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Consultant Benefits

If you thought premium benefits were only available to permanent employees and not W2 consultants, PEI invites you to check out its selection of top-notch benefit programs. Choosing plans to meet the diverse needs of both its W2 consultants and internal staff, PEI carefully selects its plans to balance premium-level service with competitive pricing.  From multi-option medical to 401k and supplemental coverage, the selection of PEI's benefit plans are a result of input from its consultants and staff members. PEI strives to meet your needs and welcomes your comments on the benefits offered. 

Available Benefits

Automatic Benefits

Medical

Blue Shield of California has consistently been ranked in the top 10 list of healthcare providers for its level of service and multiple plan options. PEI is proud to offer its employees a range of Blue Shield's top healthcare plans.

Need immediate coverage? If you need healthcare insurance during your initial benefits waiting period, please visit Blue Shield's website and click the "Find a Plan" link.  You'll be able to get plan details, monthly rates and even apply online for individual or family plans (i.e., non-group plan).  On the 1st of the month following your benefits waiting period you can enroll in one of PEI's group plans below, which will eliminate the need for your non-group coverage.

The Access+ HMO Plan 10 offers the most comprehensive coverage with a wide range of benefits, including prescriptions, preventive care, inpatient and outpatient hospital services and emergency care all via affordable co-payments. Blue Shield's provider network includes some of the area's top medical groups including Sutter Health and UC Davis.

The Active Choice Plan 750 offers a more affordable plan that does not sacrifice choice or quality, and has many unique features. There are no front-end medical deductibles.  Instead, members receive a set dollar amount each calendar year to use for preventive care, as well as outpatient professional service with no set limits on the number of visits.  Coinsurance and co-payments cover remaining services such as prescriptions, emergency care and surgery.  Out-of-pocket expenses are capped at a calendar year maximum, after which coinsurance pays 100% of all covered expenses.

The Shield Spectrum PPO Plan 250 Premier offers direct access to the physicians and specialists in a preferred two-tier provider network; one of the largest provider networks in California.  Additional features include predictable co-payments, deductibles, co-payment maximums and the option to see providers outside of the PPO network.

Links to medical plan benefit summaries, application & rates:

Dental & Vision

Everyone has ongoing dental needs and since many people already have a family dentist with years of history, PEI has selected low-cost dental insurance that will allow employees to see the dentist of their choice. Dental coverage through The Principal Financial Group offers prompt payment and hassle-free claims processing.

Effective June 1st, 2005, a vision discount plan offered through VSP will be included at no extra charge to employees with dental coverage.

401k 

Veteran IT consultants have long known the tax advantage of contributing to a 401k plan, and PEI understands. The "PEI Savings Incentive Plan", administered by financial giant The Principal Financial Group, offers more than 12 investment options and a myriad of online services for PEI's web-savvy participants. New consultants can get their savings underway by starting their very first plan, or those with existing plans can roll-over a qualified plan to continue tax-deferred savings with PEI's plan. 

Supplemental Insurance

In this day and age, PEI realizes that traditional insurance coverage is often not sufficient to adequately meet the needs of today's IT veterans. PEI has therefore selected the worldwide expertise of AFLAC to put together the PEI Supplemental package that includes options such as long term disability, term life insurance, cancer protection and many others. 

Multi-Account Direct Deposit

PEI automatically deposits paychecks like clockwork - in amounts or percentages as directed by its employees - to one or two checking, savings or investment accounts.  PEI consultants can change deposit amounts by completing a new Direct Deposit Form as often as needed.

Employees can elect to receive their paycheck remittance advice via e-mail by completing the required Authorization Form and returning it to PEI.

Paid Vacation

Traditionally a rarity for consultants, PEI is proud to offer all of its W2 consultants a paid vacation plan.  Consultants start accruing vacation via the popular PEI Vacation Accrual Plan for the very first hour they bill.  The more hours a consultant bills, the more vacation is accrued. PEI appreciates the hard work of its consultants, and happily rewards them by paying out vacation at the consultant's normal pay rate. 

Credit Union

Tired of big bank fees?  PEI sponsors credit union membership for its employees at Patelco Credit Union. Highlights include no monthly fees, excellent rates, online banking and much more!  Patelco Credit Union members can fully utilize the many ATMs offered by Golden One Credit Union.  

Prepaid Expenses

PEI understands that clients with demanding travel requirements can prove burdensome on consultants' credit cards with even the highest of credit limits.  When a PEI representative books a consultant's travel, PEI can many times pre-pay for expenses such as airfare and lodging. Consultants faced with a  lag-time of expense reimbursement understand and appreciate this level of PEI "VIP Service". 

Pay Advances

When personal finances pose a challenge, consultants may request a pay advance of up to 25% of their unpaid client approved hours prior to their next scheduled payday.  Advances are limited to a maximum of two requests per calendar quarter with only one advance outstanding at a time and are always subject to prior management approval.

Full Service

Consultants of PEI can rely on the attention of their recruiter and the home office to take care of all their employment needs. Whether it be temporary housing, resume writing assistance, or guidance on salary conversion, PEI is always there to help its most valued resources. PEI's commitment to providing true "full service" extends far beyond traditional IT staffing agencies.

Company Sponsored Events

Whether its PEI's fun and festive holiday party, or an enjoyable schmooze cruise, PEI prides itself on forging lasting relationships with its consultants.  PEI consultants have enjoyed attending social gatherings, sporting events, annual dinners and charity events with the office staff as much as PEI's home office has enjoyed hosting them!

Eligibility

With only a 30-day waiting period, benefits are available to employees who average a minimum of 30 hours per week.  Selected benefits can only begin on the first of the month following the waiting period.

Costs

Workers Compensation

Disability Insurance

Unemployment Insurance