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.
Personal Protective Equipment Can Now Be Purchased with an FSA
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can now be purchased with your Navia FSA. The change is retroactive to January 1, 2020. The IRS announced that PPE expenses are now eligible under FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, and other plans that permit Section 213(d) expenses. PPE includes thi
Featured Retirement Vendor: Fidelity Investments
The A&M System has 6 retirement plan providers to choose from to further invest in your future. Each Benefits Briefs issue, we will feature a retirement vendor. This month’s feature is Fidelity Investments. Fidelity Investments offers financial planning and advice,
Your Mental Health During These Trying Times
If you are suffering from stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health emotions due to the pandemic, you are not alone. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed mental health challenges associated with morbidity and mortality cau
Announcement of Baylor Scott & White Health and BCBS Health Plan Discounts in the Brazos Valley
The Texas A&M University System and Baylor Scott and White Health, together with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), announced a collaboration which provides discounts to the Brazos Valley. The purpose of the discount arrangement is to improve the Brazos V
Will Planning Services by EstateGuidance and The Hartford
Having a will is important to ensure your wishes are honored in the event of your death, including the division of your property and inheritance. The Hartford, the A&M System’s life insurance plan provider, gives you access to a free online will planning service if
SEBAC Highlights
The System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee met for the second time during FY21 on February 9, 2021. The current state of the benefits plans was discussed. Below are some highlights from the meeting: Medical plan enrollment increased slightly. There are currently 55
Musculoskeletal Pain: Here’s What You Can Do About It!
According to Healthline, musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. You can feel this pain in just one area of the body, such as your back. You can also have it throughout your body if you have a widespread condition like
Wellness Webinars: Partner Programs
Learn more about the digital programs available to your through your health insurance plan! Livongo – Battling Diabetes and Hypertension *Eligibility: Must be diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, have received communications from Livongo, and be an employee, retiree
Featured Retirement Plan Provider: TIAA
The A&M System has 6 retirement plan providers to choose from to further invest in your future. Each Benefit Briefs issue, we will feature a retirement vendor. This month’s feature is TIAA. TIAA has options for Tax Deferred and Roth accounts available on their TAMUS
COVID-19 Updates and Extensions
The current extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 is in effect until 04/20/2021. The following extensions apply to the A&M System medical insurance plans, COVID-19 testing and treatment. Blue Cross and Blue Shield/A&M Care Plans The co-paym
Quick Reminders: 1095-C and Medicare Part D Out-of-Pocket Maximum
1095-C Reminder Form 1095-C for the 2020 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. Please see our ACA Help page for more information. Medicare Part D
Glaucoma and Annual Eye Exams
Annual eye exams are important for identifying eye conditions like glaucoma. The American Academy of Ophthalmology defines glaucoma as a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. The first sign of glaucoma is usually loss of peripheral, or side, vision. Anothe
COVID-19 Relief Bill – Flexible Spending Account Changes
The most recent COVID-19 Relief Bill, passed on December 27, 2020, made it easier to use your Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Day Care Accounts during the pandemic. The bill included important changes to the The Texas A&M University System
February is Heart Health Month
February is Heart Health Month Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but there is a lot you can do to prevent it. Each February, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and The Heart Truth celebrate Heart Health Month to encourage health
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During the Holidays
During the holiday season, the healthcare industry sees an uptick in mental health inquiries. Researchers believe this is due to a variety of stressors such as: Fatigue Stress Unrealistic Expectations Over-commercialization of holiday times Financial Stress Inability to
Avoiding Healthcare Scams and Things to Look For
If you look at your caller ID and the call appears to be from your insurance provider or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) but you pick up and hear a recording asking you to provide information or pay a sum of money urgently, it is likely not a legitimate cal
TDA/DCP Contribution Limits for 2021
The maximum contribution limit for participants under the Tax-Deferred Account Program (TDA) and the Texa$aver 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) will remain $19,500 in 2021 for each plan. The catch-up contribution limit for each plan for participants who are 50 years
New Insurance Billing Department Going Live December 1
The new SBA Insurance Billing Office will provide billing and payment processing services for insurance premium payments for all Retirees, Survivors, Graduate Fellows, and employees on leave beginning December 1, 2020. At that time, the P&A Group will no longer be a
Quick Reminders: Dependent SSN, Navia FSA Deadline, & COVID-19 Updates
Dependent SSN 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 depend
Superior Vision Updates
MetLife announced in September that is has entered into an agreement to acquire Versant Health, the owner of the marketplace brands Davis Vision and Superior Vision. Superior Vision is the A&M System vision insurance plan provider. The transaction will expand the ne