Benefits

Voluntary & Flexible Benefit Programs

Discover Your Benefits Your Way! Whether you are looking for financial security or peace of mind, our voluntary and flexible benefits empower you to create the perfect plan for your life.

Maximize Your Savings with Flexible Benefits!

Unlock the power of our flexible benefits program, starting with FlexCash! If you have alternative coverage, you can opt for FlexCash in lieu of medical, dental, and vision plans, allowing you to receive cash payments while keeping your benefits tailored to your needs. In addition, take advantage of healthcare and dependent care reimbursement options to save money while ensuring your family gets the care they deserve. Enjoy the added security of employer-paid life insurance, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Whether it's covering out-of-pocket medical expenses, securing quality care for your family, or maximizing your financial resources, our flexible benefits put you in the driver’s seat

Eligible employees who have alternative non-CSU medical and dental coverage can choose to waive CSU coverage and receive a monthly cash payment. Here’s what you can earn:

Medical and dental: $140
Medical only: $128
Dental only: $12

Important FlexCash Details:

Employees must certify their alternative non-CSU medical and/or state-sponsored dental coverage.
Proof of this coverage is required.
If you are covered as a dependent of another CSU employee, you are not eligible to participate.
Please note that FlexCash payments are treated as taxable income and are subject to payroll taxes.
Eligible employees have 60 calendar days from their appointment date to enroll in the FlexCash plan.

If you are a new hire or have gained coverage within the past 60 days and would like to enroll in FlexCash submit the following:

Proof of other Insurance
Benefits Enrollment Worksheet (If a new Hire)
Family Status Change Worksheet (If currently enrolled)

If you have lost coverage within the past 60 days and would like to cancel your FlexCash, please submit:

Proof of loss of other insurance
Family Status Change Worksheet

Take advantage of this opportunity to tailor your benefits to fit your needs!

View all the necessary forms

Health Care Reimbursement

This voluntary benefit plan allows eligible employees to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses using pre-tax dollars, maximizing your savings and financial flexibility.

Enrollment Information

How to Enroll: Complete the Enrollment Form and return it to Human Resources within 60 days of your hire date or eligibility. The effective date will be determined by the submission date of the form within this 60-day period.
Contribution Amounts: Employees may contribute between $20 and $266.66 each month, with a maximum of $3,200 per year in 2025.
Tax Benefits: Contributions are deducted from your pay before federal, state, and Social Security (FICA) taxes.
Annual Re-enrollment: You must re-enroll during the annual open enrollment period in September to participate in the following calendar year. You can change your contribution amount at this time.
Plan Year Changes: Once the plan year begins, changes to your contribution (increase, decrease, or stop) can only be made if there has been a change in your status as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more details, refer to the HCRA Brochure.

Submitting a Claim Form

How to File a Claim: To request reimbursement, complete the Claim Form, attach the necessary documentation, and send it to ASI, P.O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO 65205-6044. You can also fax it to (573) 874-0425.
Eligible Expenses: To be reimbursed, expenses must be:
- Medically necessary
- Incurred by you, your spouse, or eligible dependents (including domestic partners)
- Not covered by your own or another insurance plan

For a complete list of reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses, please refer to the HCRA Brochure.

Note: Any funds left in your account after all eligible expenses have been paid for the year will be forfeited.

Dependent Care Reimbursement

This voluntary benefit plan allows eligible employees to pay for out-of-pocket dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars, provided the care is necessary for the employee (and spouse, if married) to work.

Enrollment Information

How to Enroll: Complete the Enrollment Form and return it to Human Resources within 60 days of your hire date or eligibility. The effective date will be determined by the submission date of the form within this 60-day period.
Contribution Amounts: Employees may contribute between $20 and $416.66 each month, with a maximum of $5,000 per year in 2025.
Tax Benefits: Contributions are deducted from your pay before federal, state, and Social Security (FICA) taxes.
Annual Re-enrollment: You must re-enroll during the annual open enrollment period in September to participate in the following calendar year. You can change your contribution amount at that time.
Plan Year Changes: Once the plan year begins, changes to your contribution (increase, decrease, or stop) can only be made if there has been a change in your status as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more details, refer to the DCRA Brochure.

Submitting a Claim Form

How to File a Claim: To request reimbursement, complete the Claim Form, attach the necessary documentation, and send it to ASI, P.O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO 65205-6044. You can also fax it to (573) 874-0425.
Eligible Expenses: For expenses to be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
- The dependent must be a child under 13 for whom the employee or spouse can claim dependent status on their income tax return, or a spouse who is unable to care for themselves, or a financially dependent member of the employee’s household.
- Care must be required in order for the employee to be gainfully employed, and if married, the spouse must also be employed or actively looking for work.

For additional eligibility rules, please refer to the DCRA Brochure.

Note: Any funds left in your account after all eligible expenses have been paid for the year will be forfeited.

The CSU offers employer-paid basic term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance to eligible employees. This insurance is underwritten by Standard Insurance Company. The amount of coverage varies based on employee category. Please refer to the table below for coverage amounts.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance


Employee Category	Basic Term Life Coverage	AD&D Coverage
Executive (M98)	$250,000	$250,000
Management (M80)	$100,000	$100,000
Confidential (C99), Faculty (R03), Public Safety (R08), CSUEU (R02, 05, 07, 09)	$50,000	$50,000
Teaching Associates Only (R11)	$50,000	$0
Academic Professionals (R04), Physicians (R01)	$25,000	$25,000

Insurance is underwritten by The Standard Insurance Company.
CSU pays the entire premium.
The first $50,000 is tax-free.
- Life insurance over $50,000 income tax impact on employee based on amount over $50,000 and employee's age. Please refer to the Imputed Income Table for more information.
- Executives and MPP employees who do not want the additional tax liability may irrevocably waive the extra insurance for the remainder of their CSU employment by contacting HR Benefits.
Coverage is portable upon separation or retirement.
Employees should create a profile through The Standard Insurance Company Website to:
- View employer paid coverage
- Elect voluntary employee-paid coverage
- Designate beneficiaries

The Standard Insurance Company Website

Voluntary Benefits

California Casualty Auto/Home Owners Insurance

The Chancellor’s Office offers all its employees auto and homeowner’s insurance through California Casualty. This employee-paid voluntary plan allows employees to make payments through payroll deduction. For more information call 1-877-411-3425.

More Information - California Casualty

Fidelity - 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan

Fidelity Investments is the administrator/record keeper for the CSU 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan. This is a voluntary employer sponsored retirement savings account that is meant to supplement CalPERS pension and Social Security income in retirement. The benefit allows employees to put extra income aside for retirement in a tax deferred retirement savings account where the money can be invested. All employees are eligible to participate in a 403(b), regardless of time base including rehired annuitants.

2025 Contribution limits:

403(b) = $23,500
Combination of 401(k) and 403(b) = $23,500
Combination of 401k/403b ($23,000) and 457 ($23,000) = $47,000
Catch-up provision for each plan for employees ages 50-59 and ages 64+ = $7,500
New for 2025 Catch-up provision for each plan for employees ages 60-63 = $11,250
Catch-up provision for the 403b plan for employees who have worked at least 15 years may be eligible to contribute an additional $3,000 per year for up to 5 years for a total of $15,000. Employees who wish to contribute using this catch-up provision must demonstrate eligibility by completing the CSU Max Contribution Allowance Worksheet.

Campus Representative:
Jon Lee
Jon.lee@fmr.com
phone: 669-345-4485

Fidelity CSU Customer Service: 877-278-3699
Find additional resources and forms for the CSU 403(b) on the CSYou 403(b) website

View the 2025 Tax Deferred Plans Comparison Chart.

Visit Fidelity's Website

California State Employee 401(k) & 457(b) Plans

California State employees have the option to participate in the 401(k) and 457(b) retirement savings plans through SavingsPlus. Both plans offer flexible contribution options to help you grow your retirement savings, with tax advantages that can support your financial goals. You can choose between pre-tax contributions (taxed upon distribution) or Roth after-tax contributions (taxed now, with potential tax-free withdrawals in retirement), depending on when you'd prefer to pay taxes. All employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan, including rehired annuitants. Some employees are eligible to enroll in the 457 plan, it depends on the classification and time base.

2025 Contribution LImits:

401(k) = $23,500
457 = $23,500
Combination of 401(k) and 403(b) = $23,500
Combination of 401k/403b ($23,000) and 457 ($23,000) = $47,000
Catch-up provision for each plan for employees ages 50-59 and ages 64+ = $7,500
New for 2025 Catch-up provision for each plan for employees ages 60-63 = $11,250

The 457 plan contains a "Traditional catch-up" contribution which may allow you to contribute a higher amount to make up for the years you were eligible to contribute to the 457(b) plan, but did not maximize your contribution for those years. The 401(k) does not contain this provision.
To create an account for either the 401(k) or 457 plan, visit: Savings Plus Program.

Campus Representative: Deanna Sisk
deanna.sisk@nationwide.com
Or contact Customer Service at 855-616-4776

To get started, visit the CalHR Savings Plus Program website for enrollment details and more information about your options. You can also refer to the Plan Comparison Chart (PDF) to help you determine which plan best fits your long-term financial objectives.

CalHR Savings Plus Program website

Nationwide Pet Insurance

Nationwide is offering two benefit options for your pets. This insurance can cover your pet’s accidents, illness and even preventive care and wellness services.

Plans are available for dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and exotics (such as reptiles).

Visit Nationwide's Website

ScholarShare – California’s 529 College Savings Plan

ScholarShare is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan that’s helping families and individuals plan for the cost of higher education. It’s available to any citizen or tax payer. And just about anyone can help contribute including Grandparents, other family members and friends.

You can use the funds for a lot more than just tuition — including required fees, certain room and board costs, books, supplies, as well as computers and related technology costs such as Internet access fees and printers. Additional equipment required for attendance may also qualify. Funds can be used at most accredited colleges and universities in the United States — even certain colleges abroad. If the beneficiary is a special needs student, any additional costs required for enrollment or attendance to meet those needs will also be covered.

If you’re worried about having the account in one state and attending school in another, don’t be. With most plans, your school choice is not affected by the state of your savings plan. You can be a resident of California, and send your student to college in North Carolina.

Visit ScholarShare's Website

Empathia - LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a safe, confidential space to consult about various concerns. Anything and everything discussed in the context of a consultation with us is privileged information and protected by law. When you or your family need useful ideas, helpful resources, or reliable professional care you can rely on LifeMatters. The benefit can be accessed 24/7/365 and services provided directly by LifeMatters are free. If you are referred to outside services, you will be advised about your costs, if any. To learn more about this free benefit visit mylifematters.com.

Note: There is no need to enroll in this benefit, however you will need your campus specific password to access this resource. Enrollment is Automatic and Free to Employees and their Families

Fresno State EAP Program

ARAG Legal Insurance-Prepaid Legal Plan

You can’t predict the future, but you can plan for it. An ARAG® legal insurance plan isn’t just for the serious issues. It’s for events you plan for, like getting married or creating a will. Or the unexpected situations, like a traffic ticket or landlord dispute. Network attorney fees are 100% paid in full for most covered matters. Benefit from a wide range of coverage and services to protect you and your loved ones. Employees can enroll within 60 days from date of hire or during open enrollment.

Enrollment Period: New hire (60 days from date of hire) or during open enrollment.

Current benefit eligible employees can enroll or disenroll during the annual Open Enrollment period (mid-September through the first week of October).

Visit ARAG's Website

Kindercare

CSU partners with KinderCare to offer a 10% tuition discount to employees seeking child care services. KinderCare has child care centers within 25 miles from Fresno State for kids 6 weeks to 12 years so you can get back to the work-life balance you need.

Benefits offered through KinderCare

Visit Kindercare's Website

Voluntary Insurance Available Through The Standard

The Standard currently provides CSU employer-paid group life/accidental death & dismemberment insurance and long term disability to benefit eligible employee groups per their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

For benefit eligible groups who do not have the CSU employer-paid Long Term Disability (LTD) per their Collective Bargaining Agreement, The Standard offers a voluntary long term disability (LTD) plan. Please refer to The Standard’s website for program details and rates.

The Standard offers voluntary plans:

Voluntary Life Insurance
Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Voluntary Accident Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance

Employees who do not enroll within 60 days of their initial hire date are subject to Evidence of Insurability. Current benefit eligible employees can enroll any time but will require Evidence of Insurability.

Please contact The Standard if you have any questions about these Voluntary Insurance Policies.

Visit The Standard Insurance Company's Website