Ever wonder what would happen if you turned off all of your electronics for a day? Why not find out? Join the National Day of Unplugging (NDU), a 24-hour global respite from technology. The NDU begins at sundown on Friday, March 9, 2018, and ends at sundown on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Although the National Day of Unplugging only comes around once a year, its intention is to inspire reflections on the impact devices could be having on the quality of life, along with the value of using them with a higher sense of awareness. Take the Unplug pledge and spend time relaxing with family, friends, or alone. Read More...
Useful Links
New research suggests your phone may undermine your parenting. This article from Greater Good shows you how to limit your own screen time.
You know those nights when you’re just too tired to pick up the clothes on your floor, load the dishwasher, and take out the recycling? Instead, you tumble into bed early, happily anticipating eight hours of solid rest…only to wake up the next morning feeling like you barely slept.
You’re not dreaming this up: Research proves that people surrounded by clutter are more likely to experience disturbed sleep and feel more tired the next day. Read four tips to help you get out from under the clutter so you can sleep better, starting tonight. Source: mequilibrium.com
Whether you’re starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before a workout, the foods you choose can make a real difference. March is National Nutrition Month. This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to “Go Further with Food.” Planning meals and snacks in advance will add nutrients, save you money and help reduce food waste. Rate your eating habits with this quick quiz. Learn more at eatright.org and follow National Nutrition Month on the Academy’s social media channels using #National Nutrition Month.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for medical care were 82.20% higher in 2017 versus 2000. In other words, medical care costing $1,000 in the year 2000 would cost $1,822.01 in 2017 for an equivalent purchase.
Yoga builds balance and strength which is ideal for improving back strength and circulation. This can often provide relief from chronic back pain. Source: bcbstx.com
Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that help in regulating heart health. Read More about whole grains. Source: heart.org
Making a big batch of eggs has never been easier with this one-pan oven-baked eggs recipe. Whether you are making brunch for a crowd or just want to meal-prep healthy breakfasts for the week, you'll have 12 servings ready in just 45 minutes. Read More…
This healthy take on the classic Shamrock Shake uses fresh spinach and juicy kiwi to achieve the fun and festive color. Using fresh mint makes this smoothie extra minty and refreshing. Read More…
Source: eatingwell.com
March 31 is the deadline to submit claims for 2017 Flexible Spending Accounts and fitness center membership dues.
Flexible Spending Accounts
If you had a 2017 Health Care, Limited Use Health Care or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the deadline for submitting eligible expenses is March 31, 2018. Expenses must have been incurred during 2017 to be eligible for reimbursement. Under IRS rules, you forfeit all but $500 of any money left in your account after the year's expenses have been paid. (The $500 carryover does not apply to Dependent Care FSA expenses.)
Fitness Reimbursement (If you have unclaimed 2017 expenses)
To request reimbursement, log on to My BMC Compensation & Benefits and click on this path: Visit My Spending Accounts> Other Accounts>Request Fitness Reimbursement.
See the step-by-step guide to learn more or contact YSA at 1-877-262-4849. Representatives are available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time.
The bWell Rocks Tour is serving up a hit list of new releases starting this month. Visit mybmcwellness.com to sign up for the tour, check your progress, or sign up for a new challenge. Earn bWell points with these quick and easy challenges:
Don’t Skip the Screening
Even if you aren’t participating in the bWell program, it’s still a good idea to complete a health screening. Many serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, have no obvious symptoms but can lead to serious health issues. By completing a health screening or biometric screening, you’re demonstrating a commitment to understanding your health status, which can lead to informed decisions, health improvements, and a decreased need for medical care. And if you also complete the online Well-Being Assessment at mybmcwellness.com, you’ll receive a gift valued at a $100. Get the details here.
The therapist is always in with MDLIVE, an on-demand health care service included with the BCBSTX medical plans. MDLIVE teletherapy lets you speak with a licensed therapist via secure video or phone at a time that works for you. You can choose where you are most comfortable to speak, and then connect at the scheduled time using your personal smartphone or laptop.
Behavioral therapy consultations are $40 for PPO plan members. For HSA Plan members, consultation costs range from $80 to $175 until the plan deductible is met. After the deductible is met, members pay 15% of the consultation cost.
To get started, download the mobile app. Select Activate Benefit Here, under Employer or Insurance Benefits. You’ll be asked to enter your BCBSTX member ID number, which starts with BMY.
Therapists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including stress, parenting issues, depression, eating disorders, relationship and marriage issues, addictions and more.
Wondering how to determine if what you hear or read from the media is accurate? If so, take an hour to learn: how media literacy is defined, the problem with insufficient media literacy, how people struggle in their consumption of media, methods of manipulation/distortion, and what to do to increase your own and potentially others’ media literacy. Join Magellan’s live interactive webinar on Wednesday, March 14, Media Literacy and “Fake News.” Space is limited so register now.
Useful Links
Learn how to spot fake news from National Public Radio and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
For every dollar you save in your 401(k) on a before-tax or Roth basis, BMC will contribute another dollar...up to the first 5% of your eligible pay (includes base pay, bonuses, and sales commissions). BMC matching contributions are made each pay period with your payroll contributions. You need to contribute 5% of your pay every paycheck to pick up every BMC match dollar. Find out how to not miss out on BMC matching contributions to your 401(k) account. Read More...
Given the tax changes coming in 2018, now is a good time to consider strategies to help you reduce your tax bill. The best way to begin is by pulling out 2017’s tax return along with your current pay stubs and account statements. Making a few quick projections will help you estimate your present tax situation and identify any concerns you’ll need to address before the tax-filing deadline. Read More…
Source: 360financialliteracy.org
Useful Links
Read Fidelity’s quick overview of the changes brought about by The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how they may affect your taxes.
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.