Learn About Your Employee Health Benefits
Your company offers eligible full-time employees who have satisfied the new-hire waiting period the opportunity to enroll in health insurance benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. On this page, you’ll learn about those benefits.
This benefits portal contains important and helpful information about your employer-sponsored health insurance benefits. Be sure to review the entire page. To jump to a specific section, click the links below.
When you are eligible to enroll in the employee benefits plan (and each year during your annual open enrollment period), your employer will provide you with the material you need to sign up for health coverage, including information about the plans available, your share of the employee and dependent premium for each plan option, and any required forms.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage
You’ll also receive a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) for each plan offered. The SBC provides more detailed information about the plan benefits. You may want to print and save the SBC for the plan you choose so you can refer back to it throughout the year.
Required Forms
Be sure to read the instructions carefully so that you understand which forms you need to complete and return as well as the deadline for submitting the required documents.
In this section, you’ll learn how to search for network providers, select a Primary Care Physician (HMO members only), and sign in to the Blue Access for Members (BAM) web portal. You’ll also learn about the MDLive “Virtual Visits” benefit, which allows you to consult with physicians by phone and get a prescription if medically necessary. Also included is a list of treatment options and prices as well as a listing of preferred pharmacies.
To search for providers, click on the Provider Search Tool button and click “search as guest.” The search tool can be a bit tricky, so you may want to begin by reading the instructions. The most important thing to know is which provider network to select after you’ve entered your zip code. If you have a PPO plan, select “Blue Choice PPO [BCA].” If you have an HMO plan, select “Blue Advavantage HMO [BAV}.” If you are selecting an HMO plan, you’ll need to note the PCP number and include it on your enrollment form and/or PCP selection form.
If you have trouble finding a network provider, you can call the customer service number on the back of your ID card and they can assist you.
Through BAM, you can review your benefits, compare prescription prices, view and organize claims info, print temporary ID cards, and more. You can also download the BAM app so you’ll always have access right from your mobile phone. Get the download links from this one-page flyer OR text* BCBSTXAPP to 33633 to get the BCBSTX App that lets you use BAM while you’re on the go. (*Message and data rates may apply.)
Save time and money by consulting a doctor over the phone. Whether you’re at home or traveling, access to a board-certified doctor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can speak to a doctor immediately or schedule an appointment based on your availability. Virtual visits can also be a better alternative than going to the emergency room or urgent care center. The cost is just $44 if you’re on an HSA plan. If you’re on a copay plan, the cost of the virtual visit is the same as the copayment for your primary physician.
Preauthorization (also known as ‘prior authorization’) means that approval is needed from your health plan before you have certain health tests or services. To help make sure your care is appropriate and avoid unexpected costs, it’s important that approval is received before you get these services. Usually, your network provider will take care of preauthorization before the service is performed. But it is always a good idea to check if your doctor has gotten the needed approval.
You have a lot of options for medical care, but some of those options cost more than others. This one-pager will help you save money on medical care by learning about your various treatment options. It also includes important reminders that can save you time and money.
BCBSTX has a lot of network pharmacies to choose from. However, whether you are on a plan that has copayments for prescription drugs or an HSA-compatible plan that offers a discounted price prior to the plan deductible, you will save money by using a preferred pharmacy: Walgreens, WalMart (including Sam’s Club Pharmacy), Albertsons (including Tom Thumb, Market Street, Randall’s, United Pharmacy, Amigos, Safeway, Vons, Super Saver and many other grocery stores under the Albertsons corporate banner), HEB, or Access Health (a group of independent pharmacies). Check Blue Access for Members for a list of all participating pharmacy locations. Note that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas does not work with CVS for your health plan.
Express Scripts® Pharmacy delivers your long-term (or maintenance) medicines right where you want them. No driving to the pharmacy. No waiting in line for your prescriptions to be filled.
As a BCBSTX member, you have access to a number of additional perks, including vision discounts, dental discounts, hearing discounts, and weight loss discounts. You can also save money on fitness apparel, gym memberships, and more. In this section, you’ll learn about all the perks of the Blue365 program.
Check out your child’s vision care program. As a member of a qualified health plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), members up to 19 years old are eligible for pediatric vision care benefits administered by EyeMed Vision Care.
Save on vision exams and eyeglasses when you use a contracted EyeMed provider.
Save on vision, dental, hearing, and weight loss with this complementary discount program. Also save on gym memberships, fitness apparel, healthy foods, and more.
Start saving today! Visit Blue365Deals.com to register for free and find out how much you can save.
If you select one of the HSA-compatible plan options, you may be eligible to set up a Health Savings Account. In this section, you’ll learn about HSA eligibility, contribution limits, qualified expenses, and other guidelines.
What is an HSA?
A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to set aside tax-free dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses. To be eligible to set up and contribute to a Health Savings Account, you must be an adult who cannot be claimed on someone else’s taxes, must have an HSA-qualified plan, and cannot have other coverage that would disqualify you (like Medicare or coverage through a spouse’s copay plan).
How much can you contribute to an Health Savings Account?
The amount you can contribute to a Health Savings Account depends on your age and whether you are covering just yourself or yourself + one or more family members on your HSA-compatible health plan.
2024 Contribution Limit
In 2024, the maximum HSA contribution if you have single coverage is $4,150, and it’s $8,300 if you have family coverage. You have until April 15, 2025 to make contributions to your HSA for the 2024 calendar year.
2025 Contribution Limit
In 2025, the maximum HSA contribution if you have single coverage is $4,300, and it’s $8,550 if you have family coverage. You have until April 15, 2026 to make contributions to your HSA for the 2025 calendar year.
Catch-Up Contribution
If you are age 55 or older, you can deposit an additional “catch-up contribution” of $1,000 per year. While the family contribution amount can be split between two eligible spouses, the catch-up contribution can only be made to an account in your name.
This one-pager answers basic questions about Health Savings Accounts and shows the deductible, out-of-pocket, and contribution limits for 2024 and 2025.
This handy brochure from the Department of Treasury provides information about the advantages of a Health Savings Accounts, eligibility, contribution amounts, qualified medical expenses, and more. The numbers in the brochure have been updated to reflect the 2025 deductible limits and contribution amounts.
Still confused about which of your family members can set up a Health Savings Account and the amount you can contribute? This HSA Eligibility and Contribution Matrix should help answer your questions.
These short videos should help you determine if an HSA is right for you and your family and help ensure that you get the most out of your health plan and your savings account.
What is an HSA? [3:12]
What type of expenses can you use a Health Savings Account for? [2:03]
How do I decide if an HSA is right for me? [1:53]
To see additional HSA FAQ videos, click here.
If you have an HSA-qualified health plan, you’ll want to set up your HSA right away so that you can pay with tax-free dollars for eligible medical expenses. HSA Bank is a leading HSA administrator, and you can learn more about their service by clicking on the links below. You can choose to set up your Health Savings Account with HSA Bank, or you can use another administrator if you’d prefer.
When it comes to healthcare, we often forget that we are consumers who have the right to know how much things cost and understand what we are paying for. With an HSA, you gain control over your healthcare decisions. This one-pager explains how the payment experience under an HSA may be a little different and the types of expenses that can be paid with tax-free dollars.
You can use your Health Savings Account to pay for a wide range of IRS-qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, or tax dependents. Generally, an IRS-qualified medical expense is defined as an expense that pays for healthcare services, equipment, or medications as defined under Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funds used to pay for IRS-qualified medical expenses are always tax-free. This document provides a list of eligible expenses.
HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, N.A., has been providing FDIC insured health-based savings accounts since 1997. Learn about the savings opportunities, account convenience, and investment options that HSA Bank account holders enjoy.
Learn about HSA Bank’s myHealth PortfolioSM – a self-service, online dashboard that helps you make informed decisions, and puts you in control of your health finances.
HSA Bank Mobile is all about giving you the tools to take control and better manage your health accounts. Safe and secure, HSA Bank Mobile offers real-time access for all your account needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s simple, intuitive, and convenient.
If you have an HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan, you can click here to set up your Health Savings Account with HSA Bank.
When you travel outside the country, your health plan only provides emergency coverage and you will be required to pay out of pocket, file a claim, and wait to get reimbursed. With a very affordable GeoBlue travel medical insurance policy, you can travel with peace of mind. Review the flyer to learn about all of the benefits.
Learn about GeoBlue and the importance of purchasing Travel Medical Insurance when you’re traveling outside the United States.
Comparison of the Blue Cross Blue Shield international solutions available through GeoBlue.
Here’s just one review from a happy customer: “BEST INVESTMENT EVER MADE. Traveling overseas without medical insurance is just not smart…We’ve used GeoBlue for a number of years and have been very happy with the price and the service (we’ve had to use their coverage twice). HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!”
Getting a quote is fast and easy, and you can apply online. Before your trip, be sure to download the GeoBlue App so you have everything you need right on your phone.
GeoBlue Video Overview and Testimonials
This is a short clip of a member who GeoBlue evacuated to Dubai after he contracted Malaria in the Congo.
Medicare limitations and pre-existing conditions should not stop seniors from being able to travel the globe. Hear advice from a seasoned traveler on why you should buy GeoBlue.
With the convenient mobile app, GeoBlue is in your hand and by your side no matter where you go. See how you can find and pay for care and file a claim all from your mobile device!
In this section, you’ll find information about your special enrollment and continuation rights, government programs you or your children may qualify for, and more.
To assist you as you evaluate options for you and your family, this notice provides some basic information about the health insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) and employment-based health coverage offered by your employer. Because you have health coverage available to you through your employer, you and your family members may not qualify for a premium tax credit for an individual health plan. If you ever lose your employer-based coverage, you may qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period in the individual market.
A federal law called Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires that we notify you about very important provisions in the plan. You have the right to enroll in the plan under its “special enrollment provision” without being considered a late enrollee if you acquire a new dependent or if you decline coverage under this plan for yourself or an eligible dependent while other coverage is in effect and later lose that other coverage for certain qualifying reasons.
If you have a non-grandfathered health plan (the plan or plans offered through your employer are non-grandfathered), federal laws require we notify you of additional provisions of your plan. This notice provides information about your rights on plans that require the designation of a primary care provider (PCP). Generally, this only applies to HMO plans.
This notice contains important information about your right to COBRA continuation coverage, which is a temporary extension of coverage under the Plan. This notice generally explains COBRA continuation coverage, when it may become available to you and your family, and what you need to do to protect the right to receive it.
If you are eligible for health coverage from your employer, but are unable to afford the premiums, some States have premium assistance programs that can help pay for coverage. If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, you can contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office or dial 1-877-KIDS NOW or www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out how to apply.
Your company has selected JME Insurance Agency to help with your employee benefits. We provide a lot of behind-the-scenes services, but we’re also available to help if you have questions about your benefits or need assistance with an elevated claims issue. You can reach our office at 972.245.0266 or by emailing jme@jmeinsurance.com.