Human Resources for Postdocs
All postdocs are expected to read and abide by organizational policies (VU or VUMC as determined by the postdoc’s classification) on the appropriate human resources website:
Questions about benefits should be directed to either the VU or VUMC human resources postdoc representative:
Benefits Overview
Eligibility for benefits is determined by postdoctoral classification as summarized below. Click on the arrow for detailed information for each category.
The 2020-2021 benefits below are for Research Fellows (9132) and Postdoctoral Scholars, Research (9145), who are classified as employees. Health Insurance The following additional benefits are available These additional benefits are provided through either VU or VUMC Human Resources Department. Questions? Contact the appropriate human resources department
Coverage beginning August 12, 2020 Non-employee postdocs (i.e., VU Postdoctoral Scholar, Trainee) on training and fellowship grants (for whom no FICA is withheld) are eligible for the VU Postdoc Trainee Health Insurance Plan. The health insurance plan is administered by Gallagher Student Health and Risk and is Affordable Care Act compliant with a metallic (top) rating of platinum. For additional information, see 2020-2021 Health Insurance Plan Design Changes below. Dates of coverage are August 12, 2020 to August 11, 2021. VU Postdoctoral Scholar Trainees have access to the Postdoc Wellness Program of Work/Life Connections-EAP, as well as Occupational Health. Additional details are available on the Postdoc Health & Wellness Resources page. Postdocs are not eligible to use the services at the Student Health Center (SHC). Postdocs may enroll their eligible dependents with an additional cost. Eligible dependents include: Coverage for eligible dependents must be purchased for the same time period as the postdocs’ period of coverage and cannot exceed coverage purchased by the postdoc. For example, an individual enrolled for annual coverage has to purchase annual coverage for a dependent unless a qualifying event occurs (see Qualifying Events section below) Programs/departments are billed for postdoc health insurance on a quarterly basis ($912 per quarter): Postdoctoral Scholar Trainees can also add eligible dependent(s) if they experience one of the following qualifying events: (a) marriage, (b) birth of a child, (c) divorce, (d) if the dependent is entering the country for the first time, or (e) the dependent loses coverage under another health insurance. If the individual experiences one of these qualifying events, the Dependent Enrollment Form, supporting documentation, and payment must be received by Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk within 31 days of the qualifying event. Forms received more than 31 days after the qualifying event will not be processed. Once a dependent is enrolled, coverage cannot be terminated unless the individual loses eligibility. The premium is pro-rated based on the date coverage begins. Eligibility
Postdoc Enrollment
Enrolling Dependents
Benefits & Premium
2020-2021 Postdoc Rates
Postdoc Plan
Annual Rate
Postdoc Only
$3,648
Spouse
$3,648
One Child
$3,648
Two or More Children
$7,296
Spouse and Two or More Children
$10,944
To Terminate Coverage
Qualifying Events
Optional Dental & Vision Insurance
Dental Monthly Rate
Vision Monthly Rate
Individual
$31.57
$10.98
Individual +1
$63.14
$20.20
Family
$101.02
$30.19
Questions?
Coverage starts October 1, 2020 Non-employee postdocs (i.e., VU Postdoctoral Scholar, Trainee) on training and fellowship grants (for whom no FICA is withheld) are eligible for the VU Postdoc Trainee Health Insurance Plan. The health insurance plan is administered by Gallagher Student Health and Risk and is Affordable Care Act compliant with a metallic (top) rating of platinum. For additional information, see 2020-2021 Health Insurance Plan Design Changes below. Dates of coverage are October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. VUMC Postdoctoral Research Fellow Trainees have access to the Postdoc Wellness Program of Work/Life Connections-EAP, as well as Occupational Health. Additional details are available on the Postdoc Health & Wellness Resources page. Postdocs are not eligible to use the services at the Student Health Center (SHC). Detailed information is located at: Gallagher – The Vanderbilt University Postdoctoral Trainee Benefits Program. All postdoctoral trainees enrolled in this benefits package are given the option of buying-up into the Aetna PPO 90/70 Health Insurance Plan for a small monthly premium. Many postdocs have asked if their grant/department will pay for the buy-up premiums, if the funds are available. Since the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs cannot be invoiced for postdoc buy-up premiums, you must discuss this option with your respective department. If approved, each department will determine how they wish to handle payment. Please note: If Gallagher does not receive payment for the buy-up premium by the scheduled due dates, the trainee’s benefits will terminate and they will not be able to re-enroll until the next open enrollment period in the fall. Reimbursement/payment of the postdoc premium on behalf of the trainee is to be negotiated between the department and the trainee. (Postdoc responsible for enrolling and making payments) (Postdoc responsible for enrolling and making payments) If a postdoctoral trainee chooses to participate in the optional vision plan or Aetna Buy-up plan, they are responsible for enrolling and making payments as necessary to Gallagher.Eligibility
Postdoc Enrollment
Postdoc Monthly Rates
Monthly Gallagher Rates: 2020-2021
Coverage Tier
Benefits Package w/Dental HMO
Benefits Package w/Dental PPO
Postdoc Only
$652.18
$666.18
Postdoc + Spouse
$1,506.71
$1,534.26
Postdoc + Child
$1,345.42
$1,380.54
Family
$2,173.02
$2,225.44
Optional Monthly Aetna Buy-Up PPO 90/70
Coverage Tier
Monthly Buy-Up Premium
Postdoc only
$34.57
Postdoc + Spouse
$80.20
Postdoc + Child
$70.85
Family
$114.76
Optional Vision
Coverage Tier
Monthly Premium
Postdoc only
$8.93
Postdoc + Spouse
$17.86
Postdoc + Child
$19.64
Family
$28.57
Life, ADD Coverage
$4.45
LTD Coverage
$3.15
(effective 12.1.20 : $4.73)
Leave and Time Off Policies
Postdocs have policies that differ from the HR policies at VU or VUMC.
You can view details and a chart based on your job code on the Leave and Time Off page.
Accommodations
Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. Persons with disabilities who have requests for reasonable accommodations should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services.