A Toolbox for Work, Health and Saving

Discover these three programs that can help you manage your work, your wallet and your well-being.

EAP Webinars for Managers*

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Series for Managers continues! And the May session is a great tie-in to Mental Health Month. Take a look at the topics below and then mark your calendars.

All webinars will begin at 2:00 pm Eastern. Watch your email for the invite.

*While these sessions are geared toward managers, any employee is invited to join.

Summer Plans? Check out the LifeCare® Discount Program and Start Saving!

Summer fun can be expensive. And then there are those rainy days where the kids get a little rambunctious. LifeCare® can help. Login at www.lifecare.com and select LifeMart at the top of the page to see discounts on hotels, car rentals, amusement parks, movies and more.

The Doctor is Always In with MDLIVE

Whether you are away from home or maybe your doctor is unavailable, you can take comfort in knowing that MDLIVE can help immediately. You can visit with a doctor 24/7 from your home, office or on the go. A network of Board Certified doctors is available by phone or secure video to assist with non-emergency medical conditions. And, the cost is just $10.00 per consultation. Here are some examples of when to use MDLIVE.

So be sure you are registered with MDLIVE before you begin your summer travels. Learn more here.

Fiscal Fitness for Today and Tomorrow

Being healthy includes feeling fiscally fit. Here is some news about your savings for tomorrow, a reminder about planning for your future, and an opportunity to reap the rewards of the company’s success right now.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) – Partners in Pearson

The ESPP provides eligible employees with the opportunity to purchase Pearson stock at a 15% discount through after-tax payroll deductions. Here’s how it works:

  • To be eligible, you must be employed on the first day of the OP and work more than 20 hours per week and five months per year.
  • On the last day of each OP, the amount you saved will be used to purchase shares of Pearson stock. The price per share will be a 15% discount of the lower of either the market value of the shares at the beginning or close of the offering period.
  • Shares you buy are yours and are managed by Computershare Shareowner Services.

The next offering period for the ESPP is July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 (look for the next ESPP enrollment email in June). For more information, visit the plan’s website at www.empower-retirement.com/pearson and click on the “Pearson plc Employee Stock Purchase Plan” link or call 1-844-465-4455.

Get Started with Medicare

Click here to check out Medicare’s new video to learn when to enroll in Medicare based on your eligibility and what you should do if you miss your enrollment window.

After you watch the video, visit Medicare Interactive (MI) for more resources to help you navigate your Medicare enrollment. Use the interactive Roadmap tool to determine your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), and view the handy charts to determine when your coverage will begin.

Preparing for Tomorrow – A Medicare Reminder

If you or a loved one is approaching age 65, in most cases, you will automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. Medicare enrollment materials are typically mailed out three months prior to your 65th birthday. However, if you (or a spouse) are still actively employed and covered under an employer sponsored group health plan, you may delay Medicare enrollment (Part A and/or Part B) until after your employment ends.

Note: If you will be leaving the company and are eligible for Medicare as of your separation date, it is extremely important that you are enrolled in Medicare on or before your COBRA effective date. At that point, Medicare will be your primary coverage and COBRA medical will be secondary.

Important Contact Information for Medicare Questions:

Medicare eligibility/enrollment – SSA: 1-800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov.

Medicare benefits/costs/plans – Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov.

Finance Your Wealth

Take a Health Risk Assessment and earn $100.00 – Yes, you read that right! If you have not previously done so, log on to Anthem or Cigna and answer some questions about your health. You’ll get a snapshot of your health, and see if there are any areas you need to put more focus on. Upon completion, your $100 gift card will be mailed to you. And don’t forget to encourage your spouse to do the same, as they will also earn $100 gift card. Plus, if you completed an assessment in the previous calendar year, you are also eligible to complete one in 2017!

To help you feel more comfortable completing the questionnaire, you can be assured that your answers are strictly confidential, and will never be shared with Pearson or used by Anthem or Cigna to determine eligibility or payment.

Saving For Tomorrow

The beginning of each year brings news from the Internal Revenue Service about certain limits related to your 401(k) plan. Here’s what you need to know for 2017:

  • In 2017, there is no change in the limit on pre-tax deferrals, the amount you can contribute from your own salary. It remains at $18,000.
  • The amount of catch-up contributions you can make in 2017 if you are age 50 or older is $6,000, which is the same as last year.
  • This year the maximum compensation taken into account for purposes of employee pre-tax deferrals and the employer match is $270,000, an increase of $5,000 from the previous year.

Are you taking advantage of Empower Retirement, where you can manage your investments and gain helpful insights about your long-term savings goals? If you haven’t registered to use the many tools available, invest a few minutes today to help you make the best plan for tomorrow.

Stay Well/Get Well

Your benefits can help you stay well or get well. Let’s take a look at a few programs that offer support when dealing with an illness or assist you in maintaining your healthy goals.

Care Management

While the Care Management Programs offered through Anthem and Cigna provide support in understanding issues like heart problems or eye disorders, they also provide guidance and tools for staying healthy. For example:

  • One-on-one wellness support is available 24×7, 365 days a year. You can speak with a Registered Nurse, describe your symptoms and receive guidance on what to do.
  • Manage your health, from coaching on weight loss to managing a chronic condition such as asthma.
  • Learn how to set and achieve healthy lifestyle goals with a personalized health plan.
  • Discuss your doctor’s recommendations and your treatment options.

Weight Watchers

If your doctor suggests that you lose weight as part of your heart health plan, remember that Pearson offers a discount on the Weight Watchers program. Check out the plan options you can choose and enjoy the savings!

ConsumerMedical – Your Medical Ally

Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a helping hand in navigating the journey ahead if you or a loved one needed medical treatment? That’s exactly what ConsumerMedical can do and it’s free! Call to speak to a nurse who will answer your questions and provide free information and support on any medical condition, help you choose the best specialists and hospitals (within your healthplan’s network) for treatment, get a second opinion and much more.

Call 1.888.361.3944 (toll free) or visit ConsumerMedical (company code: Pearson)

Care You Need At Your Fingertips

Colds and flu don’t wait around for when it’s convenient for you to be sick. So why should you have to wait two or more days to get a doctor’s appointment? Now, there’s a way to get better, more convenient care.

Just use MDLIVE. Anywhere, anytime.

MDLIVE is fulfilling the promise of telehealth by providing anytime access to board certified doctors and pediatricians from where it’s most convenient for you – home, office, or on the go. After registering, you can have a virtual consult with one of our experienced doctors on average in less than 10 minutes via secure online video, phone, or MDLIVE app. It’s patient-centric healthcare that works for you, around your schedule.

Not sure if it’s a cold or flu? Don’t want to wait days for an appointment or struggle into your doctor’s office? For a $10 copay, you can be seen immediately by an MDLIVE doctor.

Pearson provides access to MDLIVE and to benefit from the convenient, quality care that MDLIVE provides, you’ll need to register first. To learn more about their services, please visit MDLIVE.com/Pearson.

Activate your account online or by phone and download the MDLIVE app today!

Go to MDLIVE.com/Pearson or call 888.632.2738 for more information.

Available from the Apple Store, Windows Store and Google Play

Invest A Little Time In Yourself

Doesn’t investing a small bit of your time into learning a tip or action item that can make a difference managing life’s challenges seem like a solid investment? From ways to deal with everyday stress, to handling caregiver burnout to coping with grief, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with live and on demand webinars. Here’s a sample of subject areas:

Recent and Upcoming EAP Webinars

Visit the website and select Education & Resource Center > EAP Webcast Seminars to search for topics of interest to you.

And, remember, the EAP can help in other ways, too. If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, grief, domestic violence, substance abuse or relationship issues, reach out to the EAP for assistance. You can receive unlimited telephonic counseling and up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per issue per year are available to you and family members who live with you. Call or go online today.

1.800.593.4138
CignaBehavioral.com
Employer ID: pearson

Maternity Program Really Delivers

Whether you are expecting for the first time or you’ve previously welcomed a bundle of joy, pregnancy comes with many questions and concerns. Future Moms from Anthem, and Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies® from Cigna, will provide helpful information and support while you are waiting for your little one to arrive. Plus, when you complete the program, you’ll be eligible to receive a gift card that can definitely help with those new baby expenses.

Here’s how it works:

  • Earn a $500* gift card if you enroll by the end of your first trimester; or
  • Receive a $100* gift card if you enroll by the end of your second trimester

And there’s an added bonus. With the 24/7 NurseLine, you’ll have access to registered nurses no matter the time of day. Whether you have a question or just need a little reassurance, the nurses are ready to help.

Call Anthem at 1.877.898.0747 or Cigna at 1.800.842.4221 to sign up and see how these maternity management programs can help you and your baby.

*Rebate subject to taxation according to IRS guidelines.

Help When You Need It Most

A diagnosis of a serious or chronic illness can cause a lot of confusion and uncertainty of next steps. Take comfort in knowing that Pearson Benefits provides two free tools that can help you navigate your way through your options and care.

GUIDED PATIENT SUPPORT™ (GPS)

Guided Patient Support offered through ConsumerMedical can answer any questions you may have about any medical condition, the best way to diagnose it, and the safest, most effective medical treatment options. Pearson offers ConsumerMedical at no cost to you and your household members.

  • 1 Have a question for their clinicians?
  • 2 Want an expert second opinion?
  • 3 Not sure what treatment option is the best?
  • 4 Need help finding a specialist or hospital?

Call 1.888.361.3944 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern for free, expert help.

CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
The Care Management Programs available through Anthem and Cigna can help in a number of ways:

Find out more about these programs so you are ready if you need the help.

HAVE YOU CASHED IN YET?
Spend a few minutes completing your Health Assessment and earn a $100 gift card. Login at Anthem or Cigna and answer some questions to get a snapshot of your health. Celebrate where you are doing great and learn if there are any at-risk areas to speak with your doctor about. You’ll receive your gift card in the mail, just in time for some holiday shopping.

Your Financial Health Matters, Too

So often when we talk about health we tend to limit the conversation to our physical well-being, but let’s face it, feeling financially fit is important, too. Here’s some good news about Pearson’s recent contribution to your retirement account, helpful Medicare information and the opportunity coming again in June to own stock in our company.

Pearson Makes Annual Company Contribution to your 401(k)

The annual company contribution was credited to your Pearson Retirement Plan 401(k) account in March. You received a contribution for 2015 if you were actively employed on December 31, 2015, and were eligible to participate in the Plan — whether or not you were actually saving in the Plan. In total, Pearson contributed approximately $16 million for the 2015 annual company contribution.

Medicare Reminder

If you or a loved one is approaching age 65, in some instances, you will automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. Medicare enrollment materials are typically mailed out three months prior to your 65th birthday.However, if you (or a spouse) are still actively employed and covered under an employer sponsored group health plan you may delay Medicare enrollment (Part A and/or Part B) until after your employment ends.

Note: If you will be leaving the company and are eligible for Medicare as of your separation date, it is extremely important that you are enrolled in Medicare on or before your COBRA effective date. At which point, Medicare will be your primary coverage and COBRA medical will be secondary.

For specific details regarding Medicare eligibility/enrollment, please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the SSA website. For additional details regarding Medicare benefits/costs/plans please contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or visit the Medicare website.

Employee stock purchase plan – the next opportunity

As an employee at Pearson, you contribute to the success of the company every day. Through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), you can continue to support and share in our achievements. Here’s how it works:

  • The ESPP provides eligible employees with the opportunity to purchase Pearson stock at a 15% discount through after-tax payroll deductions.
  • Stock is offered through the ESPP in six-month intervals called the “Offering Period.”
  • To be eligible for the ESPP, you must be employed on the first day of the Offering Period and work more than 20 hours per week and five months per year.
  • On the last day of each offering period, the amount you saved will be used to purchase shares of Pearson stock.
  • The price per share will be a 15% discount of the lower of either the market value of the shares at the beginning or close of the offering period. The shares you purchase belong to you and are maintained in an account managed by Computershare Shareowner Services.

The next offering period for the ESPP is July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Enrollment for this offering period will occur in June. For more information on ESPP enrollment, visit the plan’s website and click on the “Pearson plc Employee Stock Purchase Plan” link. You can also speak with a plan representative by calling Empower Retirement at 1-800-345-2345. Look for the next ESPP Open Enrollment email in June.

REMINDER: The current “Offering Period” ends June 30, 2016, which means that the actual purchase of shares will take place early July.

The Doctor Always Knows Best

Whether you are filling prescriptions for Epinephrine (Epi-pens) in case of allergic reaction, inhalers for your asthma or blood pressure medication, your Pearson plan provides three-tier Rx coverage. Ranging from the least to most expensive, review each and consider asking your doctor if an equally safe and effective option might be available to you perhaps at a lower cost.

Generic Drugs: these drugs are medically equivalent to brand name drugs. They contain the same active ingredients and have the same effect as their brand name counterparts, as required by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). They are less expensive due to the absence of clinical trials, development and marketing.

Preferred Brand Name Drugs (Formulary): preferred brand name drugs have been selected by Express Scripts (our prescription drug plan administrator) and a group of physicians/pharmacists based on a variety of factors including safety, how well the medication works (efficacy), unique qualities of the medication compared to available alternatives, and cost.

Non-preferred Brand Name Drugs (Non-Formulary): the first version of a drug made by a specific drug manufacturer. These drugs are exclusive and protected by a patent for many years, and more costly due to associated research and development, and marketing and advertising costs.

Click here to understand the copays associated with each of the above categories. Cost is certainly not the only consideration when it comes to medication you need — it is just smart to know how the plan can work best for you. And, as an informed health consumer, always talk to your doctor about any prescription you are given. Here’s a good list of questions to get the conversation started.

Sources: Web MD