The contribution limits for the voluntary 403(b) and/or 457(b) plans have increased from $19,500 to $20,500 in 2022; and the catch-up contribution limit for age 50 and over who participate in these plans remains unchanged at $6,500.
This means if you are under age 50 in 2022, the maximum amount you may contribute into your voluntary retirement plan is $20,500. If you are age 50 or above, the maximum amount you may contribute is $27,000 ($20,500 plus $6,500 catch-up). Employees interested in adjusting their retirement contribution amount, or those wanting to begin participation, should contact the Director of Benefits, Ms. Kristen Bjorne, at kportale@nmu.edu and request a Salary Reduction Agreement.
Shopping. Parties. Family Stress. Why wait for the new year to start making healthier lifestyle changes? Start now with Hello Heart and give your heart a gift. Hello Heart is an easy, fun, and engaging way to lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol. See the flyer for more details including eligibility.
The Human Resources Department will hold its annual enrollment period beginning Monday, November 8th through Monday, November 15th. This is your opportunity to enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts for next year. In addition if you, your spouse, or children are not currently enrolled in the medical, dental, and vision plans this is your chance to do so. The benefit coverage effective date is January 1, 2022. Watch your e-mail on Monday, November 8th for specific details. Questions may be directed to Ms. Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at x1030 or e-mail kportale@nmu.edu.
The Human Resources Department will hold its annual enrollment period beginning Monday, November 7th through Monday, November 14th. This is your opportunity to enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts for next year. In addition if you, your spouse, or children are not currently enrolled in the medical, dental or vision plans this is your chance to do so. The benefits effective date is January 1, 2023. Employees are encouraged to check their e-mail on Monday, November 7th for specific details. Questions may be directed to Ms. Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at x1030 or e-mail kportale@nmu.edu or Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits & Onboarding Specialist, at x2470 or email khongisto@nmu.edu
Family status changes including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a spouse/child, marriage of a dependent child, etc., must be reported to the Human Resources Department no later than 30 days after the event. Proper notification ensures accurate enrollment in benefit plans for new spouse/baby; prompt removal of those you no longer wish to cover; and correct withholding from your paycheck for the associated plan type (e.g., Single, Two, Family). Contact Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits Assistant, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470 with questions.
Have you or will you experience a family status change this year? Family status changes including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a spouse/child, marriage of a dependent child, etc., must be reported to the Human Resources Department no later than 30 days after the event. Proper notification ensures accurate enrollment in the various benefits plans (medical, dental, etc.) for new spouse or baby; prompt removal of those you no longer wish to cover; and correct deduction from your paycheck for the associated plan type (single, two, family). Any family changes you experience makes it a good time to review your beneficiaries and bring them up to date for life insurance, retirement plan, and final paycheck. For assistance, please contact Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits/Onboarding Specialist, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470.
Family status changes including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a spouse/child, marriage of a dependent child, etc., must be reported to the Human Resources Department no later than 30 days after the event. Proper notification ensures accurate enrollment in benefit plans for new spouse/baby; prompt removal of those you no longer wish to cover; and correct withholding from your paycheck for the associated plan type (e.g., Single, Two, Family). Contact Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits/Onboarding Specialist, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470.
These awards are a wonderful way to recognize individual and team accomplishments. Please take a few moments to reflect on the excellent work provided by an individual and/or team and consider nominating them for their outstanding contributions. Please feel free to contact Renee Sheen with any questions at x2331.
Save the date! The 2022 Employee Benefits Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Northern Center Ballrooms III and IV. One hour of released-time will be granted for employees attending the Fair. Enter your chance to win a prize drawing by dropping off any non-perishable food items for the NMU Food Pantry.
The Benefits Fair gives faculty and staff the opportunity to learn more about their TIAA retirement plan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical and dental plans, NorthStar employee assistance program (EAP), and more! In addition, Hello Heart, The Hartford, AFLAC, MEEMIC, and Marketplace Insurance Plan representatives will be present. The Fair is also your chance to get your flu shot from the nursing staff at the NMU Health Center. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at kportale@nmu.edu or phone 1030.
Congratulations to all of our November award recipients.
This month we recognized National Stress Awareness Day on November 2. We hope everyone was able to reflect on life's stressors and spend some time focusing on you and your wellness. Five award winners were randomly chosen and selected a $25 gift card to the sport shop of their choice. Congratulations to Nikki Loehr, Keith O'Brien, Dianne Stone, Matt Van Grinsven, and Joe VanLinden.
November also recognized dedication and peer appreciation through the NMU STAR Award program. STAR awards are Small, Thoughtful Acts of Recognition that are presented between colleagues. Thank you to all who received these awards this month:
Rebecca Schneiderhan
Eric Johnson
Lori Rintala
Janece Hanycz
Kate Hooper
Laura Ingalls
Lisa Sarvello
Tracy VanAbel
Andy Hill
A full list of past recipients and more information about the STAR program can be found at nmu.edu/hr/northernstar.
