The Campus CONNECTION Issue 11 January 2015
Now You Know Alumni Relations Coordinator
Director of Communications
IT Business Analyst Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services Compliance News
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code 552), formerly known as the Open Records Act, each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees, unless expressly provided otherwise by law. For more information regarding Public Information Requests or questions regarding this procedure, contact Charlotte Banks, Director of University Compliance, at x6755.
The Affordable Care Act P.1
What’s New for 2015?
Current Staff Openings
In this issue
The Affordable Care Act:
Now You Know P.1 Campus Life P.2
The new year will bring a few more changes from the Affordable Care Act. Out-of-Pocket Maximum (OOPM) In 2015, the most you will pay out of your pocket for medical care can’t be more than $6,600 for individuals and $13,200 for families.
The OOPM amount is for one year. When you renew your plan for 2016, you start back at zero. The premium you pay each month to have health insurance isn’t included as part of your outof-pocket costs, so it does not count toward the OOPM. What you spend may only count toward reaching the max when you see a provider in your network. If you use a doctor who is not in your plan’s network, the money you spend won’t count toward the OOPM. While the OOPM amounts above are the most you can be required to pay in a year, you may be able to find a plan that offers a lower out-of-pocket maximum. That’s something to look for when picking a plan.
Employee Corner P.3 Reminders & Updates/ New Hires P.4
Preventive Services Most health care plans now pay for (fully cover) wellness exams, screenings, shots & other types of care meant to prevent or find health problems.
This means the total cost is paid by your plan. You won’t have to pay a copay or other out-of-pocket charges when you visit a doctor in your network for preventive care. Some over-the-counter drugs may be covered if you have a prescription from your doctor. You may have out-of-pocket costs if the doctor also sees you for other health problems while you are there for preventive care. Ask if you have any questions about your bill. Minimum Essential Coverage Most people now must have a basic level of health insurance, called minimum essential coverage (MEC).
You may have to pay a tax penalty if you don’t have a health insurance plan. A family of 4 that doesn’t have MEC could face a tax penalty of at least $975 in 2015. And the penalty increases each year.
CAMPUS LIFE
Classes start back on January 20th! The University will be closed January 19th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Hope everyone had a good and safe break!
The Campus Connection Issue 11 January 2015
Employee Corner
BIRTHDAYS James Scogin
Roderick McKnight
Loren Surratt
Ashley Brown
Carmen Shurtleff
Christie Pinnell
Art Stiner
Vivian Holmes
Ashley Morrow
Don Peterson
Sara Power
Christopher Parker
Jana Boatright
Angela Sikorski
Caitlin Snyder
LeAnne Wright
Parag Lala
Charlotte Banks
Trevor Smith
The October Employee of the Month is Police Officer Ed Emilia. Ed’s nominator said “I have had the pleasure of working with Ed for some time now and I am impressed. Ed has stepped up to the plate to help me in many cases. He has become a First Aid and CPR instructor to help me train others on campus. He has volunteered to be in the Professional Development Committee and will become a FISH! Facilitator. Ed went out of his way to pick up my slack when I was out of town for a conference. Ed taught my portion of the new hire orientation in my absence. He is always so kind, fun and willing to help.”
Employee of the Month October
Employee of the Month November
Ed Emilia Keith Beason The nominator said “Keith put together a busy week with over 11 community service projects in 5 days! We had 120 students volunteer (which was more than double what we had for last year’s event) & logged over 320 community service hours in one week. Keith attended almost every single project himself! Keith has always been dedicated to community service & that is evident in his participation in Leadership Texarkana, he sits on the board for a non-profit organization, & was recognized as one of Four States Living Magazine’s “Fabulous Under 40” this year.”
REMINDERS & UPDATES Employee Recognition Luncheon The Employee Recognition Luncheon is scheduled for January 29th, 2015. Come celebrate our retirees and employee’s service from 11:30am to 1:30pm in Eagle Hall. Please mark your calendars. Remember to RSVP to Tina Tindal if you plan to attend the Luncheon so enough food is ordered. This year we’d like to recognize some personal milestones of ALL our employees by showing off photos of newborn (grand) babies, new marriages, graduations, retirements, and any other major life events that happened in 2014. If you would like to share a photo with us, please email it to Tina Tindal with a short description of who’s in the picture, their relation to you, and the month and/or day in 2014 that it was celebrated.
New Year’s Resolutions Have you been thinking about living a healthier lifestyle or trying to stop smoking? There are lots of through resources available your health plan benefits that can help. Check them out as you’re considering your options for reaching your goals this coming year. Well on Target – Provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, Well on Target provides health assessments, online courses and education, wellness trackers, and even coaches, available through phone or e-mail, who can help you achieve your goals. Programs are available to manage cholesterol, nutrition, weight, blood pressure, activity, stress or tobacco use.
Rachel Grant Financial Aid Loan Counselor
Lorie Jones Secretary III at NTCC
Darlene Shaver Secretary III Success Center
Get started by logging into Blue Access for Members (BAM) on the www.bcbstx.com website, select the My Health tab and visit the The Campus Connection Issue 11 January 2015