Benefits Announcements

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Re-introducing Your GMU Retirement Representatives

HR News Re-introducing Your GMU Retirement Representatives We are pleased to reintroduce our GMU retirement plan representatives. These professionals are here to support you with financial planning, retirement readiness, and one-on-one counseling sessions tailored to your needs. Steven J. Scott Virginia Retirement System (VRS) With over 25 years of experience…

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Prepare for VRS Contribution Rate Changes Effective July 2024

HR News Prepare for VRS Contribution Rate Changes Effective July 2024 The Virginia Retirement System (“VRS”) has announced the defined benefit contribution rate for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. For all VRS Defined Benefit Plans (VRS Plan 1, VRS Plan 2, and Hybrid Retirement Plan), the new contribution rate of…

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Attend an Upcoming VRS DCP Regional Education Meeting

Attend an Upcoming VRS Deferred Compensation Plan Meeting 📍 Virtual (Zoom) Register today for an online Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Regional Education Meeting or a virtual one-on-one with your Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialists. Overview of the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Cash Match Plan Learn more…

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Important Information Regarding Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

HR News Important Information Regarding Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) The current plan year for the FSA plans will end on June 30, 2024. You will have 3-months (until September 30th) to file claims and submit documentation. This 3-month period is known as the runout period. During the runout period…

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Simplified Defined Contributions Process Effective July 1, 2024

HR News Simplified Defined Contributions Process Effective July 1, 2024 Effective July 1, 2024, the Virginia Retirement System will simplify the way defined contributions are calculated and paid to the Hybrid Retirement Plan, following a 2022 legislative change. Employers will now manage payroll withholding for defined contributions separately from defined…

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Next Hybrid Retirement Plan Voluntary Contribution Deadline

HR News Next Hybrid Plan Voluntary Contribution Change Deadline Hybrid Retirement Plan members can adjust their voluntary contribution elections on a quarterly basis – contributing up to 4% of their creditable compensation each month – to help meet their savings goals. Members can maximize a 4% voluntary contribution and will…

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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines

HR News Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines If you have a Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, please be aware of the following deadlines: Incur your eligible expenses by June 30, 2024 to be reimbursed for the 2023-2024 plan year. Submit your claims or verify your outstanding card transactions…

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WeightWatchers’ Summer Solutions: Maximizing Wellness During Summer Months 

HR News WeightWatchers® Summer Solutions: Maximizing Wellness During Summer Months WeightWatchers® helps you build healthy habits you can stick with. Join WeightWatchers® for a transformative webinar focused on maintaining your weight loss and wellness goals during the summer months, where routines are often disrupted by holidays and vacations.   Discover…

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Hybrid Retirement Plan Webinars

HR News Attend a Hybrid Retirement Plan Webinar The quarterly Hybrid Plan Features and Benefits virtual presentation will be held on Monday, May 20. MissionSquare Retirement is hosting a series of retirement webinars to review the Hybrid Retirement Plan including features, benefits and investment options, and virtual one-on-one appointments. Hybrid…

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Open Enrollment is May 1-15

HR News Open Enrollment is May 1-15 Get ready for Health Open Enrollment from May 1 to May 15. Annual open enrollment is the time of year where you can make changes related to your health plan and flexible spending accounts. To participate in open enrollment this year, if you…

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Achieve Escape Velocity with an MPS of Industrial-Organizational Psychology!

Achieve Escape Velocity with an MPS of Industrial-Organizational Psychology Do you want to launch a career building more productive, efficient, and safer workplaces? Apply your tuition benefit to earn an I-O degree at Mason! The I-O MPS program is an accelerated rigorous online offering with asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences. Mason’s…

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Further Your Career with an MA in Higher Education at Mason!

Further Your Career with an MA in Higher Education at Mason! Are you looking to further your career in Higher Education? You can use your tuition benefit to pursue a degree with the Higher Education Program at Mason! Going part-time, you can complete the MA in Higher Education and Student Development in…

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Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund

Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF) provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis as a result of an unplanned emergency or other event that impacts the employee or family members residing with the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3)…

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New Health Assessment for COVA Care Members

New Health Assessment for COVA Care Members At the beginning of 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…

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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is Now Inspira Financial

HR News Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Changes The current Flexible Spending Account Administrator, PayFlex, which administers the Commonwealth’s Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for state employees will be rebranded as “Inspira Financial” as of 2024. Here’s what employees can expect: Transitional messages added to the login page for PayFlex (payflex.com). The same…

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Kaiser Permanente Changed Dental Administrators

HR News Kaiser Permanente Changed Dental Administrators On January 1, 2024, Kaiser Permanente changed the Commonwealth of Virginia dental plan administrator from Dominion Dental to Liberty Dental Plan. Kaiser Permanente members with dental coverage were automatically transitioned from Dominion to LIBERTY with no changes to their dental benefits. Members received…

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Commuter Choice: Benefits for Northern Virginia-Based Employees

Commuter Choice: Benefits for Northern Virginia-Based Employees Save money this year! Full-time state employees in Northern Virginia qualify for up to $315 per month for public transit or vanpooling, thanks to an Executive Order. This a tax-free benefit. Visit the Mason Parking website for more details!

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Grubhub+: Exclusive Offer for Mason Employees

HR News Grubhub+: Exclusive Offer for Mason Employees Calling all Mason employees! Mason faculty, and staff receive unlimited $0 delivery fees on orders $18+ from Grubhub+ merchants. Order with Mason Money, and you can access endless food options, even in your hometown! Use your Mason email to register and explore…

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Pet Insurance Discount for State Employees

HR News Pet Insurance Discount for State Employees Did you know that Commonwealth of Virginia employees can get a discount on pet insurance with Spot Insurance? Check out the employee discounts page on the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) website to learn more!

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Sign Up for VRS Member News

Sign Up for VRS Member News Stay updated on the latest announcements from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). This newsletter is published quarterly and includes information about upcoming deadlines, webinars, and policy changes. Sign up at the VRS website.

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