Author: Jolene Truckenbrod

Looking for calm? Try the virtual reality meditation app from StayWell

We all need a little calm in our lives. Especially with everything going on right now.

That’s why we’re pleased to offer you access to Provata VR, a FREE virtual reality meditation app.

‘WHAT’S A VIRTUAL REALITY MEDITATION APP?’
It’s a mobile application that guides you through short meditations. These include audio tracks and peaceful visuals.

‘WHY WOULD I WANT TO MEDITATE?’
Because meditation can help you:

  • Reduce stress
  • Improve focus
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce risk for stroke and heart attack

And it’s really easy.

The guided meditations help you to slow down and be mindful about your thoughts and your body. You can start with a two-minute guided body scan, or you can choose longer meditations.

‘WHAT DOES A VIRTUAL MEDITATION LOOK LIKE?’
Get a preview by watching this video.

‘HOW DO I GET THE APP?’
You’ll need a new wellwisconsin.staywell.com account set up for 2020, so set one up if you haven’t already.

Then, follow these steps, using your smartphone or tablet:

  • Search for “Provata VR” in the App Store or on Google Play.
  • Download the app.
  • Create your account, using the same email address and password used for your Well Wisconsin account.

‘WHAT OTHER STRESS-RELIEF RESOURCES ARE THERE?’
Well Wisconsin has several tools and resources that can help with your emotional well-being.

The Resources section has e-learning modules such as:

  • Meditation & Relaxation
  • Depression
  • Stress Management

And since emotional well-being is so closely tied with physical, financial and social well-being, we’d encourage you to explore all the tools and resources available at wellwisconsin.staywell.com or on the My StayWell app.

JOIN US FOR A WELL WISCONSIN SELF-CARE BOOST
Well Wisconsin Self-Care BoostAs our stress levels rise during this uncertain time, we’ll talk about why meditation is important for reducing stress. Then we’ll walk you through a 20-minute guided meditation.

Click here or on the button below to get started and use the password 3H$$1#!2.

LISTEN HERE

How about a good laugh next week? We will be interviewing Charlie Berens from the Manitowoc Minute and watching some of his videos.

QUESTIONS? Contact the StayWell HelpLine at 800-821-6591 or wellwisconsin@staywell.com.

Can five minutes a day help? YES.
See whether you can dedicate five minutes every day this week to slow down or reset. You just may notice a big change.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

WRS Webinars Offered in May

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 their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1628435400789691150

Consider this webinar your quick reference guide to starting the retirement process within the next 12 months. We’ll review: choosing a termination date, how to request a retirement estimate – and how to read and understand it. We’ll also cover how to schedule a retirement appointment and – drum roll here – how to submit the retirement application.

  • Wed, May 6, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, May 11, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thu, May 21, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wed, May 27, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Additional Contributions

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6932777460832116494

Find out how making additional contributions to your WRS account can potentially increase your retirement. This webinar also provides examples of how contributions grow over time with interest, how to pay additional contributions (payroll deduction or direct pay), etc.

  • Mon, May 4, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, May 14, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Tue, May 19, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wed, May 27, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Understanding your Annual WRS Statement of Benefits

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4088832361488024588

Your annual Statement of Benefits provides a summary of your Wisconsin Retirement System account information. Join us to learn more about the important topics addressed on your statement including:
• How much you and your employer have contributed to your WRS pension
• Your vesting status and years of service
• Your beneficiary designation – what happens to your account if you die before taking a benefit

  • Thu, May 7, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wed, May 13, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7285201721289566467

Do WRS accounts receive an investment return? Do investment returns affect how much a retiree will initially receive when they begin their pension? Do those retired in the WRS receive adjustments to their monthly pension amount over the years?

This webinar will cover the process of how account effective rates and annuity adjustments are calculated, starting with the investment return reported by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. Also covered during the webinar will be explanations of both the Core and Variable Trust Funds and the calculations specific to each fund for effective rates and annual adjustments. At the end of this webinar, we hope you may have a better understanding of how the State of Wisconsin Investment Board investment returns affect your WRS pension.

  • Tue, May 5, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, May 11, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Tue, May 19, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thu, May 28, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Preparing for Your Retirement

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Who should attend? Employees who are planning to retire in the next 1 – 10 years.

Learn about your steps to retire with the WRS. Attend this event by live webinar! You will learn about the impact of contributions and investment returns on your account, when you can retire, your WRS annuity options, returning to work after you retire, what happens to your account when you die, health and life insurance, and more.

Questions are welcome during and after the event!

  • Tue, May 12, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Thu, May 28, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Jun 12, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Thu, Jun 25, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

8 Areas to Clean While Quarantined

Sneezes, coughs and handshakes aren’t the only way to spread illness-causing germs. Viruses like COVID-19 can linger around your home, too.

Take some time to clean a few high-touch spots in your home, and check out the Resources section of the Well Wisconsin portal for more coronavirus-related information.

8 AREAS TO CLEAN WHILE QUARANTINED

  1. Smartphones and tablets: Clean frequently with disinfecting wipes.
  2. Doorknobs and light switches: Disinfect them using 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.
  3. Cutting boards: Wash acrylic, plastic, glass and wood boards in the dishwasher.
  4. Toys: Wipe or dunk toys in a diluted bleach solution (see above), and then let stand for three to five minutes before rinsing with clean water.
  5. Dishrags and hand towels: Machine-wash rags often using the hot cycle and replace sponges frequently.
  6. Sinks: Wash frequently with hot, soapy water.
  7. Pillowcases and sheets: Wash regularly in hot water and detergent.
  8. Computer mice and keyboards: Wash your hands frequently and wipe the mouse and keyboard down with antiseptic pads.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Changes

Pre-Tax Savings Accounts – HSA and Health Care FSA Eligible Expense Changes

Eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) were permanently changed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to allow the following items to be reimbursed pre-tax:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medicines not prescribed by a doctor (aspirin, cough medicine, decongestants, etc.)
  • Menstrual care products (pads, liners, tampons, etc.)

These eligible expense changes are retroactive effective January 1, 2020. ConnectYourCare is working to update their resources and debit card settings to reflect these changes.

  • If you purchase OTC medications and menstrual care products in the near future, you will likely need to submit a reimbursement request. It may take several weeks for ConnectYourCare’s debit card system to be completely updated.
  • Retroactive reimbursement requests must be submitted manually via the member portal or mobile app.

Dependent Day Care Account Elections

The IRS released new guidelines regarding Dependent Day Care Account election changes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. You may be eligible to increase or decrease your 2020 election if you experience one of the following election change events:

  • Change of daycare provider
  • Cost of care changes (unless care provider is a relative)
  • Need for care changes due to a job change or change of work hours
  • Qualifying life event

You have 30 days from the date of the election change event to submit an Election Change Request Form. Please contact your employer payroll and benefits office for more information on how to request an election change.

Questions?  Please email payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu

Source: Department of Employee Trust Funds

WRS Annual Statement of Benefits Available

UW employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2019 can now view their January 1, 2020 WRS Annual Statement of Benefits on the MyUW portal.

To access your statement, Log into your UW System portal. Launch the Benefit Information module (click Launch full app) and click on the Statements tab. Choose “ETF Annual Statement of Benefits (WRS) Issued 2020”.

Understanding Your Statement

Your statement includes your:

    • 2019 earnings and service
    • Years of creditable service as of January 1, 2020
    • Retirement benefit projections, separation benefit, death benefit
    • Primary beneficiary designation(s) for your WRS account

The UW System contributes to your WRS. For the 2019 plan year, the UW System contributed 6.55% of your eligible earnings (for Protectives w/ Social Security the UW System contributes 10.55%). Your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits shows your contributions as well as the UW System contributions to the plan. For the 2020 plan year the UW System contributes 6.75% of your eligible earnings (for Protectives w/ Social Security the UW System contributes 11.65%).

Resources

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has resources available to assist you in understanding your Statement of Benefits. Review and verify each section of your statement using these resources as a guide.

    • An Introductory Letter which highlights important information on the statement.
    • The Explanation of Annual Statement of Benefits.
    • The ETF Statement of Benefits web page which includes many resources including a sample statement.
    • Live Webinar: Topics include WRS contributions, vesting status, years of service, and what happens to your account if you die before taking a benefit. Registration is required for the webinar dates below:
        • April 22, 2020, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
        • April 30, 2020, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        • May 7, 2020, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
        • May 13, 2020, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.

Review Your Beneficiaries

It is important to review the primary beneficiary(ies) listed on your WRS statement. If there are no beneficiaries listed, you either don’t have a beneficiary designation on file, or your designation was made before 1998 (beneficiaries added before 1998 are not listed on your statement). It is recommended that you complete a Beneficiary Designation Form if a beneficiary is not listed on your statement.

Death benefits are paid according to the most recent valid beneficiary designation form on file with ETF prior to your death. If no beneficiary designation is on file, death benefits will be paid according to the statutory standard sequence in effect on the date of death. Your beneficiary information does not automatically change when a significant life event occurs, such as a divorce or a marriage. To add, change or remove beneficiaries complete a Beneficiary Designation form (ET-2320) or Beneficiary Designation-Alternate form (ET-2321). Mail your completed beneficiary designation directly to ETF at the address listed at the top of the form.

Questions?

If you have questions about your statement, please contact Human Resources at payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu.

General information on the WRS can be found on the UW System Employee Benefits WRS web page.

Source: UW-Shared Services, Service Operations

Coping with Kids and COVID-19 Webinar

Our Employee Assistance Program provider, FEI, is offering a free webinar on Coping with Kids and COVID-19.

Due to COVID-19, parents and kids have been put into a position of continual family time. While not all bad, it can increase stress for the whole family. This webinar is designed to provide insight into what the stress is doing to our brains, behavior, and communication. We’ll discuss ideas to help everyone feel safe and offer strategies for parental self-care.

Two webinar dates available – pick which works best for you:

Please check out the UW System Employee Well-Being webpage (https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/well-being/webinars/), which has a list of upcoming webinars, including FEI’s pre-recorded webinar on the topic of How to handle change during COVID-19.

FEI is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider.  You can visit the FEI website at www.feieap.com (username: SOWI). 

WRS Webinars Offered in April

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 their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8342621847052734211

Do you have a beneficiary designation on file with ETF and does it reflect how you’d want your WRS death benefits paid? This webinar reviews the importance of having a beneficiary designation on file and keeping it updated as life events occur. We’ll also review the process of how to correctly complete a designation form, what it means if you do not have one on file with ETF, and how to request a copy of your current form.

  • Fri, Apr 3, 2020 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Wed, Apr 8, 2020 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Thu, Apr 23, 2020 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
  • Mon, Apr 27, 2020 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7285201721289566467

Do WRS accounts receive an investment return? Do investment returns affect how much a retiree will initially receive when they begin their pension? Do those retired in the WRS receive adjustments to their monthly pension amount over the years?

This webinar will cover the process of how account effective rates and annuity adjustments are calculated, starting with the investment return reported by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. Also covered during the webinar will be explanations of both the Core and Variable Trust Funds and the calculations specific to each fund for effective rates and annual adjustments. At the end of this webinar, we hope you may have a better understanding of how the State of Wisconsin Investment Board investment returns affect your WRS pension.

  • Fri, Apr 3, 2020 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Thu, Apr 9, 2020 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
  • Thu, Apr 23, 2020 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Wed, Apr 29, 2020 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator to Estimate a Retirement Benefit

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3830241519823062785

ETF’s online retirement calculator, one of the most-used tools on our website, allows you to calculate an unofficial projection of your WRS retirement benefit at any point in the future. This webinar will cover where to find and how to use the calculator, specific information required for data entry (e.g., desired retirement date, spouse or partner’s birthdate, etc.) and how to interpret the results. There will be time at the end of the webinar to ask specific questions on this topic.

  • Wed, Apr 1, 2020 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Mon, Apr 6, 2020 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Thu, Apr 16, 2020 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
  • Tue, Apr 21, 2020 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Preparing for Your Retirement

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Who should attend? Employees who are planning to retire in the next 1 – 10 years. Learn about your steps to retire with the WRS. Attend this event by live webinar! You will learn about the impact of contributions and investment returns on your account, when you can retire, your WRS annuity options, returning to work after you retire, what happens to your account when you die, health and life insurance, and more.

Questions are welcome during and after the event!

  • Thu, Apr 2, 2020 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Tue, Apr 14, 2020 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Wed, Apr 29, 2020 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Tue, May 12, 2020 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Thu, May 28, 2020 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Fri, Jun 12, 2020 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Thu, Jun 25, 2020 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

FITNESS-120 Faculty/Staff Fitness Challenge

 

Fitness-120
At-home fitness program for UWGB faculty/staff
April 6th through May 3rd

How it works:
Complete 120 minutes of physical activity a week for 4 weeks.
Submit weekly minutes online.
Receive a prize!

Types of physical activity:

Contact your co-workers and encourage them to complete this challenge too!  Please click here to sign up:  Registration