Katie stated that perhaps this is something that the Leave Committee could look into. She also said that this should be recognized by supervisors during the evaluation process. An employee wanted to know why dental insurance wasn't available to staff as a separate benefit and is only available if they also enrolled in a health insurance plan. Although we are not a new group, the coverage has improved significantly this year. Amherst has maintained a policy of requiring dental coverage of everyone who elects health insurance coverage for that same reason.
Dental expenses are more predictable than other health expenses.
If people were able to select in and out of the dental without health coverage, it could have an adverse effect on the rates Certain employees may want dental coverage without enrolling in the health insurance. Human Resources will investigate the feasibility of offering the dental as a separate option, but there may need to be certain requirements on length of enrollment. A concern was voiced about the condition of some of the roads on campus after the snowstorm in early February. Some staff members felt that the College should have opened later or closed completely. Katie stated that Physical Plant did a terrific job in removing the tremendous amount of snow and all the main parking lots were clear by 10 a.m.