Executive Director's Message
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Sometimes, we just need a small shift in perspective to totally change how we feel or see something. During the pandemic, I longed for the opportunity to spend time in person with my friends and family for the holidays. Then, when it was finally safe to get together once again, I told myself that I would never again take our holiday gatherings for granted.
My family has mastered a system for the holidays that works for us. And I have assigned myself a role that I consider to be the orchestra conductor, delegating the tasks of who will make which of our treasured holiday family recipes. While our recent holiday gatherings have been going off without any major glitches—with plenty of delicious food and everyone contributing--there has been something missing that I couldn’t quite put my finger on until now.
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Health Service Board (HSB) Meeting
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Check Your Mail for the Confirmation Letter |
You will be receiving your Plan Year 2025 Health Benefits Enrollment Confirmation Statement in the mail soon. Please verify the accuracy of your benefit elections, but please note that SFHSS can only correct administrative errors. Changes to an employee’s Open Enrollment elections that are not due to administrative error are not permitted at this time. Elections that were made during the Open Enrollment period (September 30–October 25, 2024) cannot be changed during 2025 unless you experience an IRS qualifying event.
If the information contained in your statement is incorrect due to an administrative error, please call SFHSS Member Services at (628) 652-4700 by no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST.
If you did not submit elections during Open Enrollment, your 2024 elections will carry over to 2025, except for Flexible Spending Account contributions, which will end on December 31, 2024.
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Questions About Your Eligibility? |
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Did you know you can get most of your eligibility questions answered on sfhss.org?
If you want to confirm your enrollment has been processed, please visit the Employee Portal and select My Benefits from the left-hand navigation bar to view your current enrollment.
Please note: It may take up to 30 days for the system to reflect your new enrollment request.
If you received a delinquency notice and would like to make a payment, please use the City and County of San Francisco’s Payment Portal to bring your account up-to-date.
You can also schedule a consultation with a health plan expert during their office hours just for SFHSS members.
If you still prefer to call and cannot get through, please leave just one (1) voicemail as multiple voicemails will delay a response back to you.
If you need to submit supporting documents to SFHSS such as Medicare enrollment, birth certificate(s), marriage certificate, or domestic partner certificate or declaration. Please do not send us original documents as they will not be returned to you. Sending a copy is acceptable.
You can fax a copy at (628) 652-4701. You can also mail or drop off a copy at our drop box located at 1145 Market Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103. The drop-box is accessible Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Managing the Holiday Stress |
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As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to celebrations, family time, and relaxation. However, December can also bring about stress, whether it's from holiday preparations, busy work schedules, or the pressure of balancing everything. To help you navigate this busy season, we’ve put together a few simple strategies to keep your December calm and enjoyable.
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- Set Realistic Expectations. It’s easy to get stressed trying to make everything perfect during the holidays, whether it's with gifts or gatherings. Focus on what’s most important to you and your family. Make a to-do list that balances work, holiday tasks, and time for yourself.
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Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude. When things get busy, take a moment to breathe and relax. Short mindfulness exercises like deep breathing can help lower stress. Try keeping a gratitude journal by writing down three things you’re thankful for each day to shift your focus from stress to the positive.
- Stay Active. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Even with a busy schedule, find time to take a walk, do some yoga, or dance around with friends or family. Fresh air and movement, even in the cold, can improve your mood and energy.
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Keep Healthy Boundaries. The holidays can get packed with events and gatherings. It’s important to say “no” when needed and protect your downtime. Setting boundaries helps you rest, recharge, and enjoy the season without feeling drained.
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Get Enough Sleep. Busy schedules can make it tempting to stay up late, but sleep is key to staying energized and managing stress. Stick to a sleep routine and avoid screen time right before bed to help you get better rest.
- Seek Support if Needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or available support programs like our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Sometimes, just talking about it can help.
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Plan Financially. Money can be a big stressor during the holidays. Set a budget early, stick to it, and focus on thoughtful rather than expensive gifts. Remember, spending time with loved ones is what really matters.
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This holiday season, take advantage of your health plan benefits to support your well-being. Many plans offer access to mental health resources and emotional wellness apps like Headspace and Calm, which can help you manage stress, improve sleep, and stay grounded during busy times. Explore these tools to find guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices tailored to your needs.
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Additional Well-Being Resources
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This Month's Free Offerings |
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© 2024 San Francisco Health Service System |
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1145 Market St. 3rd Floor | San Francisco, CA 94103 US
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