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.
Benefits Briefs Newsletter
Click to view the Benefit Briefs Archives.
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | 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,...
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | Financial Wellness
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...
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | ID Card
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...
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | Healthy Heart
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...
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | Benefits
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...
by efeagin | Feb 21, 2023 | Vision
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?...
by efeagin | Jan 11, 2023 | Cancer
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Wellness
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Vision
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Dental
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Financial Wellness
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Prescription Drug
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...
by efeagin | Dec 5, 2022 | Diabetes Management
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...
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Medical
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....
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Wellness
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...
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Medical
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...
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Wellness
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...
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Medical
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...
by efeagin | Oct 25, 2022 | Medical
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...
by efeagin | Oct 19, 2022 | Vision
To avoid a real-life Halloween horror story – keep your eyes safe from costume contacts. Ophthalmologists advise to stay away from over-the-counter non-prescription colored contacts, which can damage eyes and your vision. These illegally sold cosmetic lenses may not...