Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Pharmacy Changes Are Here - Learn How to Save on Your Prescriptions
In 2025, Iowa enacted new legislation Senate File 383 (PBM Reform) that impacts health insurance plans across the state, including UNI’s self-insured health plans. As a result of the anticipated cost increases, changes were made to UNI’s prescription drug plan design, effective January 1, 2026, as communicated during Open Enrollment.
What Changed and Why?
- UNI can no longer recommend specific pharmacies. In the past, UNI could guide employees toward pharmacies that helped reduce costs for both members and the health plan. The new law no longer allows this practice.
- Pharmacy reimbursement rules have changed. Wellmark can no longer reimburse retail¹ pharmacies at less than the most recently published National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Previously, Wellmark could negotiate wholesale acquisition costs. As a result, the UNI self-insured health plans may now pay more for certain medications at retail pharmacies.
- New dispensing fees may apply. The legislation allows retail pharmacies to charge a $10.68 dispensing fee per prescription (implementation is delayed). Pharmacies that are part of a chain with locations outside Iowa are not permitted to collect this additional fee.
As a result of these changes, prescription drug tiers and copays/coinsurance were increased, and the tier structure was aligned with the other two Iowa Board of Regents universities. To help balance these additional prescription costs, UNI’s 2026 health insurance premiums did not increase.
How Employees Can Manage Their Costs and the Plans Costs
While UNI cannot recommend a specific pharmacy, employees are encouraged to use Wellmark’s Prescription Drug Cost Estimator Tool to compare expected prescription costs across pharmacies before filling a prescription. This tool can help employees identify the most cost-effective option for their medications. For step-by-step instructions on how to use the Wellmark tool, along with tips for locating your prescription drug, please visit the Cost Estimator Tool support webpage.
The prescription drug plan design changes are intended to keep the UNI health plan sustainable while continuing to provide comprehensive coverage.
¹Retail pharmacy means a pharmacy that is not a pharmacy chain or a publicly traded entity and does not exclusively provide mail-order dispensing of prescription drugs, as defined in Iowa Senate File 383.
Your 2025 IRS Form 1095-C Is Ready, Here’s Where to Find It
If you elected to receive your 2025 Form 1095-C electronically, you can now access this in UNI Works in the Benefits and Pay App.
If you did not elect to receive your 2025 Form 1095-C electronically, your form will arrive by mail within the next two weeks.
To view your 2025 Form 1095-C in UNI Works, follow the 1095-C Form Job Aid.
You do not need Form 1095-C to file your 2025 tax return, but you should keep it with your tax records. As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers must provide IRS Form 1095-C to employees who were offered or enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance in 2025. UNI will report your 2025 health insurance coverage directly to the IRS. For more information, visit the HRS supporting webpage.
Get to Know UNI Works
You’ll Regret Skipping This: Check Your Beneficiaries
- Login to UNI Works.
- From the Menu, open the Benefits and Pay app.
- In the left-hand navigation, select Benefits, then choose Beneficiaries.
- Need to make an update? Review the Change Beneficiary Job Aid for instructions.
Important: If no beneficiaries appear in UNI Works, Human Resource Services may have them on file. It’s still recommended you review and update them in UNI Works.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup: Self-Care 101 2/2 | 11 a.m. - noon | You show up for everyone else—so why does your own well-being always come last? Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation for showing up stronger at work and at home. Join Employee & Family Resources for a practical, empowering session that helps you put yourself back on the priority list. You’ll learn how to:
| Click to Register |
Getting the Most Out of Your UNI Benefits 2/3 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | An overview of your benefits package is not just for new hires. Join us as a member of the HRS benefits team reviews all of the benefits available to you as a benefits eligible employee. | Click to Register |
Tax Mistakes Could Be Costing You—Learn How to Avoid Them 2/10 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Human Resource Services invites you to a must-attend tax information session where you’ll learn how current tax laws could be affecting you. Discover credits, deductions, W-4 strategies, and smart ways to lower your taxable income using Flex Spending Accounts and Tax-Deferred Annuities. Bring your questions for this interactive, one-hour session with Cathalene Bowler, Associate Professor of Accounting. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 2/11 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | New Hire Orientation is scheduled monthly to assist and welcome Merit and P&S staff to UNI. This session provides the opportunity for staff to learn about the university's history, mission, policies and procedures, as well as employee benefits. | Click to Register |
TIAA: Yours, Mine, Ours: Finances for Blended Families 2/12 | 11 - 11:45 a.m. | Families today come in all shapes and sizes. But figuring out how to handle the finances when bringing different families together is not always easy. We’ll talk about the approaches some families have used to navigate the unique financial challenges of combining households. | Click to Register |
Retire from UNI 2/17 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Human Resource Services will host an informational session on retiring from UNI, for faculty and staff planning to retire soon or in the foreseeable future. Participants will learn guidelines and benefits available at retirement from UNI. | Click to Register |
IPERS: Creating a Secure Retirement 2/18 | 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | IPERS and ISU Extension Services team up to provide you with how social security, Medicare, IPERS, and personal savings work together for financial security. | Click to Register |
TIAA: Managing Your Finances During and After a Divorce 2/24 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Divorce can bring significant financial changes. From splitting assets to updating beneficiaries and creating a new financial plan, this webinar provides tools to help you take control with clarity and confidence. | Click to Register |
Think Chickpeas Are Boring? Think Again. 2/24 | noon - 1 p.m. | Watch UNI’s Lisa Smith and Stacey Runde turn garbanzo beans (chickpeas) into four crave-worthy meals, all while teaching you how to build healthy habits without the overwhelm. This fun, fast-paced workshop is packed with realistic nutrition tips, stress-free meal ideas and inspiration you can use immediately. Perfect for busy schedules, curious cooks and anyone ready to feel better without complicated rules. | Click to Register |
Retiring Before 65? Here’s How to Stay Covered Until Medicare 3/3 | 10 - 11 a.m. | If you’re retiring or leaving work before Medicare eligibility, your health coverage choices matter more than ever. Learn how to compare ACA plans on healthcare.gov, evaluate COBRA, and understand short-term, sharing, and group plan options in a clear, one-hour presentation by Todd Cooper of Veridian. | Click to Register |
Retirement Education Opportunities
Explore TIAA and IPERS educational resources designed to help you prepare with confidence.
View upcoming events and online workshops to prepare for your retirement with help from IPERS, Iowa's largest public retirement system.
Essentials by TIAA gives you the tools, tips, and confidence to make everyday money decisions with lasting impact.
Did You Know?
Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) and Increased Maximums for 2026
A Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) allows you to invest in fixed and variable annuities and mutual funds through a tax-deferred account. This option helps you save additional funds for retirement beyond the university-sponsored retirement plans.
You may choose to contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis. Contributions are not matched by the university. You may contribute as little as $20 per month or up to the IRS-designated maximum.
All TDA elections are made through UNI Works, and contribution amounts can be changed at any time.
To learn more about TDAs and to review 2026 IRS contribution limits, please visit our webpage.
Will You Make the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadline?
You can use your 2025 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) money for eligible expenses through March 15, 2026.
Be sure to submit all receipts and claims to ASIFlex by March 31, 2026. Any contributions you have left after that date will be forfeited.
You can submit claims using the ASIFlex mobile app or by uploading receipts and claims at ASIFlex.com. You can also spend your remaining 2025 balance at FSAStore.com on eligible items, including over-the-counter products.
One Small Act Could Change Your Workplace
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, and it’s more than just a feel-good moment, it’s a chance to transform your workplace. Stress and burnout take a serious toll on employee mental and physical health (and cost employers thousands each year). But when kindness becomes part of the everyday routine, people feel more supported, energized, and connected.
Join us on February 17, and beyond, to help create a stronger, healthier workplace. Check out Wellmark’s article for simple, powerful ways to spread kindness at work and boost overall well-being.
Monthly Motivator
February is National Heart Month. Your heart works hard for you every day, show it some love in return. Adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet, along with 30 minutes of physical activity every day can help lower your risk of heart disease.
Recognizing Our Retirees
James Olson
Waste Management Specialist | Iowa Waste Reduction Center
37 Years of Service, Retiring in February