Benefit Briefs Newsletter

The Benefit Briefs newsletter highlights important Texas A&M University System benefit changes and information about your insurance and retirement plans. The Benefit Briefs archives are available if you need past information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Benefits Brief newsletter, please contact System Benefits Administration at employeebenefits@tamus.edu or call (979) 458-6330.

Have you had your Flu Shot?

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 …

Virta Health

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, …

Have You Had Your Health Screenings This Year?

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 …

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness

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 …

Diet, Diabetes and Tooth Decay

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 …

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 …

Children’s Eye Health and Safety

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 …

Dental Tips for Your Teens

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 …

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 …

WebMD One Wellness Portal

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 …

WIN Fertility Benefits

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 …

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 …

Things to Know about Allergies

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 …

Wondr™ Health

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™ …

Oral Health and Mental Health

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 …

Virtual Visits through MDLive

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 …

Tax Time Tips

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 …

BCBS Texas Mobile App

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 …

Preventing Heart Disease

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 …

8 Things You Should Know About Deductibles

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 …