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Wespath Prepares for General Conference
After a four-year postponement, the “2020” General Conference (GC) of The United Methodist Church (UMC) is just two months away (April 23 – May 3). Wespath has submitted petitions to GC addressing benefit plans, how we invest, our Board of Directors and more. Check out these resources to learn more about our legislative priorities:
Stay up to date by following Wespath on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
Register for “Live from Wespath”
Wespath’s “Live from Wespath” event returns for another year! Register today to join us and hundreds of other United Methodists on Wednesday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m., Central time, for an engaging and informative afternoon of content tailored exclusively to you.
You will have the opportunity to interact virtually with Wespath staff and gain key insights about your benefits and investments, General Conference, clergy well-being trends, and more. Registration is required; you will receive the complete event agenda and links closer to the event.
Video: Benefits Access at Your Fingertips
Did you know you can update your personal information, view quarterly statements, review and update your beneficiaries, connect with health experts and more in Benefits Access, all at the touch of a finger—literally! Create a shortcut to Benefits Access on your mobile device for on-demand access to your account and benefits information, as well as a robust collection of helpful resources for retirement savings. In a few simple steps, you can securely browse Benefits Access, anywhere, anytime.
| New to Benefits Access? No Problem! |
To register, visit www.benefitsaccess.org and click "New User Registration." Then follow the prompts and you're all set! |
Wespath CIO Dave Zellner Sets Retirement Date
Wespath's longtime chief investment officer (CIO), Dave Zellner, announced in mid-February that he intends to retire on August 1, 2024. Dave will be succeeded by Deputy CIO Johara Farhadieh, in line with the succession plans announced last year. “It has been a privilege to help serve the individuals and organizations central to advancing the mission of The United Methodist Church,” said Zellner. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished over the years, and I know that I’m leaving our investment operations in the great hands of incredible colleagues.”
Earn Up to $410 this Year with Your HealthFlex Incentives!
HealthFlex well-being programs can help you live your best life—and earn up to $410* annually! Whether you’re looking to maintain or improve your well-being, there’s something for everyone.
Participants – and eligible spouses – can each earn four incentives:
- Blueprint for Wellness – Earn $100 annually by taking this quick biometric screening by August 31.
- Wellness Credits – Earn $150 annually by completing a range of activities that support your overall well-being. The deadline to earn is December 31.
- Virgin Pulse Points – Earn up to $160 annually for tracking healthy habits like activity, sleep and more. Points accumulate and reset quarterly.
- Health Check – Avoid a higher 2025 deductible with this fast, simple and confidential online health assessment in Virgin Pulse. Individuals and covered spouses must BOTH complete the Health Check by August 31 to avoid a higher deductible the following year.
Be proactive about your health! Learn more about HealthFlex’s incentive programs.
* Incentive rewards are provided in “Pulse Cash,” the “rewards currency” for HealthFlex—you must be enrolled in Virgin Pulse to earn and redeem Pulse Cash. Pulse Cash is delivered straight to your Virgin Pulse account and can be transferred to your checking account or redeemed for gift cards, merchandise or charitable donations. The IRS considers wellness incentives as taxable income. Please consult your tax advisor.
Access Your New Care Coordination Account Via benefitsaccess.org
Care Coordination is a new feature included with your HealthFlex benefits that makes your health care journey easier. Primary participants can easily access their Care Coordination account through Benefits Access.
In Benefits Access, from the Health tab, click the “Medical Benefits & Care Coordination” button. From there you’ll either be prompted to register, which only takes a moment, or you’ll be logged in automatically. Once you’re logged in, you can view your 2024 claims, billing and benefits information, access/replace ID cards, connect with your Care Coordinator and much more:
- Finding in-network health care providers
- Helping you save on out-of-pocket costs
- Reviewing your care options and verifying coverage
Watch Wespath’s recent Care Coordinator webinar to learn more about Care Coordination.
| For Your Education |
Register for “Saving for Your Future Self” on March 5
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Explore your retirement plan on Tuesday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m., Central time. During this 45-minute -webinar, you'll learn about the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) 403(b) plan features and benefits, gain an understanding of the long-term nature of retirement savings, and hear about the resources available to help you along the way. Whatever your age, whatever your salary, discover how saving now creates a better financial future! |
A link to the webinar recording will be e-mailed to those who register!
Engagement Activity Addresses Environmental Health and Worker Safety in the Food Industry Wespath seeks to address sustainability issues that impact our participants, such as our food supply. Our new video Wespath’s participation in shareholder engagements with a pair of large, multinational food companies on important environmental topics—such as deforestation and reducing emissions in the supply chain—as well as worker safety.
Investors are starting to believe the U.S. Federal Reserve increased interest rates enough to slow economic growth and lower inflation, but not enough to cause a recession. Wespath’s Connie Christian explains what this meant for the stock and bond markets in January. Read about how the Wespath funds were affected in our January Monthly Investment Report.
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