Samantha “Sam” Matt, MS, RDN, LDN, is Drake’s on campus dietitian and a wonderful resource for faculty, staff, and students. Sam offers free one-on-one nutrition counseling and covers nutrition topics including healthy eating, cooking/shopping tips, disease management, weight management, sports nutrition, food allergy management, and general health and wellness.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Sam at samantha.matt@sodexo.com.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
The American Lung Association (ALA) is offering a FREE one-year membership to Freedom from Smoking Plus while supplies last. This interactive online program works on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones and includes telephone, chat, and email support.
Freedom from Smoking Plus (FFS Plus) assesses your readiness to quit and guides you through a three-part process from getting ready to quit, to quit day, and finally, staying smoke free. It includes online tips and tools to keep you on track as well as access to ALA tobacco cessation counselors. You may also visit the Freedom from Smoking online support group and discussion community to interact with others who are also working to break their tobacco addiction.
To join this program, log into bit.ly/ALAFFSPLUS and set up a profile to begin the self-paced, nine-module course. FFS Plus includes 12 months of continuous support.
FFS Plus normally costs $99.95 but the ALA is offering it at no cost for a limited time. If you are a tobacco user who is contemplating quitting, now is the time to join.
Should you have any questions, please contact the American Lung Association’s National Tobacco Team at freedomfromsmoking@lung.org.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
One in five people have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Yet, unlike diabetes or other physical health conditions, the majority of individuals are fearful to talk about mental illness due to the stigma surrounding it.
Make It OK is a national campaign, which encourages individuals to talk more openly about mental illness in hopes of de-stigmatizing it so individuals will be more open to seek care.
Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 2–3 p.m. for this virtual presentation, led by Jami Haberl, Executive Director, the Healthiest State Initiative. To register, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
If you elected coverage for your dependents who reside out-of-state, you must contact Wellmark Customer Service (800-362-2230) to request a guest membership in Drake’s Health Plan. You will also need to designate an out-of-state primary care provider for your dependents to ensure access to in-network benefits. Your dependents may locate in-network Blue Card providers by calling 800-810-BLUE or visiting the National Doctor and Hospital Finder at bcbs.com. Should you have questions about this process, please contact Wellmark Customer Service at 800-362-2230.
— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources
The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Des Moines chapter, has put together a new speaker series featuring some of the top motivational speakers in the country. Each of these virtual webinars are free. Their opening event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 12 p.m. Check out the details and register for the speaker series.
This six-part speaker series is part of a free webinar series from NAMI in 2021. Topics range from managing stress and understanding seasonal affective disorder to problem solving and PTSD. Their goal is to ensure that mental health services and supports are readily accessible to everyone in need.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Drake has developed a new policy establishing a mandatory University-wide process for securing approval for all employee out-of-state work arrangements; this policy applies to all part-time and full-time faculty and staff of the University. All interested members of the Drake community are encouraged to review and comment on these policy revisions by Feb. 15.
— Jessica Morgan-Tate, Finance & Administration
Attention health plan participants: If you did not designate a Primary Care Provider (PCP) during the annual open enrollment period, or if you listed your doctor’s name but did not include the enrollment ID number, you will receive an email from Human Resources later this week with instructions for completing the required PCP designation. If you receive an email from drakehr@drake.edu, please read it carefully and follow the instructions. A subsequent communication will also be provided by Wellmark via U.S. Mail.
Should you have questions, please contact Human Resources at 271–1901 or marlene.heuertz@drake.edu.
Everyone else will soon begin receiving their new insurance cards via U.S. Mail. Additional cards may be ordered by contacting Wellmark at 800–362–2230.
As the holidays approach, it can be a time for great joy. For some, this is also a time for grief. Grief is a person’s normal, healthy response to a loss. People grieve for many different reasons, including the loss of a loved one, changes in a relationship, job, finances, health, or traditions. COVID-19 has created many changes in our way of life, and contributed to increased feelings of grief.
The December Employee Newsletter from Employee & Family Resources addresses this topic and shares tips to help you cope with grief. It also includes links to past webinars and podcasts you may wish to review over the holidays.
Employee & Family Resources offers a variety of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to help you now, or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
December is National Stress-Free Family Holidays month. Even in a non-pandemic year, that is a tall order. Parties, shopping, and the persistent checklist of demands which may have caused you stress last year has been replaced by the fear of getting COVID-19 and the isolation and loss of holiday traditions with those we love.
Although this year may look different, there are ways to safely adjust your traditions, or create new traditions. The more you can remain connected, while being apart, the more “normal” the holidays will feel. Here are a few ideas.
Coordinate your holiday dinner schedule with long distance family members and chat with loved ones as you dine together, virtually, using a digital platform.
Digital platforms can also help you and your family connect while opening presents or celebrating other holiday traditions. In addition, it is a great tool to virtually play games, work on crafts, or watch a movie.
If your family lives close by, but is not part of your safe bubble, consider taking a walk outdoors, ice skating, or having a snowman making competition, while social distancing. Physical activity can boost your mood, lower your stress and has the added bonus of helping burn a few calories.
Remember, if you feel overwhelmed or stressed, slow down and focus on what you can control such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, following the CDC guidelines and limiting the amount of daily news while staying informed.
If you are taking steps to manage worry and anxiety, but they do not seem to be helping, there are additional resources available. Employee & Family Resources offers a variety of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to help you now, or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
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