In the September HR Monthly email, we reminded employees that as a not-for-profit Drake University is a qualifying employer for public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). Employees who have Federal Direct Loans and have made at minimum 120 payments on the Federal Direct Loans (after Oct. 1, 2007) may be eligible for the remaining loan balance to be forgiven. Only payments made under certain repayment plans may be counted toward the required 120 payments, and loans must not be in default to be forgiven.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) expanded the types of loans and loan payments that count toward that 120 payment total. The DOE is calling the temporary expansion the “Limited PSLF Waiver” program. The waiver program will temporarily relax several rules governing the PSLF program.

Previously, only Direct federal student loans, and certain types of repayment plans based on a borrower’s income, would count towards a borrower’s student loan forgiveness term under PSLF. However, for most of 2022, the DOE will count past payments on non-Direct federal student loans, such as FFEL loans and Perkins loans (previously not eligible for PSLF relief), towards the 120 “qualifying” payments that a borrower must make to get student loan forgiveness.

The Limited PSLF Waiver will also allow payments made under any repayment plan to count as well; previously, only payments made under income-driven repayment plans and a 10-year Standard plan could qualify.

Visit a page explaining the PSLF form. Access the most current version of the form (expiring 08/31/2023).

Maureen in Human Resources can complete page two and sign it on behalf of Drake. If you want to complete the form you have three easy options to get HR’s assistance:

• Come by HR any time and drop off the form. We can let you know when it is ready for pick up.
• Set up a time to meet with Maureen and have page two completed while you wait.
• Email drakehr@drake.edu requesting assistance. We can email you a pdf of page 2 completed with your information—minus your social security number (we don’t email those).

If you have outstanding student loans and think there is even a possibility that you could qualify for the loan forgiveness program, we encourage you to look into this opportunity for loan forgiveness. For more information, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness information on the Federal Student Aid website.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO is a five-week program that runs from Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two), between Thanksgiving and the New Year, with healthy activities completed from a provided list. This is a great way for you and your family to have fun while improving your wellbeing.

In January, participants will be invited to meet virtually to play BINGO for prizes with their completed cards. Everyone is welcome to fill out the BINGO card without playing the BINGO games, but who doesn’t like to play BINGO!

To register for DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. All participants will receive a packet that includes a list of DU Well Healthy Holiday activities and a blank BINGO card. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Good news for anyone enrolling in Drake’s Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The Internal Revenue Service has announced the Health Care FSA limit will increase from $2750 to $2850 for the 2022 calendar (plan) year.  If you have already made a Health Care FSA election for the 2022 plan year, you may change it in the Benefits Portal in myDrake.  Additionally, 2022 Health Care FSA participants will be able to carry over up to $570 of unreimbursed 2022 contributions into calendar year 2023. 

Remember that open enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. sharp! If you have not yet made benefit elections for 2022, please don’t wait until the last minute. If you have questions or problems navigating the Benefits Portal, you may reach out to us at drakehr@drake.edu or contact Marlene directly at marlene.heuertz@drake.edu.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

If you plan to enroll in Drake’s health plan for the 2022 calendar year, you (and your covered dependents) must designate a primary care provider (PCP) if you have not already done so. Primary Care Providers include general or family practice physicians, internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

To learn more about how to designate a PCP, click here. If you do not designate a PCP for yourself and your dependents in the Benefits Portal, Wellmark will be unable to issue your new insurance card(s) for the 2022 Plan Year.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO is a five-week program that runs from Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two), between Thanksgiving and the New Year, with healthy activities completed from a provided list. This is a great way for you and your family to have fun while improving your wellbeing.

In January, participants will be invited to meet virtually to play BINGO for prizes with their completed cards. Everyone is welcome to fill out the BINGO card without playing the BINGO games, but who doesn’t like to play BINGO!

To register for DU Well Healthy Holiday BINGO, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. All participants will receive a packet that includes a list of DU Well Healthy Holiday activities and a blank BINGO card. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

This is a reminder that employees on Drake’s health plan need to complete a physical with their designated Primary Care Provider (PCP) between Dec. 1, 2020, and Nov. 30, 2021, and submit a Physician Exam Completion Form  to Human Resources by Dec. 2, 2021, to continue receiving the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2022.

If this form is not submitted by Dec. 2, you will not be eligible to receive the discount in 2022 and will pay the regular health care premium rates for the 2022 benefit year (starting Jan. 1, 2022). Should you have questions, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

November is American Diabetes Month. One in three American adults is prediabetic, which puts them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Of those at risk, over 84% don’t know it. 

The only way to know for certain whether you are diabetic or pre-diabetic is through a blood test. But anyone can take this quick one minute survey from the American Diabetes Association to find out if you’re at risk. By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.  

Check out the American Diabetes Association and CDC websites to learn more about this disease, how to prevent it and how to fight back to help transform your life.   

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

We are looking forward to Jan. 1, 2022, for a number of reasons, including the start of the new partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center. If you have not sought care from Broadlawns in the past, they support an impressively long list of specialty areas, clinics, and services. Below are just a few examples:

Virtual Care Visits: Broadlawns providers from primary care, mental health, and many specialty clinics are now offering virtual care services. Virtual care provides a safe and convenient way for you to access care through your existing provider or to establish care with a new health care provider. During your virtual care visit, Broadlawns providers can review your medical history, discuss any chronic diseases, medications, acute concerns, symptoms of illness, mental health, and prevention. Learn more about Broadlawns virtual care visits here.

Primary Care Clinic: Broadlawns Primary Care Clinic provides comprehensive individual and family health care to meet your needs. Broadlawns focuses on developing long-term relationships between patients and providers. Board-certified family medicine physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners deliver acute, chronic, and preventive care services. The clinic provides a permanent medical home for family members of all ages to see the same doctor on a continuing basis. Learn more and meet Broadlawns primary care providers here.

Psychiatric Urgent Care: The Broadlawns Psychiatric Urgent Care accepts walk-in appointments for individuals 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The psychiatric Urgent Care is staffed with psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, nursing staff, service coordinators, and psychiatric technicians. The Psychiatric Urgent Care is located on Broadlawns’ Main Campus, Center Building, First Floor, 1801 Hickman Road. As noted above, Broadlawns also offers psychiatric urgent care virtual visits. Learn more about Broadlawns psychiatric in-person and virtual visits here.

Maternity Care: Broadlawns offers an experienced and compassionate team to help you welcome your newest addition. Your OB/GYN or midwife also serve in the Broadlawns Birthing Center, ensuring continuity of care. Broadlawns new Birthing Center, completed in August 2020, offers single room maternity care where women can labor, deliver and recover—with their new baby—all in the same comfortable, private suite. Learn more and check out photos of the new Broadlawns Birthing Center here.

More information about the partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center, including special pricing for employees and dependents on Drake’s Health Plan, will be shared during the annual open enrollment period, which starts this coming Monday. Please monitor all open enrollment communications throughout the month of November.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources