ETK Large Event survey

ETK is beginning to plan a Large Event for next academic year and would love feedback on potential artists you'd like to see. This survey has a list of 10 potential artists we are looking into, and you have a chance to mark your top three that you would like to see on campus. If you have any other questions or suggestions, you can reach out to Josh Bulten.

 

Student recommendations for RA and O-Staff applications

Do you know a student on campus who would make a great Resident Assistant or Orientation Staff member? If you work with a student who would make an excellent candidate, please take a moment to fill out this form. Applications for both positions are open now, and are due on Feb. 25. We hold your feedback in high regard and would love to hear from you.

 

2022-2023 equipment and technology requests

The Business Office is in the early stages of creating the 2022-23 fiscal year budget. One important piece to this is requesting potential equipment and technology purchases from departments. Department Budget Managers across campus received information on how to make these requests in an email last week. Please contact your Department Budget Manager if you have an equipment and technology request to be considered. All requests must be received by March 9. Questions regarding the equipment and technology purchase process can be directed to justin.crouse@wartburg.edu.

 

Health Partners coverage for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests

HealthPartners pharmacy benefit administration is working to create two easy health plan coverage options for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests (also known as at-home rapid COVID-19 tests). This change is based on Federal Tri-Agency guidance announced on Jan. 15, 2022, requiring that costs for OTC COVID-19 tests be covered by health insurance plans.

 

Members can look for coverage availability details coming soon via email, HealthPartners COVID FAQ web page, and other HealthPartners communication channels. HealthPartners member services is also ready to provide support and education on the OTC COVID-19 coverage process and answer any questions members may have.

 

OTC COVID-19 tests health plan coverage options

•	Claims submission: Members can submit their retail checkout test purchase receipts for reimbursement via an online HealthPartners form.
•	Direct coverage: Members do not have to pay anything out-of-pocket or submit a request for reimbursement if tests are purchased at the pharmacy counter versus a retail checkout.

 

OTC COVID-19 tests coverage details

•	Coverage is for OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests authorized, cleared, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that are purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022.
•	Eight OTC COVID-19 tests priced at $12 or less each, per member, per month, are covered without having to meet any cost-sharing requirements, prior authorization, or other medical management arrangements.
•	Members must complete an attestation that states that test purchases are for personal use and not for employment purposes, reimbursement by another source, or for resale.
•	Members should keep all test proof of purchase receipts that include the test UPC code, date of purchase, and price.
•	No prescription or clinical assessment are required for test purchase and reimbursement.

 

Three student loan scams to watch for

The pandemic created a perfect breeding ground for scammers to take advantage of student loan borrowers. In a CNBC article, Kristen Evans, chief of the students and young consumers section at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said “Scammers really prey on the financially vulnerable, and so with the pandemic, many people have been struggling financially and they are looking for financial relief.”

 

There are three main types of student loan scams to watch out for:

 

Student Loan Consolidation Scam

A company promises (for a fee) to consolidate your student loans and lower your monthly payments.

•	What you should know • The only official student loan consolidation is through the federal government. Check out studentaid.gov or call 800-557-7394. • There is no fee for student loan consolidation.

 

Student Loan Forgiveness Scam 

A company promises (for a fee) to forgive your student loans.

•	What you should know: • No private company will "forgive" your student loans, no matter how much you pay them. • Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a legitimate federal program for public servants with federal student loans, but it does not charge an upfront fee.

 

IRS Student Tax Scam 

You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent who says you owe a "federal student tax." If you don't make immediate payment, the caller threatens arrest or a lawsuit.

•	What you should know: • The IRS will always contact you by mail before calling you. • The IRS will never demand immediate payment, request a specific form of payment, or threaten you with arrest or deportation. • The IRS will not request personal or financial information by email.