Graduate Assistants

Last updated on October 1, 2024. Originally published January 10, 2024.

   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.

GatorGradCare Rate Change for 2025

Reduced costs for dependent coverage will go into effect on January 1, 2025. Individual coverage will increase slightly.

Monthly Rates

  • Employee Only: $17.65
  • Employee and Spouse: $162.85
  • Employee and Children: $146.25
  • Employee and Family (Spouse + Children): $224.53

 


   Retirement

Employees may choose to enroll in these plans:

  • State of Florida Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plans:
    Retirement savings plans intended to supplement retirement income from a state plan or to act as stand-alone plans. Tax-deferred and post-tax Roth options are available, and contributions may be modified at will by contacting the state Bureau of Deferred Compensation or the chosen investment provider. These plans have an annual IRS contribution limit, have no employer contribution, and are open to all employees.
  • Fidelity Voluntary 403(b) Plans:
    Retirement savings plans intended to supplement retirement income from a state plan or to act as stand-alone plans. Tax-deferred and post-tax Roth options are available, and contributions may be modified at will by contacting Fidelity Investments. These plans have an annual IRS contribution limit, have no employer contribution, and are open to all employees.

 


   Time Away

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

 

 

 

CHANGES FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT AND 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, all GAs who work 10 hours a week or more (.25 FTE) will be eligible to enroll in the UFSelect Eagles Dental Reimbursement Plan and the UFSelect Humana Vision Plan. Current GAs may enroll in these plans during Open Enrollment, which will be open from 8 AM EST on Monday, Oct 14 to 6 PM EST on Friday, Nov 1.

UFSelect Eagles Dental Reimbursement Plan

Eagles Dental is not a dental insurance plan and does not provide pre-negotiated cost reductions, simply reimbursement for expenses. It is available for use at all dental offices worldwide and is 100% employee-paid.

Monthly Rates

  • Employee Only: $40.60
  • Employee and Spouse: $81.00
  • Employee and Children: $122.00
  • Employee and Family (Spouse + Children): $160.00

UFSelect Humana Vision

Each plan participant enrolled in Humana Vision may select coverage for either glasses or contacts. This plan is 100% employee-paid.

Monthly Rates

  • Employee Only: $5.81
  • Employee and Spouse: $11.63
  • Employee and Children: $11.05
  • Employee and Family (Spouse + Children): $17.36

For Assistance and Questions

Please contact GA Benefits at:

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