Fair Highlights Meredith Employee Benefits

By Melyssa Allen
 
Meredith College’s Office of Human Resources held its annual benefits fair on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The event is an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn about new and existing benefits, and to talk directly with vendors and HR staff.

“Offering benefits to employees has become a vital addition to one’s salary,” said Maripat Plocki, benefits administrator. “Hosting a benefits fair each year gives everyone an opportunity to learn or be reminded of what is included in the Meredith benefits package, and also what’s new and what has changed. The benefits fair is also a reminder that our faculty and staff need to take time to think of what benefits will be needed for the next year.”

This year’s fair was held upstairs in Belk Dining Hall, a change that improved traffic flow, and allowed the HR staff to invite additional vendors. Raffle prizes were also offered, which Plocki said “adds a great deal to the festive atmosphere we like to provide.” 

New highlights this year were the following:

• KinderCare – now offering a discount for Meredith faculty and staff for daycare needs;
•   Hayes Barton Pharmacy – will deliver prescriptions to campus free of charge;
  
• Liberty Mutual – offering a 20% discount for home, auto and tenant insurance and offered a $5 donation to the Susan B. Komen for anyone wanting a quote during the benefits fair;
  
• AFLAC – available to provide additional health insurance for low weekly rates;
  
• Millennium Advisory Services – free financial seminars for everyone;
  
• Susan B. Komen Foundation – counseling was available for anyone dealing with breast cancer, and also for their caregivers;
  
• John Hancock – long term care insurance at discounted rates;
  
• Lincoln Financial – our new carrier for our life and long term disability benefits, who are also promoting an open enrollment for long term disability without medical questions, plus additional life insurance options through November 25;
  
• Social Security – information regarding Medicare issues/premiums, and what changes to keep in mind for 2010; and
  
• Eye Care Associates—offering $25 discount cards. 
  

Plocki credited the team who worked to plan, implement and complete the Benefits Fair.

“The team effort is a joy to share,” Plocki said. “An occasion like this reaffirms my first impression of the Meredith community as a group of caring individuals who just want to take care of each other.”

Reminder: Open enrollment for benefits changes began Oct. 28, and continues through November 25, which is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

For more information, visit www.meredith.edu/humres/benefits.htm.