HSC Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy officially opens doors

The demand for pharmacists has grown tremendously, and the Texas A&M Health Science Center is meeting that need with the new Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy in Kingsville. Read more»

Veteran Sports Information Director joins Javelina Athletics

A 20-year veteran of collegiate sports information and marketing brings his acumen and expertise to Javelina Athletics as the next sports information director for Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Read more»

Five honored as distinguished students during summer commencement

Five graduates at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s summer commencement ceremony received the Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award sponsored by the Student Government Association. Only one bachelor’s degree student from each college receives the award. Read more»

Javelina Welcome serves as introduction to campus

Students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will receive a proper Javelina Welcome when they arrive for the fall semester Friday, Aug. 25. Activities geared toward both the new students and those returning are scheduled during Javelina Welcome. Students may register and check in with the Javelina Welcome staff from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Read more»

McNair Scholars present work, including first business researcher

Students from the Ronald E. McNair program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville recently participated in the 11 th annual Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program making presentations on their research. Read more»

Area middle, high school teachers gain research experience through summer program

Five South Texas middle school and high school teachers got to walk in the shoes of environmental researchers for five weeks as part of the third annual summer Research Experience for Teachers (RET), a program sponsored by the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology- Research on Environmental Sustainability of Semi-Arid Coastal Areas (CREST-RESSACA) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Read more»

University to serve as Fall 2006 site for middle, high school best robotics and science competition

Coastal Bend middle school and high school students will be traveling to Texas A&M University-Kingsville in September and October with artwork, posters, speeches and robots in tow. Read more»

August, September is benefit transition period

Now that you've made your benefit enrollment decisions for the 2006–2007 plan year, here are some important tips as you transition into the new plan year:

Plan ID cards

• BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) will issue ID cards only to new A&M Care participants.
• PharmaCare will issue prescription drug ID cards to new and current A&M Care health plan participants.
• FirstCare will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• Humana will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• Mercy will issue ID cards only to new participants.
• Scott & White will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• The Graduate Student Health Plan will issue ID cards to new and current participants.
• All vision and dental plan participants will receive new ID cards.
• You should keep your old plan ID card until you receive your new one.
• Regardless of whether you receive a new ID card, your plan will send you information about your coverage.
• If you changed health or dental plans, you may want to wait until you receive your new ID card(s) before you schedule a routine checkup. This will ensure that your health or dental plan has your eligibility information and that you will receive benefits.

Dental HMO network general dentist

If you enrolled in the dental HMO (DeltaCare USA), you will be assigned a dentist, and it may be a different dentist than you had under CIGNA. If you wish to change dentists, contact Delta Dental at (800) 422-4234. To find a network dentist in Texas, refer to the directory online. For available dentists in other areas, go to www.deltadentalins.com or refer to the plan’s provider directory, available from your Human Resources office. Once you select your new dentist, you will receive a new ID card.

Dental HMO orthodontia benefits

If you enrolled in the dental HMO (DeltaCare USA) and are currently receiving orthodontic treatment under either of the current CIGNA dental plans, you can continue using your orthodontist if banding has occurred. You must complete a Continuous Orthodontic Coverage Form, available online. You will receive the same benefits you would have received under CIGNA. If banding has not occurred, you must switch to a DeltaCare USA orthodontist. In this case, you will receive DeltaCare USA benefits.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Beginning Aug. 29:

• You can no longer use your Health Care Spending Account debit card.
• Any claims you have from this year that you have not submitted to Tax Saver Plan should be sent to PayFlex instead.

With either type of spending account, you can receive your first reimbursement check after you mail in your first claim of the new plan year and after you have received your first paycheck reflecting your new benefit elections and contributions.

Total Compensation Statements

If you are an employee, you will receive a Total Compensation Statement in late fall. This letter will summarize your total compensation package for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. Your total compensation includes your salary, insurance benefits, retirement plans and other employment-related programs that are available to you as an A&M System employee.