The Black Hawk County Health Department issued a press release regarding the county’s response to Monkeypox. Prevention is our frontline defense against any virus or illness. This includes eating well, getting adequate rest, and regularly washing hands/using hand sanitizer. As a reminder, the cost of vaccinations and testing are covered through the UNI’s self-insured health plans. If you have any questions regarding testing or vaccine eligibility, contact your primary care provider and/or the Black Hawk County Health Department.

We are halfway through the FSA plan year so it is a great time to remind those who have elected an FSA to submit for reimbursements. Sunscreen and over-the-counter allergy medications are eligible for reimbursement. For a listing of eligible expenses, as well as over-the-counter eligible expenses, visit the FSA website.

The 2023 Annual Benefits Open Enrollment period is going on now and will run through November 30, 2022. During this time you may learn what is new for 2023, as well as review and change your benefit elections. Any changes made to your benefit elections will be effective January 1, 2023. No action is needed if you do not wish to make changes to health, dental, vision, or VTL. However, employees wishing to contribute to a Flex Spending Spending Account (FSA) must enroll or re-enroll each year. For information about Open Enrollment, as well as a complete list of steps to take for a positive and successful Open Enrollment period, see the Open Enrollment web page.

It is recommended that women start scheduling mammograms at age 40. UNI’s self-insured health plans cover annual preventive care mammograms, including 3D preventive mammograms, at 100%. Those insured on UNI’s health plans are covered for one preventive mammogram, once per calendar year. Contact your provider to receive guidance on when, and how often you should test based on your family’s health history.