Benefits Bulletin February 2024

Welcome to the Benefits Bulletin!

Our goal with this monthly newsletter is to communicate benefit changes and keep you up-to-date and informed on approaching deadlines.

February's Featured Benefit

This month's featured benefit is...

TicketsatWork provides 20 – 70% off on movies, hotels, shows, concerts, sporting events and more. Here are just a few of the savings through TicketsatWork:

  • Save up to 60% off hotels worldwide (guaranteed price match within 24 hours of booking)
  • Save up to 50% off on theme parks
  • Save up to 30% off on movie tickets
  • Save up to 40% off on shows and events worldwide
  • Save up to 50% off on water parks
  • Save up to 70% off on shopping deals
  • Receive access to over 80,000 events worldwide (concerts, sporting events, shows, and more)
  • Get great deals on gift cards with no convenience fees

Signing up with TicketsatWork is simple:

  1. Go to https://ticketsatwork.com/tickets/account.php?sub=enroll
  2. Fill out information to become a member (select sign up with company code)
  3. For company code, use “DUKEDOG”

February's Social Security Column

DO YOU NEED A NEW OR REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARD? WE’RE MAKING IT EASIER!

If you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website – and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office.

Start your application

Do you need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) and card? You can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to begin the process. You’ll answer a series of questions to determine whether you can:

  • Complete the application process online.
  • Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office to complete the application, typically in less time.
  • Complete the application process at your local office.

If you can’t complete the application online, you must visit a Social Security office. To learn more, please review our publication, Your Social Security Number and Card, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.

Replace your Social Security card

Want to replace your card? The Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card webpage at www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card helps you determine the best way to do so.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. Choose “Answer a few questions” on the Replacement Card webpage at www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card to get started. Even if you can’t complete the process online and must visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting the application online.

Were You Asked to Come into an Office? Here’s What You Should Know

If you start the application online and we determine you need to come into an office, you can use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. This option allows you to:

  • Select your language preference.
  • Select the most convenient office to receive service.
  • Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders through email or text.
  • Conveniently use your mobile device to check-in for your appointment.

You can also reschedule, modify, or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office.

Please note that this service is not available in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. We hope to make it available soon.

It’s never been easier to do business with us! Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.

SOCIAL SECURITY IMPROVES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE RANKING

We’re committed to improving customer service by providing more access to our programs and services, and our efforts have paid off. We’re proud to announce that Social Security’s ranking on Forrester's 2023 Customer Experience Index increased by 3.3 points – the only agency on the list to make a significant gain.

We achieved this higher ranking by focusing on key initiatives in 2023, like:

  • Implementing online scheduling for in-office enumeration appointments. Customers can now schedule appointments online for both original and replacement Social Security cards. This service is currently available in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
  • Conducting a targeted mail campaign to reach people who may be eligible for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs and Medicare Savings Programs with enrollment information. Please see our publication, Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10508.pdf.
  • Employing strategies to help people facing barriers in accessing our programs and services, including people with:
  1. Limited income and resources
  2. Limited English proficiency (LEP).
  3. A risk of homelessness.
  4. Mental and behavioral disabilities.
  • Partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services to test new ways to make it easier for SSI applicants to access nutrition assistance programs. For more information, please see our press release at www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/#12-2022-2.

Forrester’s’ recognition of our customer service improvements reflects our commitment to making it easier for you to do business with us. We invite you to learn more at www.forrester.com/press-newsroom/forrester-2023-us-federal-customer-experience-index/. Please share this news with those who may need it.

HOW TO SPOT A SCAM

Now is the perfect time to protect yourself from scams that can damage your finances and reputation. We can work together to keep your personal information safe!

Stay informed of the latest scam trends

Fraudsters continue to change their tactics. Make sure you understand the latest scam trends at www.ssa.gov/scam. Stay informed by:

  • Following reliable news sources.
  • Subscribing to scam alert newsletters.
  • Staying connected with your local law enforcement agencies.

The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to identify and avoid scams.

Think carefully before sharing personal information

Phishing is one of the main ways that scammers attempt to trick people into providing personal information. Pay close attention to emails or messages asking for your username, password, or other personal information.

Scammers pretend to be from familiar organizations to gain your trust. Stay alert when receiving calls that you did not request claiming to be from banks, government agencies, or other well-known companies.

When in doubt, contact the organization directly through official channels to verify that the request is real before sharing any personal information or making payment.

Use strong passwords

Create strong, unique passwords like a phrase with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use passwords that are easy to guess like birthdays or names.

Consider using a password manager to generate unique passwords and securely store them for each of your online accounts.

Be savvy with QR codes

QR codes are increasing in popularity. They’re in restaurants, on parking meters, in emails, and on social media.

Scammers have noticed! They are physically placing fake QR codes on top of official ones or creating fake QR codes on social media advertisements to get access to your personal information.

Never scan random QR codes. If the QR code looks odd or altered, do not scan it.

Protect your social media profiles

Take a moment to review the privacy settings on your social media platforms and limit the amount of personal information you share publicly.

Fraudsters may use your social media posts to personalize scams or get access to your accounts without your permission. Regularly check your friends list and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious accounts.

This month, let’s make protecting ourselves against scams a top priority. We can significantly reduce the risk of being scammed by staying informed, being alert and careful, and safeguarding our accounts.

We invite you to watch our video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyaUWTFLw3c to learn how to identify the red flags. Please share this information with those who may need it – and post it on social media.

HELP SOMEONE YOU LOVE APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND MORE

Sharing is caring. This Valentine’s Day, take time to remind your loved ones that Social Security helps people in all stages of life. We provide easy and convenient ways to learn about and apply for benefits. Using our online services, you can assist friends and family members to:

  1. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Check if the person you are helping is eligible for SSI – and start the process online – at www.ssa.gov/ssi.
  2. Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). When the unexpected happens and a loved one can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, SSDI can be a lifeline. Find out more at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability.
  3. Create a personal my Social Security account. If your loved one is planning for retirement or interested in estimating their future benefits, they can create a free and secure my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount and view their benefit estimates.
  4. Check the status of a pending application for benefits. Checking the status of an application is quick and easy with a personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
  5. Appeal a decision for benefits. If someone you know was denied Social Security benefits or SSI, they can request an appeal. We provide information about how to appeal decisions for both medical and non-medical reasons at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/appeal.html.

To discover more ways you can assist others, please visit www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/.

ARE AMERICANS FINANCIALLY EDUCATED ON RETIREMENT SAVINGS?

Financial education helps people learn about savings, credit, and loans. It also helps them prepare for life changes and the unexpected. When planning for retirement financial knowledge is essential.

So, how prepared are adults in the United States for their retirement? The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) conducts polls on how retirement savings affect people’s financial well-being.

Here’s what we have learned:

  • In a financial well-being poll conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, 85% of respondents confirmed that some aspect of their personal finances was causing them stress. For 31% of respondents, that concern was “having enough saved for retirement.”
  • In that same poll, 70% said they made financial adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that group, 27% increased contributions to their emergency savings, retirement savings, or other savings or investments. In comparison, 21% tapped into emergency savings—or borrowed against retirement savings.
  • In a poll about financial education mandates, 80% of adults said they wish they were required to complete a semester- or year-long course focused on personal finance education during high school. Also, 88% think their state should require a semester- or year-long course for high school graduation.
  • In that same poll, 84% of those approaching retirement age said “spending and budgeting” should be taught in schools.

Lifetime financial education is helpful when it comes to retirement preparation. This includes understanding Social Security retirement benefits and making the most of retirement income. You can learn more on our Retirement webpage at www.ssa.gov/retirement.

A personal my Social Security account should be a part of your financial plan. With an account, you can verify your earnings history, get personalized retirement benefit estimates, and more. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

To learn more about NEFE, visit their website at www.nefe.org. Please share this information with friends and family.

TIAA Live Webinars

Need to Talk with an Expert?

Upcoming Benefits Training

Retirement 101: Understanding Your VRS Retirement

Are you contemplating retirement? Have you set a retirement date? What do you do next? What benefits will you receive? What is the timing on paperwork? Come to Retirement 101 and learn the answers to all of these questions and more! Learn about your retirement options through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), discuss the impact on benefits when you retire, and learn how myVRS and Human Resources can aid in retirement planning.

Retirement 101: Understanding Your VRS Retirement (TD1212)

Tuesday, February 27, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Register with course number TD1212 in MyMadison

New Health Assessment for COVA Care Members

On January 1, 2024, Anthem transitioned to a new Health Assessment called My Health Check-in. Unlike the former WebMD Health Assessment, My Health Check-in is 85% shorter and only takes about five minutes to complete. COVA Care Members will no longer be required to input biometric data when taking the assessment. Instead, the new assessment collects information on a broader range of topics focused on understanding demographics, diversity, and any existing physical, emotional, and social barriers to good health. As before, the My Health Check-in is 100% confidential.

Studies show that non-medical factors such as food and housing security, social connection, barriers to care, financial stability, and transportation issues can greatly impact employee health. My Health Check-in is designed to be focused, brief, and actionable with the goal of helping members in areas where they have the most concern. Once an employee completes the My Health Check-in, they receive personalized recommendations and suggested programs to help them meet their health goals.

My Health Check-in will be available via the Sydney Health mobile app or Anthem.com beginning January 1, 2024. If you have already taken a Health Assessment for the 2023-2024 Premium Reward, then you do not need to take the My Health Check-in to continue your incentive.

For additional information and instructions, see the 2023-2024 Premium Rewards Requirement document available here, and the COVA Care Health Assessment Navigation Guides for the Sydney Health Mobile App and the Anthem member website.

Additional details to come!

What employees need to know:

  • There is no change to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit(s)
  • Payflex.com is automatically redirected to inspirafinancial.com
  • Click on “Log in” under “Manage your HSA, FSA, or other benefits”
  • Use existing login credentials to access your account
  • Payflex debit cards will remain active through the expiration date on your card
  • Click here for additional FAQ’s

Additional Details will be listed on the EAD website as they are available.

If you have ideas for employee appreciation day or have a skill, craft, experience, and /or knowledge that you would like to share and be part of employee appreciation day email JMUAD@JMU.EDU

Whole Health Challenge

If you are hearing excitement on campus about the Whole Health Challenge and wish you would have signed up, we have some good news! We can still take a few more participants.

We have three groups for this year’s challenge which means you still have time to join the 8-week challenge starting on Monday, February 12th! If you would like to join this challenge, please email Tara Torkelson – torkeltb@jmu.edu.

Additionally, if you would like to be part of the optional health screenings offered as an optional supplement to this challenge, we can still make that happen for you as well. Reach out to Dr. Laura Dengo-Flores to schedule a time to get your initial screening.

The Whole Health Challenge focuses on helping faculty and staff create healthy habits that will last long after the challenge ends. The infographic below outlines the habits we will focus on during this challenge.

Faculty & Staff Clubs

Did you know about the various faculty and staff clubs here on campus? These clubs are organized and led by faculty and/or staff and cover a variety of hobbies and interests. These clubs are meant to encourage engagement and community here on campus.

  • Our current active clubs include:
  • Adult Fans of Lego
  • Dukes4Trees
  • Foodies Read
  • JMU Green Thumb Society
  • JMU Water Floaters
  • Noon Basketball
  • Page & Shenandoah County Faculty & Staff
  • Pickleball
  • Tennis
  • UnWIND
  • Walking Groups
  • Working Parents

To learn more about these groups and make a connection, please click here. Additionally, if you are interested in starting your own club, please reach out to Tara Torkelson with the Balanced Dukes program at torkeltb@jmu.edu

Balanced Dukes Conference

Balanced Dukes invites you to share your wellness knowledge, research, and professional experiences with our faculty & staff by presenting at the Balanced Dukes Conference on April 23, 2024!

Balanced Dukes is the employee wellness program for JMU. We are currently seeking campus and community professionals to deliver highly interactive sessions providing attendees with tools, strategies, and techniques to support and enhance one of the 8 dimensions of wellness: Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual. If you have content that you feel would fit in one of the dimensions of wellness, we encourage you to submit a conference session proposal.

Submit Your Proposal Here

All proposals are due by March 1, 2024

Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

This bulletin has been brought to you by the JMU Benefits Team. If you have any questions or would like to reach out to us, please give us a call at 540-568-3593, visit us on the web at www.jmu.edu/humanresources/benefits, or email us at benefits@jmu.edu. Look for the Live Chat on our website and reach one of us instantly!