University Times

Pitt Benefits

Flu Shot Clinics on Campus

Preparations have been made to conduct flu shot clinics throughout the University. The schedule is included in this newsletter. It may also be found online at www.hr.pitt.edu. A bad case of flu can leave you with symptoms of fever, congestion, fatigue and body aches. And, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year as a result of flu complications; 3,000 – 49,000 deaths are linked to the flu annually.

Vaccine experts recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people. It also encourages that flu shots be administered to anyone with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, health care workers, anyone who has daily household contact with people in those risk groups, and household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months old.

CDC recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity typically is at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic. Talk to your doctor to confirm if the flu shot is right for you. In addition, make sure those around you are immunized against flu so this viral infection does not become a “family affair” in your home.

At all the flu clinics, Pitt faculty and staff with UPMC Health Plan coverage can receive a flu shot at no out-of-pocket cost; however, they must show their valid University and UPMC Health Plan ID cards. The claim for the flu shot will be forwarded directly to the insurance carrier by flu clinic administrators. UPMC Health Plan members also may obtain a flu shot from a participating provider at no out-of-pocket cost. If plan members go to a clinic or pharmacy that is not participating with UPMC Health Plan, they will need to pay for the flu shot at the time of service and file a claim for reimbursement.

flu shot

Financial Planningand Counseling in Turbulent Economic Times

Have you checked the stock market lately? It is up one day and down the next. The market has been on a roller coaster ride recently with no end in sight. Many choose to ride out the ups and downs of the market. Generally this is a good practice, but it also is a good idea to obtain a better understanding of your savings portfolio and determine if any mid-course adjustments need to be made. The good news is that you do not have to take on this activity by yourself. Both TIAA-CREF and Vanguard have experts on campus to guide you.

Joseph Grunwald, CFP, senior consultant, in the field consulting group for the Pittsburgh office of TIAA-CREF, is responsible for helping faculty and staff members make smart choices with their retirement plan assets, a role he has played since joining TIAA-CREF in 1999. Joe is a native of Pittsburgh and a 12-year veteran of the financial services industry. He has been a registered representative with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) since 1999, and earned his certified financial planner certification in February 2003. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

Charles Rice and Dan Tatomir also are consultants in the field consulting group for the Pittsburgh office of TIAA-CREF.

Chuck has been in his role with TIAA-CREF since July 2007. He is a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry. Chuck has been a registered representative with FINRA since 2005, and earned his certified employee benefits specialist license in 2000. He graduated from Robert Morris College with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in business management.

Dan has occupied his position at TIAA-CREF since February 2010. He is a 12-year veteran of the financial services industry. He is fully licensed in the State of Pennsylvania for both securities and life insurance, and has been a registered representative with FINRA since 1999. Dan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and economics.

Eric Askew, CRPC®, is a retirement planning counselor with Vanguard’s institutional retirement plan services and has been in the financial services industry since 1998. His primary responsibilities are to offer one-on-one counseling sessions to employees of Vanguard’s 403(b) clients. Eric has worked with a variety of higher education institutions and with the University of Pittsburgh since 2005. He is on campus and available to meet with you through scheduled appointments. Eric is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College. In addition to obtaining the chartered retirement planning counselor designation, Eric is FINRA series 7, 6, and 65 licensed.

You may meet with a counselor by yourself but are welcome to bring your spouse or domestic partner.

To schedule an appointment with a financial adviser

TIAA-CREF: 1-877-209-3136

Vanguard: 1-800-662-0106 x14500 or www.meetvanguard.com

To contact the participant services department

(To make changes in investments, ask questions about your account, check balances, etc.)

TIAA-CREF: 1-800-682-9139

Vanguard: 1-800-523-1188

Web sites

Visit the web sites (to review your account, use on-line tools for projections, check balances and make changes in your investments, etc.)

TIAA-CREF: www.tiaa-cref.org/pitt

Vanguard: www.vanguard.com

Follow market activity

You can follow the latest updates from the TIAA-CREF and Vanguard perspectives by following the link within the Announcements section of the Human Resources home page at 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