JHU Benefits Site - News Announcements Archive

03/18/2012	AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO NEW INVESTORS In an effort to streamline the number of investment products offered to 403(b) plan participants, the university will no longer offer American Century's investment products to new investors after April 30, 2012. Participants who invest in American Century prior to this date can continue to contribute to American Century. Today only 5% of the university's 403(b) Plan assets are invested with American Century. The other 95% is spread among the three other investment providers: Fidelity, TIAA-CREF and Vanguard. If you have questions about these changes and how they impact you, please contact the Benefits Service Center at 410-516-2000 or email our Benefits team at benefits@jhu.edu More...
03/05/2012	2011 FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS FILING DEADLINE April 30, 2012 is the deadline for submitting 2011 claims to WageWorks for your health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Eligible health care and dependent care expenses must have been incurred by December 31, 2011. Participants with remaining balances will need to complete the appropriate Pay Me Back form in order to receive reimbursement. Claims must be postmarked or submitted by fax to WageWorks no later than April 30, 2012. More...
02/05/2012	2013 PROPOSED BENEFIT CHANGES The Johns Hopkins University Benefits Advisory Committee is in the process of completing a comprehensive review of the university's benefits program at the request of Provost Lloyd Minor and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Daniel Ennis. More...
01/08/2012	NEW WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM - 50% OFF! The university has partnered with Weight Watchers to offer flexible solutions to help you reach that 2012 weight-loss resolution! Benefits eligible employees and retirees can now receive 50% off Weight Watchers programs including At Work meetings, community meetings and Weight Watchers online. The new Monthly Pass provides access to both meetings at work, plus unlimited local meetings. Weight Watchers online offers the convenience to follow the plan at your own pace, on your own time, from anywhere. Choose the option that works for you. And now with Weight Watchers PointsPlus, it's a perfect time to start! More...
12/28/2011	RESULTS OF FINANCIAL IQ CHALLENGE Thank-you to everyone who participated in the Financial IQ challenge. An astounding total of 6,446 quizzes were taken. We are pleased that such a large number of you showed an interest in being well-informed and better prepared to take control of your financial future. Many of you showed great financial acumen, but the top three winners of an iPad2 (generously donated by our partner, TIAA-CREF Financial Services) were from the School of Medicine (2) and University Administration (1). Kudos to all on a job well done! More...
12/28/2011	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES IPAD2 WINNERS This past fall, the university partnered with TIAA-CREF again to host a Financial Education Seminar series across our multiple campuses. Each attendee received a FREE Starbucks gift card and a chance to win an iPad2. Response to the seminars was excellent. If you were unable to attend in-person, you can view the new Benefits FastFacts online at www.benefits.jhu.edu/retirement. Thank-you to those who attended and congratulations to the lucky winners! More...
11/22/2011	FINANCIAL IQ CHALLENGE RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30 There is still time to take the Financial IQ Challenge and still time to try to win an iPad2! The Challenge runs through November 30. The more days you complete the challenge, the more opportunity you have to score. The employees with the three highest total scores at the end of the challenge will win an iPad2. Have some fun as you learn how financially savvy you really are. Good luck! More...
11/09/2011	2012 ANNUAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT CLOSED Online annual enrollment for university faculty and staff ended on November 8. All full-time benefits eligible employees will receive a confirmation of their enrollment by mail in mid December. If you determine after receiving your confirmation that your enrollment is not correct, you must submit a correction in writing by December 31 as outlined in the procedure provided here. More...
10/27/2011	A NIGHT OF COMEDY TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION The Benefits Service Center is holding its final fundraiser of the year to benefit the American Diabetes Association. See comedian, Hannibal Buress at the Baltimore Comedy Factory on Saturday, November 19. Ticket quantities are limited, so purchase yours today! More...
10/19/2011	Annual enrollment for 2012 benefits will take place from Friday, October 21 through Tuesday, November 8. This is your once a year opportunity to make changes to your benefit elections. Remember, your health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts will NOT carry forward into 2012 unless you actively re-elect them. The enrollment site which is supported by Internet Explorer is accessible through this newsfeed and the myChoices tab located in the upper right of the Benefits homepage. More...
10/11/2011	METLIFE RETIREWISE SEMINAR SERIES We are excited to announce that we will be offering the MetLife Retirewise program again in East Baltimore. Retirewise is a series of four complimentary seminars designed to help you plan for the retirement you've always wanted. Open to all university faculty and staff, each seminar will be held at 2024 E. Monument Street (Suite 2-1002) on consecutive Tuesdays beginning October 18. More...
10/02/2011	2012 BENEFIT UPDATES Join the Benefits Service Center for a benefits update, "What's New for 2012", which is being held at a location near you between October 4 and October 19. Learn about the enhanced Long Term Care Plan being offered through Marsh Voluntary Benefits and provided by CNA. Get a head start on your planning for 2012 Annual Enrollment which will take place from October 21 through November 8. Prior registration is not required. More...
09/19/2011	UPCOMING BENEFITS FAIRS Begin your preparation for annual benefits enrollment (October 21-November 8) by attending an upcoming benefits fair at the East Baltimore campus on October 4 and at the Homewood campus on October 6. Meet representatives from our benefit providers, various JHU departments and the Benefits Service Center to get your benefit questions answered. Learn about actions you can take now to get your health and finances in shape for 2012 and beyond! Participate in a variety of wellness activities such as biometric screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and waist circumference/body mass index. Stop by the United Healthcare booth for a free vision screening, or attend one of the 2012 Benefits Update presentations being given at 11:00, 12:30 and 2:00. You will walk away with numerous giveaways and may even win one of many raffle prizes donated by our exhibitors. Be sure to mark your calendar with the date so you don't miss out on this popular event! More...
09/18/2011	THIRTY-ONE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION The Benefits Service Center is holding an online/book party through Thirty-One to benefit the ADA. What does Thirty-One sell? From signature purses and stylish totes to affordable storage solutions that help organize your life, you'll find something to fit every personality and situation. Their products are built on the idea of being functional AND fashionable (and, of course, make great gifts!). The Benefits Service Center will receive a % of total sales made at http://www.mythirtyone.com/kimsmith31 donated to the ADA in our name. The representative we chose is also an employee of the university and she was happy to help us reach our fundraising goal! When you Place an Order, please select the JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY BENEFITS DEPT event. Orders must be placed by Friday, September 30 and will be shipped directly to you. Feel free to share this information with friends and family - let the shopping begin! More...
09/06/2011	JHU SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION WALK Did you know....a new case of diabetes is diagnosed every 21 seconds....the Baltimore region has a 50% higher prevalence rate than the national average? The good news is that ADA researchers feel that a cure is in sight. Johns Hopkins University is partnering with Johns Hopkins Institutions again this fall to help raise $30,000 in the fight against this disease. Take the first step today by registering to participate in the 3-mile Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes at Brewers Hill/Canton Waterfront on Saturday, October 1. Register online by September 9 and receive a free Johns Hopkins t-shirt! If you are unable to attend the event, you can still help us reach our goal by supporting university fundraising events or making a donation. Together we can Stop Diabetes. One Step at a Time. More...
08/29/2011	PRE-RETIREMENT PLANNING PROGRAM FOR SUPPORT STAFF Protecting your retirement savings and investments, having enough money to last as long as you live, and budgeting for health care and other costs are all important considerations in planning for your retirement from the university. All support staff age 55 or older are invited to attend the Pre-Retirement Planning Program being held on Wednesday, September 7 at Eastern. This complimentary day-long seminar will provide you with solid information to help you with your retirement decisions. Speakers will present on a variety of topics such as Social Security, legal considerations (including wills and eldercare planning), our university benefits in retirement and personal financial planning. You are welcome to bring a spouse, family member or anyone who is supporting you in your retirement planning. Space is limited,so please register online today! More...
08/24/2011	AMERICAN DIABETES WALK T-SHIRT CONTEST! Johns Hopkins University is partnering with Johns Hopkins Institutions to help raise awareness and funds in the fight against diabetes. This year, the institutional goal is to raise $30,000. Help Johns Hopkins reach this goal by registering to walk in the Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes event at Brewers Hill/Canton Waterfront on October 1, 2011 or by sponsoring a university walker. New this year – The Johns Hopkins 2011 American Diabetes Association Walk Team will be hosting a t-shirt design contest. The contest is open to anyone; children and young adults included, who would like to support the cause by submitting a t-shirt design. T-shirt design entries must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31. More...
07/06/2011	SEATED MASSAGE AVAILABLE ON HOMEWOOD CAMPUS As part of your wellness programs, Remedy Massage will be on the Homewood campus providing seated massage to university employees starting Tuesday, July 12. Seated massage will be offered every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Wyman Park W400 conference room. Appointments are $15 for 15 minutes. Cash or checks, made payable to Remedy Massage, will be accepted. To schedule an appointment contact massage therapist, Maura McCarthy at mauramcmt@gmail.com or call 443-677-5903. More...
07/06/2011	NEW WOMEN'S FINANCIAL SEMINAR BEING OFFERED When it comes to saving and investing, women face many unique challenges. That is why we've added "Charting Your Financial Course: A Guide for Women" to the Financial Education Series. This seminar, given by women, will help you evaluate your financial health, tailor a savings plan to your goals, understand investing, risk and diversification and manage being single again. Get your financial plan on track and register today! More...
06/12/2011	DON'T MISS OUT - COMPLETE YOUR 2011 BENEFITS SURVEY NOW The 2011 Benefits Survey, which is part of the university's comprehensive Benefits Review, is now available online. You have until midnight June 27 to offer your feedback on how satisfied you are with your benefits and which benefits you consider most important. More...
05/24/2011	2010 TOTAL REWARDS STATEMENTS AVAILABLE Full-time faculty and staff who were benefits eligible prior to 12/01/10 can now access their personal eStatement for 2010 as well as their current 2011 elections from the Human Resources website and the Benefits website. Sign on is quick and easy using your JHED ID and password. More...
05/15/2011	RAINDATE FOR HEALTHY@HOPKINS WALKS Due to a 90% change of rain in the forecast for Tuesday, May 17, the Healthy@Hopkins walks at Eastern and Homewood have been rescheduled for noon on Friday, May 20. Participants will receive a complimentary bottle of water and FREE give away (while supplies last). View the upcoming events calendar on the Benefits website for details. More...
05/03/2011	RETIREMENT CHOICE FOR SUPPORT STAFF ENDS The Retirement Choice period for support staff which began on March 18 closed on May 2. The last choice you saved by the 11:59 p.m. deadline has been recorded and will take effect on July 1, 2011. A confirmation statement will be mailed to all eligible support staff by mid May. More...
04/27/2011	UPCOMING HEALTHY@HOPKINS WALKS Pick up the pace for spring! Join your fellow co-workers for a one mile walk from 12-1 pm at Bayview on May 10, East Baltimore on May 12, Eastern on May 17 and Homewood on May 17. Participating employees will receive a complimentary bottle of water and FREE give-away (while supplies last). View the upcoming events calendar on the Benefits website for details. More...
04/14/2011	2010 FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS FILING DEADLINE April 30, 2011 is the deadline for submitting 2010 claims to WageWorks for your health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Eligible health care and dependent care expenses must have been incurred by December 31, 2010. Participants with remaining balances will need to complete the appropriate Pay Me Back form in order to receive reimbursement. Claims must be postmarked or submitted by fax to WageWorks no later than April 30, 2011 More...
04/14/2011	RETIREMENT CHOICE PERIOD FOR SUPPORT STAFF EXTENDED The Retirement Choice period for eligible support staff which began on March 18 has been extended. The deadline has been moved from April 15 to May 2 at 11:59 p.m. Additional resources are being provided during this time including hands-on computer labs with Benefits staff at selected campus locations and a new educational session being offered on "Making the Right Choice". Registration is not required. More...
01/17/2011	NEW RETIREMENT PLAN FOR SUPPORT STAFF The university recently announced a new 403(b) retirement plan for support staff which will take effect July 1, 2011. If you are a support staff member, you may have an important choice to make about how you will accrue future retirement benefits with the university. For more information on upcoming Retirement Choice (March 18-April 15, 2011), go to the myChoices tab on the Benefits website. More...
12/19/2010	RETIREMENT EDUCATION SERIES AVAILABLE ONLINE This past fall, the university partnered with TIAA-CREF to host a Financial Education Seminar series across our multiple campuses. Participation and interest in the seminars has been overwhelming and we are pleased to share with you that the series is now available online. Those of you who want to review the presentations again or who were unable to attend in-person can now view the new online Benefits FastFacts on the Benefits website. The seminars, designed specifically for Johns Hopkins University employees, provide strategies to help you reach your retirement savings goal no matter where you are in your life or career. More...
12/08/2010	DECEMBER BENEFITS NEWS Read the last Benefits News issue for 2010 and get the new year off to a good start. Learn about the benefits confirmation statement on its way to your home and find out who will be getting new insurance cards in 2011. Stay current on IRS limits for 403(b), 457, health care flexible spending accounts and pre-tax commuting-to-work plans. View our new online Benefits FastFacts of the Retirement Education series and prepare for your financial future. More...
10/20/2010	ANNUAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT Annual enrollment for 2011 benefits will take place from Friday, October 22 through Tuesday, November 9. This is your once a year opportunity to make changes to your benefit elections. Remember, your health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts will NOT carry forward into 2011 unless you actively re-elect them. The enrollment site which is supported by Internet Explorer is accessible through this newsfeed and the myChoices tab in the upper right of the Benefits homepage. More...
10/20/2010	2011 BENEFIT UPDATES If you were unable to attend one of the scheduled update sessions provided by the Benefits Service Center in September, the presentation slides are available for reference here. More...
09/22/2010	INTRODUCING THE RETIREMENT EDUCATION SEMINAR SERIES Join us this fall for an exciting new retirement seminar series being launched in partnership with TIAA-CREF. In today's uncertain economic times, it is important to be well-informed so you are better prepared to take control of your financial future. Designed specifically for JHU employees, the seminars being offered across our campus are "JHU Retirement 101", "Staying On Track in a Volatile Market" and the "Life Stages" series. Attend a Financial Education Seminar and you'll receive a complimentary gift, refreshments and a chance to win an iPad! More...
09/08/2010	SEPTEMBER BENEFITS NEWS Read the current issue of Benefits News and begin your planning for annual enrollment, October 22-November 9, 2010. Get information on our upcoming Benefits Fairs and the 2011 Benefits Update Sessions being offered across JHU campuses. Save the dates for the Step Out:Walk to Fight Diabetes and the kick-off Lunch and Learn to understand more about this prevalent but combatable disease. Add the new Retirement Education Seminar Series to your fall calendar and prepare for your financial future. More...
09/07/2010	SEPTEMBER BENEFITS NEWS Read the current issue of Benefits News and begin planning for annual enrollment, October 22-November 9, 2010. Get information on our upcoming Benefits Fairs and the 2011 Benefits Update sessions being offered across JHU campuses. Make room on your fall calendar to attend the new Retirement Education Seminar Series being introduced to help you prepare for your financial future. Save the dates for the Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes and the kick-off Lunch and Learn to find out why diabetes can be called a "sweetheart of a disease". More...
09/07/2010	SEPTEMBER BENEFITS NEWS Read the current issue of Benefits News and begin planning for annual enrollment, October 22-November 9, 2010. Get information on our upcoming Benefits Fairs and the 2011 Benefits Update sessions being offered across JHU campuses. Make room on your fall calendar to attend the new Retirement Education Seminar Series being introduced to help you prepare for your financial future. Save the dates for the Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes and the kick-off Lunch and Learn to learn why diabetes can be called a "sweetheart of a disease". More...
09/06/2010	2011 BENEFITS UPDATES Begin your planning for upcoming annual enrollment and attend one of the Benefits Updates on "What's New for 2011" being held throughout September. Learn about the new voluntary vision plan with United Healthcare which is being introduced. Get the latest information on the effects of Health Care Reform on dependent eligibility and health care flexible spending accounts. Prior registration is not required. More...
08/29/2010	DIABETES: A SWEETHEART OF A DISEASE? LUNCH AND LEARN! Did you know that every 20 seconds someone new is diagnosed with diabetes? Lunch and Learn with Dr. Sheldon Gottlieb, Senior Cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center on September 1 (Homewood campus) and September 15 (East Baltimore campus) to find out why diabetes can be called a "sweetheart of a disease." Lunch will be provided on a first come first served basis by Roche Diagnostics Accu-Chek, a leader in diabetic supplies. More...
08/13/2010	FALL WELLNESS CLASSES The Office of Benefits Services sponsors wellness classes on the Homewood, Eastern and Candler campuses at a 50% discount to benefits eligible faculty and staff. New fall classes being offered include Weight Watchers at Work, Muscle Toning & Conditioning, Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga. Do something good for your health and register today! More...
07/06/2010	JULY/AUGUST BENEFITS NEWS Read the summer edition of Benefits News to learn about the special July enrollment period to add eligible dependents up to age 26 to your JHU medical/dental plans, the premium increases effective July 1 and the new faculty orientation schedule. Also find out about wellness discounts offered by CareFirst BCBS, our successful Healthy@Hopkins Walks and upcoming dates for the JHU Benefits Fairs. More...
06/14/2010	DEPENDENT ELIGIBILITY INCREASES TO AGE 26 In accordance with the recently signed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), JHU is required to offer health insurance to employees’ children until age 26, provided the child does not have access to his/her own employer coverage. Effective July 1, 2010, the university has decided to extend this coverage through the end of the year in which the child turns 26. Faculty and Staff are being given a special 30-day enrollment opportunity from July 1-July 31, 2010 to add the eligible adult child to their plans. More...
06/09/2010	JUNE BENEFITS NEWS Read the latest edition of Benefits News to find out about upcoming events such as the Johns Hopkins Baby Shower, the Johns Hopkins Picnic, the Pre-retirement Seminar for Support Staff and New Faculty Orientations. Learn about the special July enrollment period to add eligible dependents up to age 26 to your JHU plans and the premium increase effective July 1. More...
06/08/2010	TUITION GRANT PLAN APPLICATION FOR FY 2010-2011 The Tuition Grant Plan Application for the 2010-2011 academic year is now available on the Benefits Web site. Tuition Grant covers full-time undergraduate studies at an accreditated degree-granting institution for dependent children ages 18-23. It pays 50% of each dependent child's tuition and universal mandatory academic fees up to a maximum of one-half of the Hopkins' freshman undergraduate tuition. More...
06/07/2010	MEDICAL/DENTAL PREMIUMS TO INCREASE JULY 1, 2010 During annual enrollment last fall, the university announced its decision not to increase 2010 medical and dental premiums until July 1, 2010 due to the effective salary freeze. With July quickly approaching, we want to remind faculty and staff that the adjusted semi-monthly costs will be reflected in the July 15 pay. More...
05/26/2010	TUITION GRANT CONTINUING PARTICIPATION FOR 2010-2011 Letters were recently mailed to JHU parents of current participants in the Tuition Grant Plan requesting confirmation of their student's continuation in the program for the upcoming academic year. Signed forms should be faxed to the Office of Benefit Services at 443-997-6812 by May 31st to avoid delay in tuition payments. If your dependent student is a current participant and you did not receive a letter, please e-mail benefits@jhu.edu. Additional information regarding the Tuition Grant Plan can be found on the Benefits Web site. More...
05/20/2010	HEALTHY@HOPKINS WALKS Pick up the pace for Spring! Join your fellow colleagues on a one mile walk from 12-1 p.m. at a campus location listed. Participants will receive a free give a-way (while supplies last). Tues., May 25 at Eastern and Wed., May 26 at East Baltimore & Bayview. See the upcoming events calendar for details. More...
05/14/2010	MetLife Retirewise Program Offered at White Marsh Attend the MetLife Retirewise program, a series of four free seminars to help you plan for the retirement you've always wanted. More...
05/13/2010	MetLife Retirewise Program at White Marsh Attend the MetLife Retirewise program, a series of four seminars to help you plan for the retirement you've always wanted. More...
05/07/2010	May Benefits News Read the latest edition of Benefits News for up-to-date information on the Total Rewards eStatement, Tuition Grant Plan for FY 2010-2011, MetLife Retirewise Seminars, Healthy@Hopkins Walks and Medco Health Store. More...
05/03/2010	2009 Total Rewards eStatements Available Full-time faculty and staff who were benefits eligible prior to 12/01/09 can now access their personal eStatement for 2009 as well as their current 2010 elections by visiting the Total Rewards Web site. More...
05/03/2010	Total Rewards Town Hall Meetings Attend a town hall meeting to discuss the University’s total rewards strategy and the annual Total Rewards eStatement. You will be introduced to new channels of communications and resources, as well as, gain a basic education around the University’s retirement plans in preparation for upcoming changes. More...
05/03/2010	Health Risk Assessment Prepare for a healthy you by completing your confidential HRA. The online survey generates a personal wellness profile to help you understand your health risks and stay healthy. More...
05/01/2010	Health Care Reform and Your JHU Benefits Read the recently published article from the Gazette to learn more about the provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law. More...