Announcements As Of:
November 17, 2009

Important Reminders and Deadlines

FSA 2009 Deadline Reminder: The plan year for the 2009 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) ends on December 31, 2009. Now is a good time to review your account balance and submit your 2009 claims by faxing them to BASIC at 800-391-6562. As indicated by IRS guidelines, any unused funds remaining in your account at the end of the plan year will be forfeited.

The Account Plan Grace Period, March 31, 2010, is the deadline to have your claims, incurred in 2009, submitted to BASIC. Do not wait until the last minute.

403(b) & 457(b) limits for 2010 announced: The IRS has announced the elective deferral maximum limits for calendar year 2010. Participants in 403 (b) and 457 (b) plans will be able to contribute up to $16,500 to the plans in 2010, which is the same as the 2009 maximum limit. Under the 2010 maximum contribution rates, the dollar limitation for catch-up contributions for individuals age 50 or over remains unchanged at $5,500.

Salary Reduction Agreements for 2010 are available on the Human Resources (Staff) web site. Now is the time to review your maximum limit for 2010. Print off the appropriate form, complete it and return it to the Benefits Office, 140 Mc Kenny Hall. www.emich.edu/hr/hrforms/index.html

The annual compensation limit remains unchanged at $245,000.

Participation in 403 (b) & 457 (b) Plans Made Easy & Green: Saving for your retirement has been made easy for EMU staff & faculty. Employees are eligible to participate in either a TIAA-CREF 403 (b) or 457 (b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Now, only a salary reduction agreement, found on Human Resources (staff) web site www.emich.edu/hr/hrforms/index.html, is required to start payroll deductions to one or both of these plans. You will automatically be default enrolled in an age appropriate LifeCycle Fund, as of the pay period indicated on your agreement.

If you prefer, you can enroll online at this web site. Once enrolled and pre taxed deductions are made, you can go online to www.tiaa-cref.org/emich and select other investment options as well as indicate your Beneficiary designation. Now is the time to start saving for your future. Complete the Salary Reduction Agreement and get started with as little as $200 a year. Contact the Benefits Office if you need additional information, 7-3195.

EMU’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) vendor BASIC just announced the holiday closings for their office. They will be:

Closing early – Friday, November 20, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and the day after – Thursday, November 26, 2009 and Friday, November 27, 2009
Closing early – Thursday, December 18, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
Closing early – Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.
Closed Christmas, Friday, December 25, 2009
Closed New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1, 2010

Please make note of these dates and times. Please contact the Benefits Office at 487-3195 if you have any questions.

Chase Bank Benefits

Eastern Michigan University staff and faculty members will be able to receive better rates, more rewards and bigger discounts in one convenient banking package by becoming a JP Morgan Chase customer. On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and Wednesday, October 28, 2009, representatives from Chase Bank will be located in front of the EMU bookstore in the Student Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please stop by to find out how you can take advantage of these special features.

Flu season is starting. Get ready!

The flu season is starting and more than one kind of virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the H1N1 swine flu. If you get the flu, you can spread it to others at home, at work and in the community. Flu symptoms include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Additional symptoms include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

If you are sick, please stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medication containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you exhibit flu like sypmtoms while at work, you may be directed by your supervisor to leave work and go home to avoid potential spread to others in the work and/or academic environment.

Remember to cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. If a severe flu outbreak hits our university community, we will take additional steps to avoid spreading the virus in the workplace.

Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the flu:

•Review our pandemic flu response plan. http://www.emich.edu/uhs/swineflu/

•Get the seasonal flu vaccine, which is now a covered benefit under EMU’s health care plan options.

•Get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available, if you are at higher risk for complications. People at high risk include pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

•Make plans to care for sick household members or for children if schools dismiss students or child care programs close.

•Be prepared in case you get sick and must stay home. Have the following items on hand: a supply of fever-reducing medicines that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen; alcohol-based hand cleaners; tissues and other useful items to avoid making trips out in public while you are sick.

•Learn about the flu and what you can do. To find out more about preparing for the flu, go to www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

If you have any questions about policies or action steps we can take, please contact Amanda Reynolds (areynolds@emich.edu); 734-487-1052, for staff-related employee questions or Mary Linblade in academic human resources (mlinblade@emich.edu); 734-487-7006 for faculty/lecturer- related questions. You can also view H1N1 Influenza FAQs here.

By working together, we can protect our workforce and have a productive fall and winter.

Adult Immunization Coverage

EMU’s Benefits Office is pleased to announce an added enhancement to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Blue PPO Plans (Option 1 & Option 2.)  Effective September 1, 2009, adult immunizations will be covered by “in network providers” only.  Adult immunizations are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Federal Center for Disease Control & Prevention.  Previously, only immunizations for children through the age of 16 were covered.

This rider was added since EMU recognizes that immunization coverage targets vaccine preventable diseases and is an important part of preventive health care.
The following is a list of diseases which are included in the coverage:

- H1N1 (Swine Flu) – based upon FDA approval & availability
- Hepatitis A – adults in certain high risk groups
- Hepatitis B – adults in high rise groups
-Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – women 26 & younger
-Influenza (flu)
-Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
-Meningitis – for adults with indications
-Pneumonia – for adults 65 & older; other adults with indications
-Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)
-Varicella – Chicken Pox
-Shingles – for adults 60 & older

Guidelines for the administration of the H1N1 Vaccine will be announced when it becomes available. The vaccines listed above must be prescribed by a physician (in network providers only); administered in a physician’s office where office co-pays may apply.  Immunizations for travel are not covered nor are vaccines at locations such as Kroger’s, Walgreen’s, etc.

Delta Dental Plan Enhancements

EMU's Delta Dental Plan has expanded its benefits effective July 1, 2009. Delta Dental’s long standing policy on coverage for dental fillings has changed. For years, dental amalgam (silver) fillings have been the choice for routine restorations on back teeth. Effective July 1, 2009, composite resin (white) fillings on back teeth will become a standard benefit for EMU’s plan. Amalgam restorations will continue to be covered.

EMU wants to offer its employees the option to select between a composite or amalgam filling on posterior teeth. The benefit level of coverage will remain the same at 75% for restorative services. Delta Dental recognizes that the use of composite material for restoration of back teeth is now considered to be within generally accepted dental standards. Composite materials have evolved to become as durable as amalgams. Always consult your dentist for the best treatment plan for you.

Also, effective July 1, 2009, Delta has upgraded our Delta Dental Premier Plan to a popular point of service plan called Delta Dental PPO (Point of Service) Plan. By adding the Delta Dental PPO network to our existing Delta Dental Premier network, EMU and its employees have an additional savings opportunity as Delta Dental PPO dentists agree to accept lower fees as full payment for their services. Our employees can go to any licensed dentist, but will save the most money if they go to a dentist who participates in one of these two networks. Participating Dentists can be found by either calling Delta’s Customer Service department at (800)524-0149 or by accessing Delta’s Automated Service Inquiry (DASI) system on www.deltadentalmi.com which can provide names of providers in both networks.

New Regulations and Software Upgrades for BASIC FSA Debit Card Users as of July 1, 2009

New regulations and software system upgrades allow detailed debit card transaction data to be submitted directly to BASIC for many debit card transactions. When this data is provided, BASIC uses it to adjudicate/approve debit card transactions so that participants do not need to send in documents to verify transactions. This email outlines how these changes will affect participant debit card use as of July 1st, when additional IRS regulations take effect.

Health Care Provider Offices:

The BASIC Debit Card will continue to be accepted at health care provider offices the same as it has been in the past. We advise debit card participants to only send verification documents for debit card purchases when BASIC requests them to be submitted. Participants will NOT need to send verification documents for transactions at health care providers when:

1) The total exactly matches one or multiples of the single co-pays, as indicated by the employer’s insurance plan, and

2) The insurance co-pay amounts have been entered into our administration system.

If the total sale amount does not exactly match one or multiples of the single co-pays, then documentation will be required. If BASIC needs to review the debit card transaction, the participant will receive a request for the documentation via mail or email (if available).

Pharmacies and Retailers – New Regulation:

As of January 1, 2008, IRS regulations (implemented through IIAS) prevent participants from using their BASIC Debit Card at retailers that are not IIAS compliant or to purchase ineligible items. The IIAS stands for Information Inventory Approval System which requires a merchant code to be in place in order for the FSA debit card to work. As of July 1, 2009, IIAS has been expanded to include pharmacies. Therefore, the debit card may not be accepted at pharmacies that are not IIAS compliant even though the debit card had been accepted in the past.

The IRS regulation (implemented through IIAS) provides BASIC with detailed debit card transaction data on participant purchases so that BASIC can adjudicate/approve many debit card transactions without participants having to send in documentation. Therefore, we advise debit card participants to only send verification documents for their debit card purchases when BASIC requests them to be submitted. With this in mind, participants should keep all receipts for transactions made with their BASIC Debit Card just in case BASIC needs to review them.

Reasons why the BASIC Debit Card may not be accepted and related tips:

1. The pharmacy or retailer may not be IIAS compliant

a. Review the list of IIAS compliant merchants by visiting www.basiconline.com/IIAS/

b. Participant can pay using another form of payment and submit a claim for reimbursement

c. Participant can choose an IIAS certified merchant next time

2. In some cases, not all cash registers at a retailer or pharmacy are IIAS compliant

a. We suggest that participants pay for eligible items at the cash register at or nearest the pharmacy. This may be especially true at large department stores such as Meijer, Target or Wal-Mart.

3. Only eligible expenses can be purchased with the BASIC Debit Card

If you have questions regarding the new IRS regulations, please contact our FSA Department at 800-444-1922 ext 1.

Reminder

If BASIC needs to review the debit card transaction, the participant will receive a request for the documentation via mail or e-mail (if available). Participants should keep ALL receipts for transactions made with their BASIC Debit Card just in case BASIC needs to review them.

NEW! Register Now for Online Pre-retirement Information Meetings

Attention MPSERS participants who are planning on retiring in two to four years.

You are encouraged to attend an online Pre-retirement Information Meeting (PRIM) for public school employees. This two-hour live webinar will help you make informed decisions about your retirement and your future.

Topics include:
-Pension eligibility
-Pension calculations
-Payment options
-Service credit
-Insurance-How and when to apply
-Questions and answers

Interested employees may register at: http://www.michigan.gov/orsschools PRIM registration Registration is required. Be sure to follow the instructions on line.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Changes to Enhance Services

In an effort to improve services for EMU employees enrolled in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) health care plans, we have joined the MUCH (Michigan Universities Coalition on Healthcare) BCBSM Program, effective February 1, 2009.

There will be NO changes in coverage as a result of this move to improve services. There will be some changes in contact telephone numbers and all BCBSM participants will receive new ID cards.

First, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Customer Service phone number and written inquiries address will change. All of EMU's Customer Service inquiries will be processed by the Lansing, Michigan office. The new numbers are:

Customer Service Numbers
Direct Dial: 517-322-4447
Toll Free: 800-322-4447
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Written Inquiries can be sent to the following address:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
P.O. Box 89920
Lansing, MI 48908-0020

The Customer Service Number will be addressed by a group dedicated to providing service to Universities who are members of MUCH. The phone will be addressed:

"Welcome to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan service center for Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Your call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes.”

The second change involves new BCBSM ID cards. All EMU BCBSM subscribers will receive new ID cards with a fresh look. These cards will look completely different from previous ones since BCBSM has redesigned all the cards. New cards will start being mailed on Friday, January 23, 2009 in time for the February 1, 2009 transition. We ask your patience as we move to the Lansing center where EMU will receive more dedicated service.

Happy New Year From the Benefits Office

Here are a few Benefits reminders for the new year!

Please check your paychecks or direct deposit advices for 2009 to verify that your elected deductions are correct. You should check each year to insure that any changes have been properly entered.

Is the correct address appearing on your check? If not, please notify your appropriate Human Resources department to correct your address. This will insure that your W2 form is sent to the correct address.

For calendar year 2009, the following IRS Pension limits are in effect. For the 403(b)and 457(b) plans, the maximum elective deferral has increased from $15,500 to $16,500.

The over age 50 catch up contribution dollar limit has increased from $5,000 to $5,500. If you wish to update your 403(b) and 457(b) plans salary reduction, please complete a new Salary Reduction Agreement, obtained on the HR Forms web site at: (www.emich.edu/hr/hrforms) Once completed and signed, please send it to the Benefits Office, 140 McKenny Hall or fax it to (734)487-4389. If you have not signed up for either a 403(b) or 457(b) plan and wish to start one, please contact the Benefits Office.

TIAA-CREF Financial Update

The events of the last several weeks have caused a great deal of concern regarding the U.S. financial system. Please go to the tiaa-cref web site to see how TIAA-CREF is handling its investments in these volatile times. Go to: www.tiaa-cref.org, click on TRUST TIAA'S FINANCIAL STRENGTH IN VOLATILE TIMES. These articles will reassure you that TIAA-CREF is on solid footing.

MPSERS Secure Web Site to Update Beneficiary Designation

For those of you in the MPSERS retirement plan, there is a new secure web site feature on the MPSERS home page, www.michigan.gov/ors/, called miAccount Online.

On this secure site, participants can view and print personal account information, make changes, and correspond securely with ORS(Office of Retirement Services.) miAccount is available seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. This allows participants to update her/his beneficiary designation online. MPSERS employees would have received their id on their annual statement. Please use this new feature since paper beneficiary change forms will no longer be available.

Tuition Waiver Information

Staff and Faculty are eligible to use the University Tuition Waiver benefit for undergraduate/graduate and doctoral level courses. The benefit waives up to six(6) credit hours for a full time employee and up to three(3) credit hours for a part time employee each term. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) requires reporting and withholding of income, state and FICA taxes for the value of tuition waiver whenever an amount exceeds $5,250.00 annually, per employee. The value of tuition waivers exceeding $5,250 in a year (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) will be considered taxable income. Please keep track of the value of the waivers used in the event this amount is exceeded.

Tuition Waiver Applications for employees and spouse/dependents, are located on the Human Resources Forms web site under Benefits: www.emich.edu/hr/hrforms
Be sure to complete a waiver form each term. If you have any questions, please call the Benefits Office at 7-3195.

Eastern Michigan University Credit Union

The friendliest option in town, offering: Financial services to the EMU community since 1958, including: * Friendly, personal service.
* Share & share draft accounts
* Low cost loans
* Online Banking
* Access to all member accounts at Credit Union Family Service Centers
* Personal service & candy
AND MUCH MORE!!

For more information, visit our office at 761 Jenness (only 1 block east of campus), our web site at www.emucu.com or call (734) 487-1033

Eastern Michigan University & TCF Bank Making Banking Better

Eastern Michigan University and TCF have come together to make your banking better everyday! Introducing Personal Pay Day from TCF .   Download an Authorization for Direct Deposit Form here!

Dental Care Almost Everywhere!

Having Delta Dental coverage has always made it easy for our enrollees, including our employees, to receive dental care here in the United States. Now it will make it easy for them to get dental care almost everywhere in the world!

As an enhancement to EMU's Delta Dental coverage, employees can receive expert dental care when they are outside of the United States through a partnership with International SOS Assistance, Inc. This partnership gives EMU's enrollees access to the International SOS (I-SOS) worldwide network of dentists and dental clinics. Under the I-SOS program, their out-of-country coverage is the same as their coverage here in the United States (so if they have coverage for dentures in Detroit, they have coverage for dentures in Denmark!)

It is important to note that I-SOS dentists are not Delta Dental participating dentists. Enrollees who are covered under EMU's Delta Premier Program that limits their coverage when they see a nonparticipating dentist will have limited coverage when they see an I-SOS dentist.

Check the Delta Dental Consumer Toolkit at www.consumertoolkit.com to get the names of English speaking I-SOS network dentists in the countries in which you are traveling. You may also contact International SOS at (800)523-6586 or once outside the U.S. call I-SOS collect at (215)942-8226. English-speaking I-SOS operators are available around the clock to answer questions and help schedule dental care. Enrollees must identify themselves as Delta Dental enrollees when they call.

Enrollees who go to I-SOS dentists must pay for their treatment at the time of service and get a receipt. They can then submit a claim to us when they return to the United States. Once Delta receives the claim, it will be reimbursed, subject to the terms and conditions of the existing Delta Dental coverage. (This reimbursement will be based on the out-of-country fee table and may not cover the entire cost of the treatment rendered.)

Banner Employee Self Service

The Employee Self Service feature of the Banner Human Resources/Payroll Information System provides all our employees an up-to-date view and summary of their employee benefits online. This feature replaces the annual employee Benefits Statements which were just summaries of past information. This feature provides real time information about one's benefits, payroll information and job information. This new technology allows our employees a means of making sure their individual information is correct and updated.

EMU employees now have access to up-to-date benefit and employment information at their fingertips! Access to this information is available through the Employee tab on the my.emich portal. With just a few clicks of the mouse, employees are able to quickly and easily view:

-Enrolled benefit plans
-Benefits including retirement, health, flex-spending, beneficiary, and statements
-Year-to-date and per pay-period earnings/deductions history
-Direct deposits and pay stubs
-W-2 and W-4 information
-Current job information
-Leave balances including, vacation, comp and sick hours earned and taken

Availability of this information through the my.emich portal provides employees access at anytime and from any computer with internet access.

MPSERS - Are You Planning to Retire This Year?

If you are a member of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) and are planning to retire in 2009 or 2010, APPLY NOW!!!

According to MPSERS, an employee should submit a retirement application to MPSERS three(3) to six(6) months before one's retirement effective date. To order a retirement application, call MPSERS at (800) 381-5111 or call MPSERS Fast Facts at 1-800-353-6932 and use the forms order menu. MPSERS has a web site as well www.michigan.gov/ors


Home | Contact EMU | Site Map | Directories | Calendars | My.emich |