News Archive - 2010
2011 Health Savings Account Transfer Information
Dec. 20, 2010
If you are enrolled in the Consumer Choice Medical Plan for 2011 and have an HSA account with Bank of America, you have the option to transfer your HSA to PayFlex.
Attention 2011 Consumer Choice Participants!
Dec. 7, 2010
If you are enrolled in the Consumer Choice Medical Plan for 2011, you need to activate your Health Savings Account by Jan. 1, 2011.
Attention 2011 Flexible Spending Account Participants!
Dec. 3, 2010
If you enrolled in a Healthcare FSA account, Limited Purpose FSA account and/or Dependent Care FSA account for 2011 you can access your account by logging into www.HealthHub.com.
Accessing Your FSA Account Instruction Sheet
Some Delta Dental ID Cards Sent to Employees in Error
Dec. 6, 2010
We have been advised by Delta Dental that some ID cards were sent in error. If you participated in Delta Dental in prior years, you may receive an ID card even though you did not elect dental coverage in 2011.
Investment Tip from New York Life
Dec. 1, 2010
Put time on your side and invest for the long term.
Experienced investors remain calm even during the most severe financial storms. Consider that everyday investors just like you have faced tough times before and eventually emerged stronger. Remember, successful investing relies on time rather than timing.
Do You Have an HSA?
Here Are Your Transfer Options for 2011
Nov. 19, 2010
Beginning in 2011, PayFlex will replace Bank of America as the new administrator of Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts for Farm Credit Foundations. You will need to make a decision about what to do with the funds in your account with Bank of America.
2011 Annual Enrollment is Closed!
Nov. 16, 2010
The Annual Enrollment period for 2011 is over. Please make sure you review the earnings statement for your first paycheck of 2011 to make sure your deductions are correct.
2011 Annual Enrollment Materials
Investment Tip from New York Life
Nov. 1, 2010
Help uncover more money to save by setting a budget.
It’s always a good idea to set up a household budget to keep your spending under control. Track your expenses in writing for a one or two month period. You may be surprised where some of your money is going.
mylife.newyorklife.com to Get a New Name!
Oct. 28, 2010
Beginning in late November, New York Life’s website will have a new name and a fresh, new look.
Investment Tip from New York Life
Oct. 1, 2010
Build a solid foundation for the future with online planning tools.
Picture your ideal retirement lifestyle. It can be a reality if you plan right and start now. Many financial advisors estimate that in order to live in retirement as well as you live currently, you’ll need about 80% of your current income.
Fall Issue of Wellness Works Newsletter
Sept. 17, 2010
Learn more about good nutrition, benefits of a good breakfast, finding time for physical activity and that November is diabetes month in the fall issue of Wellness Works newsletter from BlueCross Blue Shield.
You Can Get Discounts From Working Advantage
Sept. 8, 2010
Did you know that as a benefits-eligible employee through Farm Credit Foundations, you can receive discounts through Working Advantage Corporation. What is Working Advantage? It is a 10 million member employee shopping network that allows subscribers to save up to 60% on purchases, such as movie passes, Broadway shows, theme parks, sporting even tickets, hotels and travel, health and fitness and more.
Investment Tip from New York Life
Sept. 1, 2010
Make sure you contribute enough to get the company match.
Employer matching contributions can make your Farm Credit Foundations Defined Contribution/401(k) Plan grow faster and larger. By contributing 6% of your pay to the plan, you can maximize the employer contribution.
Steps to Avoid Metabolic Syndrome
Aug. 26, 2010
High blood pressure? A little extra weight around your waist? It can all lead to a potential stroke. Find out how you can take steps to learn more and take control of your health.
Metabolic Syndrome
Your Family’s Health Lasts a Lifetime!
Aug. 26, 2010
Isn’t it time for you and your family to get up off the couch or the computer? What about a short walk around the block? These easy steps can form healthy habits.
Family Health
Summer Issue of Living Now Newsletter Available
Aug. 3, 2010
Articles include: Every penny counts, so save a few along the way, Stay happy this summer, What does your retirement look like and Managing retirement risk.
Higher Learning Newsletter: Take Smart Risks
Aug. 2, 2010
Find out how you can be more comfortable with managing your retirement risk .. and maybe even making a profit from it in this issue of the Higher Learning Newsletter from New York Life.
Summer Issue of Higher Learning
Investment Tip from New York Life
Aug. 2, 2010
Protect your earnings from the market’s ups and downs.
Conventional wisdom is you don’t want to put all your investment dollars in one place. It’s just too risky. If the value of that one investment goes down, you could suffer a severe setback, making your retirement goals unattainable.
E-Cards to Help You and Your Family Be More Healthy
Jul. 26, 2010
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois has created a series of e-cards to promote successful, healthy lifestyle changes for you and your family that can be achieved in small steps. These e-cards are animated and are about one minute in length.
Sun, Play, Fun
Ready, Set, H20
Investment Tip from New York Life
Jul. 1, 2010
Let your savings work harder with tax-deferred compounding.
Why would the savings in your 401(k) Plan grow faster than savings in a taxable savings plan? The answer is tax-deferred compounding. In your Farm Credit Foundations Defined Contribution/401(k) Plan, any taxes on your investment earnings are deferred, or postponed until you withdraw the money, presumably at retirement when many seniors are in a lower tax bracket.CVS Caremark and Walgreens Reach Agreement
Jun. 18, 2010
CVS Caremark and Walgreens have reached a multi-year agreement. As a result, Walgreens will remain in the CVS Caremark network with no disruption to you. CVS Caremark had recently announced that Walgreens would no longer participate as a network pharmacy.
BCBS Wellness Works Newsletter
Jun. 18, 2010
The summer issue of the Wellness Works newsletter from BlueCross BlueShield is now available. This issue includes articles about food safety, the importance of using sunscreen and more.
Wellness Works Newsletter
CVS Caremark: Walgreens No Longer a Network Pharmacy
Jun. 14, 2010
CVS Caremark recently announced that effective July 9, 2010, Walgreens will no longer participate as a network pharmacy. While it is not unusual for healthcare network negotiations to break down only to reach an agreement at the last minute, indications are that this decision may be final.
Investment Tip from New York Life
Jun. 1, 2010
Help manage risk by investing in a mix of investments.
The three basic categories of investments are called asset classes. Each represents a specific kind of investment and different level of risk.
TD Ameritrade Lowers Fees for Online Equity Trades
May 26, 2010
Beginning June 21, you are eligible to take advantage of a lower commission fee on all online equity trades for you TD AMERITRADE account through the Foundations 401(k) plan. You will now be charged a flat fee of $9.99 for every equity trade made online, regardless of account balance or how many shares you trade.
Investment Tip from New York Life
May 3, 2010
Focus on the basics like updating your beneficiaries.
No one likes to think about the possibility of dying before reaching retirement. Bad as that is, it can be worse for the loved ones left behind if nobody or the incorrect person is listed as your beneficiary. It’s happened.
What the Health Care Reform Bill Means to You
Apr. 13, 2010
The passing of the Health Care Reform Bill has created some discussion and questions within Farm Credit. How will this affect me in the short term? Will this cost me more money? How much? Will my premiums go up? What will the future of health care look like?
Investment Tip from New York Life
Apr. 8, 2010
Help your future thrive by participating in the plan.
There’s no reason retirement can’t be the best time of your life. But for that to happen, you have to start the ball rolling by enrolling in the Farm Credit Foundations Defined Contribution/401(k) Plan.
Higher Learning Newsletter: Tax Tips
Mar. 24, 2010
Do you know there are ways to keep more of your money … and share less with Uncle Sam this tax season? These tax tips on how to save your money and more are featured in the Spring issue of Higher Learning newsletter from New York Life.
BCBS Awards Blue Distinction Designation to Some Facilities
Mar. 24, 2010
Blue Cross Blue Shield has added Spine Surgery, and Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery Centers to Blue Distinction Facilities. Blue Cross Blue Shield awards Blue Distinction designations to facilities that have demonstrated a commitment to quality care by meeting objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality and safety developed with input from expert clinicians and leading professional organizations.
More ...BCBS Wellness Works Newsletter
Mar. 18, 2010
The spring issue of the Wellness Works Newsletter from BlueCross BlueShield is now available. This issue includes article about family exercise, how to manage your allergies, taking control of your asthma and more.
PDF NewsletterAsset Consulting Group's Year in Review Document Available
Mar. 15, 2010
Asset Consulting Group, Farm Credit Foundations’ investment advisor, has released a Year in Review document for 2009. The document includes information on the economy in 2009, broad asset class performance, domestic equities, domestic fixed income, international investments, hedge funds, real estate and private equity, and commodities.
Download ACG Year in Review
Achieve Your Wellness Goals with Blue Points
Feb. 10, 2010
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) understands that it can be difficult to change habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. That’s why BCBSIL offers Blue Points* to help keep you and your eligible dependents motivated and climbing toward their wellness goals.
More …
View Your W-2s Anytime with SeeMyW2
Jan. 29, 2010
You can access your W-2 forms anytime you want by clicking on the SeeMyW2 link in Self-Service under Payroll and Tax Information.
More …
After-Tax Spillover for 401(k) Available Jan. 28
Jan. 25, 2010
Are you affected by the IRS limit on combined pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contribution to the Farm Credit Foundations 401(k) plan? Then the new after-tax auto spillover feature could be just for you. More ...
Flu Season Not Over! H1N1 Shots Are Available
Jan. 19, 2010
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois will cover flu shots, including the H1N1 vaccine, administered through any provider type. This includes shots received at a drug store, grocery store, public health office, etc. More ...
2010 ID Cards
Dec. 30, 2009Medical and Dental ID cards will only be issued if you changed plans (i.e. moved from the Premium PPO Plan to the Consumer Choice PPO Plan). If you need additional ID card(s) contact the vendor directly:
- Medical: Contact BlueCross BlueShield of IL at 1-866-563-8366
- Dental: Contact Delta Dental at 1-800-234-3375
- Vision Service Plan: No ID card with this Plan
New Look for FarmCreditFoundations.com
Dec. 30, 2009
As you have already noticed, this site has received a complete make-over for 2010! In addition to the new look, the content is more comprehensive to help you find the information you need. More ...
BCBS Offers Program for Discount Hearing Aids
Dec. 2, 2009
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois has a new program that offers hearing aids at a discount. This discount is available to BlueCross participants as well as other family members, even if they are not covered by BlueCross. This discount can be used in conjunction with hearing aid benefits under our PPO plans. More ...
