The federal and South Carolina state income tax withholding tables changed for tax year 2022. As a result, payees who receive a monthly retirement benefit may notice a change in their net January benefit amount. Benefit recipients may need to update or change the number of withholding allowances (exemptions) and/or marital status (if applicable) or flat dollar amount.
To update this information, encourage payees to log in to their Member Access account.
Alternatively, a payee may download, complete, print and sign the Withholding Certificate for Monthly Benefit Payments form (Form 7202) and mail it to PEBA.
Please keep in mind that changes made via Member Access will be immediate; however, changes submitted via paper form may take longer to process.
PEBA to mail 2021 1099-R forms
PEBA will mail 1099-R forms for calendar year 2021 by January 31, 2022, to anyone who received a benefit payment from the retirement systems. Please allow two weeks for delivery. As a reminder, payees may also access and print their tax documents any time through Member Access.
Reimbursement for at-home COVID tests
You may have heard on the news that Americans with private insurance will be able to ask for reimbursement for at-home rapid COVID-19 tests beginning Saturday, January 15. We are reviewing the guidance and working with our claims administrator partners to understand how it will work. We will share further details once we have them.
Reminder for insurance optional employers
An optional employer elects to participate in the state insurance benefits program in accordance with Section 1-11-720(B) of the S.C. Code of Laws and PEBA’s Requirements for Participation in the State Insurance Benefits Program. The Optional Employer Handbook has been updated for 2022 and includes these requirements. It is important for the staff and elected officials of any participating optional employer to review and understand these requirements annually.
Reminder for charter schools
Generally, charter schools are eligible to participate in the state insurance benefits program; however, PEBA must verify a charter school’s eligibility. There are two optional tracks for a charter school that is eligible to participate in the state insurance benefits programs PEBA administers. An explanation of the tracks is available in the Charter School Handbook, which has been updated for 2022. It is important for participating charter schools and their sponsors to review and understand the tracks and Charter School Requirements for Participation in the State Insurance Benefits Program annually.
Wondr Health application now open
Wondr is a weight loss program that’s clinically proven to help participants lose weight, sleep better, stress less and so much more. Participants will learn simple skills based on behavioral science, helping them enjoy their favorite foods and feel better. State Health Plan members, including spouses and dependents ages 18 and older, are eligible to apply and participate at no cost. Medicare-primary members are also eligible to apply.
If you have employees who are interested in participating, the next class begins February 7, 2022. Encourage your employees to apply by January 23, 2022, at www.wondrhealth.com/peba.
Nominate your employer for a LiveLifeBlue award
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (BlueCross) is accepting nominations for the 2022 LiveLifeBlue employer awards through February 11, 2022. If your organization worked hard to inspire happy, healthy employees during 2021, we encourage you to apply. BlueCross hosts the annual LiveLifeBlue awards to recognize South Carolina organizations that are excelling with their employee health and well-being programs. Winners will be announced in April.
