In this Edition ...
Iowa WorkSmart Project • Benefits • Health & Well-Being • Retirement Savings • Education Opportunities
Iowa WorkSmart
Let’s Talk Travel
In preparation for increased work-related travel this spring, read the May issue of Smart Talk for a refresher on Workday expense reimbursement tools.
State of Iowa Benefits
Flexible Spending Account Deadline Extended to July 10, 2023
Due to recent federal changes, the filing deadline for submitting 2022 eligible flexible spending account (FSA) expenses has been extended to July 10, 2023. If you previously had 2022 claims denied due to untimeliness, your claims will be reprocessed automatically.
You may submit claims and supporting documents to ASIFlex, the State’s third-party FSA administrator, in one of the following ways:
- Mobile app, Online. Log into your ASIFlex account online or through the app to submit your claim. (Please note, your login is case sensitive.) Attach a jpg or pdf of supporting documentation to your claim request.
- Fax. Submit a claim form and supporting documentation to 877-879-9038.
- Mail. Send your claim to ASIFlex, P.O. Box 6044, Columbia, MO 65205-6044.
Access claim forms online and read more about submitting claim forms on the DAS website. Call ASIFlex at 800-659-3035 if you have any questions about your account or available amount.
Medical Care When Traveling Outside the Country
If you travel outside of the U.S. and need a doctor, hospital, or other health care professional, any medical claims for National Choice or Iowa Choice plan members will be processed abroad as they would be at home when you show your Wellmark ID card at participating BlueCard Worldwide providers.
- National Choice - With National Choice, you have access to doctors and hospitals in more than 190 countries around the world through the Blue Cross Blue Shield GlobalTM (BCBS GlobalTM) Core Program. With the BCBS Global Program (BlueCard), you can locate international doctors and hospitals by visiting www.bcbsglobalcore.com and searching the National Doctor and Hospital Finder or by calling 800-810-BLUE (2583). When you receive non-emergency care from providers not included on this list, these services would be covered at the out-of-network level and you will typically have to pay the providers directly and submit the claims yourself to obtain reimbursement.
- Iowa Choice - Under the Iowa Choice program, you are only covered for emergency care or care for an accidental injury when you receive services in a foreign country. If needed, you will still want to seek out care from a participating BlueCard Worldwide provider when possible so you are charged in-network rates for your care whether it is covered by insurance (emergency/accident) or you pay privately (non-accident/non-emergency).
For more information on your health care benefits outside the country, visit BCBS Global or contact Wellmark’s customer service at 800-622-0043.
Dental Fillings - Which Option is Best for You?
You need to have a cavity filled at your dentist. Which do you choose - a silver or white filling? To determine the type of filling that’s best for you, you’ll need to consider the extent of the decay, the location in the mouth, the cost of filling material, your insurance coverage, and your dentist’s recommendation.
Silver fillings (dental amalgam) have been used for many years for fillings on back teeth, but white fillings (resin composite) are becoming more popular. With your State of Iowa dental plan, white fillings are a covered benefit for the restoration of decayed or fractured teeth, including fillings. Your dental benefits include the same 80% level of coverage as routine and restorative services.
For more information, visit the Delta Dental of Iowa blog.
Health and Well-Being
Food Trucks and Farmers Market to Hit the Capitol Complex
It wouldn’t be summer at the Capitol Complex without your favorite food trucks and Farmers Market vendors.
- Food Trucks - The Mobile Food Truck Zone is now open in Visitor Parking Lot #15, east of the Capitol building, through December 29, 2023.
- Farmers Market - Shop the Capitol Complex Farmers Market every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., June 13 through September 26, 2023.
Check out the Food Trucks and Farmers Market webpage for more details.
Tips to Tackle Loneliness
Loneliness can be hard on your physical and mental health. If you’re feeling disconnected from others, consider these five Tips to Tackle Loneliness from Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa.
Free Health and Well-Being Seminars Offered Online
On-demand online seminars covering various health and well-being topics are available from Kepro the State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at www.EAPHelplink.com. Use Company Code: IOWA and click on e-learning for a list of available online seminars.
Seminars may be viewed from your computer or any other internet-enabled device during work time if scheduling permits and your supervisor approves. They are free of charge, with the most current offerings accessible on the dates listed below.
- Available now: Guiding Your Family to Greener Living - Explore the steps toward greener living and how to guide your family to living more sustainably.
- Available May 16: Are You a Good Listener? - Get practical tips on being a good listener and learn why it’s so important.
EAP also offers confidential resources at no cost to help employees and eligible family members address challenges which may impact job performance, well-being, and overall health. For more information on EAP resources, visit the DAS Employee Assistance Program web page.
Retirement Benefits and Savings
What Does This Letter from My RIC Provider Mean?
The RIC 2023 investment providers are in the process of sending information to existing participants about the transition of their current fund line-ups to the new fund offerings for the new contract period. Generally, the letters state an automatic fund mapping will occur, meaning no action is required on your part. If you want to make changes to your fund line-up, however, instructions to make alternative fund elections are also provided. Contact your RIC provider if you have questions.
Looking to Invest Your Tax Return?
Consider putting away a portion of your tax refund in your Retirement Investors’ Club account for some well-deserved fun in retirement! You might even consider increasing your RIC 457 payroll deductions in Workday for an extra added boost in your retirement savings. Benefits of investing in RIC include:
- Automatic monthly investing (through payroll deductions)
- Low-cost mutual funds with no sales charges or sales loads
- Good fixed interest rate accounts with no maturities or fees
- Distributions and fund transfers with no product restrictions or fees
- Expert investment help at no additional cost
RIC 457 payroll deductions can be changed at any time.
Not Yet Participating in RIC?
The Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) provides State of Iowa employees the opportunity to save a little or a lot toward retirement. Participation is through payroll deductions, with the State matching contributions up to $75 per month, giving you an extra $900 per year toward your future retirement. Enroll today!
RIC Online Webcasts
Make the best use of your retirement savings by taking advantage of education opportunities offered by RIC. These webinars may be attended from your computer or other internet-enabled device during work time if scheduling permits and your supervisor approves. Register to attend.
Ready, Set, Retire Workshop Offered Via Zoom
Retiring in the next three to five years? If so, IPERS’ Ready, Set, Retire is designed to provide State of Iowa employees with a broad range of retirement-related information. Ready, Set, Retire is a free all-day (9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) Zoom webinar you may view/attend sessions during work time if scheduling permits and your supervisor approves. Spouses are welcome to attend. View the description and upcoming workshop dates. Reserve your spot by clicking on the workshop you wish to attend and then click “Register.”
News from State Retirement Investors' Club Providers
Social Security benefits calculator
Do you wonder how much you might receive in Social Security (SS)? Use this calculator to help you estimate your SS benefits. Remember, this is only an estimate. Your actual benefits may vary depending on your actual work history and income.
How much will you get from Social Security?
Social Security (SS) is a federal government program with benefits designed to supplement your IPERS income in retirement.
How much could I receive in Social Security benefits?
Based on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) calculations, the amount of SS you receive depends on your earnings over your lifetime. The age at which you begin receiving benefits is also a factor. Please visit the SSA’s website and create an account to see the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Will my Social Security be enough?
Begin to estimate potential sources of retirement income and develop a plan. Estimate what your future living expenses will be to determine the income you will need each month. Remember, your Iowa RIC account at Empower helps you save today for a more secure financial future tomorrow. Learn more about the Iowa RIC at empower.com/iowaric.
Women can overcome the retirement savings gap
For women, the retirement savings gap is often a reality. The good news is there are steps you can take now to improve your prospects for a better-quality retirement:
- Identify where you are spending your money. Write down everything you spend your money on for six months.
- Start planning for retirement now. Join your employer's supplemental retirement plan as soon as you are able.
- Pay yourself first. Consider increasing your retirement plan contribution each year. When you get a raise, give your retirement account a raise too.
Whether you’re married, widowed or single, it’s important to take a look at your retirement goals and let your Horace Mann representative help you get there.
Meet your match
Did you know the State of Iowa offers matching contributions to employees in the Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC) 457(b) Plan?
The match is $1 for every $1 you contribute, up to the maximum amount of $75/month. Employer matching contributions are deposited into your 401(a) employer match account on a pretax basis.
Go to iowa.beready2retire.com and select “Enroll Now” to get started. If you would like to meet with a Voya representative in Iowa, please call our Des Moines Office toll-free at (515) 698-7973.
Education Opportunities
Vendor Spotlight - Carol Tripp
Performance & Development Solutions (PDS) works with several amazing vendors to provide best-in-class training. Check out the Instructor Spotlights on the DAS website to learn more about who teaches our courses, and check out this month’s featured vendor below!
Carol Tripp - MERIT Management
Carol is both a class facilitator and a State government employee. She pulls real-life examples from her own State experience that illustrate the class information in a highly practical manner. Check out her upcoming courses below, and enroll through the Learnsoft LMS.
Carol's Upcoming Class dates:
- Financial Budgeting | May 10 | 8:30-4:30 | Hoover Building
- Workplace Harassment | May 8 | 8:30-12:30 | Virtual
- Customer Experience | June 12 | 8:304:30 | Hoover Building
Learnsoft LMS Tip: Verify Your Class Location
As we move to the warmer months, many classes are being held in person again. It’s a good idea to verify the location of the classes when you enroll. Following are two methods for checking the class location:
Option 1
Select the “More Info” button next to the class name on your Learnsoft dashboard. Find class location details under Session Info:
Option 2
Hover over the class date on your calendar on your Learnsoft dashboard. Select the blue bar that says “Click for more information.”
PDS Quick Links
To sign up courses, please refer to the Quick Links below:
- Check out PDS course offerings including New Horizons offerings
- Enroll through the Learnsoft LMS
- Ask your Training Liaison
- Contact Us with any questions!
HRExpress is a publication for State of Iowa employees. Please print a copy to post or share with co-workers who may not have access to a computer. For prior editions, visit the HRExpress webpage. If you have questions or suggestions for future content, please contact us at hrexpress@iowa.gov.
Thank you!
5/9/23