What You Need to Know
Healthy Weight Program
UNI Employee Well-being is committed to encouraging and supporting employees in achieving their optimal health and well-being. True well-being extends beyond physical health—it encompasses living a balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
Through a variety of free services and benefits, UNI Employee Well-being is here to help you thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or simply feel more energized each day, we’re here to support your journey to total well-being.
Visit our webpage to explore all that the program has to offer and register for upcoming sessions.
Insurance ID Cards
If you’re new to UNI’s health, dental, or vision insurance and 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, if needed
Important Note: If you enroll in one of the Wellmark health plans, you will receive two ID cards with only your (the employee’s) name printed on them, even if you’ve enrolled family members. These cards can still be used by any covered family member.
Transitioning to Medicare
Wellmark recently launched a podcast* which tackles the often overwhelming topic of retirement and the transition to Medicare. The podcast special guest, Tyler Elliott from Wellmark, highlights important considerations for planning your retirement and enrolling in Medicare. This month, Tyler will be leading two sessions exclusively for UNI faculty and staff to dive deeper into these topics. Click here to listen to the podcast or see session details below.
*This podcast was originally created for employers, but the information is valuable for anyone nearing Medicare eligibility.
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options
| Date | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 3 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Zoom | Click to Register |
| September 9 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Click to Register |
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options 9/3 | 11 a.m. | Join us as Wellmark presents about Medicare basics, supplemental plans, MedicareBlue Rx Plans (Part D), and Medicare Advantage Plans. | Click to Register |
One Ingredient, Four Ways 9/4 | 11 a.m. | Join UNI’s very own Stacey Runde and Lisa Smith for a fun and informative workshop. Over the coming year, Stacey and Lisa will lead a flavorful journey through four seasonal programs, each spotlighting a single ingredient and demonstrating four creative, delicious ways to use it - as well as providing general information about eating healthy. Kicking off the series, the first session will celebrate the bounty of local farmers markets, with a special focus on zucchini—versatile, abundant, and perfect for summer-inspired dishes. | Click to Register |
UNI Benefits 101: A Review of Your Benefits 9/5 | 9 a.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 |
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options 9/9 | 11 a.m. | Join us as Wellmark presents about Medicare basics, supplemental plans, MedicareBlue Rx Plans (Part D), and Medicare Advantage Plans. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 9/10 | 8:05 a.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 |
Bridging the Gap to Medicare 9/17 | 9 a.m. | Join us as Veridian presents how to bridge the gap from your employer health plan to Medicare. Learn how to use the Marketplace or healthcare.gov to price Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans, and options such as COBRA, short term health plans, sharing programs and group plans. | Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk Every Friday | noon | Faculty and staff, join your colleagues by walking your way to a healthier you on a weekly campus walk. Promote your physical and mental health by adding up to 2,000 steps into your day, and connect with others across campus. | Click to Register |
Retirement Webinars
Register for upcoming webinars hosted by TIAA and IPERS.
September 25 • 2 p.m.
Did You Know?
Dementia Simulation House
Dementia has impacted nearly everyone in some way—whether through a family member, friend, or acquaintance who has been diagnosed. At the University of Northern Iowa, the nation's only full-scale working dementia simulation house offers a powerful opportunity to better understand what it might be like to live with dementia. Established in 2022 by Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh and operated by the Department of Family, Aging, and Counseling, the Dementia Simulation House allows visitors to step into the world of someone living with dementia. Using specialized goggles, headphones, and gloves, participants gain a firsthand perspective of the challenges faced daily. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to schedule a visit. To learn more and book your simulation, visit the simulation house’s webpage.
Monthly Motivator
It’s often said that staying on track with your nutrition goals is much easier when you’re prepared. The September Monthly Motivator from Employee & Family Resources (EFR) offers five practical tips to help you stay consistent.
How many can you check off each week?
Recognizing Our Retirees
Lidija Golub
Cook I, Piazza
11 Years of Service, Retiring in September
lidijagolub@gmail.com
Helen Harrington
Secretary III, Philosophy and World Religions
36 Years of Service, Retiring in September