May 2011
Legislative Watch
Stay up-to-date on the 82nd Legislative Session
The 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature will continue through May 30th with thousands of bills now actively moving through the legislative process. Because many bills remain in the early stages of consideration, it is still too soon to predict exactly which ones may become laws and which will not. Read More.
Annual Enrollment Update
Annual Enrollment Update: Changes to Benefits Enrollment Period
The Annual enrollment (AE) dates will be changing this year. AE, the period when you can change your group insurance benefit elections and add, update or remove dependents from coverage, is normally held from July 1 – July 31. This year, AE will likely be delayed and possibly shortened. The dates for the 2011-2012 Annual Enrollment period will not be determined until there is a clearer idea about the impact that changes made during the current Legislative Session may have on benefit funding and the UT SELECT plan design. Read more about what to expect within the next few months.
How Will Healthcare Reform Impact My UT Benefits This Year?
The health care reform bill passed by Congress March 23, 2010, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was written to be implemented over the course of several years through 2018. Some of the provisions are already in place, and several key changes will affect our UT plans beginning September 1, 2011. Learn more.
Be a Wise Healthcare Consumer
Understanding Benefits Lingo: Do You Know the Difference Between Your Dependents and Your Beneficiaries?
When it comes to your insurance and your retirement accounts, you may not have given much thought to managing your dependent and beneficiary information. Many people think these two words mean the same thing. You might even think that everything to do with your dependents and your beneficiaries is automatically defined by and tracked by UT System. Read More.
Retirement Corner
Next Steps: Taking Advantage of Your UTSaver Retirement Programs
Last month, all eligible employees received a notice informing them of their eligibility to participate in one or both of the UTSaver Retirement Programs. The UTSaver 403(b) and the UTSaver 457(b) provide employees an excellent opportunity to save money directly from their payroll and invest that money either before taxes (traditional 403(b) and 457(b)) or after taxes (Roth 403(b)) so that when the time comes, they will have the money to truly enjoy retirement. Learn what you can do right-away.
Wellness Wise
Go fresh with farmer’s market finds
It’s a great time of year to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Your local farmer’s markets offer an excellent selection of produce that can help you improve your diet and your overall health. Learn about the tools available to you and your dependents.
Healthy Recipe of the Month
Recipe Makeover: Mexican Casserole
The classic one-dish combination of ground beef, refried beans, fried tortillas, and lots of melty cheese is a crowd-pleaser, no question. But a single serving of most versions of Mexican Casserole can add up to nearly an entire day's worth of both saturated fat and sodium. Learn more about this healthy makeover!
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