News Archives

December 2005

Pretax premiums will no longer apply to certain dependents

(Published December 2005)

Beginning with your first paycheck in January, you may notice a decrease in your take-home pay if none of your covered dependent children qualify for pretax health/dental/vision premiums under the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004.

According to this act, you can pay dependent children's health, dental and vision premiums before taxes as long as at least one of your covered children meets criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service. If none of your covered children meet these criteria, their portion of your health/dental/vision premiums will be paid after taxes. This will increase the amount of your pay that is taxable, thereby increasing the amount you pay in taxes.

Premiums for your children will still be paid before taxes if at least one of your covered children meets one of the following criteria:

  • The child is 18 or younger as of Dec. 31, 2006.
  • If the child is older than 18 but younger than 24 as of Dec. 31, 2006, and is a full-time student, he/she must provide less than half of his/her own financial support. You or someone else provides the rest.
  • If the child is older than 18 as of Dec. 31, 2006, and not a student, or if the child is age 24 and a full-time student, he/she must receive more than half of his/her financial support from you.

If you have a covered dependent who will be older than 18 as of Dec. 31, 2006, and you do not specify that the child meets one of the criteria listed above by Dec. 19, you will be required to pay taxes on that dependent's health/dental/vision premiums.

You can change your child's tax-qualifying status by logging onto Single Sign On (sso.tamu.edu), selecting HRConnect, and then scrolling down to the appropriate checkbox under the "Benefits Data" tab. For more information, go to sago.tamu.edu/shro/wftra.pdf.

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Roth 403(b) savings plans available Jan. 1

(Published December 2005)

Beginning Jan. 1, vendors who offer 403(b) retirement savings plans (also known as Tax-Deferred Accounts or TDAs) will also have the option of offering Roth 403(b) plans.

Like the Roth IRA, the Roth 403(b) will allow an employee to tuck dollars away in a savings account after taxes without having to pay taxes on any earnings when he/she begins receiving distributions (subject to time requirements), usually after retirement.

The maximum contribution for Roth 403(b) plans will equal that of traditional 403(b) plans, but it will be much higher than that of Roth IRAs. Employees will be allowed to contribute up to $15,000 per year to a Roth 403(b) ($20,000 if at least 50 years old), compared to $4,000 under a Roth IRA ($5,000 if at least 50 years old). Like the traditional 403(b) plan, the Roth 403(b) will include a $3,000 catch-up for those eligible. Employees may contribute to both types of 403(b) plans with the A&M System as long as the total contributions for all plans do not exceed the $15,000/$20,000 maximum.

If you leave A&M System employment, Roth 403(b) funds can be rolled over to a Roth IRA or your new employer's Roth 403(b).

As with the traditional 403(b) plan, contributions must be made through payroll deduction. ING, QUADS, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and VALIC have indicated that they will begin offering Roth 403(b) plans beginning Jan. 1. Other vendors have indicated that they hope to introduce Roth 403(b) plans soon after that.

If you enroll in a Roth 403(b) plan in January, your contributions will be taken from your Feb. 1 paycheck (or your first February paycheck if you are paid biweekly). For more information about Roth 403(b) plans and how to enroll, contact your TDA vendor representative.

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TimeTraq to be introduced in January

(Published December 2005)

After rolling out the popular LeaveTraq program two years ago, the System Offices' Business Computing Services is preparing to unveil another online system intended to smooth out workplace processes, this time in the area of timekeeping.

TimeTraq, which is currently in the pilot stage, will not only provide employees a convenient, paperless way to submit biweekly timesheets, but also automatically compute overtime, give reasonable estimates of an employee's gross pay based on the hours submitted, and coordinate with LeaveTraq. LeaveTraq coordination is a particular plus, because any leave hours that are recorded in LeaveTraq will automatically carry over into employees' TimeTraq timesheets. This will help ensure that the employees' leave amounts balance with their timesheets.

For all the benefits in store for employees, the system should prove to be an even bigger boon to managers and administrators.

"TimeTraq is designed to facilitate timesheet workflow and allow administrators to finish the payroll cycle more easily," said Mark Schulz, manager of enterprise software initiatives. "There will be less paper to keep track of, and administrators will be able to see at a glance who has completed timesheets and who hasn't. Managers will be able to approve timesheets online and view timesheet details online."

Schulz said TimeTraq will have a look and feel similar to LeaveTraq. LeaveTraq is also undergoing an internal overhaul that will allow it to integrate with TimeTraq. Other than some small changes to the look and feel, users should notice little difference. The most significant difference will be a new section on LeaveTraq's main page. This new section will call the user's attention to any leave requests that need to be either completed or cancelled.

TimeTraq, which will be accessible through Single Sign On (sso.tamu.edu), will be rolled out to A&M System members beginning next month. It will be introduced department by department at the larger members, while departments at smaller members may begin using it at the same time.

Marc Moore functioned as the lead developer for TimeTraq, and he was assisted by Schulz, Raj Kaimal and Yunyou Yao, with significant input from Larry Field of Budgets/Payroll/Personnel.

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CIGNA replaces Social Security numbers with special plan ID numbers

(Published December 2005)

To help protect A&M Dental plan participants against identity theft, CIGNA has assigned a unique CIGNA ID number to each participant. Dental HMO participants already have this.

Participants and their dependents can use these ID numbers the same way they used their Social Security numbers. They can use the ID numbers at their dentists' offices and when calling CIGNA's member services department. Participants can choose to continue using their Social Security numbers if they wish.

A&M Dental participants who have received dental Explanations of Benefits within the past few months will find the ID number in the upper right corner. Participants who have questions or who would like to obtain their CIGNA ID numbers can call CIGNA's member services department at (888) 336-8258.

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Scott & White to join BlueChoice network

(Published December 2005)

Effective Jan. 1, A&M Care health plan participants will have access to all Scott & White providers and facilities for network copayments and coinsurance levels. This will include the Scott & White clinic in Bryan/College Station.

Accutane no longer available through PharmaCare's mail-order program
Because of a recent move by the FDA to reduce the risk of fetal exposure to the teratogenic drug Accutane and its generic equivalent, isotretinoin, PharmaCare will no longer fill prescriptions for these drugs through its mail-order program.

A&M Care participants who submit prescriptions for either of these drugs to PharmaCare's mail-order service will have their prescriptions returned with an "Unable to Fill Rx" letter. Users can still purchase 30-day supplies of these drugs through network retail pharmacies.

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Any Questions?

(Published December 2005)

My spouse and I are both A&M System employees. Recently, we were comparing the enrollment choices we made during Annual Enrollment and discovered that both of us had enrolled in employee/spouse health coverage without letting the other know. Should we correct this now or simply wait until the next Annual Enrollment period?

Being double-covered under an A&M System benefit program does not increase the amount of benefits you'll receive. Not only that, but it may mean you are receiving the state contribution for being an employee and a spouse, which is not allowed by Texas law. To make sure you are not paying more out of your pocket than necessary-and to make sure you are in compliance with the law-you should contact your Human Resources office immediately to lower your coverage level.

You can be double-covered under the Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan. However, even if you are covered as both an employee and a dependent under this plan, your benefit will not be more than you are eligible to buy as an employee. For this reason, you should review your coverage to make sure you are not paying for more benefits than you can receive.

For more information on benefit options available to you and your spouse when you both work for the A&M System, check out "When You and Your Spouse Both Work for the A&M System."

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Understanding the importance of physical exams

(Published December 2005)

An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure, but that doesn't keep many people from postponing important physical exams.

"If I had a nickel for every person who said to me 'if only I had gone to the doctor sooner,' I could retire in style," said Anna Sallee assistant professor of nursing at Prairie View A&M University's College of Nursing. "I have seen enough in my 30 years of nursing to believe the benefits of physical exams outweigh the excuses not to receive them."

Benefits
The most important benefit of regular exams is the early detection and treatment of diseases and disorders such as high blood pressure, hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) and cancer. Early detection and treatment often result in better outcomes.

"High blood pressure is most often discovered during a routine physical exam," Sallee said. "Many people don't recognize symptoms of hypothyroidism, thinking they're tired and overworked. A physician will recognize the symptoms. And many times cancer is well progressed before symptoms appear. Your physician can determine the possibility of cancer through questioning and a physical assessment, and order further testing if he or she detects a problem. Ultimately, peace of mind to find out nothing is wrong is important as well."

Another benefit of receiving regular physicals is the opportunity to build strong doctor-patient relationships and facilitate discussion regarding other health-related issues.

Excuses
Sallee pointed out five reasons why people put off receiving physical exams and provided solutions for each.

No insurance. Health care is admittedly expensive, but help is available. Many cities have clinics with charges scaled according to income. Women of child-bearing age often have access to exams associated with family planning resources. You can also negotiate with your physician regarding a limited exam if you have no symptoms or indicators of problems.

I didn't think I needed a physical. This one is especially popular with women who have had a hysterectomy and decide to forgo the gynecological exam. The absence of a uterus does not negate the need for a pap test. And, obviously, a physical involves much more than reproductive issues.

I don't really like my doctor. Get a new doctor. The doctor-patient relationship is one of the more important relationships in your life. Your physician should be someone you feel comfortable talking to, someone who takes time to listen and answer your questions. Ultimately, if you find yourself seriously ill, you'll wish you'd had regular preventive checkups whether you liked your doctor or not.

I'm afraid of what the doctor might find. That's the old "If I don't know about it, it doesn't exist." Hiding from the problem can make a difference in whether it is curable or fatal. Many disorders that can be handled fairly easily when caught early can actually cause serious complications or death if they are allowed to progress without diagnosis and treatment.

I'm too embarrassed. Health care professionals are accustomed to seeing naked bodies. They are focused on looking for telltale signs of cancer, studying the results of a lab test, or determining whether that lump is the patient's usual fibrocystic disorder or something that needs a biopsy. In other words, they are concerned with the patient's physical health. Your doctor should do everything possible to protect your modesty, but if you feel over-exposed, request more privacy. If you are concerned about having a physician who is the same gender as you, keep in mind that there are many male and female physicians available.

How often?
Once a person works past these excuses and begins scheduling exams, the question changes from "should I schedule an exam" to "how often should I schedule an exam."

Sallee said that although guidelines vary among health care providers, the American Medical Association, as well as insurance companies, typically recommends a complete physical exam every two to three years for individuals who are over the age of 20 and not experiencing any type of illness symptoms. After age 40, exams should be done every one to two years. Exams should be done more frequently if:

  • the individual exhibits any type of illness symptoms,
  • has a significant personal health history (for example, one that includes cancer), or
  • has a significant family health history (for example, a family history of cardiovascular disease). Individuals should discuss the frequency of their health exams with their physicians.

This information is provided as a service by Prairie View A&M University's College of Nursing. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Sticking to an exercise plan

(Published December 2005)

As anyone who has embarked on a new fitness regimen will tell you, developing a plan is one thing, while sticking to it is another. Dr. Randy Bonnette, chair of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Department of Kinesiology, offers some practical advice on how to make sure you don't fall off your workout wagon.

  • Get a workout partner. We can rationalize our way out of working out, but if your partner is at the door or waiting for you at the gym, it is hard to not go. Obviously, this works both ways, plus you have someone to encourage you while you are working out. This is also true with your diets. Partners are always checking on each other, making it more difficult to cheat and improving accountability.
  • Involve your family. A family member can be a good workout partner or simply someone with whom you can share your progress, which also helps with accountability.
  • Join a fitness club. Provided you use it, a gym membership can help keep you on track.
  • Create a time budget. Literally plan out your week and put your workouts on the plan.
  • Set long- and short-term goals. If you don't, it is easier to rationalize not working out. If missing workouts will interfere with goals you are trying to meet for summer vacation, you are less likely to miss.
  • Tell people about your fitness goals and what you are doing to achieve them. Telling people creates more accountability. If you quit for a few days and someone asks you how your workouts are coming, you either have to lie or own up to it.
  • Change your routine about every two weeks, or everyday for that matter. The changes don't have to be drastic. For example, if you are a walker, go a different route or change the pace. Walk faster for 50 yards, and then slow down to catch your breath. Repeat. These are known as intervals.
  • Be patient and pace yourself. You didn't get this way overnight, and you won't change overnight. Your body has to have time to respond to new stress.

This information is provided as a service by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Department of Kinesiology. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Decking the halls without tipping the scales

(Published December 2005)

According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health in the last five years, adults gain an average of more than one pound during the holiday season, and this gain is not reversed after the first of the year or even during the spring and summer months. Although this gain is probably less than most people would expect after all of the holiday gorging, over time it can add up.

So what can we do to keep weight gain under control during the holidays? Moderation is the key. Enjoy those favorite holiday foods, but balance them with regular physical activity and common sense. To help, Dr. Jenna Anding, interim program leader and associate professor and extension nutrition specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension's Foods and Nutrition Unit, offered the following tips to help you resist temptation during the holiday season:

  • Balance party foods and meals with other meals. Eat smaller meals with fewer calories during the day so you can enjoy the party without exceeding your energy intake for the whole day. For those smaller meals, include low-fat protein as well as fruit, vegetables and whole grains (the fiber helps keep the stomach feeling full).
  • Don't go to a party hungry. Think about the types of foods present at holiday parties. They are not always the most healthful. If you go to a party hungry you are more likely to overeat.
  • Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. This tip has as much to do with common sense and safety as it does nutrition. An eight-ounce glass of nonalcoholic eggnog contains more than 340 calories. Alcohol increases the calorie count to nearly 450, and those calories tend to be stored as fat.
  • Control calorie intake by drinking diet soda or club soda instead of juice and regular sodas. A 12-ounce can of soda contains about 150 calories; diet versions have between two and four, and club soda is calorie-free.
  • Socialize away from the food table. This will reduce the temptation to overeat and allow you to focus on conversations with friends, family and coworkers.
  • If the party is an after-work cocktail party, curb your appetite by snacking on fruit, pretzels, crackers or low-fat yogurt before you go. Again, this helps reduce the temptation to overeat.
  • For office parties, get involved in the planning process so that you can ensure some healthy foods will be available. Offer to bring a fresh fruit or vegetable tray, pretzels or baked tortilla chips and salsa. If you offer to bring a dish that you have modified to lower the fat and calorie content, be sure you try out the dish at home in advance to make sure the taste is still acceptable.
  • For dinner parties, skip dessert or choose fresh fruit if it is available. If you are served a dessert, eat half.
  • Remember, smaller is better. When the food at a party is being served buffet-style, make one trip through the buffet line and take only small amounts of the foods that you really like. If possible, use a salad plate so that your plate looks full. This will keep your eyes from feeling cheated.
  • Listen to your stomach. Stop eating when you are no longer hungry. Eating until one is as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey usually results in consuming more calories than we need.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas Cooperative Extension. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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October/November 2005

SEBAC to look into legal/identity theft plans and diabetic supplies coverage

(Published October 2005)

At last month's inaugural meeting, the System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (SEBAC) voted to look into two agenda items, formed subcommittees to solicit proposals from insurance companies, received an update from the wellness subcommittee, and elected officers.

The first agenda item dealt with prepaid legal and/or identity theft plans. Ellen Gerescher, employee benefits manager for System Human Resources, said that identity theft plans cost $12/month on average, and that price can jump to $26/month when combined with prepaid legal services. Gerescher also noted that prepaid legal services are typically provided via telephone rather than face to face, and that such services are available through Answer Financial, the A&M System's current Internet financial services provider.

Also prompting discussion was whether the A&M Care plans could provide certain basic diabetic supplies, such as test strips and syringes, at no or reduced costs to plan participants. The reason for this change would be to encourage people to more properly monitor their diabetes, which can have expensive and serious complications if not controlled. Gerescher estimated that this enhancement would benefit about 500 of the 33,000 A&M Care participants.

Gerescher agreed to research both issues further and report back to SEBAC at its February meeting.

SEBAC also formed subcommittees to solicit and review proposals from insurance companies for the following A&M System benefit programs:

  • Medical (HMOs and A&M Care plans, including the A&M Care's prescription drug plan)
  • A&M Dental
  • Dental HMO
  • Vision
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Care
  • Tax Saver Spending Accounts
  • Hearing aid discount program
  • Internet-based financial services plan

Each company's proposal will include information such as premiums, types of services covered, level of benefits paid for those services, and size of network, if applicable. Later this year, subcommittees will review proposal responses and view finalist presentations. System Human Resources will then present recommendations to upper management with the A&M System. The companies that are selected will begin providing services to the A&M System next Sept. 1.

Bryan Pope updated SEBAC on the wellness committee's plan to promote the Texas Cooperative Extension's Walk Across Texas fitness program throughout the A&M System. The program, which has been in place for six years and is now held annually in almost every Texas county, encourages people to form teams and log their physical activity for a designated eight-week period. Pope said the committee's goal is to increase participation from employees and retirees at all A&M System universities, institutions and agencies.

Finally, SEBAC elected officers for the coming year. Greg Richmond, human resources officer for the Texas Transportation Institute, was elected chair, and Nancy Granovsky, professor and extension family economics specialist for Texas Cooperative Extension, was elected vice chair. Both have served several terms on SEBAC.

If you have questions about this information, contact your SEBAC representative.

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Total Compensation Statements to be distributed next month

(Published October 2005)

Total Compensation Statements for the 2006 fiscal year will be distributed either electronically or by mail to all A&M System employees early next month.

This letter, which each employee receives every fall, not only shows how much the A&M System gives you in the form of a paycheck, but it shows how much both you and the A&M System contribute toward your insurance benefits, retirement plans and other employment-related programs.

If you have questions about your statement, or if the information on your statement is incorrect, contact your Human Resources or payroll office. You can also view your Total Compensation Statements for the previous fiscal years (back to 2003) through the payroll screen of HRConnect (sso.tamu.edu).

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Tips for Spending Account debit card users

(Published October 2005)

It's now been one year since Health Care Spending Account debit cards were first issued to plan participants. If you re-enrolled in a Health Care Spending Account this year, keep the following tips in mind regarding your debit cards:

  • If you had two debit cards last year because you covered a dependent on your health coverage, but then switched to employee-only coverage this year, one of your debit cards will have been deactivated. To find out which card has been deactivated, you can either call (800) 328-4337 and select option 2 or take both cards next time you make a purchase using the debit card.
  • If your debit card was deactivated during the previous plan year because you didn't substantiate a claim by providing the necessary documentation, that card will remain inactive in the new plan year until that old claim is substantiated.

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Scott & White Urgent Care changes name, hours

(Published October 2005)

Scott & White Urgent Care in College Station has changed its name and business hours. It's now called Scott & White TodayCare, and it closes at 5 p.m. seven days a week. Previously, it was open until 7 p.m. on weekdays.

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Several chains are no longer with Superior Vision

(Published October 2005)

The following vision care providers are no longer in Superior Vision's network: LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, JCPenney Optical, Sears Optical and Target Optical. For a list of alternative retail chain locations or all providers in the network, visit www.superiorvision.com or contact Superior Vision's customer service at (800) 507-3800.

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Loans and hardship withdrawals are not allowed under ORP

(Published October 2005)

Rules for loans and hardship withdrawals differ for each type of retirement plan. Texas state law prohibits distributions, including loans and hardship withdrawals, under the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) until a participant retires, dies, reaches age 70½ or terminates employment with all Texas public institutions of higher education. The Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) program and the Texa$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) do allow loans and hardship withdrawals regardless of the participant's employment status. However, not all TDA vendors offer loans. For more information, contact your vendor representative.

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Guidelines provided regarding ORP/TDA vendor solicitations

(Published October 2005)

Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) vendor representatives are allowed to make sales presentations regarding ORP or TDA investment products to individual employees on A&M System premises only at an employee's request (subject to the approval of the employee's supervisor). Vendor representatives may not make unrequested visits or telephone calls or send unrequested mailings or e-mail messages to A&M System employees at their offices. If you encounter a problem with a company or vendor representative who has violated these solicitation rules, please contact your Human Resources office.

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TDA/DCP contribution limit to increase Jan. 1

(Published October 2005)

Effective Jan. 1, 2006, the maximum contribution limit for participants under the Tax-Deferred Account Program (TDA) and the Texa$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) will increase from $14,000 to $15,000 for each plan. In addition, the catch-up contribution limit for each plan for participants who are 50 and older will increase from $4,000 to $5,000.

A chart listing the calendar-year contribution limits through 2006 is available online at http://sago.tamu.edu/shro/DeferralLimitsChart.pdf. The 2005-06 Total Compensation Statements, which employees will receive soon (see related article), will list each employee's maximum TDA and/or DCP contribution limits for 2005 and 2006.

If you wish to change your monthly TDA contribution limit for the 2006 calendar year, complete the TDA Salary Reduction Agreement/Change of Vendor Form (sago.tamu.edu/shro/Forms/17.pdf) and submit it to your Human Resources or Payroll office. Please contact your Human Resources or Payroll office for deadline dates to ensure that your change will take effect on the first pay date of 2006.

If you wish to change your monthly DCP contribution amount, contact CitiStreet, the DCP plan administrator, at (800) 634-5091 by 3 p.m. on Nov. 30. This will ensure that the change takes effect on the first pay date in 2006.

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Some inactive ORP vendors do not receive funds electronically

(Published October 2005)

State law requires that Optional Retirement Program (ORP) contributions be sent to ORP vendors within three business days of the funds' legal availability (pay date) and that ORP participants be notified each year of vendors that are unable to receive these contributions by electronic funds transfer. All currently active vendors receive funds electronically on the first business day of each month and are required to credit the contributions to participants' accounts within one day of receipt. The following is a list of inactive vendors who do not currently receive ORP contributions electronically:

  • Conseco Life Insurance
  • Jackson National Life
  • Lincoln Trust
  • Manulife Financial
  • Merrill Lynch Insurance
  • MetLife Investors Group
  • Midland National Life Insurance
  • Prudential Insurance
  • State Farm Life Insurance
  • Sun Life/MFS
  • Transamerica Life
  • United Services Funds

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Any Questions?

(Published October 2005)

I've read a lot of information regarding the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. What can you tell me about this program and how it compares to the prescription drug coverage offered through my A&M System health plan?

With Medicare Part D becoming available this January, people who are eligible for Medicare will begin receiving a lot of information about the plan from Medicare and from some prescription drug companies approved by Medicare to offer the Part D program. When deciding whether the plan is right for you, keep in mind that, in most cases, the A&M System health plans will provide a better prescription drug benefit than you will receive from Medicare Part D.

To begin with, Medicare Part D has a monthly premium of approximately $32. This is separate from the regular Medicare Part B premium of $78.20 per month. With an A&M System health plan, you do not pay a separate premium for prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D also has a $250 deductible, while none of the A&M System plans currently have more than a $50 prescription drug deductible.

If you choose to enroll in Medicare Part D, your A&M System health premiums will not decrease, and you will not be able to use your A&M System plan's drug benefits, including the drug copayments.

The A&M System is completing an actuarial study, as required by Medicare, confirming that its health plans provide prescription drug coverage that is equal to or better than Medicare Part D. Once this is confirmed, you will not have to pay a penalty if you defer enrollment in Part D now but later decide to enroll. The actuarial study will be completed by Oct. 31, before Medicare Part D enrollment begins.

For more information, including a comparison chart explaining how Medicare Part D works compared to your current A&M System health plans' prescription drug benefits, go to sago.tamu.edu/shro/pagehealth.htm. If you have questions about Medicare Part D or your A&M System health coverage, contact your Human Resources office.

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Your child's first dental checkup

(Published October 2005)

To new parents, the first few years of their child's life can seem like little more than a never-ending series of trips to the pediatrician. They're so busy trying to keep track of various vaccinations and checkups that it's easy to forget another major component of a baby's health: the teeth.

To celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, Dr. Alton McWhorter, associate professor in Baylor College of Dentistry's pediatric dentistry department, provides some handy tips for parents who are planning their child's first dental visit. Some of the information, such as when parents should schedule that first appointment, may surprise you.

At what age should a child receive his/her first dental checkup?
In 1985, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommended that the child's first visit be within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, but no later than 12 months. This is patterned on the "well baby" visits to the pediatrician. It is an educational visit where the dentist can explain to parents the need to wean the child at the appropriate age and give them instructions in oral hygiene for the infant. Providing parents with basic information concerning prevention of dental disease gives the child a better chance of reducing or avoiding caries (tooth decay) as he grows up.

What does a child's first checkup typically consist of?
The infant exam consists of a knee-to-knee exam with the parent and dentist. Placing their knees together makes a platform for the child to lie on while the dentist examines the child and explains the procedures to the parent. The child is unable to cooperate at this age, so the parent has to assist the dentist by restraining the child for the examination. If the child going to the dentist is older at the first visit (three years old or older), a more typical appointment will include an examination, cleaning and usually radiographs, which will provide a baseline assessment of the child's caries activity.

A child's first dental checkup can be a scary thing for both the child and the parent. What can a parent do to help prepare the child for the checkup?
There are some children's books that describe the visit to prepare the child ahead of time. If the child has an older sibling, it is helpful for the child to accompany him to a visit to see how well he is doing, and that nothing is hurting or scaring him. Sometimes, it is still necessary to perform the knee-to-knee exam described above for older children (two and a half to three years old) who are fearful of the appointment. The parent shouldn't be alarmed if the first visit doesn't go as smoothly as hoped.

What should a parent look for in a pediatric dentist?
Parents can begin their search for a pediatric dentist by asking their friends who they take their children to and how they like the dentist and the office. If they don't have recommendations from friends, they can use the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.AAPD.org as a resource. There is a link to "Information for Parents," and under that is another link to "Finding a Pediatric Dentist." When parents find a dentist, they can then ask friends if they have had experiences with this office. The parent will want to find a dentist whose office makes them feel welcomed and comfortable. The goal of the office should be to provide quality care while instilling a positive attitude about dentistry in the young patient. Additionally, some parents want to accompany their child into the treatment area, so they should ask if this will be allowed when they call to make an appointment.

This information is provided as a service by Baylor College of Dentistry. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your family dentist.

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Deciding between a low- or high-impact workout

(Published October 2005)

When developing a workout program, one thing to consider is whether your program should include low-impact or high-impact exercises. To understand the differences between the two, Systemwide spoke with Dr. Randy Bonnette, chair of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Department of Kinesiology.

First of all, what is meant by "high impact" and "low impact"?
Basically, any time one foot is in contact with the ground it is low impact. When you are in flight, meaning both feet are in the air, it is high. For example, even in a step class with the steps stacked very high, if one foot is in contact with the ground until the other foot touches the top step and then the back foot is raised, it is a low-impact event. However, if the instructor has the students jumping or even running in a circle around the room, it is high-impact.

High-impact exercises include running, leaping, pliometrics, step aerobics where you bound off of the steps, and jumping rope. Low-impact exercises include walking, step aerobics with no flight, treadmill with no flight, and roller blading. There is also no-impact cardio, such as swimming, Stairmaster, cycling, elliptical machines and cross-country skiing.

What are the benefits of each?
No different than any other exercise. It depends on the duration, intensity, and how many times a week you do it.

What are the drawbacks of each?
High-impact exercises present possible joint problems, mostly in the ankle, knee and hip, but also all the way up the spine. Here's the deal: Gravity makes us fall at 32 feet per second, every second. Therefore, even in light running, where you are airborne for a short time, the foot pounds of pressure when your foot hits the ground (including forward momentum as well as gravity) goes up and may be over twice what it is with walking. That means that, while running, a 120-pound woman may land on one foot with about 240 foot pounds of pressure on that one ankle, knee and hip joint.

My wife, a fitness and dance instructor, likes to say your heart doesn't know if your body is in the air, on land or in water. It just knows it is being called to supply more blood. So if working your heart is good, why do something that has the potential to hurt your joints? Therefore, if you have to hit the road and need a good sweat to feel good about yourself, walk really fast. You'll get the same results as running and none of the high-impact problems.

Without question, the harder you work out the greater the benefits in terms of muscle, cardiovascular system and even bone density! And that bone density will improve the joint stability and integrity. But, over time, it will have its negative effects. Moderation is the key.

What factors should people consider before taking part in either type of workout?
Basically, people should consider the same things they would with any type of workout. What does your doctor approve or recommend if you have any health risks, such as diabetes, severe weight problem or cardiac or respiratory issues? What do you like to do? What do you have available to you? What can your body withstand? Obviously, an obese person should use no- or low-impact cardio.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Department of Kinesiology. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Eat smart when you eat out

(Published October 2005)

The National Restaurant Association recently reported that Americans, on the average, eat 4.2 meals out per week, spending about 46% of their food expenditures on food prepared outside the home. Studies also show that restaurant food is generally higher in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and lower in dietary fiber, than food prepared at home. Put those two factors together, and it's clear that the nutritional scales do not tip in our favor.

Frequent restaurant dining is often a result of a busy lifestyle, but that doesn't mean your health-not to mention your waistline-has to suffer. Dr. Jenna Anding, interim program leader and associate professor and extension nutrition specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension's Foods and Nutrition Unit, provided the following tips to help you eat sensibly when you eat out.

Read the nutrition information that is available.
Many fast food restaurants have the nutritional analysis of their menu items available at the restaurant or on the Internet. This information can help you make nutritious choices.

Think small.
Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to burgers and french fries. For many people, regular or kid-sized portions are plenty.

Watch out for fried foods.
French fries, fish sandwiches and fried chicken may taste great, but they are often higher in fat and calories compared to other choices. Instead, choose grilled chicken, roast beef or turkey sandwiches instead of hamburgers. A baked potato is usually a healthier choice than fries, if you go easy on the butter, cheese, sour cream and other toppings.

Go green.
Many restaurants offer fresh vegetable salads. Salads can be a great source of dietary fiber plus health-promoting antioxidants and phytochemicals. Choose salads with dark green lettuce or spinach, and lots of red, green and orange vegetables. Use low-fat or fat-free dressings and stay clear of added ingredients like bacon, eggs and cheese.

Pick your beverage wisely.
Lowfat milk or water are excellent choices. If you drink soda, order the diet version.

Be choosey.
Choose restaurants where food is made to order so you can control the ingredients. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions. Remember you are the one paying! For example:

  • choose mustard over mayo or special sauces;
  • choose a small hamburger and salad instead of fries or chips;
  • request extra vegetables on sandwiches;
  • request hamburger buns without added butter.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas Cooperative Extension. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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September 2005

Benefits advisory committee to meet Sept. 27

(Published September 2005)

The System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (SEBAC) will have its first meeting of the year Sept. 27 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via TTVN.

If you would like to attend the meeting and need information regarding TTVN locations in your area, contact your SEBAC representative. A list of representatives is online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/SEBAC.HTM.

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Working retirees must suspend TRS-Care coverage

(Published September 2005)

Retirees who are enrolled in TRS-Care and come to work for the A&M System must switch to an A&M System-offered health plan. They cannot waive A&M System health coverage and remain enrolled in TRS-Care. However, because enrollment in TRS-Care is a one-time-only opportunity, enrolled retirees should not simply drop TRS-Care when they return to work. Instead, they should notify TRS in writing before they begin working and request that coverage be suspended. Once they terminate employment, they should contact TRS again and have their TRS-Care coverage reinstated.

This change does not apply to retirees who are covered under TRS-Care as dependents (for example, if a retiree works for the A&M System and is covered under TRS-Care by his/her spouse). These retirees can remain enrolled in TRS-Care while they work for the A&M System.

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2005-06 holiday schedule announced

(Published September 2005)

The Board of Regents recently approved the holiday schedule for the 2005-06 plan year. Schedules for all A&M System universities and agencies are located online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/pageholidays.htm.

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PharmaCare web site has new address

(Published September 2005)

PharmaCare's web site address has changed from www.ehs.com to www.pharmacare.com, but the site still includes tools that allow participants to view their prescription histories, copayment amounts and pharmacy locations online. The site also allows participants to refill prescriptions online, receive order confirmations instantly, and view the latest shipping information.

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Tobacco cessation programs offered through CIGNA

(Published September 2005)

Lung cancer has made the headlines recently, sparking new interest in tobacco cessation programs. If you are enrolled in either the A&M Dental plan or the CIGNA Dental HMO, you have access to two tobacco cessation programs through CIGNA's Healthy Rewards program. Both programs provide a cost-effective way for tobacco users to kick the nicotine habit. For information on these and other programs offered through Healthy Rewards, visit www.mycigna.com.

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What to look for when selecting a health care provider

(Published September 2005)

If you switched health plans this plan year, you may be on the lookout for a new health care provider. To find out what questions people should ask when shopping around for new doctors and specialists, we spoke with Dr. Carol A. Rice, professor and health specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension.

What are the most important things a person should consider when selecting a health care provider?

Is this provider covered by your health plan? If the provider is covered, is he/she taking new patients? Is coverage limited because the provider is not a preferred provider? What hospitals does the doctor use? Are these covered by your health plan?

Most plans require patients to have a primary care physician. Family, internal medicine and pediatrician are usually those physicians considered to be primary care. [Editor's note: See below for list of PCPs for each A&M System health plan.] Primary care physicians should be board certified. Most insurance providers require referral to specialists (like a dermatologist or endocrinologist) by a primary care physician.

Find out who takes calls if immediate help is needed or in an emergency or on weekends and holidays. Will the doctor answer e-mail or phone questions?

How long would you have to wait for a routine visit or for a check up? Does the provider have nurse practitioners or a physician's assistant? This could reduce the wait for appointments. Will you be charged for a canceled appointment? Will the office complete insurance claim forms for you?

After your first visit, decide if the doctor listens to what you say, welcomes or discourages questions, gives you understandable instructions, spends adequate time with you, and seems to relate well to you.

What resources are available that can help people make informed decisions when it comes to choosing providers?

Most health plans will provide a booklet or online list of physicians and other providers within the plan. These usually provide brief descriptions of the doctors' training.

Establishing strong relationships with our doctors is very important. What tips can you offer a person who is about to visit a doctor for the first time?

Bring a complete list of your medicines, including the over-the-counter ones. Include dosages and why you are taking each one. Bring a list of allergies, past significant illnesses, surgeries and major accidental injuries, and dates of your last regular check up, tests (such as mammograms) and immunizations. Bring a list describing your family medical history, and provide contact information for your last health care provider in case medical records are needed.

If you are coming for a specific reason, state your main problem first in one concise sentence. Writing it down can help. Describe symptoms, including when they started. Pain-dull ache or sharp pain? Vital signs you have measured at home like temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations. Have you had the problem before? What did you do for it, and did it help or make it worse? Any changes in your life (stresses, medicines, etc.)? Does anyone else at home have similar symptoms?

Finally, bring a written list of your questions regarding the problem you are having.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas Cooperative Extension.

Primary care physicians for A&M System health plans

Under the A&M Care, Scott & White, Mercy and UniCare Graduate Student Health plans, a primary care physician (PCP) is a general or family practitioner, an internal medicine doctor, a pediatrician or an obstetrician/gynecologist. Under Humana and FirstCare, the same doctors, except obstetricians/gynecologists, are considered PCPs. However, at FirstCare, you may be able to pay the PCP copayment for a visit to an obstetrician/gynecologist if you call FirstCare for approval before you go. All other doctors under these plans are considered specialists.

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Customize an exercise program to achieve your fitness goals

(Published September 2005)

Studies have shown that exercising regularly can increase the quality and duration of a person's life. While this is all good and well, it doesn't change the fact that beginning an exercise program is scary stuff. The enormous range of options available (weight programs, cardio classes, yoga, community sports, etc.) is overwhelming enough to squash even the best intentions and send us racing back to the couch.

It doesn't have to be that way. We spoke with Rose Schmitz, senior lecturer with Texas A&M University's Department of Health and Kinesiology. Schmitz offered some easy tips on how to tailor an exercise program to your goals, personality and lifestyle.

Getting started
Before starting an exercise program, Schmitz strongly recommends making sure you are physically ready. Check with your doctor first, especially if you experience symptoms such as chest pains, dizziness or joint pains, or if you have a particular illness.

Next, determine what your goal is for exercising.

"Cardiovascular fitness should be the number one reason, because cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for Americans," Schmitz said.

Other goals might include weight loss (exercise is an essential component to long-term weight control) and/or muscular strength and/or endurance.

"Muscular strength is important, but not as important as cardiovascular fitness," Schmitz said. "Nobody has ever died from small biceps!"

Getting FITT
When developing an exercise program, Schmitz suggests following the FITT formula. FITT stands for frequency, intensity, time and type.

  • Frequency. Schmitz said a minimum of three days of exercise per week is recommended. While this should be your goal, anything is better than nothing, so commit what you can and stick with it.
  • Intensity. How hard should your workout be? The short answer is do more than you normally do (you should sweat). The more scientific answer is to aim for about 60% of your cardiovascular endurance maximum (see formula below).
  • Time. How much time should you devote to each workout? Schmitz recommends shooting for 30 minutes of activity per day. She said those minutes do not have to be consecutive. A regimen of three different times per day for 10 minutes each yields improvements.
  • Type. This refers to the type of activity you enjoy. Schmitz suggests incorporating a variety to prevent burnout, stagnation and boredom. For example, if the goal is to improve cardiovascular fitness, then a variety of appropriate activities might include cycling, running, walking, stair climbing, aerobic movement and water aerobics.

To get the most out of your exercise program, Schmitz also suggests:

  • Beginning gradually. She says the most common mistake is starting too vigorously, which can cause excessive soreness and affect motivation.
  • Starting with one component of fitness, such as cardiovascular activity. Start slowly and gradually increase to three to five days per week for 30 to 60 minutes per day. Schmitz said it might take a year or more to progress to this level.
  • Adding a resistance program to strengthen muscle. The optimum level for exercising each major muscle group is three times per week, but once or twice a week is a great start.
  • Stretching. Muscular flexibility is important and will help with ease of movement. This can safely be done on a daily basis, even while watching television.
  • Being creative if you lack exercise facilities and/or equipment. Use the great outdoors for your cardiovascular workout, and work on flexibility while watching television. Use your own body weight for strength training by doing stomach crunches, lunges, dips, squats and pushups.
  • Exercising with a friend.

Determining your training heart rate range
To determine your minimum training heart rate, use the Karvonen Formula. For example, a 50-year-old individual with a resting heart rate of 65 beats per minute (bpm) wants to work at 60% of his/her cardiovascular endurance maximum. To do this, the person must:

  1. Determine maximum training heart rate by subtracting the person's age from 220 (220-50 = 170)
  2. Determine resting heart rate taken just after waking up in the morning (65 bpm)
  3. Subtract resting heart rate from maximum training heart rate (170-65 = 105 bpm)
  4. Multiply that number by 60% (105 x 60%=63 bpm)
  5. Add that rate to the resting heart rate to find the minimum training heart rate. (63 + 65=128 bpm)

In this example, 128 bpm is the minimum heart rate the person would want to achieve during 30 minutes of activity.

For more information
If you need assistance developing a program that's right for you, Schmitz suggests contacting fitness educators at public schools and universities. They are usually more than willing to share their knowledge and expertise, and their services are often free.

This information is provided as a service by Texas A&M University's Department of Health and Kinesiology. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Smart snacking: Some advice to chew on

(Published September 2005)

We are a society of snackers. Whether we're at work, out shopping, or sitting at home in front of the television, we like having something to munch on. But is this necessarily a bad thing? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Jenna Anding, interim program leader and associate professor and extension nutrition specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension's Foods and Nutrition Unit.

Snacking is often viewed as a behavior that leads to weight gain and poor diets. Why might this be so?

Snacking can contribute to a nutritious diet-if one chooses nutritious foods that are nutrient-dense instead of calorie (energy)-dense. Snacking can contribute to excessive calorie intake if poor quality food choices are made. Snacking in response to stress or boredom rather than hunger can also lead to excessive calorie consumption.

What are some healthy alternatives to the usual chips and cookies?

Chips and cookies are okay every now and then. The key is to balance those foods with other foods that are more nutrient-dense and lower in calories. Remember, any food can fit into a nutritious diet. The key is moderation!

Suggestions for nutritious snacks (source: Roberta Duyff, The American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 2nd edition):

For the refrigerator, try low-fat yogurt, lean cheese and deli meats, whole fruit, vegetables that have been washed and cut up (dip in low-fat ranch dressing), vegetable juice, milk, frozen juice bars and frozen yogurt. At work, try pretzels (unsalted would be a better choice than the salted version), dry roasted nuts, dried fruit, mini-cans of water-packed tuna or chicken, and whole-wheat crackers. Other snack ideas would be baked chips, bagels, cheese and whole wheat crackers, and peanut butter (try the natural peanut butter that has no added sugar) and jelly on whole wheat bread.

What tips might help people curb their craving for junk food snacks?

Plan for snacks just as you would your meals. When you know what you will have for a snack, you will be less likely to choose "junk"-type foods. Also, snack only when you are hungry.

How can parents help their children make smart snack choices?

Model nutritious snacking. Parents can't encourage their children to snack on carrots when they are munching on cookies.

Keep nutritious snacks around the house.

Children like to have choices. When children want snacks, offer them healthy choices ("Do you want a cheese stick or apple slices?"). That way, the child gets to choose the snack, but the parent still has a say over the type of snack chosen.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas Cooperative Extension. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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August 2005

August, September is benefit transition period

(Published August 2005)

Now that you've made your benefit enrollment decisions for the 2005-06 plan year, here's a list of important tips for you to keep in mind as you transition into the new plan year:

Plan ID cards

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) will issue ID cards only to new A&M Care participants and current participants who made changes in their coverage levels during Annual Enrollment.
  • PharmaCare will issue prescription drug cards only to new A&M Care health plan participants.
  • FirstCare will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
  • Humana will issue cards only to new participants.
  • Mercy will issue ID cards only to new participants.
  • Scott & White will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
  • UniCare will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
  • Superior Vision will issue cards only to new participants.
  • CIGNA will send ID cards to new and current dental HMO participants. If you enrolled in the dental HMO, a dentist will be automatically assigned to you. This will ensure that you receive your plan ID card by Sept. 1. However, you can select a new dentist if you wish by calling (800) 367-1037. If you do, you will receive a new ID card.
  • CIGNA will send ID cards to new and current A&M Dental participants. Participants can also obtain new cards online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/dentalPPO_id.pdf. The new cards will include the plan's new annual and orthodontic maximum benefit amounts.
  • You should keep your old plan ID card until you receive your new one.
  • Regardless of whether you receive a new plan ID card, your plan will send you information about your coverage.
  • If you changed health or dental plans, you may want to wait until you receive your new ID card(s) before you schedule a routine checkup. This will ensure that your health or dental plan has your eligibility information and that you will receive benefits.

Payroll deductions
Payroll deductions for your new benefit elections will begin Sept. 16 if you are paid biweekly and Oct. 3 if you are paid monthly. Be sure to check your pay stub to make sure your deductions match your Annual Enrollment choices.

Bills and bank drafts
If you are billed directly for your premiums or pay them through bank draft, bank draft notices and bills for September will not be mailed until after Sept. 5, and payment will be due Sept. 15. Bank drafts will be deducted around Sept. 20.

Spending Account reimbursements
If you are enrolled in a Health Care or Dependent Day Care Spending Account, you can receive your first reimbursement check after you mail in your first claim of the new plan year and after you have received your first paycheck reflecting your new benefit elections.

Total Compensation Statements
If you are an employee, you will receive a Total Compensation Statement in late October. This letter will summarize your total compensation package for the 2005-06 fiscal year. Your total compensation includes your salary, insurance benefits, retirement plans and other employment-related programs that are available to you as an A&M System employee.

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Deadline nears to buy TRS service for grandfathering

TRS retirement benefits were reduced by a bill passed in the recent legislative session. However, some employees will remain eligible for the current higher benefits. If you fall just short of meeting the "grandfather" requirements, you may be able to get yourself into that group if you act quickly.

TRS members who meet one of three qualifications by Aug. 31, 2005, remain eligible for the higher TRS benefits:

  • At least age 50,
  • TRS service credit of at least 25 years, or
  • Age plus service totaling at least 70.

While you can't do anything to increase your age, you may be able to purchase additional service credit to help you meet the second or third qualification:

  • You may buy back any previous TRS service credit that you withdrew.
  • You may buy any service you had in a TRS position that was not previously reported to TRS.
  • You may buy up to five years of TRS service credit for time you spent in active military service if you have at least five years of TRS service credit. You may also buy service credit for time you spent on military leave.
  • You may buy out-of-state service credit if you participated in a similar plan in another state and have at least five years of TRS service credit.
  • You may buy one, two or three years of additional service credit if you have at least seven years of TRS service credit.

You must make any additional service credit purchase by Aug. 31, 2005, for it to count toward your eligibility for the higher grandfathered TRS benefits. Some of these options are quite expensive, so you'll want to evaluate the cost against the higher benefits that will result.

For more information, see the TRS Benefits Handbook, available online at http://www.trs.state.tx.us/Publications/trs_benefitshandbook.pdf, or the latest issue of TRS News, http://www.trs.state.tx.us/Publications/trsnews_july2005.pdf. If you have questions, contact TRS at (800) 223-8778 or your Human Resources office.

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Legislative changes could impact ORP participants with prior ERS service

(Published August 2005)

If you participate in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and have previous service with the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS), legislative changes regarding disability retirement and buying refunded state service may apply to you. The deadline to act on these changes is Aug. 31, 2005. To learn more about these changes and find out whether they apply to you, visit ERS online at www.ers.state.tx.us/Employees/HigherEdEmployees/SB1176_ORP.htm. If you have questions, contact ERS at (877) 275-4377.

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Beat the summer heat by staying hydrated

(Published August 2005)

Summer in Texas means an increase in outdoor sports and activities. Unfortunately, it also means scorching temperatures. Put these two factors together and you run the risk of suffering from dehydration and heat stroke.

To better understand the dangers of dehydration and how to avoid them, A&M Systemwide spoke with Dr. James Rohack, chairman of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees and professor of internal medicine at The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center's College of Medicine.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Heat exhaustion is the most common heat syndrome. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and faintness. The onset is usually sudden and may precede collapse.

What effect can dehydration have on a person's body?
Dehydration can cause damage to kidneys and muscles, and, in the severe case of heat stroke, it can cause death.

How much water should people drink while being active outside during the summer?
At least eight ounces of water for every 15 minutes of activity.

Is dehydration less of a problem while engaging in water-related activities?
One cools down by the process of sweating, so being in a hot water environment such as a spa or warm lake when one is dehydrated will cause heat exhaustion more quickly.

Are sports drinks suitable substitutes for water?
Sport drinks provide glucose as well as sodium (salt). For vigorous activities, sport drinks may be appropriate, but for simple fluid replacement, water is preferred.

What effect can caffeine and/or alcohol have on the body when a person is dehydrated?
Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and cause an increase in fluid loss that worsens the dehydration.

This information is provided as a service by the Health Science Center. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Fitting fitness into a hectic schedule

(Published August 2005)

These days, it seems there's barely enough time to squeeze in the tasks that accompany everyday living. With time being a luxury many people don't think they can afford, exercise often falls low on their priority lists. But it doesn't have to. Kirstin Brekken Shea, senior lecturer with Texas A&M University's Department of Health and Kinesiology, offered some tips on how to squeeze fitness into a busy lifestyle.

What are some of the biggest lifestyle factors that prevent people from making time for fitness?
More often than not, the biggest factor that prevents people from making time is that they don't have time. The fact is, if you leave your exercise to chance, chances are you won't have time for it. Activity just isn't a priority in the busyness of our lives. It doesn't take two hours daily to experience health benefits.

What is the minimum amount of time a person should allow for physical fitness each week?
Some is so much better than none. I can tell you that the American College of Sports Medicine recommends aerobic activity three to five days per week for 30 to 45 minutes, and that other organizations are recommending 60 minutes daily, and that if you have recently lost a substantial amount of weight and you want to maintain that weight loss, up to 90 minutes daily. That can be overwhelming.

One day of weight training a week is better than none. Ten minutes on a coffee break five days a week is better than none. It really depends on your current lifestyle and level of fitness, and, more importantly, what your goals are. Physical fitness benefits will be best experienced when activity is done on a consistent basis.

What are some ways people can incorporate exercise into their schedules even if they don't think they have the time?
Sometimes busy people have to get creative to find time to exercise. Think about the things that you make time for on a daily basis: eating, sleeping, hygiene, work or school. If you want to incorporate physical activity in your life, you must plan it. Write it down on your calendar. Let your family and friends know that you are committing this time to exercise and you would like their support. Better yet, invite them to exercise with you! Are you a morning person? Get up 30 minutes earlier than usual and go for a walk. In the evening turn off the TV and go for a walk, jog, jump rope, stretch, swim or bike ride, to name a few options. Can't tear yourself away from your favorite show? Stretch during the show, do push-ups and sit-ups during the commercials. Meet friends on your lunch hour for a walk and pack a healthy lunch. Go to the gym at lunch. Take a walk break instead of a coffee break.

Another great way to work exercise into your day is to look for opportunities to be active. We are constantly "saving energy" with all of our modern conveniences. Increase your everyday activity (called lifestyle activity) by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from the store, walking to class instead of taking the bus. What happens when you can't find the TV remote control? Goodness, you might just have to get up and manually change the channel! At the mall? Take a lap around the entire mall before hitting your next store.

Besides an increased level of physical fitness, what are some benefits people will enjoy by exercising regularly?
The benefits of regular physical activity are numerous. Our body systems are similar to a car-they work more efficiently with use. Much the same as an idle parked car may not run after months of disuse, our bodies break down with disuse.

Perhaps the most important reason to exercise is that more Americans die from cardiovascular disease than anything else. The biggest contributors to cardiovascular disease are lifestyle factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inactivity and obesity. Regular physical activity impacts all of these risk factors in a positive manner. For those trying to manage their weight with diet, adding activity into your life can jumpstart your diet program. Most folks who lose weight and maintain that weight loss have exercise as a regular part of their life. If you are overweight, even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10% of your total weight can have significant impact on your overall health. Exercise helps with weight loss.

Besides the numerous physiological benefits of exercise, there are mental, emotional and social benefits. Regular exercisers report sleeping better, improved self-esteem, positive attitude, less tension, and a better ability to cope with life's difficulties. A light walk or a heavy workout often times just makes you feel better about yourself.

This information is provided as a service by Texas A&M University's Department of Health and Kinesiology. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Healthy eating habits: Where to start

(Published August 2005)

Most people are aware of the benefits of good eating habits, and perhaps many would like to improve their own habits. But how does one make such a major lifestyle change? A&M Systemwide spoke with Dr. Jenna Anding, interim program leader and associate professor and extension nutrition specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension's Foods and Nutrition Unit, who offered a number of tips to help put people on the road to nutritional success.

What steps do you recommend people take if they want to improve their eating habits?
Identify the habits one wants to change by evaluating current eating habits against those that are recommended. A good place to start is by reviewing the Food Guide (MyPyramid.gov) or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To view the most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines, check out www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/.

What goals or expectations should people set for themselves when first starting out, and what tips would you suggest to help them achieve those goals?
Make sure the goals are realistic. If they are unrealistic (for example, "I want to lose 30 pounds in 30 days"), then you have just set yourself up for failure. Have specific goals. Instead of "I want to eat healthier," pick more specific food habits to change. These can include goals like eating more fruits and vegetables, consuming less soda, or eating more whole grains. Keeping track of food intake can help you monitor your progress.

What are some of the most common mistakes people make when trying to eat healthier, and what are some techniques they can use to avoid these mistakes?
Setting unrealistic goals and trying to make too many changes at once. Your eating habits developed over a period of time-as long as you have been alive. You are not going to change everything at once. Pick one goal to work on first. Once you have achieved that goal, move on to the next one.

Seek help from professionals when needed. These individuals include a registered dietitian or local county extension agent in Family and Consumer Sciences. Organizations such as the American Dietetic Association, the American Heart Association, the United States Department of Agriculture and the American Cancer Society all have web sites that include general information for consumers.

What are some ways people can motivate themselves to stick to their new eating habits?
Adopt healthy eating habits with family and/or friends. You will have more support and encouragement, which can help you meet your goal.

Surround yourself in an environment that promotes the goals you are trying to achieve. For example, let's suppose you are trying to watch your food portions when eating out. Choose restaurants that allow you to order smaller portions. Stay out of all-you-can-eat buffets.

Reward yourself. Change is hard work and should be rewarded. Even though feeling great is the best reward, a new outfit, CD, or day at the spa is a nice reward too.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Your eating habits didn't develop overnight, and they are not going to improve overnight. Set yourself up for success by gradual changes that can last a lifetime.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas Cooperative Extension. If you have questions or would like more information, talk to your physician.

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Any Questions?

(Published August 2005)

Will I receive a new Health Care Spending Account debit card this year?

If you re-enrolled in a Health Care Spending Account, you will not receive a new debit card. You should continue using your current card through the 2005-06 plan year. If you are a new Health Care Spending Account participant, you will receive your debit card by Sept. 1, and you can begin using the card as soon as you receive it. More information about the debit card can be found online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/Ae/debit_card.pdf.

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July 2005

Legislation affects benefits, compensation

(Published July 2005)

Several bills passed during the recent legislative session will impact A&M System employee benefits and compensation.

Teacher Retirement System
The biggest impact for many employees will be the changes made to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Three major changes apply to current employees, except those who, before Sept. 1, 2005, will be at least age 50, will have at least 25 years of service or will have age plus service totaling at least 70:

  • Retirement benefits will be calculated based on an average of the member's salary in the member's five highest paid years of plan participation. This will result in a lower retirement benefit than the current formula, which uses an average of the three highest paid years.
  • The current pension subsidy for employees who retire with at least 20 years of service but whose age plus service does not equal at least 80 has been eliminated. This means that these employees can still retire early, but their benefits will be reduced by a larger percentage.
  • Retiring employees will need to have age plus service that totals at least 90 to receive a partial lump-sum payment of their pensions at retirement.

The same bill eliminates a provision that allowed TRS members with at least seven years of service to buy up to three additional years of service. This applies to all TRS members, and they have until Dec. 31, 2005, to purchase service under this provision.

In addition, the bill eliminates the 90-day waiting period for new employees to begin participation, effective Sept. 1, 2005. Those who are still in their waiting periods as of Sept. 1 will begin participation on Sept. 1.

Optional Retirement Program
Another bill eliminates Optional Retirement Program (ORP) participants' eligibility to reinstate previously withdrawn Employees Retirement System (ERS) service credit without first becoming an active members of ERS again. It's effective Sept. 1, 2005.

Retirees returning to work
Employees who retire after June 1, 2005, and later return to work will not be eligible to receive longevity pay and benefit replacement pay, and only post-retirement service will count toward vacation accrual rates. Those who retired before June 1, 2005, and return to work on or after Sept. 1, 2005, also lose their eligibility for longevity pay.

Another bill allows retired nursing faculty members to return to teaching, beginning in fall 2005, without losing their TRS annuities, as long as they have not worked for a public school, including an institution of higher education, for at least 12 months before returning to work.

Compensation
Several changes will affect employees' pay. These changes are all effective Sept. 1, 2005, except the military pay change, which became effective in June 2005:

  • Longevity pay will increase to $20 per month for each two years of service, up to 42 years. It is currently $20 for each three years of service.
  • Hazardous duty pay will increase from $7 to $10 per month for each year of service to a maximum monthly payment of $300.
  • Employees who are eligible for Benefit Replacement Pay (BRP) and leave state employment will not be eligible for BRP if they return to state employment after a break of more than 30 days. Currently, employees who leave employment keep their eligibility if they return within 12 months.
  • The amount of military pay used to determine the pay differential for those on military leave will no longer include combat or hardship pay or any family separation allowance. This means more employees will qualify for the pay differential and the payments will be higher.

Insurance benefits

  • The contribution the state provides for health coverage increased for both years of the biennium.
  • No bill passed that would impact A&M System insurance benefits for the 2006 plan year.

If you have questions on these changes, please contact your Human Resources office.

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Out-of-pocket health premiums to increase for part-time employees

(Published July 2005)

Out-of-pocket health premiums will increase for most part-time employees effective Sept. 1. Since most out-of-pocket premiums are dropping for full-time employees (as reported in last month's issue of A&M System News Online), many part-time employees may be wondering why their premiums aren't following suit.

One misconception part-time employees may have is that the A&M System negotiates different rates for full-time employees than they do for part-time employees. This is not true.

"The total monthly premiums for each health plan are the same for all employees, regardless of whether they're full time or part time," said Ellen Gerescher, employee benefits manager for System Human Resources. "When total premiums increase, they increase the same amount for both groups. This year, all health plans increased their total premiums."

So why would one group see a decrease in out-of-pocket costs while the other would see an increase? Gerescher said this has to do with the difference in the employer contribution amount each group receives.

"Two years ago, the state legislature reduced the employer contribution by half for part-time employees," Gerescher said. "Although the contribution is going up this year, part-time employees will receive only half the increase that full-time employees will receive. Unfortunately, this increase is less than the increase in total health plan premiums, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for part-time employees."

To better understand this, consider how the employer contribution will offset the A&M Care 350 employee-only premium for full- and part-time employees beginning Sept. 1. The employer contribution for full-time employees will increase by $53.21, while the contribution for part-time employees will increase by $26.61 (half of the increase in the full-time contribution). The employee-only premiums (before the state contribution is applied) for the A&M Care 350 plan will increase by $33.53. The increase in the full-time contribution will more than cover that, resulting in a $19.68 decrease in out-of-pocket costs for full-time employees. The increase in the part-time contribution will not cover that, resulting in a $6.92 increase in monthly out-of-pocket costs for part-time employees.

A complete list of premiums is available online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/Ae/rates_05.html. If you have questions, contact your Human Resources office.

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HRConnect training function to be enhanced

(Published July 2005)

In mid July, HRConnect's training page will change its name to TrainTraq and feature several new capabilities. While these capabilities may not be immediately obvious to employees who visit the system's training page, they will offer a number of advantages to both employees and training administrators.

The most significant improvement for employees will be a tracking system that can list all work-related training that they have completed. While information on online courses will be automatically entered in the new database, other types of training must first be entered into TrainTraq by a designated training administrator. This will allow employees' training records to transfer with them if they transfer from one System component to another.

Employees can view their transcripts by clicking on the "View My Transcript" button on the TrainTraq page. The transcript will be similar to the current transcript, but it will include additional information such as assigned completion date and continuing education units (CEUs) earned.

In addition, the site will allow training administrators to add their own online courses to the training menu that employees see when they access HRConnect, and employees will be able to access those courses from HRConnect. Currently, the training page allows access only to Systemwide online training courses available on HRConnect. Employees will be able to view descriptions of each available course by checking the "View Catalog" button on the TrainTraq page.

The "Submit Comments on Course" button will no longer appear on the main training page. Instead, employees will be able to access a survey from the last page of most courses.

For training administrators, the site will also provide an easier way to manage employee training. For example, administrators will be able to assign employees to take courses and have monthly e-mail reminders automatically sent to employees who have not completed their assigned courses. A list of assigned courses will appear at the top of the TrainTraq page each time an employee logs in.

Given the recent change in how often employees must receive training in the System ethics policy, these new features couldn't come at a better time. Employees must now receive ethics training once every two years (previously, the requirement was once during employment), so TrainTraq will help training administrators ensure all employees meet this requirement. In late July, employees throughout the A&M System who have not taken ethics training in the past two years will automatically be assigned to take the course.

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Internet offers an abundance of wellness resources

(Published July 2005)

Gone are the days of thumbing through a dusty and outdated medical encyclopedia every time you need information on pink eye or poison ivy. Thanks to the Internet, there's no shortage of current wellness-related information. Next time you're out surfing, consider bookmarking the following sites:

  • Texas Cooperative Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences well organized and easy-to-navigate web site (fcs.tamu.edu/) contains practical information on food, nutrition and general health.
  • Health Science Center's Hometown Health site (tamhsc.edu/news/hometown/) features an archive of brief, information-packed articles covering a wide array of health-related topics.
  • For a comprehensive medical web site, visit the Mayo Clinic online at www.mayoclinic.com. In addition to its many articles covering a wide range of diseases, the site includes an archive of healthy recipes, quizzes that let you test your wellness I.Q., and a nifty first aid guide.
  • Like the Mayo Clinic's web site, Web M.D (www.webmd.com) provides a vast amount of information on various diseases.

For information on specific types of diseases, check out the following sites:

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Any Questions?

(Published July 2005)

I want to make changes to my benefit coverages this month, but I've yet to receive my Annual Enrollment booklet and Personal Benefits Summary. What should I do?

Many A&M System components opted to have their employees make changes through the HRConnect Annual Enrollment system this year, so not all employees received Annual Enrollment materials in the mail. Materials were sent to all retirees. However, if you have Internet access, you can make changes without printed materials. Simply visit Single Sign On (SSO) at sso.tamu.edu and log in using your Universal Identification Number and SSO password. Once you're logged in, select HRConnect, then the Annual Enrollment button. The Annual Enrollment system will guide you as you make changes.

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June 2005

Premiums, benefit changes announced for 2005-06 plan year

(Published June 2005)

A&M System benefit plan provisions and premiums for Sept. 1 have been announced, and the news is good for employees and retirees.

Premiums

  • Full-time premiums for almost all A&M System-offered health plans will decrease Sept. 1.
  • Premiums for both the A&M Dental and CIGNA Dental HMO plans will increase slightly, but benefits will significantly improve in the A&M Dental plan (see below).
  • Premiums for all other insurance programs will remain the same.

A complete list of premiums for employees and retirees is online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/Ae/rates_05.html.

A&M Care plan changes

  • The prescription drug deductible will decrease from $100 to $50 per person per plan year.
  • If your doctor provides documentation to PharmaCare (formerly EHS) before a prescription is filled stating that you have tried the formulary drug and you must have the nonformulary drug for medical reasons, and if PharmaCare approves the substitution, you will pay only the formulary copayment, rather than the nonformulary copayment.
  • You can enroll in the A&M Care 65 PLUS plan if you are disabled or 65 or older, enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and working for the A&M System no more than six months of the plan year. Previously, you could not enroll in 65 PLUS if you worked for the A&M System after retirement.

FirstCare changes

  • FirstCare will no longer have a $250/person/plan year HMO deductible, and the prescription drug deductible will decrease from $100 to $50 per person per plan year.
  • The copayment for surgery at an outpatient surgical facility will increase from $150 to $250.
  • After you meet the deductible, you will pay 40% instead of 50% of reasonable and customary charges for care you receive outside the plan's network.

Mercy changes

  • You will pay 20%, rather than 25%, for durable medical equipment.
  • Ninety-day supplies of maintenance drugs will be available only through mail order.

Scott & White changes

The prescription drug deductible will decrease from $100 to $50 per person per plan year.

UniCare Graduate Student Health Plan changes

  • The plan’s out-of-network deductible will increase from $100 per illness to $250 per illness.
  • The plan will pay a $1,000 maximum benefit for a pre-existing condition during the first 12 months of coverage.
  • For office visits, including those for chiropractic care, vision/hearing/speech exams, physical therapy and outpatient mental health care, the copayment will increase from $20 to $25 per visit.
  • For emergency room care, you will pay a $75 copayment after the deductible.
  • The brand-name drug copayment will increase from $20 to $25, and your maximum benefit for prescription drugs per condition will increase from $1,000 to $1,500. However, your annual maximum benefit for prescription drugs will remain $3,000.

A&M Dental

The A&M Dental plan’s annual and orthodontic maximum benefits will increase from $1,000 to $1,500.

Long-Term Care

If you are an employee, you will be able to enroll yourself in Long-Term Care during this year’s Annual Enrollment period without providing evidence of good health. Retirees, spouses and other eligible family members will still be required to provide evidence of good health to enroll.

Tax Saver Spending Accounts

Grace period: Both Health and Dependent Day Care Spending Accounts will have a two-and-a-half month grace period allowing you to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred through Nov. 15 of the next plan year. For example, if you enroll in a Health Care Spending account this Sept. 1 and wind up with money left in your account at the end of the plan year (Aug. 31), instead of forfeiting that money, you can use it to reimburse yourself for medical services or supplies you receive between Sept. 1 and Nov. 15 of 2006.

Debit cards: If you are currently enrolled in a Health Care Spending Account and re-enroll effective Sept. 1, you will not receive a new debit card. Make sure you keep your current card for use this coming plan year. Your card will reflect your new Health Care Spending Account election and be ready for use Sept. 1.

Health care claims for dependents: The Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, which took effect Jan. 1, 2005, changed the definition of eligible dependents for purposes of the Health Care Spending Accounts. You can use your Health Care Spending Account to pay health care claims only on those dependents who meet one of the following sets of criteria:

  • They must be 18 or younger at the end of the calendar year.
  • If they are older than 18 but younger than 24 at the end of the calendar year, they must be full-time students who provide less than half of their own financial support. You or someone else provides the rest.
  • If they are older than 18 at the end of the calendar year and not students, they must live with you more than half the year and receive more than half of their financial support from you.

For more information

More information on the 2005 Annual Enrollment is posted at sago.tamu.edu/shro/ae.htm. This site includes the 2005 Annual Enrollment booklets for employees and retirees and a schedule of Annual Enrollment meetings.

This year, the site will also include Powerpoint presentations with audio providing general Annual Enrollment information as well as information about each insurance plan. These presentations, which are being developed by System Human Resources and the insurance carriers, will give you around-the-clock, online access to the same information provided at the Annual Enrollment meetings.

The 2005 Annual Enrollment period will begin July 1 and end July 31. All employees and retirees will be able to access Annual Enrollment materials and make benefit changes using the HRConnect Annual Enrollment system, located at sso.tamu.edu. However, employees at some institutions and agencies, as well as all retirees, will receive Annual Enrollment materials in the mail later this month.

If you have questions about the materials or about how to use the HRConnect system, contact your Human Resources office.

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Any Questions?

(Published June 2005)

Do I have to complete any forms or visit the HRConnect Annual Enrollment system if I don't want to make any changes in my benefit coverages for the coming year?

No, you do not have to do anything unless you are currently enrolled in a Spending Account and wish to remain enrolled. If so, you must re-enroll through HRConnect (sso.tamu.edu) or by completing your Personal Benefits Summary or a generic Annual Enrollment Form. The Annual Enrollment Form is located online at sago.tamu.edu/shro/Forms/102.pdf. If you re-enroll in a Health Care Spending Account, you will not be issued a new debit card, so keep the card you are currently using so you can continue using it in the new plan year.

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May 2005

Prescription mail-order programs offer convenience

(Published May 2005)

To accommodate people's busy lifestyles, health plans are always on the lookout for ways to couple quality health care with convenience. One tactic that has become common among most health plans is a mail-order prescription drug program.

With a mail-order program, a person can purchase a 90-day supply of a maintenance medication by mail and have it delivered to his/her home instead of visiting a retail pharmacy every month. For participants in some health plans, using the mail-order service can also result in substantial cost savings. Here's how mail-order programs work for A&M System-offered health plans:

A&M Care Health Plans
The A&M Care plans' mail-order service is managed by PharmaCare Direct (formerly EHS), a division of PharmaCare. Although, you can purchase maintenance drugs through a network pharmacy, you can buy only one 30-day supply, and you pay one copayment each time you refill. By using PharmaCare Direct, you pay only two copayments for a 90-day supply of a maintenance drug. To fill a new prescription through mail-order:

  1. Make sure your prescription is written for a 90-day supply with up to three refills, and write your Universal Identification Number (UIN) on the back of each paper prescription you submit.
  2. Complete PharmaCare's enrollment form, available from your Human Resources office or online at www.ehs.com. This form, which you have to submit only once per plan year per prescription, asks for the same information you would give your retail pharmacist, including your name, date of birth and drug allergies.
  3. Mail the completed enrollment form and your prescription to PharmaCare Direct, P.O. Box 9062, Clearwater, FL 33758-9748.

You should allow up to 10 days for your order to be processed and mailed.

To order refills, do one of the following:

  • Call PharmaCare's A&M System customer service at (866) 935-5433.
  • Visit PharmaCare online at www.ehs.com, log in to the members area.
  • Fill out a refill form and return by mail using the prepaid envelope you received with your original mail-service order.

FirstCare
FirstCare's mail-order service is managed by ExpressScripts. You must purchase 90-day supplies through mail-order and pay three copayments. To fill a new prescription through mail-order:

  1. Have your doctor write a prescription for a 90-day supply of your medication, plus refills for up to one year, if necessary.
  2. Complete a prescription order form, available by calling FirstCare's customer service at (800) 884-4901 or clicking on the ExpressScripts link at FirstCare's web site (www.firstcare.com). This form asks for information such as name, address, telephone number and drug allergies.
  3. Mail or have your doctor fax your order form and your prescription to the address shown on the form. Faxes from locations other than your doctor's office will not be accepted.

The first time you purchase prescription drugs through mail order, your order may take up to three weeks to arrive.

To order refills online, visit www.firstcare.com and click on the Express Link. You can also order refills by calling FirstCare's customer service office or submitting a new prescription order form to the address shown on the form.

Humana Health Plans
Humana's mail-order service is managed by Walgreens. You must purchase 90-day supplies through mail-order and pay three copayments. To fill a new prescription through mail-order:

  1. Have your doctor write a prescription for a 90-day supply of your medication, plus refills for up to one year, if necessary.
  2. Complete a mail-order form, which is available under Humana's member portal at www.humana.com.
  3. Mail the prescription, form and payment (check or credit card) to the address shown on the form, or have your doctor fax your order form and your prescription. If your doctor faxes your order, you can use your credit card to call in your payment.

The first time you purchase prescription drugs through mail order, your order may take two weeks to arrive.

To order refills, call Walgreens customer service at (800) 504-3780 or visit Humana online.

Mercy Health Plan
Mercy's mail-order service is managed by Walgreens. You pay only one copayment for a 90-day supply of a maintenance drug whether you purchase it through mail-order or a network pharmacy. To fill a new prescription through mail-order:

  1. Complete the member information section of the Registration & Prescription Order Form, available from Mercy Health Plan or your Human Resources office. Your doctor will need to complete the prescription information section.
  2. Fax or mail the form to Walgreens.
    • If faxing, have your doctor fax the form to the number shown on the form. Forms faxed from somewhere other than your doctor's office will not be accepted.
    • If mailing, be sure to include the written prescription and payment (check or credit card) with your order form. Mail to Walgreens Healthcare Plus, P.O. Box 29061, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9061. Mail-order purchases may take up to two weeks to arrive.
  3. You can order refills by calling (800) 797-3345 or going online to www.mercyhealthplans.com. You will need your prescription number, ZIP code and pharmacy number (from your prescription label).

Scott & White Health Plan
Scott & White's mail-order service is managed by Scott & White Express Home Prescription Services. You pay two copayments for a 90-day supply of a maintenance drug whether you purchase it through mail-order or a network pharmacy. However, for new prescriptions, you must purchase 34-day supplies for the first six months of use before you can begin purchasing 90-day supplies. To fill a prescription through mail-order, do one of the following:

  • Complete and submit a refill order form online. The form is available at www.swhp.com.
  • Obtain a refill order form from your network pharmacy, and mail the completed form, along with a check or credit card payment, to Scott & White Express Home Prescription Services, P.O. Box 3690, Temple, TX 76505.
  • Call your network pharmacy and ask that your prescription be transferred to the mail-order service.

Mail-order purchases may take five to seven days to arrive.

UniCare Graduate Student Health Plan
UniCare does not have a mail-order prescription drug program.

For more information
If you have questions or need more information, call your health plan or your plan's prescription drug service.

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MyPyramid replaces Food Guide Pyramid

(USDA press release, published in the May 2005 issue of A&M System News Online)

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns recently unveiled MyPyramid, a new symbol and interactive food guidance system. "Steps to a Healthier You," MyPyramid's central message, supports President Bush's HealthierUS initiative, which is designed to help Americans live longer, better and healthier lives. MyPyramid, which replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992, is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle.

"MyPyramid is about the ability of Americans to personalize their approach when choosing a healthier lifestyle that balances nutrition and exercise," said Johanns. "Many Americans can dramatically improve their overall health by making modest improvements to their diets and by incorporating regular physical activity into their daily lives."

MyPyramid incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in January. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides authoritative advice for people two years of age and older about how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce the risk of major chronic diseases. MyPyramid was developed to carry the messages of the dietary guidelines and to make Americans aware of the vital health benefits of simple and modest improvements in nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle behavior.

The MyPyramid symbol, which is deliberately simple, is meant to encourage consumers to make healthier food choices and to be active every day. Consumers can get more in-depth information from the new web site, www.MyPyramid.gov, so that they can make these choices to fit their own needs.

The MyPyramid symbol represents the recommended proportion of foods from each food group and focuses on the importance of making smart food choices in every food group, every day. Physical activity is a new element in the symbol.

MyPyramid illustrates:

  • Personalization, demonstrated by the MyPyramid web site. To find a personalized recommendation of the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day, go to www.MyPyramid.gov.
  • Gradual improvement, encouraged by the slogan, "Steps to a Healthier You." It suggests that individuals can benefit from taking small steps to improve their diets and lifestyles each day.
  • Physical activity, represented by the steps and the person climbing them, as a reminder of the importance of daily physical activity.
  • Variety, symbolized by the six color bands representing the five food groups of MyPyramid and oils. Foods from all groups are needed each day for good health.
  • Moderation, represented by the narrowing of each food group from bottom to top. The wider base stands for foods with little or no solid fats, added sugars or caloric sweeteners. These should be selected more often to get the most nutrition from calories consumed.
  • Proportionality, shown by the different widths of the food group bands. The widths suggest how much food a person should choose from each group. The widths are just a general guide, not exact proportions. Check www.MyPyramid.gov for the amount that is right for you.

The MyPyramid web site contains interactive activities that make it easy for individuals to get more personalized recommendations on their daily calorie levels based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by simply keying in their ages, genders and physical activity levels. It also allows individuals to find general food guidance and suggestions for making smart choices from each food group.

The MyPyramid web site features:

  • MyPyramid Plan—provides a quick estimate of what and how much food you should eat from the different food groups based on your age, gender and activity level.
  • MyPyramid Tracker—provides more detailed information on your diet quality and physical activity status by comparing a day's worth of foods eaten with current nutrition guidance. Relevant nutrition and physical activity messages are tailored to your desire to maintain your current weight or to lose weight.
  • Inside MyPyramid—provides in-depth information on every food group, including recommended daily amounts in commonly used measures (like cups and ounces) with examples and everyday tips. The section also includes recommendations for choosing healthy oils, discretionary calories and physical activity.
  • Start Today—provides tips and resources, including downloadable suggestions on how to incorporate all the food groups and physical activity, and a worksheet to track what you are eating.

Future enhancements to www.MyPyramid.gov will include features that make it possible for consumers to make specific food choices by group, look at everyday portions of favorite foods and adjust their choices to meet their daily needs.

A child-friendly version of MyPyramid for teachers and children is being developed. This version of MyPyramid is intended to reach children six to 11 years old with targeted messages about the importance of making smart eating and physical activity choices. Additional information about USDA's MyPyramid is available at www.MyPyramid.gov. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and a consumer brochure are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

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Any Questions?

(Published May 2005)

My office always gets so busy in the summer that I can't take my vacation. If I exceed my vacation carryover limit because of workload, can I get an exception to the rule that excess hours are converted to sick leave?

No. This is a provision of state law, and no exceptions can be made. If your office tends to be busy during the summer, you should begin working with your supervisor now to plan when you will be able to use enough of your vacation to get you under the carryover limit. If this is a problem every year, you might consider in the future planning to use some vacation time earlier in the fiscal year to be sure you can use as much as you'd like.

Keep in mind that the hours in excess of the carryover limit are not lost. They are converted to sick leave and are available for you to use for illness. Even if you have quite a few sick leave hours accrued, you may find you need these extra hours some day if you or a family member experiences a catastrophic illness or injury.

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April 2005

2004 HR survey results largely mirror 2002 results

(Published April 2005)

Electronic resources are gaining in popularity, and satisfaction with benefits has decreased since 2002, according to an employee survey conducted last year. Other than these findings, results from the 2004 Human Resources Survey were very similar to results of the 2002 survey.

The survey was sent to a 10% random sample of employees and retirees, and nearly 40% responded. The survey asked for opinions on benefits, services and work environment issues. Here are some key findings:

Electronic communication

  • While more than 38% of participants on the 2002 survey reported they had never visited the System Human Resources web site, only 29% of participants made the same claim in 2004. Benefit booklets and brochures and Human Resources forms were cited as the most useful items on the site.
  • Awareness of the HRConnect web site increased dramatically with just over 7% of participants in 2004 reporting that they did not know about the site, compared to nearly 30% in 2002. While reviewing personal information and benefit enrollment information are the top reasons employees access HRConnect, enrolling online during annual enrollment, reviewing or printing a pay stub, and accessing LeaveTraq are also popular reasons why employees use HRConnect.
  • In the 2004 survey, receiving e-mails directing people to online information was the most popular way to receive information on human resource programs. In 2002, receiving paper brochures, booklets, etc. was the most popular way to receive this information. Reviewing an online newsletter and visiting a web site also increased in popularity.
  • The 2004 survey showed 57% of respondents prefer computer-based training to other delivery options. Nearly 38% of respondents prefer to receive training through a typical classroom, down from nearly 50% who preferred this method in 2002. Only 5.2% prefer teleconferencing.

Benefits

  • In 2004, 56% of participants said they are satisfied with their A&M System health coverage, and 18% are dissatisfied, with the rest neutral. In 2002, 70% were satisfied and only 11% were dissatisfied. Although retirees are more satisfied than active employees, their satisfaction fell as well. In 2004, 68% of retirees said they were satisfied with their health coverage compared to 86% giving that response in 2002.
  • Fifty-five percent said they are satisfied with the range of benefit programs offered, and another 31% are neutral. This is a little lower than the 62% who reported being satisfied in 2002.
  • Results on retirement plan satisfaction were similar in 2002 and 2004, with 2004 results showing 53% satisfied with their retirement plans and 18% dissatisfied. However, more than 80% of retirees said they are satisfied with their retirement plans.
  • Results both years showed that about half of participants prefer higher premiums and lower deductibles, copayments and out-of pocket maximums in the health plans, with the other half preferring lower premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs.

Work Environment

  • Most employees gave high marks both years to their supervisors and to most work environment questions.
  • A few work environment questions received low marks. Only 31% of employees believe their jobs provide opportunities for advancement, and only 34% believe salary increases are determined fairly.
  • Almost 75% of respondents said they are proud to work for the A&M System, and 64% look forward to coming to work each day.

"We appreciate the time employees and retirees took to fill out this survey," Steve Hassel, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources, said. "This gives us a better idea of what we're doing right and where we can improve."

"It would have been a surprise if satisfaction with benefits had not decreased, given the changes that we and all employers are having to make to manage costs. Health care costs continue to increase, and with the state contribution decreasing last year, it resulted in higher cost to employees and retirees. While we can't control these factors, we'll continue to do all we can to keep cost increases as low as possible," Hassel said.

Hassel noted that the increasing use of electronic resources will help minimize administrative costs associated with the benefit plans because communicating and providing services electronically costs less than paper processes.

"This survey is a great way for us to gather information about how people feel about our services," Hassel said. "But I also want to encourage everyone to give us their comments throughout the year. The best way to do this is to contact your local human resources office or your SEBAC representative. The human resource programs are here to serve our employees and retirees, and our goal is to provide the best programs and services that we can."

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This summer, cover up and bypass the burn

(Published April 2005)

Summer is fast approaching, which means more afternoon bike rides, all-day Little League tournaments and weekend trips to the beach-all opportunities to soak up plenty of sunshine, not to mention the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet, or UV, rays are one of the major causes of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that exposure to the sun accounts for most of the more than one million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer that are diagnosed every year in the United States.

Although it's wise to avoid the sun during certain times of the day, you can still enjoy summer fun safely without becoming a shut-in. The ACS suggests taking the following precautions when planning your outdoor summer activities:

  • Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV rays are most intense. Don't forget that your skin is vulnerable even if you're cooling off in the water.
  • If you're at the beach, keep in mind that sand reflects sunlight, which can increase the amount of UV rays hitting your skin.
  • Cover your skin as much as possible using long-sleeved shirts and long skirts or pants. For maximum protection, wear clothes that are dark and made from a tightly woven fabric. You may look out of season, but you'll be better protected.
  • Throw on a hat. Baseball caps are popular, but they protect only the top and front of the head. To fully protect your neck, ears, forehead and nose, you should choose a hat than has a two- to three-inch brim all the way around
  • Use sunscreen liberally and often. The ACS recommends choosing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. For more protection, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF number. If you plan on being in the water or engaging in an activity where you will sweat, select a waterproof sunscreen. Protect babies younger than six months using clothing rather than sunscreen. In addition, protect your lips with sunscreen lip balm.
  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of the sun's radiation. Because UV protection comes from a chemical that is applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses, darker sunglasses don't necessarily guarantee protection. To be sure you're getting proper protective glasses, look for labels that say "UV absorption up to 400 nm," "special purpose" or "meets ANSI UV requirements."
  • Skip the tanning bed. Just like the sun, tanning beds and lamps can cause serious skin damage and promote skin cancer growth.

For more information about skin cancer, visit the ACS online at www.cancer.org.

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EHS now called PharmaCare

(Published April 2005)

The A&M Care health plans' prescription drug service has changed its name from EHS to PharmaCare. However, this will not immediately change which drugs are on the formulary, how A&M Care participants get their prescriptions filled or how benefits are applied. Network pharmacies will continue to recognize the current prescription drug plan ID card. If you are enrolled in the plan, you should receive a letter containing more information about this change.

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College Station Medical Center now in UniCare network

(Published April 2005)

UniCare Graduate Health Plan participants now have access to the College Station Medical Center. This means all Bryan/College Station hospitals are part of UniCare's provider network.

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Omeprazole now available for a $1 copayment

(Published April 2005)

FirstCare HMO participants can purchase 30-day supplies of the drug omeprazole (the generic equivalent of Prilosec) for a $1 copayment. However, they can choose to continue using the brand-name drug for the current brand-name copayment. If you have questions, contact FirstCare's customer service at (800) 884-4901 or (806) 356-5155.

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FirstCare debuts disease management web sites

(Published April 2005)

FirstCare HMO has put together disease management web sites for participants who have diabetes and/or asthma. These free sites contain information intended to help participants manage these diseases. To visit the site, go to www.firstcare.com and log in by clicking "Member Portal." If you are enrolled in FirstCare and have diabetes or asthma, FirstCare will send you a letter providing more information about the features available on these sites.

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Any Questions?

(Published April 2005)

I've been reading a lot about consumer-driven health plans. What are they?

A consumer-driven health plan is a type of plan that gives consumers greater financial stake when it comes to their health care choices, and it encourages them to shop for health care the same way they shop for other products. Typically, these health plans have a high deductible and no copayments, and they are used in conjunction with a health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA). HSA contributions come from the participant, the employer or both, and they can be used to pay medical expenses not paid by the health plan. Unused dollars can be saved for the following year's medical expenses. HSAs are also portable, meaning the participant can use it with another qualifying plan if he/she changes employers. HRAs are similar to HSAs, but they are employer-funded and nonportable.

To get the most bang out of their HSA dollars, consumer-driven health plan participants need access to information regarding the cost and quality of providers in their areas. Many health plans, including some A&M-System offered health plans, already make this information available. BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, for example, has a hospital comparison tool available to its members. Other organizations, such as the Leapfrog Group for Patient Safety (www.leapfroggroup.org), provide this type of information as well.

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March 2005

A&M Care plans top SEBAC discussion

(Published March 2005)

Potential A&M Care health plan changes were the primary focus at the System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee's (SEBAC) Feb. 17 meeting.

Ellen Gerescher, employee benefits manager for System Human Resources, presented information for potential plan design changes that, if approved, would take effect Sept. 1, 2005. However, she pointed out that most suggested medical plan design changes would improve plan benefits and therefore increase plan costs. SEBAC members agreed to hold off making decisions until the April meeting, when they would have a better idea of what the 2005-06 plan costs would be.

The following proposed changes to the A&M Care plans were discussed:

  • Increasing the lifetime maximum coverage for skilled nursing facility benefits from $35,000 to $50,000. Gerescher said the $35,000 lifetime maximum for this benefit has been in effect for 20 years. She said increasing it to $50,000 would put the benefit more in line with current skilled nursing facility costs while having minimal impact on claims cost.
  • Adding maternity benefits for dependent children. Although all System-offered HMOs cover dependent pregnancies, the A&M Care plans have never covered these expenses. Gerescher said the national average of unmarried dependent pregnancies for ages 15 through 19 is 9 per 1,000 each year, and for ages 20 through 24, it is 10 per 1,000 each year. The average pregnancy costs the A&M Care plans between $5,500 and $8,000. Using these numbers, covering dependent pregnancies would increase plan costs by approximately $307,000 next year.
  • Changing the copayment for behavioral health charges. SEBAC discussed lowering the copayment for mental health visits. This suggestion arose from concerns that the $45 copayment for specialist care isn't affordable, especially in the area of mental health care, where multiple visits are usually necessary. Gerescher was hesitant to recommend reducing the copayment for one type of specialist care, because it raises the question of whether copayments for other specialists should be lowered. Instead, she agreed to look into other possibilities that might ease the cost of long-term multiple visits to specialists in general.
  • Lowering the prescription drug deductible. In response to comments from A&M Care participants regarding the annual prescription drug deductible, SEBAC reviewed the projected costs of lowering this deductible. Because lowering the deductible will result in higher plan costs, and because double-digit cost increases are still occurring for prescription drugs and are expected to continue during the coming year, this is not likely to be changed.
  • Implementing mandatory mail-order purchasing for maintenance drugs. To help save on prescription drug costs, SEBAC discussed requiring A&M Care plan participants to purchase maintenance drugs through the plan's mail-order service. Because mail-order services purchase drugs in bulk and drug manufacturers often sell drugs to mail-order services well below retail costs, drugs cost participants less when purchased through mail-order than when purchased from retail pharmacies. Cost savings from this change were projected to be $394,464 in the 2005-06 plan year. While this is not likely to be implemented in the near future, Gerescher encourages participants to use this feature of the drug plan. She said it saves both the plan and the participant money.
  • Allowing appeals for non-formulary drugs to be purchased for formulary copayment. SEBAC discussed allowing appeals in cases where A&M Care participants, for medically-documented reasons, must use non-formulary drugs because they are unable to use formulary drugs. Under this design, participants whose appeals are approved by the plan would be able to purchase non-formulary drugs at the formulary copayment.

In other health-related news, SEBAC's HMO subcommittee reported that it is collecting proposals from HMOs interested in serving A&M System employees and retirees next year (see related item in Any Questions).

Another committee is developing and coordinating wellness efforts. This will include creating various print and web-based educational materials and promoting wellness-related activities throughout the A&M System.

Look for more information regarding these issues in future issues of A&M System News Online. If you have questions about this information, contact your SEBAC representative.

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A&M System implements Early Return to Work program

(Published March 2005)

The A&M System has implemented a program designed to help employees who have suffered serious injuries or illnesses ease back into work.

Originally developed by Texas A&M University's Human Resources Department and now being implemented Systemwide, the Early Return to Work Program returns such employees to their pre-injury/illness jobs or to different temporary jobs as soon as they are physically able.

Kevin McGinnis, director of Risk Management for the System Administrative and General Offices, said the program is intended to send a positive message to employees who have been away from their jobs because of illnesses or injuries.

"Studies show that the more days an employee misses from a work-related injury the greater likelihood they will not return to the workplace," McGinnis said. "While some of this is from injury severity, many times it is attributable to other factors involved with being absent from the workplace. A successful program will ensure that injured employees know that the employer cares about their return to the workforce and that their contributions are important."

In addition to improving employee morale, the program will help employees remain active and productive, earn full or partial wages, retain their insurance benefits, and receive support from coworkers and friends.

McGinnis said this program will also greatly benefit the A&M System by helping retain skilled and experienced employees, reducing the expenses associated with replacing employees, and eliminating work delays and business interruptions.

To be eligible to participate in this program, an individual must currently be an employee of the A&M System, have been employed with the A&M System when the injury/illness occurred, and be temporarily unable to return to pre-injury/illness duties as a result of that injury/illness. For more information about this program, contact your Human Resources office.

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USDA releases dietary guidelines for 2005

(Published March 2005)

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

These guidelines serve as the basis of federal food programs and nutrition education programs, and they support the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President Bush's HealthierUS initiative. Because almost two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and more than half get too little physical activity, the 2005 edition places a stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity.

"These new Dietary Guidelines represent our best science-based advice to help Americans live healthier and longer lives," HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "The report gives action steps to reach achievable goals in weight control, stronger muscles and bones, and balanced nutrition to help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Promoting good dietary habits is key to reducing the growing problems of obesity and physical inactivity, and to gaining the health benefits that come from a nutritionally balanced diet."

The following is a list of key recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines.

Adequate nutrients within calorie needs

  • Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt and alcohol.
  • Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.

Weight management

  • To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
  • To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.

Physical activity

  • Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to promote health, psychological well-being and a healthy body weight.
  • To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood, engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual activity, at work or home on most days of the week. For most people, greater health benefits can be obtained by engaging in physical activity of more vigorous intensity or longer duration.
  • To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain in adulthood, engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
  • To sustain weight loss in adulthood, participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements. Some people may need to consult with a healthcare provider before participating in this level of activity.
  • Achieve physical fitness by including cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics for muscle strength and endurance.

Food groups to encourage

  • Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and two-and-a-half cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
  • Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables and other vegetables) several times a week.
  • Consume three or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from enriched products. In general, at least half the grains should come from whole grains.
  • Consume three cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.

Fats

  • Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.
  • Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
  • When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat or fat-free.
  • Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids, and choose products low in such fats and oils.

Carbohydrates

  • Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains often.
  • Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little added sugars or caloric sweeteners, such as amounts suggested by the USDA Food Guide and the DASH Eating Plan.
  • Reduce the incidence of dental caries by practicing good oral hygiene and consuming sugar- and starch-containing foods and beverages less frequently.

Sodium and potassium

  • Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately one teaspoon of salt) of sodium per day.
  • Choose and prepare foods with little salt. At the same time, consume potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Alcoholic beverages

  • Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation.
  • Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
  • Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

Food safety

To avoid microbial foodborne illness:

  • Clean hands, food contact surfaces, and fruits and vegetables. Meat and poultry should not be washed or rinsed.
  • Separate raw, cooked and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing or storing foods.
  • Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms.
  • Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly.
  • Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized juices and raw sprouts.

The complete guidelines are available online at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines. For more information about proper nutrition, visit the United States Department of Agriculture online at www.usda.gov, or visit the United States Department of Health and Human Services online at www.hhs.gov.

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Single Sign On now available

(Published March 2005)

If you haven't logged into HRConnect or LeaveTraq lately, you'll notice some changes the next time you do. You now log in to these applications through the Single Sign On (SSO) web site, located at sso.tamu.edu. You will need your Universal Identification Number to log in. For more information about logging in and using this site, check out the SSO online tutorial created by Texas A&M University's Human Resources office.

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Spending Account debit card enhancement

(Published March 2005)

If you have a Health Care Spending Account debit card and you visit a Walgreen's pharmacy, you can use your card to purchase any eligible prescription and/or eligible over-the-counter items without having to submit a receipt. This works regardless of the cost of your prescription or the number of prescriptions you have filled at the same time, and it works even if your purchase includes a combination of prescriptions and over-the-counter items.

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Any Questions?

(Published March 2005)

Why doesn't the A&M System offer HMOs where I live?

To begin with, once a year the A&M System contacts every HMO licensed to do business in Texas and offers them the opportunity to submit a proposal that meets the minimum HMO plan requirements set by the A&M System. Last year, every HMO that submitted a proposal was accepted by the A&M System. So why aren't more HMOs submitting proposals?

The HMO market has not shown much growth in the past few years. Many of the larger health care companies are moving away from HMOs and toward different health care products, such as consumer-driven health plans. The HMOs that are still available have changed so much that they often resemble preferred provider organizations (PPOs), right down to the plan deductibles and coinsurance. If you've been enrolled in an HMO, you have likely noticed these changes.

Another factor is that, with some exceptions, A&M System employees and retirees are located in rural areas rather than metropolitan areas, where most HMOs focus their attention. This cuts down on the number of HMOs that have provider networks where the A&M System has employees and retirees and, as a result, the number of HMOs available to employees and retirees.

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February 2005

Single Sign On to debut this month

(Published February 2005)

In a few weeks, you will have access to Single Sign On, a convenient, one-stop web site that will give you quick access to several A&M System online applications.

This easy-to-use web site will enable you to switch between the HRConnect information system and LeaveTraq without having to log in more than once. Other applications will be accessible through Single Sign On in the future. And because Single Sign On will be the sole point of entry for these applications, you'll have to remember only one password. Single Sign On also has enhanced security features to further protect your personal information.

To log in, you will need your Universal Identification Number (UIN). If you do not currently use your UIN when logging into HRConnect and/or LeaveTraq, you can find it by clicking "Show me my Universal Identification Number" on the HRConnect homepage (hrc.tamu.edu) or by simply logging into LeaveTraq using your Social Security number. To protect your Social Security number, you should begin using your UIN to log into HRConnect and/or LeaveTraq right away. Once Single Sign On becomes available, you will not be able to log in to either of these applications using your Social Security number.

You will also need your LeaveTraq password to log in to Single Sign On. This will become your Single Sign On password. If you do not have a LeaveTraq password, you can use your HRConnect password. If you have a LeaveTraq password but do not remember it, you should select "I forgot my password" from the main Single Sign On screen. If you don't use LeaveTraq and have forgotten your HRConnect password, you must set up a password in Single Sign On by clicking "New Employees-Set up your password."

Single Sign On will provide instructions guiding you through the login process, and its "wizard" feature can help answer any questions you may have. If you still have questions, contact your LeaveTraq coordinator or other departmental coordinator.

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Whether you're six or 60, exercise can benefit you

(Published February 2005)

This being the beginning of a brand new year, exercise programs are undoubtedly on many people's minds. Unfortunately, the first step to beginning an exercise program is knocking down that excuse for not beginning an exercise program, whether it's lack of time, money or know-how. For some people, "I'm too old to start now" is the excuse that squashes their motivations.

To find out whether aging and exercising can go hand in hand, A&M System News Online spoke with Dr. Marcia G. Ory, director of the Active for Life® National Programs Office for The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center's School of Rural Public Health.

What are some age-and-exercise myths that people often believe? What are the realities behind these myths?
Some people believe that it is okay to "rest" and "take it easy" when you get older or that "exercise" is inherently dangerous for older adults. Both of these are myths-and not supported by research and practice endorsed by the nation's best researchers, clinicians and public health experts. We now know that activity is beneficial at any age-in fact, it is generally more harmful for older adults to be sedentary or physically inactive than it is to be physically active.

Another myth is that older people face special barriers to being more active. The reality is that the barriers to being active at an older age are often similar to those reported by younger adults. Activities must be enjoyable, and it is beneficial if there is a social component. Both young and old say they "don't have time" when the reality is that being active often helps you organize your time and feel more energetic.

If people don't start exercising until they're much older (for example, age 65 and older), can they still benefit from the activity?
Absolutely, yes! First of all, in our Active for Life® program (www.activeforlife.info) we don't use the word "exercise" but talk about "being physically active" and stress enjoyable lifestyle activities like walking, swimming or gardening. We have already seen over 800 older adults around the country benefit from increasing their activity levels. Our motto is: "It is never too late to adopt a more active lifestyle, but always too soon to quit being active." Our Active for Life® program has enrolled a 104-year-old woman who finally decided it was time to be more active.

How can exercise improve the quality of life for a person age 65 or older?
Research shows how physical inactivity is related to the onset-or exacerbation-of most physical or mental health problems or conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, some cancers, mood disorders, and even cognitive functioning. Being active can prevent or delay these conditions and symptoms associated with them. Those who are active live longer and also report feeling better, improved mood, and more social interaction-all factors important for enhanced health and well-being.

How much and what kind of physical activity is recommended for people age 65 and older?
It is important to tailor activities to an older person's preferences and abilities. The best activity is one that an older person will enjoy and do regularly. The National Institute on Aging has a free "Exercise Guide" available on the web at http://www.niapublications.org/exercisebook/intro.htm. This book describes the importance of four types of exercise activities: strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. It is important to try to incorporate each type of activity, rotating days for different activities. The Exercise Guide has pictures of the different activities and detailed "how to" instructions.

The public health goal is to be physically active at a moderate level (for example, walking at a brisk pace) for an accumulated 30 minutes a day-most days of the week. We stress the importance of starting where a person is in terms of ability and current activities and proceeding slowly, following safety tips that help a person understand possible danger signs when activity should be terminated. Using good judgment is also a key. You don't want to go from being totally sedentary to running laps around the neighborhood. But you might start out walking five or ten minutes around the block and then gradually increasing your time and pace. The Exercise Guide includes examples of safety tips and strategies for monitoring progress.

We encourage everyone to set realistic goals for being more active and get started early in the new year.

This information is provided as a service by the Health Science Center. If you have questions or are thinking about starting an exercise program, contact your physician.

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Purchasing drugs using your Spending Account debit card

(Published February 2005)

If you are enrolled in a Health Care Spending Account and an A&M System-offered health plan, you can now use the plan's debit card for most mail-order drug purchases without having to provide receipts. Receipts will still be required if you order more than one drug at a time through mail order.

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Any Questions?

(Published February 2005)

I am enrolled in an A&M Care health plan, and my doctor recently referred me to a facility for a medical procedure. How can I be sure this facility is a BlueChoice network facility so that I don't have to pay out-of-network costs?

Some doctors are careful about referring their patients only to network facilities, but you shouldn't rely on that. Anytime your doctor schedules a procedure at a different facility or refers you to another physician, you should contact BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) at (866) 295-1212 and ask whether that facility or physician is in the BlueChoice network. Another easy way to check is by visiting BCBSTX online at www.bcbstx.com and clicking "Provider Finder." To locate a network provider in Texas, select "PPO" under "Select a Product." To locate a network provider outside Texas, click "For a listing of national BlueCard providers, click here."

If the facility or physician is not in the BlueChoice network, talk to your doctor about finding one that is. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when your bill arrives.

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