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EMPLOYEE BENEFIT NEWS

• Highmark Blue Shield health plan ID cards and welcome materials were mailed to employees and to retirees. If you have not received your health care information, please email the Employee Benefits Division at benefits@psu.edu .
  
  
• If you are an active employee or a retiree who IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE and you have a question about your new health plan, the welcome materials or your ID card, please call Highmark Blue Shield at 1-800-914-4384. This is a dedicated, toll free number for Penn State members.
  
  
• If you are a retiree WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE and you have questions regarding your new health plan, please contact Highmark Blue Shield at the dedicated toll-free number for Penn State at 1-866-918-5285.

Penn State's Employee Benefits Division is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits program designed to attract and retain high quality faculty and staff. This web site is organized to offer a comprehensive view of those programs.

• For those considering employment with Penn State, the Overview of Benefits provides a comprehensive review of University benefit plans.
• The links below provide specific benefit plan information for faculty and staff, as well as those considering employment with Penn State.
• The Summary Plan Document contains important health, dental, and vision plan eligibility information for faculty and staff and their dependents. The document details participants rights and responsibilities under these University-sponsored plans and should be reviewed carefully.
• ESSIC, the Employee Self Service Information Center is the method used by new faculty and staff to make their Penn State benefit selections. Additionally, ESSIC allows all full-time employees to view and, when appropriate, to change their benefits during the calendar year.
• ESSIC also allows you to update your home address and tax information by filing a new W-4 form. It is essential that Penn State has your current mailing address. You must file a new W-4 form to change your address. Instructions for making that change are available in PDF format.
• Links to benefit forms are listed below