Enrollment Instructions. Drake’s annual open enrollment period for the 2021 Plan Year ends Monday, Nov. 30, at 11:59 p.m. Per IRS regulations, employees wishing to participate in Drake’sFlexible Spending Account (FSA) Plans must make a new election each Plan Year. Annual enrollment elections should be made for expenses incurred during the 2021 Plan Year.

Tax Savings. Participating in a flexible spending account (FSA) helps you save money by allowing you to set aside pre-tax dollars through automatic payroll deduction. Your pre-tax dollars may be used to pay for eligible health, dental, vision and dependent care expenses. See an example of how an employee’s take-home pay increases with participation in an FSA Plan.

Contribution Limits. Allowable contribution amounts for the 2021 Plan Year remain unchanged.

Health Care FSA Plan:
— Minimum Amount: $120
— Maximum Amount: $2,750

Dependent Care FSA Plan:
— Minimum Amount: $300
— Maximum Amount: $5,000

Carry Over Feature. Participants in Drake’s Health Care FSA Plan may carry over up to $550 of unused contributions to the 2021 Plan Year. Current Plan Year FSA participants may check account balances by calling Advantage Administrators (800-383-1623) or visiting advantageadmin.com.

How Does the Carry Over Feature Work? During the 2020 Plan Year, Jane contributes $2,750 to her Health Care FSA. Throughout the plan year, she is reimbursed a total of $2,150 for eligible expenses. Jane chooses to carry $550 of unused contributions to the 2021 Plan Year, resulting in the forfeiture of the remaining $50. Jane elects to contribute the maximum contribution amount of $2,750 for the 2021 Plan Year, in addition to the $550 carry over amount. She now has a total of $3,300 available during the 2021 Plan Year.

Health Care FSA	2020 Plan Year	Carry Over Amount	2021 Plan Year
Election Amount	$2750		$2750
Reimbursed Amount	$2150
Unused Contribution Amount	$600	$550	$ 550
New Account Balance	$0	$0	$3300

If you choose not to make a new Health Care FSA election during the annual open enrollment period, you may still carry over up to $550 of unused contributions to the 2021 Plan Year. Advantage Administrators will automatically carry remaining balances up to $550 to the new plan year. Estimated tax savings may be computed with Advantage Administrator’s benefit plan calculator.

Debit Cards. Health Care FSA participants must request to receive a debit (VISA) card on their enrollment form. Previously issued debit cards will be reactivated by Advantage Administrators per participant request on the enrollment form. Learn more about Drake’s FSA Plans.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

The open enrollment information sent Oct. 30 details important information for all benefit eligible employees of Drake University.  Participation in Drake’s Health Plan requires that participants designate a primary care provider. While the plan is not changing, the network utilized by the plan is changing from the Alliance Select Network to the Blue Choice Network effective January 1, 2021. Following is a brief overview of what this means for you and the steps you must take to ensure coverage for the 2021 plan year.

WHAT IS CHANGING

Primary Care Provider (PCP) Designation
Employees and family members must select a designated PCP in the Blue Choice network during the open enrollment period.  Primary Care Providers include general or family practice physicians, internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  Women may also select an obstetrician or gynecologist as a co-care provider. Click here to learn more about designating a PCP.

Preventive Care Services
Preventive exams and non-specialist services must be performed by the designated PCP, or a partner provider within the same health system (e.g. Mercy, Unity Point, Iowa Clinic, Broadlawns etc.) if the PCP is not available.  Coverage will not be available for annual physical exams provided by non-network providers.

Immunizations
Flu, shingles and pneumonia immunizations may be administered by a PCP or a Wellmark network pharmacy.  Immunizations such as those received during well child visits must be provided by the member’s designated PCP.

Plan Enhancement
The Plan will now aggregate in-network and out-of-network annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.  Although these amounts will accumulate separately, they will no longer be mutually exclusive.  For example, deductible amounts paid for in-network services can be used to satisfy the out-of-network deductible, and vice versa.  Should you meet your annual in-network deductible ($1000) and subsequently receive services out of network, the $1000 amount already paid will be applied to the $2500 out-of-network limit.  Likewise, with annual out-of-pocket costs

New ID Card
New ID cards will be issued indicating participation in the Blue Choice network.  Member ID numbers will begin with the letters XQW – instead of DRO.  The group number and prescription drug information will remain the same. Member PCP’s will be printed on the new ID card.

WHAT IS NOT CHANGING

Access to Out-of-Network Providers
The Plan continues to provide access to out-of-network services.  If you see a provider who is not in the Blue Choice network, the service will be covered at the out-of-network cost ($50 co-pay or 30% coinsurance).  You may also be balance-billed for charges over the allowed amount.  The Plan will likewise continue to provide out-of-network coverage and emergency services at in-network levels.  If you anticipate obtaining additional services from out-of-network providers during the 2021 Plan Year, we encourage you to participate in Drake’s Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan.  Such expenses could be paid with pre-tax contributions, reducing your overall cost with immediate tax savings.

Cost of Care
Co-pays, annual deductibles and out-of-pocket amounts remain unchanged during the 2021 Plan Year.  Utilization of Blue Choice providers may lower your overall cost for care.

Prescription Drug Benefit
The Plan’s current prescription drug coverage will remain unchanged.  Members continue to have access to Wellmark’s Blue RX Formulary.

Flexible Spending Account Plans
The maximum contribution limit for Drake’s FSA Plans remains unchanged during the 2021 Plan Year.  The maximum contribution for the Dependent Care FSA is $5000.  The Health Care FSA will allow participants to carry over up to $550 of unused contributions to the 2021 Plan Year.  Contributions carried over, in addition to newly elected amounts, may be used to pay for eligible expenses incurred during the 2021 Plan Year.  To learn more about the money-saving features of these plans, see this FSA Fact Sheet

Telehealth Visits
Members continue to have access to telehealth services from in-network and out-of-network providers during the 2021 Plan Year.

Monthly Contribution Rates
Monthly contribution rates will not increase during the 2021 Plan Year.

To learn more about Drake’s Health Plan basics, see Wellmark’s Open Enrollment Video.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

DU Well Healthy Holidays is a five-week program that runs from Nov. 30, 2020, through Jan. 3, 2021. It consists of a series of one-day challenges that you can do at home or at Drake. From taking a walk break, to phoning a friend, or checking the batteries on your smoke detector, there is something for everyone. Simply check off the challenges as you complete them on the tracking form you will be provided.  If you complete a daily challenge on 30 of the 35 days, you will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

As an added bonus, the tracking form will include a place to record your weekly weight.  This is optional, but if you maintain (or lose) weight over the holidays, it will count as completing three (3) daily challenges.

To register for DU Well Healthy Holidays and receive your tracking form, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.  

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

DU Well Healthy Holidays is a five-week program that runs from Nov. 30, 2020, through Jan. 3, 2021. It consists of a series of one-day challenges that you can do at home or at Drake. From taking a walk break, to phoning a friend, or checking the batteries on your smoke detector, there is something for everyone. Simply check off the challenges as you complete them on the tracking form you will be provided. If you complete a daily challenge on 30 of the 35 days, you will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win prizes. 

As an added bonus, the tracking form will include a place to record your weekly weight. This is optional, but if you maintain (or lose) weight over the holidays, it will count as completing three (3) daily challenges.

To register for DU Well Healthy Holidays and receive your tracking form, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.  

—  Linda Feiden, Human Resources

If you are planning to participate in Drake’s Health Plan during 2021, you must designate a Primary Care Provider (PCP) for yourself and all dependents enrolled in the plan. Each covered member may select a different PCP from Wellmark’s list of general or family practice physicians, internists, and pediatricians. Female members who wish to designate an obstetrician or gynecologist (OB/GYN) as a co-care provider must contact Wellmark Customer Service at 800-362-2230.

How to select a PCP:

Step one: Selecting a PCP consists of a two-step process.  First, you must obtain the required information from Wellmark’s website.  This brief video demonstrates how to search for a PCP, and locate his/her enrollment identification number and organization name.  If you already have a PCP, you may visit  wellmark.com/finder to determine whether he/she is a PCP in the Blue Choice Network.  Should you have questions about how to access information on the Wellmark website, call Wellmark Customer Service at 800-362-2230.

Step two: Once you have chosen a PCP, you must record his/her required information in the Benefits Portal.  This video demonstrates how to enter the information in the Benefits Portal. Instructions detailing this process can be found here. It is important to note co-care provider (OB/GYN) information cannot be entered in the Benefits Portal. To learn more about designating a PCP, see these frequently asked questions.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

COVID-19 and other events surrounding 2020 have contributed to increased anxiety and stress.  We may not be able to eliminate the stressors, but there are resources to address the stress.  Here is an upcoming program you may wish to check out.

Drake has collaborated with CoreBuilt Wellness to bring you a 10-Day series to support you in managing the stress in your life. This program runs Nov. 9–20.

Participants will receive one weekday email with a short video on a stress relief technique, access to additional videos, an optional daily accountability text message from the CoreBuilt coaching team, and a chance to win prizes (including a Hy-Vee gift card) just for participating.

To register for this free 10-day De-Stress challenge, please send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu by Friday, Nov. 6.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

If you are planning to participate in Drake’s Health Plan during 2021, you must designate a Primary Care Provider (PCP) for yourself and all dependents enrolled in the Plan. Designating a PCP promotes the establishment of a long-term relationship with a health care provider who:

• understands your health needs
• maintains your medical records
• assists with a wide range of medical conditions, and
• refers you to other in-network providers when necessary

Each covered member may select a different PCP from Wellmark’s list of general or family practice physicians, internists and pediatricians.  Female members who wish to designate an obstetrician or gynecologist as a co-care provider must contact Wellmark Customer Service at 800-362-2230.

To ensure your claims process correctly, you will need to designate a PCP before seeking care.  If you do not select a PCP during the open enrollment period, you will still have access to coverage.  However, if Wellmark receives a claim for preventive services without a PCP on file, the claim will pend and then be denied.  You may add a PCP at any time; the designation will become effective the first of the month following the addition.

We have prepared a brief video showing you how to obtain the information necessary to designate your PCP in the Benefits Portal.  If you have a current PCP, you may also visit wellmark.com/finder to obtain his/her enrollment identification number and organization name.  Should you have questions about this process, please contact Wellmark Customer Service at 800-362-2230.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

The annual open enrollment period for Drake University benefits will begin Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Initial enrollment information regarding Drake’s health, dental, voluntary life insurance and flexible spending account plans will be provided Friday via the DrakeHR email account. Benefit elections for the 2021 plan year must be made by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

If you missed any of the Fall 2020 BUILD classes, no worries.  Links to the recorded presentations are now available on myDrake.  To view any past presentation, click the Human Resources App on myDrake and then click on Learning & Development.

The next live virtual BUILD class is Servant Leadership on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 1–3 p.m. The class is intended for managers. Individuals who contradict the conventional stereotypes associated with their positions lead many of today’s most successful organizations.  These leaders create an environment that spurs excellence by applying the principles of servant leadership. Attendees will explore the foundations of servant leadership and learn how they can transform themselves and inspire their teams and organizations toward optimal performance. Presented by Lars Petersen from Employee & Family Resources.

To register for this class, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

COVID-19 and its economic impact has spurred a surge in financial stress and anxiety.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help answer your financial questions, and assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family.

TIAA offers a number of resources for Drake employees.

• Find answers to basic financial questions at https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn. This website covers personal finance 101, preparing for the unexpected, life milestones, retirement and beyond.
• Participate in a free monthly live webinar at https://www.tiaa.org/public/offer/insights to learn more on topics ranging from budgeting and investing strategies to retirement planning.
• Find COVID-19 related financial information at https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/prepare-unexpected/guiding-you-through-challenging-times.
• Review TIAA’s weekly market commentary at https://www.tiaa.org/public/offer/insights/tiaa-market-commentary for educational information regarding the current financial climate.
• Set up a phone or video chat with Drake’s TIAA financial consultant, Paige Philips at philips@tiaa.org.

You may also find answers to your financial questions at the next BUILD (Bulldogs United in Learning Drake) class, My Financial Life: Money Matters, on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10–11 a.m.  We will explore money concepts that serve as building blocks for a strong financial future, including spending plans (budgets), emergency funds, eliminating debt, and saving for the future.  Scott Nelson from Legacy Financial Group will facilitate.

To register for this or any class, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources