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.
It’s Easier than Ever to get Vaccinated for the Flu and Other Illnesses
Vaccinations are now available at many convenient retail pharmacies. Did you know that adults with the flu can be contagious from the day before symptoms begin (typically 1-4 days), all the way up to 10 days after the illness starts1 and can spread the flu to others who
Quick Reminders
Form 1095-C for the 2019 tax year is available electronically in Workday at https://sso.tamus.edu. Once in Workday, click the Benefits Worklet. Select “My ACA Forms” in the View column.
How Coinsurance Works
Coinsurance, a term found in every health insurance policy, is your out-of-pocket expense for a covered medical or health care cost after the deductible has been paid on your health care plan. The insurance company generally pays more of the coinsurance, expressed as a
Diabetes Patient Assurance Plan
Did you know that many people with diabetes have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford to take it as directed? That’s why the A&M System and Express Scripts have partnered to bring down the cost of preferred insulin products for you and your family membe
Naturally Slim Program Dates
Naturally Slim®, a program to help you lose weight and decrease your risk factors for metabolic syndrome using behavior modification, has been a success across the A&M System with over 4,300 pounds lost by employees and retirees in just the last session! Naturally S
Walk Across Texas (WAT!)
Walk Across Texas is an 8-week program created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service with the goal of getting people in the habit of regular physical activity. WAT! gets its name from the 830 miles it would take to walk across the state of Texas. The goal of W
America Saves Week 2020
America Saves Week 2020 is February 24th to February 29th. It is a nationally recognized campaign that encourages you to take a closer look at how you are saving in order to set yourself up for success in the year to come. TIAA, one of the Retirement Program partners of
Elect to Receive your 1095-C Electronically
Form 1095-C is a form related to your health coverage that is needed to file your taxes. Affordable Care Act requires that you have the ability to elect to receive your tax Form 1095-C electronically. Don’t delay filing! Those who receive their forms electronically in W
Using Your Benefits While Traveling
Using Your Benefits While Traveling The holidays are approaching and this is the most popular time of year for employees to travel. Make sure you are covered if you need medical care while traveling. First– Save all of your information Do you know your Group Number and
The New Personalized Wellness Checklist
Completing two steps on your MyEvive Personalized checklist* will ensure that you have the lowest rate for your health insurance premium. Your Personalized Wellness Checklist may contain up to 5 activities such as your annual wellness exam, preventive screenings, Well o
Quick Reminders
Navia FSA Deadline All claims related to your FY19 Flexible Spending Account (9/1/18 – 8/31/19) must be filed by December 31, 2019. Information about how to file your FSA claims and a copy of the FSA claim form can be found at https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-adm
Tobacco Cessation Resources
The A&M System is a supporter of tobacco cessation. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. According to the CDC, nearly 7 out of 10 adults reporting in 2015 that they wanted to quit using tobacco completely. Aggregate data
Ready to Retire?
Many people experience a reduction in expenses after retirement, but some do not. Travel, medical expenses, long-term care, taxes, and more free time to spend are all reasons why you might need more funds in retirement than you think! TRS suggests trying to live on your
Your Wellbeing Matters
Your Wellbeing Matters A recent Gallup study of 7,500 employees found that 23% reported feeling burnt out at work very often, while an additional 44% reported feeling burnt out sometimes. No one is immune from burn-out and it can cause prolonged loss of motivation, mood
Two-Step Wellness Program Changes
Two-Step Wellness Program Changes In November, your wellness incentive checklist will be expanding! Eligible employees and spouses covered on the A&M Care Plans will still complete two steps to reduce their premium by $30, however, there will be many more personaliz
First Things First: New Fiscal Year Benefits Checkpoints
First Things First: New Fiscal Year Benefits Checkpoints Check your deductions Your new benefits plan year began September 1, 2019. It is important to log into Workday through Single Sign On (https://sso.tamus.edu/) and verify the accuracy of the benefits you elected fo
The Importance of Preventive Care Screenings
The Importance of Preventive Care Screenings Many types of screenings and tests can catch a disease before it starts or in its early stages. This is critical for keeping health problems from developing into chronic conditions. Have you ever wondered where MyEvive, Blue
Express Scripts Updates and Medicare Notice
Express Scripts Updates and Medicare Notice Opioid Management The Opioid Epidemic was brought on by alarming opioid-related statistics in recent years. In 2016 alone, 115 people died each day from a prescription pain killer overdose. Several prescriptions drug companies
National Retirement Security Week
National Retirement Security Week When it comes to saving for retirement, there is never a better time than today to assess your progress toward meeting your retirement goals. With Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 designated as National Retirement Security Week, the opportunity
