Benefits Bulletin May 2025

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.

Open Enrollment

The 2025 Spotlight on Your Benefits has been emailed to you. Please be sure to read the Spotlight thoroughly as this year features many enhancements to your existing health insurance coverage. You may also access Open Enrollment information through the Department of Human Resource Management web page or the JMU Benefits Team.

Enroll in Health Benefits Online with Cardinal Employee Self Service!

The Cardinal Human Capital Management System (HCM) has an Employee Self Service feature, allowing you to make changes to your health benefits and FSA online.

  • Login to Cardinal (you can find your Cardinal ID on the Employee tab in MyMadison)
  • Click on Cardinal Human Capital Management (HCM)
  • Select Benefit Details
  • Select Benefits Enrollment and follow the instructions (available May 16-30)

In Cardinal Employee Self Service, you may review your current health benefits record, update your personal information, and enroll or make changes to your health plan and/or membership. You may also enroll in one or both FSAs. Enroll online beginning May 16 but no later than May 30 at 11:59 p.m.

If you do not have online access, then complete the fillable Enrollment Form for Employees, and return to the JMU Benefits Team, second floor of the Wine-Price Building, no later than the close of business on May 30. The fillable health coverage form may also be sent through campus mail to MSC 7009, by fax to 540-568-7916, or by email to benefits@jmu.edu.

Ask ALEX for Advice

Evaluate and compare health plan options with ALEX, your online benefits counselor! ALEX will use your input to let you know how the different health insurance plans work for you. Visit ALEX Benefits Counselor (myalex.com).

Earn Premium Rewards to Reduce Your Monthly Premiums!*

Premium rewards are reductions in health plan premiums for participants in the COVA Care and COVA HealthAware plans who complete a health assessment. An employee and/or their enrolled spouse can reduce the premium by $204 annually ($17/month) or $408 annually ($34/month) for both employee and enrolled spouse if they fulfill the requirements to earn a premium reward. Visit your plan’s website or mobile app to access your health assessment. A step-by-step guide is provided to assist in completing your health assessment. Complete or update your health assessment between May 16 and May 30. Health assessments submitted before May 16 will not count for the new plan year! Please keep a copy of your confirmation.

*The university reduces the amount of your health insurance premium by the premium reward amount.

Flexible Spending Accounts

As a reminder you must re-enroll each year to continue participating in flexible spending accounts. The maximum Health FSA contribution is increasing up to $3,300/plan year. The maximum Dependent Care FSA is up to $5,000/plan year, depending on your tax filing status.

Aflac

Michael Glover, JMU's Aflac representative, will provide in-person meetings and individual phone conferences during open enrollment. You may also email him directly at michael_glover@us.aflac.com.

Michael will be on campus in the Wine-Price Building

  • Tuesday, May 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the second floor
  • Wednesday, May 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the third floor

Pierce

Pierce Insurance, the broker for the new Cancer Advocate Plus, Chubb LifeTime Benefit Term, pet insurance, legal and identity theft coverage, and home/auto insurance, will provide in-person meetings and individual phone conferences during open enrollment.

A representative will be available on Wednesday, May 21 at the Facilities Management Annex Building from 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.

Additionally, a representative will be in the Wine-Price Building

  • Monday, May 19 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the second floor
  • Tuesday, May 20 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the third floor
  • Wednesday, May 21 from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the second floor
  • Thursday, May 22 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the first floor
  • Friday, May 23 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the second floor

Click here to schedule an appointment.

Contact Human Resources at 540-568-3593 or email benefits@jmu.edu with any questions concerning Open Enrollment.

Additional Resources:

May's Featured Benefit

This month's featured benefit is...

Open Enrollment for Voluntary Benefits

Besides being open enrollment for health insurance and flexible spending accounts, May 16-30 is also open enrollment for the following voluntary benefits:

Aflac

James Madison University is making Aflac's insurance policies available to you! Aflac pays cash benefits directly to you (unless assigned), when you're sick or injured. You can use the cash to help cover expenses that major medical does not - like mortgage, groceries, or whatever you need. It's like a safety net for you and your family.

Aflac policies are designed to pay benefits directly to the policyholder to help fill in the gaps that health insurance doesn’t cover; whether it be medical bills, prescriptions, groceries, rent, car payments, mortgage, childcare, or any other reason.

Short-Term Disability

Pays the policyholder 60% of their income if a physician puts them out of work due to any off the job injury or any illness (including child birth).

Accident Policy

Pays benefits anytime a covered person seeks medical attention due to an accidental injury (twist, strain, sprain, laceration, break, concussion etc.). A few of the benefits include initial treatment ($120), x-rays ($30), MRI ($200), follow ups and physical therapy ($35 each), crutches or ankle braces ($25-$300), hospitalization ($250 per day), injury specific benefits ($25-$12,000 depending on severity), as well as many other items. The policy will also pay a wellness benefit of $60 every year for any type of well visit or immunization.

Cancer Policy

Pays a lump sum benefit of $2,000 upon the initial diagnosis of any internal cancer. Will also pay additional benefits for hospitalization ($300 per day), surgery, chemotherapy and radiation ($300 per day), experimental treatment, transportation and lodging, second opinions, and many other items. The policy will also pay $75 for each covered person to have a cancer screening every calendar year.

Critical Care Protection Policy

Pays a lump sum benefit of $7,500 upon the first occurrence of a heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, coronary bypass surgery, kidney failure, coma, paralysis, third degree burn, human organ transplant, and vegetative state. Will also pay additional benefits for hospitalization ($300 per day), ambulance, transportation, lodging, and follow up care ($125 per day).

Hospitalization Policy

Pays for hospitalization for any reason, including child birth. Will pay $1,000 the first day, plus an additional $100 every day. Will also pay for doctor visits, diagnostic testing, surgery, and transportation.

Contact Michael Glover at michael_glover@us.aflac.com or 540-997-3201

Cancer Advocate Plus

Champion the fight with this groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind cancer benefit. Cancer Advocate Plus combines financial protection, cancer care, and includes genetic cancer screening to help employees determine their risk for cancer, as well as pharmacogenomic testing to determine their best treatment based on their own DNA.

Additionally, Cancer Advocate Plus provides a dedicated oncology nurse advocate to coordinate clinical trial enrollment, expert medical review, and so much more, including financial protection.

For diagnosis of cancer on or after the effective date of the policy, Cancer Advocate Plus provides the following financial protection:

  • Upon cancer diagnosis: $5,000 cash payment
  • 6 months after diagnosis: $2,500 cash payment
  • 12 months after diagnosis: $2,500 cash payment

Why consider Cancer Advocate Plus?

  • To help prevent cancer by understanding hereditary risk
  • To extend your healthcare team
  • To access the latest medical advances for cancer diagnosis and treatment
  • To provide financial protection

There are no health questions during this initial offering to enroll (guaranteed issue). All employees working at least 17.5 hours per week are eligible for the benefit, as well as the employee’s legally married spouse, domestic partner, or civil union partner.

Register today for an upcoming Lunch & Learn session to discover the full power of Cancer Advocate Plus.

Chubb LifeTime Benefit Term

Chubb LifeTime Benefit Term is a powerful supplemental two-in-one insurance benefit that offers life insurance for family needs plus long-term care benefits. Life insurance benefits last a lifetime, and cash benefits can also be paid directly to you while you are living for long-term care expenses. This benefit is only available through JMU as part of the voluntary benefits package. This product is not sold on an individual basis.

Plan benefits include the following:

  • Permanent life insurance with a long-term care rider
  • Long-term care benefits up to 75 months
  • Guaranteed issue is available up to $150,000 for employees hired after May 30, 2023
  • Guaranteed benefit during working years
  • Guaranteed life premiums that do not increase due to age
  • Paid-up benefits that begin to accrue after 10 years that are guaranteed even if the premiums are discontinued
  • Terminal illness benefit
  • Spouse and children coverage available
  • Fully portable – you own it and take it with you if you leave employment with no increase in premium

During this year’s open enrollment period, meet with a benefits counselor for complete details on guarantee issue guidelines. By reviewing Chubb’s LifeTime Benefit Term with an enrollment counselor for the first time, $10 per person will be donated to the UVA Children’s Hospital. There is no obligation to purchase coverage, and the donation will be made on your behalf.

Auto and Homeowners’s Insurance

This program provides you with special savings with auto and homeowners insurance. In addition, offers a variety of other policies and endorsements, including:

  • Condo
  • Renter's
  • Personal excess liability
  • Boat
  • Motorcycle
  • RV

Program discounts and features include automatic payment discount, good driving rewards, loyalty discount for your years of service, multi-policy discounts, multi-vehicle savings and 24/7 claim reporting.

You may apply for auto and home insurance through this program for eligible group members at any time. Take advantage of these savings today and call 877-330-6238 and mention your discount code DNX.

Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans

Legal Plan Benefit with Legal Resources:

With over 70% of Americans having a legal need each year, Legal Resources gives you and your family access to an attorney for everyday needs. Whether your legal matter is expected or unexpected, you’ll have immediate and ongoing access to our network of highly rated law firms. You pay no attorney fees for all Fully Covered Services, which include will preparation, traffic court, advice and consultation, real estate matters, divorce, billing disputes, and more! Pre-existing legal matters are even covered at a 25% discount. Live More, Worry Less. Now, you can Relax You’re Covered ®. Call 800-421-3142, ext. 177 to learn more or click here >

Identity Theft Protection Plan with Legal Resources:

The 2019 Identity Fraud Study, released by Javelin Strategy & Research, found that there were 14.4 million victims of fraud in the U.S. in 2018. Identity theft can impact anyone, anywhere, at any time - which is why it is important that you protect yourself. Now you can monitor and control your personal information and have peace of mind in knowing that you’re protected with 24/7 fully-managed restoration and up to $1 million of identity theft insurance in the event of an incident. Call 800-421-3142, ext. 177 to learn more or click here >

Pet Insurance

My Pet Protection pet insurance from Nationwide is a reimbursement indemnity plan for pets. That means we reimburse members for a portion of eligible veterinary expenses related to accidents, injuries and illnesses.* Wellness coverage is also available for routine preventive exams and services.

Premium is based on:

  • Species of pet
  • Employee ZIP code
  • Reimbursement level selected: 50% or 70%
  • Optional wellness coverage

We accept claims from any licensed veterinarian or veterinary hospital. You can choose plans with or without wellness benefits. All plans include a $250 annual deductible and a $7500 per year maximum benefit. You can elect whether the plan will reimburse you at 50% or 70%.

For more information, or to enroll via payroll deduction. Simply click on this URL, https://benefits.petinsurance.com/jmu, or call Nationwide at (877) 738-7874 and provide your employer name.

A representative will be available on Wednesday, May 21 at the Facilities Management Annex Building from 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.

Additionally, a representative will be in the Wine-Price Building

  • Monday, May 19 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the second floor
  • Tuesday, May 20 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the third floor
  • Wednesday, May 21 from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the second floor
  • Thursday, May 22 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the first floor
  • Friday, May 23 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the second floor

Click here to schedule an appointment.

Virginia Retirement System Member News

Be sure to read the latest issue of Member News from VRS. Included in this issue is information on new laws affecting VRS, preparing for life beyond work, and how VRS keeps your future pension benefit secure. Subscribe to Member News directly for the latest updates.

Need to Talk with an Expert?

*Pierce is JMU's broker for Voluntary Benefits which include the new Cancer Advocate Plus, Chubb LifeTime Benefit Term, pet insurance, legal and identity theft coverage, and home/auto insurance

Save the date for our first Women’s Health Conference from Balanced Dukes! We are excited to host this conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Festival Conference & Student Center.

We will invite campus and community experts to lead engaging and informative sessions that will cover a variety of topics regarding women’s health and well-being. We are also looking for presenters for this conference. More information will be available in the near future.

If you would like to facilitate a workshop during this conference, please submit your proposal here: https://jmu.questionpro.com/WomensHealth2025.

Reach out to Tara Torkelson, Coordinator of Employee Well-being, with any questions. torkeltb@jmu.edu

New Discounted Tire & Auto Services for JMU Employees!

AAA is now offering exclusive discounts for all JMU employees at AAA Shenandoah Automative and AAA Rittenhouse Auto Service. Scan the QR Code for a list of discounts and services. Please show your JACard when coming in for services.

JMU Employee Appreciation Day

May 22, 2025

Find more information HERE!

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 of everything?

Come to Retirement 101 and learn the answers to all the questions above 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 (HR1212)

Wednesday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Register with course number HR1212 in MyMadison

Webinars

Modified Summer Schedule

The university’s modified summer work schedule begins Monday, May 19 and ends Friday, August 8, 2025.

University Holiday - Monday, May 26

As a reminder, the university will be closed on Monday, May 26 in recognition of Memorial Day. Full-time employees are expected to work 32 hours during the Memorial Day holiday week. Any hours short of a 32-hour workweek should be charged to available leave. All leave requests are subject to supervisor’s approval. Please see the Modified Summer Schedule website for additional information.

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!

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