MSU Benefits Plus – Page 3

By Golly, Be Jolly this Holiday Season with Deals and Discounts for MSU Employees!

Published on November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Although this year’s holiday celebrations will no doubt look different than usual, there are still ways to make it feel special, whether your loved ones are together or apart. As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to various discounts and savings that can help you find the perfect holiday gifts this year thanks to MSU Benefits Plus. Through MSU Benefits Plus, you can find discounts and special offers on products such as electronics, footwear 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.

Check out some of the deals you can find through MSU Benefits Plus below:

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.

Foot Locker – Save $20 off $120+ at Foot Locker by using the code PARNOV20 at checkout.

HP – With the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) employees can save up to 70% during HP’s holiday and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! Your EPP discount can also be combined with other sales promotions.

Otterbox – Get 10% off your order plus free shipping when you use the promo code OTTER10 at checkout.

1800Baskets – Save 20% on seasonal gift baskets as well as any order from all of the 1800Flowers brands including when you use the promo code CSTREAM at checkout.

BMW – Through the BMW Group Corporate Sales Program, eligible employees can earn attractive incentives when leasing, financing or purchasing a new BMW or MINI. Earn up to $3,000 on a new BMW and $500 on a new MINI. When redeeming the Corporate Sales Program certificate, employees must type in the CSP Account # NEPP3703 to identify the provider first then type in your employer’s name in the Company Name field.

Sennheiser – Get 30% off Sennheiser’s headphones and headsets when you shop through this exclusive link.

BarkBox – Get your first BarkBox for only $15 when you shop 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.

Join MSU’s Virtual Benefits Fair This Week!

Published on October 12, 2020 by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we will not be having an in-person Benefits Fair this year. Instead, we’re offering a Virtual Benefits Fair, which will consist of an online source for curated content from our benefits vendors (such as videos, brochures and more), along with special dates/times for virtual live chat options with HR staff and/or our benefit vendors. We encourage you to use these resources to help get answers to your questions or learn more about all the benefit options available to you as an MSU employee.

Dates and Times

The Virtual Benefits Fair will take place from October 12–16, with MSU HR staff and benefits vendors available to answer questions live via chat on Thursday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, October 16 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (some vendor hours may vary for live chat).

How to Join

Click on this link to the Virtual Benefits Fair webpage to join the fair.
Please register with your name and email if you wish to interact with HR staff and benefit vendors during scheduled live chat sessions. You can then use the username and password you register with to login to the fair. View this Guide to Participating in the 2020 MSU Benefits Open Enrollment Fair for more information.

Participating Benefits Vendors

The following MSU benefits vendors and MSU units will be participating in the Virtual Benefits Fair:

Health/Dental

Aetna Dental
Blue Cross Blue Shield/Blue Care Network
CVS/Caremark
Delta Dental
Humana
Livongo (Diabetes Management)
Teladoc (Telemedicine)/Teladoc Medical Experts (Formerly Best Doctors)

Life and AD&D

Prudential

Flexible Spending Accounts

HealthEquity/WageWorks

MSU Benefits Plus

ARAG (Legal Group)
Liberty Mutual (Auto & Home)
MetLife (Critical Illness, Auto & Home)
Nationwide (Pet)
Transamerica (Long-term Care)
VSP (Vision)

MSU Units

MSU Health Team
MSU Human Resources
MSU IT Services
MSU Organization and Professional Development
MSU Pharmacy
MSU WorkLife Office

Retirement

Fidelity
TIAA

Save an Average of 30% on Common Household Expenses

Published on September 29, 2020October 6, 2021 by Megan MacGregorLeave a comment

While your child care and medical care options may have changed during the COVID-19 crisis, many families are still looking for ways to save money on some common household expenses. As you consider what your family may need for the coming year, don’t forget you have benefit options available that may help. A flexible spending account (FSA) allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses, such as daycare or health care costs like copays or pain medication. In fact, using FSA funds for these types of expenses can save you an average of 30%!

MSU is happy to offer benefits-eligible employees the option to enroll in two different types of FSAs: Dependent Care FSA and/or Health Care FSA. You can enroll in one or both FSA plan types. You will manage your FSA directly with MSU’s plan administrator, HealthEquity/WageWorks.

Should I enroll in both FSA types?

Good question! The answer depends on what you and your family need. Make sure you know the eligible expenses each FSA plan allows you to use your pre-tax money on before you enroll in one or both plans.

Dependent Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:

Child care
Elder care
Virtual or in-person camps
Before/after school programs
Nursery school
Find a complete list here

Health Care FSA Eligible Expense Examples:

Medical/dental deductibles and copays
Pain medication
Menstrual care products
Bandages
Hearing aids
Allergy medications
Orthodontics
Find a complete list here

When you enroll, you’ll decide how much money you’d like to contribute to the FSA. This money will be deducted from your paycheck (pre-tax) and divided over each pay period throughout the plan year.

How to Enroll

We encourage you to review these two FSA plan options and enroll – or re-enroll – in an FSA during the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period in October. Before you enroll, make sure you take some time to understand each plan and estimate how much you are likely to spend on eligible expenses throughout the plan year. Since it may be difficult to plan your expenses due to the changing nature of the pandemic, we encourage you to plan conservatively. Due to IRS requirements, any unused funds left in your account at the end of the plan year will be forfeited. Learn more about FSAs – including contribution limits, deadlines, and eligible expenses – on the HR website.

Questions? Visit the FSA Plan Administrator website or call 877-924-3967. You can reach MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434.

Back to School Discounts!

Published on August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

The transition back to school this year might look a little different, but thanks to MSU Benefits Plus, MSU benefit-eligible employees can enjoy all kinds of great discounts and savings to help prepare themselves and their families for the upcoming school year. Whether you just need a new pair of shoes or want to treat yourself to a pair of Apple’s AirPods, MSU Benefits Plus has you covered this year.

APPLE

MSU faculty and staff can enjoy employee pricing on select Apple products such as iPhones, AirPods, MacBooks, and Apple Watches and more just by shopping through this link.

ABCMOUSE

With ABCMouse, employees can gain access to over 850 virtual lessons for kids ranging from reading, math, and science to social studies in the comfort of their own homes. Get two months of access to ABCMouse for only $5 when you shop through this link!

COSTCO

By purchasing a Costco Membership Activation Certificate, not only can employees become a new Costco member, but they will also receive a Costco Shop Card with a value of $20. Click on this link to join as a new member today.

CROCS

Employees can enjoy $15 off orders of $75 or more by using code SAVE15 when you shop at Crocs online!

DELL

MSU faculty and staff can access savings of up to 30% on select systems by shopping through this link.

DISCOUNT SCHOOL SUPPLY

Save $20 off any purchase of $150 or more by using the code SAVE20A and can get free shipping on orders over $99 by shopping at Discount School Supply.

MSU TECH STORE

Save on your back to school essentials with the MSU Tech Store! MSU staff and faculty can instantly save up to a $25 value on any Apple iPad with an Apple Pencil by shopping with the MSU Tech Store.

SAM’S CLUB

Employees who register for a one-year new membership can save up to 50% off on their membership and will receive a limited-time free gift!

SHOES.COM

Those who shop through Shoes.com can save up to 20% off sitewide and can enjoy free shipping by using the code SHOESDOTCOM at checkout.

To access all of these discounts and more, 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. For more information on employee discounts, visit the HR website. If you have any questions about these discounts, please call MSU Benefits Plus at 888-758-7575.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Eyes during UV Safety Month!

Published on July 13, 2020July 11, 2022 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Did you know long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer? Did you also know that you can easily reduce this risk and protect your eyes from UV damage simply by doing things such as wearing sunglasses, a wide-brim hat or applying sunscreen around your eyes? Your eyes are one of your most important muscles, as well as one of the most sensitive, so it is important to make sure you are protecting your vision.

With VSP vision insurance, taking care of you and your family’s eyecare is almost as easy as simply wearing your favorite pair of sunglasses. Their vision insurance plans are available to benefit-eligible faculty and staff and their dependents.

Why Enroll in VSP?

VSP offers a range of access to care, quality eyewear options, and plan options. Additionally, VSP has partnered with Eyeconic.com to provide you with the lowest market price costs and savings on glasses, contacts, sunglasses, and even your copay when you connect your specific vision insurance plan. This a great option for those prefer online shopping.

VSP offers two vision plans — standard or premium coverage — for all MSU benefit-eligible employees to enroll in. To learn more about these plans, visit VSP’s plan summary sheet available on the HR website.

As a reminder, for those benefits-eligible faculty and staff thinking about their vision insurance needs for 2023, Open Enrollment for MSU’s voluntary, employee-paid benefits begins in October. Outside of open enrollment, benefits-eligible new hires or newly eligible faculty and staff have 30 days to enroll from their date of hire or date of eligibility. If you are a new hire or newly eligible and wish to enroll in VSP, please call MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care at 800-877-7195.

More Savings with VSP

Another great perk to VSP’s vision insurance plans is VSP EasyOptions. With VSP EasyOptions, you and each member on your plan can choose one of these enhanced eyewear options when purchasing your glasses or contacts:

An additional $100 frame allowance, or
An additional $50 contact lens allowance, or
Fully covered premium and custom progressive lenses, or
Fully covered anti-reflective coatings

VSP also offers a 20% discount on additional glasses and sunglasses to all VSP enrollees. The result? Extra money for you, at a time when every dollar counts. And, more affordable options for you to look good, see more clearly and protect your eyes.

How to Use Your VSP Benefit

To use your VSP benefit, simply follow the steps listed below and VSP will handle the rest:

Create an account at vsp.com. Once your plan effective, review your benefit information. MSU and VSP provide you a choice in your vision plan — choose the Standard Coverage or select the Premium Coverage with VSP EasyOptions.
Find an eye doctor who’s right for you. Visit vsp.com or call 800-877-7195.
At your appointment, tell them you have VSP. There’s no ID card necessary. If you’d like a card as a reference, you can print one at vsp.com.

To enroll in VSP during Open Enrollment, go to MSUBenefitsPlus.com. For questions, contact VSP directly at 800-877-7195.

How to Care for Your Pet During COVID-19

Published on June 24, 2020April 21, 2021 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

During these unprecedented times, juggling taking care of yourself, your other family members and your pets is no easy task. However, with Nationwide pet insurance, giving your pets the care they deserve has never been easier with their affordable pet insurance plans for all MSU benefit-eligible employees.

Nationwide’s pet insurance plan is the only plan on the market that does not rate based on the age or breed of the pet. As an MSU benefit-eligible employee, you will also receive access to Nationwide’s exclusive employee benefits channel. Additionally, once you are enrolled in Nationwide’s pet insurance plan, you will also have free access to a 24/7 Vet Helpline where you can speak with a licensed veterinary professional any time you need. All MSU benefit-eligible employees are able to enroll online today for Nationwide’s pet insurance plan by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website.

More Nationwide Pet Insurance Benefits

Plans reimburse up to 90% on pet prescriptions, including online pharmacies
Emergency pet boarding is covered for employees who are temporarily unable to care for their pets
All policies are portable and can be billed to a credit card for employees not eligible for payroll benefits
Convenient online claim filing plus fast, electronic reimbursement into any bank account

As the current public health situation continues, Nationwide has noted a significant amount of new members to their pet insurance plan as more people have begun adopting animals to help take care of them during the pandemic. Due to this increase in pet owners in these uncertain times, Nationwide has not only tailored their benefits to accommodate many different situations but also has provided helpful tips for pet owners trying to navigate their return to a more regular workday schedule.

Back-to-Work Transition Tips for Pets

As we slowly start transitioning back to our workplaces, the change in routine can affect your pet. The sudden disappearance of you or your family members from your pet’s daily life can often cause separation anxiety, depression, and even destructive behaviors.

To slowly transition your pets back to a regular workday schedule, utilize these pre-transition and post-transition tips:

Graphic of Pre-transition tips that says, "Prepare your pet with small adjustments to the daily routine before you return to the office: -Get pets accustomed to the morning routine again by simulating your going-to-work process, but be sure to avoid creating a routine around saying goodbye.
-Slowly transition mealtimes and walks until they align with your schedule at work.
-Plan for playtime and exercise at set times in the morning and evening
-Spend at least an hour in another room away from your pet. Don't give in to calls to come play."
To the right of this Pre-transition tips graphic, there is a Post-transition tips graphic that says, "When you start transitioning back to the office: -Give your pet extra attention with a 30-minute walk or play session before leaving.
-Leave an audiobook, radio or TV on to keep your pet company while you're gone.
-Consider hiring a doggy daycare or pet sitter who can visit your home during the day."

Preferred pricing on Nationwide pet insurance is available through MSU Benefits Plus. For more information on pet insurance, visit the MSU HR website or get a free quote today on the Nationwide website.

Celebrate Father’s Day with These Great Discounts!

Published on June 16, 2020June 17, 2020 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

With everything going on in the world today, celebrating this Father’s Day might look a little different, but it doesn’t have to be any less special! Thanks to MSU Benefits Plus, making the fathers in your life feel special has never been easier with their list of discounts they have compiled for MSU benefits-eligible employees. From discounts on meats and cheeses to golf apparel to even luxury items like Apple Watches and tablets, your Father’s Day gifts will surely be ones to remember this year!

Discounts from MSU Benefits Plus

Chicago Steak Company: Save 20% on bulk purchases of meats and food gifts by using the promo code FREEZER at checkout

Golf Avenue: Get $15 off any Golf Bag with promo code BAGS15

Apple: Receive employee pricing on most Apple products

Otterbox: Enjoy 10% off and free shipping on mobile device cases and accessories with the promo code OTTER10

BMW: Earn up to $3,000 on a new BMW, $500 on a new MINI and $11,000 on the purchase of a new BMW i3 by using the promo code NEPP3703

Backcountry: Take 20% off one full-priced item of outdoor gear at Backcountry online by using the promo code 20FULLPRICE at checkout

Brooks Brothers: Get 15% off online menswear purchases using ID: 12455 and PIN: 54530

Dell: Save up to 30% on Dell PCs and accessories

Enjoy all these discounts and more by checking out MSU Benefits Plus’ full list of discounts for MSU benefits-eligible employees on their website.

MSU Employee Special Discounts During COVID-19 Crisis

Published on May 12, 2020May 11, 2020 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

In these times of uncertainty, we want to make sure you are aware of the various discounts available to MSU benefits-eligible faculty and staff. MSU Benefits Plus has sought out new deals and discounts to help make life a little easier for you and your family as we deal with social distancing, sheltering in place, or working from home throughout the COVID-19 crisis. An At Home Resources category has recently been added to the MSU Benefits Plus website where you can find all offers currently available. From discounts on groceries and streaming services to saving you money on your mortgage payments, there is a wide range of special discounts for you to take advantage of as we work through this trying time.

Food

Shipt: Get groceries delivered to your home with Shipt. New users save $50 on memberships with the code  5ABFF1969DF.
Door Dash: All new customers can enjoy free delivery on their first order from Door Dash.

Pets

1-800-PetMeds: Save up to $20 on health care items for your pet from America’s Largest Pet Pharmacy by using the code EZREFILL.
BarkBox: Show your dog some love by ordering them a customized box of themed toys and treats. Get your first BarkBox for only $15 when you use their exclusive link.

Financial

Quicken Loans: Quicken Loans is dedicated to continue providing you with the best mortgage experience during these difficult times. Get $500 cash back when you buy or refinance with them, plus up to $1000 in closing credit.
H&R Block: New and existing customers can save money on online tax prep with H&R Block through their exclusive link.

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

Ways to Save: Discounts on Communication and Media Services

Published on February 12, 2020February 12, 2020 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Have you recently thought about switching up your cellular plan or cable provider? Well, we have exciting news for you! Eligible MSU employees have access to various discounts and deals on communications and media services. Enjoy discounts on phone plans, devices, accessories, and more! Here are some ways to save:

AT&T – AT&T is proud to offer MSU employees a 17% discount on qualified mobile phone plans, as well as discounts on devices and accessories. Receive this discount and see special promotions by registering with your MSU email address here or by visiting any corporate-owned AT&T Wireless store and refer to FAN number: 2392567. Please have a valid MSU email address and proof of employment (ID card or pay stub) when visiting a store.

DISH Network – New customers receive a $75 VISA gift card* and $20/mo off their first year with five Packages under $50! Additionally, get free installation, free HD for life, and three months of the new DISH Platinum package for free! Call 866-395-9955 or click to order DISH Network. *$75 VISA gift is available for new customers only. Click or call for complete details.

HughesNet Satellite Internet – New customers receive a $50 VISA gift card* and free installation if equipment on service with internet speeds up to 5.0Mbps. Call 888-986-9887 or click here to order HughesNet today! *$50 VISA gift card is available for new customers only. Prices are subject to change without notice. Click or call for complete details.

DIRECTV – New customers receive a $75 VISA gift card* when activating the best package! For just $34.99/mo. new customers can get more than 210 channels and the new DIRECTV CINEMA featuring 400 of the newest releases plus over 6,000 shows and movies! Other qualifying packages start at $29.99/mo. Call 1-888-929-7905 or click to order DIRECTV. *$75 VISA gift card is available for new customers only. Prices are subject to change without notice. Click or call for complete details.

Sprint – Sprint offers MSU employees an 18% discount on select regularly priced Sprint Monthly Data Services. Activation fee waived for new accounts with Sprint with the Corporate ID: GVSMI_WCA_ZZZ. Visit sprint.com/save, visit a local Sprint Store (sprint.com/storelocator) or call Sprint Sales at 866-639-8354 for more information. Existing Sprint customers can register for their discount at sprint.com/verify. Proof of employment is required and will be required every two years for the discount.

Verizon – Verizon Wireless offers MSU employees discounts on plans and equipment. For more details please visit the Verizon website for MSU employees through MSU Benefits Plus.

Looking for additional deals for MSU employees? Don’t forget to check the MSU Benefits Plus website for discounts and deals on many services such as hotels, vacation packages, electronics, sporting events, and more. Discover more deals here.

For more information on communication and media Services 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.

The Gift of Savings: Deals and Discounts for MSU Employees this Holiday Season

Published on December 3, 2019December 3, 2019 by MSU Human ResourcesLeave a comment

Are you looking for deals and discounts on gifts for the holiday season? As a benefit-eligible MSU employee, you have access to many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus. Here you can find discounts and special offers on a variety of products such as electronics, entertainment and more!

To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign-in by clicking on the Log In link in the top right corner of the page. First time users will need to sign up for an account using your ZPID number (located on your Spartan Card ID badge or you can find the number in EBS). Use a capital “Z” when putting in your ZPID number.

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

Apple – Enjoy employee pricing on your favorite Apple products when you shop the exclusive store. Discounts automatically applied with the link. Take advantage of this deal!

Cirque du Soleil – Find special offers on various shows across the country including cities like Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and many more! Get more information and find automatically applied discounts here.

Dell – Discover great deals and discounts on Dell electronics. There’s something here for everyone!

Disneyland – In need of a vacation? Save on multi-day tickets at Disneyland Resort in California! Discounts are automatically applied through this link.

Sprint – Enjoy exclusive savings on your Sprint Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans! Take a look at what Sprint offers!

Perfume Emporium – Take $10 off when you spend $40 or more on your favorite fragrances at the official Perfume Emporium website. Use code CD1972 at checkout to redeem your offer!

Premium Seats USA – Concerts, Sporting Events, Theater Tickets, and more! Save 10% with code CORESTREAM on great seats and exclusive VIP packages to live entertainment and sporting events throughout the country. From concerts of all sizes to professional and college sports to Broadway and beyond, you’ll find tickets to thousands of events at Premium Seats USA! Take a look at some upcoming events on the Premium Seats USA website.

Hotels.com – Are you traveling during the holiday season? Spoil your special person with a night in the city. Save an ADDITIONAL 8% off most bookings at hotels.com with code CORESTREAM8. Find your destination at Hotels.com.

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.

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By Golly, Be Jolly this Holiday Season with Deals and Discounts for MSU Employees!

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