This page provides a summary of Tulane’s required benefits legal notices. For the complete details, please download the full Legal Notices PDF.
Plan Contact
Tulane University Benefits Department
1555 Poydras St., Suite 951, New Orleans, LA 70112
1-504-865-HR4U (4748)
About This Guide
This guide highlights your benefits. Official plan and insurance documents govern your rights and benefits. Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) are available at hr.tulane.edu/benefits or by calling 1-504-865-HR4U (4748).
Reminder of Availability of Privacy Notice (HIPAA)
The Tulane University Health and Welfare Plan has issued a Health Plan Privacy Notice describing how your protected health information (PHI) is used and disclosed. To request a copy, write to: Tulane University, Office of Human Resources, 1555 Poydras St., Suite 951, New Orleans, LA 70112 or call 1-504-865-HR4U (4748).
Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)
If you have had or are going to have a mastectomy, coverage is provided for reconstruction of the affected breast, surgery of the other breast to produce symmetry, prostheses, and treatment of complications (including lymphedema). Standard plan deductibles/coinsurance apply. Call 1-504-865-HR4U (4748) for details.
Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act
Plans may not restrict hospital stays in connection with childbirth to less than 48 hours (vaginal) or 96 hours (cesarean). An attending provider may discharge earlier after consulting with the mother. Authorization is not required for stays within these timeframes.
USERRA
If absent for active military duty under 31 days, your Plan participation continues at the normal cost. For absences over 31 days (up to 24 months), you may continue coverage by paying up to 102% of premiums. If you drop coverage during service, you may reinstate upon return, generally without waiting periods (service-connected conditions excepted).
Medicare Part D – Creditable Coverage Notice
Tulane University’s prescription drug coverage is considered Creditable Coverage. You can keep this coverage and not pay a late-enrollment penalty if you later enroll in a Medicare drug plan. Annual Medicare enrollment runs Oct 15–Dec 7. If you lose creditable coverage involuntarily, you have a 2-month Special Enrollment Period.
Date: October 2024 Sender: Tulane University, Office of Human Resources, 1555 Poydras St., Suite 951, New Orleans, LA 70112, 1-504-865-HR4U (4748)
Your ERISA Rights
As a participant, you have rights to: review plan documents; request copies (reasonable charges may apply); receive the plan’s Summary Annual Report; continue coverage (e.g., COBRA) when eligible; and pursue claims/appeals. Plan fiduciaries must act prudently in your interest. You may enforce your rights in court if documents are not provided or benefits are improperly denied.
Questions? Contact HR or the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA): dol.gov/agencies/ebsa.
General Notice of COBRA Continuation Coverage Rights
COBRA may allow temporary continuation of group health coverage after certain qualifying events (e.g., reduction in hours, employment end, divorce, death, Medicare entitlement, loss of dependent status). Qualified beneficiaries must pay for COBRA. Coverage generally lasts 18 months; up to 29 months with SSA disability; up to 36 months after a second qualifying event. You may also have other options (Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid/CHIP, or another group plan’s special enrollment).
Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) – Availability
SBCs help you compare plan options. Access SBCs at hr.tulane.edu/benefits or request paper copies free of charge at 1-504-865-HR4U (4748).
EEOC Notice Regarding the Wellness Program
Tulane’s Wellness Program is voluntary and complies with ADA, GINA, and HIPAA. Participants may complete an HRA and biometric screening to earn incentives ($500–$1,000 depending on coverage tier), with alternative standards/reasonable accommodations available. Individually identifiable health information is protected; it is not shared with supervisors or used for employment decisions and is kept separate from personnel records.
HIPAA Special Enrollment Rights
You may enroll yourself and eligible dependents if other coverage ends (or employer contributions cease) or upon marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption—request within 30 days of the event. Contact Benefits at 1-504-865-HR4U (4748).
Medicaid/CHIP Premium Assistance
If you or your dependents are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, your state may help pay employer plan premiums. If determined eligible for premium assistance and you’re eligible for the employer plan, you have a 60-day special enrollment window. The state list is current as of July 31, 2024. For the most recent details, see:
- U.S. Department of Labor, EBSA: dol.gov/agencies/ebsa / 1-866-444-EBSA (3272)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: cms.gov / 1-877-267-2323 (Option 4, Ext. 61565)
Source: Important Notices (October 2024). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
