Archive for ‘Benefits’

During Benefits Annual Enrollment we discussed the fact that ACU has begun the process of  terminating two of our frozen retirement plans. We have confirmation that the IRS has received our request, however until the IRS issues the determination letters we are still in a holding pattern. What you can do during this time is review the FAQ’s we have developed. The FAQ document will be updated as information is received. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact TIAA-CREF at 1-800-842-2252, or Rachel Lee rachel.lee@acu.edu.

The 2013 benefit elections recently made will be effective starting 1/1/2013. Payroll deductions for these benefits will not be seen until 1/15/13 for the non-exempt (semi-monthly) payroll, and 2/1/13 for the exempt (monthly) payroll. If you have questions regarding your benefits, please contact the Human Resources Department at x2359.

Please remember that all ACU employees that have elected the BCBS medical plan for 2013 will use an ID card with group number 068773 starting 1/1/13. If you currently do not have an ID card with this number, please go to www.bcbstx.com, log in, and click on “Get a Temporary ID Card” under the quick links on the right-hand side. You can then “order a new ID card” and “Print a Temporary ID Card.” Also, if you elected the BCBS Dental plan for 2013, you should have received a BCBS Dental ID card with group number 107361. Please be sure not to confuse this card as your medical card. You may find it useful to write “Dental” on this card with a sharpie to help with any confusion.

Mark your calendar to attend the come-and-go Abundant Life Wellness Fair on Friday, January 18, from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Vendors & prize drawings will be available throughout the day. In addition, by completing the Abundant Life Pledge Form, you will receive a free one-year membership to the SRWC for 2013. All employees who complete the Abundant Life Pledge Form by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18^th, will be put in a drawing for great prizes. Watch your email for more details

Mark your calendar to join in and participate in Abundant Life’s “Wellness Day” on Friday, January 18. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. More details on this day’s events and receiving a free membership to the SRWC coming soon!

As the year comes to an end, are you curious to see how much of your deductible has been met, and how much is remaining in your HCA (Health Care Account)? You can view this information by going to www.bcbstx.com and logging in. To view your deductible, select “My Coverage,” and then “Medical.” To view your HCA balance,  select “My Coverage,” and then ” Heath Care Accounts.”

Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code makes it possible for employers to provide up to $5,250 per year to their employees (not dependents) in tax-free tuition assistance for education as part of a “qualified educational assistance program.”   Section 127 is set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress takes action. The provision was established in 1978 and has been extended by Congress several times, most recently in 2010. Consider contacting your members of Congress to support a tax extenders package that extends employer-provided education assistance.  Click here to write or call your member of Congress.  Please note, section 127 specifically exempts tuition discounts for classes taken at the graduate level.  ACU’s undergraduate tuition benefit is already exempt from taxation under Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code.   Read more about ACU’s Employee Tuition Benefit.

If your doctor’s office orders lab work, x-rays, MRI’s, etc. for you, keep in mind that getting these services done at a stand-alone facility will be less expensive than having them done in a hospital. Check the provider list at www.bcbstx.com and ask your doctor’s office to send you to a provider like Quest Diagnostics, Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, or Dr. Jay’s for a less expensive option.

Are you interested in seeing the history of your filled prescriptions and medical claims? You can view this history by going to www.bcbstx.com, log in, click on “Claims Center,” and narrow your search on the left-hand side.

Are you getting your free medical preventive services? Take advantage of this benefit by finding out what services you can receive at no cost. Schedule your appointment today!