Stewardship of Self Wellness Tip:

Walk during your lunch hour. Our information-based society has made it harder than ever to get the physical activity our bodies need to stay healthy. Walking during lunch or short breaks at work offers a quick way to accumulate the thirty minutes or more of daily, moderate physical activity recommended by experts. Find more expert advice on how to fit walking into your overall wellness regimen with the Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth Web site.

For more wellness tips, visit the Get Inspired page on the Stewardship of Self section of Pensions.org. We’d also like to hear about your wellness success stories and statements, so if you have one to share, please contact us!

Medical Plan Changes Announced

As first reported in the summer 2009 issue of The Board Bulletin, a number of modifications will be made to the Medical Plan effective January 1, 2010.

• Changes to out-of-pocket costs—Several out-of-pocket costs will change for both medical and surgical care and prescription drugs. These changes are being made to simplify the Plan, as well as to comply with the new federal “mental health parity” mandate, which requires that benefits for medical and surgical services cannot exceed those for mental health.
• A new health management service provider—ActiveHealth Management® will replace and expand upon the services currently provided by CareAllies, including pre-certification, case management, and specialized support for individuals with certain chronic conditions. ActiveHealth Management also brings with it personalized health information and support capabilities.
• Expanded coverage for children with congenital developmental disabilities—In response to an overture to the 218th General Assembly (2008), the Medical Plan will cover “habilitative” services for dependent children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida. The covered services include specified therapies to promote growth and improve function.
• An increase in the maximum lifetime benefit—To keep pace with changes in the cost of living, the maximum lifetime benefit payable under the Medical Plan for each member, spouse, and dependent child will increase from $3 million to $3.5 million.

Details about these changes will be emailed, mailed, and posted to Pensions.org over the coming months.

Dependent Coverage Waiver Available Beginning October 1

Effective October 1, 2009, active members enrolled in the Traditional Program can waive coverage for their spouse and/or dependent children provided they have comparable medical coverage through another employer- or military services-related group healthcare plan. See Administrative Rule 206 and upcoming Pensions.org articles, mailings, and emails for additional details.

Please note: Choosing this option will not affect the benefit dues paid by the employing organization.

Open Enrollment for Optional Dental and Supplemental Death Benefits

This year’s open enrollment period for Optional Dental and Supplemental Death Benefits will be October 5 through November 20, 2009.

There are no rate changes for either program for 2010. For program details, please visit the Optional Dental Program page and the Supplemental Death Benefits Program page.

This year, Pensions.org will also serve as a central repository for all of the required enrollment materials, so look for the online materials beginning October 5.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2009 Tax Tips Webinar for Ministers and Churches

This year’s Tax Tips event is scheduled for December 9. Registration will open in mid-October, so watch Pensions.org and your email for announcements.

New this year, the popular session will be presented as a Webinar, although members can still call in if they do not have access to the Web.

The Board’s E-learning Offerings Expanding in 2010

This year the Board offered a variety of SkillSoft courses to a pilot group of Plan members. The offerings were extremely popular, so we are providing a new portfolio to members starting in January 2010.

Registrants will have access to ten courses that focus on stress and conflict management for one year. Some of the courses include:

·        Finding Your Balance

·        Time Management

·        Leading Effective Meetings

·        Handling Conflict

Space is limited to 200 seats, so look for announcements and registration information on Pensions.org, and in your email and mailbox in mid-October.

Benefits Connect—Convenient Online Access to Your Benefits Information

Active and retired members and surviving spouses have access to Benefits Connect, the Board’s secure Web site that provides online access to their personal and Plan benefits information, as well as useful tools.

To register, visit the Board’s Web site at Pensions.org and select “Register” under the Benefits Connect logo. If you have questions, you may complete the Contact Us form or call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).