January Events
Parenting Support Group, offered by Carebridge, January 16, 12:30 p.m.
Coping with Grief and Loss, offered by Carebridge, January 22, 3:00 p.m.
Introducing FOLX Health, a nationwide healthcare provider dedicated to serving the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Join the kick-off webinar, January 23, 11:00 a.m.
Family Wealth Education, TIAA recorded webinar
Naming Your Beneficiaries: Why it Matters, TIAA recorded webinar
Four Steps to Take Now to Retire Well, CAPTRUST recorded webinar
What You Need to Know This Month
New Year, New You!
We all know that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep boosts our overall health. But here are some unconventional ways to live a healthier life:
- Being positive and celebrating milestones
- Spending time in nature
- Learning a new skill to stimulate your mind
- Being grateful and giving back
- Laughing
Princeton’s My Health Coach program, offered through TrestleTree, provides you and your eligible dependents, free, confidential help to achieve your personal health goals, including, nutrition counseling, establishing an exercise routine, tips to sleep better, managing one or several health conditions, and much more. The program includes incentives, $0 copays for many medications to treat chronic conditions, and a one-time $250 cash incentive for diabetes management. To set up your first appointment with a health coach call (866) 237-0973.
Preventive Care
Don’t delay, schedule an annual physical with your primary care doctor. Princeton medical plans cover one annual exam each calendar year. Together you and your doctor can create a preventive care checklist and discuss what blood tests, screenings, and immunizations you will need in 2025. Make a list of your medical questions and bring your current medications with you to your appointment.
How to Choose the Right Care When You Need It
Knowing where to go before you need care can help you and your family make the most out of your Princeton medical plan. If it’s a true emergency and your life is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For less urgent medical needs, there are lower-cost options that will also save you time:
| Teladoc General Medicine | Primary Care Doctor | Urgent Care Centers |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
*Deductible applies for individuals in the CDHP or J-1 Visa plan.
Aetna Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan Reminders for 2025
As a reminder, the new EPO plan does not require referrals for specialist visits beginning on January 1, 2025. Depending on your 2024 PCP election, Aetna may have assigned you a new PCP on your ID card; keep in mind that the PCP selection does not impact your coverage, and you can visit any providers within the plan’s network without referrals. If you have any questions regarding your coverage, or you would like to change your PCP selection, please contact Aetna’s concierge customer service team at (800) 535-6689.
Financial Planning
Princeton values education at every age. The Employee Child Care Assistance Program (ECCAP) benefit reimburses up to $6,500 per child (limit three children per family), for childcare or preschool for your pre-kindergarten-aged children. Award amounts are based on prior year’s adjusted gross income. You can apply for this award anytime during the calendar through HR Self Service.
Announcement: 2025 Annual IRS Contribution Limits for the Retirement Savings Plan 403(b)
The annual 403(b) contribution limits for 2025 have changed from 2024. If you are under age 50, the annual contribution limit is $23,500. If you are age 50 or older in the calendar year, you may contribute an extra $7,500 “catch-up” contribution, for a total annual contribution limit of $31,000.
Effective January 1, 2025, SECURE Act 2.0 increases the catch-up contribution limit for active participants turning ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 in the calendar year. An employee turning age 64 in 2025 would not be eligible for the increased limit. The increased annual catch-up contribution is $11,250, for a total annual contribution limit of $34,750. Important note for those who are ages 60-63 and have elected the maximum amount in HR self-service, the system will automatically update your election to the new limit of $34,750.
You can change your Retirement Savings Plan contribution at any time in HR Self-Service.
| Active Employee in the Plan | Annual Catch-Up Contribution Limit for 2025 | Total Contribution for 2025 (maximum) |
|---|---|---|
| Under Age 50 | $0 | $23,500 |
| Age 50-59 | $7,500
| $31,000 |
| Age 60-63 | $11,250 | $34,750 |
| Age 64 or older | $7,500
| $31,000 |
Age-based catch-up contribution limits are indexed annually.
Retirement
Making decisions about your retirement accounts can be challenging. The advice and educational resources provided by TIAA, CAPTRUST, and Isles can help you take control of your finances, so be sure to utilize these no-cost, confidential resources provided by the University.
- TIAA offers individual retirement plan advice, either by phone, virtually, or in person. To schedule an advice session with TIAA, call (800) 842-2252 or make an appointment online. For a Spanish Speaking Advisor, call (800) 414-5180.
- CAPTRUST is an independent investment advisory firm that provides free, confidential investment and financial advice to retirement plan participants. For information, including articles, videos and other valuable resources, visit the Captrust website. To speak to a counselor about the University’s retirement plan and/or other financial issues, call the Retirement Advice Line at (800) 967-9948.
- Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Contact Isles at (609) 341-4714. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.