NMPSIA logo

Summer 2025 Newsletter

Summer 2025
NMPSIA.com
This season's featured photo, taken at the top of the Sandia Peak by M. Herrera.

NMPSIA News

We would love to feature your photo in the next NMPSIA Newsletter:
Camera illustration

Send us photos of your part of New Mexico.
Email your pictures to: kaylynn.roybal@psia.nm.gov

Summer 2025

Benefits Corner

NMPSIA.com

Benefits 101: The 31 & 60-Day Reporting Rule and Why It Matters

NMPSIA knows you're juggling work, life, and everything in between, so it's easy to miss a deadline. But the 31 and 60-day time limits for benefits changes are strict and missing them could leave you or your family without coverage. Here's what every employee should know to stay covered and stress-free.

The Rules...

New Hire Enrollment

New employees must enroll in benefits within 31 days of their hire date.

Qualifying Life Events

If you experience a qualifying life event (e.g., marriage, birth of a child, loss of other coverage), you have 31 days from the event date to report changes to your benefits.

Loss of medicaid or CHIP Coverage

If you or your dependents lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you have 60 days from the loss to enroll in NMPSIA benefits.

The Why...

They're legally required

These deadlines aren't arbitrary--they're set by federal regulations (like HIPAA and IRS Section 125 rules). NMPSIA has to follow these to maintain compliance, and so do you.

They Keep Premiums Fair for Everyone

Allowing only timely changes helps maintain the integrity of the Plan and prevents people from enrolling only when they need expensive care, which would drive up costs for all members.

They Prevent Coverage Denials at Critical Moments

You don't want to find out too late that your spouse or child isn't covered--especially during an emergency. Meeting deadlines ensures you're protected when it matters most.

To request a reconsideration review for a denied enrollment, the employee along with their employer may contact Leslie.Martinez@psia.nm.gov

NMPSIA logo

Value-Added Life Insurance Benefits You Should Know About

The logo for The Standard life insurance

With NMPSIA, The Standard brings you more than just life insurance, it brings support. In the event of a death, your policy includes valuable extras like added payouts for seat belt use, public transportation or job-related accidents, plus career training and childcare support for your family. You can access up to 75% of your benefit early if terminally ill and even take your coverage with you if you leave your job. Services also include help with travel emergencies, funeral planning, and continuing coverage for dependents.It’s more than insurance—it’s peace of mind when it matters most.

Get the most out of your benefits!

Assigning a Beneficiary

Did you know not naming a beneficiary or failing to update your beneficiary after major life changes (marriage, divorce, birth of a child) can delay benefits and complicate estate planning? By designating a beneficiary, you maintain control over how your life insurance benefits are distributed, rather than leaving it up to the policy certificate to decide. This helps prevent financial burdens on your family and ensures that your assets work the way you intended.

Visit the FAQ page for more information!
Summer 2025

Wellness Spotlight

NMPSIA.com

At NMPSIA, we know you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Why not trade that for some actual weights? For the cost of just one slightly guilt-inducing DoorDash order, you can invest in your well-being!

Whether you want to lift, stretch, or ride your stride on the treadmill while scrolling TikTok, we’ve got you covered.You will have access to classes and more!

Go ahead, treat yourself to a membership. Your future self will thank you!

To get started:
Summer... myth or fact? Banner.
  1. You can't get sunburned on a cloudy day.
  2. Dark clothing offers better sun protection than light-colored clothing.
  3. Sunscreen stops working after two hours, even if you don't go swimming.
  4. If you're not thirsty, you're probably hydrated.
  5. Water is the only way to stay hydrated.
  6. Caffeine dehydrates you significantly in the summer.
  7. Sunshine always improves your mood.
  8. Taking a walk outside can help reduce stress--even if it's just for 10 minutes.
  9. People don't experience seasonal mood changes in the summer.
Check the answer key to see how you did!
NMPSIA Wellness programs logo

Did you know?

  • Just 20 minutes in nature can lower cortisol levels significantly and improve mood and focus
  • Practicing gratitude daily has been linked to 23% lower levels of stress hormones and improved heart health.
  • Chronic stress increases your risk of heart disease by over 40%!
  • Meditation and deep breathing can reduce cortisol levels by up to 25%.
Anxiety and stress management support is here!

Upside-Down Plum Cake

A very fine looking plum upside down cake that you just wanna dive into.
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 cup brown sugar, divided
  • 1 lb. plums, pitted and cut into 1/2 in. wedges
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for pan
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Prep pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Make fruit base: Melt 2 tbsp butter, pour into the pan, and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Arrange plum slices over the sugar in a single layer.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat remaining 2 tbsp. butter with remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Combine wet and dry: Alternately add dry ingredients and Greek yogurt to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.
Assemble and bake: Spread batter over plums. Bake 35-40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and invert: Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a plate. Let cool slightly before serving.

Banner that says "Get more out of your Summer Wellness with NMPSIA!"
Click here to take a 15 minute break with Life on Mindfulness
Click here to get more information on becoming a Wellness Ambassador
Click here for monthly Kitchen Confidence recipes to try out.
Click here to visit the NMPSIA wellness programs page and see how you can incorporate something new and healthy into your day to day.
Summer... myth or fact? Banner.

Answer Key

  1. Myth – Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. Protection is still important!
  2. Fact – Darker fabrics absorb more UV rays, sometimes offering better protection.
  3. Fact – Sunscreen can degrade over time; reapplying every 2 hours is recommended by experts.
  4. Myth – Thirst is a late sign of dehydration but there are other signs, check your body cues like fatigue or dark urine.
  5. Myth – Hydration can also come from fruits, vegetables, and even some beverages.
  6. Myth – Moderate caffeine intake doesn’t significantly dehydrate most people.
  7. Myth – While sun can boost mood for many, some people experience increased anxiety or agitation in summer (e.g., summer-pattern SAD).
  8. Fact – Short nature walks have been linked to lower cortisol levels and better mood.
  9. Myth – Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur in summer, though it’s less common.
Summer 2025

Risk Resource

NMPSIA.com

NMPSIA and POMs would like to take a moment to remind you about the newly implemented deductible for Sexual Abuse and Molestation cases. A detailed letter explaining why the deductible is necessary and how it will be implemented was sent to each Member School/Entity. We continue to see a rise in Sexual Abuse and Molestation cases and each case can cost millions of dollars. Every employee plays a part in protecting themselves and students. One powerful way to help is by using an Anonymous Reporting System (ARS). NMPSIA offers an ARS through STOPit Solutions. If you see something concerning, say something. Your action could make a big difference.

Identify & Alert

STOPit Anonymous Reporting System

Allows individuals to anonymously report safety, misconduct, or compliance concerns to help others or connect with a Crisis Counselor from the Crisis Text Line to help themselves.

OSHA's Heat Safety Rule: What Schools Need to Know

As summers grow hotter, OSHA has proposed new heat safety standards that would apply to public schools in New Mexico. Key requirements include:

  • Creating a Heat Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (HIIPP)
  • Providing water, rest, and shade, especially when the heat index exceeds 80°F.
  • Enforcing 15-min rest breaks every 2 hrs. above 90°F
  • Training staff to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.
  • Adjusting schedules and improving ventilation or AC (Air Conditioning) where needed

The rule is expected to take effect in July 2025. Schools should begin preparing now to protect staff and students. Learn more HERE!

The Poms risk associates logo

Other Valuable Trainings Can Be Accessed Here!

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices: Staff-to-Student
  • FERPA: Confidentiality of Records
  • Hazing Prevention in K12 Environments
  • HIPAA Overview
  • Playground Maintenance & Inspection
  • Playground Supervision
  • Sexual Harassment: Staff-to-Staff
  • Student Alcohol and Substance Abuse
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention
  • Cybersecurity Overview
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: End-User Best Practices
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Security Awareness Essentials
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Social Engineering
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices: Staff-to-Staff

Heat Safety: Why It Matters

Between 1992 and 2022, over 1,000 workers died from heat exposure, and thousands more became seriously ill. OSHA’s proposed Heat Safety Rule is designed to prevent these tragedies—especially as climate change drives temperatures higher. For schools, this means preparing staff, adjusting schedules and improving indoor airflow to keep environments safe. But heat safety isn’t just for work, it’s personal too.Whether you're gardening, walking, or attending outdoor events, follow the same advice:

  • Drink water often
  • Take regular breaks in the shade or AC
  • Watch for signs of heat stress: dizziness, nausea, or fatigue
Let's all stay safe and weather-aware this summer.
OSHA.gov/heat