Immunizations aren’t just for kids headed back to school! Adults are no exception when it comes to staying up to date on your vaccinations. The vaccines a person needs are based on their age, medical conditions, occupation, and vaccines they have received in the past and other factors.
Older adults and adults with chronic health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes are at higher risk of suffering complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases like flu and pneumonia.
Taking the CDC adult vaccine quiz is one way to find out which vaccines you might need.
A new study finds sunscreen users receive less than half the sun protection they think. Use higher SPF sunscreen, clothing and shade to block cancer-causing rays, dermatologists say. Read More…
Source: Science Daily
Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health. Read More…
Source: harvardhealth.edu
Aside from keeping your smile gorgeous, regular dental care may also reduce your risk of heart disease and prevent infection in other parts of the body. Plus it may help keep your memory sharp and your blood sugar stable. Get details about your BMC Dental Plan benefits here.
Source: MDLive, “50 Simple Habits for a Healthier Life.”
Even if you don’t have time for a regular volunteer gig, engaging in small acts of kindness can boost your well-being. Read More… Source: meequillibrium.com
Interested in volunteering? Visit the BMC Cares page to find company-sponsored projects and group-volunteer opportunities in your community. And don't forget to log your volunteer hours in the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) tool.
Known in Spanish as aqua de sandia, this refreshing blend of watermelon, mint, and lime quenches a thirst like few other things can. It’s just what you want to accompany a fish taco after a day spent at the beach. Read More…
Source: Sunbasket.com
A picnic favorite, this salad combines broccoli, water chestnuts, cranberries and just a little bacon for delicious results. This version has plenty of creaminess without all the fat. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
The bWell Rocks tour ended July 31 with 99 participants reaching the bWell Hall of Fame with 7,000 points. Take a bow! And congratulations to the bWell Rocks Tour prize winners. Winners' names were drawn randomly from the list of 99 eligible participants.
Grand Prize Winner
Billy M. of Houston, winner of the rock-star-style VIP experience.
Local Experience Prize Winners
Cheryl B., Houston, TX
Michelle C., Houston, TX
Britton H., Tampa, FL
Tai H., Missouri City, TX
Serena L., Calabasas, CA
Meagen S., Missouri City, TX
A big rock n’ roll salute to everyone who participated in the bWell Rocks Tour and snagged discounts on their 2019 medical premiums. Based on participation in the bWell Rocks Tour and reward levels achieved, BMC paid $67,800 in Level 1 incentives and will provide more than $162,800 in medical premium discounts next year.
Get ready to take your wellness to new destinations in September. The 2018-2019 bWell program launches next month with a new theme, a new administrator, and many new paths to follow.
Your bWell journey will feature challenges to help you explore the four key dimensions of well-being: physical, emotional, financial, and social (includes occupational and purpose). Your wellness journey will be as unique as you are. For example, while someone may have a very strong sense of purpose, they may be lacking in their physical wellness. Another person may feel secure in their financial wellness, but their emotional wellness could use some improvement.
Watch your email for details and to get connected to tools and resources to plan your trip. All aboard!
The BMC Dental Plan is provided through Delta Dental. You have the choice of two different types of networks. Both options are considered network providers, so they cover the same services, have the same annual maximums, and the same coinsurance. You also don’t have to worry about balance billing when you see a provider from either network option. The difference between the two comes down to the reduced fees the dentists have agreed to provide BMC Dental Plan participants. See your Dental Plan benefits here.
Delta Dental PPO Network
You’ll want to find a dentist in the Delta Dental PPO network to get the most savings on covered dental services. That’s because these dentists have agreed to the most reduced fees. Why does this matter? Your coinsurance will apply to a smaller fee, so you pay less.
Delta Dental Premier Network
If you can’t find a Delta Dental PPO network dentist, a Delta Dental Premier dentist offers the next best opportunity to save. Like the Delta Dental PPO network dentists, Delta Dental Premier® dentists also have agreed to reduced fees, but the savings on these fees aren’t as much as with the Delta Dental PPO network dentists. So, your coinsurance amount will be applied to a higher fee, but you’re still saving more money than if you visit an out-of-network provider.
Out-of-Network Providers
With the BMC Dental Plan, you can still see any dentist you choose, but using a network provider saves you money. When you use an out-of-network dentist, services will be subject to an annual deductible, and your coinsurance amounts will be higher so your out-of-pocket costs will be higher. In addition, out-of-network dentists may balance bill you for the difference between the plan allowance and their usual fee for services.
Summer is the traditional wedding season and is also the peak time for births. If your life changed this summer, chances are your benefits need to change too.
Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, or your spouse’s employment changes are events the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers “qualifying” events. Qualifying events are the only time you can change certain benefits outside of annual enrollment. You have 31 days from the date of a qualifying event to make benefits changes by going online or calling Your Benefits Resources to make allowed changes.
The Rules
The IRS restricts when you can change your benefits for one reason — taxes. Your contributions for medical, dental, vision and flexible spending account benefits elected during annual enrollment are deducted from your paycheck on a before-tax basis. In other words, you do not pay income tax on this money. In exchange for this tax-favored arrangement, the IRS requires BMC to follow the qualifying event rules. So when a representative of Your Benefits Resources or the Benefits Team tells you that you cannot change coverage outside of annual enrollment unless you experienced a life status change, they are protecting the tax-favored status of the BMC benefits plan for all employees.
To learn more about qualifying life events, read the details in the Benefits Guide or watch the overview video. To change your benefits following a life event, log in to the My BMC Compensation & Benefits website and select Your Benefits Resources. Select the Change Your Coverage icon, then Life Event from the Family Changes drop-down menu, and follow the prompts.
In the workplace, you may often feel pulled in multiple directions. This pull can include constant distractions and multitasking, which may affect your ability to reach your goals. Visit the Magellan website to learn what mindfulness is, how it applies to the workplace, how mindfulness can impact the workplace, and ways to use this skill to help you be successful at work. (When prompted, type in BMC’s toll-free EAP number, 1-800-327-1393)
With ever-busy minds, most of us multitask endlessly. We strain to keep up with the urgent tasks of today, the worries about tomorrow and the regrets of yesterday. However, nonstop mental motion can cause you to miss the simple pleasures of the present. Being more mindful helps you re-engage your senses, cut stress and enjoy each moment more. Try these tips to become more mindful at work:
Useful Links
Harvard Health says mindfulness can help your weight loss efforts. Read More…
Science Daily reports on a new study that explored how team mindfulness can be beneficial to teams.
We’ve all heard how you should do a “spring clean” on your finances each year or prep your budget for the summer. But summer is also a great time to give your finances some attention. In fact, a summer financial reboot can get you back on track, so you finish the year strong. Read about the steps you’ll want to take. Read More…
Source: Policygenius.com
From bank accounts to budgeting to babies, it’s important to get organized as you prepare to chart your financial future together. Fidelity recommends steps to consider to help get your financial future off to a great start. Read More…
MyBMC Rewards provides a snapshot of your pay, retirement benefits, health and insurance benefits and corporate programs. Visit MyBMC Rewards to:
Go online anytime or call 877-262-4849. Representatives are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time.
From enrollment reminders to important 401(k) information and benefits updates, you can be the first to know when your attention or action is required.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesFind FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesFind FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
2014 InformationBCBSTX ResourcesBlue Cross Blue Shield InformationOther Resources/ServicesOther ServicesFind FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
2015 InformationBCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
2016 Information2017 InformationBCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
2017 InformationBCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
2018 InformationBCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.
Find FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesFind FAQs, rates, benefit provider websites and more.
BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.