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…