In an effort to bring awareness to important updates and information regarding your benefits and employee wellness opportunities, new topics are highlighted here and in the working@chapman emails every week, including the sometimes hard-to-find employee wellness resources and health promotion benefits through Cigna and Kaiser medical coverage, the Employee Assistance Program, and a variety of workplace and campus perks.
» Wellness Hub Highlights
Current Highlights
Happy and Healthy through the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for family and celebration, but it can also challenge our physical and mental well-being. To help you stay healthy through the festivities, we've curated a collection of insightful articles. These resources offer practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet, managing holiday stress, staying active, and prioritizing both physical and mental self-care. Whether you're looking for ways to enjoy seasonal treats mindfully, cope with holiday pressures, or nurture your emotional health, these articles provide the guidance you need to make the most of the season while feeling your best inside and out.
- Seven Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
- Manage Your Blood Sugar During the Holidays
- Ways to Care for Your Mental Health During the Holidays
- How to Reduce Holiday Stress by Changing Your Mindset
- Seven Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress
- Quick Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress #1
- Quick Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress #2
- Quick Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress #3
- Quick Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress #4
- Handling Grief and Loss Through the Holidays
- Grief & the Holidays: Getting and Giving Support in Tough Times
- 9 Ways to Make Your Holiday Season Jolly
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder - Symptoms & Causes
We wish you a happy, healthy, and restful Winter break. See you in the new year!
Sincerely,
Wellness Hub Highlights: LIVE Wellness Webinars for DECEMBER
LIVE Wellness Webinars for DECEMBER
Chapman University employees and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the Behavioral Health Webinars offered by Cigna Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente as well as the Financial Wellness Webinars offered by TIAA and Fidelity. There is no cost to join any of these webinars; pre-registration is required for some webinars.
Cigna Behavioral Health Webinars - No registration required
- The Cigna Behavioral Health webinar series has concluded for 2024. Live webinars will resume in January 2025. Visit the Cigna Knowledge Center > Seminars: Behavioral Health Series for recently recorded webinars on Autism, Eating Disorders, Children & Families, and Substance Use Disorders topics.
- The 2024 On-Demand Wellness Webcasts are also available for viewing at any time.
Kaiser Permanente Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- Joyful Living: Exploring the Science of Happiness – Monday, December 16th 12-1PM
TIAA Financial Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- How can I afford college for my kids or grandkids – Thursday, December 12th 10-11AM
* Visit the TIAA Webinar Lounge and the Fidelity On-Demand Webinar List to view recordings of previous webinars.
November 20th is the final day of Open Enrollment
This is a friendly reminder for benefits-eligible employees to visit the 2025 Open Enrollment page to review benefit options for next year, and to log into your employee portal to make elections. Without action, your current benefits elections will carry over into 2025 except for Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account elections. If you wish to utilize the Flexible Spending Account or the Health Savings Account for 2025 – or to make any changes to your benefits – then you must log into your employee portal and make your benefit selections.
If you have any questions, please reach out to benefits@chapman.edu.
Protect your health and peace of mind in 2025 – for you and your family.
Selecting the Right Coverage for 2025
This Open Enrollment period, it’s time to ensure you and your family have the right benefits in place for 2025. Is your current coverage the best fit for you, or is it just “what’s familiar”? Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review, adjust, and optimize your benefits package to fit your needs. With five different medical plan options, two dental plans, and two vision plans, it is important to fully familiarize yourself with how each of these works to make sure you have the best-fit coverage for you and your family.
Why It Matters
Life changes – and so do your benefits needs! Whether you’re considering new coverage options, adding a dependent, or just want to make sure you’re maximizing all available benefits, now is the perfect time to take action.
What to Do
- Review Your Current Selections: Think about what worked well this past year and any new needs.
- Explore ALL Options: Chapman offers benefits-eligible employees five medical plans, each one designed to fit different needs.
- Consider How to Save: With the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) available depending on which medical plan you choose, you have a great opportunity to save up to 30% on your healthcare spending in 2025.
- Ask Questions: Our Benefits team is here to help answer any questions you might have. See our in-person consultation schedule below or email us at benefits@chapman.edu with any questions.
Important Dates
- Enrollment Period: Open now through November 20th
- Action Required: Enrollment elections are passive except for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) elections – if you wish to contribute to your FSA in 2025 you must log into your employee portal and make this election.
- Don’t miss out! Visit the 2025 Open Enrollment page for more information, and to access your employee portal.
Walk-in Consultation Availability
Orange Campus, Demille Hall
- Tuesday, November 12th: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Wednesday, November 13th: 9AM-1PM
- Monday, November 18th: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Tuesday, November 19th: 10AM-2PM
- Wednesday, November 20th: 10AM-2PM
Rinker Campus Building 9401 Room 170
- Tuesday, November 12th
- Wednesday, November 13th
- Thursday, November 14th
- Friday, November 15th: 10AM-2PM
Protect your health and peace of mind in 2025 – for you and your family.
LIVE Wellness Webinars for NOVEMBER
All Chapman University employees and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the Behavioral Health Webinars offered by Cigna Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente as well as the Financial Wellness Webinars offered by TIAA and Fidelity. There is no cost to join any of these webinars; pre-registration is required for some webinars.
Cigna Behavioral Health Webinars - No registration required
- The Cigna Behavioral Health webinar series has concluded for 2024. Live webinars will resume in January 2025. Visit the Cigna Knowledge Center > Seminars: Behavioral Health Series for recently recorded webinars on Autism, Eating Disorders, Children & Families, and Substance Use Disorders topics.
- The 2024 On-Demand Wellness Webcasts are also available for viewing at any time.
Kaiser Permanente Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- Thriving Through the Holidays – Monday, November 18th 12-1PM
TIAA Financial Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- Investing essentials: 5 principles to invest with confidence – Tuesday, November 5th 9-10AM
- Naming your beneficiaries: Why it matters – Thursday, November 7th 11AM-12PM
- How to get the most from your employee retirement plan – Wednesday, November 13th 12-1PM
- Family wealth education – Tuesday, November 19th 10-11AM
* Visit the TIAA Webinar Lounge and the Fidelity On-Demand Webinar List to view recordings of previous webinars.
2025 Benefits Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for Chapman University benefits-eligible employees begins on Wednesday, October 30th and goes through Wednesday, November 20th. During this time, you can review your current benefits, make changes, and enroll in or modify your selections for the upcoming year.
About Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review and make changes to your benefit elections without a qualifying event—so don’t miss out!
During this Open Enrollment, you can:
- Add, cancel or change coverage
- Enroll or re-enroll in a health care and/or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
- Elect or modify your health savings account (HSA) employee contributions
- Add or drop eligible family members from coverage
- Enroll or increase your supplemental life insurance; however, you will need to complete an evidence of insurability (EOI) form and receive approval from our insurance carrier, The Standard
Benefit Updates for 2025
- Medical, dental and vision costs remain the same. For 2025, the University will absorb the cost increases to keep your payroll deductions unchanged.
- The HDHP/HSA medical plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will increase $50 to $100 to comply with IRS guidelines
Benefits App
Access your benefits information anytime, anywhere with the Benefit Spot mobile app.
To get started:
- Download Benefit Spot on the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Enter company code: Chapman (NOTE: The company code is case-sensitive.)
Know Your Benefits
Learn more about your benefits by visiting the Chapman University Open Enrollment Home Page and the Benefits Education Video Library.
If you are interested in an in-person consultation about your benefits enrollment options, you may stop by DeMille Hall Room 140 to meet with Troy Bacon, your Chapman University Well-Being Coordinator and Cigna Representative, on any of these days and times. Consultations are walk-in only.
- Thursday, October 31st: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Monday, November 4th: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Tuesday, November 5th: 2-5PM
- Wednesday, November 6th: 9AM-1PM
- Tuesday, November 12th: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Wednesday, November 13th: 9AM-1PM
- Friday, November 15th: 9AM-1PM
- Monday, November 18th: 9AM-1PM and 2-5PM
- Tuesday, November 19th: 10AM-2PM
- Wednesday, November 20th: 10AM-2PM
Sincerely,
Your Chapman University Benefits & Wellness Team
Fitness Deals & On-Campus Recreation
Fitness Deals for Cigna Members - The Active & Fit Direct™ Program
Find your perfect gym from thousands of options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, Gold's Gym, and many more in the area! No long-term contracts, switch gyms with ease Just $28 per month. Right now through November 30th, Cigna members can enjoy a $0 enrollment fee using code FITFORALL at sign-up.
Fitness Deals for Kaiser Members
Stay active and fit with a variety of reduced rates on studios, gyms, fitness gear, and online classes — available for Kaiser Permanente members.
On-Campus Fitness & Recreation
Chapman University offers faculty, staff, and students a variety of on-campus options for fitness and recreation to encourage an active lifestyle. To access these facilities, complete an annual Wellness and Recreation membership via the RecPortal and bring a valid Chapman University ID Card. Please review Wellness and Recreation facility policies before visiting.
“Know Your Lemons” & Breast Cancer Awareness
Never heard of “Know Your Lemons”? Watch this introduction video!
Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer? Early detection will save their lives. A late-stage breast cancer diagnosis has a 30% survival rate, compared to 99% for cases diagnosed in stage one. Early detection is key for effective breast cancer treatment.
That is why Know Your Lemons has created the “best women’s breast health app in the world”. This free and confidential app boasts a period tracker, self-exam audioguide, monthly reminders, custom screening plan, mammogram support, and more! Available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch. Know Your Lemons is available to EVERYONE, regardless of gender, employment status, or benefits eligibility.
Learn more about each one of these features, read real-life stories of early detection, and explore frequently asked questions on the Know Your Lemons website. Ready to get started? Download the app today.
While self-exams are a powerful tool for early detection, they are not meant to be a replacement for regular mammograms or wellness visits. Be sure to complete your preventive health screenings – including cancer screenings – as directed by your health care provider.
Breast Cancer Self-Exams & Early Detection
Every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month we seek to bring attention not only to the prevalence of Breast Cancer, but also the attainability of early detection and effective treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer, with the overwhelming majority of them not having any family or genetic history. But did you know that with early detection, breast cancer survival rates can be as high as 99%? These statistics truly emphasize the need for self-exams, mammograms, early detection, and effective treatment. Breast cancer can impact any person regardless of their gender, so be sure to explore the informative information and resources below.
Cigna’s brand new Know Your Lemons® partnership
Cigna Healthcare has partnered with Know Your Lemons®, a global charity that helps improve early detection of breast cancer through symptoms and screening education in a fun and accessible way. The free Know Your Lemons app – available to ALL employees, not limited by medical enrollment or gender – explains the 12 symptoms of breast cancer, teaches self-exam with monthly reminders, provides mammogram reminders, explains risk factors, and more. Get started to complete your self-exam today!
Additional Resources
- Self Exams versus Mammograms
While self-exams are a powerful tool for early detection, they are not meant to be a replacement for regular mammograms or wellness visits. Be sure to complete your preventive health screenings – including cancer screenings – as directed by your health care provider.
LIVE Wellness Webinars for OCTOBER
All Chapman University employees and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend any of the Behavioral Health Webinars offered by Cigna Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente as well as the Financial Wellness Webinars offered by TIAA and Fidelity. There is no cost to join any of these webinars; pre-registration is required for some webinars.
Cigna Behavioral Health Webinars - No registration required (Some pages may not update with this month’s topics/links until closer to event date)
- Understanding Neuropsychological Testing - Thursday, October 10th 10-11AM
- Demystifying Addiction: Applying the Biopsychosocial Model - Wednesday, October 16th 10-11AM
- Emotional Regulation in Children and Teens – Thursday, October 17th 10-11AM
- Demystifying the Eating Disorder: Understanding Risk, Symptoms, and Treatment – Tuesday, October 22nd 10-11AM
* Explore the Cigna Knowledge Center to access recordings of past webinars and view the 2024 On-Demand Wellness Webcasts at any time.
Kaiser Permanente Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- Healthy Connections: Exploring the Impact of Relationships on Well-being – Monday, October 21st 12-1PM
TIAA Financial Wellness Webinars - Pre-registration required
- Protecting your savings: How to recognize and prevent account takeover schemes - Tuesday, October 1st 10-11AM
- Quarterly economic and market update - Tuesday, October 9th, 9-10AM
- Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - Wednesday, October 17th 11AM-12PM
- Myth-busting: Planning and managing healthcare expenses – Tuesday, October 23rd 12-1PM
* Visit the TIAA Webinar Lounge and the Fidelity On-Demand Webinar List to view recordings of previous webinars.
Previous Highlights
September 2024 - National Self-Care Month
We have so much to highlight this month with the last two weeks’ Suicide Prevention & Awareness and Addiction & Recovery topics (both listed below), but we would be remiss to leave out National Self-Care Awareness Month. We take this week in September to remember that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is essential. Self-care is often neglected in our everyday lives, and we tend to put others’ needs before our own. Use the month of September to make self-care a part of your daily routine and practice being good to yourself.
Resources:
Cigna Self-Care Apps:
These apps and many more self-care and health/wellness resources can be found on the Cigna Wellness web page.
- Headspace Care (formerly Ginger): Confidential mental health support through behavioral health coaching.
- Talkspace: Day and night therapist support from the convenience of your phone.
- iPrevail: A digital therapeutics platform to help you take control of the stresses of everyday life.
Kaiser Self-Care Apps:
Kaiser members have access to self-care apps like Calm and Headspace Care. These apps can help you navigate life’s challenges, and make small changes to improve your sleep, mood, relationships, and more. It’s self-care made easy, designed to help you live well and thrive.
These apps and many more self-care and health/wellness resources can be found on the Kaiser Wellness web page.
September 2024 - National Addiction & Recovery Month
Last week we highlighted Suicide Prevention & Awareness, but September is also National Recovery Month which is observed every year to promote and find new evidence-based treatment for those battling addiction and is focused on recovery practices and the need for a strong recovery community and service providers who help people in recovery. You can use your Employee Assistance Program benefits for support on addiction and recovery; Cigna and Kaiser both offer addiction and recovery resources as well.
- LifeRing Secular Recovery: Empowering Sobriety webinar – September 18th 10-11AM
- This link updates with a new Substance Use Disorder seminar topic each month
- The same page has a variety of previously recorded webinars available for replay
- Working a 12 Step Program: Perspectives in Long-Term Recovery (recorded webinar)
September 2024 - September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide and suicidal thoughts are stigmatized, and often taboo, topics. We use this month to shift perception, spread hope, and share vital information. Our goal is to ensure that Chapman staff, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. “988” is the “911” for suicidal thoughts and crises. Know the number; save the number; save a life.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call. Text. Chat.
- Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- SMART Recovery Resources
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, can often indicate more serious issues. You and your loved ones should always use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in a mental health emergency. But you can also take advantage of your medical coverage at Chapman University and your Employee Assistance Program benefits which both include mental health support. Take care of your mental health before a crisis strikes.
- Cigna Mental, Behavioral, and Substance Use Resources; Cigna customers have 24/7/365 crisis support by calling the number on the back of their Cigna card
August 2024 - Cigna and Kaiser Wellness
Whether you are enrolled in Cigna or Kaiser through Chapman University, you have a variety of resources at your disposal to help support you on your self-improvement journey. Looking for free telephonic coaching? Discounted gym memberships? Maternity support for expecting mothers? Apps and webinars to support your mental and emotional well-being? You can find all these and more on the respective Cigna Wellness and Kaiser Wellness pages.
If you would like any additional information or guidance on any of the tools and resources found there, please email Troy Bacon with your request.
August 2024 - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
August 2024 - Workplace Perks & Discounts
August 2024 - New Faculty Hire Benefits Orientation on August 20th
August 2024 - Manage Your Healthcare Online with myCigna.com and KP.org
Cigna Customers: myCigna.com and the Health Assessment
With myCigna.com, Cigna enrollees can manage their healthcare online. Whether you are looking for in-network providers, estimating healthcare costs, or exploring health and wellness resources like discounts on gym memberships and massage therapy, myCigna.com is your one stop shop for managing your healthcare online.
Ready to learn more about myCigna.com?
- Watch this helpful myCigna Tutorial Video and this Health Literacy Video
- Log in or register today at myCigna.com or through the myCigna mobile app
- Take the myCigna Health Assessment to evaluate your health and habits
Kaiser Permanente Customers: KP.org and the Total Health Assessment
Employees and family members covered by the Kaiser Permanente medical plan can register on kp.org to manage their healthcare. From finding care and costs to health classes, programs, and coaching, you have everything you need to manage your healthcare and take steps to improving your well-being through kp.org.
Ready to learn more about kp.org?
- Log in or register today at kp.org or through the Kaiser Permanente mobile app
- Take the KP Total Health Assessment to learn more about your behaviors and habits
July 2024 - Meet Your Benefits & Wellness Team
If you have ever wondered who you are speaking with when you call or email the Benefits Department, now you’ll know! Abbie Kane, Rudy Arciniega, and Yesenia Castillo field and handle all of your benefits inquiries. Troy Bacon with Cigna Healthcare is a new addition to the team working alongside Abbie, Rudy, and Yesenia to support employee wellness.
July 2024 - Summer Safety Tips
July 2024 - GLP-1 Coverage at Chapman University
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release after meals. It also helps in slowing down the emptying of the stomach, promoting satiety, and reducing appetite. See which GLP-1 medications are available and covered via the Chapman medical plans.
June 2024 - Cigna and Kaiser Maternity Support
Did you know that Chapman University’s Cigna and Kaiser medical plans include support for expecting mothers? That’s right! These maternity support programs provide education and personalized guidance from pre-natal to pediatrics.
Cigna maternity Support
Healthy Pregnancies Healthy Babies maternity support: Helping you and your baby stay healthy during your pregnancy and in the days and weeks after your baby’s birth. Enroll in the first trimester and complete the program to earn a $150 cash reward!
Healthy Pregnancies app: Digital support for you and baby's health through pregnancy and baby's first two years!
Kaiser Maternity Support
Comprehensive maternity care, birthing plan, and a dedicated team to support you from pre-natal though post-partum.
Care & Coverage | Healthy Pregnancy | Your Experience | Post-partum Care