Planting seeds of presence
This month, the GUWellness Update highlights resources to support and enhance your overall well-being and to help you be present for yourself, your family and your community during this extraordinary public health crisis. Below, you'll find just a few featured free and low-cost resources for maintaining, improving or triaging your physical, mental, financial, spiritual and emotional health. 
For a full catalog of virtual wellness options visit the benefits website.
Stay connected! Like us on Facebook @guwellness. You'll find videos, recipes, tips and inspiration for being well.
In this newsletter:
- Virtual Georgetown Resources
- Support for Parents
- Mind-Body Connections Classes
- Financial and Retirement Planning Resources
- How Congress’ COVID-19 Relief Can Help You
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Georgetown has many resources available virtually. Here are a few -
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Move. It's difficult to stay active during this tough time, so Yates is providing you with both pre-recorded and live classes throughout the weeks ahead:
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Meditate. The John Main Center will continue to offer meditation virtually by Zoom throughout the spring semester:
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Connect. Like the Georgetown University Facebook page and check back often for many features like Georgetown Now, which includes regular personal messages from President John J. DeGioia.
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Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is here for you
The stress of current events can take a deep toll on our mental health. Don’t forget that the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program remains open, free and available to help you by phone. Telephonic appointments can be scheduled by emailing Eileen, Debbie or Sandy; they will contact you to find a time that will work for your schedule. Please do not hesitate to reach out to FSAP during these most difficult times.
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Parent Discussion Group
Wednesday | April 15 | 12:10-12:50 p.m. | Zoom
Register
Certified parent educator, speaker and GUWellness collaborator Paige Trevor provides ideas and opportunities to support parents of children of all ages. Parenting has taken on a whole new dimension in this unique time. Come and connect with others, share your questions and concerns and leave with new ideas, tips and inspiration. Go to the GUWellness Facebook page for a sneak peek of this month's topic!
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Need more?
Check out her latest blog post, A non-anxious presence: the North Star
Find inspiration on her website
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Boundary Reset Series Continues
Wednesdays | April 8 & 15
1-2 p.m. | Zoom
Learn more and register
As we are all dealing with this pandemic, come and experience mindful and compassionate ways to set healthy boundaries for your well-being. We’ll explore practices you can start using in your everyday life to set healthy boundaries in order to stress less and stay sane. Check out Lisa's recent article, A fresh perspective on the pandemic.
Introduction to Qigong
Tuesdays in April | 1:05-1:30 p.m. | Zoom
Register
Join us for a short and simple qigong practice to boost relaxation and resilience. Through slow flowing movements and deep rhythmic breathing, this practice will help to ground and calm you, so you can cultivate a healing environment wherever you are in the moment. Led by instructor Ann Duvall.
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GUCares Grants for COVID-19 Relief
The university recently announced an expansion of the GUCares Employee Emergency Fund to provide relief for those who have encountered a financial impact as a direct result of COVID-19. Some restrictions do apply. Visit benefits.georgetown.edu/gucares for more information and to how apply.
1-1 Appointments with TIAA, Fidelity and Vanguard
You can still schedule a 1-1 (virtual) appointment with a representative from our retirement plan companies.
Tide Creek Financial Coaching
"Am I doing the right things?"
"Am I going to be okay?"
During these difficult financial times, our education partner, Tide Creek Financial Group, is scheduling 45-minute virtual financial coaching sessions via Zoom. Interested? Send an email to info@tidecreek-fg.com with Georgetown Financial Coaching as the subject line. A representative from Tide Creek will reach out in 24-48 hours to schedule your time with a planner. Available on a first come, first served basis.
Retirement Orientation
Wednesday, April 8 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Zoom
Register
Come learn about the retiree benefits offered by Georgetown University to eligible faculty and staff and how to navigate the retirement process at GU.
Upcoming TIAA Financial Webinars
Learn more and register at tiaa.org/webinars.
Join Fidelity's Weekly Market Watch Webinars
Fidelity's leaders have come together for a webcast series called, Weekly Market Insights: New Developments, What to Consider, and Top Questions Answered. Each week, in under 20 minutes they'll cover the latest market happenings, actions you might consider, and answers to common questions.
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Important Benefits Updates and Reminders
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 On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed in order to stimulate the U.S. economy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act contains a number of provisions, some relating to employee benefits, that may impact you.
Withdrawals from Retirement Plan Accounts
The retirement plan withdrawal limit has increased to $100,000 across all plans and IRAs.
- 10% early withdrawal penalty and 20% tax withholding are waived
- Option to have withdrawal income taxed over three years with ability to recontribute within three years regardless of that year’s cap
Loans from TIAA Voluntary Contribution Retirement Plan (VCRP)
Increases the maximum loan limit for qualified individuals, who have been impacted by COVID-19, for loans taken within 180 days of the date of enactment. Also extends the due date of any qualified individual’s loan repayment that would otherwise be due during 2020 (but on or after the date of enactment) for one year.
Temporary Waiver of Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules
Waives RMD rules for all types of Defined Contribution plans (including 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans) and IRAs for calendar year 2020.
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HSA and Telehealth Expansion
The CARES Act includes a new safe harbor under which high deductible health plans (HDHPs) can cover telehealth and other remote care before participants meet their deductibles (i.e., without cost-sharing). This temporary safe harbor applies for plan years beginning on or before December 31, 2021, unless extended. As a result of this safe harbor, no-cost telehealth may be provided for any reason–not just COVID-19 related issues–without disrupting HSA eligibility. Check out your plan's telehealth and virtual visit resources.
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Prescription Drug Reimbursement under FSA/HRA/HSAs
Health flexible spending accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may now pay for or reimburse over-the-counter medication and menstrual products without a prescription. This is a permanent repeal of the ACA’s prohibition on reimbursements under such plans for over-the-counter medication obtained without a prescription. This change is effective January 1, 2020.
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COVID-19 Testing and Related Services
Under the CARES Act, COVID-19 testing and related services must be offered at no cost-sharing until the end of the public health emergency. This also means health plans cannot require prior authorization for COVID-19 testing and services (such as an urgent care visit associated with COVID-19).
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Dependent Care FSA Election Changes
If you have experienced a change in your childcare costs due to COVID-19, you may be eligible increase, decrease or discontinue your 2020 Dependent Care FSA election (up to $5,000 per household). Reach out to benefitshelp@georgetown.edu for more information.
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