Healthy Family

Health is about more than just your physical condition.
It’s also about your emotional and financial health.

Our plans and programs make it easy for you to get and stay healthier,
happier and financially fit. After all, a healthy family is good for
everyone — our customers, communities, teammates and you.

financial health

The benefits of participating in Ben E. Keith’s financial plans really add up.

As a Ben E. Keith employee, you have a lot of help in creating a nice nest egg for your future. In fact, the Company pays you to save by matching your personal 401(k) contributions and providing discretionary Profit Sharing contributions.

BEK 401(k)

In 2023, you can save up to $22,500 of your pay in the BEK 401(k). How much should you be putting away for retirement? Why at least 4%, of course! Why? Because Ben E. Keith contributes one dollar for each dollar you save, up to 4% of your pay. So if the convenient payroll deductions and potential tax advantages don’t get you into the plan, the Company match should.

If you don’t elect a contribution rate, you will be automatically enrolled as soon as you are eligible at a contribution rate of 4% of your pay.

Who can participate

Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) on the first day of the month following 60 days of service. You must be under age 55 or have less than one year of Company service as of July 1^st, 2018 to participate in the 401(k).

When participation begins

You can start contributing to your 401(k) on the first day of the month following 60 days of service if you were hired on or after July 1^st, 2018. Each pay period, money will be deducted from your paycheck at a pre-tax contribution rate of 4% of your pay unless you go to empowermyretirement.com and indicate what amount you prefer before the 1^st day of the month following your 60^th day of employment. You can increase, decrease or stop your contributions at any time.

More about Company contributions

Get the $1 for $1 Company match up to 4% of your pay. How it works:

We’ll help you get started

You can choose your own contribution rate any time. However, if you don’t get around to enrolling or choosing an amount, we’ll automatically enroll you at a contribution rate of 4% of your pay. Prefer a different amount or want to change or stop your contributions? Go to empowermyretirement.com.

Age 50 or older in 2023?

The IRS allows you to contribute an additional $7,500 in “catch-up” contributions, up to the 2023 limit of $30,000. This helps you save even more for your retirement.

Vesting is simple

“Vesting” is the point in time when you “own” the dollars in your 401(k). You are 100% vested in any BEK matching contributions (and any earnings) after two years of Company service. Your personal contributions are always 100% vested.

Rollovers are welcome

You can roll over dollars from a qualified retirement plan or IRA into your 401(k) account. We suggest you consult your personal financial advisor or Empower Retirement at empowermyretirement.com or 833-BEK-SAVE (833-235-7283).

Have questions? Need help?

Contact Empower Retirement at empowermyretirement.com or 833-BEK-SAVE (833-235-7283).

Print out a handout about 401(k) & Profit Sharing

Profit Sharing

Ben E. Keith is extremely proud to have contributed more than $73.5 million dollars to the BEK Profit Sharing accounts of our employees in the last 14 years.

Profit Sharing dollars from Ben E. Keith, along with your 401(k) savings will help you be on your way to a comfortable retirement.

Who can participate?

Full-time employees with one year of Company employment are eligible to receive a Profit Sharing contribution if Ben E. Keith makes a discretionary contribution. Part-time employees are eligible after one year of employment in which a minimum of 1,000 hours were worked.

How your account is invested

We will automatically invest dollars in your account in a State Street Target Date Fund based on your retirement age. Or, you can choose funds that better meet your personal investment strategy if you prefer.

You can choose the same (or different) funds for your 401(k) account.

Vesting is simple

Your Profit Sharing contributions from Ben E. Keith are 100% vested after six years of service:

20% after year 2
40% after year 3
60% after year 4
80% after year 5
100% after year 6

Have questions? Need help?

Contact Empower Retirement at empowermyretirement.com or 833-BEK-SAVE (833-235-7283).

Print out a handout about 401(k) & Profit Sharing

Pension

If you are:

Age 55+ as of July 1st, 2018 with at least one year of Company service

If this describes your situation, you will continue to accrue Ben E. Keith Pension benefits. Your future retirement income from the Company will include:

Pension benefits earned through your retirement or termination date, whichever is earliest
Profit Sharing account
Social Security benefits

Employed with BEK as of June 30th, 2018, had at least one year of service, but under age 55

If this describes your situation, your Pension benefit accruals stopped on June 30^th, 2018.

Your vested benefits earned in the Pension Plan through June 30^th, 2018 are yours to keep and will be available to you when you are eligible for early or normal retirement. You are vested after completing five years of service with Ben E. Keith Company and your future retirement income from Ben E. Keith includes:

Pension Plan benefits earned through June 30^th, 2018
Profit Sharing account
401(k) account (if participating)
Social Security benefits

Have questions? Need help?

BEK Educational Assistance Program

Effective May 1^st, 2020
Ben E. Keith Company offers full-time employees with six months of service the opportunity to receive up to $5,250 each year towards an Associate, Bachelor, or Master’s degree at accredited two- and four-year institutions.

Continuing (or starting) your education with the help of Ben E. Keith Company is a great way to develop your career.

How to apply

Complete the one page application then submit to education@benekeith.com by the below deadlines. You’ll need to provide details about your degree and anticipated financial request. Your manager must sign your application and must be in good standing to be eligible. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and complete the form. Applications should be submitted no later than:
- July 15^th for Fall semester
- November 15^th for Spring semester
- April 15^th for Summer semester
If the deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.
The Educational Review Committee will review applications shortly after the deadline. You’ll be notified of whether you are accepted into the program within four weeks.
You will be reimbursed each quarter for approved expenses, including tuition, fees, and books after you submit receipts. In addition, you must provide documentation such as a transcript that shows you have received a passing grade of C or higher, or received a “Pass” if the course is “Pass/Fail.”
If accepted into the program, you must submit your invoice/receipts for reimbursement within 60 days of completing each semester’s coursework.

For additional details, review the Educational Assistance Program Policy.

BEK Credit Union

As a Ben E. Keith employee, you and your eligible family members can join the BEK Credit Union.
Members have access to a wide range of financial benefits.

Click here to learn what the BEK Credit Union can do for you and your family.

Go to bekefcu.org or call 1-817-759-6300 for more information.

emotional health

Parental Leave

Eight weeks of paid maternity leave for all full-time employees
Two weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of gender. For full-time employees with at least one year of service. Parental leave must be taken within 12 months of birth or adoption.
Parental Leave policy, checklist and request form

Send your completed Parental Leave request form to benefits@benekeith.com. To be eligible for Parental Leave, you must also apply for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) at mylincolnportal.com, using Company code BEKCO. You can also call 1-888-408-7300.

Guidance Resources

All employees and their dependents can use this no cost, 24/7 confidential resource for many of life’s challenges. Talk to a counselor about relationship and family problems, stress, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, and substance abuse.

Get a referral and find customized resources for child and elder care, moving/ relocation, pet care, plan for college, repair and sell a house and more
Attorneys are available to answer questions about legal matters including adoption, real estate, debt, leases, civil and criminal actions
Financial support for budgeting, debt management, tax issues and other money concerns from on-staff certified public accounts and financial planners

Enrolled in a BEK medical plan?

Every BEK medical plan covers a wide range of emotional support benefits, including everything from virtual visits to in-patient treatment.

UHC plans: Log in or register on myuhc.com, then click on Find a Doctor to find and compare average costs for providers in your network, including mental health services.
BCBS plan: Go to alabamablue.com and log in or register. Click on Find a Doctor, then select Treatment Cost Estimator to find and compare average costs in your network, including mental health services.

Guidanceresources.com
Use Organization Web ID BEK to register/log in or call 1-866-517-1267. Spanish-speaking representatives
and support are available.

physical health

Our plans help you manage your personal health but also care for your loved ones. The good news? You have lots of help and support to keep your family healthy. Take time this year to educate yourself and to plan and prepare for a healthier future.

Health plans

Ben E. Keith’s medical plans provide you and your dependents with:

You’ll pay less if you use in-network providers.

PPO Medical Plan

What you need to know about the BEK PPO Medical Plan:

You can see any provider you like but you’ll spend less if you see a UHC in-network provider
You’ll pay a copay and/or deductible before the plan begins sharing in the costs

myuhc.com or 1-844-587-8503

BEK HSA Medical Plan

What you need to know about the BEK HSA Medical Plan:

If you enroll, BEK will make an annual contribution to your HSA
You can use your HSA dollars for any eligible medical, dental or vision expense
You pay all costs until you reach your deductible
There are no copays for doctor visits or prescription drugs once you meet your deductible
The annual deductible is higher than in the PPO plan but you’ll pay less per pay period

myuhc.com or 1-844-587-8503

LEARN MORE ABOUT AN HSA

Who isn’t eligible to enroll in an HSA?

You can’t be eligible for other medical coverage through your spouse unless it qualifies as a “high deductible health plan” including a health care flexible spending account
You can’t be claimed on someone else’s tax return
You can’t be enrolled in Medicare

Features of a Health Savings Account

If you choose this plan, an HSA will automatically be opened for you at Optum Bank
BEK will make a contribution to your HSA based on who you enroll and when your coverage begins
HSA dollars can be used for any eligible medical, dental or vision expenses
Reduce your taxable income when you personally contribute to an HSA
Get a debit card pre-loaded with the BEK Company contribution
HSA dollars stay with you—no matter what

BEK BCBS Medical Plan for Southeast Division and Kelley Manufacturing employees

alabamablue.com or 1-800-292-8868

BEK Dental Plan

Get routine dental care, X-rays, basic and major care.

BEK PPO Dental Plan is available everywhere. See any dentist, but the amount you pay out-of-pocket is less if you use a provider in the Cigna network.
BEK DHMO Dental Plan is only available to employees who live and work in Texas and only covers services delivered in the Dental DHMO/Managed Care network

my.cigna.com or 1-800-CIGNA24 (1-800-244-6224)

BEK Vision Plan

Regular eye exams screen for common vision problems and other health concerns.

See a vision provider every 12 months
Get new glasses or contacts every 12 months
Go to a MetLife provider and you’ll save more

metlife.com/mybenefits or 1-833-393-5433

Wellness plans

These programs help you and your family get and stay healthy.

Quit Tobacco

QuitLogix at https://helpline.quitlogix.org/en-US or 1-855-372-0040

Use tobacco in any form* and you’ll pay $100 more per month for medical coverage
Once you complete the program, your medical cost will be reduced by $100 a month
All BEK employees and dependents are eligible for the program
If you can’t participate because it is medically inadvisable, BEK will work with you to provide an alternative that allows you to avoid the surcharge

*Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff or chewing tobacco

Virtual Doctor Visits

myuhc.com or 1-844-587-8503
alabamablue.com or 1-855-477-4549

Available only to employees and family members enrolled in a BEK medical plan.
Arkansas residents can now access Virtual Doctor visits
See a doctor anytime for non-emergency health issues like cold, flu, earache, allergies and sinus infections.
Use your smartphone, tablet or computer.
You can even get a prescription if you need one.
Telemental Health Virtual Visits are also available—Learn more at myuhc.com > Mental Health.

Rally® Health wellness program

myuhc.com or 1-800-846-4678

Available only to employees and family members 13 years or older enrolled in a BEK medical plan
Take a short health survey to get a snapshot of your overall health
Identify areas where you can start improving
Get online support on health topics
Connect to an online community to share stories and helpful tips

Weight Loss

Weight Loss with Real Appeal: benekeith.realappeal.com

Available only to employees and family members 18 years or older enrolled in a BEK medical plan
Get support for an entire year from your own professional weight loss coach
Get neat tools like exercise DVDs, a scale, blender, pedometer and nutrition guides
Go online to see if you are eligible for the program

Maternity Programs

myuhc.com/maternity or 1-844-587-8503
alabamablue.com/babyyourself or 1-800-222-4379

Get personalized help through pregnancy and delivery including:

Personal attention of a registered nurse 24/7
Educational materials and resources
Complimentary gift for you and your baby

Life/AD&D

Get the financial protection you want from these BEK plans.

BEK-paid Basic Life/AD&D Insurance

Lincoln Financial Group – mylincolnportal.com Company code BEKCO or 1-888-408-7300

Full-time employees automatically receive $50,000 in term life insurance:

Provides lump sum benefits if you die
Provides a benefit if you lose a limb or suffer paralysis in an accident

BEK Supplemental Life/AD&D

Lincoln Financial Group – mylincolnportal.com Company code BEKCO or 1-888-408-7300

Choose $50,000 to $950,000 in coverage in $50,000 increments
If you leave BEK, you can take this coverage with you when you continue to pay premiums directly to Lincoln Financial Group
If you enroll during your initial enrollment period, you are guaranteed coverage up to $300,000
Amounts over $300,000 will require Evidence of Insurability (EOI) and must be approved by Lincoln Financial Group to be effective
Rates are based on the age of the employee as of January 1, 2023

BEK Spouse Life/AD&D

What you need to know:

Choose a coverage amount of $50,000 to $250,000 in $50,000 increments
Spouse coverage can be up to 100% of the employee life/AD&D amount, not to exceed $250,000
Amounts over $50,000 require Evidence of Insurability (EOI) and must be approved by Lincoln Financial Group to be effective
Rates are based on the age of the employee as of January 1, 2023

BEK Child Life/AD&D

What you need to know:

Each child receives $10,000 in life/AD&D coverage except from birth to 14 days old which provides $1,000 in coverage
Children up to age 26 can be covered
You may enroll unmarried dependent children age 26 or older who are incapable of self-care due to a mental or physical disability. They must be fully dependent on you for support and claimed on your federal tax return.
Be sure to list the names of each child during enrollment when requested; otherwise, they will not have coverage
Pay the same low rate of $1.50 a month—no matter how many children you enroll

Disability

Short-term disability (STD)

STD is administered by Lincoln Financial Group. STD covers the first 26 weeks of approved disability.

Lincoln Financial Group – mylincolnportal.com Company code BEKCO or 1-888-408-7300

How to report a disability claim/leave
Once approved by Lincoln Financial Group, STD replaces a portion of your pay for the first 26 weeks of short-term injury or illness
After 26 weeks, LTD begins, if approved by Lincoln Financial Group

Long-term disability (LTD)

LTD coverage starts after your short-term disability benefits end. LTD ensures you have some income replacement if you can’t work for an extended period of time.

Lincoln Financial Group – mylincolnportal.com Company code BEKCO or 1-888-408-7300

LTD replaces a portion of your pay
Once approved by Lincoln Financial Group, LTD coverage begins after your 26th week of disability
This coverage is coordinated with other benefits you may receive while disabled, such as Social Security and Worker’s Compensation
Coverage may continue until you reach your normal Social Security retirement age
Benefits are paid monthly

Hourly sick pay

Read a summary of our Hourly Sick Pay to learn more about how – and when – to contact Lincoln Financial Group to request a leave.