Yale New Haven Hospital has announced the details of its 2016 Compensation and Benefits Program, which continues to support the employer of choice strategy and reflect our performance-based pay philosophy.

"We are pleased to again offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, particularly as we and other hospitals are challenged to absorb the significant reimbursement cuts imposed by the state," said Kevin Myatt, Yale New Haven Health System senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Succeeding in a challenging environment requires the engagement and focused work of all staff. The 2016 Compensation and Benefits Program enables us to retain and reward the talented staff we have, and attract highly qualified new team members."

Compensation program highlights:

• Merit increases of up to 4 percent, based on employee performance and pay zone. Lump sum payments will be available for employees close to or at their max.
• Performance Incentive Plan (PIP): Eligible YNHH, Health Services Corp. and Grimes Center employees may earn up to 3 percent of their earnings if maximum plan goals are met.
• Special Achievement Awards: Eligible employees may earn up to 2 percent of their annual earnings based on specific accomplishments or extraordinary performance.

• YNHH will continue to bear most of the medical premium cost of the Advantage and Advantage Plus plans in 2016.
• As the cost of our medical benefit plans continues to increase due to usage and enhancements required under the Affordable Care Act, employee medical premium contributions will increase as YNHHS continues the ongoing phase-in of achieving — by 2017 — average employee medical premiums contributions of 20 percent for full-time employees and 35 percent for part-time employees.
• Annual deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance in the Advantage and Advantage Plus plans are not increasing for 2016. Out-of-pocket maximums remain the same as in 2015.
• The Medical Premium Waiver Program continues for YNHH, HSC and Grimes Center employees who earn below certain thresholds and have fully completed Know Your Numbers Plus. Details will be in the open enrollment packages.
• Employees must elect a dental plan, or no dental coverage, which will remain in effect for two years (2016 and 2017). Premium contributions for dental and vision care coverage are not increasing in 2016.

• Annual tuition reimbursement maximums for full-time employees will increase to $4,200 for courses started after Dec. 31, 2015. The maximum for part-time employees remains at $3,000 per year.
• The YNHH Apothecary pharmacy at the Saint Raphael Campus will offer a new, cost-effective alternative to CVS Caremark for expensive "specialty" medications for hospital employees.
• All employees must participate in the mandatory influenza vaccination program by receiving the vaccine or signing a declination. Certain departments will require all employees to be vaccinated.
• A new online resource, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, will be available to employees with children who have special or exceptional needs, including developmental, emotional or learning challenges.