Category: Benefits News

This category is for articles and announcements related to your benefits as an MSU benefits-eligible faculty or staff member.

Mother and daughter spending time together

Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path

Published on by Anna LaydenLeave a comment

If you have a high school senior, you’re likely heading into one of your busiest years as a parent.

They’re juggling big decisions about college, trades, work, or a gap year alongside big moments like senior photos, prom, and graduation. Meanwhile, you may be wondering which path is right for them, how you’ll afford it, and whether an important deadline could slip through the cracks.

Your Cariloop benefit gives you access to a Coach who can help your family sort through the decisions and details of planning for life after high school.

MSU’s Cariloop benefit includes 30 days of personalized support from licensed coaches (with a paid option to extend beyond 30 days). The included 30 days of support are renewed annually on a calendar year basis.

A Cariloop Coach can help you:

  • Explore the options: Research colleges, trades, and other paths, and talk through the questions that come with helping a young adult decide what’s next.
  • Understand the cost: Explore financial aid options, complete the FAFSA, and use Find Care to locate scholarships and tutors.
  • Keep the process moving: Organize admissions requirements, application timelines, exam dates, and key deadlines.

Ready to learn more?

You can also join Cariloop’s October 29 Coffee Talk, Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path if you’d like to learn more about how Cariloop can help before requesting personalized support.

If you have questions about your Cariloop benefit, visit the HR website or leave a comment below.

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This Benefit can Help You Save Money on Common Household Expenses

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

As you review your benefit options for the coming year during Open Enrollment (October 1 to 31), consider whether a flexible spending account (FSA) makes sense for your family. We all spend money on medical expenses such as prescription and office visit copays, dental work, and over-the-counter items like bandages. And many families spend thousands of dollars each year on child or adult day care. 

If you are looking for ways to save money on caregiving costs or medical care expenses, enrolling in an FSA is a sound strategy. An FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses, such as child care or health care costs like copays. In fact, using FSA funds for these types of expenses can save you an average of 30%!1  

MSU offers benefits-eligible employees the option to enroll in two types of FSAs: Dependent Care FSA and Health Care FSA. You can enroll in one or both FSA plan types. You will manage your FSA directly with MSU’s plan provider, HealthEquity.  

Should I enroll in both FSA types?  

Good question! The answer depends on what you and your family need. Make sure you know the eligible expenses each FSA plan allows you to use your pre-tax money on before you enroll in one or both plans.  

Dependent Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:  

Health Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:  

Before You Enroll 

When you enroll, you’ll decide how much money you’d like to contribute to the FSA. This money will be deducted from your paycheck (pre-tax) and divided over each pay period throughout the plan year.  

Here are the contribution limits for the 2027 plan year: 

  • Dependent Care FSA: A household may contribute up to $7,500. If you and your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) both have a Dependent Care FSA, combined household contributions cannot exceed $7,500 at MSU or another employer. 
  • Health Care FSA: An individual may contribute up to $3,400. If both you and your spouse/OEI have a Health Care FSA, you each may contribute up to $3,400. 

Before you enroll, make sure you take some time to understand each plan and estimate how much you are likely to spend on eligible expenses throughout the plan year. We encourage you to plan conservatively; Due to IRS requirements, any unused funds left in your account at the end of the plan year grace period (March 15, 2028) will be forfeited. Learn more about FSAs – including fund availability, reimbursement options, grace period deadlines, and eligible expenses – on the HR FSA webpage.  

Please Note: Due to IRS regulations, you are unable to participate or have a balance in a Health Care FSA if you enroll in the Health Savings Account offered with the Consumer Driven Health Plan. 

How to Enroll  

Please review these two FSA plan options and enroll – or re-enroll – in an FSA during the Open Enrollment period in October. If you’re currently enrolled in an FSA for the 2026 plan year, you must re-enroll if you’d like to continue participating in an FSA for the 2027 plan year. Find instructions for how to enroll in an FSA as part of Open Enrollment here.   

Questions? HR staff will be available at the MSU Benefits Fair and the HR Site Labs throughout October. You may also visit the HealthEquity website or call HealthEquity at 877-924-3967. MSU Human Resources is available at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434). 

1Example for illustration only. Actual savings vary. The figure is based on average tax rates, including state, federal and FICA taxes. Source: (n.d.). Open Enrollment Center. HealthEquity. Retrieved August 18, 2026, from https://www.healthequity.com/learn. 

HR staff helping MSU employees during a previous Benefits Fair.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1 to 31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2027 plan year.   

Mark your calendars and join us at the following events! We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2027 benefit options.  

MSU Benefits Fair  

Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff. 

When:  

  • Benefits Fair: October 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  
  • Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots by appointment only.  

Where:  

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Learn more about the MSU Benefits Fair on the HR website, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information, and participating providers.  
 

HR Site Labs  

MSU HR will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits at the following site labs. 

When and Where:  

  • October 9 | 9 a.m. to Noon | Virtual 
  • October 12 | 7 to 10 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person 
    International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lan-sing, MI 48824 
  • October 20 | 2 to 5 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 27 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55 (Ground Floor), East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 30 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Rd, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823 

Learn more about the HR Site Labs on the HR website, including directions, parking information, and how to join the virtual site lab.  

As always, you can find information about all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. In addition to the events above, MSU Human Resources is available to answer your questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).  

Clipboard listing a Open Enrollment to-do list, including choosing benefits for your family, reviewing updates and reminders, visiting the MSU Benefits Fair, and making any changes by October 31.

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2027: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2027 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2026.  
 

STEP 1: Determine your benefit needs.  

During Open Enrollment, you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:  

  • Health  
  • Dental  
  • Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)  
  • Health savings account  
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance  
  • Voluntary accident, critical illness, legal, or vision insurance.  

Carefully review your Open Enrollment guide and choose the best benefit plans for your family. You may not change the above benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period unless you have a qualifying life event, so please review your options and take action in October.  
 

STEP 2: Review important updates and reminders for the 2027 plan year.  

We encourage you to review all important updates and reminders.  Learn more about the highlighted updates below on page 6 of your  Open Enrollment guide.   

Important Highlights: 

  • As a reminder, you no longer need to complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) to continue coverage for your spouse/OEI. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2027 without any action.  
    • However, the spouse/OEI premium threshold requirement still applies. To enroll your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) in MSU coverage, your spouse/OEI must enroll in coverage through their own current or former employer (e.g., a retiree health plan), if the annual premium cost for single-person coverage is $1,850 or less. You may still cover your spouse/OEI on your MSU health coverage as a secondary plan. Please review the  Open Enrollment FAQs  for more information about. If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold does not apply. 
  • Please note the minor change to access the Open Enrollment application within the EBS portal. Review Open Enrollment Instructions for more information. 

STEP 3: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab.  

  • MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Thursday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits on-site. Flu shot appointments are available by appointment only. Find a link to make a flu shot appointment.   
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer in-person and virtual site labs throughout October. Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment.   
     

STEP 4: Make your changes online before October 31.  

You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections.  

We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate Open Enrollment guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information from our providers.  

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to attend the  MSU Benefits Fair or an  HR Site Lab to ask questions. You may also contact MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll free: 800-353-4434). 

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Support for Working Parents: Helping Kids Navigate Change

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

As we transition from summer vacation to back-to-school season, we know parents and caregivers may need extra support. Whether you’re preparing for a new school year, adjusting to new routines, or helping your child navigate a major milestone, your Cariloop benefit can help1.

Cariloop offers support to help guide kids (and parents) through transitions with emotional awareness, resilience, steady routines, and supportive conversations. Review how the following Cariloop resources may help you this back-to-school season:

  • Join the Cariloop Webinar Backpacks, Bedtimes, and Big Feelings: Support Kids Through Life’s Transitions on August 27. New schools, shifting routines, and fresh faces can spark both excitement and nerves. This talk helps you support children through the moments when life switches gears. You’ll learn how to spot stress early, keep daily rhythms steady, and offer comfort when little ones need extra reassurance. Walk away with ideas that help kids of all ages — and their grown-ups — adapt with more confidence.

  • Use Cariloop for Education and College Support. Did you know a Cariloop Coach can help with more than just finding child care? Connect with a licensed Care Coach for personalized support with the following:
    • IEP/504 meetings 
    • Sourcing tutors 
    • ESL learning 
    • School transfers 
    • College prep 
    • FAFSA/scholarships and grants 
    • Home schooling 
    • Neurodiversity support 
    • Learning challenges 
    • Early intervention 
    • Behavior concerns 
    • Choosing graduate programs 
    • Student loans and financial aid 
    • SAT/ACT/ASVAB 
    • Trade programs and apprenticeships  

  • Use a Care Coach to Find Child Care, After-school Programs, and More. Choosing child care is a big decision. You want care that supports your child’s well-being and development while balancing cost, availability, and schedules. A Cariloop Coach can help you find and compare child care options and then schedule tours or interviews so you can see and evaluate options.

    Here’s an example of how a Care Coach could help:
    • You’ll connect with your Care Coach to share your child care preferences, including location, schedule, cost, and learning approach.
    • Your Care Coach will identify nearby options and review licensing, safety records, cost, and availability for each.
    • Finally, your Care Coach will review the options with you and help schedule tours or interviews.

How to Access Cariloop

Visit the Cariloop website and click Get Started to access your benefit. Follow the prompts and sign up with your work email (you can add a personal email or phone later). Once activated, you have access to Cariloop’s Care Coaches, UrbanSitter caregiver platform, tools, resources, and more. Learn more about your Cariloop benefit on the HR website.

1 MSU benefits-eligible employees have free access to the Cariloop platform, along with 30 days of complimentary access to a Care Coach for support with a paid option to extend coaching beyond 30 days (at employee’s expense). Your 30-day Care Coach benefit renews every calendar year.

Seen walking away from the camera, an adult in professional dress carrying a laptop bag holds the hand of a small child in a black and white checked dress with a shiny pink backpack.

Back to School Discounts for the 2026-2027 School Year

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Whether your family loves shopping for back to school, or they dread it every year, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered. All benefit-eligible employees can log into the MSU Benefits Plus portal through MSU’s multifactor authentication system and find dozens of discounts to get you and your family heading back to school in style without paying full price. 

Below are just a few examples of what might be useful this time of year. 

Electronics and Technology

Technology is now an essential part of the school supply list so enjoy extra savings on those investments through a variety of retailers, even here at MSU. 

  • Apple: Save up to 10% on Apple devices and accessories through the Employee Purchase (EPP) program.
  • Dell: Get the best pricing available on all Dell PCs, electronics and accessories.
  • HP: Up to 50% off HP computers and accessories through their EEP.
  • Lenovo: Take advantage of exclusive savings on Lenovo PCs, accessories, and innovative AI-powered technology.
  • Microsoft Office: Save over 50% on Office 2024 and even more on previous versions.
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students.

Apparel and Beauty

Everyone wants a great outfit for their first day of school, whether you’re a student, an educator, or even if it’s just another day at the office. 

  • Pair Eyewear: Start the new year in style with customizable glasses you’ll love and get a free gift with purchase using code CORESTEAM-GIFT.
  • Bombas: 25% off a purchase of $85 or more with code Exclusive25 (plus a pair is donated with every pair purchased!).
  • Crocs: Save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more using the code SUNNYDEAL20.
  • Spartan Spirit Shops: Visit any Shop in person and show your Faculty/Staff ID for 20% off!

Education 

Learn a new skill, stock up on textbooks for those fall courses, and show your Spartan spirit, all at a discount through these local organizations. 

  • Spartan Bookstore: 10% off new and used books when you show your ID.
  • Student Book Store: 10% of your whole purchase (excluding computer software and calculators) when you show your ID.
  • Method Learning: Up to 20% off SAT/ACT prep, college advising and more.

For all of these discounts and more visit the HR Website or the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Employees can also call Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575 with any questions. Back-to-School is on at Michigan State!

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Your Top Questions About MSU’s Optional Retirement Plans

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Whether this is your first job out of school or you’ve been working for 40+ years, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to prepare for your eventual retirement. Most benefit-eligible employees* are aware of and enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program (BRP) offered by MSU, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10% – an immediate two-for-one match of your investment – for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides an excellent foundation for your retirement savings, most employees will eventually want to consider additional savings options for their retirement.

In addition to the BRP, eligible employees also have the option of enrolling in two additional retirement programs: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Enrollment in one or both optional programs can help employees meet their retirement savings goals, making it easier for them to transition to retirement.

New in 2026: SECURE 2.0 Act and After-Tax Roth Option

Earlier this year, MSU’s retirement plans were enhanced in alignment with the federal SECURE 2.0 Act to include a new requirement and an option for Catch-up contributions as well as a new After-tax Roth Contribution option for all eligible employees. Learn more on the HR webpage, After-Tax Roth and SECURE 2.0 Act.

Answers to Top Questions about Optional Retirement Plans

We’ve compiled a list of the top questions we receive as employees think about enrolling in these optional plans:

  • Q: Is there a minimum contribution amount required for one of the optional plans? What about a maximum amount?

    A: Employees may elect any percentage contribution, as all contributions are based on a percentage of eligible pay. For example, 1.50% would be an acceptable contribution election. Employees wishing to contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, can use the calculator to convert a dollar amount to a percentage.

    Maximum contribution amounts are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. Information on current IRS limits, including Age 50 Catch-up contributions, can be reviewed at Maximizing Your Retirement Plan Contributions.

  • Q: Does contributing a small amount, such as $25 a month, make a difference in the long run?

    A: We encourage employees to work with their financial advisors or retirement vendors for assistance in deciding how much more to contribute. You may be surprised how a small contribution over a long time can impact your retirement account balance, and you may want to take advantage of compounding earnings as you save for retirement.

  • Q: What are the main differences between the 403(b) Supplemental and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan?

    A: Generally, the differences are when an individual can access the funds and the loan provisions. Also, the 403(b) Supplemental contributions must be added to the Voluntary 403(b) Base contributions when calculating the IRS maximum contributions, whereas the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan has a separate IRS maximum limit. A more detailed comparison of the two different optional accounts can be found in the Retirement Plans Comparison chart.

  • Q: Can I enroll in an optional retirement plan account at any time?

    A: Yes, retirement plan elections can be made at any time. This includes beginning or canceling enrollment, increasing or decreasing contribution percentages, and changing vendors. Depending on payroll schedules and deadlines, there may be a delay when contributions start or stop. For more detailed information, please visit the HR website at Enroll or Make Changes to Retirement Plans.

For more information about available retirement plans from MSU, please review the retirement resources on the HR website and the MSU Retirement Plans Enrollment Guide. Find instructions to enroll in these optional retirement plans at any time throughout the year. Please contact the HR Solutions Center with any questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

*Note: Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details. 

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Your Mid-Year Benefits Wellness Check-Up

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

National Insurance Awareness Day (June 28) encourages us to review our insurance options to make sure we’re enrolled in the best plans for our families. As an MSU employee, you have a variety of benefit options available to you beyond just health care and dental plans. While many of these benefits allow you to enroll in or make changes at any time, several require you to sign up, change, or cancel enrollment during the Open Enrollment period in October. If you’re interested in a benefit but unable to sign up right away, review the plan options and make a list of changes you’d like to make so you’re prepared for the upcoming Open Enrollment period in October.

Benefits without an Enrollment Period

The following benefits are available to enroll in, change, or cancel at any time. You’ll find a brief description of each benefit below, and you can click on the benefit name for more details and information on how to enroll/register.

  • Auto: Find special pricing on insurance for your vehicle through Farmers GroupSelect or Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Educational Assistance: Support staff have access to educational assistance funds to help cover the costs of credit and non-credit professional development opportunities.
  • Home: Find special pricing on insurance for your home through Farmers GroupSelect or Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Livongo by Teladoc Health: Employees and their dependents enrolled in an MSU health plan can receive diabetes management supplies and coaching at no cost.
  • Pet: Find special pricing on pet insurance through Nationwide.
  • Teladoc Health Telemedicine: An online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app. Use Teladoc to get help for a range of conditions, including cold/flu, bronchitis, allergies, pink eye, dermatology, and more.
  • Teladoc Medical Experts: Get medical advice from leading medical experts. Whether you need medical questions answered, a diagnosis double-checked, help deciding on a treatment plan, or guidance about a surgery, Teladoc Medical Experts can help.
  • TruHearing: Some benefit providers offer discounts on hearing aids. Please contact the providers directly to learn more about the discounts they offer.

Benefits with an Enrollment Period

The following benefit options have an enrollment period. This means you can only enroll in, change, or cancel the benefit during Open Enrollment in October each year. We encourage you to review the plans you’re currently enrolled in, along with the options available, and make a plan to make any necessary changes this October. Please note that updates for the 2027 plan year will be shared this September before Open Enrollment in October:

  • Critical Illness: MetLife gives you extra cash in the event you or a covered family member experiences a covered illness.
  • Dental: Various plans are available based on your employee type. We encourage you to check which dentists are available in your area before enrolling in a new plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): There are two FSA options available for employees – Dependent Care FSA and Health Care FSA. Be sure you know the difference before you enroll.
  • Health Care (including prescription): Various plans are available based on your employee type and work location.
  • Legal: ARAG currently offers plan options to help cover a wide range of legal needs.
  • Life/Accident Insurance: Several types of life insurance are available for you to enroll in, along with voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance.
  • Vision: Two plan options are available through VSP for vision care.

Please visit the HR website to learn more about all the benefit options available to you. For questions about enrollment and eligibility, please contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

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Guidance from Fidelity and TIAA: Financial Goals to Strengthen Your Future

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

As a benefits-eligible employee, you may know about the generous retirement savings programs and resources MSU offers to help set you up for a successful retirement. However, MSU’s retirement plan vendors, Fidelity and TIAA, can help you with more than just retirement planning. Whatever your financial goals – such as funding a big purchase, paying down debt, or creating a sustainable budget – Fidelity and TIAA can help you create a plan to achieve them. 

Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide strategies and advice to help you take charge of your finances. Review the goals below and then contact your vendor using the following information. 

  1. Create a Budget: Many people only have a vague understanding of their spending habits or financial situation. Between trying to comprehend financial jargon, figuring out your goals, and understanding how to balance debt, saving, and investing, it’s no wonder people often bury their heads in the sand. Luckily, Fidelity and TIAA have tools, resources, and advice to help us make a plan and stay on track. Learn More: 
  2. Build an Emergency Fund: Setting aside money for an emergency – such as unemployment, surprise medical or vet bills, or unplanned home repairs – is a key element of basic financial planning and often the first step advisors will recommend. According to TIAA, “you should aim to have enough to cover 6 months of expenses in a readily accessible account.” (TIAA, 2026). These living expenses include the things you absolutely must pay for each month, such as food, housing, utilities, child care, health care, transportation, debt payments, or similar. 

    The latest report released by the Federal Reserve found that 37% of adults would not be able to afford a $400 emergency expense (2025, Federal Reserve), which means they would have to use credit cards, personal loans, early retirement withdrawals, or ask family/friends for assistance. Saving towards an emergency fund – even if it’s only a small amount each month – can help you build a safety net to keep you out of debt. Learn more: 
  3. Pay Down Debt: The average American owes more than $105,000 in debt across mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans (Fidelity, 2025). While having debt isn’t necessarily bad – a mortgage loan, for instance, can help you build wealth and eventually own a home – having too much debt or high-interest debt can lead to financial stress. Fidelity clarifies, “Good debt is generally considered any debt that may help you increase your net worth or generate future income. Importantly, it typically has a low interest or annual percentage rate (APR), which experts say is normally under 6%” (Fidelity, 2025). 

    TIAA and Fidelity offer actionable steps to help you move in the right direction. Review the resources below for advice on managing debt and contact your vendor directly to receive personal financial advice. Learn more: 
  4. Maximize Your Retirement Investment: Most benefit-eligible employees1 are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation for your retirement savings, you may eventually want to consider additional options. It’s important to note that the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to their retirement savings accounts each year. However, many people may discover there is a lot of room before their current contributions reach that limit. Fidelity and TIAA can help you determine what your retirement contributions should be to help you reach your personal retirement goals – whether that date is 30 years in the future or just around the corner. Learn more: 
  5. Plan Your Estate: According to TIAA, “More than two-thirds of Americans don’t have a will. If you die without one, state law determines how your assets are distributed.” (TIAA, 2026). Despite the challenging nature of the topic, creating a solid plan can give you and your family peace of mind and the confidence that your wishes will be carried out as desired. Learn more: 

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity  (800-642-7131) or TIAA  (800-732-8353) with your financial or retirement planning questions. 

1 Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details.  

Sources: 

Building an Emergency Fund. TIAA. (n.d.). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/financial-education/building-an-emergency-fund

Good debt vs bad debt. Fidelity. (2025, October 116). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/good-debt-vs-bad-debt 

How to make a financial plan. Fidelity. (2024, February 21). https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/how-to-make-a-financial-plan-video 

Report on the economic well-being of U.S. households in 2024 – May 2025. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2025, May). https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2025-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2024-executive-summary.htm   

Tips for managing and reducing your debt. TIAA. (n.d.). https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/personal-finance-101/debt-consolidation 

Top Estate Planning Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them. TIAA. (n.d.). https://www.tiaa.org/public/invest/services/wealth-management/perspectives/estate-planning-pitfalls  

Your Calm Health App FAQs 

Published on by MSU Human Resources2 Comments

We recently launched the Calm Health app for benefits-eligible MSU employees and their dependents (aged 13+) who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Interested employees had the following questions about the app that we’d like to address below.

What is Calm Health?

Calm Health is a mindfulness app designed to support mental and physical health. It’s free to benefits-eligible MSU employees and their dependents (aged 13+) who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. It provides support for stress, anxiety, sleep, and overall well-being through guided programs, check-ins, and self-care tools.

How do I sign up?

You have three options to sign up:

  1. Use this Calm Health app direct registration link.
  2. Download the Calm Health app from the App Store or Google Play. Use the access code “BCBSMI” during the registration process. This code is not case sensitive.
  3. Login to your Blue Cross Blue Shield member account and click on Find Care. Scroll down to Find Behavioral Health Support and click on the Find Help button. Scroll down and select the Calm Health app tile to proceed.

After you sign up, you’re ready to complete the onboarding questions and start using the app.

Will MSU see my personal information?

No. Your privacy is protected, and the individual use of the app is confidential.

Where can I get help if I have technical issues?

You may submit a request for assistance with Calm Health or chat with an AI assistant. For additional help, contact MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll free: 800-353-4434).

What kind of tools does the app utilize?

Calm Health is a leading, self-directed, self-care digital app that utilizes the following tools:

  • Sleep support
  • Meditations
  • Music to relax
  • Mindfulness videos
  • Soundscapes
  • Daily guided content
  • And much more!

It also includes short screenings to customize member experience, with self-guided, evidence-based modules and tools that allow you to go at your own speed. You’ll receive personalized recommendations for relevant resources with content written by psychologists.

What kind of support does the app provide?

The app supports stress, anxiety, sleep improvement, work-life balance, relationships, parenting, grief, life challenges, and emotional health, just to name a few.

What type of customer data is collected by Calm Health?

Calm Health collects user-provided data needed to deliver the service, including registration details (e.g., name, email, employee ID, and other non-sensitive identifiers), in-app activity, mental health screening and survey responses, self-reported conditions, goals, and topics.

Find the full details in the Calm Health Privacy Policy and Data Processing Addendum.

What type of data is stored at the member level vs. aggregate level (for monitoring utilization trends)?

At the member level, Calm Health stores the information needed to operate the service and comply with legal and contractual requirements (e.g., registration and eligibility attributes, app engagement, survey and program completion data) in Calm Health’s secure environment.

Calm Health will provide non-sensitive information to MSU showing overall member usage and engagement, governed by the access, privacy, and security controls set out in the Data Processing Addendum.

No personal or identifying information will be shared with MSU. Here’s an example of the type of non-identifying information Calm Health may share with MSU:

  • 400 employees and/or eligible dependents have registered for the Calm Health app
  • 100 joined a program
  • 50 members completed a program
  • 200 completed at least 1 self-assessment
  • 30% of members are aged 45-54
  • 80% registered as female

What are the retention practices for the retained data?

Calm Health will retain the employee’s personal data until the employee terminates their membership with Calm Health.

If you have additional questions or comments about the Calm Health app, please share them below!