Many people may not know that there are two types of care you can receive when you go to the doctor — preventive care and medical care. The type of care is different, and your costs may be different, too. Medical Care vs. Preventive Care Think about how people use health care based on their…
Getting screened for colon cancer is an important way to protect your health. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but colon cancer can be successfully treated when it is found and treated early. Until it grows or spreads, colon cancer usually has no symptoms. So screening is vital…
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world, accounting for 30,000 newly diagnosed cases and 8,000 deaths each year. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, facial and oral disfigurement and even death. Who gets oral cancer? Anyone can get…
In addition to prescription sunglasses, you may want to consider another option closely related to providing safer and better vision: polarized sunglasses. How can they benefit you? What is glare? First, let’s learn about glare. When light bounces off of surfaces around us, it tends to scatter. This is because many surfaces in our world…
There are many ways you can get information from Blue Cross and Shield of Texas. They offer options to suit a variety of communication preferences. The BCBSTX Website Visit bcbstx.com/tamus for information about all BCBSTX has to offer: If you’re a member, you can sign up for or log in to Blue Access for Members,…
As the year continues, you may still face a range of challenges. Now, more than ever, we urge you to make the most of the resources, tools and support provided by your ComPsych Work/Life Balance Program. It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed after the holiday season. Try these simple steps to get yourself…
Your programs and benefits are moving to Teladoc Health. Livongo and Teladoc Health are becoming one brand, with one experience for all our members. You can use your same devices and get expert support, just in a new way. There is nothing you need to do at this time. Your devices will be synced, and…
Heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans suffer a heart attack or stroke. More than 800,000 of them die. Heart Disease and Stroke Are Often Preventable The good…
Anyone can experience a mental health condition. And if they do, friends and family can make a big difference in their recovery. Mental health conditions are common. More than 1 in 5 adults are affected. Mental health conditions are health issues that change a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or actions. They can be short-term or…
Are you puzzled by how to lessen feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress? We can help! Through our collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Learn to Live’s online mental health programs and resources are available to you and your family members (ages 13 and older on the BCBSTX health plan) at no…
While not every claim denial is so easily fixed, there are times a claim doesn’t get approved for reasons other than the service not being covered by a member’s health plan. Do you know what to do if a claim isn’t approved? Find Out Your Next Steps Do they have the wrong birth date listed…
Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot (as long as you don’t have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients). Certain people have a higher risk of developing complications if they contract the flu, including: Pregnant women Children under 5 years old Adults ages 65 or older People who…
The Texas A&M University System is excited to introduce Virta Health. Virta is a virtual clinic that helps members eat their way to better health with care plans made just for them and support from health care clinicians, coaches, and digital health tools. Virta members can reverse type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar, and weight…
Whether it’s your annual wellness visit or your cholesterol test, it’s important to keep up with your health screenings. They play an important role in catching small health problems before they become big ones. Add your annual exam and health screenings to your to-do list to make sure they get done. If you still need…
Eye Exams Can Lead to Early Detection of Major Health Concerns Your eyes serve as windows to the world, but they can also provide a glimpse into the overall health of your body. Regular eye exams can lead to the early detection, prevention, and treatment of many health issues. Below are three health conditions that…
If you’re one of the 34 million Americans with diabetes, you’re probably aware that the disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. What you may not know is that people with diabetes are more susceptible to developing oral infections and gum (periodontal) disease than those who…
Gut health affects so much more than just our digestive system. A healthy gut helps maintain overall health, weight management, sleep quality, joint health, how we manage stress and anxiety, and more. Sign up for your new digestive health benefit at no cost to you: GIThrive. What can GIThrive do for you? Provide relief from…
Children are susceptible to a host of vision and eye problems such as injury, infection, and increased nearsightedness. In support of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in August, the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides information to the public that can help protect and preserve a child’s eye health for life. Early detection and treatment…
Here is how to prepare your teen for a lifetime of health smiles. In the busy lives of teenagers, oral health may not feel like a top priority. However, dental decay is the most common chronic disease in young people between the ages of 6 and 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention….
Boost you confidence. Whether you’re just starting to save or nearing retirement, a financial consultant can help you establish your account and let you know where you stand. This can boost your confidence in pursuing your goals. It can fit into a busy schedule. In the same amount of time as a TV episode, you…
The Texas A&M University System consistently strives to improve and provide useful tools that help you achieve your personal health goals. WebMD ONE will replace MyEvive beginning September 1, 2023 and will serve as our new wellness portal to connect you with your TAMUS benefits and support your unique health-related interests. We welcome you to…
The Texas A&M University System is pleased to announce its partnership with WIN beginning September 1, 2023 to provide fertility benefits, guidance from nurse care advocates, and help navigating your care no matter where your journey takes you. WIN provides individualized support to help you navigate your fertility journey. 24/7 nurse care advocate support. Including…
By developing these simple habits, you can help protect your eye health. Wash your hands. Many vision-related diseases can be spread by touching in or near the eye with an unwashed hand. Safely handle and store contacts. Remember to avoid extended wear and to always toss your solution when it expires. Of course, never touch…
Advice from Dr. Cynthia E. Collings Spring brings blooming trees, warmer winds, and loads of pollen. If you have allergies, and many of us do – it’s the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.1 – the sneezing, runny nose, and puffy eyes are telltale signs that pollen is in the air. Seasonal…
The Texas A&M University System is offering you Wondr™ , a digital, behavioral science-based program— at no cost to you. Learn clinically-proven skills that easily fit into your life for long-lasting, real results with a program that is built around YOU— not the other way around. What is Wondr™? Wondr™ is a 100% digital weight…
How your mental health affects your teeth. Feeling blue? Your teeth might not be doing so well, either. Recent research suggests that people with anxiety or depression may experience a decline in oral health. Understand the connection and learn what to do if it’s happening to you. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination…
Virtual Visits is a feature provided by MDLive through your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) health plan. It is available to covered employees and retirees in the A&M Care Plans. You can schedule visits with doctors and therapists via telephone, online video or mobile app. This alternative to in-person appointments provides health…
Filing a federal tax return can be a tedious and time-consuming task, so it’s never too early to start preparing. Keep in mind, the deadline for filing individual returns for the 2022 tax year is April 18, 2023. Here are some tips on filing: Get started now. Organize receipts, paycheck stubs, financial records, mortgage statements…
We encourage members to download and use the BCBSTX mobile app. With this app members can easily stay connected to their health care. The app lets members easily: See their claims, coverage and deductible information Find a doctor, hospital or urgent care facility Get a temporary digital member ID card Provide feedback on their mobile…
Heart Disease and Stroke Are Often Preventable The good news is that many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. The right lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk. That’s why DHHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are leading the Million Hearts® national initiative….
Health plans can seem complicated. It helps to know what questions to ask and where to find the information you need. Take deductibles, for example. They’re important to your pocketbook, but do you know how they work? To get you started, here are answers to some common questions we get from our members. Q: What…
February is Age Related Macular Degeneration Month. Age-related macular degeneration – also called macular degeneration, AMD or ARMD – is the leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans, more than glaucoma and cataracts combined. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is deterioration of the macula, which is the small central area of the retina…
Cervical cancer doesn’t have early warning signs, and most symptoms don’t show up until it is advanced. That’s why prevention is so important. Take action against a silent killer. Here are some ways you can help protect yourself: Lower your risks. Stop smoking, lose weight if needed, limit your number of sexual partners and avoid…
Livongo is a program specifically for those diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes or hypertension. You will be contacted by Livongo if you are determined to be eligible for the program. The Livongo diabetes program includes: An advanced meter Unlimited strips and lancets 24/7 support from Livongo Expert Coaches The Livongo hypertension program…
According to Prevent Blindness America, children sustain approximately 11,000 toy-related eye injuries each year. Most toy-related eye injuries are treated, have no long-term effects, and are easily preventable. Be aware of the dangers Toys play a tremendous role in childhood development, but fun does not always equal safe. While common sense is always your best…
This holiday season, don’t forget about your oral health! View the links below to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy over the holidays. Healthy Holidays The winter holidays can be tough on your teeth. With the right approach, you can stay on top of your dental wellness. Be smart about sweets What…
Make a debt plan Pay off debt based on a specific time frame or payment amount and change variables to see how it affects the results. Use this easy debt repayment calculator. Debt guidelines These tips can help you stay on the path to financial wellness: Focus on paying off debt with the highest interest…
Did you know Express Scripts can help you manage your prescription refills and deliver them straight to your home? Express Scripts home delivery allows you to order several months of your medication in advance, avoiding refill delays and financial concerns. Automatic Refill Program This program helps address one of the main sources of prescription drug…
Diabetes is taking a toll on our nation. More than 37 million Americans suffer from the life-threatening disease. With diabetes, the body can no longer make enough insulin or use the insulin it does make to control blood sugar. Diabetes is taking a serious toll on our nation. More than 37 million Americans suffer from…
The CDC says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the shot to protect against flu virus infection. So don’t wait until peak flu season to get your shot. Get it as soon as it is available. Learn more about…
Omada® is a digital lifestyle change program to help reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Omada® brings together the individualized attention of professional health coaches with a researched curriculum and manageable but powerful goals. It helps connects the dots between knowing how to get healthy and actually doing it. You…
Stay on top of things that matter. Women ages 40 to 49 should talk with their doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them. Women ages 50 to 74 should get mammograms every 2 years. Prioritize your health and make time for your breast cancer screening. Take action by accessing…
ComPsych GuidanceResources offers in-person and telephone counseling services, training, and a variety of resources to help employees deal with subjects such as stress management, moving, parenting, the death of a loved one, and conflicts at work. Please find below some tools and resources provided by your work/life solutions benefit that can help with issues that…
Deciding where to go for care can be confusing. Virtual visit, doctor’s office, retail clinic, urgent care or ER? If you aren’t having an emergency, deciding where to go for medical care may save you time and money. You have choices for where you get non-emergency care. When you use in-network providers for your family’s…
Do you need to have routine medical procedures before the year ends? Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas health plan benefits include Benefits Value Advisors (BVAs). BVAs serve as customer advocates to help you: Find medical and Behavioral Health providers near you Research and compare costs Coordinate prior authorizations Schedule appointments All these…
Open Enrollment for FY22: July 1-31, 2022 Open Enrollment is right around the corner and it is a great time to review your benefits. How often did you go to the dentist this past year? Are you filling maintenance prescriptions that might be cheaper through mail order? Did you complete your Two-Step Wellness Program incentive…
When retired members turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part A&B, they are moved from the A&M Care Plan to the 65 Plus Plan. Currently, these retirees are given an opportunity to opt out of this move and remain in the A&M Care Plan. This will change in the new plan year. Beginning September 1,…
The COVID-19 pandemic had a impact on the nation’s health sector both in 2020 and 2021. COVID-19 claims and treatment costs have increased from 2020 to 2021 plan years. COVID-19 claims paid accounted for 4.2% of medical costs in 2021 as compared to 2.5% in 2020 5.9% of the member population received COVID-19 treatments in…
OG Benefits advisors can help educate and guide members through Life Insurance options and claims. OG Benefits provides assistance with: Assist Texas A&M University System Employee’s and Retiree’s with questions on Hartford Life plans. Assist Texas A&M University System Employee’s and Retiree’s with Education of Hartford Life Essentials. Assist Beneficiaries with Life claim questions Assist…
Available to employees, retirees and their enrolled dependents on the A&M Care, 65 Plus and J plans, 2nd.MD offers medical second opinions and consultations with world-renowned specialists via video or phone conference. If you or a covered dependent are diagnosed with a serious condition, 2nd.MD’s caring and compassionate Health Advocates may reach out via phone,…
Choosing the right amount of Optional Life insurance coverage is among the most important decisions you can make for your family. If they were to suddenly lose you they would also lose your paycheck. Life insurance can help provide income and financial support to your family in a difficult time, helping to ensure that mortgage…
Your health plan includes support for you and your covered family members from nurses and other medical professionals called health advisors. This extra support is at no added cost to you. BCBSTX may call to help you: Get the care you need for serious illnesses and injuries Have a healthy pregnancy and baby If you…