GIB Approves Modest Premium Increase for 2021; Below National Trend Again

The Group Insurance Board recently approved an overall health insurance premium increase of 2.7% for state employees and minor benefit changes for 2021. This is the second year in a row that rates have been less than the national trend. More Health Insurance Update>

Highlights

• Living Our Values—A Message from ETF
• COVID-19 Update
• Open Enrollment Period Set; Attend a Health Benefits Webinar
• Highlights from The SWIB Podcast

Living Our Values—A Message from ETF

ETF’s mission is to deliver quality benefits and services to WRS members and their families—more than 652,000 strong. We value the diversity of those we serve, and we believe our greatest asset is our workforce.  More Living Our Values>

COVID-19 Update

Be Safe, Be Well, and Keep Informed About Your WRS Benefits
Despite the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ETF wants you to know that our commitment to providing services and protecting the health and safety of WRS members, our staff, and business partners has never wavered. Here are some highlights of how we’ve been doing as an agency on your behalf. More Be Safe, Be Well>

SWIB Response to COVID-19
As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, SWIB, with its highly diversified strategy, is well positioned to weather the current market volatility. We continue to actively monitor investments and seek out market opportunities to keep the trust funds strong for the long term. More SWIB Response>

Open Enrollment Period Set; Attend a Health Benefits Webinar

The annual It's Your Choice open enrollment period for health benefits is September 28-October 23. Watch for information and materials in the next few weeks. In the meantime, consider attending a health benefits or vendor webinar—we’ve scheduled more than 30 over the coming weeks! More Open Enrollment>

SWIB Podcast Features Timely, Important Information

SWIB is excited to announce an all new podcast series, The SWIB Podcast, where WRS members can turn to for timely information about the investments that help fund the state’s pension system. Podcasts feature discussions with SWIB staff regarding the global market environment and SWIB’s investment strategies that keep the WRS positioned for long-term success. More SWIB Podcasts>

Highlights from The SWIB Podcast

A Conversation with David Villa About SWIB’s Investment Strategy During the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the financial markets across the globe. Despite the volatility the pandemic has caused in the markets, SWIB has stayed the course with its strategy for investing the funds of the WRS. Learn more from this podcast interview with SWIB Executive Director David Villa. More Conversation>

Take Action: Get a Flu Shot and Stay Healthy This Season

Flu season is approaching and typically runs through May. Think about getting your flu vaccine as soon as possible. While the flu vaccine won’t protect you from developing COVID-19, it’s still a good idea to get a flu shot. Learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and where you can get a flu shot. More Flu Vaccine>

Stay Well, Wisconsin!

It’s easier than ever to fulfill the Well Wisconsin program activities and earn your $150 wellness incentive. Reminder: The deadline to earn your incentive payment in 2020 is October 9. And check out recorded episodes of Well Wisconsin Radio! Each 30-minute episode features relevant wellness news and information in an interview style format. Topics include: how to get better quality sleep, how to safely explore and enjoy our beautiful state parks, and StayWell’s free health coaching program. More Stay Well, Wisconsin>

Know Your Benefits

Q: Can I get an in-person retirement appointment? A: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, benefits counseling appointments are only available by phone or online, via GoToMeeting. ETF has canceled all in-person appointments and benefits presentations through the end of this year. In addition, ETF staff are not traveling to on-site health benefits fairs during the open enrollment period. Here’s how you can talk with a benefits specialist to get the help you need, including scheduling an appointment.

WDC Program Update

Check out the new line up of recorded presentations and live webinars from the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program—all designed to help you increase your financial wellness savvy and proactively save for a financially secure retirement. And here are details of two CARES Act provisions affecting WDC participants. More WDC Update>

"Conditional" Variable Cancellation: Know the Difference Between Effective Date and Transfer Date

If you choose the “conditional” option for cancelling Variable Trust Fund participation, understand the difference between the effective date and the date your funds are actually transferred. More Conditional Variable Cancellation> 

SWIB Part of Global Peer Financing Association

SWIB has joined three leading pension plans to create a peer-to-peer network that encourages the development of a more effective and transparent marketplace for securities financing activities and brings asset owners together to share best practices and unite as a voice in the investment industry. More Peer Financing Association>

Other News & Features