Welcome to Benefits!
Farmington Municipal Schools is a member of NMPSIA, the New MexicoPublic Schools Insurance Authority. NMPSIA currently administers benefits for 88 public school districts, with the exception of APS, as well as 98 charter schools. As a member of NMPSIA, FMS is able to offer a wide range of insurance benefits to full time, contracted employees. New hires have 31 days from their date of hire to obtain benefits. Details regarding eligibility, dependent coverage, insurance coverage and carriers can be found on the NMPSIA website, under the Employees tab, at www.nmpsia.com
Useful links to note on the NMSPIA site include:
What benefits are available?
Medical, dental, vision, long term/short term disability, additional voluntary life, CVS Caremark (automatic with medical coverage). FMS does not offer additional life and disability through NMPSIA.
Are any benefits provided at no cost to me?
Yes, basic life coverage of $50,000.00 is provided to all contract employees who work more than 15 hours per week . Coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following your hire date provided you are actively at work on the day your basic life coverage is scheduled to go into effect.
FMS also provides an Employee Assistance Program to all employees. Ulliance Life Advisor can help you address concerns that impact your daily life, relationships, work-life balance, mental health, work and career, quality of life and overall wellness.
Can I enroll at any time?
You have 30 days from your date of hire to apply for all other lines of coverage (other than basic life). You must meet with the FMS Benefits Specialist to complete enrollment.
The exception to this rule is if you request a change within 30 days of a Qualifying Event. The Plan Administrator has determined that the following are Qualifying Events, enabling you to change your coverage as appropriate.
Change in legal marital status (marriage, divorce, annulment or death of spouse).
Birth or adoption of child or placement of a foster child.
Commencement of or return from Leave of Absence.
New eligibility for coverage under another employer’s plan for yourself, spouse or dependent.
Involuntary loss of coverage under your own or a spouse’s plan.
Loss of prior coverage under a Medicaid or SCHIP plan.
New eligibility for coverage under a Medicaid or SCHIP plan.
Become eligible for Medicare (you or your spouse).
Judgment or court order to provide coverage for a dependent.
When will my benefits go into effect?
In most cases, NMPSIA coverage will go into effect the first day of the month following the date you apply provided you are actively at work on your effective date of coverage (and your premium is withheld and/or adjusted from your payroll check).
Can I enroll retroactively?
No, NMPSIA does not accept retroactive enrollment and coverage can never go into effect retroactively.
What is the cost of coverage?
The cost is shared by the employee and employer based on salary. Employee cost share is 20% up to 40% dependent on salary.
What happens if I don’t enroll within 30 days?
NMPSIA offers open enrollment each October for medical, dental and vision. Once you apply, the change becomes effective on January 1. Open enrollment for long term disability and additional life is each November.
Can I cancel my coverage?
Yes, however, any dependent children under 18 must have proof of other medical coverage.
