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.

Hinge Health

If you experience chronic back, knee, hip, neck, or shoulder pain you might want to check out Hinge Health. This is a 12-week, coach-led digital musculoskeletal (MSK) program based on proven nonsurgical care guidelines. It is delivered remotely using mobile and wearable technology. Hinge Health is focused on 3 core …

Immunization Health

Let’s talk about Vaccines Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available to both children and adults. It’s important to keep your vaccinations up to date because as we age, immunity from childhood vaccinations wears off over time. You are also at risk for different …

September Wellness Webinars

Join one of the September Wellness webinars presented by Cindy Quinn, Wellness Coordinator for the Texas A&M University System. The webinars are sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Each presentation will last 45 minutes long. Well on Target Member Overview Please join us for this informative class …

Sports Eye Saftey

Keep Eye Safety in Mind This Sports Season Each sport has its own unique risks of eye injury and requires its own type of protective eye wear, which is why the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets the standard for sports eye protection. Polycarbonate lenses offer the best …

It’s the start of a new school year, and your kids are all set with brand-new clothes and a fresh set of school supplies. But don’t forget about your kids’ teeth. Your kids’ oral health is important to their academic success. Add these dental health tips to your back-to-school checklist …

Back to School Basics for Students with ADHD

New school years offer new beginnings. A chance to learn and grow. But for many children, the first few days or weeks bring change, causing worry and stress. Change is hard for many people, but it can be even more difficult for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The change …

Work/Life Solutions by ComPsych

With the fall fast approaching, individuals continue to 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 Solutions Program: Your Work/Life Solutions Program provides confidential emotional support, as well as legal, financial …

Superior Vision by MetLife

Routine vision exams are important for your eyes and may help catch early signs of serious problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and other conditions. Yearly exams are important, even if you have perfect vision, so help prioritize better vision with Superior Vision by Metlife. …

What are the top causes of yellow teeth?

There are more causes of tooth discoloration than you might think – but there are also plenty of ways you can protect your teeth. Poor oral hygiene Plaque and bacteria will cause yellow teeth if they are not regularly removed with a good daily oral health routine. That means brushing …

Insurance Basics: Prior Authorization

Understanding your health insurance is the best way to enjoy all its benefits. When you know what steps you need to take beforetreatment, things go more smoothly. One of the most important steps is prior authorization. Many times, your doctor will need to get approval — prior authorization — before your plan …

Before Pregnancy Some things are important from preconception until after the baby is born: Good eating habits Regular activity Taking care of your mental health Get started by focusing on good health to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. These steps can help while you’re trying to get pregnant: Make sure …

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 …

Know Your Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

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 …

What you should know about oral cancer

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 …

UV Safety: Understanding Polarized Sunglasses

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 …

Need Information? Here’s Where to Find It

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 …

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 …

Livongo is Going Somewhere New

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 …

Embrace a Healthy Heart

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 …

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. …