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Benefits - Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I change the amount of federal income tax being withheld from my paycheck?
You will need to send a newly completed W-4 Form to the Payroll Department.
I have recently gotten married and hence changed my last name. What should I do to have my marital status and last name updated in the system?
Contact your nearest Social Security Administration Office and ask for instructions to obtain a new social security card with your new name. When you receive your new card, take it to the Payroll Department so that the new marital status may be reflected.
What is BRP?
BRP (Benefit Replacement Pay) replaced a state benefit that paid 5.85% of the first $16,500 of income as a Social Security tax supplement. It was a one-time increase to base pay that occurred in January 1996. BRP is based on each employee’s October 31, 1995, pay and includes an additional amount to cover the increased Teacher Retirement or Optional Retirement program contribution required by the increase. Individuals who were employees of the State of Texas on August 31, 1995, became eligible for BRP.As a faculty member hired on July 15 of a year, when am I eligible for the State Group Insurance Premium (SGIP)?
SGIP eligibility begins the first of the month following the 90 day wait.
If I have worked in a temporary capacity for more than 4.5 months, am I eligible for benefits?
When your employment is extended beyond 4.5 months, you then are eligible for benefits and will be placed in a temporary budgeted position or Pin.
Can I add or drop a dependent from my health plan?
If you have a family status change you may add or drop dependents from your health plan within 60 days of the change. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the Annual Enrollment period, July 1st through July 31st.
Can I add my grandchild to my coverage?
Yes, grandchildren may be covered if the employee/retiree certifies that the grandchild is living in their household. You will have to provide documentation which proves the child’s residency (school records, daycare records, federal or state benefit program, or a court record. A Texas Driver’s License can be provided on grandchildren of driving age). Certification must be provided every three years and must include current documentation.
How do I locate health care providers for BlueCross BlueShield?
You can call Customer Service at (886-295-1212) or logon to www.bcbstx.com.
How do I locate participating pharmacies for PharmaCare (formerly EHS)?
For a list of participating stores you can call (1-800-238-7828) or log on to www.pharmacare.com
How does Medicare coordinate with my A&M health plan?
Medicare will be your primary coverage if you are not working and your secondary coverage if you are working.
I did not enroll in Medicare Part B when I turned age 65 because I was still actively working. What should I do?
You should contact the Social Security Administration before you retire, at (1-800-77-1213) or access their website at www.socialsecurity.gov
Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare when I turn 65?
If you are receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. Social Security will send you an enrollment package that contains information about Medicare.
Can I add Optional Life and Dependent Life insurance for both me and my spouse?
Yes, whether there is a Change in Status or not, an employee/retiree can enroll in Optional Life and an eligible dependent to Dependent Life, as long as there is evidence of insurability. An employee/retiree may decrease or drop coverage at anytime.
What do I have to do in order to change or rename my primary beneficiary?
You will be required to complete a new Designation of Beneficiary Form. This form can be completed at any time.
Can I use both Scott & White Health Plan and Superior Vision for my vision benefits?
No, you can only use one of the plans for your vision benefits.
I wear bifocal lenses. Is this covered under the $10 co-payment?
Yes. Single, bifocal, trifocal and lenticular lenses are all covered under the $10 co-payment. The co-payment does not cover elective features such as no-line bifocals, faceted lenses, scratch or anti-reflective coatings and lens tints.
Where can I get a list of Superior Vision network providers?
You may call Superior Vision at 800-507-3800 or log on to www.superiorvision.com.
Where can I get a list of providers for Cigna dental?
If enrolled in A&M Dental PPO, call 888-DENTAL-8 or log on to www.cigna.com. If enrolled in CIGNA Dental HMO, call 800-367-1037 or log on to www.cigna.com
How can I contact TRS?
You can contact them either by Telephone (800)-223-8778 or 512-397-6400 or you can log on to www.trs.state.tx.us.
How can I check the status of my TRS account?
TRS active members with valid passwords can check their account status by accessing the TRS website at www.trs.state.tx.us.
Can I borrow money from my TRS or ORP retirement accounts?
No, you can not borrow money.
Am I eligible for ORP (Optional Retirement Program)?
Full-time faculty, librarians, and certain professionals and administrators may select ORP rather than TRS within 90 days of becoming eligible.
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