Benefit Briefs Newsletter

Routine vision exams are important for your eyes and may help catch early signs of serious problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and other conditions. Yearly exams are important, even if you have perfect vision, so help prioritize better vision with Superior Vision by Metlife. …

There are more causes of tooth discoloration than you might think – but there are also plenty of ways you can protect your teeth. Poor oral hygiene Plaque and bacteria will cause yellow teeth if they are not regularly removed with a good daily oral health routine. That means brushing …

Understanding your health insurance is the best way to enjoy all its benefits. When you know what steps you need to take beforetreatment, things go more smoothly. One of the most important steps is prior authorization. Many times, your doctor will need to get approval — prior authorization — before your plan …

Before Pregnancy Some things are important from preconception until after the baby is born: Good eating habits Regular activity Taking care of your mental health Get started by focusing on good health to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. These steps can help while you’re trying to get pregnant: Make sure …

Many people may not know that there are two types of care you can receive when you go to the doctor — preventive care and medical care. The type of care is different, and your costs may be different, too. Medical Care vs. Preventive Care Think about how people use …

Getting screened for colon cancer is an important way to protect your health. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but colon cancer can be successfully treated when it is found and treated early. Until it grows or spreads, colon cancer usually has no …

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world, accounting for 30,000 newly diagnosed cases and 8,000 deaths each year. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, facial and oral disfigurement and even death. Who gets …

In addition to prescription sunglasses, you may want to consider another option closely related to providing safer and better vision: polarized sunglasses. How can they benefit you? What is glare? First, let’s learn about glare. When light bounces off of surfaces around us, it tends to scatter. This is because …

There are many ways you can get information from Blue Cross and Shield of Texas. They offer options to suit a variety of communication preferences. The BCBSTX Website Visit bcbstx.com/tamus for information about all BCBSTX has to offer: If you’re a member, you can sign up for or log in …

As the year continues, you may still face a range of challenges. Now, more than ever, we urge you to make the most of the resources, tools and support provided by your ComPsych Work/Life Balance Program. It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed after the holiday season. Try these …

Your programs and benefits are moving to Teladoc Health. Livongo and Teladoc Health are becoming one brand, with one experience for all our members. You can use your same devices and get expert support, just in a new way. There is nothing you need to do at this time. Your …

Heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans suffer a heart attack or stroke. More than 800,000 of them die. Heart Disease and Stroke …

Anyone can experience a mental health condition. And if they do, friends and family can make a big difference in their recovery. Mental health conditions are common. More than 1 in 5 adults are affected. Mental health conditions are health issues that change a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or actions. …

Are you puzzled by how to lessen feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress? We can help! Through our collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Learn to Live’s online mental health programs and resources are available to you and your family members (ages 13 and older on the …

While not every claim denial is so easily fixed, there are times a claim doesn’t get approved for reasons other than the service not being covered by a member’s health plan. Do you know what to do if a claim isn’t approved? Find Out Your Next Steps Do they have …

Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot (as long as you don’t have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients). Certain people have a higher risk of developing complications if they contract the flu, including: Pregnant women Children under 5 years old Adults ages …

The Texas A&M University System is excited to introduce Virta Health. Virta is a virtual clinic that helps members eat their way to better health with care plans made just for them and support from health care clinicians, coaches, and digital health tools. Virta members can reverse type 2 diabetes, …

Whether it’s your annual wellness visit or your cholesterol test, it’s important to keep up with your health screenings. They play an important role in catching small health problems before they become big ones. Add your annual exam and health screenings to your to-do list to make sure they get …

Eye Exams Can Lead to Early Detection of Major Health Concerns Your eyes serve as windows to the world, but they can also provide a glimpse into the overall health of your body. Regular eye exams can lead to the early detection, prevention, and treatment of many health issues. Below …

If you’re one of the 34 million Americans with diabetes, you’re probably aware that the disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. What you may not know is that people with diabetes are more susceptible to developing oral infections and gum …