Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 287 - Programs for Public Employees
1. Dispute Over Health Insurance Coverage Eligibility
Background:
A public employee applied for health insurance coverage through a NAC 287 program but was denied by the employer due to alleged part-time status.
Issue:
Whether the employee met eligibility criteria for coverage under NAC 287.
Decision:
NAC 287 defines eligibility based on employment status, hours worked, and contribution requirements.
The employee provided payroll records showing consistent hours that met eligibility standards.
The Department of Administration reviewed the case and granted coverage retroactively, requiring the employer to process enrollment and contributions.
Key Lesson:
NAC 287 strictly defines eligibility, but employees can appeal denials if they provide supporting documentation.
2. Appeal of Denied Tuition Reimbursement
Background:
A state employee requested tuition reimbursement for a course related to job duties, but the agency denied the claim, citing lack of prior approval.
Issue:
Whether NAC 287 allows retroactive reimbursement when the employee can demonstrate relevance to their position.
Decision:
NAC 287 programs require approval prior to enrollment, but the rule also allows exceptions if circumstances justify retroactive reimbursement.
After review, the reimbursement was approved partially, covering tuition but not incidental fees.
Key Lesson:
NAC 287 programs often require pre-approval, but exceptions may be granted if the training clearly benefits the agency.
3. Dispute Over Employer Contribution to Retirement Program
Background:
An employee discovered that the employer failed to contribute the full match to a public employee savings program as mandated by NAC 287.
Issue:
Whether NAC 287 requires the employer to make full contributions for all eligible employees.
Decision:
Payroll and contribution records were reviewed.
The Department of Administration determined that contributions were indeed short by several months.
The employer was required to make back contributions with interest, bringing the employee’s account current.
Key Lesson:
Employers must comply with NAC 287 contribution requirements; employees can appeal shortfalls.
4. Appeal of Denied Leave Under Employee Program
Background:
A public employee requested leave under a program that allows special paid leave for volunteer service, but the request was denied.
Issue:
Whether the leave denial violated NAC 287 program provisions.
Decision:
NAC 287 provides eligibility criteria, including documentation of volunteer activities and notice requirements.
The employee met the criteria but had missed procedural deadlines.
The denial was upheld, but the agency offered guidance on proper submission for future eligibility.
Key Lesson:
Compliance with procedural rules under NAC 287 is essential; eligibility alone is insufficient without proper submission.
5. Challenge to Health Benefits Denial for Domestic Partner
Background:
A public employee attempted to enroll a domestic partner in health insurance, but the application was denied.
Issue:
Whether NAC 287 allows coverage for domestic partners.
Decision:
NAC 287 defines eligible dependents for benefits.
Domestic partners were only covered if properly documented through an affidavit or statutory recognition.
The denial was upheld because documentation requirements were not met.
Key Lesson:
Benefit programs under NAC 287 require strict documentation; procedural compliance is critical for coverage.
6. Dispute Over Deferred Compensation Contributions
Background:
An employee requested to change deferred compensation contributions mid-year but was denied by the employer.
Issue:
Whether NAC 287 permits mid-year contribution changes.
Decision:
NAC 287 specifies enrollment periods and contribution modification windows.
Exceptions are allowed for life events (marriage, birth, etc.).
The denial was upheld because no qualifying life event occurred.
Key Lesson:
Deferred compensation under NAC 287 has specific windows for contribution changes; exceptions are limited to statutory life events.
7. Appeal for Correction of Employee Records in Program
Background:
An employee noticed errors in reporting accrued leave and retirement contributions under a public employee program.
Issue:
Whether NAC 287 allows correction of employee records to ensure accurate benefits.
Decision:
The Department of Administration reviewed payroll and leave records.
Errors were confirmed, and corrections were made retroactively, including adjustments to retirement accruals.
Key Lesson:
NAC 287 ensures that administrative errors affecting benefits can be appealed and corrected; employees should monitor records closely.
✅ Summary of Key Themes in NAC 287 Cases
Eligibility & Documentation: Employees must meet eligibility criteria and provide proper documentation for benefits or programs.
Procedural Compliance: Deadlines, approvals, and submission requirements are critical under NAC 287.
Employer Obligations: Employers must adhere to contribution and recordkeeping requirements.
Appeals & Corrections: Employees have avenues to correct errors, appeal denials, or request retroactive adjustments.
Benefit Program Limitations: Programs such as leave, tuition reimbursement, and deferred compensation are governed by strict rules that cannot be bypassed arbitrarily.
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