WPS Benefit News
JUNE 2021
In This Issue:
- Mental Health Awareness & #checkin
- What to Say to Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health
- New EAP (Employee Assistance Provider) Effective July 1st: ComPsych
- Important Enough for a 2nd Mention - Measuring Up: Benefit Package Comparisons
- Raising Awareness: Mental Health & Minorities (FREE Webinar)
COVID Leave Reminders & Deadlines
Employee Benefits Contacts: Who We Are & How We Can Help
Employee Benefits Reminders & Feedback Requested
Mental Health Awareness & #checkin
Each year, so many of us face the challenge of living with a mental illness, whether it be a chronic issue or one that just visits for a spell. It is so important to not give up fighting the stigma of mental health and recognizing as the above illustration shows that it can so often be glazed over when compared to a physical illness with more obvious signs. This is why mental health can often be referred to as the "invisible disability" in clinical circles.
You may be all too familiar with mental health having experienced issues of your own, or perhaps you have been by the side of a loved one who has gone through these challenges. Even if you haven't personally been impacted, you can still be a light for others.
It's time for us to #checkin. 45 million Americans struggle with some sort of mental health condition, and 10 million of this total does not get the help they need. Check in on your kids, your peers, your neighbor, your friends, and do not forget to check in on yourself. You can check out this video about #checkin below.
Source: www.ndbh.com
What to Say to Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health
- DO: I care about you and want to help.
- DON'T: We all go through times like this.
- DO: you are important to me. Your life is important to me.
- DON"T: You have so much to live for. Why do you want to die?
- DO: Tell me what I can do now to help you.
- DON'T: What do you want me to do? I can't solve your situation.
- DO: You are not alone in this. I am here for you.
- DON'T: You'll be fine. Stop worrying.
- DO: Talk to me. I'm listening.
- DON"T: Here's my advice....
- DO: We will get through this together.
- DON'T: What's wrong with you? Shouldn't you be better by now?
If you suspect someone is actively suicidal, always seek emergency help right away by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Source: www.ndbh.com
New EAP (Employee Assistance Provider) Effective July 1st: ComPsych
ComPsych is the world's largest EAP provider and is a company known for their customized approach with organizations. Deeper benefits will be offered with this vendor compared to our current offerings. To avoid confusion, these specific details will be shared out on July 1st and also be included within the next newsletter.
Please keep in mind this is completely apart from the district health insurance.
Also, if you have a referral currently open with our current EAP provider, New Directions, or open one up until June 30th, New Directions will continue to honor those to allow you to complete your referral, giving you 120 days to finish your sessions.
important Enough for a 2nd Mention: Benefit Packages Comparison
While we also shared this in the prior newsletter, it was important enough for a second glance.
Your "total compensation package" is a lot more than just your salary. It includes , but is not limited to, your sick and vacation days, your paid holidays, life insurance paid for by the district, access to free counseling services through our EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and your health insurance package including medical benefits with pharmacy coverage, dental, and vision.
The following visual gives you a glimpse of how our district benefits stack up to other nearby school districts within Kansas. These rates assume you have met your wellness credits which gives you a discount on your premium. The rates provided from both USD 259 and surrounding school districts are based on rates for the 2021 calendar year.
In the 2021 calendar year, you will note our competitive rates compared to other surrounding districts. We continue to aim for taking care of our employees and strive to be known as the district of choice with competitive benefit offerings.
Something also easily forgotten as we enroll each year in our choices is that the district does take on a contribution for these plans. We are more likely to feel what is actually coming out of our check, but it important to remember the employer contribution. For an employee who works year-round, picks the middle plan, and has kids covered on the plan as well, the contribution by USD 259 would be around $863 per month.
Raising Awareness - Mental Health & Minorities: Free Webinar
Free Webinar
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, ability, gender, or sexual identity. However access to care and treatment can be significantly impacted by these factors. In this session, learn more about the challenges minority groups face, help fight stigma, and learn more about accessing services.
Source: www.ndbh.com
Webinars can be found below the Resource Library under Check Out Our Webinars.
Click here to access the webinar (this link allows you to skip the login page)
COVID Leave Reminders & Deadlines
Please note the upcoming deadlines on COVID leave:
- COVID leave: COVID leave will continue to be an option for any COVID-related leave used through May 31, 2021. Any COVID-related time off after May 31, 2021 will be processed as normal temporary (sick) leave and will not be eligible for COVID leave reimbursement. COVID intakes can only be accepted at this point for leave that occurred through May 2021 and not after.
- COVID leave paperwork: Paperwork for COVID absences through May 31, 2021 will be accepted through June 30, 2021. Any paperwork received after that date will not be able to be processed. No exceptions. Paperwork can be emailed to covidhotline@usd259.net.
- COVID hotline: The COVID hotline at (316)833-0074 as of June 2021 is no longer operational throughout the day but will return messages left there. This number will become inactive as of July 2021.
Employee Benefits is still available if you run into a question involving COVID protocols or guidance. We encourage you to first check the frequently asked questions here:
https://www.usd259.org/Page/20565)
If you still have questions, please contact us at covidhotline@usd259.net.
Employee Benefits: Who We Are & How We Can Help
Employee Benefits & Insurance Management
Danielle Dettmer
Functional Manager
HR/Employee Benefits & Insurance Management
Email: employeebenefits@usd259.net
Website: http://www.usd259.org/HumanResources
Location: 903 South Edgemoor Street, Wichita, KS, USA
Phone: 316-973-4581