Tag: Benefits

Your Benefits: New Year Checklist

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

For benefit-eligible employees, the start of a new year is a great time to review all the benefit options available to make sure you’re fully utilizing them throughout the year. The following list of tips and resources to consider will help you get the most out of your employee benefits:

  1. Schedule Wellness Check-ups: if you’re enrolled in an MSU health, dental, and/or vision plan, you’ve just entered a new plan year. Even though an annual check-up is usually recommended by doctors, many people miss out each year because they forget to schedule an appointment. Set your family up for success by scheduling any annual or wellness check-ups now.
  2. Prepare for Illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via 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 that are enrolled in an MSU health plan.
  3. Review Retirement Contributions: the IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2023 IRS retirement contribution limits and make adjustments if needed.
  4. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: if you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2022 and/or 2023 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.
  5. Use Educational Assistance Funds: support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use towards professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities, we recommend checking out courses offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.
  6. Note Mental Health Resources: the MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents.
  7. Save Caregiver Resources: the MSU WorkLife Office has an extensive list of resources for caregivers. Bookmark this page so you’re prepared when you need it.
  8. Schedule Vacation/Personal PTO: taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning out and scheduling your time off in advance.
  9. Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. Additional discounts can be found on the MSU Human Resources website.
  10. Voluntary Benefit Options: you may enroll in, change, or cancel auto, home, and pet insurance benefits at any time through the MSU Benefits Plus website. Legal, critical illness and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.
  11. Register for Free Diabetes Management Program: if you or a dependent are living with diabetes, Livongo by Teladoc Health can help by providing free necessary medical supplies and optional coaching. Employees or dependents enrolled in Medicare are not eligible.
  12. Get a Second Medical Opinion: if you are facing a serious medical diagnosis, Teladoc Medical Experts can review your case and offer a second medical opinion from leading health care specialists. Coaching and online educational tools are also available. Employees with mandated insurance under the ACA are not eligible.

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

Don’t Forget Your MSU Discounts this Holiday Season!

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you during the holiday season. On the MSU Benefits Plus website, you will find special offers on products such as electronics, toys, and more!

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and enter your MSU email, click Get Started and then enter your password. First-time users will need to enter their email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. You will need your MSU ZPID number for the form, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal.

The following are a few of the deals you will find (please note these discounts are frequently updated):

  • Apple: save with employee pricing on iPhones, iMacs, and more.
  • Bombas: new users get 20% off their first order.
  • CanvasWorld: turn photos into art with 25% off plus free shipping.
  • Chordify: 60% discount on a Chordify Premium yearly subscription to access unlimited songs to learn for guitar, piano, or ukulele.
  • Dell: save up to 30% on select PCs.
  • Garmin: 20% discount on wearables and smartwatches.
  • GE Appliance Store: save up to 35% on small appliances with free delivery over $499.
  • Harry and David: 20% off your order.
  • HP: up to 52% off computers and accessories.
  • Kiwi Crate: 40% off your first month’s subscription.
  • Lenovo: laptops start under $400 with savings on top tech up to 70% off.
  • Sam’s Club: save over 55% on a new club membership.
  • Scott’s Cheap Flights: 50% off a premium membership.
  • Tickets At Work: save on movie tickets at dozens of participating theater chains.

The HR website also offers other deals you can find on-campus through the MSU Tech Store, MSU Bakers, and the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, among others.

For more information on discounts through MSU Benefits Plus, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about the discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Job of the Week: Director of Benefits

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is excited to feature an opening within our Executive Management team, the Director of Benefits (posting 818366). MSU Human Resources supports university strategic imperatives by anticipating and meeting the needs of a changing community through high-quality, innovative services designed to advance student success and cutting-edge research. The Benefits team within HR administers the extensive employee benefits package at MSU.

The Director of Benefits will join a dynamic leadership team committed to collaboration, inclusion, excellence, transformation, and care. The University’s biggest investment and most important asset is the exceptionally talented faculty and staff at the core of the Spartan community. MSU Human Resources is at the heart of it, providing strategic people solutions for the MSU community.

The Director of Benefits supervises the Assistant Director of Benefits, Retirement Program Manager, and Benefits Accounting and Budgeting Manager and will provide leadership over policies, activities, and strategic planning for student, retiree and employee benefits. They will partner with key campus stakeholders and coalitions to help provide cost-effective benefits coverage while enhancing access and wellness opportunities. For a list of duties and responsibilities, click here.

HR’s future Director of Benefits is a strong team leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a bachelor’s degree, preferably an advanced degree, in business or a related field. Their work knowledge and work experience should include benefits management, federal, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements related to benefits administration. They also need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, technical database aptitude, and the ability to interpret and communicate data.

To learn more about Human Resources, visit hr.msu.edu. To apply for this position, prepare a resume and cover letter and apply here. Application review begins October 31, and the posting will remain open until filled.

Reminder: enroll in, change or cancel vision, legal and critical illness insurance during Open Enrollment

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you’re reviewing your benefit options for the 2023 plan year, please note some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment in October. These include VSP vision insurance, ARAG legal insurance, and MetLife critical illness insurance.

If you’re interested in enrolling in these benefits, need to make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2023 plan year, you must do so in October. If you’re currently enrolled and you do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2023 with the exact same coverage.

How to Enroll in, Change or Cancel Voluntary Benefits

You can enroll in, change or cancel these benefits via the MSU Benefits Plus website. Find a guide to help you enroll at msubenefitsplus.com/faq.

  • First-Time Users: Enter your MSU email, click Get Started, and fill out the form. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about and enroll in various programs. You will need your MSU ZPID number, which is located on your MSU Spartan ID Card or in the EBS Portal. Use a capital “Z” when putting in your ZPID number.
  • Existing Users: Enter your email address and click Get Started, then enter your password and click Log In.

How to View Current Participation

To view your current participation or deduction history, log in to the MSU Benefits Plus website and click on the My Benefits tab at the top of the page to view a summary of your enrollment elections. Click on My Deductions to view an itemized list of your voluntary benefit deductions. Please note the My Benefits section only provides participation status on products you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website—such as vision, legal and critical illness insurance.

Learn More about Voluntary Benefits

Please review a brief description of vision, legal and critical illness insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits, please review the appropriate Open Enrollment guide: Support Staff Open Enrollment Guide or Faculty/Academic Staff Open Enrollment Guide.

VSP Vision Insurance can help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses for you and your family. VSP is the benefit provider, and they offer two plan options: the standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

MetLife Critical Illness Insurance gives you extra cash 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 requirement. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary sheet with basic information about the plan coverage and rates.

ARAG Legal Insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Life is full of legal situations. Some you plan for, like creating a will, and others are more unexpected—like fighting a traffic ticket. Choose between two plans for coverage that best fit the needs of you and your family. UltimateAdvisor® covers most common legal issues. UltimateAdvisor Plus™ includes more robust coverage plus additional services. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to view a plan summary with basic information about the two coverage options and rates.

Questions? You can learn more about, enroll in, change or cancel voluntary benefits on the MSU Benefits Plus website. Learn about all your benefits options on the  HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. Additionally, the HR Solutions Center is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. 

What is legal insurance and do you need it?

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

During Open Enrollment in October, eligible employees have the option to choose their benefit options for the upcoming year. While you’re probably aware you need to review your health and dental coverage, don’t forget to add legal insurance to your list of options to consider. Eligible employees may only enroll in, change or cancel ARAG legal insurance coverage during Open Enrollment in October.

Voluntary legal insurance through ARAG will pay for 100% of in-network attorney fees for covered matters. They also offer guidance and advice on a variety of legal situations. Review the following information to determine if legal insurance is right for you and your family. ARAG offers two types of legal insurance plans to MSU employees: UltimateAdvisor and UltimateAdviser Plus. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to find out what each plan covers and monthly premium costs.

Important Milestones

When you think of important milestones – marriage, childbirth/adoption, buying a house, moving – legal assistance may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is these important events usually require help from a legal professional. If you anticipate any of these events happening in the upcoming year, consider whether legal insurance may help. Some common uses include:

  • Wills: create a will naming a beneficiary of property and assets, executor of your estate, and guardian of your dependents or minor children.
  • Sale or Purchase of a Home: transfer property from one owner to another.
  • Trusts: set up a trust to protect assets and reduce taxes, name a trustee to manage it, and name beneficiaries to receive the assets.

The Unexpected

While it’s hard to plan for the following situations, consider if having legal coverage just in case is worth the peace of mind. Some common uses include:

  • Divorce: resolve an uncontested divorce where the couple agrees on the terms or a contested divorce where the couple disagrees, and the court must hear from both parties to make decisions based on law.
  • Traffic Troubles: defend a traffic violation such as a speeding ticket.
  • Family Law: create, change, or enforce alimony and child custody, support, and visitation agreements.
  • Identity Theft: access to identity theft materials and monitoring services to help protect you from identity theft and restore your identity if it is stolen.
  • Property Protection: resolve issues such as neighbor disputes, disputes with your landlord, or real estate, contract, or financing issues.

A Note to Current Members

If you’re currently enrolled in legal insurance, please note monthly costs for the 2023 plan year have increased. View new plan premiums on the MSU Benefits Plus website to determine if you’d like to continue your coverage (your coverage will continue unless canceled during Open Enrollment).

How to Enroll

Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to enroll in coverage during the upcoming Open Enrollment period (October 1-31). For questions or help with enrollment, contact the MSU Benefits Plus customer care team at 888-758-7575.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

With MSU’s Benefit Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1–31, 2022), we put together this helpful list of events to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Mark your calendars, get answers to your questions and sign up for your 2023 benefits this October.

MSU Benefits Fair

The MSU Benefits Fair will be in-person this year. If you have questions about your benefits options for the 2023 plan year, consider visiting the fair and speaking with benefits providers as well as MSU Human Resources staff. Get answers to all your benefits-related questions, enroll in your benefits on-site, and even get a flu shot (by appointment only)!

When:

  • Wednesday, October 19 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Where:

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center Concourse. Fair attendees should use Parking Lot 63.

Breslin Center
627 S Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824

Learn More: Find more details on the HR website about the MSU Benefits Fair, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information and participating providers.

In-Person HR Site Labs

Take advantage of two separate in-person HR Site Labs in October. MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits.

Note for MSU Retirees: a Humana representative will also be available at the HR Site Labs to answer any questions specific to your benefits.

When:

  • Thursday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, October 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:

HR Site Labs will be held in Room 125 of the HR building.

1407 S. Harrison Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823

Virtual HR Site Lab

Along with the two in-person HR Site Labs, there is also a virtual option in October.

Note for MSU Retirees: a Humana representative will also be available at the HR Site Labs to answer any questions specific to your benefits.

When:

  • Thursday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:

Join the Virtual Site Lab via Zoom at https://msu.zoom.us/j/94557444554.

As always, you can find more information on all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. And if you’re unable to attend any of the events listed, never fear. The HR Solutions Center is available to answer your questions by phone (517-353-4434) or by email at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu. In-person assistance is available by appointment. Please note: The HR Building is not available for drop-ins.

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2023: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period (October 1-31) 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 2023 plan year between October 1-31, 2022.

1. Determine your benefit needs

During Open Enrollment (October 1-31), you may enroll in, change or cancel coverage in the following benefits:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Flexible spending accounts (health and/or dependent care)
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Some voluntary benefits, including vision, legal and critical illness insurance

Make sure you review the Open Enrollment guide carefully and choose the best benefit plans for your family.

2. Complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) affidavit

If you want to cover a spouse/OEI on your benefits plan, you MUST complete the affidavit online through the EBS Portal every year. Find instructions to complete the affidavit as part of Open Enrollment.

3. Review notable information for the 2023 plan year

Notable information for the 2023 plan year includes:

  • Monthly premiums for voluntary legal insurance through ARAG have increased for the 2023 plan year. Visit MSUBenefitsPlus.comto view updated rates. Find instructions to enroll, change or cancel coverage in the Open Enrollment guide.
  • Many MSU employees are now working in a remote or hybrid situation. If this includes you, please review the important guidance on health care and dental plan options in the Open Enrollment guide (see page 5) prior to enrolling in a plan.

Find all notable information on page 5 of the Open Enrollment guide.

4. Make your changes online before October 31

If you want to make changes to your benefit selections and/or cover a spouse/OEI on your benefit plans, you must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1-31 (view enrollment instructions).

5. Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair and HR Site Labs or use the online benefit provider resources

Please Note: events are subject to change at any time. Please review the most updated details on the HR website prior to attending.

  • MSU Benefits Fair: We will be having an in-person benefits fair on October 19 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help you enroll in your benefits on-site. The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will be offering flu shots during the fair by appointment only. The appointment calendar (managed by MSU Health Care Pharmacy) will close when all appointments are filled or 48 hours prior to the event.  Learn more about the fair and how to make an appointment for the flu shot.
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer site labs on October 6 (in-person and virtual) and October 31 (in-person). Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. Learn how to participate in a site lab on the HR website.

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 benefits guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information.

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to get in touch via phone or email. Limited in-person help will be available by appointment only. Please call or email the HR Solutions Center at 517-353-4434 or SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu to make an appointment or ask a question.

Educational Assistance: Fall Reminders

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

With this year’s Educational Assistance, or “Ed Assist”, support staff benefit resetting with the start of the fall semester, now’s a perfect time to refresh your Ed Assist knowledge and take advantage of this opportunity for your learning and development. Here are a few important reminders regarding this benefit. New to Ed Assist? Start here for an overview.

Educational Assistance Balance Reset

If you are eligible for Educational Assistance, your Ed Assist funds reset each year with the start of the fall semester. You may check your current Ed Assist balance within EBS.

  1. Log in to EBS.
  2. Access the My Career & Training section.
  3. Select the Educational Assistance System tile.
  4. Hover over My Account in the top menu.
  5. Choose EdAssist Balance.

Credit and Non-Credit Options

You may receive financial assistance for both credit and non-credit courses, which may include training, seminars, workshops, conferences, or other educational opportunities. Use this benefit to enhance your professional skill set or help you reach Performance Excellence goals.

For non-credit courses, like professional development courses available through HR, support staff employees have up to $800 per year to use toward course registration fees. The course must be considered job-related and from an approved institution/program to receive assistance.

For credit courses, you can receive up to 14 credits per academic year. Your financial assistance level is determined by your union group, the type, of course, you’re taking (graduate or undergraduate), and where you’re taking the course (MSU or another university). The course must be considered job-related, degree-related, or career/professional development-related.

Taxation Information for Graduate-Level, Degree-Related Coursework

When using Educational Assistance funds toward graduate-level, degree-related classes for credit, it’s important to remember and plan for IRS tax exemption rules. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provides an exemption of up to $5,250 in a tax (calendar) year for graduate-level, degree-related courses reimbursed/waived through employer educational assistance programs, such as the one at MSU. Any amount of the benefit over $5,250 for degree-related, graduate-level courses is considered taxable income by the IRS.

If you utilize Ed Assist benefits for graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit over the $5,250 exclusion amount, appropriate tax withholding will be made, and the amount will be added to your gross wages. If a tax liability is determined, the deductions must be completed within the same calendar year. If this tax situation applies to your Ed Assist usage, you will receive notification via email in the fall, typically around September. This notification will indicate the amount of Educational Assistance received in the calendar year, how much of that amount is taxable, and on which paychecks withdrawals will occur to cover the outstanding tax liability.

Keep in mind: This tax liability, dictated by the IRS, applies ONLY to any Ed Assist benefit usage over the $5,250 limit when applied to graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit. For example, if you received $6,250 in eligible Ed Assist benefits in a year, then you would only be taxed on the $1,000 amount that is more than the exclusion limit and owe a percentage of that $1,000 as your tax liability.

Find detailed information about Educational Assistance – including how to apply – on the HR website. Contact Organization and Professional Development at prodev@hr.msu.edu with questions.

Sources

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Back to School 2022

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Whether you have one of those families that 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 with their ZPID, which can be found on EBS, 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. 

Computer & Electronics

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: Employee pricing on everything you purchase
  • HP: Up to 52% off computers and accessories
  • Dell: Up to 30% off using the Member ID PS113067902
  • Lenovo: Back to School savings of up to 70% off until August 21!
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students

Family and Dependent Care

Back-to-school season is busy so it’s a great time to make sure you have the best childcare for all-day service, after school, tutoring, or even date night. 

  • KinderCare: 10% off with code CORESTREAMCLIENTS
  • Learning Care Group (includes TutorTime of Okemos and DeWitt): 10% off childcare and free registration
  • Care.com (available through MSU WorkLife Office): FREE premium membership (savings of $156 per year)! 
  • Eat at State: While they can’t watch your kids for you, they can provide the whole family with a convenient dinner option that includes choices sure to please everyone, and at a discount for faculty and staff!

Clothing and Apparel

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. 

  • Bombas: 20% off with code CORE20 (plus a pair is donated with every pair purchased!) 
  • Forever 21: 20% purchases of $65 or more with code BMSM20
  • JCPenney: Save an extra 15% with code AFFSHOP1
  • 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. 

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!