Tips for a Healthy 2022
Happy New Year! Now is the time to reflect on the last year and celebrate your accomplishments. It is also an excellent time to acknowledge which area(s) of your health and wellness needs improvement. Start with one or two new realistic goals and add additional ones throughout the year. And remember to use all the support and tools available to help you along the way. Read More...
Health Advocacy Solutions – Health Care Made Easy
What is a Health Advocate?
A familiar person to talk to whenever you have a question, concern, or health issue needing to be addressed.
What resources do Health Advocates have access to?
Health advocates are backed by a multi-disciplinary, integrated team, which includes:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Behavioral health specialist
- Pharmacist
- Holistic health advisor
- Social workers
- Medical doctor
How can I access information about additional benefits provided by external health partners?
Through a health advocate, you and your covered dependent(s) can receive additional information and/or get directly connected to any of the following health partners:
- Virtual visits – MDLIVE (medical and behavioral health)
- Chronic back, knee, hip, neck or shoulder pain – Hinge Health
- Diabetes prevention and weight loss – Omada®
- Hypertension, blood pressure, and diabetes management – Livongo®
- Get ready for baby – Ovia®
- Weight management and metabolic syndrome reversal – Wondr Health
What are some of the ways a Health Advocate can help me?
Your Health Advocate takes the stress out of using your benefits by:
- Helping you find in-network doctors and providers
- Identifying ways to help you save money on health care expenses
- Answering questions and resolving issues with your health care bills.
Work Hard, Play Hard Update
Work Hard, Play Hard is your annual opportunity to expand your potential and become the best possible version of you: physically, emotionally, intellectually, occupationally, socially, and spiritually.
We are three months into bWell 2022, and things are heating up at the Work Hard, Play Hard beach. As of December 31, many players are well on their way to Hanging Ten with 8,000 points:
- 135 have reached the Rest & Relax Level by participating in a health screening and completing the Well-Being Survey. (1,000 points and $100 savings on 2023 medical premiums or a $100 gift card*). * If you choose a cash reward (gift card), the Internal Revenue Code considers the gift card value taxable income.
- 59 have reached the Sculpt Sand Level by participating in Work Hard, Play Hard challenges (3,000 points plus an additional $200 reward or savings on 2023 medical premiums).
Is this the year you want to break a habit or improve your sleep hygiene? Whatever you want to do for your well-being, bWell can help. You can design up to 12 custom challenges and receive points. If you’re going to pursue additional challenges, go ahead. Points will be awarded for up to 12 custom challenges, but there’s no limit on how many custom challenges you can create.
Join the Team Cardio Challenge Feb. 7 to Mar. 4
February is the month to work out, have fun, and show your heart some love. The BMC wellness program, Work Hard, Play Hard, invites you to complete 500 minutes of cardiovascular exercise between Feb. 7 and Mar. 4. We’re calling this team challenge the Work Out, Have Fun Cardio Team Challenge and it’s a great way to get moving or moving more for your health and earn rewards. Get ready to form a team with three to five of your work buddies. Watch your email for details.
EAP Launches Digital Emotional Well-Being Program
Magellan Healthcare, BMC’s Employee Assistance Program provider, just launched myStrength, featuring digital emotional well-being tools. Get help with common concerns from managing stress, anxiety and depression to improving sleep and mindfulness. Here's how to get started with myStrength:
- Go to MagellanAscend.com.
- Click the blue "Find My Company | Log in" button in the upper right corner.
- Enter BMC Software or log in to your Magellan account.
- In the Explore section, click on the "Self-Care Programs" icon. Or, in the Your Apps section, click on the "myStrength" icon.
- Follow the instructions to access the myStrength website. Once you are on the myStrength website, you will take a short quiz to get your customized program. As you participate in programs and activities, the myStrength engine will provide personalized recommendations for continue learning. You can also choose to work with a coach who can help you navigate the programs and suggest next steps.
This program is available to you and your household members at no cost. Watch this video to learn more.
Upcoming EAP Webinars
Magellan Health invites you to join their monthly webinars on various topics to help you physically, emotionally, intellectually, occupationally, socially, and spiritually.
All webinars begin at 1 p.m., Central.
Wednesday, February 9
Social Status: Keeping a Safe and Healthy Relationship with Social Media
- Explain the algorithm and why you see specific content.
- Recognize how to identify reliable, verified information.
- Know when it’s time to take a break from social media.
Register here
Wednesday, March 9
Retirement Planning: Getting Started and Sticking to Your Goal in Times of Uncertainty
- Recognize the importance of starting with a plan early.
- Use goal-setting strategies to stay on track with your vision for retirement.
- Discuss how to adjust your spending and saving plans as needed.
Register here
Wednesday, April 13
Overcome Exhaustion and Burnout
- Identify practices to help restore emotional health and well-being.
- Summarize what is causing feelings of fatigue and burnout.
- Recognize the symptoms of burnout.
- Identify practices to help restore emotional health and well-being.
Register here
What is Financial Wellness?
Early in the year, Financial Wellness Month, reminds us to pay closer attention to our financial well-being. It comes right after the hustle, bustle, and spending that comes with the holiday season to help us slow down and prepare our finances for the new year and our lives as a whole.
What is financial wellness? According to Fidelity, it’s two things:
- Feeling good about your financial situation
- Know what to do next with your money
Check out this financial wellness overview from Fidelity to learn more.
Financial Literacy Resources:
- According to m1finance.com, not all personal finance books are created equal. Here are 11 standouts for smart investors who want to improve their financial well-being.
Actions To Consider:
5 Reasons to Get Moving on Your Tax Prep
People usually consider doing taxes one of the most demanding financial tasks of the year. Getting it done will make all of the other items on your financial to-do list seem more effortless.
Knowing where you stand well before the April 18 federal tax filing deadline gives you time to adjust your current tax withholding. You can also calculate what you can contribute to traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and health savings accounts. Read other reasons to get going on your tax prep if you haven’t started.
Source: Fidelity.com
Could You Invest Just 2% More in Your 401(k)?
See how much more you could accumulate in your BMC 401(k) account over time by increasing your contribution from each paycheck. Even two percent more from your pay could make a big difference. Enter information about your current situation and include your current and proposed new contribution rate and anticipated pay increases. Try the BMC Savings Tool here.
As a reminder, the annual 401(k) contribution limits for 2022 have changed from 2021. If you are under age 50, the annual contribution limit is $20,500. If you are age 50 or better in the calendar year, you may contribute an extra $6,500 “catch-up” contribution for a total annual contribution limit of $27,000. See all 2022 limits on tax-savings accounts here.
Don’t Miss Out On the 401(k) Match
Your 401(k) account contributions stop when you reach the annual contribution limit for 401(k) plans. And since you are no longer contributing, BMC stops making matching contributions to your account.
To avoid missing out on BMC matching contributions, contribute a lower percentage consistently (at least 5% of your pay each pay period).
Watch the Benetube video to learn how to avoid missing out on BMC matching contributions to your 401(k) account.
Increase Your Financial Confidence
Increase your financial knowledge and confidence and get answers to your questions at Ask Fidelity sessions. Mark your calendar and register for these virtual events.
- African American Economic Empowerment – February 8 and 23
- Women Money Talk Series – March 8 and 23
- Resetting Your Financial Foundation – March 8
- Creating the Retirement You Want – March 23