Communications Sent

MERS is committed to communicating with our participants and employers on relevant issues and benefit information. The MERS Communication Corner is here to help you organize recent mailings or emails that were sent from MERS, so that you know what was sent and any action that needs to be taken.

Please note: All mailing dates are approximate. Large mailings such as account statements can vary up to two weeks from the mailing date.

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eBlast — MERS Fee Structure Change for DC, 457, HCSP, and IRA Plans

Audience: Employers   Product:  DC, Hybrid, 457 and HCSP   Contacts: Primary and HR contacts   Date Sent: 10/30/25  Format: Email  Description: An eBlast from MERS Relationship Managers was sent to municipalities with DC, 457, HCSP plans to let them know that beginning in April, participants in DC, 457, HCSP, and IRA plans will transition to a flat administrative fee of $10 per... Continue reading

Fall/Winter CEO Newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 10/30/25 Format: Email Description: The fall/winter issue of the CEO Newsletter was to all contacts at all municipalities. In it, we provide a recap of the 2025 MERS Annual Conference, including: The election of two new Board members Our investment performance The recordkeeper transition A fee structure update Impact Award winners Sample:... Continue reading

eBlast – Retirement Advice – National Retirement Security Month

Product: Any product Audience: All active participants Date Sent: 10/30/2025 Format: EBlast Description: In In recognition of National Retirement Security Month AND Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MERS is sending two emails to educate participants on steps they can take to keep their retirement account(s) secure, as well as numerous Facebook posts. This is the second mailing.... Continue reading

eBlast – Online Scams Are Real – National Retirement Security Month

Product: Any Product Audience: All participants Date Sent: 10/09/2025 Format: eBlast Description: In recognition of National Retirement Security Month AND Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MERS is sending two emails to educate participants on steps they can take to keep their retirement account(s) secure, as well as numerous Facebook posts. This mailing provides messaging to participants with cybersecurity... Continue reading

eBlast – Summer 2025 Municipal Matters Newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 08/05/25 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics covered include: Improving Data Quality Recordkeeper Transition 2024 Annual Actuarial Valuations Navigating Market Volatility Employer Reporting Secure 2.0: 457 Plan Catch-Up Contribution Requirements Spotlight on MERS Employer Toolkit Sample: A sample can be found here.

Retiree News

Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid, Defined Contribution, 457 Supplemental Retirement Program, IRA Audience: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan and all terminated/inactive participants aged 60+ with a participant directed account including MERS Defined Contribution Plan, 457 Supplemental Retirement Program and IRA Date Sent: 07/10/2025 Format: Email and Print Mail Description: The July... Continue reading

eBlast – Spring CEO Newsletter

The spring issue of the CEO Newsletter was to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Our investment performance 2024 Annual Actuarial Valuations Our recent Experience Study The recordkeeper transition  Annual conference and upcoming participant events Impact Awards Sample: A copy of the eblast can be found here.

eBlast – Municipal Matters newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 02/25/25 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics covered include: 2024 Investment Highlights Social Security Fairness Act Disability Income Notification Elimination 1099s Sent to DB Plan Participants Upcoming Employer Events 2025 Annual Conference Impact Awards Sample: A sample can be found here.

eBlast – IRS Form 1095B Data Now Available in Employer Portal

Product: Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Primary and HR Date Sent: 01/09/2025 Format: eBlast Description: An eblast was sent to all HR and Primary contacts at municipalities with Health Care Savings Program​ to let them know that the data they need to populate 1095-B forms is now available in their Employer Portal. A copy of the eblast can… Continue reading

Retiree News

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid, Defined Contribution, 457 Program, IRA Contacts: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan and all terminated/inactive participants aged 60+ with a participant directed account including MERS Defined Contribution Plan, 457 Program and IRA) Date Sent:  Emailed version – 1/14, Mailed version – 1/14 Format: Email and… Continue reading

eBlast – Winter Municipal Matters newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 12/10/24 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics covered include: Employer Toolkit MERS Impact Awards Updates to our Plan Document Related to the SECURE Act 2025 Retirement Contribution Limits & Reporting Data 1094-B and 1095-B Form Filing Notice Public Act 202… Continue reading

eBlast – Year End Financial Reminders for Participants

Audience: Participants Product: All Date Sent: 12/10/2024 Format: Email Description: A email with some year-end financial reminders was sent to all active MERS participants. eBlast Sample

eBlast – Year End Financial and Reporting Reminders

Audience: Employers Product: All Products Contacts: Finance and Reporting contacts Date Sent: 12/05/2024 Format: Email Description: An eblast was sent to all Finance and Reporting contacts with year-end financial and reporting reminders. Sample: A sample of the eblast can be found here.

eBlast – Defined Benefit Reporting Updates

Audience: Employers with access to the MERS Defined Benefit Employer Reporting Portal Product: Defined Benefit and Hybrid plans Date Sent: 12/03/2024 Format: eBlast Description: An email to employers with access to the MERS Defined Benefit Employer Reporting Portal system was sent notifying them that after December 13, when reporting a Leave of Absence (e.g., disability, FMLA, worker’s comp) or Lump… Continue reading

eBlast – Fall CEO Newsletter

The fall issue of the CEO Newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: The MERS 78th Annual conference The progress MERS has made on our strategic objectives. Information on upcoming participant events. Sample: A copy of the eblast can be found here.

Mailing – Requirement Minimum Distribution Letters

Audience: Participants Product: MERS Defined Contribution (including DC+ and Hybrid), 457 Program, MERS IRA Date Sent: 10/7/2024 Format: Mailed Letter from Alerus on behalf of MERS Description: Beginning the week of 10/7, Alerus sent required minimum distribution (RMD) letters to participants who fall into any of the categories below: Are required to take an RMD in… Continue reading

eBlast – October is National Retirement Security Month

Audience: Primary and HR contacts Product: All products Date Sent: 10/4/2024 Format: eBlast Description: In recognition of National Retirement Security Month AND Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MERS is kicking off a weekly campaign to educate participants on steps they can take to keep their retirement account(s) secure. Each Friday in October, we’ll send an eblast with… Continue reading

eBlast – October is National Retirement Security Month

Audience: All active participants Product: All products Date Sent: 10/4/2024 Format: eBlast Description: In recognition of National Retirement Security Month AND Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MERS is kicking off a weekly campaign to educate participants on steps they can take to keep their retirement account(s) secure. Each Friday in October, we’ll send an eblast with a… Continue reading

eBlast and Mailing – Addition of LifePath 2070 Target Date Fund

Audience: All participants Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457, Health Care Savings Program, and IRA. Date Sent: 9/18/2024 Format: eBlast or mailed letter Description: Effective October 4, the LifePath 2070 Target Date Fund will be added to the investment line-up for the products referenced above.  This fund is designed for investors who expect to retire around… Continue reading

eBlast – Employer Required Minimum Distribution Notice

Product: Defined Contribution and 457 Contacts: Reporting Contacts Date Sent: 9/4/2024 Format: eBlast Description: Alerus, the recordkeeper for MERS’ plans, sent an eblast to all employers with defined contribution and/or 457 plan(s) alerting them that those participants required to take a required minimum distribution in 2024 will be notified by letter in October. The eblast… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 09/04/24 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics covered include: Delivery of Annual Actuarial Valuations Certification of Termination Form Elimination LifePath 2025 Fund Transition Audit Review Upcoming Employer Events Annual Conference Reminder Sample: A sample can be found here.

eBlast-Summer CEO Newsletter

The summer issue of the CEO Newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Upgrades to our Service Center technology to enhance quality assurance and training, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience The implementation of required learning hours for all team members, focusing on key business disciplines The… Continue reading

Mailed Letter – Notice Regarding LifePath 2025 Fund Transition

Audience: All participants with funds invested in the LifePath 2025 Fund Product: Defined contribution, Hybrid, 457 and Health Care Savings Program Date Sent: Week of July 22 Format: Mailed letter Description: Effective October 4, retirement plan assets in the LifePath 2025 Target Date Fund will transfer to the LifePath Retirement Fund. This is because the… Continue reading

eBlast – Notice Regarding LifePath 2025 Fund Transition

Audience: Employers Product: Defined contribution, Hybrid, 457 and Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Primary and HR Date Sent: July 18 Format: Email Description: Effective October 4, retirement plan assets in the LifePath 2025 Target Date Fund will transfer to the LifePath Retirement Fund. This is because the fund is reaching its target date. In transferring funds,… Continue reading

eBlast and Mailing – Annual Conference Notification

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: Week of June 17 Format: Email and Mailing Description: The Annual Conference website is live and registration is open. Employers were sent an email with this notification during the week of June 17 and invitations were sent out as well. Primary contacts at municipalities with Defined… Continue reading

eBlast – Certification of Termination Form Elimination

Product: Defined Benefit and Hybrid Contacts: Human Resources Date Sent: 6/3/2024 Format: eBlast Description: On Monday (6/3), HR contacts at municipalities with defined benefit and/or hybrid were notified via eblast that, effective August 1, MERS is eliminating the requirement for employers to sign a Certificate of Termination form when an active employee with a defined benefit plan… Continue reading

eBlast – Spring CEO Newsletter

The spring issue of the CEO Newsletter was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Employer Webinars with MERS Employer Reporting Bootcamps Upcoming Participant Webinars MERS 2024 Impact Awards Investment Performance and Dedicated Gains Using retirement benefits to recruit and retain Sample: A copy of the eblast can be… Continue reading

eBlast – Wire Fraud Prevention Tips

Audience: Employers and participants Product: All products Contacts: All active participants, retirees, terminated participants with an account balance and all employer contacts Date Sent: 3/15/2024 Format: Email Description: The purpose of the eblast is to remind you and other MERS customers of the dangers of initiating wire transfers and provide tips to protect yourself when you do… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters newsletter

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 02/27/24 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: 2023 market performance Dedicated gains and your 2023 AAV Secure 2.0 update Cost reductions across multiple MERS solutions 1099s sent t DB plan participants Total Liability Calculator instructional videos… Continue reading

eBlast – Total Liability Calculator Basic videos

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid Plans Contacts: Primary and HR contacts with DB and hybrid plans Date Sent: 1/31/2024 Format: eBlast Description: Two videos showing how to use the Total Liability Calculator Basic (TLC Basic) were published to mersofmich.com. The videos show how to use TLC Basic to review the current and future health… Continue reading

Mailing – Index Fund Provider Transition Notification

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457, Health Care Savings Program, IRA Contacts: All participants who have assets in an Index fund or are allocated to a fund Date Sent: 1/10/2024 Format: Mailing Description: Effective 1/30/2024, the Index fund provider (for the MERS Defined Contribution Plan – (including the DC portion of Hybrid), 457 Program, Health Care… Continue reading

Mailing – Stable Value Fund Provider Transition Notification

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457 Contacts: All participants who have assets in the Stable Value Fund or are allocated to the fund Date Sent: 1/10/2024 Format: Mailing Description: Effective 1/30/2024, the Stable Value Fund provider (for the MERS Defined Contribution Plan – including the DC portion of Hybrid – and the 457 Program) will transition… Continue reading

eBlast – Upcoming Investment Fund Provider Transition Notification

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457, Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Primary and HR Date Sent: 1/8/2024 Format: eBlast Description: An eblast was sent today to all HR and Primary contacts at municipalities with defined contribution, hybrid, 457 and/or Health Care Savings Program​ to notify them that the providers for the MERS Stable Value Fund and… Continue reading

eBlast – IRS Form 1095B Data Now Available in Employer Portal

Product: Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Primary and HR Date Sent: 12/14/2023 Format: eBlast Description: An eblast was sent today to all HR and Primary contacts at municipalities with Health Care Savings Program​ to let them know that the data they need to populate 1095-B forms is now available in their Employer Portal. A copy of… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 11/13/23 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: GovInvest Update and Upcoming Webinar Information DC Forfeitures Reminder 1094B and 1095B Tax Filing Reminders (for HCSP) 2024 Contribution Limits Notice Sample: A sample of the… Continue reading

eBlast – CEO News

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 10/20/2023 Format: Email Description: A CEO News was sent out on 10/20/2023. Topics in this edition include: Annual Conference recap Impact Awards recap Upcoming employer education opportunities Investment podcast promo Sample: A sample of this edition can be found here.

Mailing – Required Minimum Distribution Letters

Audience: Participants Product: MERS Defined Contribution (including DC+ and Hybrid), 457 Program, MERS IRA Date Sent: 10/19/2022 Format: Mailed Letter from Alerus on behalf of MERS Description: On 10/19, Alerus sent required minimum distribution (RMD) letters to participants who are have not yet satisfied their 2023 RMD. Alerus also sent a letter to participants who are… Continue reading

eBlast – myMERS DB Calculation History Change Coming

Audience: Participants Product: Defined Benefit Contacts: Any active participant with a DC calculation saved in their myMERS account Date Sent: 10/12/2023 Format: Email Description: As part of the next Arrivos Program release on November 9, any defined benefit calculations participants saved to history in their myMERS account will be cleared. After the release, participants will… Continue reading

eBlast – IRS Delays Roth Catch-up Contribution Requirement

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457 Contacts: Primary, HR Date Sent: 9/12/2023 Format: Email Description: The SECURE 2.0 Act mandated that catch-up contributions must be made on a Roth basis for those earning more than $145,000 beginning after 12/31/2023. In an effort to give employers more time to communicate this change and ensure… Continue reading

Retiree News

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid, Defined Contribution, 457 Program, IRA Contacts: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan and all terminated/inactive participants aged 60+ with a participant directed account including MERS Defined Contribution Plan, 457 Program and IRA) Date Sent:  Emailed version – 8/21, Mailed version – 8/28 Format: Email and… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 7/17/2023 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Retirement Conference Registration Now Open Upcoming DB Reporting Bootcamp Information Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 Updates Upcoming Opportunity to Review DC Benefit Structure Reminder – MI… Continue reading

eblast – RHFV Plan Cost Change

Audience: Employers Product: RHFV Contacts: Primary and Finance contacts Date Sent: 5/30/23 Format: Email Description: An eblast was sent to primary and finance contacts notifying them that, effective May 1, 2023, RHFV plan costs have changed. Sample: A sample of the eblast can be found here.

eBlast – CEO News

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 5/8/2023 Format: Email Description: A CEO News was sent out on 5/8/2023. Topics in this edition include: Information on Upcoming Webinar – Understanding your Defined Benefit Plan Financials SECURE Act 2.0 Updates and Upcoming Webinar Information Working in Retirement Waiver Extension Clarification Defined Benefit Employer Reporting… Continue reading

eBlast – Target Date Fund Transition Reminder

Audience: Participants Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457 Program, Health Care Savings Program, MERS IRA Contacts: Any active participant with an investment election in a Retirement Strategies target date fund, regardless of whether there is a balance and any terminated participant with an investment election in a Retirement Strategies target date fund WITH a balance Date… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 2/28/2023 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: New episode of “Inside MERS Investments” Now Available Target Date Fund Change Coming Soon New Resource to Help Transfer & Rehire Employees Secure 2.0 Act of… Continue reading

Mailing – Target Date Fund Transition Notification

Audience: Participants Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457 Program, Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Any participant with an investment election in a Retirement Strategies target date fund, regardless of whether there is a balance Date Sent: Letters will be mailed in batches beginning on 2/14/23 Format: Mailed letter Description: A letter was mailed to all participants… Continue reading

eBlast – Target Date Fund Transition Notification

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid, 457 Program, Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Primary, HR and Finance contacts Date Sent: 2/14/23 Format: Email Description: An eblast was sent to all primary, HR and finance contacts with notification that on the close of business on 4/27/23, MERS will transition the Retirement Strategies target date funds to LifePath… Continue reading

Eblast – Defined Benefit 1099s available in myMERS

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid Contacts: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan Date Sent: 1/19/2023 Format: Email Description: An email was sent to 19,376 retirees with a defined benefit and/or hybrid plan alerting them that their 2022 1099-R is now available in their myMERS account. Click to read a sample… Continue reading

Mailing – New Rules for Transferred and Rehired Participants

Audience: Employers who had previously adopted the alternate transfer provision Product: Defined Benefit and Hybrid Contacts: Primary and HR Date Sent: 1/12/2023 Format: Mailing Description: A letter was mailed to primary and HR contacts of 128 employers who had previously adopted the alternate transfer provision notifying them of a change to our policy. MERS’ standard transfer… Continue reading

Retiree News – January 2023

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid, Defined Contribution, 457 Program, IRA Contacts: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan and all terminated/inactive participants aged 60+ with a participant directed account including MERS Defined Contribution Plan, 457 Program and IRA) Date Sent:  1/6/2023 Format: Email and Print Mail Description: The January 2023 edition… Continue reading

eBlast – Year End Financial and Reporting Reminders

Audience: Employers Product: All Products Contacts: Finance and Reporting contacts Date Sent: 12/5/22 Format: Email Description: An eblast was sent to all Finance and Reporting contacts with year end financial and reporting reminders. Sample: A sample of the eblast can be found here.

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 11/22/2022 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Reminder of Defined Benefit Retired Retiree Guidelines GovInvest Updates Defined Benefit Reporting Reminders Defined Contribution Enhancements Defined Contribution Forfeiture Account Reminders Insurance Premium Payments for Public Safety… Continue reading

eBlast – CEO News

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 10/25/2022 Format: Email Description: A CEO News was sent out on 10/25/22. Topics in this edition include: Annual Conference Highlights & Election Results September Board Meeting Updates: DB rehired retirees hours limit waived through 12/31/2027 Definition of DC retiree approved  Clarification of how Working in Retirement… Continue reading

3rd Quarter Statements Available – Participants

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, MERS IRA Contacts: All PDA participants Date sent: Email sent – 10/19/22, Paper statements mailed – 10/17/22 Format: Email/Mailing Description: Participant directed account quarterly statements for Q3 2022 were posted to myMERS on 10/19/22. For participants who have not opted out of receiving paper statements, those… Continue reading

3rd Quarter PDA Statements Available – Employers

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC +, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle, Investment Services Program Contacts: Quarterly statement contacts Date Sent: 10/18/22 Format: eBlast Description: A notice was emailed to employers that 3rd quarter statements for Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle and… Continue reading

eBlast – Rehired Retiree Waiver Extension

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid Contacts: Primary, HR Date Sent: 10/6/22 Format: Email Description: A notice was sent to primary and HR contacts at municipalities with defined benefit and hybrid letting them know the the MERS Retirement Board has extended the waiver on the requirement that rehired retirees with a MERS DB Plan can… Continue reading

Retiree News – August 2022

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit, Hybrid, Defined Contribution, 457 Program, IRA Contacts: All retirees with a MERS Defined Benefit or Hybrid Plan and all terminated/inactive participants aged 60+ with a participant directed account including MERS Defined Contribution Plan, 457 Program and IRA) Date Sent:  8/24/2022 Format: Email and Print Mail Description: The August 2022 edition… Continue reading

eBlast – CEO News

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 7/22/2022 Format: Email Description: A CEO News was sent out on 7/22. Topics in this edition include: Annual Conference Updates and Reminders Local Unit Municipal Pension Principal Payment Grant Announcement 2021 Annual Actuarial Valuation Update Reminder to check out the most recent issue of Municipal Matters Sample:… Continue reading

2nd Quarter PDA Statements Available – Employer

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC +, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle, Investment Services Program Contacts: Quarterly statement contacts Date Sent: 7/20/22 Format: eBlast Description: A notice was emailed to employers that 2nd quarter statements for Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle and… Continue reading

eBlast – Updating your MERS Beneficiaries Has Never Been Easier

Product: Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, MERS IRA Contacts: All active participants Date sent: 7/19/22 Format: Email Description: An eblast promoting the ability to update beneficiaries through the myMERS app was sent on 7/19. Sample: Click here Please note: Some email providers (known: Hotmail and Gmail) show this email coming from [BPCName]…. Continue reading

2nd Quarter PDA Statements Available – Participants

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, MERS IRA Contacts: All PDA participants Date sent: Email sent – 7/19/22, Paper statements mailed – 7/19/22 Format: Email/Mailing Description: Participant directed account quarterly statements for Q2 2022 were posted to myMERS on 7/22/22. For participants who have not opted out of receiving paper statements, those… Continue reading

Mailing – Health Care Savings Program Direct Deposit Update

Audience: Participants Product: Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Participants who have access to use their HCSP funds but do not have bank account information on file Date Sent: Week of July 11, 2022 Format: Mailing Description: Effective August 1, 2022, participants who submit reimbursement requests for their HCSP account will no longer have the option to receive a… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 6/29/2022 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Reminder that Annual Conference Registration is Open myMERS App Now Available 2021 AAV Update Statement of Fiduciary Net Position Annual Adjustment Process Forfeiture Account Reminders Annual… Continue reading

eBlast – HIPAA Privacy Policy Mailing Notice

Audience: Employers Product: Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Human Resources Date Sent: 6/1/2022 Format: Email Description: This eblast informed employers that all Health Care Savings Program participants with an account balance, regardless of employment status, will receive a HIPAA Privacy Policy notice in the mail within the next few days. Per HIPAA guidelines, we are… Continue reading

eBlast – GovInvest Tool Launched

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit and Hybrid Contacts: Primary and Finance Date Sent: 5/16/2022 Format: Email Description: In partnership with leading data visualization organization GovInvest, MERS has launched a new actuarial self-service online tool developed especially for MERS municipalities – the Total Liability Calculator Basic (TLC Basic).  MERS sent an eblast to primary and finance… Continue reading

eBlast – GovInvest Tool Available Monday 5/16

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit and Hybrid Contacts: Primary and Finance Date Sent: 5/13/2022 Format: Email Description: In partnership with leading data visualization organization GovInvest, MERS has launched a new actuarial self-service online tool developed especially for MERS municipalities – the Total Liability Calculator Basic (TLC Basic).  An email was sent from each Regional Manager… Continue reading

1st Quarter PDA Statements Available – Employers

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC +, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle, Investment Services Program Contacts: Quarterly statement contacts Date Sent: 4/25/22 Format: eBlast Description: A notice was emailed to employers that 1st quarter statements for Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle and… Continue reading

1st Quarter PDA Statements Available – Participants

Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, MERS IRA Contacts: All PDA participants Date sent: Email sent – 4/25/22, Paper statements mailed – 4/25/22 Format: Email/Mailing Description: Participant directed account quarterly statements for Q1 2022 were posted to myMERS on 4/25/22. For participants who have not opted out of receiving paper statements, those… Continue reading

Mailing – Disability Income Verification Letter

Audience: Participants Product: Defined benefit Contacts: Participants collecting disability retirement benefits Date Sent: April 25, 2022 Format: Mailing Description: This letter is a notice to participants collecting disability retirement benefits that they need to provide MERS with information about their income in order to continue receiving disability benefits. Sample Letter: 2022 MERS Income Verification Letter  

eBlast – New Employer Contact Management Portal Launched

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: Primary Date Sent: 4/19/2022 Format: Email Description: On Monday, April 18, MERS launched the new Employer Contact Management Portal giving employers (primary contacts only) the ability to customize the information they want to receive from MERS. Primacy contacts can add, edit and delete contacts in the Contact Management tool. An eblast was sent… Continue reading

eBlast – Voice of the Customer Evaluation (Participant)

Audience: Participants Product: All Contacts: Randomly selected active participants Date Sent: 4/14/2022 Format: Email Description: The 2021 Voice of the Customer evaluations were emailed out on 4/14 to 15,000 randomly selected participants. The deadline to complete and submit the evaluation is  is Friday, April 22.

eBlast – Voice of the Customer Evaluation (Employer)

Audience: Employers Product: All Contacts: Various contacts Date Sent: 4/14/2022 Format: Email Description: The 2022 Voice of the Customer evaluations were emailed out on 4/14 to employer contacts. The deadline to complete and submit the evaluation is  is Friday, April 22.

eBlast – HCSP Receipts No Longer Accepted by Email

Product: Health Care Savings Program Contacts: Participants who have an account balance and are eligible to use funds in their HCSP account Date sent: 3/2/22 Format: Email Description: Participants who have access to use their Health Care Savings Program (HCSP) funds (typically this means they are terminated from employment or retired) and have account balance were notified… Continue reading

eBlast – Employer Defined Benefit Statements Available in Portal

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Benefit Contacts: Quarterly Statement Date Sent: 3/1/2022 Format: Email Description: Defined benefit quarterly statement contacts were notified via email that quarterly (10/1 – 12/31/21) and annual (1/1 – 12/31/21) employer statements are now available in the Employer Portal. Sample: A copy of the eblast can be found here.

Mailing – Defined Benefit Annual Statements

Audience: Participant Product: Defined Benefit Contacts: Active participants Date Sent: 2/22 – 3/4/22 Format: Mail Description: Defined benefit annual statements have been processed and will start going out in the mail on 2/22/21. These are mailed out in batches and will continue to be mailed over the next few weeks. Electronic copies are already available in… Continue reading

eBlast – Municipal Matters

Audience: Employers Product: All products Contacts: All contacts Date Sent: 2/9/2022 Format: Email Description: A Municipal Matters was sent out to all contacts at all municipalities. Topics in this edition are: Regional Team contact information ​Working in Retirement Waiver Extension 457 Contribution Reminders and Resources Tax Form Information Availability on mersofmich.com Reminder of ability to run beneficiary report… Continue reading

4th Quarter PDA Statements Available – Employer

Audience: Employers Product: Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle, Investment Services Program, DC PLUS Contacts: Finance Date Sent: 1/26/22 Format: eBlast Description: A notice was emailed to employers that 4th quarter statements for Defined Contribution, Hybrid (DC portion), DC+, 457, Health Care Savings Program, Retiree Health Funding Vehicle and Investment Services Program… Continue reading