UNC Asheville Benefits Roundup

Are you one of thousands who have decided to make changes for the new year? Remember, you have a wide variety of resources available to you as a UNC Asheville employee that may assist you in making positive changes in your life.

Despite the budget shortfall, the State Health Plan continues to offer a variety of programs that can help you achieve a healthier 2009. Per the State Health Plan website, smoking cessation programs are available to plan members in addition to preventive benefits like a covered annual routine physical and immunization plans. The health plan also offers a Personal Health Portal via the NC Health Smart link which includes a health assessment and personal action plan as well as health education programs and tools.

The State Health Plan continues to find ways to manage and cut cost. The focus on wellness continues to lead the plan according to a statement released by Jack Walker, Plan Administrator, "The start of the New Year provides an excellent opportunity for all of us to focus on making the small changes that lead to better health: Eating a balanced, nutritious diet, committing to an exercise program and making sure we make routine preventive care a priority."

Here on campus, the UNC Asheville Wellness Committee is also working to find ways to improve the health of all employees. In addition to offering nutrition counseling, biofeedback training, low cost personal training packages and free fitness assessments, the Wellness Committee brings outside groups on campus to encourage employees to think and act in a healthy manner. Way to Health and Weight Watchers are two of the programs offered on campus for weight management programs. In house, group exercise classes and free health and wellness benefits continue to be available for the physical fitness elements of wellness resolutions. Walking trail maps are also available for employees.

For a more well-rounded approach to 2009 Wellness Resolutions, employees may want to consider contacting the Employee Assistance Network (EAN.) EAN offers assistance in areas of personal life such as stress and tension, marriage and family issues and financial concerns, as well as substance abuse, gambling and sleep problems, in additions to other needs. This service is prepaid by UNC Asheville and there is no charge to employees and immediate family members residing in the home. This is a confidential service, and EAN does not disclose information back to UNC Asheville. For more information about EAN and their services, visit their website at www.eannc.com or via phone at 252-5725 or 800-454-1477.

*We're HR at YOUR Service!*			*January* 2009
UNC Asheville Employee Benefits ROUNDUP
		Spotlight ON: Wellness Resolutions Are you one of thousands who have decided to make changes for the new year? Remember, you have a wide variety of resources available to you as a UNC Asheville employee that may assist you in making positive changes in your life. Despite the budget shortfall, the State Health Plan continues to offer a variety of programs that can help you achieve a healthier 2009. Per the State Health Plan website, smoking cessation programs are available to plan members in addition to preventive benefits like a covered annual routine physical and immunization plans. The health plan also offers a Personal Health Portal via the NC Health Smart link which includes a health assessment and personal action plan as well as health education programs and tools. The State Health Plan continues to find ways to manage and cut cost. The focus on wellness continues to lead the plan according to a statement released by Jack Walker, Plan Administrator, "The start of the New Year provides an excellent opportunity for all of us to focus on making the small changes that lead to better health: Eating a balanced, nutritious diet, committing to an exercise program and making sure we make routine preventive care a priority." Here on campus, the UNC Asheville Wellness Committee is also working to find ways to improve the health of all employees. In addition to offering nutrition counseling, biofeedback training, low cost personal training packages and free fitness assessments, the Wellness Committee brings outside groups on campus to encourage employees to think and act in a healthy manner. Way to Health and Weight Watchers are two of the programs offered on campus for weight management programs. In house, group exercise classes and free health and wellness benefits continue to be available for the physical fitness elements of wellness resolutions. Walking trail maps are also available for employees. For a more well-rounded approach to 2009 Wellness Resolutions, employees may want to consider contacting the Employee Assistance Network (EAN.) EAN offers assistance in areas of personal life such as stress and tension, marriage and family issues and financial concerns, as well as substance abuse, gambling and sleep problems, in additions to other needs. This service is prepaid by UNC Asheville and there is no charge to employees and immediate family members residing in the home. This is a confidential service, and EAN does not disclose information back to UNC Asheville. For more information about EAN and their services, visit their website at www.eannc.com or via phone at 252-5725 or 800-454-1477. *Be on the Lookout!* *Information regarding an upcoming* *Benefits Fair* *Is coming SOON!*
	2009 Brings Supplemental Retirement Plan Changes As the first month of the new year rolls along, some anticipated changes in Supplemental Retirement Plans have come to fruition while others have been extended. All Supplemental Retirement programs are affected in some way and the changes were precipitated by a variety of factors including sweeping IRS regulation changes and vendor contracts ending. Adjustments include: 401k The opt-out date for the 401(k) program has been extended to give plan members more time to examine their choices and make a decision. The new deadline to opt out of the fund mapping has been moved from January 16^th to 4 p.m. on February 27^th. The transfer of assets will then occur around March 6th with all new contributions being invested in the new funds by March 9^th, 2009. The 401k program will continue to be administered by Prudential but will offer a new refreshed lineup of funds. Now that both the 457 program and 401k plan are administered by Prudential, however, the effect is lower administration costs and fees. Current participants with the 401k program will have their investments automatically mapped to the new funds unless the employee 'opts out'. Payroll deductions in 2009 will automatically be deposited into the new funds. To aid in the transition, a new website that contains all of the information on the transition and the new investment options will be established by January 20th and will be accessible from the Department of State Treasurer Web site at www.nctreasurer.com. For now, members can review fund fact sheets at www.NCplans.prudential.com. To learn more about the 401k program and the new fund lineup, visit www.ncplans.prudential.com or contact Amy Owenby at 250.2357 or via email, aowenby@unca.edu 403b The UNC system has narrowed its 403b vendor choices due to significant IRS regulations that took effect January 1st. As a result, TIAA-CREF and Fidelity will be the only two vendor choices for 403(b) participants. However, new and existing enrollees will find a wider variety of fund choices from the low maintenance 'Lifecycle' funds based on age and investment level to a more sophisticated option that has higher participant involvement. Post-tax Roth funds have also be added to the choices. More information about the 403b program including fund lineup and contact information from both vendors can be found at www.northcarolina.edu/403b or by contacting Amy Owenby at aowenby@unca.edu or via phone at 250.2357 457 The 'opt out' period for the 457 Deferred Compensation plan has also been extended. Previously serviced by Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, Prudential began administering the plan beginning in 2009. The switch means a new fund lineup and lower administration feea for 457 members. Current participants with the 457 program will have their investments automatically mapped from the Great West lineup to the Prudential funds unless the employee 'opts out'. The new deadline to opt out of the fund mapping has been moved from January 16^th to 4 p.m. on February 27^th. The transfer of assets will then occur around March 6th with all new contributions being invested in the new funds by March 9^th, 2009. Payroll deductions in 2009 will automatically be deposited into the new funds with Prudential. To learn more about the 457 program and the new fund lineup, visit www.ncplans.prudential.com or contact Amy Owenby at 250.2357 or via email, aowenby@unca.edu
	A Benefit Often Overlooked *So, what is an EAP?* An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program that provides confidential and professional assistance to help resolve problems that are affecting you and your family. For UNC Asheville employees, this service is provided by Employee Assistance Network (EAN) which boasts of over 25 years in the field, 15 clinical staff members and 300 affiliate providers. This service is available for full-time, part-time and temporary employees who are not students. For all employees, this means counseling for employees, staff and dependent family members in such problem areas as marriage, family, children, psychological, substance abuse and even financial issues. For supervisors and managers, the Employee Assistance Network will provide unlimited consultation regarding troubled employees, training programs to specifically address poor performance, a monthly newsletter, close feedback and follow-up regarding employer referrals and assistance with all forms of behavioral risk. Because your work life affects your family life, and your family life affects your work life, striking the delicate balance between these two critical life areas can be a stressful challenge on a good day. For this reason, your EAP is also available 24/7 online. EAP services are available on-line by creating a login on www.eannc.com From the homepage, simply choose 'EAN login' and then sign up on the 'New Members Register Here' area. When prompted, your company is 'UNCA'. Of course, services can be accessed via telephone at 252.5725 These services are completely confidential and only statistical reports without identifying information are provided to Human Resources . To learn more about your FREE services as a UNC Asheville employee at the Employee Assistance Networks website or call 828.252.5725