Let’s start with the bad news: NYSHIP’s biweekly premiums are going up for 2016. Here are the 2016 rates:

  • $14.09 for individual (used to be $13.06, so going up about a dollar per paycheck); $83.23 for family (used to be $78.01, so going up about 5 dollars per paycheck).
  • COBRA rates are also going up for 2016. Individual: $261 (previously $241). Family: $830 (previously $775).

To add insult to injury: the first time you’ll have money taken out of your check at this new rate is actually in 2015 (your December 24th paycheck). Something to keep in mind.

Some good news: the Finals Relief Salon seemed like it was invigorating to those who came by; even if you missed out on the free chair massages, we still have earplugs and self-care handouts (including one on yoga poses and stretches you can do from your chair).

Aromatherapy handout

Yoga poses at your desk handout

Yoga poses and stretches handout

Self care handout

Moreover, we continue to have safer sex materials available in the DSC office and in program bowls, and the Winter DSC party is this Friday at 8:30pm. There’s also a Pilates class over break if you’re interested; see Elise Perram in Student Affairs to sign up  (in other words, there are multiple options here to help relieve stress, depending on what works for you).