NMPSIA Newsletter


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Summer 2024
Featured sunset photo captured in Santa Fe by E.J. Volkman

Top News

  • Benefits 101: Loss of Coverage
  • Completion of Active Procurements
  • The Importance of Preventative Care
  • Eye Health Highlight
  • Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe
  • Vector Solutions

NMPSIA is excited to announce our new partnership with SurgeryPlus!

This benefit will help our members obtain Orthopedic and Spinal surgery at NO COST to them!

Click the logo to learn more.

Send us pictures of your part of New Mexico to be featured in the next NMPSIA Newsletter!
Email your pictures to: kaylynn.roybal@psia.nm.gov


Benefits Corner

Benefits 101: Loss of Coverage

If you or a dependent experience a loss of coverage, you MUST report that loss within 31 days. Supportive documentation of the loss is required to include:

  • Who lost coverage
  • What type of coverage was lost
  • When did the coverage end
  • Why was the coverage lost (must be involuntary)

Be Advised: Voluntary canceling of other coverage or non-compliance to maintain other coverage is not considered a qualifying event. See page 14 of the Program Guide for details related to the Loss of Coverage Qualifying Event.

NMPSIA Benefits completed several procurements and we are proud to announce that we have contracted with the following vendors:

  • SurgeryPlus
  • Erisa Admin. Services, Inc.
  • BCBS Medical
  • Presbyterian Medical
  • BCBS Dental (for 1/1/2025)
  • Delta Dental
  • United Concordia Dental
  • Davis Vision
If you are in need of a reconsideration for a denied enrollment, submit an inquiry to leslie.martinez@psia.nm.gov for assistance.

The Importance of Preventative Care

Members should not have to face financial burden for seeking routine visits. The NMPSIA plan design is structured to ensure our members are able to access preventative and wellness services at little to no cost. The early detection of disease translates to better health outcomes for our members. Better health outcomes translate to dollars saved for not only the Plan but the insured individual as well!

stock image of doctor conversing with patient

Getting the Most Out of Your Benefits

In-network providers are providers who are contracted with your selected medical, dental and/or vision carrier. Seeing an in-network provider will allow you to receive care at a fraction of the cost, compared to seeing an out-of-network provider! Be sure to double check that your favorite providers are in-network with your selected carrier(s) by visiting our website or calling your carrier directly. Click HERE and navigate to the “Find a Provider by Carrier” menu option. From there you will be able to be view a complete list of in-network providers.

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Wellness Spotlight

eye exam stock photo

Eye Checkups

Bringing eye health into focus

Did you know an eye exam can be used for more than renewing your glasses/contacts prescription?

Early signs of disease can be detected through the eyes which is why it is so important to see your optometrist every year.

Make an appointment with your eye doctor today! Not currently established with an eye care professional? Click HERE to find a provider near you.

eye exams are covered with a $10 copay every 12 months.


Mindful moments. Taking 5 Mindful Breaths, 5x a Day can help you with reducing stress, making decisions from a clear head space and manage emotions like anger or frustration. Try incorporating this breathing technique when you wake up, before entering a meeting, before drafting a difficult email and before bed.

  1. Exhale to a count of four.
  2. Hold your lungs empty for a four-count.
  3. Inhale to a count of four.
  4. Hold the air in your lungs for a count of four.
  5. Exhale and begin from step 1 again. Repeat 3 cycles.
NMPSIA wellness logo

Oven-Roasted Carrots

  • 2 pounds carrots
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up). Toss carrots with oil and seasoning. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Arrange carrots in a single layer. Bake 18-20 minutes for baby or garden carrots, 25-30 minutes for large carrots.

oven roasted carrots

Risk Resource

The New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority and Poms & Associates want to remind you of an important training resource for your District or school. Vector Solutions delivers high-quality, expert-authored courses on important safety, compliance, and prevention topics. This service is provided to all NMPSIA members at no additional cost and also allows participating entities to assign, track, and manage training for your users. Included in the offerings are grade-appropriate, short online courses concerning Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Professional Boundaries in Schools. The courses will help New Mexico Schools comply with the requirements of House Bill 128 and it is strongly recommended that all NMPSIA participating employers adopt them as mandatory training.

Vector Solutions logo

Vector Solutions Highlights
(2023-2024 School Year)

  • 47,059 Active Users
  • 74,925 Users with online completions
  • 653,273 online module completions
Poms and Associates logo

To get started with Vector Solutions, just fill out the online form.
If you need additional assistance or have questions, please email Kevin McDonald at Poms & Associates at kmcdonald@pomsassoc.com.

Other valuable trainings can be accessed HERE!

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices:
    Staff-to-Student
  • FERPA:
    Confidentiality of Records
  • Hazing Prevention in K12 Environments
  • HIPAA Overview
  • Playground Maintenance & Inspection
  • Playground Supervision
  • Sexual Harassment:
    Staff-to-Staff
  • Student Alcohol and Substance Abuse
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention
  • Cybersecurity Overview
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees:
    End-User Best Practices
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees:
    Security Awareness Essentials
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Social Engineering
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices:
    Staff-to-Staff

NMPSIA Newsletter


Download PDF
Fall 2024
Featured photo of Brazos Cliffs near Chama, NM by Joe Marquez of Santa Fe Photo of Brazos Cliffs near Chama, NM by Joe Marquez of Santa Fe

Latest News

  • Benefits 101: Birth of a Child
  • Healthcare Fun Fact
  • Telehealth: Access $0 Copay and Convenient Scheduling
  • Back-to-School Wellness Tips
  • Life on Mindfulness Sign Up
  • Cauliflower Soup Recipe
  • Wellness Ambassador
  • Suicide Prevention

NMPSIA is excited to announce Open/Switch Enrollment Oct 1 - Nov 1, 2024

Use the online enrollment system to add or change lines of coverage

Send us pictures of your part of New Mexico to be featured in the next NMPSIA Newsletter!
Email your pictures to: kaylynn.roybal@psia.nm.gov


Benefits Corner

Benefits 101: Birth of a Child

Welcoming a newborn child is a joyous time in someone's life and it's also a qualifying life event to cover your newborn under NMPSIA Benefits!

Important: The Policyholder has 31 days to report the birth of a child by submitting a Change Form and proof of birth. Don't wait to inform your employer of your upcoming birth! It will be important to ask about your maternity options such as FMLA and ensure you know how to fill out the Change Form, which can be found HERE on the NMPSIA website.

Did you know: You can use the Hospital Proof of Birth/ Birth Registration to enroll your child in benefits? You do not need to wait for the Social Security card or Official State Filed Birth Certificate to enroll your newborn!

Helpful Tip: Pack your Change Form in your hospital overnight bag. When hospital registration comes to your room, you will be prepared with your Change Form, which you will provide to your employer.

Fun fact graphic

DID YOU KNOW SEPTEMBER IS THE MOST POPULAR BIRTH MONTH OF THE YEAR? SEPTEMBER 9TH IS THE MOST POPLUAR DAY TO BE BORN, AVERAGING 12K BIRTHS ON THIS DAY ALONE.

If you are in need of a reconsideration for a denied enrollment, submit an inquiry to leslie.martinez@psia.nm.gov for assistance.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUSY? TELEHEALTH

Take a moment for yourself amidst the back-to-school chaos. Prioritize your wellness and make those virtual appointments today—your mind and body will thank you! We’re excited to remind you about the convenience of telehealth services! With $0 copay through your medical carrier’s national network, accessing healthcare has never been easier or more affordable. Whether it’s a quick consultation for a lingering cough or advice on managing stress during this hectic season, telehealth allows you to connect with healthcare professionals!

stock image of doctor conversing with patient

Getting the Most Out of Your Benefits

Important note: To take advantage of the $0 telehealth visits you must book through your medical carrier, either online or by phone. This gives you access to a nationwide network of providers. If you choose to use your local doctor or any local office, you will be charged an office visit copay.

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Wellness Spotlight

back-to-school stock photo

Back-to-School Wellness

Schedule "me time" like it's a staff meeting

You wouldn’t skip a meeting with the principal, right? So don’t skip your own self-care!

Laugh often—it's free therapy!

Laughter is like cardio for your soul—it gets your heart pumping and releases those feel-good endorphins.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Staying hydrated helps maintain focus and keeps those brain cells firing on all cylinders.

Get moving—even if it's just to the copy machine

Do some stretches between meetings. Every little bit counts.


Life on Mindfulness
Join our online platform that gives you access to two live monthly workshops and daily live-guided meditations Mon-Fri.

Click here to create your account and get started today!

NMPSIA wellness logo

Cauliflower

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower and 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 2 & 1/2 cups each of water and milk
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon or 1 cube vegetable bouillon
  • 3 tablespoons each of butter and all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon each of pepper and garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
In a stockpot, combine whole cauliflower, carrot, celery, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until veggies are tender (do not drain). While that simmers, in a saucepan, melt the butter, stir in flour and spices until smooth. Gradually add milk and cheese. Once cheese is melted, combine mixture in stockpot and mix thoroughly. Enjoy!

cauliflower soup

NMPSIA Wellness Ambassadors are:

Employees who volunteer to share their passion and who contribute to meaningful worksite/department/school-wide wellness initiatives.

Comfortable promoting wellness programs.

Advocates for healthy living, no matter where they are in their personal health journey.

Prepared to inspire others and be a positive role model for health and wellbeing.

Perks:

Access to Wellness Experts

1st chance to Register for Wellness Programs

Welcome and End-of-Year Gifts

Requirements:

Attend Wellness Ambassadors Quarterly Zoom meetings

Have permission to become a wellness ambassador from their supervisor, district and/or school administration

Support We Provide:

Giveaway prizes for your wellness initiatives

Wellness communications i.e. newsletters, event calendars, and more!

Ready to Sign Up?

Don't wait—become part of something bigger than yourself!

Sign up now and let's create a healthier future together.

Risk Resource

As we step into September, we are reminded that this month holds a significant purpose— Suicide Prevention Month. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s also important to know how to help others who might feel that way. The New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority and Poms & Associates want to remind you of training resources available to you.

QPR Training: Question, Persuade, Refer (2-Hour Session) Think of it as being equipped to be a mental health superhero—without the cape (unless you want one!). You’ll learn how to spot warning signs and engage in conversations that could save lives and give hope to someone in need.

Youth First Aid Training (8-hour Session) This training is like having a first-aid kit for the mind! We wouldn’t ignore a sprained ankle in one of our students; why would we ignore emotional pain?

The CDC knows Mental Health matters and has stepped up with a handy-dandy guide aimed at improving mental health among our youth. The DASH Mental Health Action Guide is packed with tools and strategies to help support the mental well-being of youth. DASH stands for “Division of Adolescent and School Health.” They put together an action guide that serves as a roadmap for educators, parents, and community leaders who want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Think of it as your GPS for navigating the sometimes bumpy roads of adolescent mental health. The CDC’s Mental Health Action Guide isn’t just another document gathering dust on a shelf; it’s an essential tool designed to empower our youth and promote their mental well-being in ways that are effective—and yes, even fun!
Download the PDF here!

Poms and Associates logo

The QPR Training and the Youth First Aid Training are designed to empower you with knowledge and skills. As we navigate through this month, let’s commit ourselves not only to learning but also to acting on what we learn. Your participation in these trainings could be the key that unlocks hope for someone in need.

Are you interested in having a training at your school?

QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER (QPR):
Provides employees with three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Contact Tammie Pargas, James Vautier, or Darron Walter.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
(Ideal for those who work with ages 12-18)
Gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support and resources.
Contact Brenda Barela or Tammie Pargas

Other valuable trainings can be accessed HERE!

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices:
    Staff-to-Student
  • FERPA:
    Confidentiality of Records
  • Hazing Prevention in K12 Environments
  • HIPAA Overview
  • Playground Maintenance & Inspection
  • Playground Supervision
  • Sexual Harassment:
    Staff-to-Staff
  • Student Alcohol and Substance Abuse
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention
  • Cybersecurity Overview
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees:
    End-User Best Practices
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees:
    Security Awareness Essentials
  • Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Social Engineering
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices:
    Staff-to-Staff