Your Mid-Year Benefit Wellness Check-up

Article updated June 2023

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.
  • 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 for free.
  • Pet: find special pricing on pet insurance through Nationwide.
  • Teladoc Health: 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.
  • Educational Assistance: support staff have access to educational assistance funds to help pay for credit and non-credit professional development opportunities.

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 2024 plan year will be shared this September prior to 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 several 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.

Deals and Discounts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner (June 19), and if you are looking to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law or any other important guy in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Sports:

  • Forest Akers Golf Course â€“ MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
  • Premium Seats USA â€“ Get 10% off select sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!

Technology:

  • Dell â€“ MSU employees get the best price on consumer PCs from Dell: Member Purchase Program savings up to 30% on select systems; exclusive member discounts on Alienware systems and mobile devices; and free shipping on Dell PCs $699 and above.
  • Apple â€“ MSU employees qualify for preferred pricing on all of Apple’s latest products. Order from the online Apple EPP store and identify yourself as a Corestream member when purchasing!

Shopping and Entertainment:

  • AMC Theaters â€“ MSU employees can save over 40% on E-tickets at AMC Theaters and all associated theaters including AMC Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex, Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theaters!
  • Costco â€“ Purchase a Costco Membership Activation Certificate to join as a new member and receive a Costco Shop Card valued at up to $20.

Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day.

Deals and Discounts for Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day (May 8), show the mom in your life that you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom, or mother-in-law. MSU benefits-eligible employees have access to 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 ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Flowers

  • Rose Farmers is committed to providing luxury roses for every special occasion. Get 35% off luxury long stem roses delivered from the farm to your doorstep.
  • Want to send a bouquet of fresh flowers? Enjoy 20% off from 1-800 Flowers, including Fruit Bouquets!
  • From You Flowers is perfect for any occasion and every sentiment. Save 25% all year!

Gifts

  • Give the gift of a great show at Wharton Center and enjoy up to 15% off through MSU Benefits Plus.
  • Lavish the mom on your list with pearly gifts that are sure to be remembered, and save 60% on available jewelry with free shipping from Pacific Pearls.
  • Gift a great getaway to the beach, theme park, or a golf excursion with up to 40% through HVN, the exclusive provider of professionally serviced apartments, homes, villas, and vacation rentals.

Food

  • Go with a gift that’s sure to be a hit and save 15% off chocolate-covered strawberries, one of the most popular gifts from Shari’s Berries.
  • Enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle of cooking. Get $60 off your first five orders from Freshly.
  • Save 20% on “the very best treat you don’t have to bake yourself” from David’s Cookies.

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign-up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.

Pet Care Options and Employee Discounts on Pet Insurance

Updated April 2023

Pet lovers already know, and the Center for Disease Control confirms, that there are many benefits to caring for pets. Pets increase opportunities for exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and socializing. These health benefits can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The companionship of pets also makes us less lonely and reduces depression and anxiety. Along with the joy and health benefits our pets bring us, caring for them also comes with responsibility. Make sure you’re aware of all the services and resources available to the MSU community.

Primary Care and Emergency Services with the MSU Veterinary Medical Center

The MSU Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) on campus can provide for all the health care needs of your entire animal family, including cats, dogs, equine, pigs, cows, camelids, sheep, goats, pocket pets, zoo animals, and wildlife. They provide care in 20+ specialty services including cardiology, oncology, primary care, and much more. Find a complete list of VMC services.

The VMC also offers emergency services for your small or large pets. If you have an emergency, you can bring your animal to the VMC at the corner of Bogue and Wilson on the MSU campus. For exotic or pocket pets (non-canine or feline), please call the MSU Small Animal Clinic prior to bringing them in to make sure they can care for your animal. Learn more about VMC emergency services.

The VMC uses the most advanced technology combined with cutting-edge research to provide optimal care for all animals. Similar to specialists in human medicine, veterinarians pursue additional education and certification beyond veterinary school. That training allows the hospital to offer 20+ specialty services with clinicians who supervise and teach our senior veterinary students, interns, residents, and veterinary technology students to fulfill the hospital’s commitment to educating future professionals. 

Exclusive Employee Savings on Pet Insurance

Maintaining optimal health for your pets is a financial investment, and emergency care can be costly. Keep those expenses manageable with MSU employee-preferred pricing from Nationwide pet insurance offered through MSU Benefits Plus. You’ll also receive additional benefits for services such as emergency boarding, lost pet advertising, and more. Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website to learn more and enroll at any time.

For assistance with pet insurance, the MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions and help you enroll in new plans or make changes at 888-758-7575.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 29). How to stay healthy around pets. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/how.html

Employee Discounts to Support your 2022 Resolutions

Another new year means new resolutions, and MSU Benefits Plus wants to make those goals and tasks more achievable than ever. Below, you can learn more about these exclusive health, wellness, and other helpful discounts for MSU employees and start your journey to a happy new year today!

To access all of these discounts and more, login to MSU Benefits Plus today. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, register using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or in EBS). 

Exercise and Mental Health:

  • Zeamo – On Demand workouts and fitness classes from top fitness brands and instructors – select free workouts and get 50% off your first month of gym and studio access with promo code 50OFF09.
  • Fitbod – Workouts that improve as you do by studying your strength and training ability, all from your phone – 25% off membership with promo code CORE.
  • Calm – 57% off of a one year subscription for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store’s most popular mental wellness application ($29.99 instead of $69.99).

Travel:

  • LMT Club – A free membership to the exclusive Last Minute Travel club (a $50 value), a website created so you can get the best deals on hotels and other travel needs.
  • Tickets at Work – Find deals of up to 60% off hotels in tons of destinations using this exclusive link.

Taxes:

  • Turbo Tax – While it’s no one’s favorite part about the new year, get a little more excited about filing your taxes by saving up to $20 using the link found on the MSU Benefits Plus website.

Education:

  • Spartan Bookstore – If you are looking for books to learn something new or just to enjoy some reading, visit the Spartan Bookstore for 10% off new and used books with your faculty/staff ID.
  • Walden University – The new year is the perfect time to gain some new knowledge that can support you in your career. Receive10% off your tuition for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at Walden University with this link.

Tech:

  • Apple – Get ready to get the best deals if you choose to spend your holiday gift money on new Apple products because MSU employees get exclusive pricing through the Employee Purchase Program using this link.
  • Dell – Ready to upgrade your workspace in 2022? Get the best prices from Dell’s Work from Home Bundles with Member ID PS113067902.

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. You can check out some of those deals through the MSU HR Website.

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

Don’t forget your MSU employee discounts this holiday season!

As a benefits-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you find the perfect holiday gifts. Through MSU Benefits Plus, you can find discounts and special offers on products such as electronics, toys and more!

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, you’ll need to sign-up using your ZPID number to access the discounts.

The following are a few of the deals you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

  • Apple – Enjoy employee pricing on most Apple products such as select iPhones, AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches and more when you shop through this exclusive link.
  • Amish Furniture Company – Receive a 10% discount on all purchases using coupon code EDU10% during check out (may request proof of MSU affiliation).
  • Best Buy – Save 20% on select cell phone accessories including OtterBox, LieProof, Mophie, Speck, Kate Spade NY, Under Armour, and more when you use promo code 20percentoff at checkout.
  • Calm – Get 57% off* the #1 app for meditation and sleep through this link.
  • HP Gaming Gear – The HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) offers HP consumer products at discounts typically up to 10% – 50% off starting prices through this exclusive link.
  • Kiwi Crate – Inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, and save 35% off your first month’s box when you use this exclusive link!
  • Magazine Advantage – get up to 90% off the most popular magazines offering titles such as People, Better Homes & Gardens, Entertainment Weekly, Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living & more! Buy for yourself or send as a gift through this exclusive link.

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. You can check out some of those deals at MSU HR Website.

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.

Back to School Discounts 2021!

It’s August, which means it’s time for back to school shopping, and 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 check out these discounts, plus more to get you and your family heading back to school in style without paying full price.

Technology: Be prepared for a new year like no other with laptops and tablets that move where you work.

  • Apple: Employee pricing on everything you purchase
  • HP: Up to 50% off your purchase
  • Dell: Up to 30% off using the Member ID PS113067902
  • Lenovo: Up to 68% off
  • MSU Tech Store: Purchase all kinds of tech with prices exclusive to MSU staff, faculty, and students

Cell Phone Plans: Stay connected with everyone in your life with a new or upgraded cell phone plan.

  • T-Mobile: $10 off select plans with “Work Perks”
  • AT&T: 17% off eligible plans with FAN number 2392567 and proof of employment
  • Verizon: Varying discounts with proof of employment

Education: Make learning lifelong or get your kids a jumpstart on their education in many ways with these education discounts.

  • Spartan Bookstore: 10% off new and used books when you show your ID
  • Student Book Store: 10% of your whole purchase (excluding computer software and calculators) when you show your ID
  • Penn Foster: 10% off career focused, online training
  • La Petite Academy/Tutor Time: 10% enrollment with proof of employment
  • Community Music School: 5% of all classes

Clothing and Accessories: Look your best back in the office or from your web camera without paying full price.

  • Shoes.com: 20% off and free shipping when you use the code SHOESDOTCOM
  • Dress Barn: 30% off all bottoms when you use the code LOVEBOTTOMS
  • Glasses USA: 20% off all online orders with the code SpartansRule
  • Brooks Brothers: 15% of all future purchases when you register for a corporate membership (Organization ID: 12455 Pin Code: 54530)
  • Sears: $5 off $50 purchases with the code SEARS5OFF50

All of these discounts and even 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!

Deals and Discounts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law or any other important guy in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or in the EBS Portal).

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Sports:

  • Forest Akers Golf Course – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
  • Premium Seats USA – Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!
  • Fan’s Edge – Get 10% off and free shipping on your fix of MSU gear as well as licensed NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL merchandise at Fan’s Edge! Use code FENCAA09 at checkout. 

Technology:

  • HP – Save between 10% and 50% using the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP), which offers HP’s consumer products at a discounted rate! 
  • Apple – MSU employees qualify for preferred pricing on all of Apple’s latest products. This includes employee pricing and ratings and reviews on accessories and software. Order from the online Apple EPP store and identify yourself as a Corestream member when purchasing!

Shopping and Entertainment:

  • AMC Theaters – MSU employees can save over 30% on E-tickets at AMC Theaters and all associated theaters including AMC Loews, AMC Showplace, Cineplex, Odeon, Magic Johnson and Star Theaters!
  • Sam’s Club – MSU employees can save up to 40% on Sam’s Club memberships when you purchase from Tickets at Work! 1-Year Standard Memberships are $24.88 (normally $45) and 1-Year Premium Memberships are $89.88 (normally $100).

Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day.

Deals and Discounts for Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day show the mom in your life that you appreciate them – whether that’s your mom, mother to your kiddos, stepmom or mother-in-law – with a thoughtful gift. MSU benefits eligible employees have access to a variety of 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 ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.

Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:

Flowers:

  • Rose Farmers is committed to providing luxury roses for every special occasion. Get 35% off luxury long stem roses delivered from the farm to your doorstep.
  • Want to send a bouquet of fresh flowers? Enjoy 25% off from Florists.com
  • Visit the customized From You Flowers site to save 25% off flowers and gifts.

Gifts:

  • Enjoy 20% off your first box at Geek Fuel. This pop culture merchandise subscription service aims to share the memories that bring us back to the movies, tv shows, toys, and events that shaped us all growing up.
  • Receive a 10% discount from Mother’s Family Rings on all Mother’s jewelry, pendants, bracelets and more. You will also receive free overnight shipping.
  • For a limited time, you can enjoy 10% off New York Times best sellers at eBooks.com.
  • Turn photos into art with 25% off at Canvas World, plus free shipping!

Food:

  • Find the perfect fruit and cookie assortment with Harry & David. Harry & David offers a variety of treats like a tower of treats, cookie box, truffle sets and more! Get 20% your final purchase today.
  • Satisfy her sweet tooth with an order from David’s Cookies. Save 20% on all regular price orders.
  • Save 20% on your chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate covered fruit order from Shari’s Berries.
  • For a healthier gift option, save 20% on your Fruit Bouquets order.

Find these discounts and many more by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign-up for a free account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS.

Employee Discounts to Support New Year’s Resolutions

If you have any New Year’s resolutions related to health and wellness goals, MSU Benefits Plus has a variety of discounts and deals that may help you achieve them. These discounts and deals are exclusive to MSU employees.

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge), or you can find the number in EBS. If you haven’t used MSU Benefits Plus previously, you’ll need to sign-up using your ZPID number to access the discounts.

Exercise More

  • GlobalFit: explore GlobalFit’s growing library of free virtual classes and resources through Corestream’s GlobalFit Portal, along with exclusive discounts for members on popular fitness and wellness products. You will need to select “Activate Benefit” in the top right-hand corner and enter your contact details in order to access all the deals. Find deals on a variety of products and services, including LesMills on-demand fitness classes, virtual Honor Yoga and Meditation classes, elliptical and treadmill machines, gym memberships, POLAR heart rate monitors, and much more!
  • FitBod: Receive 1-month membership, plus 25% off your membership if you decide to sign-up. Visit the site to redeem your free month and/or follow the instructions to sign-up for membership and receive this 25% discount.

Reduce Stress

  • Calm App: Get 57% off* the #1 app for meditation and sleep! Enjoy access to the Calm app 1-year subscriptions for only $29.99 (normally $69.99) when purchasing through this link.
  • Headspace: Try Headspace and learn the essentials of meditation and mindfulness with their free Basics course. Enjoy a free two-week trial of Headspace using this link.

Eat Healthier/Cook More

  • Shipt: For $79 per year, receive unlimited free deliveries from participating retailers on all orders over $35. Plus, get $10 off your first order. To receive this special pricing, sign up using this link and redemption code: 5ABFF1969DF.
  • Freshly: sign up to get chef cooked, healthy meals delivered right to your door. Get $60 off your first five boxes when you use promo code get60 at checkout using this link.
  • Home Chef: Get 50% off your first home chef box (up to $40) when you use code CS50 at checkout using this link.
  • EveryPlate: try Everyplate at $2.99/meal + get 20% off next 2 boxes. Use coupon code Q6-4DFGE at this link..
  • PlateJoy: get $10 off at PlateJoy using promo code GET10 at checkout using this link.

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. You can check out some of those deals at MSU HR Website.

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.