Employee Benefits
The City of Merriam is proud to offer exceptional benefit coverage for our employees. Supporting the health and financial wellbeing of our employees and their families is vital to the success of the services we provide. Merriam strives to attract and retain the most talented team members with our total compensation package that satisfies the diverse needs of our workforce.
What do our employees say?
"The benefits at Merriam are the best in the area. It's a great place to work."
"The attitude Team Merriam brings to the table every-single-day is unmatched. Also... free benefits for my family and a 10% 401a match is a game-changer!"
"Everyone is always so friendly and helpful and the City takes such good care of their employees."
"I love all of the benefits and employee perks. The team also gets along so well, which is nice."
Benefits Highlights
- The City pays 100% of HDHP medical premiums and contributes between $900-$1,500 to the employee's HSA.
- The City pays 94% of PPO medical premiums.
- The City contributes up to 10% of to a 401(a) retirement plan for KPERS members.
Benefits are available to full-time or regular part-time employees of the City. Benefits are effective the first of the month following employment. Employees can elect and waive benefits online each year during open enrollment.
Benefits Summary(PDF, 532KB)
Health Insurance
Eligible 1st of month following employment
Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
Merriam offers two Medical/RX plans through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KC.
- PPO with option to add a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The monthly premium is 100% covered by the City, and the City contributes to a Health Savings Account.
STRIVE Employee App
Your all-in-one health benefits digital wallet. Includes access to free telehealth and healthcare advocates to help provide cost transparency, reviewing claims, getting prior authorization, and more.
Free Telehealth
Must be enrolled in City medical plan.
- Medical consult with board-certified physician
- Avoid costly visits to ER & Urgent Care
- Unlimited consultations for you and your dependents
- No intermingling with sick people in waiting rooms
Dental Coverage
Provided by Guardian Dental.
- Comprehensive coverage including two cleanings and one full X-ray set each year covered at 100%
- Basic services covered at 80%
- Yearly benefit maximum $1,500
- Orthodontia for children under 26 up to lifetime max. $1,000
Vision Coverage
Provided by Guardian Vision.
- Comprehensive vision exam once per year
- Glasses lenses once per year; frames once per 2 years ($130 frame allowance; $150 on featured frames)
- Contact lenses (in lieu of glasses lenses) once per year fully covered after deductible.
Paid Leave
Holidays: 9 per year
Vacation: Accrues each pay period and increases with each year of service. See Benefits Summary for schedule.
Personal: 24 hours per year (pro-rated depending on start date)
Sick: Accrue at a rate of 3.7 hours per pay period; cap at 520 hours
Volunteer time: 24 hours per year (pro-rated depending on start date)
Retirement Plans
KPERS / KP&F
All eligible employees are enrolled in either the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) or the Kansas Police & Fire Retirement System (KP&F). Employee contribution percentages of gross wages are set by the State of Kansas. Learn more at kpers.org.
KPERS video | KP&F video
Mission Square
- 401(a) – KPERS members only
- Irrevocable option to contribute 0% or 3% of base pay
- You contribute 0% ▶ City contributes 3%
- You contribute 3% ▶ City contributes 10%
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free and confidential professional counseling assistance and referrals.
Life Insurance + Disability Benefits
KPERS / KP&F
Financial protection for you and your family in the event of an accident or death at no cost to you. Additional coverage is available through KPERS Optional Group Life Insurance.
Guardian
- Basic Life Insurance: $20,000
- Voluntary Life Insurance: Guaranteed issue amounts for employee, spouse, and children.
- Long Term Disability
- Short Term Disability (voluntary)
Additional Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 annually
Eligible Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Merriam Community Center Membership
Wellness Incentive Program
Referral Bonus: Up to $1,500 per successful referral
Language Stipend: Up to $1,300 annually for Spanish proficiency
Employee Appreciation Events and Activities
Salary Surveys: Conducted regularly to ensure competitive pay for all employees.
See the Employee Handbook or Benefits Guide for additional information.