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Division of Human Resources

2016 News Archive

Planning for retirement

South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program members may schedule an appointment with USC's retirement specialist on January 17th. Those who are approaching retirement will receive one-on-one counselling to help determine if you are ready for retirement.

Making and breaking tradition

This holiday season, let go of the stress to create a perfect holiday and try forming traditions of your own. Our Employee Assistance Program has information and resources to help you minimize stress and do the holidays your way.

Get Set for Retirement

SCRS members who are within 5 years of retirement are invited to attend a seminar on Monday, December 5 to learn about the benefits you can receive from your retirement plan and things to consider before you approach retirement.

IRS raises 2017 contribution limits for Medical Spending Accounts (MSAs)

MSA contribution limits are rising to $2,600. MoneyPlus participants will have until November 15, 2016 to set or increase their contributions amounts for 2017.

Final Reminder: Open Enrollment

Subscribers have until November 15, 2016 to submit open enrollment changes. Learn about your insurance options for 2017, benefits enhancements for the upcoming year and changes you can make during this time.

Prescription coverage changes for 2017

Beginning January 1, 2017, approximately 80 pharmacy products will no longer be covered by the State Health Plan. Effected members should expect to receive a letter in the mail to let them know of these changes.

Listen up!

It takes both talking and listening to your children to communicate successfully with them. Learning to communicate effectively with your children as they grow and develop will help to create a lifelong bond.

Benefits Fair kicks off the 2016 open enrollment season

Human Resources is hosting a benefits fair on Tuesday, September 20 in the Russell House. Learn about the many benefits programs that are available to you, meet with benefit providers and take advantage of free or low-cost health screenings and flu shots.

Collaborative caregiving for aging adults

The task of caring for an older family member can be overwhelming, but you don't need to do it alone. Let your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help your family work together to care for an aging adult.

Dr. Lynn McGee selected as first Fulbright recipient at USC Beaufort

USC Beaufort Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Relations, Dr. Lynn McGee, has been selected for a 2016-17 US Scholar grant to participate in a Fulbright International Education Administrators seminar.

New custodian for health savings accounts

Wells Fargo is transitioning its Health Savings Account (HSA) business to Optum, one of the largest providers of health savings accounts in the United States. HSA subscribers will not be impacted by this change until September, but should expect to receive more details in the coming months.

Summer camps for children

Looking for a summer camp for your child? UofSC's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help research and provide you with information on everything from homesickness to bug bites.

Leadership development programs

Each year a group of individuals are selected to participate in one of two leadership development programs. Help us congratulate this year's graduating class, or nominate someone for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Retirement ready

Many people approaching retirement plan and save to ensure their financial stability during retirement, but too many fail to develop strategies for exactly what they'll do with their lives during those years.

New visiting Fulbright scholar

Dr. Mohamed H. Rashwan, Business Program Director in the Faculty of Business Administration, Economics and Political Science at The British University in Egypt has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Award to conduct research at the Darla Moore School of Business from May - August 2016.

Get your shingles vaccine -- at no cost to you!

The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk for developing shingles and its complications. And there's no cost to State Health plan primary members beginning at age 60 at a network provider or pharmacy.

Dealing with depression

When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. UofSC faculty and staff can get help with information and resources about depression through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

New TicketsatWork Discount Program for employees

State employees now have access to hundreds of special offers on entertainment and travel. Sign up today to save on tickets, hotels and more.

Core Fulbright Scholar Program competition is now open

The core competition for 2017-2018 academic year is now open. Nearly 500 teaching, research or combination awards are available in over 125 countries. Interested faculty and professionals must apply by August 1, 2016.

Worksite Screening - FREE!

USC faculty, staff and retirees enrolled in the State Health Plan - Standard Plan or the Savings Plan - may be eligible for a free preventive health screening. The free screening is available for your convenience at the Thompson Student Health Center and only takes about 15 minutes. Schedule your appointment today!

Living the legacy of service

The University of South Carolina would like to congratulate all employees who in 2015 reached a milestone of 10 or more years of service with the state of South Carolina and its flagship university.

Home sweet home

For many people, buying a home is the biggest financial move they will ever make, and there is a lot to consider. Let the university's Employee Assistance Program help you find the answers to decide if home ownership is right for you.

Flexible Spending Account claims deadline

Employees have until March 31, 2016 to submit reimbursement claims for their 2015 flexible spending accounts.

Getting your zzz's

If you're not getting enough quality sleep, it can have a negative impact on your health. UofSC faculty and staff have access to many resources through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you get better zzz's.

Dental Plus network changes coming March 1

PEBA's current Dental Plus provider network will convert to Blue Cross' network March 1. If you have questions about the Dental Plus network, contact BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina at 888-214-6230.

Support for State ORP Participants

Since State Optional Retirement Plan (State ORP) participants are responsible for investing and managing their own retirement account, it is important to make sure you understand what options are available to you and how to manage your investment decisions. Schedule an appointment to meet with David Bennett, MassMutal's retirement educational specialist.

IRS form 1095-C to be distributed

The Division of Human Resources is preparing to send out form 1095-C indicating health care coverage status for eligible employees in 2015. You should expect to receive this form by March 31, 2016.

Prescription coverage changes

Now that Express Scripts is the new prescription vendor for the State Health Plan, members should be aware of changes that may have been made to the list of covered drugs, and the preauthorization process for your medications.

Open enrollment for State ORP

The last day for State Optional Retirement Plan (State ORP) open enrollment is Tuesday, March 1, 2016. During this period, State ORP participants may change vendors or, if eligible, may choose to irrevocably switch to the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS).

New prescription benefits

The State Health Plan has a new pharmacy benefits manager for 2016. Members should have received a welcome packet from Express Scripts that included a new prescription drug identification card. Please present this card to your pharmacy. Members should also review the updated list of "preferred" drugs to ensure you get your medications at the lowest possible cost.

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