WPS Benefit News

• Open Enrollment: Mark Your Calendars for 10/21/22-11/4/22
• Benefits Open Enrollment: Podcast, Flipping Book Online Link & QR Code
• Benefit Enrollment Highlights & Dates to Remember
• Surest Adding Enhanced Virtual Mental Health & Digital Muscle and Joint Pain Programs for 2023
• Workers' Compensation 101
• Hootie's Tip: Financial Wellness with ComPsych
• Employee Benefits Contacts: Who We Are & How We Can Help
  

Listen to the Open Enrollment podcast here for helpful tips and dates for this year:

Open Enrollment 2022 Podcast

Benefit Guidebooks have been mailed out. If you don't already have a physical copy at your home, one is on the way to you.

You can also access an online flipping book here:

Benefit Enrollment Flipping Book

Or scan this QR code and add it to the favorites on your phone as a handy reference:

A Spanish language version of the flipping book can be found here:

Spanish Benefit Enrollment Flipping Book

Or scan this QR code for the Spanish open enrollment guide:

Enrollment

• Enrollment is mandatory for all employees including recent hires
• Current 2022 benefit elections will not carryover to 2023
• Current cash option enrollees remaining in cash option for 2023 need to re-enroll even if covered by another district employee
• Failure to enroll by 11/4/22 defaults you to the employee only base medical, dental, and vision plan without the ability to make elections to flexible spending accounts

Medical Plans

• Plan design and premiums will not change
• Bind is now known as Surest
• You still have three plan offerings: Base Plan (UMR), Premium Option 1 (UMR), and Premium Option 2 (Surest)
• Surest will have enhanced mental health and muscle and joint pain program benefits (see next article)

Dental & Vision Plans

• Delta Dental plan designs and premiums will remain the same with two options: Base and Buy-Up
• Surency Vision will replace EyeMed with the same premiums and broader network availability with two plan options: Base and Buy-Up

Wellness Points

• Non-tobacco points will be populated based on your 2022 status (For new enrollees, the non-tobacco points will be populated at the close of open enrollment)
• Services between 9/1/21 - 8/31/22 will apply toward the 2023 discount
• The final deadline for all wellness documentation is 11/4/22
• You and your covered spouse will each need 100 wellness points to get the discount for 2023

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account annual maximum is $2850 with up to $570 carryover limit
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account annual maximum is $5000 per family

Insurance Cards

• New insurance ID cards will be sent out on ALL medical plans
• MaxorPlus pharmacy cards and Delta Dental cards will only be sent to those who are making changes or newly enrolled
• Surency Vision will issue cards to all enrollees
• Be mindful to update your address if needed. Insurance cards are mailed to the address bswift has on file. If you make the update in PeopleSoft, bswift does receive a regular file of those changes. To change your address, go to Employee Self-Service through PeopleSoft (can be accessed through Staff Quick Links on the district website); Select Personal Details; and then choose Addresses.

Save the Dates

• Health Plan Open Enrollment:

Fri, 10/21/22 - Fri, 11/4/22

• Wellness documentation for 2023 discounts (services between 9/1/21-8/31/22):

Due by Fri, 11/4/22

• Surest webinars:

Fri, 10/21/22 & Wed, 10/26/22

Registration links for these live webinars will be sent closer to the dates if you would like

to find out more about how this plan works or as an existing member hear more about

upcoming enhancements. If you miss the live version, recordings will be made available

for playback.

• Enrollment giveaways:

Fri, 10/28/22

Enroll by this date to be entered into the giveaway drawing. Many great prizes have

been donated by vendors including wireless earbuds, speakers, and gift cards!

Following our benefit annual enrollment guidebooks going to print, we learned that Surest (previously Bind) will be adding enhanced benefits to their plan effective on January 1, 2023.

Surest will be providing additional communication soon to existing members, but we wanted to be sure to share this will all employees as you begin to think about your plan choices for the calendar year 2023.

Surest is excited to offer to new providers to their Virtual health Network effective January 1, 2023, both at NO COST TO MEMBERS!

Talkspace

Talkspace is a virtual service that connects members with licensed mental health providers for counseling, therapy, and medication support. All care is delivered through a private and secure digital platform so that members can send their providers text messages any time, or attend a video appointment, from anywhere. Talkspace is able to support the needs of adults, teens, and couples. These services will be at no cost to the member.

Keep in mind that ALL employees already have free counseling with ComPsych, our EAP, which offers similar services through their virtual platform called BetterHelp. This added offering from Surest just allows more long-term options for Surest members beyond the short-term services the EAP can provide.

Tip from Hootie, Employee Benefits Mascot: To maximize your mental health benefits as a Surest member, use Talkspace services for your counseling needs but also set up an account with ComPsych to access their wealth of online services including work-life balance assistance and WellthSource for financial wellness

Kaia Health

Kaia Health is a leading digital therapy program for back, joint, and muscle pain. Its movement therapy and relaxation programs are tailored to target your pain areas and help you begin feeling better. By using the camera on your phone or tablet, its smart technology uses motion analysis to guide you through proper form and give feedback to you. Surest members will receive a personalized movement program, custom relaxation and education content, and a certified health coach. This also will be available at no cost to Surest members.

** These benefits will be for Surest members and will be effective in January 2023 **

• Wichita Public Schools provides Workers' Compensation to all employees including full-time, part-time, and substitute or guest staff employees.
• Workers' compensation provides benefits to you when an injury has occurred that arises out of and in the course of performing your job duties.
• Compensation includes reasonable and necessary medical treatment, as directed by the employer; compensation for lost wages, subject to a weekly maximum; and job protection once the claim is found compensable.
• It is regulated by the State of Kansas Department of Labor but also must adhere to policy.

Student Teachers should contact Employee Benefits for additional information on the district's policy.

• If you are injured while in the course of performing your job duties, you must report the incident to the Employee Benefits Workers' Compensation Office within 24 hours. Failure to report an accident within the Kansas Department of Labor guidelines may result in a denial of benefits. Reporting the accident does not require you to seek medical care at the time, but documents your claim should your symptoms require medical attention later.
• To file an Employees Report of Incident (EROI) , you must submit the completed form to the district's Workers' Compensation office by fax to (316)973-4671, email to employeebenefits@usd259.net or mail to USD 259 Work Comp, Employee Benefits, 903 South Edgemoor, Wichita KS 67218.

• If you wish to seek medical attention, contact the Workers' Compensation Office at (316)973-4579, or if after hours to BOE Security at (316)973-2100.

• Ensure that after every appointment that you review the Work Status that the doctor provides you with your supervisor since they will determine if your accommodations can be met.
• If accommodations cannot be met, or if the doctor has taken you off work, contact the Workers' Compensation office for further instruction.

• For more information on Workers' Compensation benefits, lost time compensation, or how to file a claim, please contact Employee Benefits Workers' Compensation office at (316)973-4579 or additional information can be found in the district's Workers Compensation Policy.
• To learn more about the Workers' Compensation State Statutes, please visit the Kansas Department of Labor website at https://www.dol.ks.gov/wc.

You have heard it before, but we will say it again. Financial stress can be a leading contributor to your overall wellbeing. ComPsych offers an entire digital program free to you and all members of your household called WellthSource. You can work on financial goals on your own time and at your own self-guided pace. If you are not ready to start the program, you can just dip your toe into some of the great money-saving articles found on the website during this time where we see prices rising everywhere!

You can access this information by creating an account at www.guidanceresources.com

and using the code USD259 when prompted.

1. SAVE ON THE WATER BILL. Taking showers instead of baths, limiting showers to five minutes or less, and installing low-flow showerheads are all ways that can help cut down the total on your monthly water bill. Watering plants early in the morning or after dark will minimize evaporation. Turning off sprinkler systems when it rains and fixing leaks promptly are additional pointers.

2. SAVE ON GAS. Gas prices can vary by about 10% even within a few blocks. If you have a smartphone, download an app like Gas Buddy to help you find the lowest gas price. Some stores like Dillons will offer fuel points with up to $1 off per gallon based on shopping points. Fill up with a family member to maximize your savings. Ensure your tires are at the correct tire pressure and keep your engine tuned to maximize gas usage.

3. SAVE ON CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS. If you can avoid credit cards or pay off each month, do it to avoid interest. If not, definitely avoid late payments to avoid late fees and potential increases to your interest rate.

4. SAVE ON GROCERIES. Leave your big spenders at home and don't shop when you're hungry! Consider free curbside pickup where available as it can cut down on impulse purchases. If your store has an app, download it for coupons. Compare weekly ads. Consider getting household goods at a discount store versus the grocery store for savings. Shop the outer aisles and avoid pre-packaged meals which can have a higher price tag. Shop with cash so you can't overspend your budget.

5. SAVE WHEN DINING OUT. Consider a lunch out over dinner when menus usually have lower prices. Take discounts if they apply such as senior, military, or kids eat free. If you have a big family, consider take-out stepped up a notch at home by creating a fun atmosphere. This can save you by avoiding drinks or even finding a family bundle.

Source: www.guidanceresources.com

Manager of Employee Benefits

HR/Employee Benefits & Insurance Management

Email: employeebenefits@usd259.net
Website: http://www.usd259.org/HumanResources
Location: 903 South Edgemoor Street, Wichita, KS, USA
Phone: 316-973-4581