UVA_HRMissed last month’s article? No worries—we’ve summarized the key points below so you can quickly get the essential information and start taking advantage of your total rewards right away.
Total Rewards Hub
Your benefits matter every day—not just during Open Enrollment. This resource provides monthly updates and helpful tips to keep you informed about all aspects of UVA’s Total Rewards program. Explore each month’s topic to make the most of your benefits and ensure your choices support your well-being and future.
Planning for What Matters Most: Supporting Your Family Now and in the Future
“Some days start with a schedule. Others don’t.”
When you’re caring for a family member with a disability, neurodiversity, or ongoing support needs, life can look different from what you once imagined. There may be appointments to coordinate, changing care needs to manage, or questions about what support will look like years from now.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning. Every family, and every situation, is different.
Whether you are thinking about retirement, financial protection, health coverage, caregiving support, or your family's future needs, UVA Total Rewards offers tools and resources that may help you plan for the road ahead.
You don't have to figure everything out at once. Start with what matters most to your family today and explore the resources available to you.
In a Nutshell
Depending on your family's circumstances, you may want to consider:
- Building retirement savings while also planning for your family's future needs
- Reviewing your life insurance coverage to determine whether additional protection makes sense for your family
- Planning for potential long-term care needs
- Understanding health and dental coverage options for a dependent child with a qualifying disability
- Using caregiving, well-being, and employee support resources when you need additional help
- Revisiting your plans over time as your family's needs change.
You may not need all these resources - and that's okay. The goal is to understand what's available so you can make the choices that are right for you and your family.
Build Your Future with Retirement Savings
UVA offers retirement benefits based on your role, including:
- Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
- Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) with TIAA or Fidelity
- Medical Center Retirement Program (MCRP)
You can also supplement your retirement savings through:
- 403(b) Supplemental Savings Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Explore UVA Retirement Benefits
Why this may matter to your family: When you're planning for the future of a family member who may need ongoing support, retirement planning can be about more than your own retirement income. You may also want to think about how your savings fit into your family's longer-term financial picture.
There is no single "right" amount to save. Consider your own circumstances, priorities, and financial goals, and revisit your approach as your needs change.
Protect the People Who Depend on You
If you are enrolled in a UVA retirement plan, you may have basic life insurance coverage at no cost.
You may also have the opportunity to purchase:
- Additional life insurance for yourself
- Coverage for your spouse
- Coverage for eligible dependent children
Explore UVA Life Insurance Options
Understand Health Coverage for a Dependent with a Disability
If you cover a dependent child with a qualifying disability, special rules may allow the child to remain covered by UVA's medical and dental plans beyond the standard dependent age limit.
For medical and dental coverage, the disability extension process must be approved before the dependent reaches the applicable age limit, including before age 26 for the standard dependent age limit.
This is an important planning step if your child may need continued access to health coverage as an adult.
Because eligibility requirements and approval processes can vary by benefit, don't assume that coverage automatically continues across all UVA benefits. Contact UVA Benefits before your dependent reaches the applicable age limit so you can understand your options and complete any required approval process.
Why this may matter to your family: Health coverage can be an important part of long-term planning, particularly when a family member has ongoing medical, behavioral health, therapy, or other support needs.
Planning ahead can give you more time to understand your options and avoid having to address an important coverage question at the last minute.
Consider Long-Term Care Planning
The Commonwealth of Virginia Long-Term Care Insurance Program (Genworth) helps cover services such as:
- In-home care
- Assisted living
- Nursing facility care
Explore Long-Term Care Insurance
Why this may matter to your family: Long-term care costs are often not covered by health insurance or Medicare. Planning early can help reduce stress and uncertainty later.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Caregiving Alone
Caregiving needs can change over time. Sometimes you may need occasional backup care or practical assistance. Other times, you may need help managing stress, finding resources, or simply having someone to talk with as you navigate a challenging season.
UVA offers resources that can help.
Explore UVA Caregiving Resources
Resources include:
- Backup care through Bright Horizons, including subsidized backup-care days
- In-home and center-based care options
- Additional resources for employees and families managing caregiving responsibilities
- Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP)
- Free, confidential counseling and support
- Help with caregiving stress, planning, and navigating challenges
Why this may matter to your family: You don’t have to navigate caregiving alone, whether you need short-term help or longer-term support.
Hoos Well
Hoos Well offers resources designed to support your overall well-being and help you find practical ways to care for yourself while managing the demands of work and family life.
Taking care of yourself isn't separate from caring for your family. It can be an important part of having the energy, resilience, and support you need for the people who depend on you.
Why this may matter to your family: You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming before reaching out. Sometimes support means finding a practical resource. Sometimes it means having a confidential conversation. Sometimes it simply means taking a moment to focus on yourself.
Start Where You Are
Planning for the future when a family member has ongoing support needs can feel overwhelming. You don't have to solve every question today.
Instead, consider starting with one question: What would give my family greater stability or peace of mind right now?
For one employee, that might mean reviewing life insurance. For another, it might mean understanding continued health coverage for a dependent with a disability. Someone else may need backup care, help finding resources, or simply having a confidential conversation with someone who can listen.
Every family's situation is different.
UVA Total Rewards provides a range of benefits and resources that may help you prepare for both the expected and the unexpected. Take the time to explore what's available, ask questions, and make the choices that are right for you and your family.
Your benefits are here to support your whole life - not just your work.
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