIDAY ON CALL FOOD:

• Food charged to Medical Education during cafeteria hours will be available to House Officers and Acting Interns/ICU rotation whenever they are required to be on duty overnight, weekends, or other qualifying rotations.
• The maximum on duty dollar amount is $9 per call for each qualifying resident/student. This includes cafeteria charges and restaurant charges. Breakfast can be charged only in the cafeteria.
•  When the cafeteria is closed, a stocked refrigerator is available in the House Staff lounge. The food is a fall back for after hours. If it is consumed as soon as it is stocked, those who seek to use it at the appropriate time will be disappointed.
• Meal passes are available at the Office of Medical Education, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, for use at Foo Kin John, New China Wok and New York Pizzeria restaurants as an alternative to the cafeteria. The Blue Ticket is valid only on the stamped date and must be signed and the qualifying service indicated. The restaurants must include actual receipts with the meal passes for tracking of this benefit so that it will not be calculated as imputed income for the resident.
• This benefit is intended only for qualifying residents/students on overnight, weekend or Holiday call in hospital and should not be used for family or friends. It is based on the honor system and may be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Director of Medical Education.

UNIFORMS:
Uniforms for residents are provided through a rental service paid for by Bassett.

HOUSE STAFF LOUNGE:
A House Staff Lounge including cable television is available for use 24 hours per day

ON-CALL ROOMS:
On-Call Rooms are available for residents on call overnight.

ON-CALL SNACK ALLOWANCE:
An on-call snack allowance and a stocked snack refrigerator is provided for residents on nighttime duty.

LIBRARY SERVICES:
Bassett’s Medical Library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers both an extensive on-site collection as well as electronic access to journals.

COMPUTERS:
Computers are equipped with window, word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation graphics software, as well as Internet access, are available for use by residents.

Maintaining balance in your life

Employee Assistance Program – This program is designed to help you assess and cope with problems – marital, family, or financial difficulties, substance abuse, physical or mental illness - that can affect both the quality of your life and your performance at work.

Health and Wellness Program – This is an employee program offering a free wellness screening and a variety of other wellness initiatives.

Clark Sports Center – Located within walking distance from Bassett the Center offers exercise, wellness, and nutritional education programs as well as a variety of fitness equipment to promote a healthy lifestyle. Membership fees can be paid through payroll deduction.

Spiritual Support – Pastoral counseling is available for conversation, prayer, moral support, and help with other religious and spiritual needs. Employees are invited to visit the chapel for some quiet time, if needed.

Childcare at Brookwood School – Bassett partners with a local Cooperstown provider to help employees secure child care. Bassett Healthcare has reserved day care slots exclusively for children of Bassett employees. Bassett employees will receive a 10% discount from standard day care cost. As a Bassett employee you may also pay your child’s tuition fee through a convenient payroll deduction.

Bereavement Leave – Bassett allows leave of up to three days with pay for a death in an employee’s immediate family. Immediate family includes: spouse or domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, mother-in-law and father-in-law.

Resources to help manage your finances

Leatherstocking Region Federal Credit Union – Membership allows the use of the following services:  chekcing and savings accounts, certificates and loans, and credit cards.  Direct deposit is available.

Tax-Deferred Retirement Savings Plan – Residents are eligible to participate in any of Bassett's Retirement Plan savings accounts at their expense.  The formal salary reduction agreement allows the resident to defer taxes on personal contributions while building a retirement fund.

College Savings Plan – Bassett offers you the opportunity to save for educational expenses through payroll deduction to a section 529(c) plan. These plans are offered through Upromise and allow employees to save money, tax-free, for secondary education expenses for themselves, their children, or other relatives. There are also state and federal tax incentives for enrolling in these plans.