Category: Fiscal Wellness

Fiscal wellness is the ability to understand our financial situation. This involves being able to control and maintain a balance of income and expenditures. It is important to make financial decisions that allow one to save, invest and plan for the future.

Pursue Wellness (and $150) from Home

While you’re protecting others by staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, you can take steps to protect your own well-being, too.

Well Wisconsin can help.

Oh, and you can earn your $150 Well Wisconsin* gift card along the way.

COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH SCREENING FROM HOME
We know you can’t visit your doctor to complete the health screening component of Well Wisconsin. And the onsite screening events have been canceled this spring.

But you can still complete the health screening using the Health Care Provider Form (HCPF). Just follow these steps:

  • Download the fillable HCPF.
  • Locate blood pressure and weight numbers from your most recent physician visit.
  • Enter those values on the HCPF.
  • Upload your HCPF using one of the methods listed on page 1 of the form.

COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH ASSESSMENT FROM HOME
Head over to wellwisconsin.staywell.com and create a profile if you haven’t already. Then just follow the steps to complete your health assessment.

COMPLETE YOUR WELL-BEING ACTIVITY FROM HOME
Try one of these well-being activities to complete that part of your incentive without leaving home:

  • Complete the Million Steps Challenge.
  • Connect with a health coach to manage stress and anxiety, get workout ideas and more.
  • Track your wellness goals on the Well Wisconsin dashboard.

Go to the My Incentives tab at wellwisconsin.staywell.com to see a full list of well-being activities.

JOIN US FOR A WELL WISCONSIN RADIO SELF-CARE BOOST Well Wisconsin Self-Care Boost
In the COVID-19 world, everything feels out of our control. How can we gain some perspective on some certainty in our life?

Join Kristi Mulcahey and Morgan Meinen, Well Wisconsin program managers, as they discuss how to reduce your stress in this time.

Click here or on the link below to listen to their conversation.

LISTEN HERE

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

*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.

465237     Copyright © 2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. StayWell is a registered trademark of 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 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

One-on-one Meetings with a TIAA Financial Consultant Available on April 1st

One-on-one meetings with a TIAA Financial Consultant are available via phone on Wednesday, April 1st, but you do need to register ahead of time!

You can register for a meeting with a TIAA financial consultant via phone.  No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a TIAA financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

You can register by visiting www.TIAA.org/schedulenow  or calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).  We look forward to working with you.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances. Investment, insurance, and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value. The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, Members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2018 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Online Well-Being Resources

We recognize the recent unprecedented events may cause stress and other life challenges for you and your family members and friends. Here are some online well-being resources that may be helpful.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We encourage employees to utilize individual providers through your health insurance program and/or UW-Green Bay’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is available for all employees, to include student employees. EAP offers services to support employee well-being and resilience in work and life, including navigating anxieties related to COVID-19.  Online resources about emotional/mental health, work/life challenges, legal/financial circumstances, and monthly webinars are available.

Telemedicine*: This is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of electronic communication. So, you can access health care through a video chat or a ‘virtual house call.’ Through telemedicine, a doctor may be able to recommend treatment, prescribe medication, refer you to a specialist or tell you, based on your symptoms, if you should see a doctor in-person.  These services vary among insurance carriers, so check your carrier’s website for details.  click on this link to see the health insurance carriers (ex. Dean Prevea 360, Network, WEA Trust-East, etc.), and then click on your carrier’s name.  For example, with WEA Trust-East, this service is called “Amwell” and Dean Prevea 360 has “Virtual Visit.”

Pharmacy Benefits*: Click here for information about the process to get a 90-day supply of prescription medications, or use a the Serve You mail order program.

Wellness*: Use the StayWell website to participate in wellness challenges, make progress towards your Well Wisconsin $150 Incentive, and take advantage of online health coaches and resources such as videos, articles and healthy recipes.  Have you downloaded the StayWell Mobile App yet?  It’s easy and convenient. The “My StayWell” app is available via the App Store or Google Play.

*This information is specific to those who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Health Insurance Program.

Questions?  Please contact us at payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2390.

Preparing for Your WRS Retirement

** UPDATE: All in-person, individual, and group retirement appointments will be switched to online or over-the-phone appointments, effective March 16.**

Any employee considering retirement within the next 12 months or any employee within 1 year of minimum retirement age or above (age 50 for protective category employees or age 55 for all other categories), please review the following information.

Are you considering retiring in the near future and meet the qualifications for a WRS retirement benefit? The Department of Employee Trust Funds wants to help! If you are a WRS member nearing retirement, please join us for a group retirement appointment.

During this session, we will discuss the following topics:

    • Retirement benefit calculations
    • Explanation of monthly annuity payment options
    • Survivor benefits
    • Filling out retirement applications and forms
    • Future annuity adjustments
    • Life insurance
    • Health insurance
    • Return to work

This session is for you, if you…

  • Are planning to retire in the near future
  • Have questions concerning WRS retirement benefits and wish to have them addressed by an ETF specialist
  • Want to have a retirement appointment close to home

A participant needs to have a retirement packet to attend these sessions, and you can request a packet when registering.

Group Appointment Options:

  • Manitowoc: April 6 at 2:00 PM; April 7 at 9:00 AM
  • Sturgeon Bay: April 14 at 1:30 PM; April 15 at 9:00 AM
  • Cleveland: May 4 at 2:00 PM
  • Green Bay: May 19 at 2:00 PM; May 20 at 9:00 AM; June 16 at 2:00 PM; June 17 at 9:00 AM
  • Marinette: June 1 at 2:00 PM; June 2 at 9:00 AM

Location details provided when registering – Limited to 12 participants per session.

 Registration Required: Call 1-877-533-5020

ETF is also offering a general Preparing for Your WRS Retirement presentation at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland on May 4th at 6:30 pm, in the Centennial Hall (room L177). This presentation is open to all WRS participating employees. No registration required. Join us for this informational presentation and to have your WRS retirement questions answered.

Source: Department of Employee Trust Funds

TIAA Individual Counseling Sessions

You can register for a meeting with a TIAA financial consultant via phone.  No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a TIAA financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

You can register by visiting www.TIAA.org/schedulenow  or calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).  We look forward to working with you.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances. Investment, insurance, and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value. The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, Members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2018 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

WRS Webinars Offered in 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 their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

Additional Contributions

Adding money to your WRS account, via additional contributions, can enhance your eventual WRS retirement benefit. Learn how contributions grow with effective rate interest crediting, how to deposit (payroll deduction or direct pay), and much more.

February 4, 2020      6:00pm-6:30pm

February 6, 2020      12:30pm- 1:00pm

February 10, 2020    10:30am- 11:00am

February 25, 2020     11:00am- 11:30am

 

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 1 – 10 years? Then this 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. Go to this public presentation in a city near you or attend a live webinar!

February 5, 2020        6:30pm- 8:30pm

February 20, 2020      9:00am- 11:00am

 

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.

February 6, 2020            11:00am- 11:30am

February 11, 2020          12:30pm- 1:00pm

February 17, 2020          6:00pm- 6:30pm

February 24, 2020          11:30am- 12:00pm

 

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

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.

February 7, 2020         11:00am- 11:30am

February 13, 2020        11:30am- 12:00pm

February 17, 2020        12:30pm- 1:00pm

February 27, 2020         6:00pm- 6:30pm

 

Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)? In this webinar we’ll let you know what to expect. We’ll discuss:

  • Who is in the WRS.
  • What happens to the money you put in to the WRS.
  • How to become vested in the WRS.

February 7, 2020         12:30pm- 1:00pm

February 12, 2020       11:00am- 11:30am

February 20, 2020        6:00pm- 6:30pm

February 27, 2020         12:00pm- 12:30pm

 

Register for a webinar

Onsite Health Screenings

Time to register for your onsite health screening!

Three free health screening* events have been scheduled at UW-Green Bay for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.

These events are scheduled:

  • Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 7:00 am to 1:00 pm **CANCELLED**
    • Green Bay Campus – Phoenix Rooms, University Union
  • Friday, September 18, 2020 at 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Sheboygan Campus – Wombat Room # 2114
  • Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Green Bay Campus – Phoenix Rooms, University Union

At an onsite screening, you’ll learn your measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose, and be in and out in 20 minutes. Register today!

Wait – the StayWell website is new this year – do I need to create a new log in?  Yes – please see this blog post for details.

After logging in, you will see your StayWell dashboard.  In the middle right side, click on the arrows to scroll to the Quest Diagnostics information and click SCHEDULE NOW.  At the Location screen, search for UW Green Bay or select another screening location that is close to you (you don’t have to do the screening at the Green Bay campus – there are many screening locations throughout the state available).

Earn your $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive

Complete three activities by October 9, 2020, to earn the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.

1. Get a health screening*

Attend an employer sponsored event or if you see your health care provider, complete the Health Care Provider Form, available at wellwisconsin.staywell.com – click on Resources > State of Wisconsin > Health Care Provider Form.

 2. Complete the StayWell health assessment*

This online questionnaire takes about 10 minutes and is mobile and tablet friendly!  Find it on the StayWell website – click on My Incentives in the top menu bar and then Health Assessment.

3. Complete a Well-Being Activity through StayWell.

For more information on the Well Wisconsin Program or to complete your activities, log in to wellwisconsin.staywell.com – click on My Incentives in the top menu bar and you will see a list of activity options.

Questions? Review this FAQ document about onsite health screenings or contact us at wellness@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2390.

*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: The StayWell Company, LLC