Deb Smolensky

Specializing in how to make work, work for you and your employees.
Employee Well-being, Engagement, and Digital Health expert.

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Thanks .@LaurenYoung for holding such and important and informative panel and including me @SteveCainLTC @KristinBulat #NFP. Awesome chat!

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Thank you so much for joining #ReutersBenefits. Time to go fill out my open enrollment now!

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A10 2/2 Also remember: our brains are the most powerful tech in the world, yet they still run on ancient programming and are now hijacked by devasting fear/anxiety. Take advantage of all solutions offered. “Change your brain. Change your life”. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q10. The pandemic is challenging workers from every angle. How can employees maximize mental health options now? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Absolutely critical!

[Chris Taylor @christaylor_nyc]

A10: It comes from the top - execs need to demonstrate and convey that there’s no stigma in getting the help you need #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A10. Chances are you are already paying for it in your premiums or your employer offers free tools. Take advantage of it all. 100% of us are experiencing COVID mental health symptoms in some way, shape or form. “Change your brain. Change your life”. #reutersbenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q10. The pandemic is challenging workers from every angle. How can employees maximize mental health options now? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A9. 2/2. And just so we are clear, wellness doesn't = xtra veggies on a deep dish pizza or xtra tomato juice+celery in a Bloody Mary. Although I know some will argue that point with me (including me at times).

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q9. Can you discuss the value of wellness programs? Do they help workers save money – and lead to healthier outcomes? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A9. No one can truly argue that an apple a day doesn’t pay. Investing in your health yields the best returns, in terms of saving money and living your best life. But, you need to work at it. Set goals. Choose activities/interventions that you enjoy! #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q9. Can you discuss the value of wellness programs? Do they help workers save money – and lead to healthier outcomes? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A8.
👉Family planning
👉Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing
👉Caregiving (parenting & elder care)
👉On-demand pay
👉Student loan / tuition support
👉Cancer support
👉Quarantine-15 support (gym discounts, nutrition, meditation)
👉Women’s health
#reutersbenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Excellent advice @KristinBulat

[Kristin Williams @KristinBulat]

A7. Volatility in the markets is to be expected (although one might call this excessive volatility). The key is to work with a qualified financial planner who can help you create, stick to and enjoy your retirement plan. Don't forget to add life insurance. #ReutersBenefits #NFP

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Well said @SteveCainLTC

[Steve Cain @SteveCainLTC]

A6. Do both. Trust me, your family will be thanking you! As a country, we're so under-insured when it comes to Life Insurance. I've seen in first-hand, Life Insurance proceeds can change lives after a loved one's untimely death. #reutersbenefits

[Kristin Williams @KristinBulat]

Adding a LTC rider to your life insurance policy is such a smart idea! #ReutersBenefits #NFP @SteveCainLTC

[Steve Cain @SteveCainLTC]

A5. Disability Insurance is often overlooked by most workers. Covid-19 made this conversation “real” now. We can all picture ourselves needing care or unable to work. How much is enough? Conduct a gap analysis w/ to calculate needs based on income & lifestyle. #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A5. If you’ve had money stolen, its stressful. If you can’t make money due to an illness/injury it’s devastating. Sadly, stats tell us there’s a good chance of that occurring during our career (pandemic aside). This is critical coverage to have. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q5. How should workers approach disability insurance in a pandemic? How much coverage do employees need? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A4. Always try to pay yourself 1st and don’t give the Gov. $ when you don’t legally have to! These pre-tax benefits do just that. And don’t let the math school you. Just search and find an FSA calculator to see your potential savings. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q4. What tips do you have for selecting pre-tax benefit options, such as flexible savings accounts, health savings accounts and dependent care accounts? What is the best way to figure out the math? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Also, Mindset matters. OE can be scary (it’s dealing w/ our mortality (illness, accidents, death). Yikes! In this fear-state we tend to make poor decisions, procrastinate & avoid. Flip the script. Approach OE as a way to improve your health/finances. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q3. What are the biggest mistakes employees make during open enrollment season?#ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A3. Biggest mistake - not doing anything. There are 2 election opportunities this fall that are absolutely critical to your livelihood and wellbeing. 1) is Open Enrollment. Actively participate! Make your OE elections! 2) Vote! #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q3. What are the biggest mistakes employees make during open enrollment season?#ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Totally agree!

[Steve Cain @SteveCainLTC]

It's hard not think about or factor in Covid-19 during our upcoming enrollments. Yes -- these are questions employees will be asking of employers ("What if? What's covered?"). #ReutersBenefits #nfp

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A2. Benefits can cost $5k-$10K/yr. Do you normally spend only 5 mins / a few clicks making an investment this significant? No! Spend the time. Factor in goals, needs & finances. Choose from a place of confidence/intelligence vs. fear/unpreparedness. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q2. Please explain the key factors employees should think about when selecting healthcare coverage for the coming year. Should they consider the costs associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment? Anything else? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

A1. Buyer be Aware. Remember - you are the CEO of your life. And CEO’s take time to learn, research and plan before making any big decision re: the health and welfare of their business. So, do the same. Failing to plan is planning to fail. #ReutersBenefits

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

Q1. What are most important items for employees to consider as they approach open enrollment season in the era of COVID-19? #ReutersBenefits

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Starting in 5 min. Get ready to cash-in on your Open Enrollment choices. Join me and other experts!

[Lauren Young @LaurenYoung]

T-15 minutes until today's #ReutersBenefits Twitter chat. Our experts will answer your insurance and open enrollment questions in real time.

[Deb Smolensky @SmolenskyDeb]

Excited to join my colleagues .@SteveCainLTC for this important discussion!

[Steve Cain @SteveCainLTC]

I’m “in”. Hope you’ll join me tomorrow for open the enrollment discussion. #ltcipartners