A new era at The University of Toledo is bringing with it an increased focus on wellness and a passionate commitment from the University to ensure UT employees take advantage of the support and resources available to begin a journey toward healthier behaviors.
During this year’s open enrollment, UT will launch its “Healthy U” wellness campaign. The campaign will provide opportunities for employees to gauge current health status and their health-care needs to develop a customized program to ensure a healthy you.
University leaders say the energy and enthusiasm permeating the campus is something they are looking to build on to infuse excitement into this year’s open enrollment activities and programs.
“UT’s ‘Healthy U’ initiative is one I plan to take advantage of personally,” said President Sharon L. Gaber. “I believe maintaining a commitment to healthy behaviors can help make us more successful at work and at home.”
As UT prepares for the start of the University’s wellness initiatives, it is important during open enrollment for employees to carefully examine their health-care selections to ensure that they are properly aligned with their and their families’ current health-care needs and that they are taking advantage of all of the plan offerings.
To assist in understanding the available benefits plans, Human Resources has scheduled a series of information sessions across all UT campuses during the first and second weeks of October. A listing of the sessions can be found here. Employees are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions.
Different than in years past, all employees will need to re-enroll and select a benefits plan. Doing so will ensure that employees are making the most appropriate benefits choices to meet their changing lifestyle needs, are taking advantage of enhancements to benefit plans, and are preparing to participate in “Healthy U” initiatives.
Open enrollment for 2016 health benefits will run from Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11:59 p.m.
Also new this year, while examining current health-care needs, employees will be required to recertify eligibility for their covered dependents. To do so, employees will submit verification documents for spouses, dependent children and domestic partners. A new feature has been developed where employees can upload their documentation through mobile devices. The list of acceptable documentation can be found here.
This year’s process will be highlighted by a Benefits Fair Thursday, Oct. 8, on Scott Park Campus. Staff from UT Medical Center will be on hand to offer voluntary “Healthy U” screenings, free flu shots for UT employees, and access to benefits and health insurance representatives to answer any questions as employees examine health-care options.
“Employers across the country use their wellness programs as a competitive advantage to recruit and retain the best talent,” said Jovita Thomas-Williams, UT vice president and chief human resources officer. “The University of Toledo is committed to achieving this high standard on behalf of UT employees.”
Beginning Oct. 1, employees will be able to access the open enrollment website through the employee tab inside the myUT portal. Computers will be available for employee access Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Human Resources offices in Academic Services Center Room 1000 on Scott Park Campus.
Employees with questions or who would like to schedule an appointment with a benefits representative can do so by emailing benefits@utoledo.edu.
