You can now update your direct deposit and W-4 information through HRConnect.
To change this information, click on the "Payroll Data" tab and scroll down to Federal Income Tax Withholding Details to change your W-4 form or to Direct Payroll Deposit Information to change your direct deposit form. To update your direct deposit bank account information, you will need your bank's routing number and your new account number. Changing your bank account within HRConnect will not automatically change your voucher deposit information, which determines where the money is deposited when the A&M System reimburses you for things like travel expenses. To change your voucher deposit information, you'll need to contact the office that processes your payment vouchers.
When making changes, keep in mind that payroll is typically processed at least three days before the actual pay date for employees who are paid biweekly and up to 12 days before for those paid monthly. This means that any W-4 or direct deposit bank account changes you make close to a pay date may not take effect until the following pay date.
CIGNA recently introduced the Dental Treatment Cost Estimator, an online tool that allows participants in either A&M System-offered dental plan to quickly estimate potential dental care costs.
To access the tool, log into www.MyCigna.com and select “Treatment Cost Estimator,” located on the right side of the page. The site will ask you to provide basic information about your coverage, such as type of plan, coinsurance amounts (for PPO) or patient charge schedule (for dental HMO). The correct patient charge schedule is K1R04. You can then look up costs by procedure.
CIGNA recommends that you not rely solely on these cost estimates when making decisions regarding dental care, but to use this information when discussing dental care options with a dentist.
If you are enrolled in an A&M Care plan, you now have access to an online health risk assessment that can help you improve your overall health.
This assessment, which is provided through the Mayo Clinic from the BlueCross BlueShield of Texas website, asks you general questions about your health and lifestyle. After completing the questionnaire, you will receive a Personal Health Report, which is an online summary of your health risks and strengths. It will outline strategies and resources for reducing your risks and maintaining your strengths.
To access this tool, visit the BCBSTX website, log into BlueAccess, and select the “My Health” tab. Select “Mayo Clinic Health Information” and click the “Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment” button. The site recommends that you have information such as weight, blood pressure, cholesterol level, triglyceride level and blood sugar level handy.
The IRS has increased for 2006 the maximum amount of annual income (wage base) on which employees will have to pay Social Security old age, survivors or disability income tax from $90,000 to $94,200.
In addition, the IRS has changed certain Medicare provisions. The following is what those covered by Medicare paid in 2005 and what they began paying Jan. 1, 2006:
| 2005 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Hospital insurance) | ||
| Inpatient hospital deductible | $912 | $952 |
| Daily coinsurance amounts | ||
| 1. 61st to 90th days in benefit period | $228 | $238 |
| 2. 91st through 150th days | $456 | $476 |
| 3. 21st to 100th days in skilled nursing facility | $114 | $119 |
| Part B (physician/medical) | ||
| Monthly premium | $78.20 | $88.50 |
| Deductible | $110 | $124 |
| Part D (prescription drug plan) | ||
| Monthly premium | N/A | $32 |
BlueCross BlueShield of Texas has created a special telephone menu option for A&M Care participants who are retired. Retirees who call (866) 295-1212 and select the retiree option from the menu will be connected to a customer service representative who has experience with retiree claims and Medicare.
How can I check to see if I have any claims pending under my Health Care Spending Account?
If you visit TaxSaverPlan online at www.taxsaverplan.com, you can log in and view your account information by clicking “Account Balance Information” and providing your Social Security number and last name.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a complete record of your deposits and claims up to that point in the plan year. You will also be able to see whether any claims are marked as incomplete. To resolve incomplete claims, you must provide TaxSaverPlan with the required documentation for those claims. TaxSaverPlan should have sent you an e-mail letting you know what documentation is required.