Benefits Updates

The 83rd Legislative Session Brings Changes to ERS Benefits

This legislative session brought some changes to the ERS benefits programs. These changes are intended to comply with new Federal mandates while reducing costs so that ERS can continue to provide coverage well into into the future: 

• a tiered insurance contribution for retirees based on years of service
• a tobacco certification requirement for everyone enrolled in health insurance
• a change in the health coverage waiting period for new employees.

The tobacco certification requirement went into effect on September 1, 2013. For clarification on other retirement and insurance changes, please see the chart below. For more information you can also visit the ERS legislative webpage at www.ers.state.tx.us/About_ERS/Legislative and the Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.state.tx.us.

Insurance Changes

What changed?	How did it change?	Who is affected?	When is it effective?
Insurance state contribution for retirees changes	The insurance state contribution for retirees changed based on years of service. This change rewards long-term employees by providing them with a higher contribution toward health insurance premiums in retirement. As a full-time employee, if you have at least: • 10 years of service, you receive a 50% employee and 25% dependent contribution. • 15 years of service, you receive a 75% employee and 37.5% dependent contribution. • 20 years or more of service, you receive a 100% employee and 50% dependent contribution. If you have less than 10 years of service, you are not eligible for insurance at retirement.	GBP members with less than five years2 of GBP participation on 8/31/2014	9/1/2014
Definition of a “full-time” employee changes	The definition of a full-time employee for benefit purposes is changing. As of 9/1/2013, a full-time employee is an individual designated by his or her employer as working 30 hours or more per week. If you work 30 hours or more per week in a benefits-eligible position and do not have student status as a requirement for employment, you will receive the full state contribution for your health insurance premium.	Employees	9/1/2013
Health coverage waiting period decreases	As a new employee, your health coverage begin date is the first of the month following your 60th day of employment, not to exceed 90 days.	New employees hired on 9/1/2014 and after	9/1/2014

¹Part-time employees receive half the contribution of a full-time employee.
²You must have 10 years of GBP participation to be eligible for insurance at retirement.

New Law Affects Disabled Dependents Over Age 26

ERS members can now apply for coverage for a disabled dependent over age 26, even if they were not previously covered.

Evidence of insurability (EOI), also known as proof of good health, will not be required to add Dependent Term Life Insurance coverage for disabled dependents over the age 26 if they are added no later than  September 30, 2013. These dependents are considered “newly eligible” due to new legislation (HB 2155). After September 30, the EOI requirement for Dependent Life will only be waived for a new employee enrolling a dependent for the first time, or for a newly eligible dependent who gains coverage due to incapacitation.

For additional details, including a complete explanation of eligibility requirements and signup periods, please visit the ERS website: http://www.ers.state.tx.us/News/Articles/Disabled_dependents_over_26/

Looking for a Bargain?

ERS members can have great discount offers sent right to their inbox! Go to Discount Purchase Program, www.beneplace.com/discountprogramers/, select “active employee”, and click “Sign up” (on the upper left side of the website) to start receiving timely special offers – make sure you select your current status as “employee” from the drop-down menu and add marketing@beneplace.com and discount_programs@beneplace.com to your address book so messages don’t land in your junk folder.

You’ll get big discounts on products and services you already use, with convenient direct links to the best deals – no more hunting around online! Plus, save even more with exclusive seasonal offers.

You can stop the emails at any time. Simply click the “unsubscribe” link in any offer email you receive. And if you change your mind, signing up again is easy!

Any personal information you provide will be used solely for communication purposes and will not be shared.

Take a look at your vision benefits

Getting your eyes checked is one of the best ways to help them stay healthy. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that, starting at about age three, all children receive vision screening during regular well child visits. Everyone over age 18 should have periodic eye examinations. People over age 65, people with diabetes, and those at risk for eye disease may need more frequent evaluations.

Remember, if you have sudden pain, sensitivity, discomfort, redness, or blurred or decreased vision, see your doctor or eye care specialist right away.

Here is an overview of basic vision benefits for each health insurance plan offered by the State of Texas.  For more information, please call your plan representative.

Overview of vision benefits

Plan	HealthSelectSM of Texas*
Routine Eye Exam	100% after $40 copay using network doctor, or 80% if you receive services subject to coinsurance Does not include contact lens exam
Frames	Up to 30% discount off retail price at certain providers 10% discount at participating Walmart® and Sam's Club® locations
Lenses	•    Single vision lenses—you pay $45 or less  •    Lined bifocal lenses—you pay $65 or less  •    Lined trifocal lenses—you pay $95 or less
Contacts	Up to a 20% discount for fitting and materials for non-disposable lenses
More Information	Health and Vision Discount Flier

*All vision benefits for HealthSelect are for the calendar year.

You can also visit discountprogramers.com for 15% off eyewear and contacts for you and your family.

Check your check

Payroll adjustments for benefit changes you made during Annual Enrollment, along with premium rate changes for dependents, will be reflected in your October 1 pay stub.  For questions about these deductions or benefits, please contact ERS toll-free at (866) 399-6908, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

For all other payroll deductions or questions, please contact the HR Service Center at (713) 743-3988.

Send Disability Claims to Aon Hewitt

Website updated and call center available

On September 1, Aon Hewitt became the administrator of the Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP), which is our short-term and long-term disability insurance program.

Aon Hewitt provides customer service and claims administration for TIPP. Program participants can now call TIPP Customer Care at Aon Hewitt toll-free at (855) 604-6230, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. Members can also visit the updated TIPP website.

Upcoming Benefits Training:

TRS Workshop (Retirement Compensation) (HRTV17)

When: Thu, October 17, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: UH Hilton Hotel Flamingo Room
Description: Your TRS Benefits – Now and in the Future! (HRTV17) Representatives from TRS will provide UH employees with detailed information about TRS and retirement. This workshop is excellent for all TRS members, whether they are new employees wanting to see how the plan will work for them in the future, or long-term employees thinking about retiring. In this workshop you will learn more about what qualifies you to retire and how what to expect from TRS when you do.

ERS Workshop (Retiree Benefits Distribution) (HRTV18)

When: Thu, October 17, 3:45pm – 5:15pm
Where: UH Hilton Hotel- Flamingo
Description: Ready, Set, Retire! (HRTV18) In this workshop, representatives from ERS will provide detailed information about the retirement process, including eligibility, insurance upon retirement, and how to service credit.

Register for the Workshop(s) via P.A.S.S. We will be raffling off two Season Basketball Tickets for individuals who attend the TRS/ERS workshops! The winner will be notified by Human Resources on October 18th. 

Previous Benefits Updates...In Case You Missed Them!

Don’t Be Fooled – Make Sure Your URGENT CARE Center Qualifies

Be aware that some primary care physicians (PCPs) are calling their clinics “urgent care centers,” even though they are not credentialed as such.  This is particularly true in areas of Texas where there are no urgent care centers available.  Employees are utilizing these PCP clinics and offices as urgent care centers, only to find out later that the services they received will not be paid at in-network benefit levels. Make sure to verify that your urgent care center qualifies as a credentialed urgent care center before you need their services!

HealthSelect^SM of Texas members can get guidance on whether to visit a PCP, urgent care center, or hospital emergency room by calling myNurseLine^SM toll-free at (877) 731-8306. Registered nurses are available to help 24/7, at no extra cost to members.

Reminder - Enroll Newborns for Health Insurance Coverage

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will send every HealthSelect of Texas participant who is receiving prenatal care a Healthy Pregnancy Guide, which is an informational booklet that includes an insert reminding the parent-to-be to enroll the newborn in their health plan. UHC is also adding a reminder to their contact center and provider line checklist for the participant to enroll his or her baby in the health plan within 31 days of being born.

Texas Income Protection Plan

The ERS Board of Trustees awarded third-party administration of the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) disability insurance plans to Aon Hewitt Absence Management LLC (Aon Hewitt).  The contract will cover a four-year term beginning September 1, 2013, through August 31, 2017.  Aon Hewitt will provide customer service and claims administration to disability plan members.

With the change in administrators, ERS is taking the opportunity to brand the disability plans as Texas Income Protection Plan^SM (TIPP). You will see TIPP used in future communications regarding disability plan information. TIPP includes both the short and long-term disability options. Short-term disability provides a maximum benefit of 66% of an enrolled employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of $10,000 or $6,600, whichever is less, for a period no longer than five months. Long-term disability coverage provides a maximum benefit of 60% of an enrolled employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of $10,000 or $6,000, whichever is less, for a period ranging from 12 months up to full Social Security benefit age, depending on the employee’s age at the time of disability.

Look for Aon Hewitt to provide more information on the disability plans:

• TIPP Customer Care will begin taking calls on September 3, 2013, and will be available Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT.
• TIPP website update in September will include useful information for both new and existing customers

For more information, you can review the TIPP FAQ.

Are You Using Internet Explorer Version 10?

If you are using Internet Explorer version 10 (IE 10), you might see errors when you sign into your ERS OnLine accounts.

If this is happening to you, please try using IE9 (or an earlier version), Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox to access your accounts. If you prefer to continue using IE10, you can try changing the “view-as” setting in Internet Explorer to IE 9:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Press the F12 key; a menu bar will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click “Browser Mode: IE10 Compat View.”
   

    

4. Change Compatibility View to Internet Explorer 9.

   

5. Press the F12 key again to make the menu disappear.
6. ERS OnLine will now display properly.
7. You will need to repeat these steps if you close Internet Explorer and open it again.

These instructions can also be found online.

If this doesn’t help, you can also call ERS. Please understand that hold times may be long during Annual Enrollment.

If any of your employees or colleagues have a problem viewing their ERS OnLine information, please share this information or suggest they call ERS toll-free at (866) 399-6908.

Prescription Deductible Starts Over September 1^st

Remember that from September 1 to August 31*, you and each of your covered dependents must pay separate $50 prescription deductibles before your plan will begin covering drug costs. For example, if you have two dependents, you would have a total family deductible of $150 per plan year for prescription medications if all of you fill at least $50 worth of prescriptions.

One of the best ways to save money on your health care is to make sure you take generic drugs, if approved by your doctor. New generic drugs come into the market all the time, and they generally cost less and have the lowest copay. Furthermore, if a generic is available and you buy the brand-name drug instead, you will pay the generic copay plus the difference between the cost of the brand-name and the generic drug.

Example:

The cost of a 30-day supply of a brand-name drug for diabetes is $150, but the generic costs $75.

If you have not met the $50 yearly deductible, and you buy the brand-name, it would cost you the pre-deduction copay ($50) plus the cost difference between the brand-name and the generic ($75) which would come out to $125.

If you have met the $50 yearly deductible, and you buy the brand-name, it would cost you the post-deductible copay for a maintenance medication ($20) plus the cost difference between the brand-name and the generic ($75), which would come out to $95.

	Before Meeting Yearly $50 Deductible	After Meeting Yearly $50 Deductible
Brand-Name Drug Cost	150.00	150.00
Generic Drug Cost	75.00	75.00
Cost Difference	75.00	75.00
Generic Copay (maintenance medication)	50.00	20.00
Total (Generic Copay + Cost Difference)	125.00	95.00

TexFlex Day Care Expenses

Participants can be reimbursed up to the amount available in their accounts each month, but the rules surrounding eligible dependent day care expenses has changed:

Effective immediately, a child turning 13 is considered a qualifying life event (QLE) for TexFlex accounts. This means employees can change contributions to their TexFlex Dependent Care Reimbursement accounts if their children turn 13 during the plan year, without waiting until the next Annual Enrollment period. In the past, employees were unable to change contributions if their children turned 13—the cut-off age for child care reimbursement—during the plan year, which meant they often had to forfeit unspent account funds.

ERS Board of Trustees adopts Plan Year 2014 member contribution rates

The Board of Trustees adopted Plan Year 2014 rates for the health, dental, life, Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), and disability plans.  Contribution rates for health insurance are set based on funding provided by the Texas Legislature.  With the 83rd Texas Legislature still in session, and no final approved appropriation, the ERS Board of Trustees adopted Plan Year 2014 health insurance rates at a level not to exceed the anticipated funding increase of 7%.  This increase is expected to adequately support health plan costs through the next plan year under the current benefit structure. The Board of Trustees granted authority to the ERS Executive Director to lower the adopted contribution rates should the final appropriation be lower than anticipated, or it is determined that lower rates can support the health plan and current benefits.

Individuals enrolled in the State of Texas Dental Choice PlanSM will experience no increase in their monthly member contribution rates while those enrolled in the HumanaDental DHMO will pay approximately 7% more during Plan Year 2014. The increases for HumanaDental DHMO participants will range from 60 cents for member-only coverage to $1.83 for spouse and children coverage.

There will be no change in the monthly cost for Life Insurance and Voluntary AD&D coverage and no change in the cost for Long-term Disability coverage.  However, it was necessary to increase rates for Short-term Disability coverage. Persons enrolled in the Short-term Disability plan will experience an increase in monthly cost of 4 cents per $100 of monthly covered salary.

HealthSelect—Did You Know?

If you are a HealthSelectSM of Texas participant, you can get most of your questions answered by contacting the HealthSelect Customer Service team toll-free at (866) 336-9371. You can ask questions about such things as benefits, claims, finding network providers, updating or changing primary care physicians (PCPs), and confirming referrals.

Some benefits under HealthSelect don’t require a referral from a PCP. You don’t have to get referrals when you go to an urgent care center, convenience care clinic, or OB/GYN provider or when you receive mental health/substance abuse counseling.

Since January 1, 2013, HealthSelect cards issued to new participants no longer display the Caremark logo. If you lose your prescription ID card, call Caremark toll-free at (888) 886-8490.

Scott & White announces expanded service area

Scott & White will expand coverage to three additional counties as of September 1, 2013 – Austin, Freestone, and Waller counties. The map with the pending counties is available on the ERS website. ERS is notifying members in the three counties about their new health insurance option. ERS has also updated the Benefits Coordinator Guide to Annual Enrollment 2013 with this information.

Full-time health insurance benefits extended to employees working at least 30 hours a week

As required by the federal Affordable Care Act, effective September 1, 2013, all state and higher education employees working at least 30 hours a week should be designated as full-time employees for health insurance coverage. This means that, beginning September 1, the State will pay the full health insurance premium for any employee eligible for ERS medical insurance who works at least 30 hours a week. Until September 1, employees who work less than 40 hours a week are considered part-time, and the State pays only 50% of their health insurance premiums.

Adding dependents who were dropped in the Dependent Eligibility Audit (DEA)

If you wish to add insurance coverage for a dependent who was dropped due to the recent Dependent Eligibility Audit, it is your responsibility to submit all valid proof of dependent eligibility documentation during Annual Enrollment.

If you submit proof of eligibility documentation due to Annual Enrollment, then you must also include a completed Annual Enrollment Form found on the Annual Enrollment page after July 8.

Send documentation to ERS by:

• fax at (512) 867-7438, or
• mail to:

ERS Customer Benefits
Attn: Benefit Support Services
P. O. Box 13207
Austin, Texas 78711-3207

New tobacco certification requirements and notifying your employees who haven’t certified

All individuals enrolled in ERS health insurance plans must certify their status as tobacco users or non-users. Beginning September 1, 2013, GBP members who do not certify their tobacco-use status will be charged a monthly tobacco user premium—even if they don’t use tobacco.

Under the new policy, ERS members must certify that they and their dependents do or do not use tobacco, or be charged a premium of $30 each (up to $90 per household per month). Members will have until August 31, 2013 to certify, to avoid incurring the additional premium for non-certification in September. The new policy is based on legislation passed in the recent session.

The following chart provides an overview of who will pay an additional $30 premium each month (up to $90 per household). Please note that only adults who fail to certify will be charged the additional premium; those under 18 who are not certified will not be charged. Certified tobacco users of any age—adults and minors—will be charged.

	Certified as Tobacco User	Certified as Non-user	Failed to Certify
Member	Pays	Doesn't Pay	Pays
Covered Adult Dependent (18 Years and Over)	Pays	Doesn't Pay	Pays
Covered Child Dependent (Under 18 Years)	Pays	Doesn't Pay	Doesn't Pay

ERS understands this is a significant change and will be notifying members--in Annual Enrollment materials, at Annual Enrollment fairs, and in News About Your Benefits--about the need to certify, the possible additional premium, and how to certify themselves and their dependents.

Lower TexFlex health care contribution limit

As of September 1, 2013, because of changes to federal law, the maximum health care annual contribution for the ERS TexFlex program will drop to $2,496 (12 months) or $2,493 (nine months).

On September 1 of each year, if you were enrolled in TexFlex, you will automatically be re-enrolled in TexFlex accounts at your same annual contribution level—unless you make a change during Annual Enrollment.

The annual TexFlex health care pre-tax contribution limit is $2,496 for 12 months or $2,493 for nine months. If you contributed more than the maximum to a health care account last year, your contribution for this year will drop to $2,496 (12 months) or $2,493 (nine months) automatically.

The annual TexFlex day care pre-tax contribution limit is about $5,000 per household/family, or the employee or spouse’s earned income, if lower. If you and your spouse each have a day care account, you are limited to $5,000 between the two of you..The administrative fee ($12) and the optional TexFlex debit card fee ($15) will remain the same for each account. The optional debit card fee is $15, even if you have both health care and day care accounts.

Did you have a family change recently?

You don’t have to wait until Annual Enrollment to change your beneficiaries.

It’s important to tell us who you want to receive your retirement account and life insurance benefits in the event of your death. This person is called your beneficiary. You can have more than one beneficiary. Before going online to select your beneficiary, make sure you have your beneficiary’s Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, and mailing address.

These instructions apply to beneficiaries for your ERS insurance and retirement benefits. View information on designating Texa$aver plan beneficiaries.

Healthy Tips from ERS:

Five ways to lower your blood pressure without medication without medication

Hypertension strikes one in three American adults. Learn the top lifestyle strategies that can make a real impact on lowering your blood pressure.

About one in every three American adults has hypertension, or high blood pressure. Medication is often prescribed, but that's not the only solution. Many lifestyle strategies have also been shown to have an impact. For some, weight loss combined with exercise and a healthy eating plan may reduce or eliminate the need for medication altogether.

Your doctor can help you decide whether to take a combined approach (medication plus lifestyle) or whether to try following these healthy lifestyle strategies first:

1. Increase exercise. Aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure and also help with weight loss. It doesn't take a time-consuming workout in a gym to reap the benefits, either.

• As few as 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week has been shown to be effective.
• Aerobic activities such as walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics often produce the best results.
• Before you start an exercise program, ask your doctor what type and amount of exercise is right for you. 

2. Cut your salt intake. One teaspoon (2,400 mg) is the maximum recommended daily amount. Reducing this to two thirds of a teaspoon (1,500 mg) can make a big difference.

• Check labels of food and over-the-counter medication for their sodium content.
• Use herbs and spices, instead of salt, to flavor foods.
• Avoid processed foods such as canned and frozen ready-to-eat foods, cheeses, and luncheon meats.

3. Eat a healthy diet. Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) guidelines. This has been shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, even without other interventions.

• The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It restricts intake of saturated fats, red meat, and sugar.
• The increased fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium from these foods are all thought to play a role in reducing blood pressure. 

4. Lose weight. For every two pounds of weight loss, you can lower your systolic pressure by one point and your diastolic pressure by 1.4 points.

• Gradual weight loss of one to two pounds per week is most effective.
• Keep a food journal to track exactly what and how much you eat.
• Choose foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats, and refined sugar.
• Watch your portion sizes.
• Don’t skip meals. Eating three meals a day plus snacks is essential in weight management.
• Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily, which will fill you up and curb your hunger. 

5. Limit alcohol. Drinking a lot of alcohol can raise blood pressure.

• The maximum you should drink is no more than one drink a day for women, two drinks for men.
• One drink is the equivalent of 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or two ounces of hard liquor.
• Help yourself to relax and cope better with stress from your busy life with these techniques:
• Simplify. Try to cut out activities that eat up your time but deliver little value. Learn to say "no." Clean out your house, car, and garage of things that you no longer need. Let go of relationships that complicate your life more than they add.
• Take a deep breath. Making a conscious effort to deepen and slow down your breathing can help you relax.
• Exercise. Physical activity is a natural stress-buster.
• Get plenty of sleep. Being sleep-deprived can make your problems seem bigger than they really are.

The key is to discover what works for you. Choose your strategies, take action, and start enjoying the benefits. You can lower your blood pressure and help prevent other chronic diseases at the same time.

Overcoming your exercise obstacles

Seven common excuses keep many people from realizing the benefits of exercise. Here's how to overcome these barriers and enjoy being more active.

"I don't have time to exercise." "Exercise is boring."

Does this sound like you? If you've used these or similar excuses to avoid exercise, you're not alone. Two out of three Americans don’t get enough exercise. Don't let these excuses stop you from exercising.

Here are the top seven barriers to exercise and ways to hurdle over them:

1. No time

• Spend a week identifying 30-minute time slots that you can set aside for exercise. Then mark your day planner accordingly. Find ways to work physical activity into your everyday life. Park farther from your office, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or ride your bike to the grocery store. Other time "obstacles" to hurdle:
• Travel for work - Choose a hotel with a fitness center or pool. Pack a bathing suit and a pair of sneakers.
• Family obligations - Fit in exercise with the kids. Play together. Find time to work out when the kids are at school or staying with a friend. 

2. Lack of support from family or friends

Tell your family or friends that you want to be more active. Ask them to support your efforts. Get your spouse/significant other or friend to jog or play tennis with you. Find a group or join a gym or a hiking, biking, or running club.

3. No energy

We all have times when we’re more energetic. If you are a morning person, maybe working out before going to the office is best. If you feel an energy boost after work, then you may want to hit the gym on your way home. Others find time in the middle of the day.

4. No willpower

If you're saying this, you may need to write yourself a contract. It may be as simple as writing down a time to exercise in your calendar or date book. You are more likely to do it if you write it down. Choose an activity you enjoy. To stay motivated, choose a reward to work toward and keep you going. Working out with a buddy (tennis partner, walking companion) will also keep it fun and keep you motivated.

5. Fear of injury

Talk to your doctor first to get the go-ahead to exercise. If it has been some time since you've exercised regularly, start out slowly so you don't get hurt. Choose a low-impact activity that won't injure your knees or other joints. Choose an activity that's appropriate for your age and ability level. Remember to warm up and cool down before and after exercise.

6. Lack of skill

If you can walk, you can exercise. In fact, you can build an entire exercise routine around walking. If you always wanted to learn to swim or play tennis, now is the time. You may want to take a class to develop new skills.

7. Lack of resources

This barrier may be related to money or location. You don't need to join an expensive gym to exercise. All you need is a pair of sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Go to a nearby park or make up your own route in your neighborhood. If there's no park nearby or your neighborhood is not pedestrian-friendly, then find a recreation program or health facility at work. And don't let the summer heat keep you from staying in shape. Take your walking routine to the mall. Work out in the privacy of your home with your favorite aerobics DVD.

You probably know that exercise has many benefits, such as warding off heart disease and diabetes. Exercising 60 to 90 minutes a day can help you to reach a healthy weight. Keeping a routine of 30 to 60 minutes a day helps you stay at a healthy weight. You can even benefit if you break up your exercise program into several 10-minute intervals a day.

So don't let these excuses keep your from achieving fun activity and healthy returns. Check with your doctor to find out what a good activity level is for you, and then start getting fit.

Resource: United HealthCare Services, Inc.

Can exercise keep you mentally sharp?

As you get older, are you having more and more “senior moments”? Although forgetfulness seems to come hand in hand with aging, could it be that something as simple as exercise could help enhance your memory?

Exercise may be the most wonderful wonder drug of them all—maintaining not just your body, but your mind as well.

Scientists are finding that exercise actually may help prevent mental decline as we age. Regular exercise may enhance memory, planning, and organization skills, as well as the ability to juggle mental tasks.

Researchers believe regular exercise—for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week—can help keep your brain sharp. Exercise improves how well the body can pump blood to the brain, helping it perform better. Scientists speculate that activity stimulates the growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in memory.

Another positive effect deals with lowering blood pressure. This is important to most adults, particularly as they age. In fact, most elderly people do have high blood pressure. Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure are more likely to have trouble thinking, remembering, and learning.

Activity can also help with depression, a common problem among the elderly. Depression can affect memory and concentration. Exercise helps relieve feelings of depression by increasing blood flow and improving how the brain handles the chemicals that are responsible for mood.

You can't beat exercise. Not only can it help your brain, it can also keep your muscles and joints strong—all important for helping prevent falls, dealing with arthritis, strengthening your heart, improving your energy levels, and warding off health problems such as diabetes and certain cancers. Even if you have lived a sedentary life up until now, you can still limber up to help keep your brain—and your body—in shape.

First, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise. Together, you can choose a routine that’s safe for you.

• Get at least 30 minutes of activity—most or all days of the week—that makes you breathe harder. You can break up those 30 minutes throughout your day by taking a 10- or 15-minute walk in the morning, another at lunch, and a third in the evening. To tell if you aren't working hard enough, give yourself the "talk test." If you can talk without any effort, you aren't working out hard enough. If you can't talk at all, you are pushing too hard.
• Don't neglect your muscles. If you don't use them, you'll lose them. Strong muscles help you with numerous everyday tasks such as grocery-carrying and getting out of a chair on your own.
• Work on your balance. Stand on one foot, then the other. If you're able, try not to hold onto anything for support. Stand up from sitting in a chair without using your hands or arms. Every now and then, walk heel-to-toe.
• Be sure to stretch as part of a well-rounded routine of strength and conditioning exercises. Stretching can help prevent back pain and help you remain limber. Never stretch so far that it hurts.

Resource: United HealthCare Services, Inc.

Healthy snacks for kids and grown-ups

Snacking can and should be a part of any nutritious meal plan. Here's how to make it healthy.

The word "snack" usually conjures up images of cookies, chips, and even candy. But snack food doesn't have to mean "junk food." What's more, nutritious, well-planned snacks can be a vital part of your meal plan.

Why not think about snacks as nutritious, planned "mini-meals" and not just junk food? Most growing children need more quality nutrients than they normally eat during a day's worth of meals. And unless you are eating three very well balanced meals, snacks can give an extra daily nutrition boost to adults, too.

Simple snack suggestions

Start by talking to the whole family about the snack suggestions below. Pick your favorite ideas, type up your own list, and stick it on the fridge. Then stock up on your choices so they will be ready-made and at your fingertips.

Mixed food ideas

Good after-school or between-meal snacks should include fruits and/or vegetables, but also a little protein and whole grain to help stave off hunger until dinner:

• Whole-grain, low-sugar cereal and low-fat milk,
• Low-fat string cheese and whole-grain crackers,
• Whole-wheat English muffin with melted low-fat cheese,
• Whole-grain waffle topped with fruited yogurt and fresh fruit,
• Yogurt or cottage cheese topped with sliced fruit and cereal or nuts,
• Whole-wheat toast topped with natural peanut butter and sliced banana,
• Whole-grain crackers, hummus, and raw veggies,
• Low-fat cottage cheese with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dash of fresh pepper,
• Fruit smoothie (blend together low-fat yogurt, frozen fruit, skim milk, 100% juice),
• Baked potato topped with chili beans or broccoli and low-fat cheese, or
• A bowl of bean or vegetable soup. 

Fruits and veggies

Many kids will surprise you and eat raw fruits and veggies, especially when they are hungry. After school or right before dinner is the best time to "sneak" them in.

The key is to make healthy snacks visible and appealing. Without saying a word, place a veggie tray near your kids when they are busy doing homework or playing before dinner. Then watch the food disappear. Don't forget to munch on them yourself while you’re cooking.

• Use colorful veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, yellow and red peppers, sliced cucumber, carrot and celery sticks, and sugar snap peas.
• Make a creamy vegetable dip. Mix your favorite dry salad dressing mix into plain Greek yogurt to make a great tasting low-fat dip.
• Leave apples, plums, nectarines, or peaches in a bowl in the kitchen.
• Cut up cantaloupe or watermelon and leave in a clear container in the fridge.
• Put firm grapes and orange wedges out on a plate after dinner or at snack time. 

Pure crunch

If you're really in the mood for something crunchy and salty, stick with foods that don't have hydrogenated fats and are free of food dyes.

• Trail mix--Combine nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds) with raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, pretzel bits, and oat cereal bits,
• Pretzels,
• Baked or trans-fat-free tortilla chips,
• Low-fat microwave popcorn, or
• Low-sugar granola bars.

Sweet treats

If your sweet tooth strikes, go for natural sugar from fruit. Otherwise, stick to foods that come in one-serving packages to prevent overindulgence:

• Frozen fruit bar (no high-fructose corn syrup),
• Fudge bar (typically, 60 to 90 calories and only one gram of fat),
• Low-fat pudding cups,
• All-natural applesauce,
• Ginger snaps, or
• Mini flavored rice cakes.

Keep in mind that foods like chips and cookies are fine to snack on once in a while. But if you get into the habit of serving and eating nutritious snacks most of the time, you'll be helping yourself—and your kids—establish healthy patterns for a lifetime.

Resource: United HealthCare Services, Inc.

Previous Benefits Updates - In Case You Missed Them!

Employees should certify whether or not they use tobacco

Please encourage all employees enrolled in a state health plan, who have not yet done so, to sign in to their accounts on the ERS website and certify whether or not they or their covered dependents 18 years old or older use tobacco. Even if employees and their dependents don't use tobacco, they still must certify their status as non-tobacco users. More>>

Taking care of your allergies

Many people have allergies. Signs often include sneezing and sniffles. You also may have a runny or stuffy nose. Your eyes may be itchy or watery. Or, you may have a headache. More>>

Update contact info by May 31

If you recently changed your address, email address, or phone number, don't forget to update that information in your online ERS account by May 31, 2013 at 5 p.m. More>>

Keeping teen drivers safe on the road

Ask any parent. One of the scariest things about raising a child may be letting him or her drive. With proms, graduations, and beach trips, you may feel more nervous than ever about your child's safety on the road—and with good reason. More>>

A dozen ways to get more fruits and veggies

You've heard the mantra—get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. In reality, you should aim for five to nine servings. Unfortunately, the typical American eats only about one serving a day. More>>

Disability Carrier change effective September 1, 2013 from Dearborn to Aon Hewitt Absence Management, LCC

The Employee’s Retirement System of Texas (ERS) Board of Trustees has awarded the third-party administrator contract for our disability insurance plans to Aon Hewitt Absence Management, LLC (Aon Hewitt). The contract will cover a four-year term from September 1, 2013 through August 31, 2017.  Aon Hewitt’s offices dedicated to ERS are located in The Woodlands, Texas.

ERS disability coverage is available to active employees as an optional benefit and provides benefits for disabilities resulting from occupational and non-occupational illness or injury.

• Short-term Disability Insurance provides a maximum benefit of 66% of an enrolled employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of $10,000 or $6,600, whichever is less, for a period up to five months.
• Long-term Disability Insurance coverage provides a maximum benefit of 60% of an enrolled employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of $10,000 or $6,000, whichever is less, for a period ranging from 12 months up to age 65, depending on the employee’s age at the time of disability.

As of December 2012, 113,653 ERS employees were enrolled in Short-term Disability Insurance and 89,298 employees were enrolled in Long-term Disability Insurance. Premiums paid by employees who elect to participate in these plans cover the full cost of these benefits. The ERS Board of Trustees will determine the amount of premiums for Plan Year 2014 at its May Board meeting

Discount Purchase Program through ERS

Click here to find seasonal savings on financial services! Get your taxes done for a discount, or refinance and lower your monthly mortgage payments.

Important TexFlex Changes

The ERS TexFlex program currently allows members to contribute up to $5,000 a year into a health care FSA. As of September 1, 2013, changes to federal law will lower the health care maximum contribution from up to $5,000 to up to $2,500. This change is required by the Affordable Care Act.

On September 1 of each year, participants are automatically re-enrolled in TexFlex accounts at the same annual contribution amount unless they make a change during Annual Enrollment. If the member's Plan Year 2013 annual contribution was more than the new limit, however, ERS will automatically reduce the annual contribution to the new limit for the upcoming plan year.

TexFlex is a use-it-or-lose-it program. The money contributed to a TexFlex account doesn't roll over to the next plan year, so members must use it all. For Plan Year 2013, members have until November 15, 2013 to spend TexFlex money, and until December 31, 2013 to file claims for reimbursement of funds spent before November 15, 2013. This aspect of the program did not change.

Q: What is the effective date for the new health care FSA maximum annual limit?
A: The new limit goes into effect on September 1, 2013.

Q: What is the new maximum annual limit for the health care FSA?
A: The new maximum annual limit is $2,500 ($208 per month if you get paid over 12 months, or $277 if you get paid over 9 months).

Q: Will the maximum limit of a TexFlex day care account change?
A: No, the limit will remain $5,000 for day care accounts.

Q: What will happen to employees who were contributing more than the new limit?
A: Their contributions will automatically be changed to the new limit, unless they make a change during Annual Enrollment.

John Hancock letter discusses LTC Administrative Change

Employees who have Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance through ERS may have recently received a letter from John Hancock regarding their LTC policy. Those employees with this LTC coverage has had a policy number change however, as long as you continue to pay your premiums, your LTC insurance will not change. The letter was sent to inform participants of a change in the administration of their LTC policy. Going forward, John Hancock will be the participants' direct contact for any questions about LTC coverage. Participants can contact a John Hancock representative toll-free at (800) 400-9396.

HealthSelect referrals and EOBs explained

Do you have a hard time understanding the referral process? Do you know how to follow an explanation of benefits (EOB)? See the following tips from HealthSelectSM of Texas.

Referrals

HealthSelect requires that your primary care physician (PCP) provide referrals to in-network specialists for in-network benefits to apply.

• Remember to double-check with your PCP to make sure your referrals are up to date. If UnitedHealthcare does not show your referral on file, your PCP will need to submit a new referral.
• Your PCP must use UnitedHealthcare’s online provider portal to submit a referral.
• Use your personal online account at www.healthselectoftexas.com to verify that a referral is on file.
• Any PCP referrals transferred from the prior carrier (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas) cannot be viewed through your personal online account.
• Contact HealthSelect toll-free at (866) 336-9371 to inquire about any referrals that aren’t showing up on your personal online account.

Explanation of Benefits

You can view the explanation of benefits (EOB) you receive from HealthSelect through your personal online account at www.healthselectoftexas.com. EOBs provide information such as billed charges, services provided, how much the plan paid, and your financial responsibility for the claim. The Sample Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statement (PDF)(536 KB) explains the information provided in each EOB section.

Keeping your eyes healthy

Vision problems and eye conditions can affect people of all ages. That's why it's so important to take care of your eyes—starting early in life. More>>

April 1, 2013 Changes to TexFlex Debit Card Users

Beginning April 1, 2013, you can use debit cards as either “debit” or “credit” cards. If you choose debit, you will need a personal identification number, or PIN, to use the card. If your spouse or a dependent also has a card for your account, they will use the same PIN you use. You will need the PIN for debit transactions at any location that accepts your PayFlex card – pharmacies, doctors’ offices, other health care providers, day care providers, etc.

To get a PIN, contact PayFlex Card Services on or after April 1, 2013 by calling toll-free at (888) 999-0121. If you try to call the number before April 1, you will hear a message telling you to call back on or after April 1. Once you have your PIN, you can use the card right away. You will not need a PIN to use the card for credit.

This change is part of a new federal law that will reduce the amount of credit card fees that merchants pay. Some merchants may require you to choose debit and not let you use credit. This change does not affect the fees you pay for your TexFlex account or TexFlex debit card.

Starting on May 1, 2013, you will also have to activate a new card before you can use it. If you already have a card, it was pre-activated, and you don’t need to do anything. New or replacement cards issued on or after May 1, however, will have to be activated by the owner. You can activate the card the same way you would activate any other debit or credit card. Each card will contain an activation label with a toll-free number. You will dial (877) 261-9951 to activate your cards.

If you have questions about these changes, please call the number on the back of your debit card.

Retirement Planning Workshops (April 11th and 25th)

There will be a Retirement Planning Event entitled: “Retirewise” presented by Metlife, Thursday, April 11th and Thursday April 25th. These sessions will be held in Human Resources as follows:

When: Thursday, April 11 and April 25th (11:30a – 2:30p)

Where: HR Training Room 341 McElhinney

Who should attend: This course is open to all employees

How long: 3 hours each session

Topic: Retirewise (Course HRTV13 and 16)

Workshop Series:  It’s never too late—or early—to plan for your retirement

MetLife understands that one of the biggest financial challenges people face is planning and saving for retirement.  To help our employees address this challenge, MetLife is pleased to offer Retirewise®, a complimentary workshop series that can help you achieve your retirement goals.  Regardless of your age, this workshop will bet you started putting all the pieces together.

This session provides you the opportunity to:

• Attend a four-part complimentary workshop series (in two sessions) that covers a range of important financial and retirement topics
• Receive a comprehensive workbook that provides resources you can reference during and after the workshop
• Schedule an optional one-on-one consultation with the same Retirewise representative who delivered the workshop

View an interactive presentation to learn more about the benefits of attending.    Participants must commit to attending BOTH 3 hour sessions.  MetLife will provide a light lunch for these two sessions.

Please register in PASS.  Contact the HR Service Center at 713/743-3988 if you have questions/concerns. 

Employees can update email addresses and more online

If employees have changed their email addresses, mailing addresses, or phone numbers, they should update that information in their online ERS accounts. More>>

Dental Choice Plan^SM Updates for Plan Participants

Dental Maximum Benefit Starts Over January 1^st

The Dental Maximum Benefit is the amount of benefits the State of Texas Dental Choice PlanSM will pay in a calendar year. Once you reach the Maximum Benefit, you must pay all additional expenses. The annual dental maximum is $1,500, and it "starts over" each January 1. This means that as of January 1, 2013, you have access to another $1,500 for dental expenses through December 31, 2013. The annual maximum applies for each covered person.

Dental Choice PlanSM EOBs show deductible credit

If you are a State of Texas Dental Choice PlanSM participant, any covered dental expenses that applied to your deductible during the last three months of 2012 will apply to your 2013 deductible. More>>

Life EOI Application now available online

On February 1, Minnesota Life, the administrator for ERS’ life insurance, made it possible for members to submit proof of good health (also known as evidence of insurability, or EOI) for Optional Term Life Insurance and/or Dependent Term Life Insurance online. EOI is an application process in which an employee wishes to make benefits elections after their initial 30 days of employment or during the annual open enrollment period.The new web-based process should make it more convenient for members to apply for Life EOI—and faster for them to get a response—although the option to mail or fax paper EOI forms will still be available.  More>>

HealthSelect Corner

HealthSelectSM of Texas tips to keep you on track

With a HealthSelect Online Personal Account, you can easily manage your health benefits. More>>

FML Policy Changes

We have been reviewing our FML/Parental Leave (FML) practices in HR and are working to improve the timeliness in approving/denying FML applications for our employees.  Effective 12/1/2012, we require ALL FML documents (application and certification) to be forwarded directly to Human Resources for processing.  The FML application is no longer required to have the supervisor’s and College Business Administrator’s signature.  Employees are still required to inform their supervisors/departments of their requested leave as well as submit a leave request form for the time off.

When an employee is interested in going on FML, they need to contact Human Resources (713/743-3988 or stop by the HR Service Center—Room 325 McElhinney) to receive and provide the FML application and physician’s certification.   The employee will receive the necessary forms to complete along with detailed instructions on completing, and returning the forms to the HR Service Center for processing. 

Within five business days of receiving the application, the employee’s supervisor (as noted on the application), Department Administrator and College Business Administrator will be notified of receipt of the application for FML.   Within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of receiving the application in Human Resources, the employee and supervisor will receive an approved or denied response from Human Resources unless not practicable under the circumstances. 

Please review the updated policy at http://www.uh.edu/af/universityservices/policies/mapp/02/020201.pdf  (for FML) and http://www.uh.edu/af/universityservices/policies/mapp/02/020202.pdf (for Parental Leave).

We anticipate seeing significant improvement in the timeliness in responding to your employee’s FML requests.

Medical coinsurance maximums, deductibles start over

HealthSelect coinsurance maximums and non-network deductibles start over January 1.

Remember that HealthSelectSM of Texas medical coinsurance maximums and deductibles for non-network services are based on the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. At the start of each calendar year, you are responsible for any applicable deductible or coinsurance amounts. These amounts don't carry over from the previous calendar year.

Contraceptive prescription drugs covered at 100%

Please be advised that under the Affordable Care Act, contraceptive prescription drugs are covered at 100%, effective September 1, for all Texas Employees Group Benefits Program health plans. Some restrictions apply, such as that drugs must be prescribed by a physician and be FDA approved, and that 100% coverage will not apply to brand-name drugs with a generic equivalent. Deductibles do not apply to these medications.

EOI for life insurance will be more convenient in 2013

The new year will bring a new, convenient option for members submitting evidence of insurability (EOI) for Optional Term Life and Dependent Term Life insurance. More>>

Texa$aver contribution maximums increase

The contribution maximums for each of the Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Plans have increased by $500 to $17,500 for the 2013 calendar year. More>>

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Resources for Employees Facing Separation
We understand that separation from UH is a difficult time for employees.  In an effort to ease your transition, HR has compiled resource information to assist you. Information includes resources for the following areas: Retirement; Benefits; Job Search; Bills; Legal and Medical; and Frugal Living.

For more information go to:  http://www.uh.edu/hr-communications/separated-employees/

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER 325 McElhinney

The Human Resources Team is here to assist you with all your HR needs.  In an effort to serve you better, please use the Customer Service Center as your start point when coming to HR.  All appointment check-ins, information inquiries and employment document finalizations should start at the Customer Service Center in 325 McElhinney, located as you exit the elevator on the 3rd floor. Representatives will assist you directly or make sure you are directed to the right person.

Contact Information: Phone 713-743-3988 or EMAIL at CSC@uh.edu

Customer Service Feedback:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HRCustomerServiceFeedback

Communications and Updates:  http://www.uh.edu/hr-communications/index.php/#custservice

Please contact the HR Customer Service Center for any questions 713-743-3988 or via email at CSC@uh.eduu .  Angie, Mindy and Jose are ready to assist you or direct you to the appropriate resource.