Human Resources News
National Employee Wellness Month Events
May 21, 2013: Throughout June, Ohio State will celebrate National Employee Wellness Month. Your Plan for Health will offer free on-campus fitness classes, webinars on healthy cooking and mindfulness, wellness walks, biometric health screenings, and much more! Activities include:
- Boot Camp with your Dog
- Cooking Webinars
- Mindful Mondays
- Fitness Breaks
- Healthy Buckeye Video Contest
- Stair Climbing at St. John Arena
- Super Screening & Complete Your PHA Day
- Wellness Walks with Health Coaches
All faculty and staff are encouraged to participate. See a full list of events taking place in June, and check back regularly for new additions. For more information, visit: http://go.osu.edu/WellnessMonth.
2014 Health Plans: Wellness partnership vital to coming benefits changes
May 16, 2013: Ohio State’s challenge is not an easy one: How does it balance its desire to offer high-quality health benefits to faculty and staff while costs continue to rise at an unsustainable rate? The solution, which the university hopes will lead to a healthier populace and eventually keep costs in check, will mean changes to the current benefit plan and partnering with employees to make well-being part of the culture.
Read about key components of the university-faculty/staff partnership and upcoming changes to the 2014 health plans, outlined in the onCampus article, at oncampus.osu.edu/2014-health-plans-wellness-partnership-vital-to-coming-benefits-changes/
OPERS: Learn about Pension and Health Care Changes
May 15, 2013: Learn about pension and health care changes. They will impact your member benefits differently based upon how close you are to retirement eligibility. You will learn useful tips and information from experienced OPERS Educators to help you plan for your retirement by attending an OPERS in-person seminar or a live webinar.
Are you eligible to retire within the next five years? Click on the link below.
Click here to register for the “Ready to Retire” in-person seminar or webinar
Are you more than five years away from retirement eligibility? Click on the link below.
You can visit Deferred Compensation and health care providers at our in-person seminars.
Reminder: Apply for Dependent Tuition Assistance each term
May 13, 2013: Applications for Dependent Tuition Assistance (DTA) must be submitted for each term for each dependent. This captures the current tax status of each dependent, and eliminates the need for a separate tax affidavit mailing between you and the university.
Faculty and staff can apply online using Employee Self Service; the deadline to apply online for the Summer 2013 term is June 7. The Autumn term application window is June 24 – August 23. To apply online, log on to Employee Self Service via hr.osu.edu or OneSource, click on eBenefits, then click on Dependent Tuition Assistance. Paper DTA applications are available for those needing them, and all applications submitted outside of the online enrollment window.
For questions, view this Dependent Tuition Assistance information, or contact Customer Service at 292-1050 or service@hr.osu.edu.
Maintaining your benefits while you are on leave
May 7, 2013: Beginning in June, faculty and staff will be billed for missed benefits contributions. Employees who are on an unpaid leave of absence (LOA) will be invoiced for unpaid employee contributions toward benefits, regardless of length of service with the university. In addition, employees who don't earn enough net pay to cover full benefits contributions will receive an invoice for unpaid contributions.
Additionally, the university will begin to take partial deductions and collect premiums for benefits coverage as funds are available. Benefits deductions are prioritized and an invoice will be sent for the remaining deductions.
The process
Starting June 1, at the beginning of each month, individuals who missed a benefit contribution will receive an invoice for unpaid contributions for the previous month (May). A reminder will be sent the middle of the month; additionally, HR staff will receive a list of affected faculty and staff in their area so they can assist with reminders. Payment is due by the end of the month in which the invoice is received. More information about the process and options for those who are on a LOA are available in the Continuation of Benefits While on Leave.
It’s important everyone understand the process; if payment isn’t received by the end of the month in which invoice was received, coverage will be canceled. Due to IRS guidelines, we can reinstate coverage for those on an approved LOA once the individual returns to work; however, we cannot reinstate coverage for those with not enough net pay until the next annual open enrollment – they may be eligible to enroll in coverage if they experience a qualifying status change.
You should be aware of the process, and watch for an invoice if you take an unpaid LOA, or may not have enough net pay to cover your benefits contributions. If you have questions, please contact Customer Service as (614) 292-1050 or service@hr.osu.edu.
Ohio State named the city’s best large employer
May 6, 2013: Three-peat, hat trick, Triple Crown – there are many terms for winning or scoring three times in a row, but not many people can boast that accomplishment. Once again, Ohio State can! We were named the best large employer by the readers of (614) Magazine in the publication’s annual ColumBEST awards. Winners will be recognized May 16 at the ColumBEST party.
Thanks to everyone who showed their Buckeye pride and voted!
New Express Scripts website improves service
April 10, 2013: April 1, Express Scripts (the university’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager) upgraded its website to better serve you. Enhancements include:
- New self-service capabilities: New tools will help you better understand your benefit, shop for lower-cost medications, and determine the lowest-cost channel to obtain medications.
- Enhanced privacy: The cardholder will only see his/her prescription history, and the history for any dependent under the age of 18. You can allow other adults in the household to view your information, place orders on your behalf, and more by enabling the “household view” option. Please note: All adults will need to register separately, and have the option to grant household view permission to all other adult household members for the entire family to view each other’s information.
- Worry-free Fills®: This feature, which you may know as home delivery automatic refills, includes a new auto-renewal function. Any previously enrolled prescription that is still eligible for Auto Refills will seamlessly transfer to the Worry-free Fills program.
To check out these tools, visit www.Express-Scripts.com . Log in as a returning user, or complete the one-time registration if you are new to the site. You will need your member ID (found on the front of your medical/Rx card) and a recent prescription number. If you need assistance, contact Express Scripts Members Services at 866-727-5867.
More information, including a registration guide, is available online.
2012 W-2s available online
April 10, 2013: Faculty, staff, and student employees who consented for online delivery of their 2012 W-2 can access them by logging on to www.W2express.com. Please enter 10380 under “Employer Name or Code.” Ohio State W-2s for 2009-2012 are available for those employed by the university during that period. W-2s for those who did not consent for online delivery will be mailed January 30, 2013
University hours for Summer 2013 begin May 6
April 4, 2013:University summer hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. will be implemented Monday, May 6. Regular hours of 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. will resume on Monday, August 19. Offices that remain open later hours to serve students or the public should stay open on an as needed basis. Offices should communicate extended hours and any schedule changes to their customers.
Reminder: Apply for Dependent Tuition Assistance each term
March 27, 2013: As announced last summer, applications for Dependent Tuition Assistance (DTA) must be submitted for each term for each dependent. This captures the current tax status of each dependent, and eliminates the need for a separate tax affidavit mailing between you and the university.
Faculty and staff can apply online using Employee Self Service; the deadline to apply online for the Summer 2013 term is June 7. The Autumn term application window is June 24 – August 23. To apply online, log on to Employee Self Service via hr.osu.edu or OneSource, click on eBenefits, then click on Dependent Tuition Assistance. Paper DTA applications are available for those needing them, and all applications submitted outside of the online enrollment window.
For questions, view this Dependent Tuition Assistance information, or contact Customer Service at 292-1050 or service@hr.osu.edu.
2012 FSA Plan Year Reimbursement Deadline
March 27, 2013: Faculty and staff who participated in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) program for the 2012 plan year (January 1 – December 31, 2012) are reminded that the deadline for submitting reimbursement requests for eligible expenses incurred between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013, is March 31. Forms may be sent via US mail, postmarked by March 31, or dropped off by 5 p.m. at Suite 300, 1590 North High Street. Requests received after March 31 will not be processed and any remaining balance will be forfeited per IRS guidelines.
To verify your current account balance, sign-in at FSA Online. Click here for FSA reimbursement request forms.
(614) Magazine’s ColumBEST awards: Can we make it a three-peat?
March 14, 2013: In 2011 and 2012, Ohio State was named the city’s best large employer by the readers of (614) Magazine. Once again, we’ve been nominated in this annual program that identifies what that makes Columbus great. Show your Buckeye Pride and vote for Ohio State online: Click on the Places category and scroll to the bottom. One lucky person will win $3,000 in groceries just for voting. Hurry – voting ends March 31.
More information, visit http://614columbus.com/home/.
2012 FSA Plan Year Incurred Expense Deadline
March 8, 2013: Faculty and staff who participated in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) program for the 2012 plan year (January 1 – December 31, 2012) are reminded that eligible expenses have to be incurred between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013. The deadline for submitting reimbursement requests is March 31. Forms may be sent via US mail, postmarked by March 31, or dropped off by 5 p.m. at Suite 300, 1590 North High Street. Requests received after March 31 will not be processed and any remaining balance will be forfeited per IRS guidelines. To verify your current account balance, sign-in at FSA Online. Click here for FSA reimbursement request forms.
Attend a YP4H Website Road Show
February 26, 2013: Are you ready for the new Your Plan for Health (YP4H) online experience?
Join representatives from YP4H as they unveil the new YP4H website to Ohio State faculty and staff. You will learn how easy yp4h.osu.edu is to access and use, and how to take advantage of the website's new offerings. From competing with friends in healthy challenges to earning rewards for tracking your progress, the new YP4H website is sure to provide you a unique, interactive, and personalized experience.
Through March and April, YP4H representatives will be demonstrating yp4h.osu.edu across Ohio State during the YP4H Road Show. Click here for a full schedule and instructions on how to register.
If you have any questions, please contact the YP4H team at yp4h@hr.osu.edu or 292-1050.
Check out the new YP4H website!
February 25, 2013: Getting healthier just got easier and more fun!
The new Your Plan for Health (YP4H) website – yp4h.osu.edu – is easy to use, helps you set personalized goals, makes it easier to share information with your healthcare providers, and adds a fun factor! From competing with friends in healthy challenges to earning rewards for tracking your progress through the new incentive program, yp4h.osu.edu will provide you a unique, interactive, and personalized experience.
Did you miss taking the Personalized Health & Well-Being Assessment (PHA) by the September 30, 2012 deadline? Don’t worry! When faculty and staff complete the new Personalized Health & Well-Being Assessment, they will start receiving the PHA Premium Credit in their pay about 30 days after completion.
Would you like a live demonstration of the new website and everything it offers? Through March and April, YP4H representatives will be demonstrating yp4h.osu.edu across Ohio State during the YP4H Road Show. Click here for a schedule. Or, contact YP4H to schedule a presentation for your College/Unit at yp4h@hr.osu.edu.
If you have any questions, please contact the YP4H team at yp4h@hr.osu.edu or 292-1050.
2012 W-2s available online
January 30, 2013: Faculty, staff, and student employees who consented for online delivery of their 2012 W-2 can access them by logging on to www.W2express.com. Ohio State W-2s for 2009-2012 are available for those employed by the university during that period. W-2s for those who did not consent for online delivery will be mailed January 30, 2013.
Sign up to receive your 2012 W-2 electronically prior to January 15
January 9, 2013: Electronic W-2s will be available on or around January 18. Faculty and staff can sign up for online delivery of their 2012 W-2 via the W-2 portal. The Ohio State Employer Code is 10380, and our dedicated phone line is (800) 827-9430. Faculty and staff who enroll prior to January 15 will receive their 2012 W-2 electronically.
For those who do not sign up to obtain their W-2 electronically, it will be mailed January 31; please note that all address changes must be entered on Employee Self Service by January 14.
If you have questions, contact the Tax Office at 292-2311 or taxoffice@osu.edu.
Reminder: Apply for Dependent Tuition Assistance each term
January 3, 2013 – As announced last summer, applications for Dependent Tuition Assistance (DTA) must be submitted for each term for each dependent. This captures the current tax status of each dependent, and eliminates the need for a separate tax affidavit mailing between you and the university.
Faculty and staff can apply online using Employee Self Service; the deadline to apply online for the Spring 2013 term is January 11. To apply online, log on to Employee Self Service via hr.osu.edu or OneSource, click on eBenefits, then click on Dependent Tuition Assistance. Paper DTA applications are available for those needing them, and all applications submitted outside of the online enrollment window.
For questions, view this Dependent Tuition Assistance information, or contact Customer Service at 292-1050 or service@hr.osu.edu.
Long-term Disability claims filing made easier
December 17, 2012: Beginning January 1, 2013, benefits-eligible faculty and staff can file a claim for Long-Term Disability (LTD) over the telephone, speeding up the process and improving service.
If your physician has certified that you need to be off work for more than 90 calendar days due to an illness or injury, you can file your LTD claim by calling UNUM, the university's disability insurance carrier, at 1-866-245-3013. UNUM will document the required information, and send you medical authorization forms for your signature, and the physician form for your doctor(s) to complete. These forms can be faxed back to UNUM.
The process to file a claim for Short-Term Disability (STD) remains the same, and you should contact UNUM directly if your physician certifies that you need to be off work for more than 30 calendar days. If your disability extends beyond 90 calendar days, UNUM will transfer your claim from STD to LTD.
More information will be sent to benefits-eligible faculty and staff in the near future. Read more about the STD and LTD benefits, and claims filing process.
Workers' Comp self-insurance changes claims filing process
December 13, 2012: January 1, 2013, The Ohio State University will shift from a state funded to a self-insured workers' compensation program. This will allow Ohio State to achieve greater control over claims management, as well as medical and indemnity costs, thus realizing greater overall savings. As importantly, this will speed up the process for faculty and staff, while ensuring the same high level of service. We will be communicating this change to all faculty, staff, and student employees.
For all injuries that occur on or after January 1, 2013, there will be a new claims filing process including new workers' compensation policy numbers. Read more
Proposal to take Ohio State Tobacco Free
As a part of our commitment to the health and well-being of faculty, staff, students and visitors, Ohio State is considering becoming a 100 percent Tobacco Free University, with the goals of reducing tobacco use, reducing health risks for non-smokers, protecting the campus environment, and becoming the world's healthiest university.
To consider this proposal and determine the next steps (if any), we ask for your input at a community forum. Two forums are scheduled: Monday, October 15, 9 a.m. and Thursday, October 18, 2:30 p.m. in 090 Science & Engineering Library. You can also share feedback via e-mail to TobaccoFree@hr.osu.edu.
Read more about the proposal.
Employee Self Service: ePay launched October 18
October 5, 2012: ePay, the next enhancement to Employee Self Service (ESS), launched October 18. ePay allows you to update tax information (form W-4), manage direct deposit information, and view and print paystubs online. ESS makes it easier for you to manage your personal information; ESS uses your lastname.# or Medical Center ID, eliminating the separate password to access your payroll information.
To access ePay log on to ESS via hr.osu.edu or OneSource, click on the icon for the activity you want to complete, and follow the prompts.
Nepotism, Conflict/Outside Work policies updated; verify you have appropriate documentation on file
October 3, 2012 - The Nepotism Policy and Conflict of Interest and Work Outside the University Policy were revised significantly, effective July 1. Because of the changes, you may now find you need to take additional steps to ensure you're in alignment with the updated policies.
Nepotism Policy: This policy states that all current faculty, staff, graduate associates, and student employees are required to self-disclose if they are in a situation of nepotism (e.g., if they report to, supervise, or influence the employment decisions for a family member and do not have an alternative agreement approved by the Office of Human Resources on file). The definition of family member has been expanded to include first cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, and corresponding step-relatives. The full definition of family member is available online.
If this change creates a conflict for you, you will need to contact your supervisor and your college/VP human resource professional or your Medical Center Employee Relations consultant to report this conflict by December 7, 2012. Your college/VP unit office/department will work with you to develop an Alternative Arrangement Agreement, or make alternative arrangements.
Conflict of Interest and Work Outside the University Policy: This policy states staff must disclose if they are currently engaged in external work that has not been approved in writing by their supervisor or unit. This disclosure must be made in writing by December 7, 2012, to your supervisor and your college/VP human resource professional or your Medical Center Employee Relations consultant. All staff are required to seek approval for any external work using the Staff External Work Approval Request form.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your college/VP Senior Human Resource Professional or your assigned employee and labor relations consultant.
Open Enrollment is October 22-November 2
October 1, 2012 - Open Enrollment for the 2013 plan year begins on October 22, 2012, and ends on November 2, 2012. All changes go into effect January 1, 2013.
Learn more at an Open Enrollment Forum. At the forum, you will hear a high-level overview of the benefit programs and plan features, including 2013 changes and the new premium rates. View the complete schedule and register online.
For more information about Open Enrollment, visit hr.osu.edu/oe; check back often, as the site will be updated regularly. Watch your mailbox at home the week of October 15 for more information.
Exciting new feature to 2013 Medical Plans
September 25, 2012 - A new feature for 2013 Medical Plans is $0 member out-of-pocket cost to see your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Read more about this feature, including what providers and fees are covered.
Ohio Pension Reform Information
September 25, 2012 - September 12, the Ohio legislature approved the pension reform proposals put forth by the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Visit the Ohio Pension Reform Information page for links to access more information about the changes, and a list of forums and presentations about pension reform and retirement.
With 45,000 members across the state who are eligible to retire, OPERS is experiencing a high volume of requests. OPERS offered several suggestions for staff who are planning to retire in the next several months. Visit the page to learn more.
Study recommends adoption of pension reform proposals
July 16, 2012 - The Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC) received an independent, actuarial review of the five, public systems' pension reform proposals, including State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). The report recommended the quick adoption of all plans. It also indicated future adjustments may be needed to the STRS proposal due to lower-than-expected investment returns over the last 12 months. It is unclear what, if any, adjustments will be considered. The Ohio Senate approved the proposals in May. The Ohio House of Representatives has scheduled an initial hearing on July 18. Faculty and staff are encouraged to stay up to date on this important legislative process.
-- > Contact: STRS 1-888-227-7877; OPERS, 1-800-222-PERS (7377)
Lung Cancer Screening Clinic at The James
July 6, 2012 - Although incidence rates for lung cancer are declining, it continues to be the largest cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the U.S. The James is now providing lung cancer screenings to those at high risk of developing lung cancer, including current smokers with a significant smoking history and ex-smokers that have quit within the past 15 years. For more information, call The James Line at 293-5066.
Watch a Replay of the May 31 Town Hall: Health, Wellness, and You
June 1, 2012 - USAC and Faculty Council hosted a town hall about the university's integrated approach to health and wellness. President Gee introduced Dean Bernadette Melnyk, our new Chief Wellness Officer, who talked about an environment that enables us to become the healthiest university on the globe. Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Kathleen McCutcheon shared initial information about the health plan benefits design for 2013, including the news that all visits to a Primary Care Physician will have no member out-of-pocket costs in 2013.
Also, Your Plan for Health Personal Health Assessments (PHAs) are due by September 30 this year. Register here for a convenient, on-campus biometric health screening.
View an online replay of the event.
Apply for Dependent Tuition Assistance online with Employee Self Service
June 1, 2012 - Employee Self Service (ESS) launched April 30, offering a single, secure source for faculty and staff to manage personal information.
Faculty and staff can use ESS to enroll in Dependent Tuition Assistance (DTA). The deadline to apply for DTA for the Autumn 2012 term using eBenefits is August 24. Log on to Employee Self Service via hr.osu.edu or OneSource, click on eBenefits, then click on Dependent Tuition Assistance. Paper DTA applications are available for those needing them, and all applications submitted outside of the online enrollment window. Please note: Beginning with the Autumn semester, applications must be submitted for each term for each dependent. This captures the current tax status of each dependent, and eliminates the need for a separate tax affidavit mailing between you and the university.
Pension Plan Proposed Changes
All of Ohio's public pension systems have been asked by the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC) to look at a number of options that could help contain costs and strengthen their funds in light of the recent economic challenges. More information on the proposed OPERS and STRS changes can be found on their respective websites.
