Benefit Briefs
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.
Click to view the Benefit Briefs Archives.
New BCBSTX Health and Wellness Partner Programs
Exciting news! As of September 1, 2020, several new health partner programs are in effect in collaboration with your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) insurance plans. If you are enrolled in the A&M Care, 65 Plus, and J plans, you may be eligible to parti
Prescription Programs and your A&M System Prescription Drug Benefits
There are many prescription programs in place to ensure you are getting the best use of your prescription benefits. Sometimes, there is a generic alternative that might save you money on your prescription, there may be a therapeutic alternative to treat the same conditi
Using the BCBS Cost Estimator
You may not think about comparing prices when you are using your health care benefits. But prices vary in health care, too. By doing some research before you go to the doctor, you can make changes in how much you might pay out-of-pocket for health care. For example, acc
Optician, Optometrist, Opthalmologist
What’s the difference between an optician, optometrist, and an ophthalmologist? OPHTHALMOLOGIST An ophthalmologist, or “eye M.D.” is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their
First Things First: New Fiscal Year Benefits Checkpoints
Check your deductions Your new benefits plan year began September 1, 2020. It is important to log into Workday through Single Sign On (https://sso.tamus.edu/) and verify the accuracy of the benefits you elected for FY21 by clicking on the Benefits worklet, then “Benefit
New Plan Year – New Activities on Your Checklist!
When logging into MyEvive, you and your covered spouse may see up to 11 health and wellness activities on your MyEvive Personalized Checklist (PCL). These may include your annual wellness exam, nationally-recommended preventive screenings, registration in various benefi
A&M System Insurance Billing Office
In an effort to increase efficiency and streamline the payment process, Texas A&M University System Benefits Administration (SBA) is creating a centralized, in-house billing team to administer your insurance billing. The new SBA Insurance Billing Office will provide
Survivor Benefits for TRS
It’s never pleasant to think about our mortality, but TRS members can take comfort knowing that their designated survivors will be provided with benefits. This video takes a look at the two types of death benefits – retiree survivor benefits and active member death bene
Getting Ready for Open Enrollment 2020
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 inc
Fighting Rising Healthcare Costs through Programming
Inflating healthcare costs have been a trending topic in medical, insurance, and employer conversations for many years. Despite high spending on healthcare in the United States, the life expectancy average is 78.8 years compared to a range of 80.7 to 83.9 in 10 other hi
Two-Step Wellness Program Reminder
When logging into MyEvive, employees and covered spouses may see up to 7 health and wellness activities on their MyEvive Personalized Checklists (PCL). These may include your annual wellness exam, nationally-recommended preventive screenings, registration in various ben
Navia Flexible Spending Account Updates
Due to COVID-19, the IRS has allowed some changes to the Flexible Spending Account process for the rest of the plan year: Mid-year election changes for health care and dependent day care FSAs for the remainder of the 2020 plan year will be allowed with or without a qual
Grandchild Dependent Annual Re-certification
According to Texas Insurance Code Section 1251.151, in order to be considered an eligible dependent, your grandchild(ren) must be claimed as a dependent on your income tax return. If you are an employee or retiree covering your grandchild as a dependent, you should have
Need a New ID Card?
Misplacing your insurance ID cards can be a pain when trying to go to an appointment or get a prescription! You can follow the steps for each insurance plan below to get a new ID card, and then keep them all in one place. MyEvive also has the ability to save images of m
4 Steps to Spending Your Stimulus Check Wisely
Most Americans don’t have an emergency fund. While we’re all experiencing this pandemic very differently — some having only minor inconveniences and others finding themselves without a job or having to close their business — those without a savings cushion a
Effects of COVID-19 on Your A&M System Health Plans
The federal government, state government, and local entities have made various changes to health plan policies in response to COVID-19. Information regarding the coronavirus is changing rapidly and A&M System Benefits Administration is monitoring the news and update
Using Express Scripts Mail Order
Express Scripts mail-order is a convenient way to get your prescription drugs delivered to your home and ensure you stay adherent to your medication by planning in advance. You will also receive reduced copays for getting a 90-day supply via mail-order rather than purch
Express Scripts Value-Added Programs
Express Scripts, the prescription drug provider for the A&M Care plans, has several value-added programs. These, and other Express Scripts programs, can be found on the System Benefits Administration website at https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/
Superior Vision Online Partnerships
Beginning March 4, 2020, Superior Vision has partnered with Glasses.com and 1-800 Contacts to provide an in-network online shopping solution that includes seamless integration with your vision benefits and automatic claims submission. Both vendors feature mobile app and
Dependent Social Security Number Reminder
As part of compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the A&M System Benefits Administration Office is required to request Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for covered dependents. This information will remain confidential. If you have dependents covered through yo