Your 2016 Benefit Reminders
- Dependent Verification: If you added a new dependent to your coverage for 2016, you will need to verify your dependent’s eligibility. Your Benefits Resources (YBR) will send you a verification request notice and package at your home address. Follow the instructions in the package and respond by the deadline. If you do not complete and return the requested documents, your dependents will be ineligible for coverage and dropped from BMC benefits.
- Fitness Reimbursement: March 31, 2016, is the deadline to submit claims for your 2015 fitness center membership dues. Go to the Your Spending Account (YSA) website and submit a copy of your final 2015 pay stub if you are a member of the Houston on-site gym, or submit receipts for dues for other fitness centers or exercise classes. See the step-by-step guide to learn more.
- Tuition Assistance: If you are planning to take college course in the new year, take a few minutes to review the Tuition Reimbursement application and pre-approval process.
- Medical Plan Deductible: Remember, you pay a deductible before most plan benefits pay. Reducing unnecessary costs and being a smart consumer saves you money while you are meeting your plan deductible, and helps reduce overall plan costs after your deductible is met.
Managing Your Health Care Money in 2016
To deliver on our culture of innovation and help you be a good health care consumer, we have great tools to support you in 2016.
- Teledoc—U.S. board-certified doctors can resolve many of your minor medical issues, 24/7/365, via phone or online from wherever you happen to be.
- New! Healthcare Bluebook—compare the cost and quality of medical procedures, tests, and providers to help you find the best price and care for you and your loved ones. Beginning January 1, 2016, use Healthcare Bluebook to review cost and quality.
- New! Best Doctors—a confidential service designed to help you easily and confidentially get second opinions from medical experts all around the nation. By contacting Best Doctors, you can have all of your medical questions and concerns addressed by carefully selected expert physicians.
You can also save money by taking time to learn how our plans work. Take advantage of cost-saving features, such as lower, pre-negotiated rates offered by in-network providers. Generic or other prescription drug programs will also help you manage your health care budget.
bWell Update: New Challenge Launches in February
Ready. Set. Climb. The first bWell Take the Stairs Challenge begins in February. Take these four, quick steps and be ready to soar:
1) Get your health screening. Onsite health screenings begin January 11 in Houston.
2) Complete the online Well-Being Assessment.
3) Track your activity with the free FitBit you receive for completing steps 1 and 2!
4) Watch for the Take the Stairs Challenge launch in February.
125-Pound Weight Loss: How Dana Did It.
For Dana Gresham, a Sales Operations Analyst in Houston, it started with a life-changing event. Her 24-year-old daughter moved from Houston to Denver in August 2014. “I decided it was time to put myself at the top of my list. I’ll do anything for others and make time for family and friends and their needs. But when it came to me, I didn’t make me or my health a priority and it showed. It was time for a big change and to focus on my needs for once,” says Dana.
At the time, Dana didn’t want to spend her 40’s overweight or develop health issues. “My Dad has type 2 diabetes and I didn’t want to head down the same path if I could help it. I decided to make some needed changes and take better care of myself.”On October 25, 2014, Dana took the first bold step. She ditched the drive through and dropped processed foods and diet soda from her diet. She also said “no” to gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol. Dana told everyone closest to her about her goal and lifestyle change, and she relied on their support. “Meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking became a big part of my life.” Read More...
It's My Budget, and I'm Sticking to It!
Do you sometimes ask yourself where all the money goes at the end of every month? Do you lose track of which bills you've paid and which are due? The beginning of the year represents an opportunity to focus on financial wellness and learn the tips and tricks to make sticking to your budget easier.
You are invited to join Magellan’s live interactive webinar “It's My Budget, and I'm Sticking to It! Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Central time. Register Now.