August, September is benefit transition period

Now that you've made your benefit enrollment decisions for the 2006–2007 plan year, here are some important tips 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.
• PharmaCare will issue prescription drug ID cards to new and current A&M Care health plan participants.
• FirstCare will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• Humana will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• Mercy will issue ID cards only to new participants.
• Scott & White will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• The Graduate Student Health Plan will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• All vision and dental plan participants will receive new ID cards.
• You should keep your old plan ID card until you receive your new one.
• Regardless of whether you receive a new 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.

Dental HMO network general dentist

If you enrolled in the dental HMO (DeltaCare USA), you will be assigned a dentist, and it may be a different dentist than you had under CIGNA. If you wish to change dentists, contact Delta Dental at (800) 422-4234. To find a network dentist in Texas, refer to the directory online. For available dentists in other areas, go to www.deltadentalins.com or refer to the plan’s provider directory, available from your Human Resources office. Once you select your new dentist, you will receive a new ID card.

Dental HMO orthodontia benefits

If you enrolled in the dental HMO (DeltaCare USA) and are currently receiving orthodontic treatment under either of the current CIGNA dental plans, you can continue using your orthodontist if banding has occurred. You must complete a Continuous Orthodontic Coverage Form, available online. You will receive the same benefits you would have received under CIGNA. If banding has not occurred, you must switch to a DeltaCare USA orthodontist. In this case, you will receive DeltaCare USA benefits.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Beginning Aug. 29:

• You can no longer use your Health Care Spending Account debit card.
• Any claims you have from this year that you have not submitted to Tax Saver Plan should be sent to PayFlex instead.

With either type of 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 and contributions.

Payroll deductions

Payroll deductions for your new benefit elections will begin Sept. 15 if you are paid biweekly and Oct. 2 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, bills and bank draft notices for September will be mailed around Sept. 5. Payment will be due and bank drafts will be deducted Sept. 15.

Total Compensation Statements

If you are an employee, you will receive a Total Compensation Statement in late fall. This letter will summarize your total compensation package for the 2006-2007 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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