2024 In The Loop Q2

Generally, you will not be able to change any of your 2024 enrollments until the next open enrollment period (late October –early November 2024). However, if you experience a qualifying life event throughout the year, you will be able to make a change.

within 30 days of the

event occurring. We will assist you with making any

Life Without Tobacco

It’s no secret that smoking and other tobacco products are bad for our health. And yet, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.

Quitting tobacco, and specifically smoking, can lower the risk for a heart attack or stroke, lung cancer and other types of cancers, and lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most tobacco users understand the benefits of quitting, but overcoming an addiction to nicotine can be difficult and can take multiple attempts.

DAV currently offers a discount on health insurance for individuals who do not use tobacco? Please contact DAV’s Benefit Specialist Team at hrdept@dav.org or 859.442.2050 if you or a family member currently use tobacco and are interested in taking advantage of a cessation program to help you quit.”

Boosting our Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions work hand-in-hand with our physical health. So, it’s important to take steps to improve or maintain our mental and emotional health as part of a holistic approach to living well.

Being in a healthy place mentally and emotionally can help us better manage the challenges of day-to-day life, be more productive at work and have stronger relationships with family and friends. We may also be better able to fight off illnesses or avoid health conditions related to unhealthy behaviors.

Some simple strategies for improving our mental and emotional health include:

• Exercise: Staying physically active is good for both body and mind.

• Make sleep a priority: Getting enough sleep helps us stay mentally alert, improves concentration and mood.

• Stay connected: Keeping in touch with friends and family can improve our sense of happiness and belonging.

• Eat well: A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is important to all aspects of our well-being.

• Express yourself: Talking about your emotions with someone you trust can help you better understand your feelings, so you can work through issues holding you back.

• Get involved: Volunteering or joining an organization that interests you can help you feel more fulfilled.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, this would be a great opportunity to reach out to DAV’s EAP through Optum. This service is FREE to all employees and their family. You can meet with a licensed counselor up to FIVE times per year. Call 866.828.6049 Code: 12454 to get started.

New HSA Contribution Limits for 2024

If you are currently enrolled in the HDHP for 2024 and contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), you’ll need to know about the new contribution limits established by the IRS. Employees can increase or decrease their contribution at any time as long as they stay within the contribution limits.

All employees enrolled in the HDHP are eligible to open a HSA with “HSA Bank”. A Health Savings Account is a bank account designed to help pay for qualified health care expenses for you, your spouse, and your children. You decide how much money you want taken out of each paycheck and place into your HSA, plus DAV contributes some money too!

The IRS only allows HSA holders to place a certain amount of money into their account for the year and this will include the money that DAV contributes!

DAV contributes an annual amount* (prorated based on months enrolled) of:

• $600 for individual accounts

• $1,200 for family accounts

In 2023, the maximum annual contribution amounts were set at:

• $3,850 for individual accounts

• $7,750 for family accounts

In 2024, the maximum annual contribution amounts are:

• $4,150 for individual accounts

• $8,300 for family accounts

*Note: The contribution that DAV makes to your HSA is included in the maximum annual contribution that can be made into your account.

**If you are over the age of 55, the IRS allows you to contribute an additional $1,000 per year.