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Have questions about your plan? Need help using your benefits? Get quick, easy answers in these short “how to” videos. They’re bite-sized but packed with great info, so you’ll be in the know in no time!
Here’s everything you need to know.
EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy. Today we're with Dan, a retired music teacher. Welcome, Dan.
DAN: Thank you.
JENNA: So you are newly enrolled in TRS Care Standard, right?
DAN: Yes. And I haven't used my coverage yet. I'm looking for tips on how to get started.
JENNA: Great. Since you already have your card, we are going to use it to get you registered for Blue Access for Members or BAM. That's where you'll go to check on claims or referrals, see your explanation of benefits, find a doctor or hospital and access your wellness benefits. If you didn't have your card yet, you could call a Personal Health Guide or PHG 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999 and talk to a plan specialist for help.
So, let's start on the TRS Care Standard site and then go to BAM. Click log in and then use the information on your BCBSTX ID card to sign up.
DAN: Can a FD help me register for BAM?
JENNA: Oh, yes. PHGs are so helpful. They can also answer questions about claims, help you find a provider, and even make your appointment. And you can call them or chat with them on the BCBSTX app if you'd rather anytime, day or night.
DAN: That's a great feature. Do I need to download the app?
JENNA: Are you an app guy?
DAN: It depends what it is. If it makes my life easier, yes.
JENNA: Well, this one definitely can. I love that you can search for providers right there in the app, instantly see a claim when you get a notification, and like I mentioned, live chat with a PHG. I can tell you my mom uses that feature all the time.
DAN: Can you show me how to download the app?
JENNA: Appsolutely. OK, so on your iPhone, we'll just go to the App Store and search BCBSTX. If you had an Android, you'd search for BCBSTX in the Google Play store. There we go. Now, we'll hit Get. For all you out there, you can download the app below. And there's more information about PHGs and all the great things they can help you with in the how to get help with your plan 24/7 video, which we're linking below. We're also linking the how to choose or change your provider video, which is a really helpful guide if you need to find a doctor, specialist, lab, or hospital.
DAN: That's great.
JENNA: There's one more thing. You'll want to do right away, and that's update your preferences. You can do that on the Tools and Resources page of the TRS Care Standards site. Choose how you want to be contacted and fix anything that's wrong or fill in missing information. That way, you won't miss important plan information BCBSTX sends you.
DAN: That's great, I'll make sure I do that.
JENNA: Thank you for being on the show and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
The process is simple with these few steps.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDIE: Action.
JENNA: Hi, again. We're Jenna and Eddie, back with our friend, Dan.
DAN: I was hoping you could show me how to find a new doctor. I know I don't need a primary care provider on TRS Care Standard, but I like to have one.
JENNA: You just moved here after retiring, right?
DAN: Yes, to be closer to my kids and grandkids.
JENNA: I love that. We just had our first baby, and I love that our families live nearby. OK, so let's find you a PCP.
We'll go to the TRS Care Standard site and click on the Doctors and Hospitals tab, and then on Provider Finder. If you know the name of the PCP you want, like your previous doctor gave you a referral, you could search by name and specialties here. If you don't have a PCP in mind, browse by Category and select Medical Care.
I just want to pause here for a second to say that if you're looking for Mental Health Care or Urgent Care, you would click on one of those, instead of Medical Care.
OK, so now we're ready to click on Medical Care and then Primary Care. If you were looking for a specialist, lab, or hospital, you'd search here, too.
DAN: Oh, good to know.
JENNA: On this page, you'll see the different types of primary care doctors, and the definitions of each. So you can narrow your search by choosing from Family Practice, General Medicine, Internal Medicine. This brings up a list of providers.
Now, you can filter by Specialty, Gender, Distance, what language they speak. You pick a PCP from the providers listed, and click on View Profile. Now you can read all about that provider. When you find the one you want, call and make an appointment.
You can call a personal health guide, or PHG, 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999. A PHG can help you find a provider and make an appointment for you.
DAN: That may be the best thing I've heard today.
JENNA: To learn more incredible information, check out our other videos linked below. Thank you, Dan, for being here, and I'll see you on the next one.
We make it easy!
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDIE: Action.
JENNA: Hi, we are Jenna and Eddie back again with Aisha.
Hey, Aisha. Thank you for bringing this topic to us, which I know will interest many TRS Care Standard participants.
AISHA: It's nice to see you both again.
JENNA: OK, so let's dive right in.
The first thing you want to do to get claims information is to log in or register. If it's your first time to Blue Access for Members, you'll find that here on the TRS Care Standard site, or you can download the BCBSTX app, which I love because you can do everything from your phone.
Links to the app in the Apple Store and Google Play Store are below, and we're also including a link to the How to Download the App video, which walks you through how to get the app.
Once you're logged in, click on Claims. It brings up your claims in chronological order, and gives you information about each one and its status. Up here, you can filter your claims by Date, Member, if you have family on your plan, Claim Status, Type, and Provider.
AISHA: If I know the claim number, can I get right to it?
JENNA: You can. You would use the Search box on the top right to enter the claim number. If you hit View Details on a claim, it shows you who paid what, and gives you a breakdown of costs if there was more than one, like multiple labs, for example.
AISHA: It seems easy enough to use, but what if I need help? Is there someone I can talk to?
JENNA: Yes, and I am so glad you asked because I feel like people don't know about personal health guides, so I love talking about them. You can literally call a PHG anytime, day or night, or chat in the BCBSTX app if you don't want to talk on the phone.
AISHA: Anytime?
JENNA: Yes, 24/7. They can help you with claims, answer questions about your coverage, find you a provider, or even make you a doctor's appointment.
EDDIE: It's seriously like having a personal assistant.
JENNA: It is. That phone number and a link to the app are below.
AISHA: Thank you. I feel like I understand this better, and I know who to call if I need help.
JENNA: You are very welcome. Thank you for being here, and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
When to get virtual care, use your PCP, or go to the ER.
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Action.
SPEAKER 2: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy back with Aisha, who has a great question for us.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
SPEAKER 3: How do I know where to go for different types of illnesses or injuries? I'm not always sure when to go to urgent care or the ER.
SPEAKER 2: Well, there's a really great tool on the TRS Care Standard website that everyone should know about. Check out where to go for care page. It breaks down your different options really well with examples and a general idea of costs.
SPEAKER 3: So what if I have a sprain and this says I should go to urgent care but urgent care isn't open? Then should I go to the ER? And what about those freestanding ERs I'm seeing everywhere? Are those the same as a regular ER?
SPEAKER 2: I am so glad you asked this. In a true emergency, you should always go to the ER. For something serious but not necessarily an emergency, well, it's not always clear where we should go. So I leave that up to the doctor to decide. When my doctor's office is closed, I use Virtual Health.
SPEAKER 3: Which is available all the time, right?
SPEAKER 2: Exactly! You can do a virtual appointment 24/7, and if you need emergency care, the doctor will let you know.
Now about freestanding ERs, I tell everyone this story as a cautionary tale. We went to a freestanding ER once when Eddy had abdominal pain. We didn't understand how they were different from a real ER, but they are almost always out of network so we got hit with a huge bill.
SPEAKER 1: And they weren't even able to help me, so we still had to go to the real ER.
SPEAKER 2: That meant we paid twice, and that out-of-network visit was expensive. We learned the hard way not to go to a freestanding ER again.
SPEAKER 3: I'm not totally sure I know how to spot a freestanding ER. Some of them look like urgent cares.
SPEAKER 2: Yeah, they do, so here's what to look for. Freestanding ERs always have emergency in the name. They're usually open 24/7 whereas urgent care centers typically close at night, and they're not connected to a hospital.
SPEAKER 3: Oh. That's helpful. Thank you for this.
SPEAKER 2: It's our pleasure. Thank you for being here. And thank you all for watching. Don't miss our other how-to videos for tips on maximizing your coverage. They're linked below.
It's easier than you think!
EDDY: Action.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
LINDA: I'm Linda, and this is my husband, Bob. I'm here with my daughter, Jenna, and son-in-law, Eddy. They help people understand their health coverage.
JENNA: That's right. And Mom here is quickly becoming an expert on TRS-Care Standard.
LINDA: "Expert" may be strong, but I'll take it. So today, I'm going over how to add a dependent, which I learned when I added Bob to my coverage after we got married. The first thing to know is you can only add a dependent during your initial enrollment period, so when you first sign up for TRS-Care Standard, or during a special enrollment event.
BOB: I know marriage is a special enrollment event. What are some others?
LINDA: Special enrollment events are opportunities to enroll in Care Standard outside of your initial enrollment period because of an involuntary loss of comprehensive coverage, like job loss, or because you have a new dependent.
JENNA: And who's considered an eligible dependent, Mom?
LINDA: In addition to a spouse, eligible dependents can include children under the age of 26. This includes adopted children, foster children, stepchildren, and guardianship of grandchildren. But not all children under 26 will be eligible for coverage, so you want to make sure you see your benefits booklet or talk to a Personal Health Guide, especially if your dependent is voluntarily canceling their existing coverage.
Remember, it's only a special enrollment event if it's an involuntary loss of comprehensive coverage. You'd hate for your dependent to cancel their coverage, only to find out they can't enroll in Care Standard because they're not eligible. Links to the benefits booklet and Personal Health Guides are below. Your benefits booklet also has a complete list of special enrollment events.
JENNA: This is a good time to mention that if you need help adding a dependent, understanding the special enrollment period, or with any feature of your TRS-Care Standard coverage, a Personal Health Guide is your best friend. Call a Personal Health Guide 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999, or chat in the BCBSTX app. You can call or chat with a PHG 24/7.
BOB: They are so helpful, and I love that you can reach someone any time on the phone.
LINDA: Exactly. There's one more very important piece of info that I wanted to share. To add a new dependent, you'll call TRS Health at 1-888-237-6762 to get an enrollment application and follow the instructions to fill it out and submit it.
JENNA: Thank you guys so much for coming on. I know this will be really helpful to participants.
LINDA: I hope so, Thanks for giving us the forum.
JENNA: My pleasure. And thank you for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below. See you on the next one!
It's so easy to use!
SPEAKER: Action.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JENNA: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy. Today we are here again with our friend Dan.
DAN: I know there's an app I can use for my plan, but should I download it? My phone's pretty crowded.
JENNA: I get that. The BCBSTX app is a huge time saver, because you can do almost everything on your phone instead of waiting to get back to your computer or tablet. When you log in, you'll see your deductible and out-of-pocket information. Here you can get your digital ID card or see your messages, find a doctor or hospital, track claims and spending, see an overview of your coverage, update contact information, and access Well onTarget tools.
Here you'll find your health assessment, health-related podcasts on topics like back pain and cholesterol. And if you click on Wellness Coaching, you can access no cost programs for diet, fitness, blood pressure, stress management.
DAN: No cost?
JENNA: I know. Wellness coaching is an incredible program. We have more information in the "How to use a health coach" video, which we're linking below.
DAN: I can't wait to sign up.
JENNA: Now let's talk about Blue Points.
DAN: What are Blue Points?
JENNA: They're like rewards points you earn for things like joining the fitness program, working out, and tracking your progress.
DAN: I definitely see why I should download the app.
JENNA: Right? One more thing is this Contact Us area. This is where you can live chat with a Personal Health Guide, or PHG, 24/7 for help with claims, cost estimates, finding in-network providers, scheduling appointments, or general benefits questions.
DAN: OK. I'm sold. How do I get the app?
JENNA: It's easy. Just search BCBSTX in the Apple Store or Google Play Store, or click the links below. The app is available in English and Spanish.
DAN: Thank you both again. I can't tell you how helpful this has been.
JENNA: You're so welcome. Thank you, everyone, for joining us, and be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Don’t skip your life-saving preventive care.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Hi. Jenna and Eddy back with my mom, Linda, and stepfather, Bob, to share more tips for using your health insurance and getting the most out of your coverage. Mom, I know you wanted to talk about colonoscopies today.
LINDA: I do. I don't want to be a nag, but I do want to encourage everyone to go get a colonoscopy as soon as you hit the recommended age, which right now is 45. We lost a good friend last year to colon cancer. He never got a colonoscopy, even though his doctor and his wife were begging him to go.
BOB: I was overdue for my colonoscopy, so Linda and I scheduled ours together. The couple who gets their preventive care together stays together.
LINDA: And lives longer.
JENNA: That's true. So what else should people know about getting a colonoscopy?
LINDA: There are a couple important pieces of information. First of all, colonoscopies are considered preventive care, like Bob mentioned, so they're covered at 100% when you use in-network providers.
BOB: I know both of you are too young for a colonoscopy, but I hope as soon as you hit 45, you'll go get one. Your mom just told me about a startling statistic.
LINDA: As much as 90% of colorectal cancers and deaths are preventable-- 90%. So listen to your mom and get a colonoscopy as soon as you're eligible.
JENNA: That is good advice.
BOB: If you want to know where to start, talk to your primary care provider, or you can easily find a provider by using Provider Finder. Go to the TRS-Care Standard site and click on the Doctors and Hospitals tab. If you know the name of the specialist or practice you want, you can enter it here in the search bar. If not, you'll browse by category and click on Medical Care, All Specialties. Scroll to the letter G, and then Gastroenterology.
Now, we can filter. Let's say, 5 star patient rating. Over here, you can change your distance. And here, you can narrow it down even further. Here, you can compare providers and get more information by clicking on the provider's name or View Profile.
JENNA: It really is easy.
LINDA: It is. And if you're ever having trouble finding a provider or using the website, we have a great tip. Call or chat in the BCBSTX App 24/7 with a Personal Health Guide. A PHG can find you a provider, and even make you an appointment.
JENNA: Thank you both for being here and for helping people use their healthcare coverage.
LINDA: You're welcome.
JENNA: Be sure to check out the rest of the TRS-Care Standard videos linked below. Thanks for watching and see you on the next one.
Options include in-person and virtual therapy!
EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Welcome back to the channel. I'm Jenna and behind the camera is my husband, Eddy. We help people understand health coverage. Today, we're at Ayesha's house. She's a retired principal, and she has some questions about her TRS Care standard coverage. On this episode, we're going to talk to Aisha about how to get mental health care.
You had a question about mental health care.
AYESHA: This is a little hard to talk about, but I just haven't been feeling like myself. And my doctor wants me to think about getting some mental health help.
JENNA: It's great you're getting help. I know so many people who put it off, or they think they can fight their way through mental health issues on their own. I've spoken about my mental health because the more we talk about it--
AYESHA: The more we normalize it.
JENNA: Exactly. The good news is you have excellent mental health coverage with TRS Care Standard. You can see a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional, and it's easy to find one, whether you want to go in person or do a virtual appointment.
AYESHA: I hadn't thought about virtual appointments.
JENNA: Virtual appointments work for some people, while others prefer to meet in person. Either way, you can use Provider Finder to find a mental health provider.
AYESHA: So I can search the same way I would if I was looking for a doctor or a hospital?
JENNA: Yes Let's go to the TRS Care Standard site and click on the doctors and hospitals tab, and then on Provider Finder. You can find that link below. Here's the screen where you can choose the type of care you want. So we'll click on Behavioral Health and then Specialty Care. If you wanted to find a mental health facility, you'd click here. Once you're in Specialty Care, you can select substance abuse, counseling, psychiatry.
AYESHA: Counseling.
EDDY: Now, you have a list of providers. And I want to first point out Teladoc here at the top. That's where you'd go for virtual mental health care for anxiety, addiction, depression, eating disorders, and more online or over the phone. And you can register right here on this page.
AYESHA: That's great.
EDDY: OK, so back to providers. You can filter them by gender, patient ratings, distance, what language they speak. You can click on View Profile to read all about that provider. When you find the one you want, call and make an appointment. You can call a personal health guide or PHG 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999. A PHG can help you find a provider and make an appointment for you. Be sure to mention you're looking for mental health care to connect with the right type of PHG.
I also want to tell you about Headway. It can be hard to find a mental health provider with appointments right away.
AYESHA: Yeah, that's something I've worried about.
EDDY: Then you're going to love Headway. They match you with an in-network provider who fits your needs the same day, and they have openings within 48 hours.
AYESHA: Oh, wow. I'm really impressed with what's available to us with Care Standard.
EDDY: OK, so lastly, you have access to Learn to Live. Learn to Live is an online program that uses behavioral therapy techniques. There are quick and easy lessons you can do, and they also have coaching by phone, text, or email for one on one support. You can get more information about these resources and more on the mental health page. That link is below.
AYESHA: Thank you. This is great.
EDDY: You're very welcome. Thank you for being here. And thank you all for watching. Get more tips for using your coverage by watching the videos linked below.
Check out all your in-person and digital options.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Hi. We're Jen and Eddy back, again, with Aisha, who wants to know more about the fitness program.
AISHA: Yes. I'm so excited about the fitness program. How does it work?
JENNA: Well, it's great because you have so many options all over the country at a discounted rate, from large gyms to studio classes, like, yoga or Pilates. So if you're traveling, you can still find a place to work out. You also have digital options if you want to work from home.
AISHA: My husband will love that. Can he join, too?
JENNA: Yes. The fitness program is available to you and your covered dependents age 16 and older.
AISHA: How does the discount part work?
JENNA: Discounted fees start at $19 a month, depending on the gym and whether you want in-person, digital or both. There's also a pay-as-you-go option and savings for boutique style classes and specialty gyms.
AISHA: OK. How do I enroll?
JENNA: It's easy. Go to the TRS-Care Standard website and log in to Blue Access for Members, or BAM, or create an account if you don't have one already. Click Wellness, then go to Fitness Program. Do a Zip Code search to find Fitness Centers, and then sign up. You can also enroll by phone. You can search for classes, check in, and see your fitness activity in BAM, or on the Well on Target fitness program mobile app. The link to the app is below.
AISHA: Great!
JENNA: There's another cool feature I want to tell you about called Blue Points. You get 2,500 points for joining the fitness program, and you earn more points for doing a health assessment, working out, and tracking your progress. You can turn Blue Points into gift cards.
AISHA: So I'm getting rewarded for something I'm doing anyway.
JENNA: Exactly. Once you start earning points, you'll track them in BAM, or on the app.
AISHA: Thank you. This is great information.
JENNA: You're so welcome. Thank you for joining us, and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
This great program is included in your plan.
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Action.
SPEAKER 2: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy back with my mom Linda and stepdad Bob to help TRS Care Standard participants understand and use their benefits. Hi, you two.
SPEAKER 3: Hi, honey.
SPEAKER 2: So today we're talking about how to improve cholesterol. I know this is something we've all thought about because we have friends and family members with high cholesterol.
SPEAKER 3: Like both of us, your dad, your uncle--
SPEAKER 4: And several of our friends.
SPEAKER 2: And my friends, too.
SPEAKER 3: I was curious, so I looked it up. Did you know that about 10% of Americans have high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke?
SPEAKER 4: Yeah, I was shocked that only 54% of people who should be taking medicine for high cholesterol are taking it.
SPEAKER 2: That's so dangerous.
SPEAKER 3: Obviously the most important thing you can do is get your annual preventive care check, which is 100% covered under TRS Care Standard. So it costs you nothing with an in-network provider.
And then listen to your doctor when it comes to taking medication or making lifestyle changes. This is where wellness coaching comes in. This program is available to all TRS Care Standard participants for free, and it can help you lower your cholesterol or your blood pressure, improve your fitness or diet, manage stress, or stop smoking. Jenna, do you want to tell us how it works?
SPEAKER 2: Sure. The first time you log in to Well onTarget, which we'll go over in a minute, you'll take a health assessment. That will help you pinpoint the right program. Then you can register to work one on one with a credentialed health expert or coach for cholesterol or any other program you choose.
SPEAKER 4: That's an amazing benefit.
SPEAKER 2: It is. So you can message with your coach in the wellness portal or in the always on app. We've linked both of those below. Or you can use the number on the wellness coaching portal dashboard to talk to your coach by phone. The program also has these online trackers to help you keep track of milestones and goals.
SPEAKER 3: OK. How do we sign up?
SPEAKER 2: You can go to Well onTarget by logging in to Blue Access for Members and clicking on the wellness tab, logging into Well onTarget using your Blue Access for Members username and password or downloading Well onTarget always on wellness app. Those links are below.
And remember, if you need help with signing up or using wellness coaching or any feature of your TRS Standard Coverage, you can call or chat with a personal health guide 24/7. Call a personal health guide at 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the BCBSTX app.
SPEAKER 3: Thanks, Jenna.
SPEAKER 2: Thank you And thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Coaching includes $0 nutritionists and fitness experts!
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Action.
SPEAKER 2: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy here again with my mom, Linda, and my stepdad, Bob, to help TRS Care Standard participants understand and use their benefits.
SPEAKER 3: Hi, honey.
SPEAKER 2: So today we're talking about how to use a wellness coach. Mom, take it away.
SPEAKER 3: Oh, thanks, Jenna. I was so excited when I found out about wellness coaching that I wanted to share it with as many of my friends as possible. The bottom line is you can work with a nutritionist, a fitness expert, or another type of credentialed health expert for free. Wellness coaching is available to every Care Standard participant at no extra cost through Well onTarget wellness coaching. Jenna, want to tell us how it works?
SPEAKER 2: Sure. The first step is to take a health assessment. That will help you pinpoint the right program. Then once you're registered for wellness coaching, you'll work one on one with your coach on a plan to help you meet your health goal. You can exchange secure messages with your coach through the wellness portal or the always on app. We've linked both of those below.
You can also talk to your coach using the phone number on your wellness coaching portal dashboard if you want, and online trackers help you keep track of milestones and goals.
SPEAKER 4: But what programs are there?
SPEAKER 3: Wellness coaching programs include fitness, weight loss, stress management, cholesterol improvement, blood pressure improvement, smoking cessation.
SPEAKER 4: I heard about four programs I want to do.
SPEAKER 2: I hear you. And you can do more than one program but not at the same time.
SPEAKER 3: OK. How do we get started?
SPEAKER 2: Well, there are three ways to sign up. You can get to Well onTarget by logging in to Blue Access for Members and clicking on the wellness tab, logging into Well onTarget using your Blue Access for Members username and password, or downloading Well onTarget's always on wellness app. Those links are below.
And remember, if you need help with signing up or using wellness coaching or any feature of your TRS Care Standard coverage, you can call or chat with a personal health guide 24/7. Call a personal health guide at 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the BCBSTX app.
SPEAKER 3: This is such a great benefit. Can't wait to use it.
SPEAKER 2: I am so glad. Thank you both for being here and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Learn when it’ll arrive and how to get a new one.
EDDY: Action.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JENNA: Hi. Jenna and Eddy here with our friend Dan, who has recently retired and enrolled in TRS-Care Standard. We're helping him understand how to use his coverage.
DAN: I've learned so much that I know will save me money and make the most of my benefits.
JENNA: That's what we love to hear. So you had a question about your ID card?
DAN: Yes. When I originally asked my question, I didn't have my ID card yet, but now I do.
JENNA: When you join TRS-Care Standard, it typically takes a couple of weeks to get your card in the mail. But I'm glad we're talking about this because I want to show everyone how to use their coverage, even if they don't have their card yet. You can start using your benefits on day one of the plan year with a temporary ID. You'd get that by logging into Blue Access for Members or downloading the BCBSTX app.
If you haven't watched the "How to start using your coverage" video linked below, go ahead and click on that link now. It's a good idea to watch that video first because it has a lot of detailed information, like how to log on to BAM, get the app, update your preferences, and other details. We'll also include the links to BAM and the app below.
DAN: It's a really helpful video.
JENNA: OK, back to the ID card. You need a few key pieces of information before you can log into BAM or use the app-- your ID number and your group number. But you won't have this until you get your ID card. There's an easy fix.
DAN: Personal Health Guides to the rescue.
JENNA: Exactly. Just call 1-866-355-5999 to talk to a Personal Health Guide, or a PHG. They're available 24/7, and they'll get you what you need to log in and get your temp card. And as you know, PHGs can help you with all kinds of stuff, including claims information, finding a provider, and even making a doctor's appointment.
DAN: I call the PHGs so much they're going to start recognizing me by my voice. They're so helpful.
JENNA: They are. I am so glad you're using that benefit, and I hope you all have the same experience. One last thing I wanted to mention about ID cards. Once you are able to log into BAM, or you download the app, you can go in and download a digital copy of your ID or request a new ID if you need one.
DAN: I love this. Thank you, Jenna. This has been so helpful.
JENNA: You're welcome. Thanks for being on the show. And thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos about TRS-Care Standard linked below.
Don’t miss out on this free benefit.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Hi, we're Jenna and Eddy, back again with our friend, Aisha. So you had a question about zero-dollar preventive care?
AISHA: Yes. I'm not sure what counts as preventive care and what's covered at no cost.
JENNA: Great questions. Covered preventive care includes annual wellness exams; health screenings for things like diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol; cancer screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies; certain vaccinations, like an annual flu or shingles shot; women's preventive care, including pap smears; and prescriptions for certain generic preventive drugs. You can check the list of covered preventive drugs at the link below.
AISHA: Great. My husband had a situation where he went for an annual wellness visit and was charged for several things. I still don't understand why, since it was a preventive care visit. And I want to make sure it doesn't happen again.
JENNA: Of course. So this can get tricky if you don't know the rules. If you talk about an ongoing condition or get diagnostic care during your annual wellness visit, it may become more than just a preventive care visit, and you can be charged for deductibles or coinsurance.
So here's how to prevent that. When you make an appointment for your annual wellness visit, let the scheduler know to code your visit as preventive care. And when you have your appointment, ask your doctor what you can and can't ask. You may have to save questions about ongoing conditions or specific health concerns for another appointment or just know that you are going to incur charges.
AISHA: That's good information.
JENNA: Here's one more very important tip for saving money. Make sure to use in-network providers for all your care because going out of network will always cost more. It's especially important for preventive care because it won't be covered at 100% if you use an out-of-network provider.
AISHA: How do I make sure my doctors are in network?
JENNA: There are two ways. Check Provider Finder on the website or the BCBSTX app. If your doctors are in network, you'll find them here. It's pretty easy to use. But if you need help, there's a great tutorial on the How to Choose or Change your Provider Video, which is linked below. The other easy way to find an in-network provider is with a personal health guide. You can call 1-866-355-5999 24/7 or chat in the BCBSTX app.
AISHA: Thank you. This was so helpful.
JENNA: You're so welcome. Thank you for being here. And thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
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Learn easy ways to save money on care.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDY: Action.
JENNA: Thank you.
SPEAKER: I'm very interested in cost comparisons. How does it work?
JENNA: Well, if you've used Provider Finder before--
SPEAKER: I just used it for the first time to find a PCP, with your help.
JENNA: Yes, you did, on the "How to find or change your provider" video, which we are linking below. So what we didn't talk about during that video is how to do cost comparisons.
Let's log into Blue Access for Members, or BAM. If you hadn't registered for BAM yet, you would do that here. Now we'll click on Find Care and then on Find a Doctor or Hospital. In the Browse by Category section, click on Cost Estimates. Choose All procedures, Office Visits/Physicals, MRIs and Other Imaging, or Women's Health for your wife.
Choose a treatment or procedure to narrow your search, and you'll get a list of providers or facilities and their estimated costs. You can compare up to four options side by side by checking the box next to each one and clicking Compare in the lower right corner.
As we've talked about in pretty much every video because the Personal Health Guides, or PHGs, are amazing plan specialists, you can also call a PHG at 1-866-355-5999 for help with cost estimates and comparisons. Or you can chat 24/7 with a PHG through the BCBSTX app. That link is below. And so is the link to the video on how to download the app.
SPEAKER: Thank you. That was really helpful.
JENNA: You are so welcome. Thank you for being on the show, and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
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We’ll help you get info before you see a provider.
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Action.
SPEAKER 2: Hi, we're Jenna and Eddy with our friend Aisha talking about coinsurance and deductibles.
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SPEAKER 3: Thank you so much for helping with this. I just don't know where to start.
SPEAKER 2: That's why we're here.
For information about copays and deductibles, plan highlights is your friend. It's all laid out for you here. So let's go to the TRS Care Standard site then coverage and benefits then plan highlights for this plan year. You'll see this page has information for both Medicare and non-Medicare participants so make sure you're looking over here.
SPEAKER 3: Oh, good tip.
SPEAKER 2: Here, you can get a ton of plan information all in one place, your deductible in and out of network, coinsurance in and out of network, maximum out of pocket, virtual care for medical and mental health, prescription drugs, and premiums. So this is a great place to come back to for a reminder of your overall coverage.
SPEAKER 3: My personal deductible and maximum out-of-pocket information won't be here, right?
SPEAKER 2: Right. For that, you'll log into Blue Access for Members on the TRS Care Standard website or on the BCBSTX app. Those links are below.
Once you're registered for BAM, you can log back in any time. If you click here on spending, it brings up your deductible and out-of-pocket max. Here you can see where you are on your deductible and how much is left before you've met it. It also breaks down how much of that deductible was spent on medical and prescriptions.
Over here is your out-of-pocket max. You can see what you've spent and your yearly limit and the breakdown underneath.
SPEAKER 3: OK. That seems easy to use.
SPEAKER 2: It is. Now there's one important thing to point out here. If you had other family members on your plan, it would say family above out-of-pocket max, and this number would be the total spend for the family. Underneath would be a breakdown of each family member's spend and annual limit.
Before we go, there's one more thing I want to share. If you need information about co-insurance, deductibles, or anything related to your coverage, call or chat with a personal health guide. At lunch, at the end of the day, in the middle of the night, it doesn't matter. They're available 24/7 by phone at 1-866-355-5999 or by chatting in the BCBSTX app. And they are so helpful with claims questions, finding providers, and even making doctor's appointments.
SPEAKER 3: Thank you, Jenna. That's a great tip.
SPEAKER 2: You're welcome. Thanks for being here and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Call or chat around the clock.
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Action.
SPEAKER 2: Hi. We're Jenna and Eddy back again with our friend Dan, who has a question about how to get help with his plan.
SPEAKER 3: What do I do if I need help using my coverage after hours? And what's the best way to connect with someone for help during the day?
SPEAKER 2: Well, there is no such thing as after hours with TRS Care Standard. Plan specialists called personal health guides or PHGs are available 24/7 to help you use your benefits and answer questions about your plan. So whether you need help at 10:00 AM or 10:00 PM or in the middle of the night, you're just a phone call or chat away. We'll talk about the chat in a minute.
SPEAKER 3: That gives me so much peace of mind. There's nothing worse than not knowing how to get help when you need it. So how do I reach a PHG?
SPEAKER 2: Well, the number is 1-866-355-5999, but you don't have to memorize it. It's on the back of your ID card. It's also in Blue Access for Members and all over the TRS Care Standard website.
In the health and wellbeing section, there's a personal health guides page with details about what PHGs can help you with like finding a doctor or hospital in network, getting cost estimates for doctor's appointments or procedures, and answering questions about claims and medical or prescription benefits. They can even schedule doctor's appointments for you. We've included links to BAM and the personal health guides page below.
SPEAKER 3: Really? I can't wait to do that.
SPEAKER 2: Oh, yeah. Our whole family loves that feature. Another favorite is live chat like I mentioned before. Are you a phone person or a chat person?
SPEAKER 3: Both. It depends on what's going on and when.
SPEAKER 2: Well, for those times that you just don't want to make a phone call, the chat is so convenient, and you can chat with a PHG any time, day or night, in the BCBSTX app. We'll drop the iPhone and Android links below.
SPEAKER 3: I'm really excited about working with PHGs.
SPEAKER 2: I'm so glad to hear that. Thanks again for being on the show and thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Get medical and mental health care from anywhere.
SPEAKER 1: Action.
JENNA: Hi. Jenna and Eddy, with another great question about benefits from our friend Dan.
DAN: Yeah, my question is about TRS Virtual Health. Can my wife use it, too? And is there anything special we need to do to get started?
JENNA: Your wife is on your plan, right?
DAN: She is.
JENNA: Then she can use TRS Virtual Health, too. All TRS-Care Standard benefits are available to all covered dependents.
DAN: Excellent.
JENNA: There are two virtual care providers on TRS-Care Standard, Teladoc and RediMD. Both have board certified doctors, and both are available for phone or video appointments for non-urgent medical conditions, 24/7.
Teladoc also offers virtual mental health treatment. So you can see a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or certified drug and alcohol abuse counselor for conditions including depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention disorders, alcoholism and addiction, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.
DAN: That's amazing. Sign me up.
JENNA: To get started with Teladoc, register on their site, Teladoc mobile app, or by calling 1-855-Teladoc or 1-855-835-2362. Those links are below.
For RediMD, you'll register on their site. Go to Create an Account, enter the code trscarestandard, click Submit, and follow the directions. You can also call RediMD at 1-866-989-Cure or 1-866-989-2873, and choose option three. See below for the RediMD link.
DAN: Thank you. Appreciate the help, yet again.
JENNA: It's been my pleasure. Thanks for being on the show, and thank you all for watching. Don't miss out on our other videos, linked below.
It’s 100% covered by your plan.
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDIE: Action.
JENNA: Hi, again. Jenna and Eddie here, with a very special guest today. My mom, Linda.
Hi, mom.
LINDA: Hi, honey. Hi, Eddie.
As some of you may know, Jenna and Eddie recently had their first baby. Our first grandbaby. So we have even more reason to make sure we're healthy and get to be around for a long time.
JENNA: Yes. I knew we had breast cancer in our family, but I wanted to know more about it, and what mom and I should be doing to protect ourselves.
LINDA: Well, I know you're still below the recommended age for mammograms.
JENNA: Yes, that's 40.
LINDA: Right, but it's so important for you to pay attention to your breast health at your age and younger. We do have a family history of breast cancer.
Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 60s, and Aunt Kathy died of the disease at 84. I've had genetic testing, and I don't have a gene mutation, but I get my mammogram every year like clockwork, and I do monthly breast checks, which every woman should be doing.
You want to talk to your doctor you're considered high risk, or if you have a first-degree relative, like a parent or a sibling, that has certain gene mutations.
JENNA: That's good advice. So tell us about getting mammograms through your TRS Standard plan.
LINDA: Well, the first thing to know is that they're covered at 100% once per year with in-network providers because they're considered preventive care, so it won't cost you anything.
JENNA: That's great.
LINDA: Finding an in-network provider is easy. For any provider search, you want to go to the TRS Care Standard site and click on Doctors and Hospitals tab. If you know the name of the specialist or practice you want, you can enter it here in the Search bar. If they're not in network, or if you don't have a name or practice to search, search Imaging Centers or click on Medical Care, Diagnostics and Other Medical Services, and then Diagnostic Radiology.
You can also search Provider Finder in the BCBSTX app. Download here.
Now you can filter. Let's say five-star patient rating. Over here, you can change your distance, and here, you can narrow it down further.
Now, you can compare providers and get more information by clicking on the provider's name or View Profile.
JENNA: Easy peasy.
LINDA: It is. But if you're ever having trouble finding a provider or using the website, there's a great way to get help. Call or chat in the BCBSTX app 24/7, with a personal health guide. A PHG can find you a provider and even make you an appointment.
JENNA: Thanks for explaining all of that, and for helping people use their health coverage.
LINDA: You're so welcome!
JENNA: Be sure to check out the rest of the Care Standard videos linked below.
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions.
EDDY: Action
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JENNA: Hi there. Jenna and Eddy here again with my mom, Linda, and my stepdad, Bob. Today, we are talking about MRIs and CT scans. Bob recently had to have a CT scan, so he's our expert today.
BOB: Yes, I had a kidney stone. It was not fun.
JENNA: I'll bet.
BOB: But the process of finding an in-network provider was easy. My first call, when the pain started, was to my primary care provider. I was able to do a virtual appointment, which was great, and he suspected it was a kidney stone. He gave me a referral to an imaging center, but I couldn't get in right away. So Linda showed me how to use Provider Finder.
JENNA: And now you're a pro.
BOB: You're right, honey. Let me show you all out there how simple it is to find an in-network provider. If I can do it, anyone can.
[LAUGHTER]
For any provider search, whether you're looking for a primary care provider, a podiatrist, a therapist, or an imaging center you want to go to the TRS Care Standard site and click on the Doctors and hospitals tab, and then on Provider Finder. If you know name of the specialist or practice you want, you can enter it here in the search bar. If not, you'll browse by category and click on Medical Care, Diagnostics and Other Medical Services, and then Diagnostic Radiology for a CT scan.
JENNA: You can also search Provider Finder in the BCBSTX app, which you can download at the link below.
BOB: Right, now you can filter. Let's do Five-Star Patient Reading. Over here, you can change your distance. And here's where you can narrow it down further if you want. Now you can compare providers and get more information by clicking on the Provider Name or View Profile.
LINDA: It really is easy. But if you're ever having trouble finding a provider or using the website, or if you want any information about your plan, we have a great tip. Call or chat in the BCBSTX app 24/7 with a Personal Health Guide. A PHG can help you find a provider and even make you an appointment.
JENNA: Thanks, Bob, for using your experience to help TRS Care Standard Participants use their benefits.
BOB: Anytime.
JENNA: Thanks for joining us. Be sure to check out the rest of the Care Standard videos linked below.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Get started today!
[MUSIC PLAYING] EDDIE: Action.
JENNA: Hey, we are Jenna and Eddie. Back again with my mom, Linda, and my stepdad, Bob. We've been getting questions about wellness coaching and specifically about how to stop smoking.
LINDA: I was surprised to hear how many of Bob's friends were smoking.
BOB: I was too, and I know a lot of people whose kids and grandkids are vaping, so it's really hitting multiple generations.
JENNA: That is a very good point, and also, a good time to mention that if anyone needs information about how to add a dependent or who's eligible to be a dependent on TRS Care Standard, check out the video below.
OK, now back to our very important topic.
BOB: I used to be a smoker, and it's been a really long time since I picked up a cigarette, but I still remember how hard it was to quit. I love that we have access to programs to help stop smoking with our TRS Care Standard coverage. And that it doesn't cost anything. So tell us how it works.
JENNA: Smoking cessation is just one of the programs available with Well onTarget wellness coaching.
So first, you'll go to Well onTarget. You can get there by logging in to Blue Access for Members and clicking on the Wellness tab, logging into Well onTarget using your Blue Access for Members username and password, or downloading Well onTarget's always on wellness app. Those links are below.
LINDA: So when you use wellness coaching for the first time, you'll take a health assessment to help you pinpoint the right program. Then you can register to work one-on-one with a credentialed health expert to stop smoking, work on your diet or fitness, lower your cholesterol or blood pressure, or manage your stress.
JENNA: Like you said, all the wellness coaching programs are zero cost. They're included in the TRS Care Standard plan.
BOB: That's such a great benefit.
LINDA: It is. Once you've signed up for a program, you'll communicate with your coach in the Wellness portal or in the always on app. You can use the number in the portal to talk with your coach on the phone.
JENNA: The program also has these online trackers to help you keep track of milestones and goals.
BOB: Thank you for telling us more about how to stop smoking with wellness coaching. I want as many people as possible to know about this.
JENNA: You are very welcome, and we do, too. Thank you for being here, and you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
Mental health help that costs you nothing!
EDDY: Action.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JENNA: Hi. I'm Jenna. I'm usually here with my husband, Eddy, and a guest with a question about their health coverage. Today, it's just my friend Aisha and me, getting honest about a sensitive topic. I've talked a bit about mental health before, but want to go into more details about what's helping me.
I've had friends and family use Wellness Coaching through Well onTarget to improve their nutrition, get fit, lower their cholesterol, or stop smoking, so I knew the program worked. And I was ready to learn some new tips for stress management, so I signed up. Let me just tell you, the fact that Wellness Coaching is free is amazing.
AISHA: It is, and I know that'll help more people use it.
JENNA: I hope so. I know that just because you're retired doesn't mean you don't have stress.
AISHA: I think a lot of people assume retirement means no worries, like we're all skipping through fields and walking hand in hand on the beach carefree.
[LAUGHTER]
We may not have work stress anymore, but we still have financial stress, family stress, health stress. So tell me how to use the stress management program.
JENNA: Let me show you how to sign up for wellness coaching. First, you'll go to Well onTarget. You can get there by logging in to Blue Access for Members and clicking on the Wellness tab, logging into Well onTarget using your BAM username and password, or downloading Well onTarget's AlwaysOn Wellness app. Those links are below. Once you're in, you'll take a health assessment. You do this no matter what you're interested in, and it helps you pinpoint the right program.
Then you can register to work one-on-one with a credentialed health expert, who will give you the tools to manage your stress. Or you can work with someone for cholesterol or blood pressure improvement, fitness, diet, or to stop smoking. You can message with your coach in the Wellness portal or in the AlwaysOn app. Those are both linked below. Or you can use the number on the portal dashboard to talk to your coach by phone. The program also has online trackers to help you keep track of milestones and goals.
AISHA: I'm really eager to get started.
JENNA: Keep me posted on how it's going. Thank you for being here today and being so vulnerable. I think you helped some people today.
AISHA: That means a lot. Thank you for the great information.
JENNA: Anytime. And thank you all for watching. Don't forget to check out our other videos linked below.
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And it's included for free in your plan!
SPEAKER 1: Action.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
SPEAKER 2: Hi, we're Jenna and Eddie, back with more great information about using your benefits. Today, we're with a special guest, our friend Aisha.
SPEAKER 3: My husband and I made a pact to start eating better this year. We were all set to pay for a nutritionist. And then one of my friends told me, you can work with a nutritionist for free on TRS Care Standard. Is that true?
SPEAKER 2: People are always so surprised when I tell them about Well onTarget wellness coaching. Yes, it's true. You can work with a nutritionist. And it won't cost you anything. It's included on your TRS Care Standard plan.
SPEAKER 3: Tell me more!
SPEAKER 2: We're going to go to Well onTarget. You can get there by logging into Blue Access for Members and clicking on the Wellness tab, logging into Well onTarget, using your Blue Access for Members username and password, or downloading Well onTarget's AlwaysOn wellness app. Those links are below.
The first step for any Well onTarget program is to take a health assessment. Then you can register to work one-on-one with a nutritionist as your coach. Together, you'll make a plan to improve your diet.
SPEAKER 3: How do I communicate with my coach?
SPEAKER 2: You can talk to your coach on the phone. The number is there in the Wellness Portal dashboard. You can also message with your coach in the portal, or in the AlwaysOn app. The program also has these online trackers to help you keep track of milestones and goals.
SPEAKER 3: And this is really free? My husband and I were trying to figure out how to budget for a nutritionist.
SPEAKER 2: It is included in your plan.
SPEAKER 3: I'm so excited!
SPEAKER 2: Well, help us spread the word so everyone can take advantage of this great benefit!
SPEAKER 3: Oh, I will. What other programs are there?
SPEAKER 2: Stress management, fitness, weight loss. They can also help you improve your cholesterol or blood pressure, or stop smoking.
SPEAKER 3: I see a few other programs we might want to do.
SPEAKER 2: Keep in mind, you can do multiple programs, but only one at a time.
SPEAKER 3: Thank you. This is great info, Jenna.
SPEAKER 2: Our pleasure. Thank you for being here. And thank you all for watching. Be sure to check out our other videos linked below.
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