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
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.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Make the Most of Your HSA, FSA or Dependent Care FSA
You set money aside. Now put it to work for you.
Open Enrollment asks you to make a lot of decisions, and if you elected a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), you've already taken a thoughtful step toward caring for yourself and your family. These accounts allow you to set aside money through payroll deductions before taxes, helping you stretch your dollars further when paying for eligible health care or dependent care expenses.
But enrolling is only the first step. The good news is that getting the most from the money you’re setting aside doesn’t take much effort. Now is the time to make sure your account is ready, and the sections below will walk you through how.
In a Nutshell
Depending on the account you chose:
- HSA: Confirm your Fidelity account is open so you don't miss out on UVA's employer contribution, and consider whether saving or investing some of your balance makes sense for you.
- Health Care FSA: Start planning how you'll use your available funds for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision expenses.
- DCFSA: Keep track of eligible dependent-care expenses and remember that funds become available as they're deposited through payroll deductions throughout the year.
- FSA and DCFSA: Plan ahead. These accounts are "use or lose," although UVA provides a grace period through March 15 of the following year.
Not sure which part applies to you? Skip to the section with the type of account you signed up for (HSA, FSA, or DCFSA), or read them all to see how they compare! (To see your election choices for 2027, go to Workday>View Profile>Actions>View My Benefit Statement.)
Have an HSA? Make Sure It's Open
UVA may put up to $1,500 toward your HSA, but only if your account is open.
Eligible employees may receive an annual UVA contribution of $1,000 for employee-only coverage or $1,500 for family coverage, and your account must be open and ready for funding with Fidelity within 90 days for you to receive it. Watch for emails from Fidelity requesting any additional information needed to open your account, and respond promptly.
Good to know: If you have a P.O. Box listed as your home address in Workday, Fidelity is not able to open your account. It’s an easy fix! You'll just need to provide a physical home address.
Your HSA can do more than pay today's medical bills
HSA funds can be used tax-free for eligible medical, dental and vision expenses, including deductibles, coinsurance, and other qualified expenses. You can use your Fidelity NetBenefits Access Card to pay eligible expenses directly from your account.
Unlike an FSA, though, there's no deadline to spend your HSA balance. Your unused balance rolls over from year to year, earns interest and stays with you even if you leave UVA.
That means your HSA can serve two purposes: help pay health care expenses today and provide an opportunity to save for future health care costs.
You can even invest HSA assets in options available through Fidelity, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. Investment growth is tax-free when the money is ultimately used for eligible medical expenses. Fidelity offers resources to help you explore your investment options.
Need to adjust what you're saving?
Life changes, and your HSA can change with it! You can increase or decrease your employee contribution during the year in Workday, with the change generally taking effect the first of the following month. Remember that UVA's contribution counts toward the annual IRS HSA contribution limit, which is $4,500 for individuals and $9,000 for families in 2027.
Your next steps:
- Confirm that your Fidelity HSA is open and ready for contributions.
- Review how much you're contributing through payroll.
- Think about both current and future health care expenses.
- Explore whether keeping some money invested for longer-term needs makes sense for you.
- Visit the HSA Store to find eligible products and services.
Have a Health Care FSA? Put Those Dollars to Work
A Health Care FSA also lets you pay eligible expenses with pretax dollars, but it works differently from an HSA.
One big advantage of a Full Health Care FSA is that the full annual amount you elected becomes available after your first benefits-deduction paycheck, even though your payroll contributions continue throughout the year.
You can use a Full FSA for eligible out-of-pocket medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision expenses, such as copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and certain over-the-counter medications.
Employees enrolled in UVA's Health Savings option cannot have a Full Health Care FSA but may elect a Limited FSA, which can be used for eligible dental and vision expenses.
Visit the FSA Store: Shop over 2,500 FSA-eligible products and services.
Don't lose what you've saved
You’ve worked hard for the money you’ve set aside, and we want you to get every dollar of it. Here's the biggest difference to remember between an HSA and FSA: FSA funds do not roll over indefinitely.
UVA provides a grace period through March 15 of the following year to incur eligible expenses using the previous year's FSA funds. Claims for expenses incurred by the end of that grace period must be submitted by April 30. Any funds remaining after the applicable deadlines are forfeited.
Life gets busy, and it's easy to lose track of money you've set aside. A quick check of your balance every so often can help, along with planning eligible expenses throughout the year rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
Your next steps:
- Review your FSA balance.
- Familiarize yourself with eligible expenses.
- Save your receipts and documentation.
- Check your balance periodically throughout the year.
- Make a plan to spend your funds before the grace period ends.
Have a DCFSA? Make Everyday Care Expenses Count
Caring for the people who depend on you is a big part of your life, and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account can help make it more affordable. It lets you pay eligible care expenses with pretax dollars when the care enables you, and your spouse if you're married, to work, look for work, or attend school full-time.
Eligible expenses can include care such as:
- Daycare for an eligible child under age 13
- Before- and after-school care
- Summer day camp
- Eligible adult dependent care
- In-home care for an eligible dependent who is unable to care for themselves
Unlike a Health Care FSA, where your full annual election is available near the beginning of the plan year, DCFSA funds become available only as your payroll deductions are deposited into your account. You can then reimburse yourself for eligible expenses through your Fidelity account.
And like the Health Care FSA, a DCFSA is "use or lose." UVA provides a grace period through March 15 of the following year to incur eligible expenses before remaining funds are forfeited.
A helpful planning tip: Kids grow up quickly, and your family’s needs change along with them. Think ahead to changes that could affect your eligible expenses. For example, if a child will turn 13 during the year, factor that into how much you expect to spend from the account.
HSA, FSA or DCFSA: Set It Up and Use It
Each account works differently, but they share an important benefit: they can help you make your money go further by using pretax dollars for eligible expenses.
Take a few minutes this week to sign in to your account, confirm which expenses are eligible, and put a plan in place for the year ahead, whether that means confirming your Fidelity HSA is open, reviewing your FSA balance, or tracking your dependent care expenses. A little attention now can help you avoid leaving money on the table later.
Your benefits are here to support your health, your family, and your financial well-being. We hope these tips help you feel confident making the most of them.
Previously Featured Topics
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October - Planning for Disability, Neurodiversity, or Ongoing Support Needs
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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September - Supporting the Whole Employee: What's Changing for 2027
Supporting the Whole Employee: What's Changing for 2027
Open Enrollment brings important updates to UVA's benefits programs each year, but it's also an opportunity to take a fresh look at the benefits that support you and your family. From health care and financial security to leave and wellness resources, UVA's benefits are designed to support you every day and during life's most important moments.
In a Nutshell for 2027:
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Health and dental premiums are changing
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HSA employee contribution limits are increasing
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Vision premiums are decreasing
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Employee supplemental life insurance premiums are decreasing and guaranteed for three years
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UVA will transition administration of life insurance benefits for employees enrolled in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and Medical Center Retirement Plan (MCRP) to MetLife
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MetLife will also be the new disability vendor for employees in ORP and all benefited University Medical Center team members
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MetLife will be the new vendor for both Academic Division and University Medical Center employees for parental leave and FMLA
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Eligible MCRP and ORP participants will have a one-time supplemental life insurance enrollment opportunity without answering health questions
Together, these changes reflect UVA's ongoing commitment to a comprehensive Total Rewards program that helps employees thrive at work and in life.
What the MetLife Transition Means for You
We're creating a more connected experience for some of the benefits that protect you and your family. Vision benefits, life insurance, disability, and leave administration will move to MetLife, effective January 1, 2027. What this means for you:
- Davis Vision will still be available and offer additional vision benefits beyond the Aetna Vision Discount Program, at a slightly lower price!
- Basic life insurance will continue to be offered to benefits-eligible employees at no charge to the employee.
- If you are presently enrolled in Supplemental employee, spouse or child life insurance with The Standard, those policies will automatically transfer over to MetLife on 1/1/2027. However, you must re-elect coverage and identify your dependents during Open Enrollment.
- During Open Enrollment, there is a special one-time opportunity for MCRP and ORP participants to elect supplemental life insurance without answering health questions. No changes for VRS participants. Learn more about this on the Open Enrollment Life Insurance webpage.
- If you elect supplemental life insurance, you will have access to a suite of services at no additional cost, including will preparation, estate planning assistance, grief counseling, funeral planning resources, and more.
- New online tools from MetLife will help you navigate the leave process and life insurance options with more ease and confidence.
UVA is bringing together several important protection benefits under one administrator to support you more seamlessly throughout different stages of life.
Total Rewards Is Bigger Than Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is only one part of UVA's Total Rewards commitment. From medical coverage and preventive care to retirement savings, life insurance, disability protection, paid leave, professional development, family support resources, and wellness programs, these benefits are designed to support employees throughout every stage of life and career.
Take the Next Step
During Open Enrollment, review your 2027 options carefully, compare costs and coverage, confirm your dependents and beneficiaries, and consider whether the special supplemental life insurance opportunity applies to you. Visit the 2027 Open Enrollment website for dates, plan details, decision tools, and enrollment instructions.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to explore benefits that are designed for your benefit. Whether you're thinking about your health, financial future, family needs, or long-term well-being, these programs are designed to support you throughout every stage of life and career. -
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July - Invest in Yourself: UVA Education Benefits Can Help You Reach Your Next Goal
For Michael Duffy, Transportation Operations and Fleet Manager in Facilities Management, earning his bachelor’s degree from UVA was a long-term goal he achieved while working full time. His journey shows what’s possible when you invest in your education—no matter where you are in your career.Education Benefits by the Numbers
- More than $9.4 million award in education benefits during calendar year 2025
- More than $5.6 million awarded during the first six months of calendar year 2026
- 4,157 employees submitted for education benefits in calendar year 2025
Know Before You Apply
- Education benefits are available after six months of benefited service.
- Apply up to 90 days before a program starts.
- Apply up to five months in advance for conferences (Academic Division employees only) to take advantage of early-bird pricing.
- Submit requests through Workday Self Service, with approved funds paid directly through your paycheck.
What's Available?
Eligible full-time and part-time benefited employees can access:
- Up to $5,250 annually in tax-free tuition assistance for degree programs ranging from associate's degrees to doctorates.
- Up to $2,000 annually for professional development (Academic Division employees). Combined tuition and professional development funding cannot exceed $5,250 annually.
- Up to $375 annually for professional certifications for Medical Center team members, or $500 for RNs.
Ready to take the next step? Explore UVA's education benefits and start planning your next learning opportunity today.
Reminder: The deadline to submit education benefit requests for calendar year 2026 funding is December 4, 2026.
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May - Mental Health Treatment Available Seven Days a Week
Register for Mental Health Treatment Available Seven Days a Week
We are happy to support employees and team members through confidential consultations with FEAP, most of which are scheduled within three days of a request. We are also proud that FEAP provides Crisis and Care Coordination for emergencies that occur after hours.
Still, we recognize that mental health needs do not always arise during the workday or in moments of crisis. Sometimes, you may simply need someone to talk to right away—whether it’s on the weekend, after hours, or during a difficult moment that cannot wait.
This is why registering for Teladoc Health can help ensure hassle-free access to virtual mental health services seven days a week. While these services are not free, members enrolled in the UVA Health Plan may access them at the following costs:
Teladoc Mental Health Visit Costs
Plan Cost UVA PPO $40 per visit UVA Out-of-Area PPO $25 per visit Choice Health Plan Full visit fee until deductible is met, then 15% coinsurance Health Savings Plan Full visit fee until deductible is met, then 20% coinsurance Estimated Service Costs Before Plan Cost-Sharing
- Therapy Visits: Up to $90
- Initial Psychiatry Visit: Up to $215
- Ongoing Psychiatry Visits: Up to $100
When you're already registered you have access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists for stress, anxiety, depression, and medication management whenever necessary.
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April - A1A Team is Here to Support you
How the UVA Aetna One Advocate (A1A) Team is here to support you
The UVA A1A Team is your dedicated partner in navigating your UVA health benefits and getting the care you need—when you need it. From the first point of contact, the UVA A1A Advocates are there to listen, understand your situation, and help guide you to the right resources, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary steps along the way.
Using smart tools and personalized insight, the UVA A1A Advocates quickly identify your needs and connect you with the right experts, including pharmacists, behavioral health specialists, social workers, and other trusted partners who are built into your health plan benefits. These referrals aren’t one‑off handoffs—they are part of a coordinated, thoughtful approach designed to support your whole health.
Whether you need help finding a provider, scheduling an appointment, understanding your benefits, or overcoming barriers to care, the UVA A1A team is here to help make the healthcare experience easier and more seamless. Their goal is simple: to remove obstacles, reduce confusion, and help you feel supported at every step as you and your family navigate the healthcare system.
The UVA A1A Team is available from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST Saturdays.
Your Aetna® member website:
- Go to Aetna.com to create an account or log in to your member website.
- Add a contact in your mobile devices titled “Aetna” with number 959.230.7317
- This will help ensure calls from your UVA A1A team aren’t blocked or goes to spam on your mobile device.
or: Call - 800.987.9072
- Health and wellness support
- One team focused on your needs.
- And that’s exactly how it should be
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March - Summer is Closer than We Think (Child Care Resources)
Start Thinking About Summer Child Care
With the school year starting to wind down, now is a good time to start thinking about childcare for school-age children for a smoother transition into summer break.
Visit the Dependent Care Resources page to help you explore UVA-affiliated programs and community resources. These tools include help locating summer camps, day programs, and other caregiving needs.
Additionally, if your retirement account is managed through Fidelity, you may also have access to a Wellthy Care Coordinator, who can help research and organize summer care options for your family.UVA’s got your back.
UVA offers 15 days of subsidized back-up care through Bright Horizons to help benefits-eligible employees navigate changes in caregiving plans for dependents of any age.
Find more information on the Dependent Care Resources page, and consider registering ahead of time, so it’s ready when you need it. -
February - February is for Smiles
Here's How to Use Your UVA Dental Benefits Wisely
At the University of Virginia, we offer comprehensive dental benefits through United Concordia that help support your oral health and encourage lifelong healthy habits.
How to Find an In-Network Dentist
UVA’s dental plans include coverage for routine cleanings, exams, X-rays, and more. Preventive dental care, including twice-yearly cleanings, is typically covered at 100% when you see a participating in-network dentist, helping you avoid gum disease and other oral health issues.
If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can easily find one using United Concordia’s online tool:
- Visit United Concordia’s Find a Dentist Tool
- Select the “Elite Prime” network from the drop-down menu.
- Enter your location to find nearby in-network providers.
Did You Know? UVA Has Its Own Dental Practice
- In addition to helping you find a dentist through your benefits, UVA also provides dental care through its own clinical practice! The UVA Health Dentistry clinic in Charlottesville delivers a range of dental services from preventive care and periodontal treatment to restorations, implants, and oral surgery with experienced practitioners.
How to Use FSA Dollars for Dental Expenses
- If you participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those pre-tax dollars to pay for many dental expenses not fully covered by insurance. This includes copays, deductibles, fillings, crowns, orthodontics, night guards, periodontal treatment, and even certain preventive care upgrades. Using your FSA can help lower your out-of-pocket costs and make it easier to stay on top of both routine and unexpected dental needs throughout the year.
Taking care of your teeth is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health, and staying consistent with preventive dental care helps you maintain a bright, healthy smile all year long.
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January - Start the Year Strong
Start the Year Strong - Plan Well, Live Well, Achieve Well
Start 2025 strong by reviewing your UVA health benefits and making sure your care works for you.
Check your coverage and providers through Aetna, consider UVA Employee Primary Care (you can make an appointment using MyChart) or Teladoc Virtual Primary Care for convenient visits. Once you complete your annual physical and record it in the Hoo’s Well portal, you’ll earn $100 in Hoo’s Well rewards.
We encourage you to stay current on preventive screenings, which are covered at no cost in-network. These include Mammogram, Colorectal Cancer Screening, Cervical Screening, and Prostate Screening.
Finally, be sure to use Hoo’s Well coaching and on-demand well-being resources to support your health and well-being all year long.