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.
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
Two-Step Wellness Program Reminder and Update
When logging into MyEvive, employees and covered spouses in the A&M Care Plans will see a variety health and wellness activities on their MyEvive Personalized Checklists (PCL). These may include your annual wellness exam, nationally-recommended preventive screenings
SEBAC Highlights
The System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee met for the second time during FY20 on February 22, 2020. The current state of the benefit plans was discussed. Below are some highlights from the meeting: Health plan enrollment increased slightly as the number of
Naturally Slim Application Period
A new Naturally Slim application period opens on April 6th. This is a 10-week behavior-based program that helps you change how and when you eat instead of what you eat. Employees/retirees and their spouses who meet the Naturally Slim® participation requirements and are
Worried About the Market? Don’t panic.
Because of current events, you may be tempted to sell off your assets after watching the market go down one day, then up the next. Resisting the urge to react to volatility, however, may allow you to benefit when it recovers. Instead, consider worrying more about the fa
TRS Response to COVID-19
TRS is continuing to work remotely to process member requests. Watch this short video on how to get the assistance you need with TRS.
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