news stories Tagged “Benefits and Administrative Services”
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more
New York State Employees entitled to paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations
March 22, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022. The new law provides that: All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. In other words, employees may be entitled to up to eight …more
Direct bill arrearage policy enforcement extended through Dec. 31, 2021
March 3, 2021 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more
Register now for fall HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops
July 6, 2020 / By UNY Conference Benefits Office
The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops this fall. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting for January 1, 2021, all eligible, under 65 participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. In the HeathFlex Exchange, participants are given a monthly allowance, called a Premium Credit, with which to “shop” …more
Completing Form I-9 for Remote Workforce during Pandemic
April 6, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will defer the requirements for employers to review Form I-9 documents in-person with new employees. The change applies to employers and workplaces that are operating completely remotely. The physical documentation review requirements will not be excused if any employees are physically present at a work location. Employers must still inspect the Section 2 documents over video conference, fax, …more
Upper New York Annual Conference Session postponed until Oct. 3
April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, April 2, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, after consulting with the Sessions Committee and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, recommended to the Upper New York Cabinet that the Upper New York Annual Conference session, originally scheduled for May 28 – 30, 2020, be postponed. This recommendation was approved unanimously. October 3, 2020, a date previously …more
Important information for UNY retirees
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Benefits
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to UNY retirees from the UNY Benefits office on March 25. Given the current uncertainty of how the COVID-19 virus will affect planned face to face meetings, we are deciding to be proactive in our planning. We are not, at this time, cancelling our May 1st Retiree Seminar. However, there are things that you can do to get all of the …more
Preregister for the HealthFlex Exchange webinar
March 23, 2020 / By Julie Valeski, Benefits Administrator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to members of the Upper New York Conference on March 23, 2020. Wespath will be hosting a webinar Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT on HealthFlex Exchange. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. HealthFlex Exchange uses a …more
Conference Leadership shares advice on COVID-19
March 12, 2020 / By Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent by the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries/Executive Assistant to the Bishop for the Upper New York Conference. With the recent announcement by the World Health Organization that COVID-19 is now a global pandemic and the announcement of new cases in upstate New York, all leaders in the Upper New York Conference are actively discerning how best to balance …more