Tag: health care

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Your Mental Health and Well-being Matter

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

MSU is committed to creating a mentally healthy workplace by providing benefits, programs, and a workplace culture that promotes employee mental health and well-being. 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 make sure you are aware of the resources available to support the well-being and mental health of you and your family. We hope this list empowers you to prioritize and invest in your care and well-being.

Trained Mental Health Professional Benefit Resources: 

  • MSU employees, retirees, and their families have access to the Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit with your work schedule, MSU offers both Zoom and in-person appointments. Individuals must be in the state of Michigan to access services due to licensing regulations.
  • MSU employees and their dependents (age 18+) who are currently enrolled in an MSU health plan have access to Teladoc – an online medical care service that 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.
  • MSU Health Promotion and Engagement offers a helpful how-to-find a therapist page that lists common questions to ask yourself and a potential therapist to make sure you find the right fit.

Well-being Tools and Resources:

  • MSU Health Promotion and Engagement shares Self-Paced Tools and Resources to Foster Your Well–being, which includes apps, podcasts, courses, outdoor adventures, self-assessments, support groups, and other resources to help with your emotional well-being.
  • The Spartan Resilience Education Program, through a variety of media and teaching formats, 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, anywhere to develop (or strengthen) the skills needed to effectively respond to their unique collection of challenges.  
    • Learning the basic principles presented in the Breaking Free from Stress course (session dates for 2024 will be released as they are confirmed) will help you have less day-to-day stress and more joy and satisfaction as you increase your capacity to live your life lined up with your deepest wisdom and greatest sense of purpose. Please email prodev@hr.msu.edu to request notification when registration becomes available and include the course title in the email heading. 
    • 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 for when you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about someone, or feeling stressed.
  • The WorkLife Office creates an inclusive, responsive work environment that respects and supports all employees toward wellbeing in their work and personal lives.
    • Join an Employee Resources Group to help foster inclusivity and build community with others who have common lived experiences. The following groups are available: adult caregivers, family, international employees, post-parental leave, and women’s networking association.
    • View this past webinar called Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, which discusses the US Surgeon General’s report on the pervasive issues of loneliness and isolation. Learn about the impact of these challenges on mental and physical health, along with effective strategies and best practices to address these concerns, enhancing community and connectedness.
  • Health4U focuses on all aspects of health with resources, support groups, and educational courses.
    • The MSU Grief and Loss Support Group meets weekly (virtually) to support individuals grieving the loss of a friend, loved one, co-worker, or family member.
    • The Healing Power of Guided Imagery program takes place at Abrams Planetarium. Guided imagery is a form of directed daydreaming that relaxes the mind and engages the senses in the physical and emotional healing process.
    • The Rest with Music program takes place at Abrams Planetarium. This series of live musical performances aims to help you relax during your busy workday.
  • The Beal Botanical Garden is a favorite place for people from campus and the community to unplug from the chaos of their everyday lives and enjoy the beauty of plants and 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 our Campus Meditation Map, which highlights places across campus where you can take a moment to center yourself and practice self-care, or just enjoy a beautiful view.

Local Resources: 

  • 24-Hour Crisis Services (Walk-In and Mobile): â€ŻThe City of East Lansing provides walk-in or mobile crisis counseling and mental health assistance around the clock. 
  • Online Mental Health Screening: Ingham County Health Department offers free and anonymous behavioral health screening, linking resources connected to your results. 

If we missed any MSU resources in the above list, please let us know in the comments!

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  

FSA Deadline Reminder for 2022 Funds

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

Do you still have funds left over from your 2022 flexible spending account (FSA)? If you signed up for a health care FSA, dependent care FSA or both in 2022 and still have funds remaining in your account, you have a grace period in 2023 to use these funds.

The grace period gives you time to purchase new products or services before you forfeit unused 2022 funds. Don’t lose your money! Take note of the following important deadlines:

  • March 15, 2023: this is the last day you can incur qualified expenses on your 2022 FSA plan.
  • April 30, 2023: this is the last day you can submit your claims to HealthEquity/WageWorks, MSU’s FSA plan administrator. You can do this via your HealthEquity/WageWorks account or the WageWorks EZ receipts app.

The IRS requires you to forfeit any unused 2022 funds after the deadline, so be sure to spend your money and submit claims.

If you have a Dependent Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as child or elder 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. 

Questions? Please contact HealthEquity/WageWorks directly at 877-924-3967 or visit the HealthEquity/WageWorks website to learn more about how to use your leftover 2022 funds before the deadline. You can learn more about FSAs on the HR website.

Answers to Your Top Questions on Preparing for Retirement

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

Updated April 2023

Have you worked at MSU for at least 25 years in a benefit-eligible position? Or are you at least 62 years old and worked at MSU for at least 15 years in a benefit-eligible position? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be thinking about retiring from MSU someday (or even soon).

To help you prepare for retirement, we’ve compiled a list of the top questions we receive as employees think about transitioning to retirement:

Q1: What will be the retiree health care plan?

A1: This depends on whether you, your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) or any covered dependents are eligible to enroll in Medicare when you retire. Review the Effect of Retirement on Benefits for details about your situation and the applicable year Open Enrollment Guide for Retirees for health plan information.

Q2: How much will retiree health care cost?

A2: Most retirees are eligible to receive the full university contribution level towards retiree health and dental benefits. To determine your level of university contribution, please review the Retiree Benefits Policy to understand your “Retirement Calculation Date” and your level of “FTE Service Months” (both can be viewed in your Personal Profile tile in the EBS Portal), and how they will affect the amounts that you pay in retirement. Then check the appropriate health care Monthly Plan Premiums chart in the applicable year Open Enrollment Guide for Retirees to determine the cost.

Q3: Am I eligible to cover my spouse/OEI or dependents on my retiree health care plan?

A3: Your “Retirement Calculation Date” (which can be viewed in your Personal Profile tile in the EBS Portal) will determine the university’s contribution for your spouse/OEI and dependents toward retiree health and dental coverage based on university policy. To see which contribution you will qualify for, please review the Retiree Benefits Policy. Even if you’re not eligible to receive a university contribution toward retiree health care for your spouse/OEI or other dependents, you can still enroll them in the university’s group retiree health care plan by paying the full premium cost.

Q4: How is retiree health care different from my current coverage?

A4: Please review the Health Plan Coverage Summary in the applicable year’s Open Enrollment Guide for active employees (faculty or support staff) and retirees to compare the benefits offered.

Q5: What does retiree health care cover?

A5: Please review the Retiree Open Enrollment Guide to view the Health Plan Coverage Summary for benefits offered.

Q6: Does the retiree health care plan include prescription drug coverage?

A6: Yes. Your retiree health care plan and prescription drug coverage is bundled together in one plan. To learn more about the prescription drug coverage, please review the Summary of Health and Prescription Plan Provisions in the Retiree Open Enrollment Guide.

Q7: Is Medicare necessary?

A7: Yes. If you, your spouse/OEI, or any other covered dependent are eligible for Medicare by being age 65 or older, or due to disability (SSDI), the eligible individual must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (please do NOT enroll in Part D). Please review this Medicare and Social Security Information for more details about enrolling. Once you’re enrolled, you will need to send MSU Human Resources your MBI number from your Medicare card to enroll in MSU’s retiree health care plan.

Q8: Which parts of Medicare do I need?

A8: You must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (please do NOT enroll in Part D). Please review this Medicare and Social Security Information for more details about enrolling. Once you’re enrolled, you will need to send MSU Human Resources your MBI number from your Medicare card to enroll in MSU’s retiree health care plan.

Q9: When should I sign up for Medicare?

A9: You should enroll in Medicare Parts A & B at least 2-3 months in advance of the effective date, as it will take time for Medicare to process your application and send you your Medicare card (which you will need in order to send MSU Human Resources your MBI number to enroll in the MSU retiree health care plan). If you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period with Medicare, contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 to complete the required form.

Q10: How early do I have to request retirement from MSU?

A10: We suggest you submit your MSU Retirement Form at least 90 days prior to your planned retirement date so we can ensure your enrollment in Medicare and/or the MSU retiree health care plan is completed smoothly and timely. You can submit your completed form up to 120 days in advance of your planned last day of work (for support staff positions) and up to 365 days in advance of your planned retirement date (for faculty, academic staff and executive management positions). You will submit your Retirement Form in the EBS Portal. Instructions to complete and submit the form are available.

Q11: How do you request retirement?

A11: You will submit the MSU Retirement Form via the EBS Portal. Instructions to complete and submit the form are available for your assistance.

Q12: As a support staff employee, what are my options regarding my unused vacation, personal and compensatory time?

A12: There are 3 options:

  1. Receive payment after your retirement date.
  2. Use all your time before your retirement date. After you indicate your last day worked on the Retirement Form, Human Resources will review your form and your available unused vacation, personal and compensatory time to determine your official retirement date.
  3. Combination of the options listed above: On the Retirement Form, please fill in the Notes section with the number of hours and type of hours (vacation, personal, and/or compensatory time) that you would like to use after your last day worked.

For more information on preparing to retire from MSU, please review the retirement resources on the HR website. These include a Roadmap to Retirement webinar, the effect of retirement on your benefits, information about Medicare and Social Security, a retirement checklist and much more.

Job of the Week: Health Care Representative

Published on by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

This week’s job of the week posting is for a Health Care Representative (Posting #694623) for Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). CAPS is an on-campus facility that provides students with services on mental health concerns, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, screening/triage appointments, multicultural engagement, intensive integrated clinical services, clinical care coordination, hospitalization coordination and support, as well as other related services.

As a health care representative, you will be responsible for performing front desk functions in person and over the phone in a mental health setting. Other responsibilities include greeting visitors, scheduling appointments, checking in and checking out patients to the clinic, data entry and medical insurance verification, among other tasks. The positions requires you to greet visitors in a friendly manner and provide assistance and direction within the office, register and schedule patients for all necessary appointments, maintain patients’ medical records, participate in cross coverage, participate in meetings and training as necessary, maintain confidentiality of protected health information, collaborate with providers to develop the master schedule, as well as enter and update the schedule in the electronic medical record as needed. 

The ideal candidate will have the knowledge acquired in a high school education, a minimum of one year of related or expansive work experience in a mental health office, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Desired qualifications include completion of a healthcare assistant certificate or college course work in a health care related field or business or certification as a medical assistant. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite, patient scheduling software and Athena EHR are also preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills are needed to interact with students, visitors and clinicians.

For more details on the responsibilities of this position, and to view all our current postings, visits careers.msu.edu. Internal applicants should access postings through the Careers @ MSU tile in the EBS portal.

Reminder to Take Advantage of Optional MSU Benefits and Resources

Published on by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

Like many, during the pandemic your family has probably experienced an increased need for virtual health care options, mental health resources, and opportunities to save money. MSU is committed to offering valuable benefits to support you and your family, especially during this difficult time. As a benefits-eligible employee, you’re probably aware of MSU’s health and dental care benefit options. However, on top of those, there are a wide range of optional benefits we’d like to remind you about as well.

Beyond meeting your health care needs, these optional benefits can help you save money on needed products and services, all while staying safe with virtual or socially distanced options. We realize keeping track of all these different resources can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve created the following recap to jog your memory with links to more detailed information to learn more.

This infographic provides a quick summary of these optional benefits (click the image for a downloadable PDF version):

Optional benefit programs available:

  • Teladoc: virtually speak with a doctor 24/7 via web, phone or mobile app. They can even write you a prescription if necessary. Employees have described Teladoc as “a game changer,” and particularly helpful during the pandemic (read employee experiences here). If you haven’t already, we recommend you sign up for Teladoc now, so you’re prepared when you need it.
  • Livongo: this diabetes management program provides free supplies delivered right to your door whenever you need it and support with optional virtual coaching. Save time and money on needed supplies, while staying safe at home. Read an employee’s perspective on Livongo and find instructions to sign up.
  • Best Doctors: get medical advice from experts on your specific medical condition and feel empowered to make the best choice possible for your care. Their Behavioral Health Navigator tool offers expert advice on the diagnosis and treatment options for mental health conditions. Learn more about how Best Doctors can help during the pandemic.
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts: these are optional benefits offered through MSU Benefits Plus. Find insurance offerings such as vision, long-term care, legal, pet, home/auto, and critical illness (some have enrollment periods). Additionally, there are a variety of discounts on everything from electronics, home goods, meal delivery services and much more.
  • On-Campus Services: save time by getting your MRI, x-ray, or CT scan done right on-campus at MSU Radiology or have the MSU Pharmacy deliver your prescriptions directly to your home if you live within 30 miles of campus (on-campus delivery still available for free). MSU Pharmacy also has a new on-campus location you can visit with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

You might not always need or think of these resources, but keeping them tucked away can make it easier and more cost-effective to manage your family’s health. As always, if you have any questions about these benefits options, please visit the HR website to learn more or contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.