Category: Benefits News


Open Enrollment begins Tuesday, Oct. 15

It’s decision time! Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to make certain benefits changes, including enrolling in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) for the upcoming tax year. Open Enrollment begins Tues., Oct. 15 and will end Thurs., Oct. 31, 2024. You only have 17-days to make decisions, and changes will…


Important Next Steps for Your Voluntary Retirement Plan Transition

The University of Alabama System recently announced enhancements to the 403(b) and 457(b) voluntary retirement plans through TIAA to help employees plan and save for the future. A detailed Transition Guide with important information about this transition was mailed in early March 2024 to all participants who have funds in The University of Alabama System…


Enhancements to Voluntary Retirement Plans

The University of Alabama System is pleased to announce enhancements to the 403(b) and 457(b) voluntary retirement plans through TIAA to help employees plan and save for the future. The changes do not require you to take any action at this time, and a detailed Transition Guide with additional information will be mailed in early…


New Employee Assistance Program Provider

The University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider transitions to GuidanceResources by ComPsych beginning Jan. 1, 2024. The GuidanceResources platform features an enhanced provider network because ComPsych is the world’s largest provider of mental health services. Your EAP will continue to offer free and confidential counseling sessions, plus complimentary legal, financial and work-life guidance, whenever and…


New Student Debt Solution from Savi

Are you still paying for student loan debt? Introducing a new debt solution for employees of The University of Alabama: The path to reducing your monthly student loan payment and working toward loan forgiveness could be getting much easier. That’s because you and your family members have access to a robust solution that helps you…


Healthcare Premium Deduction Changes

Medical, dental and vision premiums are currently collected one-month-in-advance. For example, premiums collected for medical insurance on your November check(s) pays for coverage in December. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, premiums will be collected in the current month for January coverage and continue for all subsequent months with the following impact: All benefit-eligible employees who paid medical, dental or…


Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement

In October 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association reached a $2.67 billion settlement in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. If you were covered by any Blue Cross self-funded plan, including the University’s self-funded health plan, between Sept. 1, 2015 through Oct. 16, 2020 you may be eligible for a settlement payment. Additional information, including frequently asked…


TIAA Financial Wellness Webinars May 11-13

TIAA is offering several one-hour live webinars from May 11-13 addressing a wide array of financial issues including information on responsible investing, 529 college savings plans, creating a paycheck for life, mid-career financial checkups and more. Click here for more information and how to enroll for the seminars.


Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Increasing

There has been a recent surge in fraudulent unemployment claims across the United States, including Alabama. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website to learn about signs you may be a victim and how to report unemployment identity theft.


TIAA Financial Consultants Available

For help enrolling or choosing investments in your retirement plan, consolidating previous employer retirement plans or IRAs, or conducting a holistic retirement planning consultation, schedule an appointment at TIAA.org/schedulenow, or email a TIAA financial consultant: Jared Gilbert, Jared.Gilbert@tiaa.org or Brad Propst, rpropst@tiaa.org. For immediate assistance for questions about your account, transactions or the TIAA.org website, call the National Contact Center at 800-842-2252, weekdays, 8 a.m.…