Healthy Boiler

2021: a year in review – plus a look ahead at 2022

As we approach 2022 and look ahead to what it has to offer, it’s important to also look back at 2021.

“Each year, our goal is to listen and respect the needs and wants of our Purdue community by introducing and enhancing programs and services,” said Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits. “2021 was no different, even as we navigated unknown territory due to COVID-19 restrictions and the flexibility required to help employees through it. In response to employee feedback regarding help with caregiving needs and mental health resources, we introduced Care@work by Care.com in January and SupportLinc in July to provide additional assistance in those areas.”

To recap, accomplishments in 2021 include:

  • Front loaded Purdue’s annual contribution to employee health savings accounts (HSAs) – $325 individual / $650 family – in January 2021.
  • Worked in conjunction with the Center for Healthy Living team to meet the needs of employees by adjusting their services – in-person and virtual – to allow for care to continue during COVID-related restrictions.
  • Continued the weekly Purdue Today article features on mental health topics and enhanced the Mental Health Resources web page.
  • Added Care@work in January as a benefit to support your diverse care needs.
  • Announced in May that ATI Physical Therapy is now the provider of choice for physical therapy.
  • Held the annual mammography campaign in June to provide easier access to mammograms.
  • Implemented SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in July for benefits-eligible employees on the West Lafayette campus.
  • Introduced ATI Worksite Solutions (AWS) in July to employees in phase 1 of the AWS roll out.
  • Offered drive-through flu shots in October and November at the CHL as part of the annual flu shot campaign, making it even more convenient for the Purdue population to get annual flu shots.

What to expect in 2022

In January 2022, Purdue employees will continue to have all of the programs and services listed above, as well as:

  • A new Healthy Boiler Portal and incentive structure, which focuses on preventive care and screenings – see article in this issue
  • Your VSP vision coverage now includes the VSP Primary EyeCare Plan, which provides supplemental medical eye care services for the detection, treatment and management of ocular and visual conditions. Additionally, standard progressive lenses and UV coating are now covered 100 percent at in-network providers.
  • Your dental insurance in 2022 will be through a new provider – Delta Dental. You will have the same plans and coverages as our 2021 dental insurance, but with lower premiums.
  • Introduction of new programs at the CHL; more information will be shared in January 2022.
  • Increased communication regarding your benefits and the five Healthy Boiler pillars – behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health, social wellness and work-life integration – which Purdue’s benefit offerings are built upon.

In addition, once the post-open enrollment survey results have been analyzed, other new programs and services could be added as well, based on employee feedback. Human Resources – Benefits extends its appreciation to those who took the time to share their feedback and input by completing the short survey. 

Questions  

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.