Nearly half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, or an unhealthy diet. Risk also increases with age. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented by making healthy choices and managing health conditions. You’re never too young or too old to take care of your heart.
Show your heart some love and join Class Pass, the world’s largest studio and gym network. BMC subsidizes your membership.
Resources:
Seven Habits for a Healthy Heart (nytimes.com)
Heart Health Decade-by-Decade (aahs.org)
More than half of us will struggle with a mental health concern. Digital mental health programs from L2L can help you find more thoughtful approaches to dealing with life’s struggles. Learn More.
Never fear if you have difficulty introducing healthy habits into your life and sticking with them. Starting with tiny changes may help you set goals and reach them. Read More.
Source: selecthealth.org
Coffee is the key to a flavorful beef roast that simmers in the slow cooker until it’s fall-apart tender. Read More
Source: tasteofhome.com
Think of this vegetarian enchilada casserole as a veggie-packed Mexican-inspired lasagna with corn tortillas standing in for the noodles! Read More
Source: eatingwell.com
Effective January 1, 2023, Fidelity replaced Your Spending Account (YSA) as the new administrator for the following:
You may not think about it, but the New Year is an excellent time to review your BMC Benefits and be sure you are up to date and up to speed with all of the coverage you have and how it all works. Resolve to use your BMC Benefits to take charge of your health care during 2023. Make the most of your BMC benefits throughout the coming year by making these practical tips part of your routine.
1. Check deductions for benefits on your first paycheck in January. Confirm deductions for benefits coverage you elected or rolled over during annual enrollment last fall. In fact, it’s a good idea to compare your first few paystubs of 2023 against the benefits confirmation statement you received in December. If you didn’t print a confirmation statement after you enrolled, you can find 2023 coverage information on MyBMC Rewards >Health & Insurance>Your Current Coverage.
2. Schedule any medical, dental, or vision appointments or annual exams you’ve been putting off. You will start the New Year off on a healthy note by taking care of your ongoing and preventive health services. Preventative care services like annual exams and vaccinations help you stay aware of your current health and any changes over time.
3. Work on your well-being. Take advantage of the information and services available through the BMC bWell program to help support and encourage you in keeping your health and wellness-related New Year’s Resolutions. Visit the MyBMCWellness website for more information and to participate in the program.
4. Check that you have all the insurance ID cards you need, and be sure you know how to get replacements or additional ID cards if required. If you need a replacement ID card, contact the appropriate plan administrator, and one can be sent to you.
5. Be prepared to provide ID cards to your doctors and pharmacy – even if you have provided them before. Your doctor’s office or pharmacy might ask to see your insurance ID card during your first visit of the New Year to verify your current benefits.
6. Be sure you know where to find information about how all of your benefits work.
A little planning will help keep your stress level down if and when you need to access your benefits. Additional information and resources are available on the MyBMC Benefits website. If you need help, don’t hesitate to connect with a health advocate or call toll-free 1-877-278-4420 anytime.
7. Save money when you need care. BCBSTX medical plan members can save money on out-of-pocket costs and earn a cash Member Reward. Higher cost doesn’t always mean better quality. When a doctor suggests a medical procedure or service, log in to BCBSTX.com, look for “Find Care,” compare choices and select a reward-eligible location. Then, have the procedure. Once the claim is paid, you’ll receive your reward check.
8. Review your plan contributions for your 401(k) Plan or HSA. You can adjust your monthly contributions at any time and the New Year is a great time to take stock and ensure that you’re on track with your retirement savings goals. Find more information about the BMC 401(k) Plan here and the HSA here.
9. Health care goes digital. The BCBSTX medical plans include several digital resources to complement your one-on-one experience with your doctor. These programs are available at no added cost and can help you manage a health issue. Services include coaching and, in some cases, may use internet-connected biometric devices and wearable sensors to help you and your family achieve health improvement goals. Learn more here.
Did you know that you can change the amount you contribute to your HSA as often as you want during the year? You’re not locked into the contribution amount you elected during the benefits enrollment period.
The HSA is flexible to help you with changing needs and priorities during the year. Let’s say your budget is tight for a month or two. You might consider lowering your HSA contributions for a few months to help with your immediate cash flow needs. (Remember that you’ll miss out on the tax advantages the HSA provides.) If you’ve got some “wiggle room” in your budget, increase your HSA contributions. You will get more significant tax savings and grow your balance faster. HSA changes you make are effective the first of the following month.
You can also change your 401(k) contribution percentage or investment allocations at any time. To access your account through Fidelity, go to NetBenefits.com or call Fidelity at 1-866-546-4424. The BMC 401(k) Deferral Calculator can help you determine a savings strategy to optimize your 401(k) contributions. Remember, it’s essential to make sure you are contributing at a level and frequency to receive all your eligible BMC company matching contributions throughout the year. Read more or watch this quick video to learn more.
More than half of us will struggle with a mental health concern. Digital mental health programs from Learn to Live (L2L) can help you find more thoughtful approaches to dealing with life’s struggles.
L2L programs are:
Upcoming Webinars
L2L also offers live and recorded webinars on topics to help you work on your well-being. January webinars include Habit Change, Good News About the Winter Blues, and Mindful Eating. Read more
Watch this quick video to learn more. L2L is included with your BCBSTX coverage at no cost and available through myevive.com, or you can get started by logging in to Blue Access for Members at BCBSTX>Wellness>Digital Health.
We are three months into the 2022 – 2023 BMC well-being program, Out of This World. As of December 31, 451 participants are on their way to reaching the Galactic Voyageur level with 8,000 points and locking in a chance to win one of 10 prizes. Winners will choose from a list of fabulous trips, adventures, memorable experiences, and more.
* If you choose a cash reward (gift card), the Internal Revenue Code considers the gift card value taxable income.
Coming Soon
Watch your email in February and join the Nutrition Challenge. Earn bWell points while you get excited about healthy eating and healthy behavior change.
Magellan Health invites you to join their 2023 monthly webinars on various topics to help you physically, emotionally, intellectually, occupationally, socially, and spiritually.
All webinars begin at 1 p.m. Central.
February
Wednesday, February 8
Maintaining Positive Relationships
March
Wednesday, March 8
Self-Care isn’t Selfish
The last few years have been weird, so you want a fresh start. Fidelity can help you map it out –with tools and tips for making smarter money decisions throughout 2023, no matter where the economy goes.
Tune in for a panel discussion about realistic solutions for your New Year money resolutions. In 45 minutes, you’ll get easy ways to save on everyday expenses, a plan to pay down debt, and tips for enjoying your money while still working toward your goals. Register here.
Fidelity Investments will offer several financial education workshops for BMC employees in the months ahead. Increase your financial knowledge and confidence and get answers to your questions at Ask Fidelity virtual events.
February 9 – Setting Goals and Habits that Stick: No matter your age and how far away retirement is, we all want to be able to enjoy retirement and do the things we want without having to worry about money. Attend this virtual workshop to learn the importance of identifying or revisiting what you want your money to achieve and setting up good habits to create lasting change. Register now.
February 16 and 21, March 9 and 21 – Pre-Retiree Workshops (for those less than 10 years from retirement) : During this one--on-one workshop a Fidelity representative will work with you to develop a retirement and investment plan that integrates your BMC 401(k) account with your overall financial goals. You'll receive education and strategies on balancing multiple financial goals, retirement income planning,and estate planning strategies. Register now.
March 9 – Creating the Retirement You Want: If you're planning to retire within the next few years: Learn the benefits of a retirement income plan, factors to consider when transitioning your savings into income, and ways to develop a retirement plan that suits your goals and lifestyle. Register now.
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.