Welcome to Benefits FYI This month we look at changes to the EFAP, including a new tool to book counsellors online, updates to the prior authorization program for prescription drugs, getting the most from your Health Spending Account, plus lots of fall events including an in-depth benefits webinar. | Top tips for Tuition Waivers With the start of the school semester and the change of seasons upon us, you may be considering taking a course at UBC using the popular Tuition Waiver benefit. To help you apply successfully, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions and gathered some helpful links. Learn more | | | Our EFAP has officially changed from LifeWorks to TELUS Health There is a new look and brand for our Employee and Family Assistance Provider (EFAP). The services have not changed, but our EFAP is officially renamed to TELUS Health. Learn more | | | | Use the new online booking tool to get EFAP support There is a new way to book a session with a counsellor. In addition to calling, you can now use the online booking tool to choose which counsellor you would like to speak to and when. Try the online booking tool | | | We need your help to improve the Benefits information on the UBC HR website. We are asking for a few faculty and staff volunteers to help us with usability testing. We want to improve the usefulness of the Benefits information we have online — but we need your help. The tests will take one hour and conducted via Zoom, during the week of October 16, 2023. We will provide a few time slots for you to select. All you need is a laptop/desktop computer (with a microphone and camera), a good Wi-Fi connection, and a distraction-free space. No other preparation is needed. If you would like to help, please contact adam.knight@ubc.ca. Sessions will be recorded. | | Make the most of your Health Spending Account If you have any Health Spending Account credits carried forward from 2022, they need to be claimed by December 31, 2023. If you don't use your carried forward credits, you will lose them. Use your HSA today | Questions about benefits? We have answers. Join us for our benefits webinar (Nov. 8) Janet McHugh and Lauren Lee from the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team invite you to attend this in-depth session where they share tips for faculty and staff looking to understand and maximize their benefits. You can also see a demonstration of the new online booking tool. - Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
- Time: 10:30 am–12 pm
- Location: Zoom.
Enrol today | Updates to the prior authorization program for prescription drugs Starting from August 1, 2023, we’ve expanded the prior authorization program to include chronic weight management treatments. This update ensures that prescription drugs for chronic weight management, such as semaglutides, are adjudicated appropriately. Find out more | November is Thrive! Get a Thrive Grant to help run your event Thrive Grants are back. If you have a great idea to host a Thrive event and promote mental health and need some funds to make it happen — apply for a Thrive Grant of up to $300. Applications are open until October 19, or until they are exhausted. Get your Thrive Grant | From understanding to action: mindfulness and self-compassion on campus Join us for this two-part, interactive series on Mindfulness and self-compassion on campus with Dr. Ellen Choi – Assistant Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University. If you can only attend one session you are still welcome to enrol; you will get a lot of value from attending either session. | Self-compassion for overachievers Do you struggle with the inner critic in your head that constantly says you aren’t doing enough or aren’t good enough? If so, you aren’t alone. We look at ways to utilize self-compassion to help us to rest and accept ourselves. - Date: Thursday, October 19
- Time: 12–1 pm
- Location: Zoom
Enrol today | Mindfulness and performance How can mindfulness improve performance in your workplace? You will learn about mindfulness concepts and the science behind the practice, before moving on to practical activities to help turn concepts into action. - Date: Thursday, October 26
- Time: 12–1 pm
- Location: Zoom
Enrol today | | Caring Conversations about substance use with ALAViDA Are you worried about a partner, adult child, coworker, or someone else you care about? ALAVIDA can help you navigate a tough conversation about substance use with an open mind so you can build trust and make a difference. Learn more and you could get a Starbucks gift card to invite someone you’re concerned about for a caring conversation. Get started | The most popular stories from the previous edition of Benefits FYI | | Want more health and wellbeing stories? Have you signed up for Healthy UBC? In this opt-in monthly newsletter, you get a selection of our best health and wellbeing stories and events from across UBC. Subscribe to Healthy UBC | Health, Wellbeing and Benefits
UBC Human Resources
600 - 6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC Canada, V6T 1Z3 hr.ubc.ca/benefits | You are receiving this email because you are enrolled in one or more UBC Benefits plans. To update your Primary email address, where you receive communications from UBC Benefits, please review the Change My Contact Information article or submit a support request through the UBC Self-Service Portal. © Copyright The University of British Columbia | | Disclaimer: The information contained in Benefits FYI is for information purposes only; it is not a contract. In the event of a discrepancy between the information in Benefits FYI and the applicable contracts/documents, the applicable plan contracts/documents, collective agreements and/or governing legislation will apply. Unless otherwise specified in the newsletter, you must be registered and enrolled in the appropriate benefit plans to receive the coverage and/or services as described. Enrolment in some of the benefit plans is not automatic. For more information on benefits, visit hr.ubc.ca/benefits. | | | | |
