Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Insurance ID Cards
New to UNI’s health, dental, or vision insurance and wondering when you’ll receive your insurance ID cards? Please allow up to two weeks after submitting your benefit elections for your ID cards to arrive from the insurance vendors.
If you have questions about your ID cards, visit the I Need an Insurance Card Now webpage. This resource will walk you through how to:
- View your insurance ID cards online
- Print a temporary ID card
- Request replacement cards
Important Note: When you enroll in a UNI health or dental plan, your ID cards will display only the employee’s name, even if you have enrolled family members. These cards are valid for all covered dependents when they receive health or dental services.
Preparing for Medicare and Retirement
If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, understanding how Medicare works and how it fits into your retirement plan is an important first step.
The Basics
Wellmark hosts a podcast* featuring Tyler Elliott that introduces Medicare and highlights key considerations for those approaching retirement. It’s a helpful resource for learning the fundamentals and understanding the decisions you may need to make as you transition into retirement.
Working Past Age 65
If you intend to continue working beyond age 65, you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare while covered under an employer-sponsored health plan. Medicare enrollment requirements vary based on individual circumstances, so it’s important to understand your options before deciding whether to enroll at 65 or wait until you retire.
When You Retire
Once you retire, you’ll need to consider how Medicare coordinates with your retiree health coverage. This month, both Wellmark and Veridian will lead sessions exclusively for UNI faculty and staff that covers the basics of Medicare. Wellmark will also outline the Medicare supplement options available to UNI retirees. These are excellent opportunities to learn what to expect and better understand your choices before retirement.
*The podcast was originally created for employers, but the information is valuable for anyone approaching Medicare eligibility.
| Medicare 101: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll | Understanding Retirement Health Care Options |
|---|---|
| 9/1 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 Confused by Medicare parts, deadlines, and coverage options? You’re not alone. Join as a health insurance specialist from Veridian cuts through the confusion and gives you the clear, practical Medicare basics you need before enrolling. Spots are limited, register today. | 9/15 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual Human Resource Services will host an informational session, presented by Wellmark, on health care options in retirement. Join us to learn the basics of Medicare and the Medicare supplemental plans available to UNI retirees. Please register in advance. |
Get to Know UNI Works
- Login to UNI Works.
- Go to the Profile Icon in the upper-right corner and select View Profile.
- From the menu on the left, click on Personal.
- Click on the Documents tab and click the Add button.
- In the Attachments section, click the Select files button to add documentation.
- In the Document Category field, click the menu icon to select one of the following: Benefits, Benefits Dependent Change, Benefits Life Event, or Dependents.
After a team member reviews your document, your dependent will be verified and/or your change event approved. Once the review is complete, your uploaded documents will be deleted from UNI Works. See the Verifying Dependents for Benefits Job Aid for more details.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
Medicare 101: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll 9/1 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Confused by all of the parts of Medicare, deadlines, and coverage options? You’re not alone. Hear directly from a health insurance specialist from Veridian as they cut through the confusion and give you clear, practical Medicare basics you need before enrolling. | Click to Register |
EFR: Find Your Focus 9/2 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Distractions are everywhere, but building focus is possible by setting small intentions each day. Whether you’re trying to knock out a project at work or focus on a movie, being intentional about your priorities will help you find success. This webinar will give you the keys to navigating an ever-distracting world! | Click to Register |
SHIIP: Welcome to Medicare Seminar 9/2 | 5 - 6 p.m. | MercyOne Hospital | New to Medicare or planning ahead? Join SHIIP for this in-person seminar covering the basics of Medicare. The seminar will be held at MercyOne Hospital in Waterloo (3421 W. 9th St.). To register, call 319-272-7857. | Click for More Information |
New Hire Orientation 9/9 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Orientation is scheduled monthly to assist and welcome Merit and P&S staff to UNI. New Hire Orientation provides the opportunity for staff to learn about the university's history, mission, policies and procedures, as well as employee benefits. Visit the Arrive at UNI webpage for more information. | Click to Register |
IPERS: Ready, Set, Retire 9/9 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | Register to attend this virtual presentation, sharing details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, applying for retirement, and using IPERS My Account. | Click to Register |
TIAA: How Can I Afford College for My Kids and Grandkids? 9/9 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Virtual | Discover strategies you can use to save and pay for college—even if it feels impossible today. | Click to Register |
Retiring Before 65? Here’s How to Stay Covered Until Medicare 9/11 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | 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 a health insurance specialist from Veridian. | Click to Register |
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options 9/15 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | Human Resource Services will host an informational session, presented by Wellmark, on health care options in retirement. Join us to learn about Medicare basics, supplemental plans, MedicareBlue Rx Plans (Part D), and Medicare Advantage Plans. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Please register in advance. | Click to Register |
Social Security: What You Need to Know 9/16 | 11 a.m. - noon | Gilchrist 009 | Planning for retirement? One of the most important financial decisions you'll make is when and how to claim your Social Security benefits. Join Justin Dams with Veridian Investment Services as he explains how Social Security works and the key decisions that can impact your retirement income. Whether retirement is just around the corner or still a few years away, you'll leave with practical knowledge to help you make informed decisions and maximize your retirement benefits. | Click to Register |
IPERS: Ready, Set, Retire 9/22 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | Register to attend this virtual presentation, sharing details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, applying for retirement, and using IPERS My Account. | Click to Register |
Retire from UNI 9/22 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | 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 |
EFR: Everything Starts with Ownership 9/22 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | In this webinar, hosted by Employee & Family Resources, Ernest Phillips explores what ownership truly means and how it is the source of your greatest power. When you are able to take ownership of your thoughts and actions you can see a transformation in all aspects of your life. If you are looking to better your relationships, set strong boundaries, or improve your work performance, taking ownership is at the root of it all. | Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 9/25 | 7 - 9 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Human Resource Services is hosting a confidential biometric screening on Friday, September 25 from 7 to 9 a.m. in Gilchrist 009. All benefit eligible employees get one free screening per academic year. Spots are limited, so register now! | Click to Register |
Your Body Is Talking. Are You Listening? 9/30 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Ever wonder why you hurt and what you can actually do about it? Join Dr. Dugger from Cedar Valley Chiropractic for an engaging session on how everyday habits, including sitting, movement, nutrition, and stress, can contribute to pain. You’ll learn practical strategies to help manage discomfort, when to seek professional care, and simple changes you can make right away to feel your best. | Click to Register |
Walk, Talk & Connect Every Tuesday & Friday | noon | Campanile | Join fellow faculty and staff for a refreshing campus walk that supports both your physical and mental well-being. Add up to 2,000 steps to your day, enjoy meaningful conversations, and build connections with colleagues from across campus, all while taking a healthy break from your routine. | Click for More Information |
Retirement Education Opportunities
Explore TIAA and IPERS educational resources designed to help you prepare with confidence.
IPERS
View upcoming events and online workshops to prepare for your retirement with help from IPERS, Iowa's largest public retirement system.
TIAA
Essentials by TIAA gives you the tools, tips, and confidence to make everyday money decisions with lasting impact.
Did You Know?
BeWell 24/7 – A Valuable, Underused Benefit
BeWell 24/7 is a powerful, and often overlooked, resource available to all employees enrolled in UNI’s self‑insured health plans through Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
It connects you with medical professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can get guidance whenever you need it.
When you call, you’ll speak with a real person who can help with:
- General health questions
- Finding in‑network providers
- Healthcare decision support
- Where to go for care based on symptoms
- Navigating complex health concerns
Whether you’re unsure about symptoms, need help choosing the right level of care, or simply want peace of mind, BeWell 24/7 is a free, convenient resource designed to support you.
Call 844-84-BEWELL (844-842-3935) to get started.
Fall Into Wellness
A new semester is the perfect opportunity to kick off a fresh workout routine, or get back into the one you started before! UNI Recreation Services offers a variety of membership options and fitness classes to fit your schedule and goals. Plus, the convenience of being on-campus, staying active has never been easier.
Visit the UNI Recreation Services webpage to explore membership details and learn how to register.
Ready to Feel Better? Watch Your Inbox.
- Tired all the time?
- Weight creeping up?
- Eating habits off track?
- Ready for a change?
If you’re nodding along, watch for an email this month. A new program is coming, and it might be exactly what you need.
Monthly Motivator
Feeling distracted? This month’s Monthly Motivator is all about building focus through small, intentional habits. Discover simple strategies to quiet distractions, prioritize what matters, and make the most of your day.
Questions?
We encourage you to visit hrs.uni.edu/your-benefits for answers to common questions. If you are unable to find what you need, please contact the Human Resource Services Benefits Team at hrs-benefits@uni.edu.