Archive for ‘Benefits’

Set Up Your Blue Access for Members (BAM) Online Account

• Go to www.bcbstx.com
• Click on the “Log in” button in the top right
• Under the “Member Log In” section, click on “Register Now”
• Use the information on your BCBSTX ID Card to complete the registration process

Once you have set up your online account, you can review your claims, look at your Explanation of Benefits, see how much of your deductible you have met, and much more.

Using your VSP benefit is easy, and it starts at vsp.com.

• Find a Doctor who’s right for you — close to where you live or work.
• Review your benefit information and savings before your appointment.
• Learn how eye care plays an important part in your overall wellness and find out about the latest advances in eyewear technology.
• Plus, check out special offers and discounts exclusive to VSP members.

For questions or comments, please contact us at 800.877.7195 or visit the VSP Member Services page.

Are you paying $50 or more for your prescriptions? Many brand name prescriptions have lower costing alternatives that can save you money.

Here are some common conditions that are often treated with expensive name brands.  Many people don’t know that they can pay much less, just by asking their doctor.  Some examples are High Cholesterol (Lipitor, Crestor), Anxiety (Effexor XR, Pristig), Heart Burn/Indigestion (Protonix, Zegerid), and High Blood Pressure (Benicar, Diovan). All of these common name brands have an alternative available.

Just send COMPASS your prescriptions at leahm@compassphs.com or call 1-800-513-1667 and they will let you know how much you could save. They can also help you investigate any additional options to lower your prescription costs.

The Benefits Committee of the Staff Senate is seeking your feedback on the benefits information sessions and communication from last fall. In partnership with Human Resources, the committee wants to know how effective these sessions are and how beneficial they are to your understanding of the benefits offered. Please click this link to take a short survey about these sessions and other communications about benefits.

Last week, Leah Merrill from Compass Professional Health Services, sent an email on how Compass can help determine costs up front.

If you did not receive this email, please follow these directions to make sure this valuable information reaches your inbox, instead of going to spam.

Avoid billing pain after surgery.  Know your costs up front.  We are always trying to save our members money on healthcare.  One of the most costly procedures that you can face is surgery.  Not only are the services expensive, but the bills that follow are very confusing.

That’s where I can help.  If you think you need surgery, or even diagnostic tests, let me know.  I’ll help you compare the costs of various healthcare facilities and specialists in your area.  Combine that with our doctor recommendations and you’ll get the best quality care at the lowest possible price.  Here are some average costs and high end price ranges for common procedures:

Health Pro

leahm@compassphs.com

Do you need assistance setting up your online account? Or do you need to order a new HSA debit card? Just contact HSA Bank’s Client Assistant Center at 1-800-357-6246 and they will be able to help you with those questions and others you may have.

If you had HCA funds left at the end of 2013, ACU is doing a transition payout at 40 cents on the dollar.  We are waiting 45 days for claims to finalize for the end of 2013. Once we have the finalized HCA balances from Blue Cross, we will process the HCA transition payout to be deposited to your HSA on the nonexempt 2/28/14 paycheck and the exempt 2/28/14 paycheck.

There are three types of contributions that may go into your HSA.  There is the employer contribution ($750 for employee only coverage and $1500 for family coverage), the HCA transition payout (available only to those who had a balance in their HCA at the end of 2013), and your employee contributions.  See below for details on when you can expect these contributions to be deposited to your HSA.

• Employer Contribution:  This contribution was deposited to your HSA on 1/7/14.
• HCA Transition Payout:  If you had HCA funds left at the end of 2013, ACU is doing a transition payout at 40 cents on the dollar.  We are waiting 45 days for claims to finalize for the end of 2013.  Once we have the finalized HCA balances from Blue Cross, we will process the HCA transition payout to be deposited to your HSA on the nonexempt 2/28/14 paycheck and the exempt 2/28/14 paycheck.
• Employee Contributions:  If you chose to contribute to your HSA in 2014 through payroll deductions, these contributions will be deposited to your HSA each payroll, beginning with the 1/15/14 payroll for nonexempt employees and 1/31/14 payroll for exempt employees.

If you would like to change your HSA contribution, see the forms page on the HR website and print the HSA Contribution Change Form, complete it and turn it in to the HR office.

Benefit Eligible Faculty and Staff: Please renew your commitment to the Abundant Life program and complete the 2014 Abundant Life Pledge/Waiver Form in order to receive a free family membership to the Student Recreation & Wellness Center for 2014. If you signed the 2013 pledge form, your card will continue to be activated until Friday, February 14. If you do not renew by that date, your ACU ID card will no longer work at the SRWC turnstile.  If you are currently set up for payroll deduction for your membership to the SRWC, please be sure to complete the SRWC Payroll Deduction Cancellation Form to stop your payroll deduction.