Benefits Corner
Benefits Corner this month features information on 2019 benefits open enrollment and how to fight cold and flu this winter.
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2019 Benefits Open Enrollment
It’s that time of year – for annual benefits open enrollment! On October 15, benefit-eligible employees and their covered spouses or dependents could begin enrolling in the health plan offered by Saia. The online open enrollment process is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. All full-time employees desiring benefits must enroll even if they receive medical, vision and prescription coverage at no cost or have previously enrolled either as a newly hired employee or during past enrollment periods.
Remember, spouses of Saia employees, who have health coverage available to them through their own employer whether as an employee or retiree, are not eligible for coverage under our health plan.
Enrollment ends November 9. Any elections made during the enrollment process will be effective January 1, 2019 and are binding until the end of the calendar year unless there is a qualifying event. Examples of qualifying events include a marriage, birth, divorce or loss of other medical coverage. Any qualifying event that impacts benefits must be reported to the Benefits Department within 31 days of the event occurring.
Over the next couple of weeks you will see additional communications and reminders regarding open enrollment. Prepare for it by reviewing your current benefits including who you’ve selected as your life insurance and 401(k) beneficiaries.
Again, open enrollment ends November 9, so don’t delay, make your selections as soon as possible! Should you have any questions during this time, or anytime throughout the year, please contact the Benefits Department at 1-800-950-7242, Ext. 2121 or 2375 or e-mail empben@saia.com.
Fight Cold and Flu this Winter
Cold and flu germs have some sneaky ways of getting around. Often, these viral villains take to the air. They spread by airborne droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks.
They can also land on surfaces — and hitch a ride when you touch them with your hands.
Germ fighting 101
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity in the U.S. is currently low, but is expected to pick up in the coming weeks. That’s why the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older is the single best way to avoid getting influenza. But there’s more you can do. These stay-well strategies can help keep you and your family from getting — or passing along — a cold or flu bug:
- Hit the sink. Be sure to wash your hands regularly to remove any germs. A good, thorough scrubbing is key. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
- Have sanitizer at the ready. Soap and water aren’t always available. As such, keep hand sanitizer in your car, your bag or tote, and your workspace too. Look for products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Be hands-off! Try to limit how much you touch your face. Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover that cough. Make it a habit to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. Teach kids this trick too.
- Keep your distance. As much as possible, try to avoid close contact with anyone who’s ill. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re better.
- Wipe’em out. Regularly clean surfaces you touch often — such as keyboards, phones, remote controls, door handles and countertops. Use soapy water and a household disinfectant.
- Share not. Remind your family not to share items such as cups, silverware, lip balm, or toothbrushes.
- Build a strong defense. When you take care of yourself, you help your body fight off illness. So be sure to get plenty of sleep. Choose healthy foods — and get regular exercise. *
What to do next
Get the latest information on flu season at flu.gov. You'll find timely updates — plus prevention pointers, flu-care tips and more.
* Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical or other advice. Talk to an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for you.