Health Risk Assessment (HRA)

Social Security Wage Base Increases to $110,100 in 2012
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, that the 2012 social security wage base will be $110,100, up from $106,800 where it had been set for the past three years. As in prior years, there is no limit to the wages subject to the Medicare tax; therefore all covered wages are still subject to the 1.45% tax.
The FICA tax rate, which is the combined social security tax rate of 6.2% and the Medicare tax rate of 1.45%, will be 7.65% for 2012. The maximum social security tax employees and employers will each pay in 2012 is $6,826.20. Note that the 2011 FICA tax rate was 4.2% for employees and 6.2% for employers under the Tax Relief Act of 2010, and that the rate is scheduled to be 6.2% for both employees and employers in 2012. However, bills currently being considered in Congress may change this.

As we approach the end of the calendar year, consider electing the online method to receive Form W-2. You can review the online W-2 document at

Tax exempt W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate) expire Dec 31. To renew the W-4, click on

Health Risk Assessment (HRA)

A Health Risk Assessment (HRA), is a great tool to help you recognize if you might be at risk for certain health conditions. HRA’s are provided at no charge to all benefits eligible OSU-Stillwater employees as part of the university-paid Wellness Program. Additionally, employees and spouses enrolled in BlueOptionswho complete the BCBS HRA will receive an annual deductible credit of $250. The $250 credit applied against your $750 calendar year deductible will reduce your annual deductible to $500. The HRA may be completed any time after October 1, 2011 – but must be completed prior to filing a claim - for 2012 credit.

The Seretean Wellness Center will be conducting health screenings on campus so you will know your “numbers” when completing the on-line HRA. The screening consists of a blood lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose) and blood pressure check. The results of your screening are completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Contact Tabi Deal at x2354 or to schedule an appointment

403(b) and 457(b) Contributions for Calendar Year 2012

The calendar year 2012 maximum contribution limit for the supplemental 403(b) TDA plan and the supplemental 457(b) plan is $17,000. Employees at least age 50 may contribute at the Age 50+ catch-up limit of $5,500 provided they have adequate OSU compensation. Minimum contributions are $15 per month.

For more information, including a current listing of available vendors for each plan, go to . edu/benefits/infosheets.htm.

Questions?Contact Employee Services, (405) 744- 5449.