Pitt Benefits
2011 Weight Race
We wish everyone an enjoyable winter recess. During this time, our exposure to and consumption of food seems to peak. Then as we approach the New Year, it is time to make those resolutions. Statistically, losing weight often tops the list of resolutions. To help you in this effort, for the past three years the Benefits Department, in cooperation with UPMC Health Plan, has conducted the weight race programs. Each year has brought changes in the program based on the feedback we have received. The 2011 Weight Race also will bring a few changes.
The changes include the following:
The University will offer a reduced fee for participation in one of two weight-loss programs in conjunction with the 2011 Weight Race. The two programs are:
• UPMC Health Plan’s Weigh to Wellness and
• Weight Watchers.
These programs may offer what you need to jump start your weight-loss efforts and, more importantly, help you maintain that hard-earned weight loss well into the future.
The Weight Race itself is free to faculty and staff but there is a charge for the two programs. The cost of Weight Watchers is $144 for 12 sessions. UPMC Health Plan’s Weigh to Wellness is $125 for nine sessions.
Participants who attend 80% of Weight Watchers or UPMC Weigh to Wellness sessions will be reimbursed $65 for their efforts.
Weigh to Wellness
The UPMC MyHealth Weigh to Wellness program provides opportunities for participants to become more familiar with their current eating and activity habits and allows them to set individual goals that are realistic for them! The program is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it offers nine group-based discussions about food, activity and behavior change. Groups are facilitated by a trained coach, but each member of the group makes a contribution and creates his/her own unique lifestyle strategy. Each participant will receive a tool kit that includes: a workbook; weekly food and activity diaries; weekly goal setting forms; pocket-sized Calorie King calorie counter; a pedometer, and measuring cups.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is dedicated to inspiring and helping people adopt a healthier way to live, especially with the new PointsPlus program that incorporates the best and the latest in nutritional science and research. Weight Watchers offers 12 at-work meetings, the flexibility of meetings in local communities and, for a discounted rate, a kit with free informational e-tools that give you resources to follow the plan step by step at home.
Winter Recess Schedule
The Office of Human Resources will continue operations during the winter recess between the hours of 9 am to 2 pm on Tuesday, December 28, through Friday, December 31. The main reception area on the first floor of Craig Hall will be open, as will the Benefits Department Customer Service area on the second floor.
UPMC Health Plan Member Services will operate on the following schedule:
Christmas Eve, December 24 8 am-1 pm
Christmas Day, December 25 Closed
New Year’s Eve, December 31 8 am–4 pm
New Year’s Day, January 1 9 am – 1 pm
On all other days, Member Services will maintain its normal schedule:
Monday – Friday 8 am–8 pm
Saturday 8 am– 3 pm
Sunday Closed
Flexible Spending Account Deadline
As mentioned previously in this newsletter, as well as in correspondence sent to each participant’s home, the deadline for filing spending account claims for the plan year that began July 1, 2009 and ended June 30, 2010 (Plan Year 2010) is December 31, 2010.
File your claims now to avoid losing of any funds remaining in your account! The Benefits Department, in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, will not grant extensions for any Plan Year 2010 Health Care and/or Dependent Care claims submitted after December 31, 2010.
Financial Planning
The University, through TIAA-CREF and Vanguard, offers comprehensive financial planning services to its participants. The best part is that these sessions are offered to you at no cost. One-on-one counseling sessions provide the opportunity to review your current financial investments and performance. Additionally, financial counselors will help determine if your investment strategy is on course to meet your retirement objectives. Listed below is the contact information for both TIAA-CREF and Vanguard. Year-end statements should be arriving in early January. Take the time to read these documents carefully and consider signing up for a one-on-one counseling session.
TIAA-CREF
General Web Site: www.tiaa-cref.org/pitt
Telephone Counseling: 800–842–2776
Personal Appointments: 412–803–3563
Appointment Web Site: www.tiaa-cref.org/moc
Vanguard
General Web Site: www.vanguard.com
Telephone Counseling: 800–523–1188
Personal Appointments: 800–662–0106 x14500
Appointment Web Site: www.meetvanguard.com
Important Vendor Contact Information
Benefits Department
Office hours: 8 am-5 pm EST
200B Craig Hall
412-624-8160 (Main Line) • 412-624-3485 (Fax)
www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits
Please visit our web site for FAQs, downloadable forms and other benefits information.
Medical
UPMC Health Plan
1-888-499-6885 • www.upmchealthplan.com
Dental
United Concordia
1-877-215-3616 • www.ucci.com
Vision
Davis Vision
1-800-999-5431 • www.davisvision.com
Retirement/Savings
TIAA-CREF
1-800-842-2776 • www.tiaa-cref.org
Vanguard
1-800-523-1188 • www.vanguard.com
Flexible Spending Accounts
UPMC
1-888-499-6885
LifeSolutions
1-866-647-3432
www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits/lifesolutions.htm
Payroll
412-624-8070
www.bc.pitt.edu/payroll/index.html
Faculty Records
412-624-4232
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