2019 Open Enrollment Benefits Fair

Please join us at the Open Enrollment Benefits Fair on Thursday, October 31 in the Bordy Theatre from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

This year’s theme is “Walk, Bend, Stretch: Making Small Changes for Big Results”. The focus of the fair is on how you can do small things to maximize your wellness.

• Have you ever thought about learning yoga, but thought it may be too difficult? At the fair, we will introduce you to Chair Yoga, a modified and safe introduction to yoga poses.
• Human Resources also will provide a list of YouTube and other vendor/portal options including walking programs, stretching exercises, Tai Chi,  Zumba, meditation and mindfulness for you to consider as you develop your own “small steps” wellness strategy.

During the fair, make sure to participate in new events and returning favorites, including:

• Spice of Life Table: Visit the Harvard Pilgrim Spice of Life Table to learn about both familiar and unfamiliar spices and how they can enhance your wellbeing. We will be giving away spiced and herbal tea bags that will help you to explore creative ways to add these healthy choices to your eating program. Turmeric tea, anyone?  The wellness experts from Harvard Pilgrim will provide guidance on how to use these spices with different foods to create more flavorful meals without the addition of salt. Come to this interactive table and receive an Italian style spice blend and recipes to take home!
• Chair Yoga Sessions:  Laurel Kilbourn of Laurel Blossom Yoga will conduct 10-minute Chair Yoga sessions throughout the fair.  No reservation is required.
• Travel Fair Representative: A member of the Procurement Team in Finance will be at the Benefits Fair if you have follow-up questions or you are not able to attend the Emerson Travel Supplier Fair on October 17.

Benefits Fair Prizes*
You must attend to win! 

First Prize

• $200 Amazon Gift Card
• Yoga Chair
• Book – Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You

Second Prize

• $100 Whole Foods Gift Card
• Yoga Chair
•  Book – Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You  

Third Prize

• Yoga Chair
• Book – Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You  

Fourth through Sixth Prizes

• A five-pack of dining hall passes ($6.50 value each, for total of $32.50) at the Emerson Dining Center

*All prizes are subject to IRS rules on reporting of income.

The prizewinners must provide their name and EID information to accept their prize. Tax gross-ups will not be provided for these prizes. These drawings will be held during the week of November 11; winners will be notified by November 22.

Open Enrollment Using Workday

Open enrollment will begin on Monday, November 4, and will end on Friday, November 22. This year, employees will use Workday to make changes to medical, dental, flexible spending and health savings account elections for 2020. Instructions will be provided by the end of this month.

Medical and Dental Rate Changes and
Changes to Annual Plan Limits for 2020

Medical and dental premium rate changes for 2020 are still in the process of being determined.  A memo to employees concerning these changes will be forwarded to benefits eligible employees by the end of this month. Information related to social security, flexible spending account and retirement plan contribution limits for 2020 also will be provided prior to the commencement of open enrollment on November 4.

We look forward to seeing you at the Fair!