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Need Help? Contact Team Member Services

Call 855-432-6453, Option 2
(Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT)

Need Help? Contact Team Member Services

Call 855-432-6453, Option 2
(Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT)

Diabetes Management

Partner with Your Primary Care Provider to Better Manage Your Diabetes

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Managing Your Diabetes

A Whole-Person Look at Diabetes

You’ve heard of diabetes. But what exactly is it, how does it impact the body, and how can it be managed?

Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body processes sugar in the blood. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes spend about $17,000 each year on medical expenses. Out of that $17,000, over $9,500 is for diabetes treatment.

BCBSTX members have access to Teledoc Health’s personalized Diabetes Management Program.

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What is the program?

The Diabetes Management program supports people diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and helps make living with diabetes easier.

What resources do you receive?

Teledoc provides support and tools to live your healthiest life possible including:

  • Connected devices
    • Cellular meter provides real-time feedback for blood glucose reading
    • Unlimited strips remove barriers for more consistent checking
    • Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) integration for existing users
  • Personalized support
    • Health challenges drive small changes for big wins
    • HealthNudges™ deliver calls to action when people are most receptive
    • Action plan guides members based on health goals
  • Expert coaching
    • 24/7 support with out-of-range readings triggering coach outreach
    • 1:1 live coaching based on the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists curriculum and American Diabetes Association
      standards of medical practice

How can you get started?

Getting registered for the Diabetes Management program is easy and only takes a few minutes.

You will start the process by answering a few simple questions about your health to see if you qualify for the program. If you qualify, you will be mailed a Welcome Kit with instructions on how to get started.

You can download the Teladoc Health app, call 800-835-2362, or visit TeladocHealth.com/Register/MICHAELS.

If you prefer to receive support in Spanish, this option is available to you as well.

Contact Your Provider

Teladoc Health

Teledoc Health

Diabetes Management (BCBSTX)

Phone: 800-835-2362

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

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What is an HRA?

When you elect the Kaiser HRA medical plan, Michaels contributes tax-free dollars to your health reimbursement account (HRA) which can pay for eligible medical expenses.

  • If you have individual coverage, Michaels contributes $425 per year to your HRA.
  • If you have family coverage, Michaels contributes $950 per year to your HRA.
  • You cannot contribute money to your HRA.

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What can I use my HRA for?

Your HRA, administered through Kaiser Permanente, is automatically debited when you receive covered medical services, and this amount is typically applied to your deductible.

Is the Michaels contribution deposited all at once?

Yes. The funds contributed by Michaels will be available to you at the beginning of the plan year.

Do the contributions roll over from year to year?

Yes. The contributions to your HRA will roll over from year to year until you’re no longer enrolled in the Michaels Kaiser HRA plan.

How do I access my account?

Once your HRA is active, you can access your account information online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online at kp.org/healthpayment. You’ll be able to view
your balance, file claims, view transaction history, and more.

Can I have both an HRA and FSA?

Yes, you can have both accounts. A flexible spending account (FSA) allows you to set aside tax-free money to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, visit this link: Flexible Spending Accounts.

Your Medical Plan Deductible & Coinsurance

With the Kaiser HRA plan, if you have family coverage, one person can meet the individual plan deductible and then the plan will share costs for that individual: this is called coinsurance.

Helpful Resources

Contact Your Provider

Kaiser Permanente

Medical Insurance (HRA Plan)

Phone: 800-464-4000 (TTY 711)

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How to Use Your HRA

First, use the money Michaels gives you.

Michaels will put money into your HRA depending on who is covered under your plan. You can use this money to pay for eligible in-network services until the account balance reaches a total of $0.

If you select the Kaiser HRA plan, you will have access to the full HRA contribution upfront, no matter when you are hired.

Next, use your money.

If you use all the money Michaels contributed to your account, then you will pay out-of-pocket for any remaining health care expenses, until you meet your plan deductible. Remember, in-network preventive care is always 100% covered.

Then, you and Michaels share costs.

After you’ve met your plan deductible, Michaels will pay for a percentage of your health care expenses, and you will pay for the remainder of the costs: this is called coinsurance.

Finally, Michaels has it from there.

If your health care expenses reach your out-of-pocket maximum, Michaels will pay for 100% of your eligible in-network costs for the rest of the plan year.

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Health Savings Account (HSA)

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What is an HSA?

When you elect the Michaels Choice HSA medical plan, you are eligible to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA is an account much like a 401(k) plan, but it is used for eligible health care expenses.

An HSA is a pretax savings account for health care expenses that provides a triple tax advantage that lets you keep more of your money!

  • Tax-Deductible Contributions: The money you put into your HSA is deducted from your paycheck before taxes.
  • Tax-Free Growth: Your savings grow over time, and any interest or investment gains are tax-free.
  • Tax-Free Withdrawals: You can withdraw money at any time to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Michaels contributes tax-free dollars to your HSA and you can contribute, too.* These funds can be used to pay for eligible health care expenses, now and in the future.

*Each year, the IRS issues maximum contribution limits for HSAs, as outlined below.

Contribution Limits

Annual Contribution Limits
Individual Coverage
How Much Michaels Contributes1 How Much You Can Contribute

$500 per year

Up to $4,400

If you are age 55 or older, you may contribute an extra $1,000 per year.
Family Coverage
How Much Michaels Contributes1 How Much You Can Contribute

$1,000 per year

Up to $8,750

If you are age 55 or older, you may contribute an extra $1,000 per year.
1Michaels contribution amount is pro-rated for new hires or when first enrolling in the Choice HSA Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Are Michaels contributions into my HSA account included in the IRS maximum limits?

Yes. When calculating your annual contributions, remember to include in your Michaels contributions!

If I make the $1,000 catch-up contribution is it included in the IRS maximum limits?

No, the Health Savings Account (HSA) catch-up contribution is not included in the annual IRS maximum contribution limit.

What can I use my HSA for?

The HSA can be used for medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision expenses, including deductibles, coinsurance, and office visits (in-network and out-of-network).

Is the Michaels contribution deposited all at once?

No. Contributions from Michaels are deposited each pay period, over the annual 26 pay periods and is prorated for new hire Team Members or newly enrolled in the Choice HSA plan.

Do the contributions roll over from year to year?

Yes, the contributions to your HSA will roll over from year to year without affecting your next year’s IRS maximum contribution limits.

How do I access my account?

You must set up an account through Health Equity, our HSA administrator, for your contributions and your Michaels contributions to be deposited.

You will receive a debit card from Health Equity to pay for eligible expenses.

Can I get reimbursed for an expense when not paid with my debit card?

Yes. Reimbursement claims for eligible expenses can be submitted through Health Equity.

Can I have both an HSA and FSA?

Because you have an HSA, the IRS allows you to contribute to a Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA) that can be used for eligible dental and vision expenses only. You may also participate in the Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).

For more information about FSAs, visit this link: Flexible Spending Accounts.

Member Resources

Contact Your Provider

HealthEquity

FSA & HSA

HSA: 866-346-5800
FSA: 877-924-3967

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

Medical Insurance (PPO & HSA Plans)

Phone: 877-269-1180

Grief Counseling Resources

Help for You When You Need it Most

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Navigating the Loss of a Loved One

At Michaels, you are our number one priority and we are here to help when you need it most. This page provides an overview of the grief counseling resources and services available to full-time Team Members and family members navigating the loss of a loved one.

Filing Claims After a Loss

If you and/or members of your family are experiencing the loss of a loved one, please reach out to a Benefits Partner for assistance in getting a life insurance claim processed with Reliance Matrix.

To begin this process, open a Knowledge Zone ticket with any questions regarding your life claim and a Benefits Partner will contact you about your claim and next steps.

Guidance for Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix

How-To Guides

Important Note About Claims for Kaiser Members

Team Members who are enrolled in a Kaiser medical plan must complete an authorization release form in order to file a claim with Reliance Matrix.

  1. Reliance Matrix will provide you with the authorization release form to sign and return.
  2. This form is required in order for Reliance Matrix to obtain the required medical certification from your physician.
  3. Failure to provide the signed authorization release form to Reliance Matrix will result in your claim being denied.

Open Knowledge Zone

Life & AD&D Insurance

All full-time Team Members, regardless of whether they enroll in a medical or dental plan, will receive Basic Life Insurance at no cost to them. Additionally, Michaels offers Team Members with the opportunity to enroll in Optional Life and Optional Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. Please reach out to a Benefits Partner by opening a Knowledge Zone ticket for more information regarding these benefits for you and your spouse or domestic partner.

  • Employee Life: $25,000
  • Employee AD&D: $25,000
  • Employee Spouse/Domestic Partner: $2,000
  • Employee Child: $1,000

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Updating Your Benefits After Loss

If you experience a qualifying life event such as the loss of a loved one, you will have 30 days following the date of the life event to make changes to your benefit elections, and this change in status must be consistent with the life event.

You will first need to update your dependents in Workday before completing the qualifying life event.

Some documentation may be required with your request: an acceptable form of documentation would be a death certificate that details the date of passing of a loved one.

Changing Your Beneficiaries

Your beneficiaries are managed in Workday. To update your beneficiaries, follow the steps below.

  1. Log in to Workday.
  2. In the top left-hand corner, select Menu > Benefits. Then, select Pay > Benefits > Change Benefits.
  3. This will allow you to launch the “Assign Beneficiaries” task where you can remove or add beneficiaries to your current elections.

Requesting Leave (LOA)

We understand that grief can be difficult for you and your family, and you may require more time away from work to dedicate to your loved ones following a loss.

Consider requesting a Leave of Absence (LOA) if you plan to be away from work for longer than a week. You can request leave if you’re going to be absent from work for more than five (5) consecutive working days due to a personal, medical, or other reason.

Read the Michaels Leave of Absence (LOA) Guide and visit the LOA page for more detailed information about requesting leave. To initiate a request, call Reliance Matrix at 1-888-288-1354.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential resource available for you and your family – even if you’re not enrolled in any Michaels benefit plans.

The EAP includes counseling services for all Michaels Team Members:

  • Full-time Team Members are eligible to receive up to three (3) face-to-face or tele-video counseling sessions per issue at no charge.
  • Part-time Team Members are not eligible for face-to-face counseling sessions but are eligible to receive confidential counseling by phone at any time.

There are three ways for you to find more information and access EAP resources:

Supportiv

Supportiv is an online tool that lets you talk through any mental health, emotional, or social struggles in small group chats with people who can relate. Discussions are anonymous and are guided and safeguarded in real time by professional facilitators. Supportiv is anonymous and available 24/7.

Visit the Supportiv page for program information, resources, and on-demand webinars.

Michaels CARES

Michaels CARES is a 501(c)(3) charity that helps Michaels Team Members, including by providing financial assistance in the event of the death of a Team Member or eligible family member(s).

To request assistance, make sure you meet the requirements below and then complete the application.

Here’s a quick checklist to follow when you apply:

  • Application must be completed in its entirety.
  • Sponsor must sign the application (sponsors are a critical part of our process).
  • Supporting documents are attached – more is better.

Have questions? Read the Michaels CARES FAQs and visit the Michaels CARES page for more information regarding this benefit.

PerkSpot Wellness

PerkSpot Wellness offers various discounts on emotional wellness services that support your mental health, offering deals on therapy, meditation, yoga, and more. Perkspot partners with reputable online counseling services like BetterHelp and Talkspace.

Visit michaels.perkspot.com to access these resources and find additional information about this benefit in the PerkSpot section of the Benefit Extras & Discounts page.

COBRA

Death is a qualifying life event. If you or your spouse/domestic partner are covered on Michaels medical, dental, vision, and/or flexible spending account (FSA), you will receive a COBRA notice that allows your continued participation in a Michaels medical program for up to 18 months.

You will receive the COBRA notice in the mail that details your coverage options from Taben, our COBRA administrator.

For more information, please reach out to the Taben Group at 800-675-7341.

If you would like an electronic copy of the CORBA notice, please reach out to Team Member Services by opening a Knowledge Zone ticket.

FSA & HSA Open Enrollment

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FSA and HSA Open Enrollment for 2026 is closed. Visit the following links for information about how to use your account(s): Flexible Spending Account (FSA) | Health Savings Account (HSA).

What Happens to Unused 2025 Funds

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Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

What Happens to Unused FSA Funds

  • Any unused 2025 FSA funds of $25 up to $660 will automatically roll over to 2026 without affecting your 2026 contribution limits.
  • You will have until March 31, 2026 to submit claims for reimbursement for FSA-eligible expenses incurred in 2025. After this date, any unused 2025 FSA funds over $660 will be forfeited.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

What Happens to Unused HSA Funds

Any unused funds from your 2025 HSA will automatically roll over into your 2026 HSA without it affecting your 2026 contribution limits.

Mercer Health Advantage (MHA)

Health Management Support

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Health Care Help for You

Sometimes managing your health requires more than doctor visits, lab tests, and prescriptions. BCBSTX makes it easier than ever for you to get the most from your health plan benefits. Your health plan includes the Mercer Health Advantage program, which offers specialized training and support from Personal Health Clinicians and Benefits Value Advisors (BVAs).

Program Overview

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Personal Health Clinicians

Personal Health Clinicians* are trained to help with your health and benefit questions, concerns, and more. Each clinician is backed by a team of health specialists, including behavioral health clinicians, social workers, and a pharmacist.

A Personal Health Clinician* can help you:

  • Keep up with doctor’s appointments and other care-related activities.
  • Review your doctor’s instructions.
  • Coordinate your care needs after an illness, procedure or surgery.
  • Know what to expect if you spend time in the hospital.

*Talking with a Personal Health Clinician is not a substitute for medical advice. Care and treatment decisions are between you and your health care provider. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

Benefits Value Advisors (BVAs)

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Benefits Value Advisors (BVAs) partner with dedicated Personal Health Clinicians to help you get the most from your benefits. BVAs can help you get costs for providers and procedures, assist with referrals and prior authorizations, schedule appointments and more.

Know Your Benefits

24/7 Nurseline

  • Answers general health questions
  • Helps you decide where to get care

Behavioral Health

  • Covers treatment for anxiety, stress and depression
  • Helps with substance use and eating disorders, autism and other conditions

Fitness Program

  • A choice of gym networks to fit your budget and preference
  • Different membership options2 to best meet needs and preferences
  • Provides discounts at 40,000 well-being providers nationwide

Women’s and Family Health

  • Ovia®, Ovia® Pregnancy, or Ovia™ Parenting Apps
  • Helps with high-risk pregnancies
  • Support from maternity specialists

Stay in Touch with BCBSTX

You can decide how you want Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to contact you about your health plan benefits. Below are three quick steps to take now to make using your health plan easier. This way, when you need to use your benefits, you’ll be ready to go.

Step 1: Put the BCBSTX phone number in your contact list.

  • You can reach a BCBSTX Personal Health Clinician or Benefits Value Advisor (BVA) by calling the number on the back of your member ID card.
  • Personal Health Clinicians can answer questions about your health insurance and help you navigate the health care system. A BVA can help you get costs for providers and procedures, assist with referrals, schedule appointments, set up pre-authorizations and more.
  • Put this number in your phone contact list now!

Step 2: Tell BCBSTX how you want to stay in touch.

  • Add or update your contact preferences by logging in to the member portal.
  • This way, BCBSTX will know how to reach you with important benefits and health information.

Step 3: Download and use the BCBSTX app to find a doctor, access your digital ID card, and more. To download, just text BCBSTXAPP to 33633.

Member Resources

One Call that Matters

Postcard | Flyer

Nobody wants to imagine their pet getting sick or injured, but when it comes to your pet’s health, it’s best to expect the unexpected. When you enroll in Pet Health Insurance, administered by Wishbone, you will receive a 70% reimbursement on your pet’s veterinary care after meeting the $250 deductible. Protecting your pet’s health and your finances has never been easier!

Wishbone Pet Insurance is accepted at any vet in the U.S., including emergency hospitals. Once you file a claim, you can expect a fast reimbursement via a mailed check.

This benefit will not be set up as a payroll deduction but instead by credit card payment through Wishbone.

To reach a Personal Health Clinician or BVA, simply call the number on the back of your member ID card.

Contact Your Provider

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

Medical Insurance (PPO & HSA Plans)

Phone: 877-269-1180

Pet Insurance

Helping You Save on Your Pet’s Health Services

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Wishbone Pet Health Insurance

Plan Information

Nobody wants to imagine their pet getting sick or injured, but when it comes to your pet’s health, it’s best to expect the unexpected.

Enroll in pet health insurance from Wishbone and receive 70% reimbursement on your pet’s veterinary care. With a low deductible of $250, protecting your pet’s health and your finances
has never been easier.

Wishbone Pet Insurance is accepted at any vet in the U.S., including emergency hospitals. Once you file a claim, expect fast reimbursement via mailed check. It’s that easy!

Nobody wants to imagine their pet getting sick or injured, but when it comes to your pet’s health, it’s best to expect the unexpected. When you enroll in Pet Health Insurance, administered by Wishbone, you will receive a 70% reimbursement on your pet’s veterinary care after meeting the $250 deductible. Protecting your pet’s health and your finances has never been easier!

Wishbone Pet Insurance is accepted at any vet in the U.S., including emergency hospitals. Once you file a claim, you can expect a fast reimbursement via a mailed check.

This benefit will not be set up as a payroll deduction but instead by credit card payment through Wishbone.

Contact Your Provider

Pet Benefit Solutions

Wishbone Pet Health Insurance

Phone: (800) 887-8708

Hospital Indemnity (HI)

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Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Plan Information

Hospital Indemnity Insurance, administered by Reliance Matrix, provides a range of fixed, lump-sum daily benefits to help cover costs associated with a hospital admission, including room and board costs. These benefits are paid directly to the insured following a hospitalization that meets the criteria for benefit payment.

Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan Highlights: English | Spanish

Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance, administered by Reliance Matrix, provides a range of fixed, lump-sum daily benefits to help cover costs associated with a hospital admission, including room and board costs. These benefits are paid directly to you following a hospitalization that meets the criteria for benefit payment.

If you are newly eligible to enroll in benefits, you can elect Hospital Indemnity Insurance coverage up to the Guarantee Issue without answering any health questions. Otherwise, you will be required to provide Evidence of Insurability (EOI) and be approved by Reliance Standard before coverage begins.

Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan Highlights: English | Spanish

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Eligibility

All benefits-eligible full-time Team Members and covered dependents are eligible for Hospital Indemnity Insurance.

Dependents can include:

  • Your legal spouse or domestic partner.
  • Your dependent children from birth to 26 years.

A person may not have coverage as both a Team Member and a dependent.

Biweekly Premiums

Coverage Premium – High
You
$11.44
You + Spouse/Domestic Partner
$22.67
You + Child(ren)
$19.30
You + Family
$31.50

Schedule of Benefits

Benefits Amount
Hospital Room & Board $100 per day (30 daily benefits per plan year*)
Hospital Critical Care Unit $200 per day (15 daily benefits per plan year)
Hospital Admission & Observation $1,000 (2 daily benefits per plan year)
Hospital Critical Care Admission $2,000 (1 daily benefit per plan year)
Wellness Care** $50 (1 daily benefit per plan year)
On-Call Travel Assistance Services Included

*In no event will the Daily Benefits exceed 30 daily benefits per Coverage Year.

**Wellness Care means medical examinations and procedures that are preventive in nature and not for the treatment of Injury or Sickness.

Features

  • Guaranteed issue; no medical questions
  • No pre-existing conditions exclusions
  • Mental & Nervous and Substance Abuse treated same as any
    other hospital admission
  • No deductibles
  • Eligible for continuation of coverage
  • HIPAA privacy compliant
  • Overlying Major Medical Plan NOT Required*
  • Coverage Offered on a Voluntary Basis

Video Overview of Leave, Disability & Voluntary Benefits

File Your Claim(s) Online with Reliance Matrix

Guidance for Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix

How-To Guides

Important Note About Claims for Kaiser Members

Team Members who are enrolled in a Kaiser medical plan must complete an authorization release form in order to file a claim with Reliance Matrix.

  1. Reliance Matrix will provide you with the authorization release form to sign and return.
  2. This form is required in order for Reliance Matrix to obtain the required medical certification from your physician.
  3. Failure to provide the signed authorization release form to Reliance Matrix will result in your claim being denied.

Get Support

For assistance, contact Team Member Services at 855-432-MIKE (6453) and select option 2, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. You can also open a Knowledge Zone support ticket.

Open the Knowledge Zone

Contact Your Provider

Reliance Matrix

Disability, Life & AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Phone: 800-351-7500