Author: Jolene Truckenbrod

January Wellness Activity: Blood Donation

It’s National Blood Donor Month so do your part by donating blood and saving lives. According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can save as many as three lives. Donating blood is not only beneficial for the person receiving it, but the for the donor as well. It helps reduce the risk of hemochromatosis which is excess absorption of iron in the body, lowers the risk of cancer, helps maintain a healthy heart and liver, can help with weight loss, and stimulates blood cell production.

Donating blood helps individuals who have cancer, trauma patients, sickle cell patients, burn victims, and patients with chronic diseases. Blood cannot be created and can only be donated so people’s lives depend on blood donations.

Blood Donation Process (Process takes about an hour total):

  1. Register to donate blood
  2. You will show your ID and they will provide you with information about donating blood
  3. You will answer some health questions and provide information about current medications
  4. They will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level
  5. For whole blood donations the arm will be sterilized, and the needle will be inserted
  6. You will sit or lay there for 8-10 minutes until about a pint of blood has been taken
  7. They will then bandage your arm
  8. You will be asked to sit and enjoy a snack and refreshment for 10-15 minutes after donating to ensure that there are no issues
  9. Released to leave knowing that you helped to save lives

To sign up to donate blood you can go to the American Red Cross Website to find the nearest location and time that works for you. After you have donated blood please email wellness@uwgb.edu to receive a code to self-report your participation in this employer sponsored well-being activity for Well Wisconsin at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin.

Additional Resources:

Dual Enrollment Program Manager

The Dual Enrollment Program Manager will serve as the manager for UW-Green Bay’s dual enrollment programs including College Credit in High School (CCIHS), Early College Credit Program (ECCP), and the Dual Enrollment Access Academy (Academy). This position will develop and manage dual enrollment programs by building relationships with school district leaders, establishing new partnerships, and supervise program specialists who provide direct student support and enrollment services. This highly collaborative position will work closely with the Executive Director of K-12 & Community Relations to build UW-Green Bay’s innovative programs that provide access to dual enrollment opportunities across the state of Wisconsin.

For further information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

W-2 Forms (Wage and Tax Statements) Now Available Online

Electronic 2020 W-2 Forms (Wage and Tax Statements) are now available in the MyUW portal. Employees will receive a paper copy of the W-2 Form via U.S. mail by February 1, 2021. Paper copies are mailed to all employees except those who chose to receive an electronic only W-2 by January 18, 2021.

Instructions to View/Print 2020 W-2 Form.

Availability of Other Tax Forms
Some employees will receive additional tax forms from UW System. These additional forms are not applicable to all employees. Examples include:

  • Form 1095-C – A separate communication will be sent to employees who will receive this form.
  • The Fellowship Letter – Typically available in February.
  • The 1042-S Forms – Typically available in the MyUW portal in March. Employees who have chosen electronic delivery through the Glacier System may have access to their forms earlier. Others will have their form mailed to their home address. Instructions to View/Print 1042-S Form and Fellowship Letter.

Resources
Visit Tax Statement Help for resources regarding the various tax forms.

Filing Taxes
Employees should use their W-2 Form, not their final 2020 earnings statement, to file taxes.

Some employees have had adjustments to their 2020 taxable earnings since the last 2020 payroll was paid and may have an additional earnings statement generated reflecting these adjustments. These adjustments will already be reflected on the W-2 Form that the employee receives.

The IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns on February 12, 2021. Employees may want to file their return as soon as all tax forms are received to minimize the chance of a fraudulent return being processed using their Social Security number, or Individual Tax Payer Identification number. More information is available on the IRS website.

If you have questions, please contact us at payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu.

Source: UW-Shared Services, Service Operations

Rising Phoenix Program Manager – Open to UW System Employees Only

The Rising Phoenix Program Manager will serve as the manager for UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix Early College High School. The Rising Phoenix program provides dual enrollment courses within a school district and at UW-Green Bay campuses with the opportunity for students to earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree during high school. This position will develop and manage this innovative dual enrollment program by building relationships with school district leaders, establishing new partnerships, and supervise Student Success Coaches who provide direct student support and enrollment services. This highly collaborative position will work closely with the Executive Director of K-12 & Community Relations to build UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix program to build additional programs across the state of Wisconsin.

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY OPEN TO UW SYSTEM EMPLOYEES ONLY.

For further information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, January 31, 2021.

WRS Webinars Offered in January & February

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit ETF’s webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement
Thinking about retiring in the next 12 months? We’ll walk you through the process.
You’ll learn how to:

  • Choose a termination date
  • Request a retirement estimate
  • Read the retirement estimate
  • Schedule a retirement appointment
  • Submit a retirement application

Wed, Jan 20, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fri, Jan 29, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1698687602195660813

Additional Contributions
Looking to increase your WRS retirement? Learn how Additional Contributions can increase your WRS retirement benefit. By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Define Additional Contributions
  • Identify how Additional Contributions increase your retirement fund
  • Arrange to make Additional Contributions to your WRS account(s)
  • Find and use ETF resources to calculate your Additional Contribution amount

Tue, Feb 2, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wed, Feb 10, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 18, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fri, Feb 26, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2366304466240366864

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?
Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. We’ll discuss:

  • How to update your account so your loved ones may receive money after your death
  • Important times to make sure your account is up to date
  • What happens if you forget to update your account
  • How to check who you currently have on file

Thu, Jan 21, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thu, Jan 28, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 4, 2021 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mon, Feb 8, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tue, Feb 16, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, Feb 22, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/9013962762161514253

Overview of the WRS
Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)? We’ll let you know what to expect. By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the elements of the Wisconsin Retirement System
  • Explain how the WRS pension works
  • Identify benefits available through the WRS
  • Find resources for more information

Mon, Feb 1, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Feb 11, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mon, Feb 15, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 25, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4616515485623567888

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments
Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen. By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated

Tue, Jan 19, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, Jan 25, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wed, Feb 10, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fri, Feb 12, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thu, Feb 18, 2021 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Thu, Feb 25, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6452814252490226444

Preparing for Your Retirement
Planning to retire in the next 1-10 years? Then this webinar is for you. We’ll discuss:

  • The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account
  • How your retirement account grows through investments
  • When you can retire
  • Options for receiving your retirement benefit
  • Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring
  • What happens to your account after you die
  • Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement

Learn in a way that fits your schedule. Attend this presentation in a live webinar!

Wed, Jan 27, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tue, Feb 9, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Feb 22, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fri, Mar 12, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Mar 25, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Apr 8, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wed, Apr 21, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after a disaster. Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time. Notice and accept how you feel. Taking care of your emotional health during an emergency will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Self-care during an emergency will help your long-term healing.

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990.

Take the following steps to cope with a disaster:

  • Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Learn more about wellness strategies for mental health.
  • Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.
  • Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
  • Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
  • Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.
  • Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

 

Look out for these common signs of distress:

  • Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
  • Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

If you experience these feelings or behaviors for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, seek professional help.

Source:   CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (copied from the Keypro website)

Also, please click on this link for UWGB resources: https://blog.uwgb.edu/hr/2021/01/employee-assistance-program-resources/

Electronic-Only Distribution of W-2 and 1095-C Forms Available

Active UW employees can receive W-2 and1095-C forms via electronic-only distribution. The W-2 form includes compensation and tax withholding for the previous calendar year. The 1095-C form documents that an employee who worked full-time for all or some months in the previous year was offered health insurance.

Electronic forms are available earlier than mailed paper forms. Electronic delivery is environmentally friendly and secure with less risk of lost or stolen forms.

Choose Electronic-only Distribution by January 18, 2021

  1. Log into the MyUW portal.
  2. On the Payroll Information tile select Tax Statements.
  3. On the Tax Statements page, choose Consent to receive W-2 electronically and/or Consent to receive 1095-C electronically. Complete two separate consent forms by JANUARY 18, 2021 to choose electronic distribution of the W-2 and 1095-C form.
  4. Check the I Consent checkbox.
  5. Choose the Submit button.
  6. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. An email will be sent to you by January 31 alerting you to the electronic availability of your forms.
  7. You may withdraw consent at any time using the directions above and choosing the Check here to withdraw your consent checkbox. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
  8. Consent will cease if you terminate employment.

If you do not complete the consent forms, your W-2 and 1095-C forms will be sent to your mailing address in the MyUW portal.

Note: These consent options do not apply to the 1042-S form. 1042-S forms are available electronically in the Glacier Online Tax Compliance System for employees who choose electronic delivery through that system.

If you have any questions regarding choosing electronic-only distribution of your W-2 and 1095-C forms, contact us at payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu.

Source: UW-Shared Services

2021 Benefit Change Reminders

Review your 2021 Benefit Enrollments
2020 has come to an end, and now is a great time to review your 2021 benefits! Use the Benefits Summary in Self Service to review your enrollments:

  1. Log into the MyUW portal.
  2. Go to the ‘Benefit Information’ module and click on ‘Launch full app.’
  3. Choose the ‘Summary’ tab and click ‘View Benefits Summary Detail.’
  4. In the ‘As of Date’ field, enter 01/01/2021 and click ‘Refresh.’

The information below outlines benefit plan changes and reminders for 2021.

Health Insurance

  • Premiums: Slight increase for most plans.
  • Newly Covered Services: Biofeedback services for urinary incontinence.
  • Wellness Incentive: Health insurance plan carriers will no longer offer a wellness incentive component. Note, the incentive offered through Well Wisconsin (StayWell/Web MD) will continue (see below).
  • Annual Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: No change; however, they will reset on January 1, 2021.
  • Telehealth/Virtual Visits: Will continue to be covered without cost-sharing.
  • Primary Care Provider (PCP): Employees, spouses and dependents enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program must select a primary care provider (PCP). For assistance designating a PCP or updating your PCP, contact your health plan directly.

Pharmacy Benefits
There are no changes to the pharmacy benefits for 2021. However, your annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximums will reset at the beginning of the new plan year, January 1, 2021.

Find in-network pharmacies and formulary lists on the Navitus website, or contact Navitus directly at 1-866-333-2757.

Well Wisconsin Program Incentive
Employees and spouses enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program are eligible for the Well Wisconsin Program Incentive. To receive the $150 incentive for 2021, a health check, health assessment and a well-being activity must be completed by October 8, 2021.

A new website will launch on January 4, 2021. To prepare for this, the current website will be unavailable starting December 31, 2020. To access the new website, employees and spouses will need to create a new username and password. Additional information, including a link to the website, was sent to you directly from Well Wisconsin on January 6, 2021.

Dental Insurance
Delta Dental will continue to administer the dental insurance plans in 2021. There are no changes to any of the dental insurance plans for 2021. Find a Delta Dental network dentist here. If you are enrolled in Uniform Dental, Preventive Dental and/or the Select Plus plan, you should select a dentist in the PPO or Premier network. If you enrolled in the Select plan, you should select a dentist in the PPO network.

Vision Insurance
The vision insurance plan will be administered by DeltaVision in 2021 (in partnership with EyeMed). The plan will continue to offer an allowance of up to $150 toward frames or contact lenses. The 2021 premiums are slightly less than the 2020 premiums. If you enrolled for 2021, you will receive a vision insurance ID card to help your eye doctor/clinic verify eligibility/benefits and submit claims. Find a DeltaVision/EyeMed provider here.

Healthcare and Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
For the Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA’s for 2021, the annual maximum contribution is $2,750 and the carryover limit is $550, both slight increases from 2020. For the Dependent Day Care Account, the annual maximum remains unchanged at $5,000 per household.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
The HSA is a required component of the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

  • Annual Maximum Contribution: Increased to $3,600 for single coverage and $7,200 for family.
  • Catch-up Contribution: There is an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution amount for employees that are or will attain age 55+ during the calendar year (no change from 2020).
  • Employer Contributions: Will remain the same for 2021. $750 for employees enrolled in single coverage and $1,500 for employees enrolled in family coverage. Employees with less than half time rates will receive $375 if enrolled in single coverage and $750 if enrolled in family coverage. Crafts workers are not eligible for the employer contribution.
  • Employee Contributions: Employee contributions from your paycheck can be changed at any time.

Parking & Transit Accounts
Effective January 1, 2021, parking and transit accounts will again be offered to eligible employees. These accounts allow you to pay certain work-related parking and/or transit expenses with tax-free dollars.

    • Parking Account: Covers work-related parking expenses such as parking ramps.
    • Transit Account: Covers work-related transit expenses such as bus and/or vanpools.

The maximum monthly contribution limit for each account is $270. Contribution amounts may be changed at any time; they do not require a qualifying life event.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
There are no changes to the AD&D plan for 2021. Reminder: An identity theft protection component is included (LifeStages Identity Management Services from CyberScout).

Accident Insurance
This plan may provide cash payment to you in the event of an accident. The Accidental Death & Dismemberment component of this plan will increase to $100,000 for 2021. Premiums will increase slightly.

Review the UW System Employee Benefits website for additional information.

Source: UW System Human Resources

New Well Wisconsin Portal


A quiet morning near the water. Driving with your windows down. That feeling after a great workout.

Life is full of tiny enjoyable moments. All you have to do is be there to notice them.

This year, Well Wisconsin is inviting you to tune in to greater well-being. Because there’s no better time than now to make healthy choices.

Take care of yourself. Get rewarded for it.

Even though the Well Wisconsin experience is new this year, the reward remains the same.

Complete these three activities by October 8, 2021, to earn a $150 Well Wisconsin gift card*:

  • HEALTH ASSESSMENT: Complete WebMD ONE’s 10-minute questionnaire.
  • HEALTH CHECK: Complete one of the following health checks:
    • Biometric screening
    • Dental exam
    • One coaching session
  • WELL-BEING ACTIVITY: Complete one of the many activities WebMD has to offer, including Daily Habits, well-being challenges, health coaching and more.

 Not eligible for rewards? Well, you’re still eligible for improved well-being.

If you don’t qualify for Well Wisconsin rewards, don’t worry: You can still benefit from well-being activities, like challenges and Daily Habits campaigns.

And you can still join us at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin to take bold steps toward improved well-being.

Improved experience powered by WebMD ONE

Our well-being partner, StayWell, has merged with WebMD Health Services to boost your Well Wisconsin experience in every way.

With the new WebMD ONE wellness portal, you can find what you’re looking for more quickly and enjoy personalized recommendations, information and action plans.

And your privacy will always be protected. See our privacy video for more information about how we keep your information secure.

 Let’s get started—together 

We know: It’s a lot easier said than done to “be in the moment.” Especially with all that’s currently going on.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you. The tools and resources available to you through Well Wisconsin can help guide and support you. We’ll help you take care and be there for life’s most meaningful moments.

It all starts at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin. Create a new account today to get started. (Yeah, you’ll have to take this step—sorry. New portal, new account, new approach to well-being!)  (NOTE: After clicking on the link above, click Create Account, and then you will enter some personal information, such as date of birth and email address to create your account.  Please note that your UWGB user name and password will not work – you will need to create a user name and password specific to the Well Wisconsin/WebMD ONE portal.)

 Questions? 

Contact Customer Service at 800-821-6591 or email CustomerSupport@webmd.net.

Download our mobile app, Wellness At Your Side 

  1. Visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and search for “Wellness At Your Side.”
  2. After downloading and opening the app, enter your Connection Code: SOWI

Your privacy is important

Whether you’re completing the health assessment, getting a biometric screening or speaking with your health coach, WebMD is committed to protecting your privacy. Please watch WebMD’s short privacy video for details.
 *The Well Wisconsin incentive program is a voluntary program available to employees, retirees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program, excluding Medicare Advantage participants who have incentives available through their health plan. The Well Wisconsin incentive will automatically be issued to eligible participants upon completing the applicable activities. All wellness incentives paid to participants are considered taxable income to the group health plan subscriber and are reported to their employer, who will issue a W2. In some cases, the Wisconsin Retirement System acts as the employer. Retirees, continuants and their spouses will have some taxes withheld from the incentive amount earned.

Source: Well Wisconsin