Tag: Benefits

HR staff helping MSU employees during a previous Benefits Fair.

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 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

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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 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). 

A classroom of young school children raising their hands. A teacher stands at the front of the room.

Support for Working Parents: Helping Kids Navigate Change

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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.

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Your Mid-Year Benefits Wellness Check-Up

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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.

Your Calm Health App FAQs 

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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!

Job of The Week: Museum Administrative Coordinator

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This week’s featured job is a Museum Administrative Coordinator for the MSU Broad Art Museum (job posting 1111791). If you are interested in providing executive and administrative support for the director and administration, this may be the role for you.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University is a free, public, museum that connects people with art through experiences that inspire curiosity. With a focus on contemporary art in conversation with the historical, the museum features a collection of over 10,000 works and dynamic public programming.

In this position, you will serve as the executive secretary to the director, coordinate travel for artists and guests of the Broad Art Museum, and support daily operations of the museum business office. You will interact daily with a variety of stakeholders, advance the mission, vision, and values of the museum, and serve as an advocate for the museum and MSU at onsite and offsite events. The Museum Administrative Coordinator coordinates the director’s domestic and international travel, serves as department backup for purchasing, schedules meetings, and manages complex calendars. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a high school education and five to eight years of experience working in maintaining account ledgers, composing correspondence, editing, taking dictation, and more. You should have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and apply critical thinking, along with experience working in higher education, arts, or non-profit organizations, and familiarity with MSU systems. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the MSU Broad Art Museum. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and three professional references and should be submitted by February 24

Heart Health Made Easier: Everyday Actions and MSU Benefits to Keep You Healthy

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems, results in one death every 34 seconds (CDC, 2026).

Cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2023, about 1 out of every 6 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2026).

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy:

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. Schedule your yearly visit so your doctor can check these numbers and other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website.
    • Use Livongo by Teledoc Health for Diabetes Management. Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up.
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. University Health and Wellbeing supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
    • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
    • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work!
    • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
    • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating certain foods may decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Avoiding these conditions may decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Variety of Plants: Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables (American Heart Association, 2025). The AHA also recommends whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, fish, lean meat, dairy foods, plant-based milk alternatives, healthy fats, and salt-free seasonings.
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources:

American Heart Association (2023, Nov 9). Mental Health and Heart Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-heart-health

American Heart Association (2025, September 5). Your guide to Healthy Eating Habits that Stick. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/your-guide-to-healthy-eating-habits-that-stick

American Heart Association (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” (2025, Feb. 3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

FSA Deadline Reminder for 2025 Funds  

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Do you still have funds left over from your 2025 flexible spending account (FSA)? If you signed up for a health care FSA, dependent care FSA, or both in 2025 and still have funds remaining in your account, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. 

The grace period gives you time to purchase eligible products or services before you forfeit unused 2025 funds. Don’t lose your money! Take note of the following important deadlines: 

The IRS requires you to forfeit any unused 2025 funds after the deadline, so be sure to spend your money and submit claims before it’s too late! 

If you have a Dependent Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as child or adult daycare, preschool, and before/after school programs. Find a complete list of eligible dependent care expenses here. 

If you have a Health Care FSA, you can purchase a variety of products and services with pre-tax dollars. Find a complete list of eligible health care expenses here. If you need ideas for what to use your health care FSA funds on, check out the FSA store.  

How Do I Sign Up for an FSA? 

Benefits-eligible employees are eligible to enroll in an FSA during Open Enrollment in October each year or if they experience a qualifying life event. FSAs are a great way to save money on out-of-pocket medical and/or dependent care expenses. Be sure to learn more and take note of which FSA you’re interested in before the next Open Enrollment period. 

Questions? 

Please contact HealthEquity directly at 877-924-3967 or visit the HealthEquity website to learn more about how to use your leftover 2025 funds before the deadline. You can also learn more about FSAs on the HR website.

Job of The Week: Office Assistant IV

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This week’s featured job is an Office Assistant IV for MSU Information Technology (IT) (job posting 1106959). If you are interested in providing administrative support to a large central IT department and enabling MSU’s excellence in education, research, and outreach, this may be the role for you.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting IT across Michigan State University. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, advancing engagement, and supporting staff, faculty, students, alumni, and visitors alike at MSU. 

Working in a business partner model, you will work with MSU IT’s departments to provide support to executive directors, support staff, students, and guests in the operational run of the department. You will support the director and senior leadership with calendaring, scheduling, communications, and more. Additionally, you will maintain departmental records, process and track financial processing, and provide reception services in the Office of the CIO. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to two to three years of college or technical school, and one to three years of related or progressively more expansive work experience in maintaining ledgers, departmental operations, and employment. It is desired that you have experience with SharePoint and spreadsheets, large meeting and event coordination, and strong attention to detail. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more on the MSU IT website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by January 27.

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Your Benefits: New Plan Year Checklist

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For benefits-eligible employees, the start of a new plan year is a great time to review all the MSU 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. Learn About Your New Caregiving Benefit: We recently implemented Cariloop, a new benefit that can assist with caregiving in all its many forms, whether that’s caring for children, a spouse, aging parents, and more. This benefit includes professional coaching (30 days of annual continuous support with the option to extend), caregiving tools, a trusted network of providers, and access to UrbanSitter.
  2. 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 an annual or wellness check-up now.  
  3. Prepare for 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.  
  4. Review Your Retirement Contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year, and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements have started, and the new Roth option is now available. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2026 IRS retirement contribution limits and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and adjusting contributions if needed.  
  5. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: If you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2025 and/or 2026 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.  
  6. 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.  
  7. Note Mental Health Resources: The MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents, along with the recently introduced free access to the Calm Health app.
  8. Schedule Vacation/Personal Paid Time Off (PTO): Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning for the future and scheduling your time off in advance.  
  9. Utilize Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys.
  10. Review 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.  Accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.  
  11. Register for a 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 (a similar program is available through Medicare).  
  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 Affordable Care Act are not eligible.  

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