The following is provided by the Human Resources Office.

New health and prescription drug insurance ID cards issued

Employees enrolled in the HealthSelect or Consumer Directed HealthSelect plans should have received new ID cards from OptumRx to show at medical appointments and network pharmacies. (A single card now includes both health and prescription plan information.) If you have not yet received an ID card, contact OptumRx at 866-336-9371 (TTY: 711).  OptumRx replaced Caremark as the prescription-drug provider effective January 1.

HealthSelect plans return to Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Employees Retirement System of Texas has selected Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to be the third-party administrator for health plans effective September 1, 2017. The plan administrator pays claims, maintains provider networks and the HealthSelect website, and offers wellness programs. OptumRx will continue to administer the prescription drug program. Watch for additional information about this important change in the coming months.

Get fit in the new year: Exercise classes begin January 23

Classes for Zumba, boot camp, tai chi, yoga, and more start soon. Check out spring exercise classes  and register today.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program (for HealthSelect members)

ACC and Seton Hospital are partnering to offer a class on managing diabetes. Learn about smart food choices and meal planning as well as strategies to improve blood glucose control and lower your risk of health problems. Classes are noon to 2 p.m. each Friday from February 10 through March 3, at Highland Business Center. Learn about the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program or register today — space is limited.

Substance abuse disorders

Facing Addiction in America, a recent report by the surgeon general, addresses the misuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs in America. A few eye-opening findings:

• More people use prescription opioids (pain relievers) than tobacco.
• One-and-a-half times more people are diagnosed with substance abuse disorders than all types of cancers combined.
• As many people have substance abuse disorders as diabetes.
• In 2015 one in five Americans (66.7 million) reported binge drinking in the past month and 27.1 million were using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs.

Fortunately, effective treatment can restore health and save lives. ACC’s Employee Assistance Program, offered through Deer Oaks, offers 24-hour, confidential assistance to employees or their family members who are dealing with substance abuse or misuse.  Reach them at 1-888-993-7650 or www.deeroakseap.com; use AustinCCD as the username and password.

Featured employee discounts for January

Start the year off right with deals from the Advantage Discount Program:

• Lower your auto insurance costs with MetLife — customers save an average of $500.
• Save 25 percent on accommodations with Endless Vacation Rentals.
• Save up to $350 on an alarm system from Frontpoint.
• Save on the purchase of computers and computer software.

For these deals and more go to http://www.beneplace.com/acc.

Deer Oaks EAP newsletters

Find these articles and more in Deer Oaks’ January employee newsletter:

• Online Seminar Reminder: Mind Your Money
• Make 2017 Your Year to Quit
• Winter Itch
• Hold a Family Financial Meeting

The EAP supervisor newsletter includes:

• Online Seminar Reminder: Mind Your Money
• Upcoming Supervisor Excellence Webinar Series & Leadership Certificate Program Session
• Leadership Exposed: Things You Thought You Knew About Leadership
• Ask Your EAP!

ACC celebrates recent retirees

ACC celebrates the following retirees. Retirees are recognized at Board of Trustees meetings for their years of service to the college.

Tags: hr connection, retirees, substance abuse, wellness classes