The Resource

Open Enrollment is November 1-30

Pull out your calculator and worksheets! Now is a good time to review your entire benefits package to see if your current medical, dental, life, and long-term disability (LTD) insurances are still the best fit for you and your family.

Changes made to your health plans during Open Enrollment will become effective January 1, 2016, while changes to your life and LTD insurances can be administered any time. Requests to increase life and LTD coverage may require evidence of insurability (medical underwriting).

Stay informed about Open Enrollment through these resources:

Visit the sites above to view medical plan monthly premiums and cost-sharing changes for 2016, and read about the new Affordable Care Plans and Group Health's new medical plan called SoundChoice.

Remember, any changes to your medical and dental plans and/or additions of previously uncovered dependents must be made during Open Enrollment, November 1-30.

Open Enrollment Attestations

Spousal Premium Surcharge:
During Open Enrollment, some PEBB members will receive a notice from the state Health Care Authority (HCA) indicating the need to attest or re-attest to the Spousal Premium Surcharge for the 2016 plan year. HCA will mail the notice to your home address (or via email, if you opted for email notifications through PEBB's "My Account.")

You can expect to attest if:

You have a spouse or registered domestic partner who will continue on your PEBB medical plan next year, AND
You were defaulted to incur the Spousal Premium Surcharge during 2015, AND/OR
You previously attested "yes" or "no" to question 6 on the Premium Surcharge Help Sheet.

Note: State regulations require a new comparison (and therefore re-attestation) of your spouse/partner's share of medical premiums to determine if it is less than or equal to the federally mandated threshold of $89.31 for 2016.

PEBB's "My Account" will accept Spousal Premium Surcharge attestations from November 1-December 31, 2015.

Tobacco Use Premium Surcharge:
Any time you or an enrolled family member (age 13 or older) have a change in tobacco use, you will be required to complete a Premium Surcharge Help Sheet then attest or re-attest. PEBB "My Account" remains open year-round for this purpose. For more information and to complete the Premium Surcharge Help Sheet, see PEBB's website.

Benefits Fairs are November 3-5

Save the date to attend a UW Benefits Fair! Here you can meet plan providers and explore all the benefits available to you and your family. Besides exhibit tables, look for mini-information sessions to help you better understand Uniform Medical Plan's new Accountable Care Plan options coming in 2016.

The UW Benefits Fairs will be held on:

Tuesday, November 3
Health Sciences Building
3rd Floor Lobby

Wednesday, November 4
Harborview Medical Center
Research & Training Building, Lobby

Thursday, November 5
Husky Union Building
2nd Floor, North Ballroom

View more Benefits Fair details!

Stretch Your Dollars with a Flexible Spending Account

Are you looking for ways to save valuable tax dollars on eligible medical expenses? Consider an IRS-approved, tax-free Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA reduces your annual taxable income and makes it easier to pay for out-of-pocket health expenses. The full amount you designate as your contribution amount (between $240 and $2,500) becomes available on your first day of coverage for expenses. (Limits are mandated by the Affordable Care Act.) FSA contributions can be applied to deductibles, copays, coinsurance, dental, vision, and many other eligible expenses.

To participate in an FSA for 2016, enroll during Open Enrollment and benefits will begin January 1, 2016. To participate in subsequent years, simply re-enroll during Open Enrollment.

Flex-Plan Services is Now "Navia Benefit Solutions"

Flex-Plan Services, the administrator for the Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs, has changed its name to Navia Benefit Solutions. For those who already have a 2015 FSA and/or DCAP account, this change should be seamless to you. Note that:

Existing "Flexi" debit cards will remain valid until they expire at which time they will be replaced with the new Navia Benefits Debit card.
If you use the smartphone app for iPhone and Android, you will be prompted to upgrade the app.
Questions should be directed to Navia Benefit Solutions Customer Service at 425-452-3500.
Navia has a new website.

Nominate a Colleague or Team for the Distinguished Staff Award!

It's that time of year-the Distinguished Staff Award nominations are open! When you consider workplace excellence, integrity, and resourcefulness, is there a colleague or group that comes to mind? If so, nominate them for this award. Up to five individuals or teams of up to eight will be selected to receive the honors, along with $5,000 and recognition at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony. Eligible nominees include all classified and professional staff that have been employed for at least six months at UW and hold a 50% or greater regular appointment as of November 20. For more details, visit the DSA site.

Thorud Leadership Awards Accepting Nominations

The David B. Thorud Leadership Award nominations are in full swing. Faculty and staff that exhibit inspirational leadership, creative teamwork, and innovation make for strong nominees. Recipients of this prestigious honor receive $2,500. To nominate or learn more about the award, visit the David B. Thorud Leadership Award site.

Professional & Organizational Development (POD) courses and events are open to all UW employees, subject to supervisor/budgetary approval and UW's release time policy. Please view our policy page for additional information.

Root Out Inefficiency

Get to the bottom of poor-performing office processes! In this one-day course, receive an overview of the continuous improvement process and learn to apply tools such as flow charts, spaghetti diagrams, and waste analysis to identify causes of problems and potential solutions. Register for Process Improvement Tools.

Plant the Seeds for Success

Author Tim Sanders states that likeable people "tend to land jobs more easily, find friends more quickly, and have happier relationships." In this half-day class, assess your likeability, learn strategies for increasing likeability, and lay the groundwork for enhancing your satisfaction and success. Register for The Likeability Factor.

Branch Out as a Facilitator

Want to grow from being a mediocre moderator or pedestrian presenter to a five-star facilitator? In this one-day workshop designed for those with presentation experience, examine adult learning styles, analyze your default facilitation patterns, and explore strategies for leading effective group discussions and handling dissention. Register for Advancing Your Facilitation and Presentation Techniques.

Turn Over a New Leaf

Ready to make a fresh start? One-on-one career counseling can provide direction, focus, and momentum for a career change or occupational adjustment. Sessions are offered for $110 per one-hour session if paid with a UW budget number (with supervisor approval) or $127.16 if paid with cash, check, or credit card (due to a mandatory institutional overhead fee). Learn more about career counseling.

SafeCampus Fall Training Dates

Preventing violence on our campus and in our workplace is a responsibility we all share. To help you learn about your role in violence prevention, attend a SafeCampus Violence Prevention and Response training. We'll discuss behaviors of concern, response options, prohibited behaviors, and emergency response. All UW employees are required to attend this training every two years. If you would like to confirm when you last attended, email your full name and your UW NetID or employee identification number to safecampus@uw.edu.

Register for a Seattle Campus Violence Prevention & Response Training:

Thursday, October 15, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. UW Tower Auditorium
Tuesday, October 27, 2 - 3 p.m. Savery 260
Wednesday, November 18, 9 - 10 a.m. UW Tower Auditorium
Wednesday, December 9, 1 - 2 p.m. Health Sciences D209

Register for a Tacoma Campus Violence Prevention & Response Training:

Friday, October 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cherry Parkes 108
Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cherry Parkes 108

Contact safecampus@uw.edu with questions.

UW GreenDot & Emotional First Aide Trainings

UW GreenDot has exciting new trainings to support the work you do with students and your interactions with peers. This training will equip you with practical skills to be an active bystander. You will also learn, discuss, interact, and practice intervention skills related to suicide, depression, sexual assault, anxiety, micro-aggressions etc., and will focus on how to be an emotional first aid responder for individuals in distress.

Please register for one of the following sessions:

October 21, 3-4:30 p.m.
November 13, 9:30-11 a.m.

If you have any questions about this program please email greendot@uw.edu or take a look at the UW GreenDot website.

Free Electronics Registration!

Got a new iPhone or Galaxy? A tablet or laptop? Register your electronics with the UW Police Department and improve the chances of recovering them if they are lost or stolen. Any item with a serial number or owner-applied number can be registered. Note that bicycles are registered separately.

For more crime prevention tips, check out UWPD's Love Your Stuff Campaign.

Fall 2015 Seminar Series

UW CareLink presents the Fall 2015 Seminar series! Experienced counselors lead the sessions and approach subjects creatively. Join us for one or all four, and feel free to bring your lunch! Seminars are free for all UW faculty and staff. All sessions are from noon-1 p.m. Please register for each session you plan to attend.

Dealing with the Elephant in the Room-Friday, October 30
Examine the uncomfortable issues and realties we may face at work and at home, and learn how to tactfully confront them. Personal relationships and productivity improve after incorporating these strategies into everyday life.

The 5 Buckets Principle™-Thursday, November 19
Explore proven tactics on meeting the competing demands of job, family, friends, and school. Learn how to manage expectations, prioritize better, and find more time for yourself.

Fostering Inclusion in the Workplace-Wednesday, December 2
Boost the morale in your workplace by recognizing and excluding exclusive behaviors. Create cohesion and learn how to cultivate a community where everyone feels welcome. This session examines the attitudes and activities that help you succeed.

Responding to the Changing Needs of Aging Parents-Wednesday, December 16
Learn what resources are available while you navigate the complexities of caring for an aging loved one. From assessing health concerns to coordinating care, come figure out what you need and where to find it with UW CareLink's eldercare consultation services.

Living a Life in Balance

Do you feel like your life is too complicated? Are you often torn between your work and home responsibilities? This month's Balanced Living article, Live a Life in Balance, provides guidance when balance is what you seek (use "UW" as the company code to log in).

UW CareLink will broadcast a one-hour webinar "Work/Life Balance" on October 20 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Hear tips and tools for bringing greater balance into your life so you can reduce stress and increase vitality and satisfaction. You must pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. The webinar will be archived and available for viewing by the beginning of November.

UW CareLink provides many useful tools and resources to help us find balance in life. However, sometimes there are areas where we need professional help in order to reduce stress and increase balance. UW CareLink offers benefits-eligible faculty and staff, their household members, and their dependent children free, confidential counseling services. To find out more and receive a referral to a licensed provider, call 866-598-3978 or visit www.uwcarelink.com (use "UW" as the company code to log in).

Ovations 2015!

Before the holiday craziness commences, enjoy a Sunday afternoon discovering just how talented UW faculty, staff, and students are. Come with colleagues or bring your family to this special event hosted by Vice President for Human Resources Mindy Kornberg and Vice President of Student Life Denzil Suite. You'll enjoy incredible dancers, musicians, singers, magicians, improv teams, and much more! We have many surprises planned to make this show the best yet. See you in beautiful Meany Theater on Sunday, November 22 from 2-4 p.m. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Ovations is free but limited space is available. Register now!

Stress Less Holiday Challenge

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are bringing back one of our most popular challenges: the Stress Less Holiday Challenge. Whether your family is near or far, whether you celebrate big or small, and whether love the holidays or approach them with hesitation, the challenge has something for everyone. You will receive weekly tips including healthy recipes, inexpensive decor and gift ideas, advice for dealing with family expectations, and workout ideas to keep you balanced. Need more? We also have weekly prizes and free meditation and yoga classes to keep you motivated. Join this 8-week challenge now.

Dawg Dash

Presented by the UW Alumni Association, Dawg Dash is a Husky tradition running 30 years strong. Each year, thousands of students, faculty, alumni, family, and friends join together to walk and run in celebration of the purple and gold and to support student scholarships. Huskies and friends of all ages are invited to participate in Dawg Dash events held coast to coast. The Seattle 10K, 5K walk/run, and kids' dash are on Sunday, October 18 at 9 a.m. Dogs and strollers are welcome! Register now.

Journey Into the Brain with Dr. Eric Chudler

Dr. Eric Chudler, research associate professor in the Department of Bioengineering and executive director of the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, will help us sort through common misunderstandings of how the brain works. From brain food to brain wrinkles to brain training, you will walk away knowing how to better take care of what makes you, you. This seminar is at the HUB on Thursday, November 19 at noon. Secure your spot.

Parenting Styles Panel with UW Experts

Helicopter, tiger, slow, and free-range parenting have all received plenty of attention lately, but what does the research say? We're bringing together three parenting experts from the UW for their insights: Dr. Liliana Leguna, director of the Center for Child and Family Well Being; Dr. Mark Eddy, director of research for Partners for Our Children; and Dr. Suzanne Kerns, associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Join us for a wonderful learning opportunity with these experts on Friday, November 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Alder Auditorium. Register now.

Are You Ready? The UW Combined Fund Drive is Here!

The UW Combined Fund Drive Charity Fair & Silent Auction launches the 2015 campaign next week! Come to the HUB ballroom between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. next Thursday, October 22, and seize the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of nonprofits, support featured charity Facing Homelessness, meet our event sponsor, Inspirus, and win prizes. Bid on auction items including hotel stays, fitness classes, arts tickets, and wine tastings. Donate your spare change and a package of new socks to benefit Facing Homelessness. Admission is free! Faculty, students, staff, and retirees are welcome to attend, and all have a chance to win the grand prize, a Seattle Mariners tickets prize pack. And have you made a pledge to help us raise $10,000 for Facing Homelessness? Visit the Climb to $10K for Facing Homelessness page for details.

Get a Flu Shot!

The flu can put your life on hold with mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Flu shot clinics will be available at several campus locations for faculty, staff, and retirees who are covered by a PEBB health plan and to students who are covered by a GAIP or ISHIP plan. It's easy-no appointment necessary! Just bring your health insurance card, photo ID, and completed claim form (otherwise you may pay $25 by cash or check and seek reimbursement from your health plan). Be sure to wear short sleeves or sleeveless clothing so your shot can be easily administered.

Note: Dependents between ages 11-17 who are covered under your plan may attend a flu shot clinic provided they are accompanied by their parent or guardian who also signs the Claim/Consent form. Dependents age 10 and under should see their health care provider.

View the entire schedule, download printable flyers, and view flu season resources including FAQs.

Weight Watchers Fall Open Houses

Are you struggling with unhealthy weight? Do you have trouble motivating yourself to exercise more? UW Benefits sponsors Weight Watchers at Work meetings at three locations, each designed to help you manage your weight and stay active.

Faculty and staff are invited to attend one first-time, complimentary Open House to experience a Weight Watchers meeting and meet the team leader.

Tuesday, October 27
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Schmitz Hall, Room 490

Wednesday, October 28
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
UW Tower, Room C-140-E

Friday, October 30
12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Health Sciences Building, Room T-360

Learn more at Weight Management webpage.

Mammography Screenings for UMP Members

If you're a woman age 40+ who's enrolled in the Uniform Medical Plan, consider scheduling your next routine mammogram at the MammoVan! The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance MammoVan is a customized, mobile breast imaging clinic bringing the latest technology in digital mammograms to you at your workplace. The average appointment time is just 15 minutes.

The MammoVan is scheduled to visit on Tuesday, November 3 at Red Square near the Henry Art Gallery. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Note: Group Health members are required to receive all mammography services directly from a Group Health Cooperative facility.

Access screening information and schedule an appointment.

Social Security: A Foundation for Your Future

Achieving financial independence is key to enjoying a satisfying retirement. Social Security has tools to help get you there! Attend this free Social Security seminar:

Tuesday, December 8, 2015
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seattle, UW Tower

At this seminar you will get answers to questions like:

What are the eligibility requirements for Social Security and retirement?
When do Social Security and Medicare benefits begin?
What are the criteria for receiving family benefits?
What programs are administered under the Social Security Act?
How does early retirement affect my benefits?
How do I use "my Social Security" online account and other services?

Open to UW faculty, staff, students, and retirees. Register today!

Free Retirement Planning Guidance

Few things in life are free but here's one. Schedule time with a knowledgeable Fidelity or TIAA-CREF consultant and you'll get free retirement planning guidance-no strings attached. These individual appointments are an excellent time for you to:

Ask about saving for retirement and other goals
Evaluate investment choices that meet your needs
Create an action plan to get and stay on track for retirement
Review retirement income options

Schedule an appointment today!

Hometown Seminars

HomeStreet offers free one-hour seminars to help you learn about a variety of homeownership issues related to budgeting, buying, remodeling, refinancing, and selling your home.

Access registration and information for the events listed below.

Buying a Vacation or Rental Property - Are you looking to invest beyond your primary home? Learn:

How to determine your investment style with respect to investing in real estate

How to obtain non-owner occupied financing

Pros and pitfalls of owning multiple properties

Tips for maintaining primary and secondary residences

Refinancing and Using Home Equity - How do you know when it's the right time to refinance a home? Learn:

Ways a refinance may benefit you

Advantages of using cash from your home

How to consolidate or avoid consumer debt

Home equity loan vs. line of credit

Understanding Credit - How does credit reporting really work? Learn:

Why credit history matters when financing a home or buying big-ticket items

What's behind your credit report and FICO score

How to clean up your credit history

How to fix reporting errors

Individual Prequalification Appointments

Thinking of buying or refinancing a home but not sure how to get started? Schedule a free, personal home ownership counseling session with a HomeStreet Bank representative who can walk you through the process including prequalification. These 30-minute, one-on-one sessions are both private and informative, and your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer is welcome to attend.

To request a prequalification appointment, click on your preferred date from the Classes & Seminars calendar tab on HomeStreet's website or call 206-628-0207.

Getting on the Right Path

Whether you're starting out, building wealth, or getting ready to retire, UW Benefits sponsors free seminars packed with information that can help you through your journey. Below are seminars offered on campus by Fidelity representatives.

Access event information and register here.

Building a Portfolio for Any Weather - Designed for the beginning investor, you will learn how to determine an appropriate investment mix and investment style, select options that fit your approach, and manage your strategy to help meet your long-term goals.

Confident Investing in Any Market - Learn how to actively evaluate your investment portfolio and build a tax-smart strategy. This intermediate-level workshop is designed for individuals who are actively engaged in managing their personal savings and addressing additional savings needs.

Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings Plan - Learn how to maximize your workplace savings plan. This beginner-level workshop is intended for individuals who are not participating in their workplace savings plan, or who would like to learn ways to save more.

Income Strategies for Your Retirement - Learn about the importance of asset allocation in retirement, elements for building your retirement income strategy, and considerations for portfolio withdrawal rates. This intermediate-level workshop is designed for individuals who are less than one year from retirement and would like to learn how to establish and maintain income during retirement.

Financial Yoga and More

Save more and better manage your finances with financial education seminars. Presented by two local nonprofit credit unions, WSECU and Inspirus, these free sessions are held at convenient campus locations during the lunch hour.

Access event information and registration for these seminars.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars - Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress.

Scams, Shams, and Identity Theft - Learn how to better protect yourself, your money, and your personal information.

Social Media and Your Child's Financial Future - Learn effective strategies for your child and the top 10 social media mistakes to avoid.

Credit Reporting 101 - Come away with valuable tips to help you get the most from your creditworthiness.

Last Chance: Register for Fall Wellness Courses at IMA!

For all ongoing classes, registration closes at the start of the second class with some closing as early as October 15 so register quickly! Browse all courses and register online. IMA courses are offered at low rates for staff, faculty, and students with IMA membership required ($73 + tax per quarter) to enter the building for all classes. Send questions to imafit@uw.edu.

Lunch Classes Designed to Fit Your Work Schedule!
Ab Lab is from 12:00-12:30 p.m. and Cycling is from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cardio Latin Dance is from 12:45-1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ab Lab improves your functional fitness by strengthening the entire core. Cycling simulates an actual outdoor bike ride that will make you sweat and Cardio Latin Dance makes your workout feel more like a party! Ab Lab is listed under Strength/Conditioning, and Cycling and Cardio Latin Dance are under Cardio.
Intro to Meditation
The contemplative practice of meditation has scientifically proven benefits for your body and mind, and the way you interact with and impact the world around you. There are two sections to choose from: Mondays from 5:45-6:45 p.m. or Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the IMA. Fee is $20. Courses are listed under Mind/Body.
Self-Defense for Women 1-Day Workshop
Take the empowering Self-Defense for Women Workshop at the IMA on Saturday, October 17 from 1-5 p.m. Participants will discuss and practice both physical and non-physical skills that employ awareness, assertiveness, and boundary setting. Lead instructor Jennifer McClearen is a black belt who has taught martial arts since 2006. Learn more about the course in this article from The Whole U. Fee is $20. This course is listed under Health/Safety. IMA Membership not required for this one-day class!

Transitions Workshops

Whether you've already retired or are just taking steps to plan your future, join us for the upcoming UWRA Retirement Transitions Workshops. You'll have the opportunity to think about meaningful post-retirement engagement and energize your life's second act.

Non-financial Retirement Planning: Who will I be without my job?
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5-6:30 p.m.
Through reflective exercises and group discussions you will explore how your interests, values and strengths can help you shape your post-employment years. This workshop is not about financial planning; it is about reinventing a life worth living.

Encore Roles: The Nuts and Bolts
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5-6:30 p.m.
Discover the pathways the UW Encore Initiative has developed for you, and find out about the tools and resources you can use to begin your post-career engagement. Hear from a UW retiree who is at the beginning of her new adventure, and learn how she got started

All seminars will take place in Odegaard Library, Room 220, and cost $15 per person. For more information, call 206-543-8600 or email retiremt@uw.edu

Benefits