Medicare Advantage - a new BC/BS medical program available to retirees

Did you know that DePaul is offering a new medical plan option, Medicare Advantage, for DePaul retirees who are age 65 and over and eligible for Medicare?

Learn more about this new plan on HR's website:

http://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/Pages/medicare-advantage.aspx

Look for more details in late August/early September.

An important note:

If DePaul does not receive an open enrollment form from you by the end of October, we will attempt to contact you again to confirm whether or not you want to enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan. If we do not receive a completed form, your Carve-Out plan coverage will end December 31, 2016 and you will not have retiree medical coverage through DePaul as of January 1, 2017. If you waive coverage or do not submit an enrollment form for 2017, you will not be eligible for the retiree medical plan in the future.​

BOB KOZOMAN TO RETIRE

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you that Bob Kozoman, our executive vice president, will retire on Jan. 1, 2016. While we will have time to thank him for his genial and always insightful leadership when the time gets closer, you may wish to congratulate and thank him as the opportunity presents itself in the months ahead. In the meantime, we will turn our attention to hiring a new executive vice president. Because this is a board appointment, the search committee will be led by a trustee who will work with our broad delegation of university representatives. I will be in touch with faculty and staff councils and student government shortly for their recommendations. Thank you for all that you do for DePaul! Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. President

DePaul Emeritus Society Connections

The following has been compiled for the Early Retirement Incentive Program Retirement Symposium - April 1 and 2, 2014.  We thought all members of the DES might find the information informative.

DEPAUL EMERITUS SOCIETY CONNECTIONS

DePaul University values its ongoing connections with its faculty and staff retirees, as it values their past contributions to the university’s mission. The DePaul University Emeritus Society was founded in 2008 with the merger of the Staff Emeritus Society and the Emeritus Professors Association. The Society is sponsored by the University’s Office of Mission and Values.

The purpose of the DePaul Emeritus Society is to provide a means for ongoing connection, communication, and socialization between the university and its emeritus faculty and staff, and between individual retirees whose professional lives were for so many years dedicated to university service.

DEPAUL EMERITUS SOCIETY WEBSITE

The DePaul Emeritus Society has a website graciously supported by the Office of Mission and Values.   The website includes general and historical information about the DES and its programs including: DES Guidelines; past Semi-Annual Luncheon slide videos; a list of Retiree Benefits Issues; past editions of the DES Newsletter; Philanthropy Opportunities; Volunteer Opportunities; and the Memorabilia Project.  Additionally, it is a repository for the Oral History Project and the record of In Memoriam of those retirees who have died. It also provides links to the online DES News Updates and the DES Facebook Page noted below. Lastly, the results of past DES member surveys, general DES related University information and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the site.

To access the DES Website, log on to www.depaul.edu, go to the Office of Mission and Values by clicking first on “DePaul Shortcuts” then “Faculty and Staff.”  Once on the Office of Mission and Values site, click on “Programs, Services & Events.”  On the dropdown, click on DePaul Emeritus Society.  Or, you can go directly to the DES Website by typing: https://mission.depaul.edu/Programs/DES/Pages/default.aspx

DES NEWSLETTER AND DES NEWS UPDATES

The DES Newsletter is mailed to retirees’ homes semi-annually in June and December and includes announcements about forthcoming activities, benefit updates, news of the activities of our retirees and often an article written by one of our DES members.  In between publications, DePaul news of interest to retirees is “published” on the DES News Updates blog page.  Information regarding upcoming events, major University news, announcements of the death of DES members, and general items of interest to retirees is included. You can chose to receive the updates electronically by “subscribing” to the DES News Updates or you can visit the site when you have the time and interest.  To access DES News Updates type http://desretirees.blogspot.com/

  

DES FACEBOOK PAGE       

The DES has its own Facebook page where any retiree can join to discuss issues, share ideas and information of interest with other DePaul retirees.  Future DES events are also posted on the page.  To join the DES Facebook page you must already have a personal Facebook account. Information regarding joining the DES Facebook page is provided on the DES Website mentioned above and the page can also be located by typing in “DePaul Emeritus Society” in your personal Facebook textbox.  Or, you can access it by typing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/117870507250/

CONTINUING UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS

As a retiree of DePaul, a number of other University benefits are available to you. They include:

Library Usage	http://www.library.depaul.edu/Services/privileges.aspx?p=19
University Email	Ability to maintain DePaul email account
Bookstore Discounts	10% off textbooks and 20% off general books (not already discounted) and merchandise
Fitness Center	Discounted rates available For more information contact the Ray Meyer Fitness Center at 773-325-4555.
ID/Campus Connection	DePaul Retiree ID and basic Campus Connection access
Tuition Waiver	Tuition Waiver Policy  See Human Resource Website
Theatre & School of Music Productions	Two free tickets to any Chicago Playworks production at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre. To request tickets contact the box office at 312-922-1999 or by email at theatreboxoffice@depaul.edu. Shows are listed at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu
Art Museum	Invitations to quarterly exhibition opening receptions and other special events such as lectures and film screenings

To learn more about these benefits log on to the Office of Human Resources webpage at https://hr.depaul.edu/Benefits/Retiree/Current/index.html#benefits

  

April 1, 2014

DO NOT USE PAYFLEX COUPONS

ALERT - 

DO NOT USE PAYFLEX 

COUPONS FOR YOUR 

2014 BENEFIT PREMIUMS

The following email was sent to all retirees who have an email address with DePaul University.  A snail-mail letter will also be sent to all retirees.

Dear Retiree,

DePaul has learned that PayFlex mailed Retiree Medical premium payment coupons to retirees in error.  Please disregard this correspondence as PayFlex is no longer working with DePaul in this capacity.

Our new vendor, CONEXIS mailed payment coupons on 12/18/2013 to all retirees and surviving spouses enrolled in the Retiree Medical Plan.  You should receive this correspondence and the payment coupons within the next few days.  Premiums can be made on a monthly basis or as an annual premium by attaching your check for the annual premium to one of the monthly payment coupons.  If you pay your premiums by ACH please remember to contact your financial institution to discontinue payments to PayFlex and to set up automatic payments to CONEXIS.
We regret any inconvenience and/or confusion resulting from the mailing from PayFlex and look forward to improved service from CONEXIS.

We wish you a very Happy Holiday season.

Dorothy Bailey
Sr. Benefits Administrator | Office of Human Resources | DePaul University
Mailing Address:  1 East Jackson Boulevard | Chicago IL 60604
Office Location:  14 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1300 |  Chicago IL 60604
Tel:  (312) 362-8496 | Fax:  (312) 476-3230
dbaile13@depaul.edu


Source: Email sent December 20, 2013 by Mission and Values 

Letter sent by Payflex on December 24, 2013:

 

2013 St. Vincent Health Faire

The 2013 St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire will be held on October 15 and 16, 2013.  Flu shots and wellness screenings* including testing for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney disease will be available.  In addition, several special wellness events** will be offered.

• Preventing Diabetes: A seminar to promote awareness of adult (Type 2) diabetes risk factors.
• Managing Seasonal Illness: A Board Certified family medicine specialist will present strategies for boosting the immune system during the cold an flu season.
• Exercise 101: Will provide attendees with information and tips to consider in the implementation of an exercise program.

DePaul's Benefits Department will offer two sessions especially for retirees updating the upcoming retiree medical plan changes for 2014.  They are scheduled for:

• Loop: DePaul Center, Concourse Level, October 15, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
• LPC: Student Center, Room 120 A&B, October 16, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Please mark your calendars for these events and look for additional information regarding the Faire and your Open Enrollment materials next week in the US mail.

* Wellness screenings require prior registration.  To register go to www.myinteractivehealth.com

** Other special wellness events, including the sessions on retiree medical plan changes for 2014, require pre-registration.  To register, contact Sara Nelson at snelso26@depaul.edu or call 312-362-7524.

St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire - 2012

St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire Mark Your Calendars! 

The annual St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire will be October 15th and 16th. The Faire will feature free flu shots, free and discounted wellness screenings, and events geared at helping you support your health and well-being.

Date Time Location

Monday, October 15th
7:00am - 11:30am -- Loop DePaul Center Concourse
1:00pm - 4:45pm  -- Lincoln Park Student Center Rooms 120 A&B

Tuesday, October 16th
7:30am - 11:30am -- Lincoln Park Student Center Rooms 120 A&B
1:00pm - 4:45pm -- Loop DePaul Center Concourse

A formal invitation with additional details will be mailed to retirees next month.

For questions regarding the St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire, contact the Benefits Department at (312) 362-8232.

Diana Chin, Manager, Benefits & Compensation Office of Human Resources,  DePaul University, 14 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 362-6119 or dchin1@depaul.edu

For additional information Visit Stay Healthy and Earn Healthy Vin-cent$ to learn about DePaul's wellness campaign.

Administrative Changes at DePaul

Dear Colleagues,  

Last week, DePaul's Board of Trustees approved the goals set forth in the 2018 Strategic Plan. That Plan will continue to be developed throughout this summer, with an official launch date set for Friday, September 14, 2012. This new strategic plan affords us an opportunity to embark on new programs and initiatives and, in many areas, set a new course. To that end, the Board discussed a number of personnel changes at the senior-leadership level, which I would like to share with you. 

-- As of July 1 our Provost, Helmut Epp, will step down. Vice President for Alumni Engagement and former President of Mount Mary College, Pat O'Donoghue, will act as interim provost while we conduct a search for the next provost. Trustee Connie Curran is chairing a 15-member committee to identify the nation's best candidates for DePaul's next chief academic officer. She is joined by Trustees Mary Dempsey, Roberto Herencia, Lori Holland and Fr. Mark Pranaitis, four faculty, two staff members, one dean and a representative each from the President's Office and Academic Affairs. A request for proposal is ready to be issued, and the committee is poised to select a search firm. 

-- As of July 1, two key staff members will add vice president to their titles. Jay Braatz will become vice president for Planning and Presidential Administration, while Bob McCormick will become vice president for Information Services. These promotions reflect the value of their contributions to the university over many years. 

-- Our Deputy General Counsel, Kathryn Stieber, became interim vice president for Human Resources in March. We have appointed a search committee to fill the position on a permanent basis. It includes faculty and staff representation and is chaired by Jeff Bethke, the university treasurer. The committee has begun its search, and we hope to fill the position by late summer or early fall. 

-- Senior Vice President for Advancement, Mary Finger, is preparing to replace the vice president for Development position vacated by David Lively in January. Mary expects to have a candidate in the role by the end of the calendar year. 

-- J.D. Bindenagel, our vice president for the Office of Community, Government and International Affairs, will be moving to a new role as special advisor in the Office of the President beginning July 1 for a one-year appointment. J.D. will advise me on a wide variety of important, global issues, especially as we strive to expand our students' global perspectives under our new 2018 Strategic Plan. He will maintain an office in the Driehaus College of Commerce. Peter Coffey, director of Government Affairs, will be promoted to associate vice president and will assume responsibility for the department. 

-- Cynthia Lawson joined the DePaul family on April 2 as vice president for the Office of Public Relations and Communications. Before Joining DePaul, Cindy served in similar senior-leadership positions at several institutions, including the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the University of North Carolina and Texas A & M University. 

Sincerely, Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. President 

Sent out by Mission and Values, via email, May 25, 2012

DES Luncheon, October 21, 2011

Nearly 60 attendees enjoyed a great day at DePaul on October 21.  We were feted to an Oktoberfest luncheon of beer and cheese soup, wienerschnitzel with spaetzels and red cabbage, followed by a piece of delicious cheese strudel.   At our places was an ever-so-cute box of chocolates.  To say the least, we were very well fed.  Thank you Alice Farrell!

From the DES Steering Committee:

• Jerry Goldman reported on the HR changes affecting retirees  for 2012  (More)
• Denny Shea gave an update on fund raising related to the DES Scholarship and introduced Fr. Udovic who told the attendees Mission and Values was offering up to $15,000 in a matching grant for the current year (More)
• Phil Kemp invited members to join the newly created "virtual" Special Events and Projects Committee.  He said the meetings all would be held online and would deal with recommendations regarding program speakers, special events, volunteer opportunities and projects similar to the Memorabilia Project
• Elaine Beaudoin explained the changes in the nominations' process for the DES Steering Committee (More); encouraged all to share their news for the DES Newsletter; and updated the attendees on the various Internet resources available to them, i.e., DES Website, DES Blog and DES Facebook page (More)
• Dick Meister provided background on the development of the art collection and art space at DePaul and introduced the day's speaker, Greg Harris, Assistant Curator of the Art Museum (More)

Some photos from the day --

St. Vincent Health Faire - Overwhelming Success

The October 11th and 12th St. Vincent DePaul Health Faire attracted over 1,400 participants during its two-day schedule.  Many retirees were in attendance. We hope you took advantage of the health services provided.

Gretchen Osbourne presented two sessions specifically for retirees addressing the changes starting January 1, 2012 in our health care benefits.  It was good to see "soon-to-be-retired" faculty and staff at the sessions too! The changes were outlined in a previous post which can be viewed by clicking here.

Of note, under the 2012 prescription plan change, your cost of mail-order prescriptions will be significantly reduced.  Additional clarification on using out-of-network providers for retirees 65 and over and for those under 65 years of age will be forthcoming.

Much thanks to Rosa Perez, Gretchen Osbourne and Diana Chin for their support of the DePaul Retirees.

Overview of Retiree Benefit Changes for 2012

Human Resources will be conducting two sessions on the upcoming retiree medical plan changes for 2012. 

• Wednesday, October 12, 9:30 - 10:00 a.m., LPC Student Center, Room 325
• Wednesday, October 12, 1:30 - 2:00 p.m., Loop DePaul Center, Concourse Level

The changes include:

§ Enhanced Mail-Order Prescription Drug Program. Effective January 1, 2012 the mail order prescriptions (90-day supply) will be based on the following co-pay structure:
Co-Pay/Generic Drug -- $20
Formulary Drug -- $50
Non-formulary Drug -- $80

§ Blue Cross Blue Shield to Out-of-network services. Starting January 1, 2012 BCBS is changing its reimbursement rates for services by Non-PPO/non-contract providers to match Medicare reimbursement rates. This may result in retirees being responsible for additional out-of-pocket expenses if they use out-of-network services.

§ Streamlined Billing and Collection of Retiree Medical Premium. The administrative function for billing and collection will be changing in 2012 to better serve retiree medical plan participants. Retirees will receive details and instructions for submitting payment in a separate mailing. We are asking retirees not to send their 2012 medical premium payment with the enrollment materials.

St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire, October 11 & 12

Look for information on the October 11th and 12th St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire in your mailbox in the next couple of days.  This is a wonderful opportunity to not only take advantage of wellness screening and get an overview of retiree benefit changes for 2012, but also to visit with colleagues and pick up a few tips regarding financial wellness and a market update.

You can click once on the images below and then a second time to enlarge to full screen size.

Hope to see you all at the Faire!

Health Faire Update

Update on the DePaul St. Vincent Health Faire, October 11 and 12.

Free flu shots will be available to all DES members regardless if you are in one of the DePaul Health Care plans or not.  For those DES members who are not covered by DePaul's health care, your spouse may also get a flu shot at the Health Faire, but will be charged $24.50.

For more information on the Health Faire click here.

Human Resources Announces Health Faire, 2011

From: DePaul University Human Resources
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 1:33 PM
Subject: Improving your health is a wise investment

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.”

What better way to invest in yourself than investing in your health and wellness? If you follow a game plan for better overall health, you’ll be more likely to win at wellness. The St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire is the perfect opportunity to jumpstart your commitment to your health and well-being! Taking simple steps to manage your mental and physical health, from following a healthy lifestyle to getting recommended preventive care services, can lead to a lifetime of benefits. Invest in your health—save the October 2011 date and create a game plan for a healthier you!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011
8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Loop, DePaul Center Concourse
1:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Lincoln Park, Student Center, Rooms 120 A and B

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Lincoln Park, Student Center, Rooms 120 A and B
1:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Loop, DePaul Center Concourse

This year's faire will feature free flu shots, wellness screenings and a host of other events, all geared to support your health and well-being. Keep an eye out for the detailed St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire brochure and for information about a new Health Wellness Incentives Program, which will launch in January 2013. The program will offer opportunities to manage your health and earn incentive dollars for participating in activities that promote your health and well-being.

St. Vincent’s Health Benefit Faire, 2011

NOTE: Corrected dates for 2011 Health Benefit Faire

Be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s St. Vincent's Health Benefit Faire on October 11 and 12.   The Faire will include many items of interest to retirees including:

• Free flu shots
• Wellness screenings – registration required 
• Free chair massages
• Free neck scans and chiropractic information
• Yoga sessions
• Posture analysis, toxicity screening and body composition analysis
• Healthy snacks from Kramer’s Health Foods
• Financial wellness presentations from Fidelity and TIAA-CREF
• Representatives from BC/BS and HMO Illinois and Dental
• DePaul Procurement Center featuring available DePaul discounts
• Giveaways and raffle prizes

Times and Places

Tuesday, October 11

• Loop Campus, DePaul Center Concourse, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Lincoln Park Campus, Student Center, Rooms 120 A&B, 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

Wednesday, October 12

• Lincoln Park Campus, Student Center, Rooms 120 A&B, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Loop Campus, DePaul Center Concourse, 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

When the new brochure for the Health Faire is available through Human Resources, a link to the flyer will be included.

Hope to see you all at the Faire – It can be important to your health and well being.

May 20 DES Activities Confirmed

Invitations will be going out shortly for the May 20, 2011 DES events. Please watch your email and/or snail mail (depending on how you requested to receive DES communications) for information regarding the activities of the day.

Jack Leahy and Harvette Grey have been working with the DuSable Museum of African American History to create a special tour just for DES Members. The flyer will outline transportation options, times and what the tour will cover. The tour will take place the morning of May 20 and arranged transportation will have attendees back at the Lincoln Park Campus in time for the Luncheon. “The DuSable Museum of African American History, the first and oldest institution of its kind in the country, has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent.” If you are not familiar with the Museum and its holdings, click on DuSable Museum for more information.

When you return to campus, refreshments will be available followed by DES updates and a wonderful lunch shared with many colleagues. During lunch, we will have the opportunity to meet our 2011 DES Scholarship recipient, Brad Helgeland. His scholarship has been made possible through your generous contributions. It is always special for the person receiving the gift and those who have made it possible to meet.

After lunch, Fr. John Richardson has agreed to speak to us about the memoires he is writing. His focus is the driving forces for DePaul’s development in the past 50 years. We know everyone who shares part of those 50 years will be most interested in his insights.

Wrapping up our Luncheon time, we are very pleased Rosa Perez, AVP Compensation and Benefits, will be there to provide some clarity on costs related to mail-order prescription drug expense under the BCBSIL plan coverage and how we can all minimize expenses in this area. Information that is very timely.

Mark May 20th on your calendar and watch for the invitation in your email/mailbox. Hope to see you all there.

Human Resource Office Moves

The Office of Human Resources announces their move effective Monday, March 21, 2011.  Their new address is:

Daley Building
14 East Jackson Boulevard
Suite 1300

The telephone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.  They invite the retirees to visit and see their new quarters.