Employee Benefits
Bonneville County offers a pleasant and stable work environment with competitive wages and a variety of employee benefits. Following is a list of benefits provided by Bonneville County for eligible employees. County policies, plan documents and summary information are available online or by contacting Human Resources (208) 529-1340. Information provided in official plan documents or contracts takes precedence over any other information provided orally or in writing.
Social Security and Medicare
As required by law, the county matches deductions from employee's wages for Social Security and Medicare benefits at the rate of 7.65% of the employee's gross wage up to the statutory maximum.
Workman's Compensation Insurance
Bonneville County is self insured providing workman's compensation insurance benefits through Intermountain Claims for all eligible employees as required by law. Workman's compensation insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and loss of income due to disability as a result of an injury or illness incurred in connection with employment. For serious life threatening injuries employees should go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room. For all other injuries which require medical attention other than basic first aid, employees will be directed to one of the Community Care locations in Idaho Falls or surrounding communities. Employees are required to report all accidents or injuries as soon as practical to their supervisor who will complete a supervisor's accident report whether or not the employee requires medical attention. A workman's compensation report and claim form must be completed as soon as practical when there is an injury which requires medical treatment other than basic first aid or which results in lost time from work beyond the shift in which the accident occurs.
Unemployment Insurance
The county provides unemployment insurance for all eligible employees as required by law. Unemployment insurance is generally designed to provide limited income for employees who become unemployed through no fault of their own while they seek other suitable employment.
Retirement
The county provides a defined benefit retirement plan for eligible employees through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). In order to qualify for this benefit employees must work 20 hours per week or more for an eligible period during five consecutive months. All qualified employees are required to participate in this benefit. Current employee contribution rates can be found by accessing the “members” tab on the PERSI website.
Employee Assistance Plan
The county provides counseling at no cost to qualified employees and qualifying household members. Confidential appointments may be arranged directly by contacting McLaughlin Young Employee Services at 1-800-633-3353. All full-time and part-time employees qualify for this benefit. The EAP provides assistance through local counselors to help employees in dealing with personal, financial and legal issues that may be interfering with their health, happiness or ability to cope effectively. In addition to personal counseling services, the EAP provides a wealth of information to help employees. Additional information can be found by visiting their web site http://www.mygroup.com/.
Health Insurance
The county offers health insurance to eligible employees at no cost and is administered by Blue Cross of Idaho. In addition, the county pays 70% of the premium for dependent coverage, if elected. Coverage for eligible employees begins on the first of the month following 30-days of eligible service. Coverage for eligible employees and their qualifying dependents include medical services, prescription medications, vision care and wellness or preventative care benefits. Follow the links below for a description of the Blue Cross PPO plan coverage. Employees may obtain a list of "In-Network" providers, check on the status of a claim, check deductible balances, etc. by registering on the Blue Cross of Idaho web site or by calling the local Blue Cross office at 522-8813. For a list "In-Network" vision service providers, to check on a claim or to file a vision claim for services from an out of network provider follow this link to the Vision Services Plan web site. Our independent agent, Ryan Anderson is also available at (208) 206-1918 to answer questions about health and dental benefits and assist with claims issues.
2024 Bonneville County Insurance Rates click here.
2025 Bonneville County Insurance Rates click here.
Dental Insurance
The county currently offers dental insurance to eligible employees and qualifying dependents at no cost to the employee through Delta Dental or Willamette.
Paid Leave and Holidays
The county offers a generous paid leave benefit and 12 paid holidays for most full-time employees. Part-time employees who regularly work 20 or more hours per week receive prorated paid leave and holiday benefits.
Life Insurance
The County provides $50,000 in life insurance through USAble Life at no cost to eligible employees up to age 65. After age 65, basic coverage is reduced as indicated in the benefit summary. In the case of an accidental death, basic coverage is doubled. Eligible dependents are also covered for $5,000 each.
OPTIONAL BENEFITS
Eligible employees may voluntarily elect additional optional benefits through payroll deduction for which all of the cost is paid by the employee. Although the county does not contribute to the cost of these benefits, employees may benefit from lower group rates, tax savings and the convenience of payroll deduction.
Life Insurance
Employees may purchase additional coverage through USAble Life. Premiums for voluntary coverage are based on the employee's age and other factors.
PERSI has made available a voluntary group life insurance plan through the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS). This is a decreasing term policy. Eligible employees may enroll within 90 days of employment or during an open enrollment period each year.
Flexible Spending Account
In compliance with Section 125 of the IRS regulations, the county has chosen to sponsor a Flexible Benefit/Cafeteria Plan for employees. The plan is currently administered by HealthEquity. The Flexible Spending Account allows employees, through payroll deduction, to set aside tax-free dollars for child care expenses and reimbursement for medical, dental and vision expenses not covered by other insurance benefits.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Employees may participate in optional deferred compensation plans by contributing as little as $25 each pay day or 1% of their gross pay and may change or stop deferrals at anytime. Currently, the County offers the following opportunities:
Eligible employees may make voluntary contributions to the PERSI Choice 401k plan. For more information, please visit Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho.
In compliance with Section 457 of the IRS regulations, the county has chosen to participate in the State of Idaho Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions (NRS). It is primarily designed to allow employees to set money aside for retirement and delay payment of state or federal income taxes on the principal and earnings until funds are withdrawn. Employees may get more information on the State of Idaho Deferred Compensation Plan and enroll online using internal links with our employer ID# 612003 or contact our agent Jared Williams: cell phone (406) 600-6702 or email j.williams1@nationwide.com
OTHER BENEFITS
Direct Deposit
Employees may elect to have their pay check deposited directly to their checking account and available to them when their bank or credit union opens on payday. Employees on direct deposit receive a pay stub electronically in Self-Service showing all salary information, deductions, leave balances and other information generally included with their pay check. By electing this option, employees do not have to worry about getting their check to the bank when they are off work. This is particularly convenient for employees who are on shift work.
Frequently Asked Questions
