June 2026 employee benefits spotlight

From: Human Resources

Below is a list of important announcements from the Benefits Team.

Reminder to Review and Update Beneficiaries with Benefits Vendors 

As part of Virginia Tech’s ongoing commitment to supporting financial well-being, Human Resources would like to remind employees of the importance of reviewing and updating beneficiaries for both life insurance and retirement plans.

Ensuring that beneficiary information is accurate and up-to-date is crucial. It ensures that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, loved ones receive the benefits designated for them without any complications or delays.

Please take a moment to review the following beneficiary designations:

• Basic and Optional Life Insurance: Beneficiaries through Securian Financial/Minnesota Life, for all eligible employees, are updated with the Virginia Retirement System. Beneficiaries will receive updates online through their myVRS account. All eligible employees should register for this account to set up beneficiaries, regardless of their mandatory retirement plan. 
• New York Life: Employees can register for a NY Life account to name or update beneficiaries. 
• Zurich Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): Submit the beneficiary designation form on the Human Resources site to update beneficiaries. 

Retirement plan beneficiaries are separate for each vendor. Below is a list of vendors that have beneficiaries associated: 

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS): Employees can log in or register to their myVRS account to name or update beneficiaries for defined benefit member contributions. 
• VRS Hybrid Defined Contribution Plan (DCP): Employees can register or login to their DCP account to name or update beneficiaries. 
• Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) 457 Defined Contribution Plan (DCP): Employees can register or login to  their DCP account to name or update beneficiaries. 
• Fidelity: Register or login to a Fidelity account to name or update beneficiaries. 
• TIAA: Register or login to a TIAA account to name or update beneficiaries.

Keeping beneficiary information up-to-date is a small but significant step in ensuring peace of mind for employees and their loved ones. Act now!

Health Insurance 

New virtual programs for COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware Members

The following new virtual programs are available to employees enrolled in the health plans listed below. Additional information regarding the programs was mailed directly from each health plan vendor to the participants’ address of record. 

Virta Health

Virta Health is designed to improve overall health by reversing prediabetes and type-2 diabetes by supporting healthy obesity and weight management. Enrolled members will receive ongoing support from medical and nutrition experts and personalized guidance based on participants’ goals and objectives. A starter kit, which may include a connected weight scale and a blood glucose meter, is given to participants if needed (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).

COVA Care and COVA HDHP members enrolled in the Lark/Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) should have received additional information regarding the transition of care to this new program.  

Hello Heart

Hello Heart helps eligible members monitor blood pressure and better understand how daily habits affect heart health. This program provides the following care: 

• Assists participants in managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.
• Tracks heart health, helps participants stay on top of their medications, and provides real-time tips.
• Provides participants with a starter kit that includes a blood pressure monitor (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).

Hinge Health

Hinge Health assists members with musculoskeletal and women’s pelvic health issues. Developed by physical therapists, a participant’s plan will adapt as their pain or symptoms change. The program is personalized to meet participants’ needs, goals, and abilities tracked by a dedicated care team (physical therapists, health coach, orthopedic specialist, and AI care assistant). A starter kit, which may contain a tablet, yoga kit, and exercise bands, is given to participants if needed (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).

COVA Care and COVA HDHP members enrolled in the LiveHealth Online Thrive: Healthy Back & Joints and Bloom powered by SWORD will receive additional information regarding the transition of care to this new program.