Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA)

Do you still have claims to file for 2006? Don't miss out, you can file claims for expenses incurred during 2006 until June 30, 2007. Any remaining balance in your account will be forfeited after June 30, 2007.

2007 Health Plan Rates

The 2007 Health Plan rates are available at http://www-admn.csun.edu/hrs/benefits/INSURANCEPREMIUMS.html. The new rates will reflect on your January 1, 2007 pay warrants (December 2006 pay period).

TIAA-CREF One-on-one Counseling Sessions are Back

TIAA-CREF is offering one-on-one counseling sessions on campus starting January 2007. Schedule an appointment with a TIAA-CREF consultant by visiting their website at http://www.tiaa-cref.org/moc.

Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Relief Act (EGTRRA) Tax Year Update

For the 2007 tax year, a participant can elect to contribute up to $15,500 to a 403(b) or 401(k), and $15,500 to a 457 plan for a total contribution of up to $31,000, subject to the 415(c) limit. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www-admn.csun.edu/hrs/benefits/tsa.html. To make changes to your 403(b) complete the Salary Reduction Agreement and submit to Benefit Administration. For adjustment to your 401(k) or 457 plan contact The Savings Plus Program at (916) 322-5070 or (866) 566-4777 or visit http://www.sppforu.com.

New Vision Plan

We are pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2007 Vision Service Plan (VSP) will provide administration of vision benefits and claims on behalf of the employer-paid California State University (CSU) Vision Plan. VSP is replacing Medical Eye Services (MES)/Blue Shield.

All you have to do after January 1, 2007 is:

1. Choose a VSP doctor at vsp.com or call 800-877-7195
2. Make an appointment and tell the doctor you are a VSP member
3. That's it! No ID cards

After January 1, 2007 you can obtain additional information regarding VSP and the new vision benefits by visiting http://www.calstate.edu/hr/benefitsportal/.

Reminder! The California state minimum wage will increase to $7.50, effective January 1, 2007. To facilitate this change hourly rates of pay that are below $7.50 per hour will be centrally adjusted. Consequently, it will not be necessary for departments to process any changes through the PeopleSoft/Human Resources Student Hire Module for those individuals. Changes to the Student Assistant/Work Study Student Compensation Plan and Salary Schedule are being assessed and will be communicated when finalized.

Your feedback is always welcome. Please send any questions or comments about this communication to marianne.hudz@csun.edu.