There are two possible ways to receive CoBen Cash in your paycheck. If the premiums for your health, dental, and vision coverage is less than your total CoBen allowance, you will receive the excess as CoBen Cash in your paycheck.

If you have coverage through another source, such as your spouse or former employer, you may opt to receive cash in lieu of both your health and dental coverage or for your health coverage only. To receive CoBen Cash in lieu of benefits, you must complete the CoBen Cash Enrollment Election Form. These payments are considered taxable income and are as follows:

• $155 - if you decline both the State-sponsored health and dental plans
• $130 - if you decline only the State-sponsored health plan

CoBen Cash payments are included with your regular paycheck and are subject to the same payroll taxes (federal, state, and Social Security) as your regular salary. However, CoBen Cash payments are not considered compensation for retirement purposes. This additional cash is reported on your W-2 statement in the same tax year you received the CoBen Cash payment.

Three-Year commitment - if you enroll in the cash option in lieu of dental benefits you may not re-enroll in a State-sponsored dental plan for three "plan years." The only exception to this is if you lose your other dental coverage.