Category: Benefits News

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

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Your Benefits: End-of-Year Checklist 

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The end of the year is fast approaching! While you probably don’t need one more task on your to-do list, make sure you’ve used all your 2025 plan year benefits before the year ends.   

  1. Schedule appointments for any missed annual check-ups: If you’re behind on annual check-ups or screenings—such as a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or vision exam—consider scheduling appointments before the end of the year.  
  1.  Be proactive in case of illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  
  1. Note flexible spending account (FSA) deadlines for 2025 plan year funds: If you are enrolled in a health care or dependent care FSA for the 2025 plan year, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. Be sure to use 2025 plan year funds by March 15, 2026, and submit your receipts by April 30, 2026. If you miss the grace period deadline, the IRS requires you to forfeit any unused funds, so plan your remaining expenses for the coming months. View FSA information.  
  1. Review your retirement contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year (the 2026 limits will be shared in January). Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions for the remainder of the year, if needed.  
  1. Take advantage of special employee discounts for holiday shopping: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. 
  1. Schedule any vacation/personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain your health. Make sure you use all your paid time off (PTO) by planning and scheduling your time off in advance with your supervisor’s approval. This year, the full Winter Break (including Christmas and New Year’s holidays) extends from Thursday, December 25, through Friday, January 2. View the Holiday Schedule for more details. 
  1. Use educational assistance funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use toward professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities this year, it’s not too late to sign up for a course offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.    

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits for the rest of the year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.   

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Roth Catch Up Requirement and New Retirement Savings Options 

Published on by MSU Human Resources2 Comments

To help us learn more about SECURE 2.0 Act and its new Roth options and requirement for certain Catch-up contributions, we talked to Dan, our Retirement Plan expert. Read our Q and A and review available resources to help you determine whether the Roth Catch-up requirement applies to you, if a new Roth savings option might benefit you, and about an increased savings option for those turning 60-63 in 2026.  

What is the SECURE 2.0 Act?  

Dan: In December 2022, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0 Act) was signed into law. The retirement legislation includes significant changes that could help strengthen the retirement system and improve Americans’ financial readiness for retirement. Among a few changes, a big one is the Roth Catch-up requirement for certain people.  

What is the Roth requirement for Catch-up contributions?  

Dan: Starting in 2026, employees turning age 50 or older who earned more than $145,000* in the previous year (2025) must make any age 50 Catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth savings.  

* FICA wages found on your Form W-2 Box 3 wages 

What are the retirement contribution requirements and options based on my age and income, according to SECURE 2.0 Act?  

Dan:  Here is a helpful chart to illustrate the new requirements and available options under SECURE 2.0 Act based on your income, age, and whether you make Catch-up contributions:  

If you:Required ActionAvailable OptionsNotes
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250***, 150% of the standard Catch-up amount) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 Any Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) MUST be after-tax Roth contributions Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth Catch-up contributions CANNOT be pre-tax 
Earn more than $145,000** AND will be under age 50* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be age 64 or older* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be ages 60-63* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $11,250***, 150% of the standard Catch-up amount) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be ages 50-59* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions and your Catch-up contributions (up to $7,500***) as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  
Earn LESS than $145,000** AND will be under age 50* in 2026 No required action Make your regular contributions as either pre-tax or after-tax Roth  

 Notes: 

*Based on the IRS 2025 limits, we are awaiting the IRS to announce the 2026 limits. Ages are based on the age you will be on December 31, 2026. 

**Based on 2025 FICA “Social Security wages” from box 3 of the 2025 MSU W-2 Form. 

***The current pre-tax contribution and the new after-tax Roth option will be subject to the 2026 IRS limits for both their regular employee contributions (currently $23,500) and the Age 50 Catch-up (currently $7,500). 
 

What are the benefits of contributing to a Roth? 

Dan: Unlike traditional pre-tax contributions to a 403(b) or 457(b) account, after-tax Roth contributions allow you to withdraw that money tax free once you retire. So, while you’re still paying taxes on your earnings now, you may enjoy a reduced tax obligation in the future.  

Are there downsides to a Roth contribution?  

Dan: A couple of considerations include the tax implications and timing requirements. First, Roth contributions are withheld after your taxes are deducted, meaning you will pay more in tax with each paycheck and receive less take home pay. Second, you must wait at least five years after your first after-tax Roth contribution and you must be at least 59 ½ years old to make a tax-free withdrawal.  

I am not required to make after-tax contributions, but I’m interested in the opportunity. What do I do?  

Dan: Beginning in January, you can log into the EBS Portal and make changes to your 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts to move your current pre-tax contributions to the new after-tax Roth option. The 403(b) Base account will remain available only for pre-tax contributions.  

I’m turning 60-63 in 2026, and I heard about a new retirement savings option for Catch-up contributions. What’s that?  

Dan: If you make Catch-up contributions and you’re turning 60-63 anytime in the calendar year, MSU will begin offering a new option that allows your Catch-up amount to be 150% of the regular Age 50 Catch-up amount.  

Once you reach the regular employee contribution limit in your MSU 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts, you can add even more to your Catch-up contributions. Based on 2025 IRS limits, you could save $11,250 instead of the regular $7,500 limit for Age 50 Catch-up. The 2026 IRS limits will be announced soon.  

Where do I find more information about SECURE 2.0 Act, Roth and MSU’s Retirement Plans?  

Information about the MSU retirement plans is available on the HR webpage, Available Retirement Plans. 

Details about switching to after-tax Roth contributions in the MSU retirement plans will be available in January. 

Resources: SECURE 2.0 Act and Roth options 

Fidelity: 

TIAA: 

Enroll in these voluntary benefits between October 1 and 31: Accident (new for 2026), Critical Illness, Legal, Vision. MSU Spartan Helmet.

Reminder: Enroll in, change, or cancel accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance during October 

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2026 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:  

  • Prudential accident insurance (NEW—Learn more below)  
  • MetLife critical illness insurance 
  • ARAG legal insurance 
  • VSP vision insurance 

If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2026 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2026 with the exact same coverage.

Voluntary Benefits Overview 

Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits. 

  • NEW for 2026: Prudential accident insurance pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experiences a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. 
  • MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra money in the event you or covered family members experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered through MetLife with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. Additional coverage options for $40,000 and $50,000 will be available starting in 2026.
  • ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. ARAG excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. Plan enhancements will be available starting in 2026. 
  • VSP vision insurance offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. 

How to Access Voluntary Benefits 

To access voluntary benefits through MSU Benefits Plus, log in to the EBS portal, select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile.  

Please note: If you’ve already registered, you’ll be prompted to create an account using single sign-on (SSO) the first time you log in on or after July 23, 2025. Review the information on the screen and click Create Account to begin.  Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs. 

How to View Current Participation or Deduction History 

After you access the MSU Benefits Plus website (see instructions above), click on Benefits in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the dropdown menu to view your current participation or deduction history.  

The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance. 

Questions?  Learn about all voluntary benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. MSU Human Resources is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).  

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Save Money on Common Household Expenses with an FSA 

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave 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 care. 

If you are looking for ways to save money on caregiving costs and/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/or 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:  

  • Child or adult care  
  • Virtual or in-person camps  
  • Before or after-school programs  
  • Nursery school  

Health Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:  

  • Medical or dental deductibles and copays  
  • Pain medication  
  • Menstrual care products  
  • Bandages  
  • Hearing aids  
  • Allergy medications  
  • Orthodontics  

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 2026 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 $3,300. If both you and your spouse/OEI have a Health Care FSA, you each may contribute up to $3,300. 

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 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 2025 plan year, you must re-enroll if you’d like to continue participating in an FSA for the 2026 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 September 8, 2025, from https://www.healthequity.com/learn. 

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Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events 

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With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1 to 31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2026 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 2026 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 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5 p.m. by appointment only. 

Where: 
The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the 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 8  | 9 a.m. to Noon | Virtual 
  • October 10  | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55, East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 13  | 2 to 5 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 17  | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person 
    International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824 
  • October 23  | 7 to 10 p.m. | Virtual 
  • October 31  | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person 
    HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road, 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). 

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Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2026: Your Open Enrollment Checklist 

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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 2026 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2025. 

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 (QLE), so please review your options and take action in October. 

STEP 2: Please review the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage. 

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 applicable, if the annual employee/retiree 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.  

If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold does not apply.

New for the 2026 Plan Year: Although the premium threshold for a spouse/OEI to be enrolled in MSU health care coverage remains in effect, the affidavit you are accustomed to submitting via the EBS Portal each year is no longer required to enroll in or continue their coverage. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health care plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2026 without any action.  

Please review the  Open Enrollment FAQs  for more information about this update. 

STEP 3: Review important updates and reminders for the 2026 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.  

  • Please review Step 2 above for information about the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage. If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold requirement does not apply.
  • Increase to Some Health Care Copays and Deductibles: For the Blue Care Network (BCN) and BlueCard Out-of-State plans, the annual deductible will increase. Copays for doctor’s office and urgent care visits will increase for BCN, BlueCard Out-of-State, and Community Blue PPO plans. There are no changes to health care costs for the Consumer Driven Health Plan.  
  • Increase to Some Prescription Copays: Prescription copays will increase for all medications except preferred drugs. 
  • Introducing a New Accident Insurance Option: Accident insurance through Prudential is a new voluntary benefit option that pays you a lump sum after a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. You may only enroll in accident insurance in October during the Open Enrollment period unless you experience a QLE. 
  • Introducing a New Pet Discount Plan: In addition to the existing pet insurance option offered through Nationwide, we are pleased to provide a new pet discount plan. Pet Benefit Solutions offers instant savings on pet prescriptions, products, and in-house medical services at any network vet, as well as additional benefits. 

Other updates include new flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits, increased premiums for employee life insurance and the voluntary vision premium plan, new coverage options for voluntary critical illness insurance, and plan enhancements for voluntary legal insurance. Please review all updates and reminders in your Open Enrollment guide. 

STEP 4: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. 

  • MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Tuesday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 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 from Noon to 5 p.m. 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 5: 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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Your Top Questions About MSU’s Optional Retirement Plans

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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.

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 with 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 Abigail MillerLeave 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 (formerly MetLife) 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 (formerly MetLife) 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 2026 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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Your Mental Health and Wellbeing Matter

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

MSU is committed to supporting employees by providing benefits, programs, and a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and employee wellbeing. However, according to a 2024 SHRM study, “Employees are not taking full advantage of the benefits already being provided. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. workers said they are unaware or only somewhat aware of the available resources.” We want to ensure you know the resources available to support you and your family’s well-being and mental health. Check out these resources to help you prioritize and invest in your care and well-being.

Trained Mental Health Professional Benefit Resources: 

  • MSU faculty, staff, retirees, graduate and student employees, and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. MSU offers Zoom and in-person appointments to best fit your work schedule. Due to licensing regulations, individuals must be in the state of Michigan to access services.
  • MSU employees and their dependents (age 18+) currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc. This online medical care service gives you 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. Teladoc’s services extend to behavioral health (anxiety, depression, grief counseling, etc.). 
  • If you are enrolled in an MSU health plan, refer to the Mental Health Care section of the health care plan summary (support staff or faculty/academic staff) for specific details about mental health benefits.

Wellbeing Tools and Resources:.

  • The Spartan Resilience Education Program, through various media and seminars/webinars, seeks to ensure that resilience education is accessible, inclusive, and ever-present as part of the “Spartan Experience.” They aim to provide opportunities for any Spartan to develop (or strengthen) the skills needed to respond effectively to their unique collection of challenges.
    • Learning the basic principles presented in the Breaking Free from Stress course will help you experience less day-to-day stress and more joy and satisfaction as you increase your capacity to live your life in alignment with your deepest wisdom and greatest sense of purpose. 2025 session dates are out now!
    • Mindful STATE is a university-wide, collaborative initiative to further the practice of mindfulness and other contemplative practices among members of the MSU community. Join fellow Spartans Lisa Laughman, Meg Moore, or John Taylor for a brief meditation to help you return to a more mindful state. Meditation videos are available when you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about someone, or stressed.
    • The MSU Grief and Loss Support Group meets weekly (virtually) to support individuals grieving the loss of a friend, loved one, pet, co-worker, or family member.
  • University Health and Wellbeing creates an inclusive, responsive work environment that respects and supports all employees’ wellbeing in their work and personal lives.
    • Abrams Planetarium is holding Rest with Music live musical performances featuring a variety of musical styles and genres. 
    • Set for Success: A 45-minute virtual webinar focusing on three key health topics—Sleep, Ergonomics, and Time Management. This series provides valuable insights and practical tips to help participants make positive lifestyle changes at work and at home.
  • Review the Well-being at Work Guide to learn how to create and maintain healthier and happier workspaces and teams.
  • The Beal Botanical Garden is a favorite place for campus and community members to unplug from the chaos of their everyday lives and enjoy the beauty of nature.
    • The Nurture Your Roots program invites you to connect mind, body, and nature with practices to enrich well-being.
    • Explore mindfulness through journaling with their Pocket Journal designed by Beal Scholar Elliot Pancioli. During the warmer season, they offer Yoga in the Garden. These classes are free, but registration is required. Watch the events page for more information. 
    • They also offer a Campus Meditation Map, which highlights places across campus where you can take a moment to center yourself and practice self-care or enjoy a beautiful view.

Local Resources: 

Work should never interfere with maintaining good mental health. If we missed any resources, let us know in the comments below!

Sources:

Agovino, T. (2024, May 3). Mental health, HR and the Workplace. Welcome to SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/mental-health–hr-and-the-workplace

Butterfly on flowering plant

Mother’s Day Deals and Discounts

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day (May 11), show the mom in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift or experience – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, mother-in-law, or any maternal figure in your life.

MSU benefits-eligible employees can access many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus. To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Flowers 

  • ReVased: Take 20% off any ReVased flower bouquet or plant purchase with code CORESTREAM20. 
  • 1-800-Flowers: Save 20% on fresh, high-quality flowers using code CSTREAM.  
  • RoseFarmers: Save 35% on luxury long-stem roses.  

Gifts 

  • Gardyn: Get a gift with the new Gardyn 4.0 indoor gardening system using code EATGREENS.  
  • Bombas: Save 20% off your purchase using code CORESTREAM20.  
  • Gamefly: For the first three months, you can get $14 off your monthly subscription and access to the full game library. 
  • Nobull: 20% off training shoes and apparel using code CORESTREAM20.  

Food 

  • GiftTree: Save 10% on most gifts and gift baskets using code MSU10. 
  • Wolferman’s: Save 20% on specialty breakfast foods and unique bakery treats with code CSTREAM. 
  • Harry and David: Save 20% on the finest gourmet foods and fresh fruit gifts with code CSTREAM. 

Experiences 

  • W. K. Kellogg Biological Station: Free admission to the bird sanctuary for moms on Sunday, May 11! Spring flowers and trees are in bloom, and migration season is underway. 

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. For questions, please get in touch with the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.Â