Graduate Assistants

   Medical Plans

University of Florida graduate assistants, teaching assistants, and research assistants (GAs) who work 10 hours a week or more (.25 FTE) may participate in the GatorGradCare health insurance plan. This plan provides limited preventative dental and vision coverage in addition to medical care.

Enrollment in GatorGradCare is not automatic and must be completed within 60 days from hire. Because enrollment in a medical insurance plan is mandatory for all students, GatorGradCare participants must complete a waiver with the Student Health Care Center every term in order to avoid being automatically enrolled in student health insurance, which costs over $1,000 per term.

   Retirement

Employees may choose to enroll in these plans:

• State of Florida Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: Retirement savings plan that allows employee contributions and earnings to grow tax-deferred. Funds are taxed as income when withdrawn from the plan. This plan has a separate IRS contribution limit from the 403(b) plans, and there is no employer matching for contributions.

• Fidelity Voluntary 403(b) Plans: Retirement savings plans intended to supplement retirement income from a state plan or to act as stand-alone plans. There is no employer matching for contributions to these plans. Tax-deferred and post-tax Roth options are available, and contributions may be modified at will by contacting Fidelity Investments.

   Time Away

University of Florida provides a variety of leave options for eligible Graduate Assistants.