2025 Benefits Guide
Benefits Eligibility
The Ford Foundation provides the following benefits to New York-based full-time employees. You share the cost of medical coverage with Ford Foundation while other benefits are provided to you at no cost. Your contributions are deducted from your pay on a pre-tax basis and are based on your salary, the plan you elect and family composition (employee, employee + 1 dependent (spouse and/ or child) or family coverage) – see monthly rate sheet attached. Proof of other health coverage is required if you elect to waive Foundation coverage. Eligibility for participation in the benefit program is on the first day of employment unless otherwise noted.
Benefit Eligibility
All employees working 30 hours or more on average per week are eligible to enroll in benefits. You may also enroll your legal dependents, including your legally married spouse and children up to age 26. Children may be natural, adopted, stepchildren, and children through court-appointed legal guardianship. Mentally or physically disabled children may continue coverage beyond age 26.
Qualifying Life Event
Unless you experience a
qualifying event, you cannot make changes to your benefits until the next Open Enrollment period. Qualifying events include things like:
or a change in coverage under another employer-sponsored plan.
Benefits Overview
The Ford Foundation offers a variety of benefits to support your health, well-being, and financial security. To take advantage of these benefits, you must make your elections during the open enrollment period. Be sure to review your options and enroll to get the coverage that best fits your needs.
Health
AETNA MEDICAL PLANS
• Yearly Wellness Checks
• Specialist Coverage
• Hospital Stay Coverage
• Virtual Doctor Care
• Behavioral Wellness
• Gender Affirming Care
• Enhanced Maternity
• Family Planning/Fertility
AETNA DENTAL PLAN
• No cost
AETNA VISION PLAN
• Employee paid
Tax Advantaged Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with High Deductible Health Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Commuter Account
Life, Accidental Death & Disability
• Voluntary Employee-paid Group
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan
Benefits Effective JAN. 1, 2025 – DEC. 31, 2025
In addition to elective benefits, the Ford Foundation provides several benefits that are automatically available to you. These include programs and resources designed to enhance your overall wellness, no enrollment required. Take full advantage of these offerings at any time during your employment.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
• 6 counseling sessions per issue at no cost to employees and family members (no limit to number of issues) through TELUS Health and then coordination of care with an Aetna covered provider
• Toolkits and Guidance for life events
• Discounts on Rentals, Pet Insurance and other products
403 (B) RETIREMENT PLAN
• Auto Enrollment upon hire
• 10% Employer Contribution
• 3% Employer Match with 2% Employee Contribution
• Personal Financial Guidance
• Budget Planning Tools for Major Purchases
LIFE AND DISABILITY
INSURANCE
• Basic Life & AD&D
• Disability Insurance (Short and Long Term)
CALM PREMIUM WELLNESS APP
• Yearly Premium Subscription for Self and Five Family Members
• Includes Guided Meditations, Sleep Stories for Adults and Children, Focus Time and Sleep Music and Mindfulness Guides
PLUM BENEFITS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
• Exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels more!
Your Medical Plans
The Ford Foundation offers three comprehensive medical plan options to support your health and wellness. Each plan provides coverage for a wide range of services, including preventive care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more.
CHOICE POS II HDHP
• Coverage in & out of network
• No referrals required for specialist
• Preventive care covered 100%
• Higher deductibles apply to all services
• Deductibles must be satisfied before copays will apply – including Rx
• Ability to use pre-tax Health Savings Account to build portable, medical-specific savings
• Lowest premium cost
CHOICE POS II
• In-network only coverage
• No referrals required for specialist
• Preventive care covered 100%
• No deductibles
• Mid-point premium cost
OPEN ACCESS “AETNA SELECT” (IN-NETWORK ONLY)
• Coverage in & out of network
• No referrals required
• Preventive care covered 100%
• Minimal deductibles (waived for ER and office visits)
• Copays may apply after deductible for some services
• Higher premium cost
¹Deductibles and Out of Pocket Maximums reset to $0 on January 1, 2025.
of Network Deductibles run parallel to In-Network (not combined)
Pharmacy Benefits
The Ford Foundation offers comprehensive pharmacy benefits designed to provide you with easy access to essential medications at competitive prices. With a broad network of pharmacies and support services, you can manage your prescriptions with ease, ensuring your health and well-being are prioritized.
Staying on Top of Integrated Pharmacy Benefits
Access through the Aetna® Member Website and Aetna Health® App
MANAGE PRESCRIPTIONS
• Easily track and manage prescriptions for yourself and your family
• Refill mail-order prescriptions
FIND CARE
• Search for nearby pharmacies, including their hours of operation
UNDERSTAND PHARMACY BENEFITS
• Explore both generic and brand-name drug options
• Get detailed drug information, including potential interactions and side effects
• Estimate prescription costs to help you plan and save
• Review your claims for full transparency and tracking
Virtual Care
The Ford Foundation’s virtual care benefits offer convenient, remote access to healthcare services, allowing you to consult with doctors and specialists from the comfort of your home. Whether it’s for routine check-ups or managing ongoing health conditions, our virtual care options make healthcare more accessible and flexible.
TelaDoc® Health Services: Convenient Care for Short-Term Health Needs
ON-DEMAND CARE
With TelaDoc®, you can connect with a doctor anytime for non-emergency issues like colds, allergies, or infections. Doctors can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications when needed, providing fast and convenient care.
MENTAL HEALTH
TelaDoc® offers access to licensed therapists or psychiatrists via phone or video consultations. Schedule an appointment and receive care within 72 hours for mental health support like stress, anxiety, or depression.
CONFIDENTIAL DERMATOLOGIST REVIEW
TelaDoc® allows you to get a confidential review from a licensed dermatologist for skin concerns like acne, eczema, or rashes. Receive a treatment plan within two days to address your skin health quickly and privately.
24-Hour Nurse Line
Health information is a phone call away
Get information on a wide range of health and wellness topics
Access reliable information on topics like fitness, nutrition, and disease prevention to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Make better health care decisions
Gain insights into treatment options and health choices, helping you make decisions that best suit your needs and goals.
Find out more about a medical test or procedure
Learn about medical tests or procedures, including what to expect and how to prepare, so you can approach them with confidence.
Get help preparing for a visit to your doctor
Get tips on how to prepare for doctor visits, including questions to ask and what to bring, to make your appointment more effective.
Receive emails with links to videos related to your question or topic
Receive helpful emails with video links that explain medical topics, giving you a clearer understanding of your health concerns.
Connect with trusted health information right here.
Behavioral Health Support
Feeling Your Best, Living with a Behavioral Health Condition
Behavioral health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, race, or religion. That’s why your medical plan includes comprehensive behavioral health benefits, ensuring you have access to the care and support you need.
We’ve integrated your benefits so you can take care of the whole you—whether you prefer in-person counseling or televideo counseling, you’ll find convenient access to the resources that help you feel your best.
No matter if your condition is mild and short-lived or more serious and long-lasting, effective treatments are available to support you.
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
A key treatment option, behavioral therapy (also known as talk therapy) helps identify life issues contributing to behavioral health concerns and teaches strategies to manage and overcome those challenges.
MEDICATION THERAPY AND MANAGEMENT
Effective prescription medications are available to treat conditions like depression and substance use disorders. Your doctors will work with you to find the right medication tailored to your needs.
YOUR CARE ADVOCATE
A care advocate will work closely with you to support your emotional health and day-to-day needs. They’ll handle the logistics, ensuring that your emotional well-being gets the attention it deserves.
Transgender and Gender-Diverse People Services from Aetna
Helping you get the care that’s right for you. Special program features include:
• Behavioral health services
• Hormone therapy and medications
• Surgical services
• Reproductive services
• Ongoing health and wellness support, and more
For more info, tools, and resources:
• Log into your Aetna member portal,
• Click the Health & Wellness menu,
• Scroll to and click on the Transgender and Gender Diverse Support Center tile
Know what’s covered
Review coverage under your health plan, refer to the resources below, or contact Aetna for assistance.
Aetna Standard Gender Affirmation Clinical Policy
Breast (Top), Genital (Bottom) And Facial Gender Affirming Provider (PDF)
Fertility Treatment
If you’re considering fertility treatment, your plan provides comprehensive coverage to support your journey. From understanding your benefits to finding a trusted provider and starting treatment, we’ve outlined the essential steps to help guide you through the process.
Getting Started with Fertility Treatment:
LEARN ABOUT YOUR INFERTILITY COVERAGE
Contact Member Services using the number on your ID card, and Aetna will explain your infertility benefits, including coverage details, the provider network, and answer any questions.
CHOOSE A TRUSTED DOCTOR
Visit Aetna.com to access the provider directory. You can search for a reproductive endocrinologist in your area or explore the Institutes of Excellence (IOE) infertility network, which offers high-quality care, including clinics specializing in assisted reproductive technology (ART) like IVF and elective single embryo transfer (eSET).
SEE YOUR DOCTOR TO START PLANNING TREATMENT
Once you’ve chosen a provider, your doctor will work with Aetna’s National Infertility Unit to request precertification. Our nurses will follow up with both you and your doctor to provide a decision on the request.
Maternity Program
Aetna Enhanced Maternity Program™
You can count on us for support—wherever you are in your maternity journey. This program is designed to assist all women throughout their entire experience, offering guidance and care whether or not they have risk factors.
SPECIAL PROGRAM FEATURES
• A fertility advocate* to serve as your care manager and provide personalized support if you’re facing infertility.
• Predictive data to help identify pregnancies early and enable timely, more responsive outreach.
• Preeclampsia prevention through education and resources to help reduce risks and promote healthy outcomes.
• Guided genetic counseling and screening services backed by medical expertise to support informed decision-making.
For more information, visit AetnaInfertilityCare.com or call 1-800-575-5999, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM EST.
• Education and resources to address racial gaps in health care, offering specialized support for women of color.
This comprehensive approach ensures that you have the resources, care, and advocacy you need for a healthy and supported maternity experience.
*While only your doctor can diagnose, prescribe or give medical advice, our fertility advocates/care managers can provide information on a variety of maternity-related topics.
Aetna Member Support
Take Charge of Your Health Care with the Aetna® Member Website and Aetna Health™ App
Easily manage your benefits and health care anytime, anywhere—all in one place. Set up your account at Aetna.com to access your member website and start taking control of your health on the go.
A smarter, simpler, and more convenient way to stay on top of your health care and benefits:
MANAGE YOUR PLAN
• View your plan summary to see what’s covered.
• Track your spending and progress toward meeting individual and family deductibles.
• Access your digital ID card anytime, anywhere.
CONNECT TO CARE
• Find quality, in-network providers, pharmacies, and facilities, including retail clinics and urgent care centers.
• Get cost estimates for visits and procedures before receiving care.
• Speak with a doctor by phone or video chat anytime for fast, convenient care.
VIEW CLAIMS
• Review up to two years of claims for yourself and your family.
• Easily pay claims online.
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
• Receive personalized reminders and health tips to help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
• With the Aetna member website and Aetna Health app, taking charge of your health has never been easier!
Ask Your Aetna Concierge — 833-944-0135
Get personalized support and answers to all your health care questions. Whether you’re looking for the right specialist, need help understanding your diagnosis, or want to know if something is covered under your plan, the Aetna Concierge is here to guide you every step of the way.
Your concierge connects you to the right programs and resources, ensuring you get the most out of your benefits.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE
• Explains health plan benefits that match your specific needs.
• Educates members on available programs, including third-party services.
• Assists with self-service tools and resources.
• Connects you directly to the right resources with warm transfers.
• Uses predictive analytics to proactively reach out and offer support.
BENEFIT SUPPORT
• Locates in-network providers and explains the cost of care.
• Offers real-time claims reprocessing for faster resolutions.
• Helps you maximize your benefits and build trust in your plan.
• Keeps you informed of key messages and updates.
• Meets you where you are, using your preferred method of contact.
ENHANCED INTERACTION
DOWNLOAD THE
• Assists with scheduling medical appointments.
• Acts as an extension of your care team through cultural training and personalized service.
• Provides guidance on next best actions and clinical alerts, connecting you to helpful resources.
• Recognizes members in distress and ensures they receive the additional care and support they need.
With Aetna Concierge services, you’ll have a trusted partner to help you navigate your health care journey with ease and confidence.
Monthly Medical Contributions
$75,000-$100,000
Your Dental Plan
Network dentists offer special rates for covered services, and cost share is usually lower. Dentist file claims for you.
You may pay more for dentists who aren’t in the network, and risk balance billing. You may have to file your own claims.
Protect Your Smile and Budget with Comprehensive Dental Insurance
In addition to protecting your smile, dental insurance helps pay for dental care and includes regular checkups, cleanings and X-rays. Receiving regular dental care can protect you and your family from the high cost of dental disease and surgery. Dental coverage is offered for basic, major, and orthodontic treatment. The dental plan also includes 100% coverage for preventive care.
If your dentist recommends treatment for which charges exceed $200, we recommend that you obtain a pre-treatment estimate so that your exact out-of-pocket costs are known prior to beginning treatment.
Health Savings Account
An HSA allows employees to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified healthcare expenses. Unused funds roll over year to year and if you leave the organization, your HSA dollars go with you. Our HSA is administered by Inspira.
HSA 2025 Contribution Maximums
INDIVIDUAL COVERAGE: $4,300
ALL OTHER TIERS: $8,550
CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTION (IF AGE 55+) $1,000
Am I Eligible to Open an HSA?
You are eligible to open and fund an HSA if:
• You are enrolled in the HDHP
• You are not covered by a non-HSA plan, healthcare FSA or HRA (limited purpose FSAs are an exception)
• You and/or your dependents are not eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
• You are not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE for Life
• You will be responsible for a standard and nominal monthly maintenance fee.
How Can I Maximize My Tax Savings?
Contributions to an HSA are tax free and can be made through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
The money in your HSA (including interest and investment earnings) grows tax free. As long as you use the funds to pay for qualified healthcare expenses, the money is spent tax free.
How Do I Access My HSA Money?
There are three ways to access your money:
DEBIT CARD
Draws directly from your HSA and can be used to pay for eligible expenses at your doctor’s office, pharmacy or other locations where you purchase health-related items or services.
The annual HSA contribution maximum for new HSAs is prorated for every month you weren’t covered by an HDHP. The Health Savings Account and Healthcare/Dependent Care FSA are administered by Inspira Financial. Detailed information is available on the Inspira website. Reimbursements may also be processed online.
PAY BILLS ONLINE
Send payments directly to your healthcare providers, pharmacy or other payees for eligible expenses you paid out of your pocket from your Inspira Financial account online.
REIMBURSE YOURSELF
Request a check or schedule an electronic account transfer to pay yourself back for eligible expenses you paid out of your pocket.
Flexible Spending Account
If you are enrolling in either the base or buy up medical plans, you may want to consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) administered by Inspira. Each pay period, funds are deducted from your pay on a pretax basis and credited to a Health Care and/or Dependent Care FSA.
Important Information About FSAs
Your FSA elections are effective from January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2025. Healthcare claims for January 1 through March 15, 2026, reimbursement must be submitted by March 31st, 2026. Any money remaining in the account after March 15th will be forfeited. This is known as the “use it or lose it” rule, governed by Internal Revenue Service regulations. FSA elections do not automatically continue from year to year; you must actively enroll each year.
Keep your Receipts!
The IRS requires employees to prove that FSA funds are only being spent on eligible expenses. You may be required to provide proof of your eligible expense in the event of an audit. The receipt must include date of service, description of service/item purchased, dollar amount, provider or store name.
¹$5,000 for single or married filing jointly, $2,500 for married filing separately
The Health Savings Account and Healthcare/Dependent Care FSA are administered by Inspira Financial. Detailed information is available on the Inspira website. Reimbursements may also be processed online.
Life / AD&D Insurance Disability
Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment –Company Paid
Life insurance can help provide for your loved ones if something were to happen to you. Ford Foundation is pleased to provide benefit eligible employees with 3x your annual salary to $66,666 plus 1x salary over $66,666 to $500,000 maximum in group term life and AD&D.
Voluntary Stand-Alone Accidental Death & Dismemberment
A serious accident can significantly impact your life, bringing unexpected expenses for you and your loved ones. AD&D insurance provides financial protection in the event of a covered accidental injury or death. You have the option to purchase additional Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance beyond what the Ford Foundation provides. Rates are based on your selected benefit amount:
EMPLOYEE: Up to $1,000,000 in increments of $10,000
SPOUSE: 50% of the employee’s amount (or 60% if no dependent children), up to $500,000
CHILDREN: 10% of the employee’s amount (or 15% if no eligible spouse), up to $50,000
BENEFICIARY INFORMATION
Remember to review and update your life beneficiary information.
Update this information throughout the year in the event of any life change such as a birth, death, divorce, etc.
Long-term Disability Insurance – Company Paid*
Ford Foundation provides all benefit eligible employees with Long-term disability (LTD) insurance. The benefit includes:
• Monthly benefit equal to 60% of your monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $20,000 per month, due to an accident or illness.
• For employees who are continuously disabled for more than six months
• NY Paid Family Leave: 12 weeks paid leave.
*Most benefits are for full-time employees; benefits for part-time employees vary.
Employee Assistance Program
TELUS Health – Short-Term Counseling & Wellbeing Support
Feel supported 24/7 with TELUS Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free resources for mental, financial, physical, and emotional well-being. This program is available at no cost to all employees and includes:
• Counseling Services: Employees and household family members receive six free, confidential counseling sessions per circumstance per year through TELUS Health.
• Calm App – Premium Subscription: Free premium access to the Calm App for employees and up to five family members to support relaxation, sleep, and mindfulness. For more details, visit the Employee Assistance Program page on Fordify.
Talkspace – Online Therapy
WHAT IS TALKSPACE?
Talkspace is a HIPAA-compliant online therapy platform providing secure, confidential mental healthcare. Employees can message their dedicated therapist anytime via text, video, or audio—completely free Talkspace therapists respond daily, five days a week, allowing you to receive support without the need for office visits, scheduling hassles, or stigma.
TREATMENT AREAS
Talkspace provides treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and postpartum depression.
THERAPY OPTIONS:
• Online Therapy: Ongoing support from a licensed provider
• Couples Therapy: Relationship-focused counseling
• Teen Therapy: Specialized support for ages 13–17
• Psychiatry: Evaluations and medication management for ages 18+
HOW IT WORKS
1. Easy Assessment – Complete a short questionnaire about your therapy preferences.
2. Personalized Matching – Get matched with three therapists and choose the best fit.
3. Flexible Therapy – Message your therapist anytime in a private therapy room. Therapists check in daily, five days a week.
Talkspace is not a live-chat service but offers flexible, ongoing support tailored to your needs.
Vacation & Sick Leave
Vacation/Personal Days*
VACATION
Employees receive 3 weeks (15 business days) of vacation in their first year of service and 4 weeks (20 business days) in subsequent years. Vacation time accrues monthly and can be taken after completing four months of service.
PERSONAL DAYS
Employees are granted 10 personal days each year—3 days for any reason, plus 7 days for defined reasons.
Sick Leave*
Employees are eligible for full-pay or half-pay sick leave for up to 26 weeks, depending on the length of service and duration of illness.
*Most benefits are for full-time employees; benefits for part-time employees vary.
Retirement
Retirement – Ford Foundation 403(b) Savings Plan
ADMINISTERED BY FIDELITY INVESTMENTS
ELIGIBILITY
Employees are eligible to participate in the plan starting the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
CONTRIBUTIONS
• Employee Contributions: Employees can contribute up to $23,500 in beforetax or Roth (after-tax) contributions for 2025. If both types of contributions are made, the combined limit is $23,500.
• Catch-up Contributions: Employees age 50+ can contribute an additional $7,500 in before-tax contributions.
Employees are automatically enrolled with a contribution rate of 2% of eligible salary, which can be adjusted or waived at any time via Fidelity’s NetBenefits website.
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS
Ford Foundation matches 3% of eligible salary, and contributes an additional 10% of employees’ eligible salary, even if the employee does not contribute.
VESTING
Employees are immediately vested at 100% in all Foundation contributions.
INVESTMENTS
Employees can direct their investments within the plan.
Additional Benefits
EMERGENCY CHILD & ELDER CARE
Access support for child and elder care needs through Bright Horizons, ensuring peace of mind when unexpected situations arise.
CHARITABLE GIVING
Ford Foundation supports your charitable efforts by matching 3x your contributions to qualified organizations, amplifying the impact of your generosity.
MOTHERS’ ROOM
A comfortable, well-equipped nursing room located on Level A at the Ford Foundation, offering a private and convenient space for mothers.
GENDER-AFFIRMING SUPPORT
Both Aetna and the Ford Foundation provide resources to support employees through gender-affirming care and related services.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS
All employees are encouraged to participate in a variety of Employee Resource Groups, fostering inclusion and connection across Ford Foundation.
For more information about Ford Foundation’s employee benefits, please contact Total Rewards and we will be happy to assist you.
REPRODUCTIVE & FAMILY SUPPORT, ADOPTION ASSISTANCE
The Ford Foundation and Aetna offer comprehensive support for reproductive and family planning needs, including assistance for adoption processes.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Employees have access to approved coaching and training opportunities designed to foster growth in their careers.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Take advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement Program, which provides up to $5,250 per calendar year for approved educational expenses, helping you further your academic goals.
GOOD NEIGHBOR COMMITTEE
Employees can get involved in grant-making opportunities, contributing to the funding of NY metro-based grantees, helping to support meaningful community initiatives.
