The Channel

The Channel

Year: 2021

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) Calendar Year Maximums

    The Health Savings Account (HSA) calendar-year limits are set for 2021.  Please email Betty Hesseling, Benefits Specialist, if you would like to change your HSA contributions.  Betty will create a life event on the Portal that will allow you to change your monthly contribution. 

    Health Savings Account (HSA) Calendar Year Contribution Limits
    Year Self-Only Limit Family Limit HSA catch-up contributions
      (Employer + Employee) (Employer + Employee) Age 55 or older at the end of the tax year
    2021 $3,600 $7,200 $1,000
    2020 $3,550 $7,100 $1,000

     

  • 403b Calendar Year Contribution Maximum

    As we look forward to 2021, it’s a great time to review your retirement plan.  Employees contributing to a 403b will want to double check to make sure their contributions do not exceed the maximum contribution limit for 2021.  The table below explains the maximum contribution amounts.  Please complete the salary reduction form found on the Portal > My Benefits > Retirement and submit to Betty Hesseling, Benefits Specialist.

    If you don’t have a retirement account such as a Roth IRA or a pre-tax 403b account, maybe this is the year you consider saving a little extra for retirement.  (Note: Those of you on our $3,500 High Deductible Health Plan could consider maximizing contributions to a Health Savings Account as part of your retirement plan as well). 

    403b Maximum Contribution Limits
    Year Regular Age 50+ 15-Yr Catch-Up** Total Employee
      The lesser of 100% of compensation* or: Regular limit + $6,500 if age 50+ Regular limit + $3,000 (must be employed w/current employer 15+ yrs & meet other eligibility rules( Combined maximum if eligible for Age 50+ & 15-Yr Catch-Up limits
    2021 $19,500 $26,000 $22,500 $29,000
    2020 $19,500 $26,000 $22,500 $29,000
    * Compensation is includible compensation as defined in the 403b Plan Document, and is generally your gross salary minus retirement (IPERS) deductions in your most recent year of service. The maximum amount you may contribute is reduced by deductions for FICA, insurances, flexible spending accounts, employee organizations, assignments, and other like items. Contributions must not exceed the IRS maximum limits shown above.
    ** A calculation is required to determine the actual amount available under the 15-Year Catch-up. If an employee is eligible for both catch-ups in the same year, that year’s 15-Year Catch-up must be used first, before contributing under the Age 50+ Catch-up. To be eligible to utilize the 15-year catch-up, a participant must have worked for the current employer full-time for at least 15 years, used less than the lifetime maximum of $15,000, and contributed an average annual contribution of $5,000 or less.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available for mental health support

    As the new year begins we want to remind staff about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP can help you with your day-to-day concerns or provide guidance through challenging situations. Agents are available 24 hours per day, every day of the year and can be accessed by calling 1-866-451-5465. More details can be found on this flyer.

    The EAP is a no-cost, confidential resource for a variety of issues, including:

    • Depression
    • Stress management
    • Financial or legal concerns
    • Marital difficulties
    • Anxiety
    • Eldercare, and more.

    New in 2021 is the LIFT session, a virtual fitness platform. LIFT is an accessible, effective, and affordable way for you to reach your fitness goals. It features personalized programs, access to coaches for questions, and the ability to work out under the live supervision of a coach online in 1-1 personal or group sessions.

  • Recent Zoom changes and updates

    Zoom regularly provides updates to their platform in order to make the application more efficient & effective for their users. Below are a couple feature updates that recently were made. In order to make these new features available, you will need to be running the latest version of Zoom. 

     

    Enhanced Zoom Co-Host Privileges over Breakout Rooms
    With the latest feature update, Zoom has announced an enhancement that will allow co-hosts to have the same breakout room controls as the meeting host, such as starting or ending breakout rooms, assigning participants, etc.  Hosts and co-hosts will now also have the option to assign a participant back to the main session, rather than ending all breakout sessions.

    Enabling Screen Sharing and Chat for Participants
    A security change impacted several agency users who have reported that screen sharing and chat capabilities have been reset to “Host Only” rather than “All Participants.” To re-enable these settings, first verify that you are signed into Zoom and running the latest version, 5.4.7 and follow the steps outlined in this document.

    If you have any questions or need technical assistance on any of the new Zoom updates, please contact the Help Desk at 319-273-8231 or helpdesk@centralriversaea.org.

  • ClassLink Update

    ClassLink recently received a feature update that will help staff organize and customize their personal dashboard. 

    Once you login, the new features will automatically be available. More information can be found in this document. 

    Contact the Help Desk at 319-273-8231 or helpdesk@centralriversaea.org if you need assistance.   

  • Adobe Flash Player

    As of Dec. 31, 2020, Adobe is no longer supporting Flash Player. Adobe will begin blocking Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021. We recommend all users turn off or uninstall Flash Player to help protect our systems. Further instructions can be found here.  

    If you have any questions or need technical assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 319.273.8231 or helpdesk@centralriversaea.org.

  • Office calendar for 2021-2022 now available

    The 2021-22 office calendar has been approved by the board and is now available to view/download on the staff website under Resources > Office Calendar.