What's New

October 28, 2025

TIAA ROTH Contribution Webinar

Click here to register!

October 22, 2025

H-1B Update

On October 20, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued additional clarifications regarding implementation of the Presidential Proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on “new” H-1B filings. While open questions remain, the updated guidance provides clarification. 

Petitions Not Subject to the Fee

• Those with previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas and approval notices.
• H-1B petitions submitted before September 21, 2025.
• Petitions for H-1B Extensions, Amendments, or Changes of Employer (transfers) for employees already in the United States. Likewise, change of status from F-1 (OPT or CPT) and J-1 to H-1B.
• Individuals with approved H-1B petitions will not become subject to the fee if they travel outside the United States. 

H-1B Petitions Subject to the $100,000 Fee

• H-1B petitions filed for consular notification after September 21, even if the foreign national was in the U.S. when the petition was filed (though some exceptions may apply for individuals with existing valid H-1B visas).
• Foreign workers who are denied a change of status, amendment, or extension of status.

 Update on MSU H-1B Sponsorships

• The University will allow sponsorship and the potential payment of the $100,000 fee if the department has the funds available and obtains prior VP approval.

Based on the most recent USCIS guidance, departments considering sponsorship of an H-1B petition should request a consultation with Human Resources Management. HRM will review the circumstances, confirm whether the petition falls under the new requirements, and coordinate next steps.

Please see link for more information about H-1B visas.

September 22, 2025

Benefits Open Enrollment

Mark your calendars for Benefits Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 1–31. This is your annual opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits elections. Any updates you make during this period will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. 

To support you during this time, Human Resource Management, or HRM, will be onsite at the locations listed below to assist with questions and provide guidance. 

Additionally, don’t forget to participate in Employee Benefits & Wellness Week, which offers both virtual and in-person sessions to help you better understand your benefits options. Click here for more information.

HRM Onsite Schedule 

• Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi – Oct. 1 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. 

• Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond – Oct. 2 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

• North MS Research & Extension Center, Verona – Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Meridian Campus, Downtown – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. 

• Delta Research & Extension Center, Stoneville – Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

• Mississippi State University, Starkville, McArthur Hall, Room 181 – Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Key Changes – Effective Jan. 1, 2026 

• The health plan will implement a 6.5% premium rate increase for all coverage options. Click here to view the 2026 rates.  

• The Base plan family deductible will increase to $3,400 to meet the minimum required regulations under Federal Law. The Base plan coverage option qualifies under IRS regulations as a high deductible health plan that can be used with a health savings account. There are no other deductible changes for 2026. 

• Both the Base and Select plans will have pharmacy programs implemented. Each of these programs are designed to assist participants with costs associated with specialty medications.  

Important Dates 

• Employee Benefits and Wellness Week: Sept. 22–26

• Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 1–31

• Deadline for Submission: Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. No changes will be accepted after this date.  

• Benefit Changes Take Place: Jan. 1, 2026 

If you have questions, contact your HRM Benefits Specialist at (662)325-3713 or visit hrm.msstate.edu/benefits.  

August 26, 2025

September 2025 TELUS Health

COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR (Available on the TELUS Health One App): 

Sharing my mental health with others: creating a positive experience

Mental health is a vital part of wellbeing, yet changes in our mental wellbeing are to be expected during our life. These can be due to common developmental changes, life events, or significant and unexpected challenges and opportunities. A key skill to maintaining and improving mental wellbeing is the ability to seek support when experiencing stressors in life. This seminar seeks to empower participants to share their mental health with others by exploring situations when sharing with others can be beneficial, common characteristics we should look for when choosing someone to confide in, and practical strategies to consider when creating a plan for when, where, and how to share.

Check out some wellness resources for this month:

• Suicide Prevention Toolkit (toolkit)
• Maintaining Healthy Habits when Life Changes (Article)
• The Importance of Self-Care infographic (Infographic)

To access, please login at one.telushealth.com or download the Mobile app (TELUS Health One). Username: msu Password: msu

ORIENTATION SESSIONS

These sessions provide an overview of the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program, equipping both employees and managers with tools and resources to support mental well-being, resilience, and overall self-care. Upcoming orientations:

• Employees:  September 3rd at 1 PM EST:  Register Here
• Managers:  September 24th at 1 PM EST:  Register Here

Short promotional orientation videos:

• US Employees: TELUS Health EAP - Employee Orientation video - ENG
• US Managers: TELUS Health EAP - Managers Orientation video - US - ENG

Don't forget!  TELUS Health EAP benefits are available to you and your household members--don't hesitate to contact them if you need assistance.