BenefitMe! January 2024 Newsletter
“Celebrate endings — for they precede new beginnings.” Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Your quarterly resource for university benefits news and updates
With the passing of another holiday season and the start of a new year, this newsletter includes benefit reminders and updates along with other helpful resources to help you kick off 2024 with a bang. This issue features:
Know when to use Blue Cross of Idaho and CVS Caremark coverage
The university provides medical coverage through Blue Cross of Idaho (BCI) and prescription drug coverage through CVS Caremark. Both Blue Cross of Idaho and CVS Caremark recently sent out new member ID cards by mail to your home address. Please present your new BCI card for medical care, including visits to your provider, medical procedures, and urgent care or hospital visits. Present your CVS card when you purchase prescription drugs from your pharmacy.
New PERSI member portal
PERSI recently launched a new version of the myPERSI member portal to help you take charge of your financial well-being. PERSI members who already had a myPERSI account will need to register again, and members who did not have an account are invited to register and explore the new portal. View registration instructions and contact PERSI with any questions.
Back to School ... for You Too?
We’re a community of lifelong learners. That’s why the university encourages eligible employees to enroll in heavily discounted classes.
Board-appointed employees can enroll in up to six credits in both the fall and spring semesters, and up to three credits during the summer session, for a $20 registration fee and only $5 per credit plus any special lab and course fees. Your spouse and dependent children may be eligible for reduced tuition too. Visit Student Accounts for more information.
Annual Enrollment Reminder
Annual Enrollment is coming up on Oct. 21 – Nov. 5. This period will be your opportunity to choose your employee benefits coverage for 2025. Watch your email and mailbox over the next couple of months for more information.
Consider Spending Account and Disability Benefits
Annual Enrollment is an opportunity for you to maximize your financial well-being and be sure you have the best protection for your family. As you think ahead to your benefit needs for the next year, in addition to medical, dental and vision coverage, consider if either of these additional benefits would be valuable for you in 2025:
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is a federal program that allows you to set aside pre-tax funds to pay for care of your eligible dependents while you (and your spouse) work or attend school.
- Eligible dependents include dependent children younger than thirteen and dependents of any age who are disabled.
- Eligible expenses include child care, day camps, preschool or nursery school, and elder care for an incapacitated adult. You will need to identify the provider on your federal income tax return.
- Any employee is eligible to use a DCFSA, regardless of whether they are on either university medical plan or have waived coverage.
- You can contribute up to $5,000 per year ($2500 if married filing separately). Any funds not spent by the end of the calendar year will be forfeited – plan carefully!
- Visit the Health Care Spending Accounts page for more information.
Disability Benefits Buy Ups
Disability coverage will pay you a portion of your salary if you become unable to work because of illness or injury. The university provides basic disability coverage at no cost to you. Basic coverage will pay 50% of your salary, up to $500 per week for Short-Term Disability (up to six months) and up to $2000 per week for Long-Term Disability (after six months).
During Annual Enrollment, you have the option to buy up on either or both Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability to increase your coverage to 60% or 66.67% of your salary. Consider whether this additional protection would be a good option for you. For more information and current costs see the Disability Benefits Page.
Reminder!
If you reach out to Benefit Services via email (benefits@uidaho.edu) with questions or concerns about your health and wellness benefits, please include your Vandal number! This helps our staff pull up your benefit details quickly and easily, so we can respond as promptly as possible to your inquiry.
Go Brave and Bold With Us
We offer great benefits to keep you healthy and well as you help prepare the next generation of Vandals.