Connect - December Edition

We Want Your Input on Open Enrollment

Thank you to everyone who scheduled 1-1 appointments or dropped in to discuss insurance elections during open enrollment. This was the City’s first year as an IPBC member and fully utilizing PlanSource for employee self service, and we’d like your input on what HR did well to support you in making decisions about your insurance. We also want to know what we could do differently next year.

Complete this survey by Monday, December 15, to share your thoughts so HR can improve open enrollment in future years.

Congratulations to the Vendor Expo Winners!

Thank you to those of you who joined us on October 30 for the Benefits Fair to kick-off open enrollment. If you are a raffle winner from the HR Vendor Expo, stop by HR to claim your prize!

Gift Card & Book - Amias Turman

Gift Card & Book - Yazmin Gomez

VSP Sunglasses - Aaron Dalzot

VSP Sunglasses - Ishwar Laxminarayan

Mini Aflac Duck - Anthony Anaszewicz

Mini Aflac Duck - Krystal Medina

Mini Aflac Duck - Kristin Elliott

Mini Aflac Duck - Mark Zalke

Mini Aflac Duck - Becky Pocasangre

Mini Aflac Duck - Dani Spann

Mini Aflac Duck - Andy Rick

City Manager Conversations

This winter, we’re taking a new approach to City Manager Conversations. Rather than structured small-group discussions, these will be informal, drop-in sessions. Come by when you can, grab a bite to eat, and share what’s on your mind.

We’ll bring back the traditional format—with set topics and smaller groups—in the spring.

Upcoming Sessions:

Monday, December 15, 12-1 pm at Municipal Services
Tuesday, December 16, 12-1 pm at Municipal Services
Wednesday, December 17, 12-1 pm at CROYA / Recreation Center
Thursday, December 18, 12-1 pm at the Public Safety Building
Friday, December 19, 12-1 pm at Municipal Services

You’re invited to attend whichever session works best for your schedule; you do not need to participate at the building where you typically work.

To ensure we have enough food for everyone, please RSVP by Friday, December 5.

Let Your Colors Show – Any Team, Any Time!

The Bears and Packers are neck and neck heading into the last month of the NFL season, with the NFC North division title at stake. The teams square off twice in December, but Friday, December 5 is for everyone. Whether you’re chanting “Bear Down,” “Go, Pack, Go!” or rallying behind your favorite team from across the league, wear your NFL gear proudly and show your spirit!

January 2026 Paycheck Insurance Deductions

During months with three pay periods, insurance benefit deductions are typically applied to the first and second paychecks only. For January 2026, deductions will instead occur on the second (January 16) and third (January 30) paychecks. This provides HR and Finance additional time to prepare for the deductions given the conflict with the New Year's Day holiday.

1095-C Form

Each year, employees receive a 1095-C Form as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting requirements. This form provides information about the health insurance coverage offered to you, including whether you were eligible for coverage and the months you were enrolled. While you don’t need to submit the 1095-C with your tax return, it’s important to keep it with your records. It can help you confirm your coverage status and answer any questions when completing your taxes.

Beginning in 2026, electronic copies of 1095-C forms will be available from PlanSource. You can choose to continue receiving a paper 1095-C form if you prefer by navigating to the "ACA Documents" options under the "Documents" section of PlanSource.

Haley Bhardwaj

Program Supervisor

Haley joins the Lake Forest team as the Dance Program Supervisor. She has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a Master's degree in Education.

Haley enjoys traveling, cooking, dancing, snowboarding, and crafting. She is so excited to join the Lake Forest team!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

PPO Buzz

Member Rewards

With the Member Rewards program, employees can call a Health Advocate or use the Provider Finder feature on the BCBS website and earn cash rewards when selecting a rewards eligible provider. Attached here is a new flyer.

HMO Buzz

Changing a Medical Group

Any employee who wishes to change their HMO medical group can call BCBS at 1(800)538-8833 or use Blue Access for Members. As a reminder, medical group elections entered into PlanSource are only transmitted to BCBS the first time. Updates to medical group elections cannot be made through PlanSource and must be done directly with BCBS.

Vision Coverage

HMO Members are covered for one routine vision exam per calendar year at no cost. Members must utilize an EyeMed provider for the exam to be covered and to take advantage of any hardware discounts.

Delta Dental Buzz

New Resources from DDIL

Article: Four Steps to Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Video: Why Are Dental Benefits Important?

Asset Health Challenge

Stress-Free Challenge (November 10 - December 7)

The Stress-Free Challenge ends this week, so make sure you take advantage of the time left to maximize your Think Healthy points. Earn one point for completing and recording each of the following stress-controlling behaviors you practice each day: 1) sleeping seven hours a night, 2) devoting 20 minutes to relaxation, and 3) getting 20 minutes of continuous physical activity.

Annual Contribution Limits Increasing in 2026

Contribution limits for retirement savings accounts are increasing in 2026. Even a modest amount set aside each paycheck can make a big difference at retirement age. See the table below for details and contact Jeff Cook, Retirement Plans Specialist at Mission Square to learn more (202-759-7042; jcook@missionsq.org).