FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most frequently asked questions

Q:     How do I get new ID cards or see claims?

A:     If you need to order new cards,  need claim filing instructions, or other medical information, you may contact the carriers individually listed on Birdville's Benefits Portal by clicking here. You can also create a log-in with each carrier's website and download your card there. Instructions for Medical, Dental and FSA are below. The vision, cancer, hospital indemnity, and emergency transport plans do not generally send a card, but you may access contact information and claim instructions on our benefits portal by clicking here.  

   BCBSTX administered TRS-ActiveCare plans

Call a Personal Health Guide at 1-866-355-5999 to get your ID card information so you can register for Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM). Once you have that information, you can get an ID card by:

* downloading the BCBSTX App from the Apple App Store or Google Play to get a digital ID card; or

* texting^†BCBSTX to 33633 and following the prompts.

* Once in BAM, left-click on the picture of the ID card you want to print or download. 

   Baylor Scott and White administered HMO plan

Access your electronic ID card through the SWCP member portal. Use your social security number to register. You may also contact customer service at 1-844-633-5325 to get your ID card information.

   Express Scripts Pharmacy 

You may contact an ESI dedicated customer service representative at 844-367-6108. Important information can also be found at the links below.

TRS ActiveCare Pharmacy Transition FAQs

TRS ActiveCare Prescription website  

   Lincoln Dental

For dental PPO, an ID card is not necessary.  Tell your provider you have Lincoln Dental PPO and they can verify your coverage/benefits using your date of birth and social security number. However, you may also log onto LincolnFinancial.com and download a new card, or call Delta at 800-423-2765  for the PPO.

For the HMO, please call 888-877-7828 or log into ldc.lfg.com.   

   Superior Vision

For vision an ID card is not necessary.  Tell your provider you have Superior Vision and they can verify your coverage/benefits using your date of birth and social security number. If you need further assistance, you may contact Superior at 800-507-3800.

   Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts

Higginbotham is the new provider effective 9/1/2022. To view your account, submit for reimbursement, set up direct deposit, and more, create an account at https://flexservices.higginbotham.net/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f with just your name and social security number. If you need a replacement card or have questions about your account, you may call Higginbotham at 866-419-3519.   

Q:     How do I change my address?

A:     You will need to change your address in Munis Self-Serve, which will feed to all of your benefit carriers over the following week. Your Munis username is your employee number without the b. If you have not logged in previously, your password is the last four (4) of your social security number. Otherwise, you would have set your password at your prior log-in. Detailed information on address changes can be found on the Human Resources website here.  

Q:    I called MDLive (telehealth) and they charged me. I thought this service was free through the District?

A:     You are correct, use of MDLive is free. If you provided your TRS Active Care information or Birdville as your group or employer, MDLive will not recognize the account. You must set up your account with FBS (Financial Benefit Services) as your employer. If you were already charged, you can call MDLive at 888-365-1663 and have them change your employer to FBS. They should then refund the amount charged. If they are unable to, please email the benefits office at susan.dippolito@birdvilleschools.net.

Q:    What is the TRS Care deduction on my paycheck?

A:     It’s the teacher’s retirement medical plan. This is a mandatory contribution towards retiree medical for anyone who contributes to a TRS pension plan, even if you currently do not take medical through TRS, and/or don't intend to take retiree medical. 

Q:    Can I make a change to my benefits outside of annual enrollment?

A:     You may only make changes to your benefits during the year if you have a qualifying event. Information on qualifying events and how to make a change can be found on our website by clicking the link on the left called Making Changes and Qualifying Events.

Dental

Q:     What’s the difference between an HMO and PPO?

A:     A PPO gives you the freedom to choose any provider.  The HMO is a network plan and requires you to select a provider from the network’s group of providers. Keep in mind using an in-network provider on a PPO will save you money.

Specific to dental, the PPO has an annual maximum amount the plan will pay; the DHMO does not have a calendar year maximum. The PPO plans also have a roll-over benefit from year to year, but you must have claims equaling between $1-$800 to qualify. 

Q:     My dentist said that our plan year starts over in January.  I thought it was September.

A:     Medical benefits are on a plan year from 9/1-8/31; Dental benefits are on a calendar year from 1/1-12/31; vision benefits are 12 months from your last date of service. At the beginning of the applicable year, deductibles, out-of-pocket max, and other benefits start over. 

Leaves of Absence and Disability

Q:    I am expecting a child/adopting/gaining guardianship of a child. How do I add the child to my insurance?

A:    Contact the Benefits Office within 30 days of the date of birth/guardianship change.  The sooner, the better. Please visit the Making Changes and Qualifying Events page here. 

Life Insurance Plan Questions

Q:    Please explain the different life insurance policies Birdville offers.

A:     Grandfathered Life (GF) – These plans are no longer available effective 9/1/2023 and have been rolled into regular voluntary life plans with Lincoln. The GF plan was life insurance with Aetna before changing to MetLife (2007), and then to OneAmerica (2015).  One America would no longer honor the plans rates effective 9/1/2023, resulting in the change to Lincoln.

Voluntary Term Life – Inexpensive term life insurance purchased by employees. Premiums are age banded and increase in 5 year increments. This is a group policy, you may port or convert the policy to to keep it. Rates will likely increase.

Spouse Life – Life insurance for employee’s spouse.  Same terms as Voluntary Term Life.

Child Life – Life insurance for employee’s child.  $10,000 for each child up to age 26. Total cost is $1.00 per month, regardless of the number of children insured.

Individual Life – This is an individual life plan rather than a group supplemental term life plan.  The individual policy is guaranteed renewable, portable, and premiums remain the same over the life of the policy. It can also be purchased for employee’s spouse and/or children to age 24. These policies are not available to new enrollment after 1/1/2020.