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April 2021 Human Resources Updates
April 22, 2021
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Human Resources is pleased to provide updates and share information on programs and services for our Loyola University Chicago community.
Please review the information below to learn more about:
- Accessing your 2020 Total Rewards Statement
- Opportunities to speak with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
- Increased flexibility for Health Care, Limited, and Dependent Care FSA participants to carry over unused funds from 2020 and make mid-year changes during the 2021 calendar year
- Awareness of a recent IRS notice that allows the purchase of face masks and sanitizer to be paid tax-free from FSAs, HSAs, and HRAs
- A reminder about unemployment insurance fraud
2020 Total Compensation Rewards Statements—Now Available
Your personalized 2020 Total Compensation Rewards Statement is now available online. The statement highlights the total value of your compensation, including your pay and valuable benefits offerings (i.e., health and welfare benefits, paid time off, and retirement benefits) provided by Loyola as of December 31, 2020. Please visit the Benefit Express website and log in with your Loyola username and password to view your 2020 statement, which is located at the bottom of the portal.
Speak with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
With your Loyola Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, you have access to a financial professional who can discuss your retirement strategy. Chris Clinton, your Transamerica retirement planning consultant (RPC) can help you:
- Enroll in the plan
- Review and understand Your Retirement Outlook®
- Determine your contribution rate and investment mix
- Learn how life events such as marriage, children, and buying a home could impact your retirement strategy
- Improve your overall financial wellness
Please register for a session in advance on the Transamerica website. Appointments are available now through May.
Temporary Changes for Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Human Resources has chosen to adopt temporary changes related to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and temporary changes related to Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSAs) as of a result of the American Rescue Plan Act. The temporary changes adopted provide increased flexibility for Health Care, Limited, and Dependent Care FSA participants to carry over unused funds and make mid-year changes during the 2021 calendar year. Current FSA participants have been notified of these temporary changes as a result of both Acts. More information about the temporary changes can be found here.
New Eligible Expenses
An IRS notice has been issued that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) qualifies as a 213(d) medical expense. This means the purchase of PPE, such as masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, are qualified medical expenses if used for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus. The announcement applies to expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2020. This will permit these expenses to be paid tax-free with HSAs, health FSAs, and HRAs.
Mental Health Support and Resources
Mental health is important. If you or someone that you are caring for are in need of mental health and wellness support, please utilize your Loyola Aetna medical plan, which covers you and your family members for both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, including substance use treatment. Additionally, you and your family may access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), confidentially and free of charge at 800-456-6327. Additional information on both resources can be found here.
EMERGE
As part of our efforts to enhance personal and professional development through a variety of online training, Human Resources provides a series of no cost EMERGE courses for employees. No matter your role at Loyola, you can participate in an activity that is designed to increase your knowledge and strengthen your skills.
Leave of Absence and Matrix Absence Management
Loyola's administrator for Leave of Absence and Disability Programs is Matrix Absence Management. Matrix also administers the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave, State Leave Laws where applicable, Military, Personal Medical, and Personal Leaves. Staff and faculty members who expect to be out of work for more than three days due to a medical condition should notify their supervisor and file a leave claim with Matrix. Specific instructions on how to file a Leave of Absence claim with Matrix Absence Management can be found here.
**As a reminder, managers and supervisors should not inquire about an employee’s medical history or condition, nor attempt to influence medical leave periods. Further, managers and supervisors should not question employees about their COVID-19 vaccination status, as that is considered private health and/or religious information, which is subject to regulatory restrictions under the Americans Disability Act (ADA). Employees may, however, be encouraged as a group to secure the COVID-19 vaccine.
Unemployment Insurance Fraud
Several previous communications have been provided for faculty and staff to alert you to widespread identity theft targeting unemployment assistance programs. Loyola has become aware of attempts to file unemployment claims for individuals who are still actively employed with the University. This nation-wide movement has impacted employers and employees in every state, with a noticeable increase in such activity across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a fraud attempt, someone else applies for unemployment benefits under your name using stolen employee information from a public data breach. You will be immediately notified by Human Resources if a claim is received in your name while you are an active employee. We encourage you to review information online about how to prevent fraudulent activity and protect your identity and personal information. A detailed listing of support resources and preventative measures is maintained on the Human Resources website.
Thank you for your thoughtful review of this information. If you have questions regarding information in this newsletter, please visit LUC.edu/hr or contact Human Resources at benefits@LUC.edu or 312-915-6175.
Sincerely,
Winifred L. Williams, PhD
Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
