Virtual Health Care & Telehealth Services

24/7 Virtual Access to Health Care

Disaster Relief: Free MDLIVE Visits

MDLIVE is offering free urgent care and behavioral health telehealth visits* for members impacted by the California wildfire disaster. MDLIVE gives you and your eligible dependents 24/7/365 access to affordable and reliable doctor visits from the safety of your home.

How to Redeem Your Free Visit*

  1. Visit mdlive.com/bcbstx, call 888-680-8646, or use the MDLIVE app to create an account or log in to your existing account.
  2. Select either Urgent Care (on-demand 24/7) or Mental Health (by appointment only) and schedule an appointment with a provider.
  3. When presented with payment options, redeem your free visit by entering the appropriate promo code as found below.
    • Urgent Care: CAWildFiresUC
    • Behavioral Health: CAWildFiresBH

*The disaster relief promotion will end on March 31, 2025.

Some of the Benefits of MDLIVE

  • Physicians are all board-certified, state-licensed, and experienced in delivering high-quality medical care. Consultations are one-on-one and completely private.
  • It’s suitable for the whole family — pediatricians are available.
  • It’s less expensive compared to Urgent Care or the ER.
  • MDLIVE’s doctors can treat over 80 common illnesses and can even send prescriptions to your pharmacy if medically appropriate.
  • You can talk to an MDLIVE doctor in less than 15 minutes via the MDLIVE app, on the MDLIVE website, or by phone.

Coping After a Natural Disaster: English | Spanish

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When you’re enrolled in a Michaels medical plan, you and your covered dependent(s) can speak with a board-certified doctor by phone or video 24/7 through MDLIVE!

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Members

Virtual Visits with MDLIVE

Leading virtual visits vendor, MDLIVE, lets you visit independently-contracted MDLIVE board-certified doctors when you may need care. MDLIVE doctors may help treat non-emergency medical and pediatric health issues. Plus, they may even write and send prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy, when appropriate.

You may desire a virtual visit:

  • Instead of going to the ER or urgent care for non-emergency visits.
  • If your doctor is booked.
  • While at home, work, or on the go.

Open MDLIVE

More information can be found in the materials linked below from BCBSTX and MDLIVE:

Provider

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

Medical Insurance (PPO & HSA)

Contact Information

Phone: 1-877-269-1180

Quick Links

Kaiser Permanente Members

Kaiser Telehealth Services

With Kaiser Telehealth, you can use everyday devices like your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to get care outside of where your typical care team is physically located.

Telehealth usually means connecting virtually with a health care professional while you’re out in the real world, such as in your backyard, at the park, or at the beach. However, telehealth can take place during office visits, too, like when your doctor consults with a specialist in another room or facility.

More information can be found in the video presentation and materials linked below from Kaiser:

Provider

Kaiser Permanente

Medical Insurance & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Contact Information

Phone: 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711)

Quick Links

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)

Supporting Your Growing Family
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Paid Parental Leave (PPL) Policy

Benefits & Guidelines

All US full-time exempt Team Members are eligible for Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to support families after the birth, adoption, surrogacy, or legal placement of a child. This policy covers birthing mothers and all eligible non-birthing parents, including dads and domestic partners.

Further Reading: Michaels Announces Enhanced Paid Leave Programs (Feb. 5, 2023)

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How PPL Works

Program Features
Waiting period from hire date
None, as long as the qualifying event occurred on or after Feb. 5 of the plan year.
Benefit amount
Up to 8 weeks of full pay1 for each parent/guardian Team Member.
Application process
Apply directly with Matrix using existing leave process and documentation requirements.
Concurrent policies
PPL hours are applied to any qualifying paid or unpaid family and medical leaves, unless otherwise dictated by applicable federal, state, provincial or local law.If applicable and approved, PPL for birth mothers covered by Michaels Short-Term Disability (STD)2 is paid concurrently3 through the first 8 weeks of PPL.
1This is your usual pay rate in effect when you first became disabled. It does not include bonuses, overtime pay, extra benefits or compensation.
2The STD benefit will be paid based on the duration of disability. Generally, the duration for maternity disability is up to 6 weeks following a normal delivery and up to 8 weeks following a C-section.
3STD is not available in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Washington or New Jersey.

Guidelines for Use of PPL Hours

  • PPL time cannot be used before the birth or effective date of the event (unless required by applicable laws); time off needed before the date should be covered by other types of paid leave, e.g., personal, vacation or sick time.
  • Team Members have a choice to use all paid leave, and/or PPL in accordance with Company policies and applicable laws.
  • PPL will be paid first and then the Team Member can elect to use sick, personal and vacation hours.
  • PPL hours are available throughout the first year following the qualifying event, not just immediately after birth or placement.
  • Covered Team Members receiving STD benefits for the birth of a child must fully exhaust those benefits before requesting the remaining PPL balance within first year following the event.
  • For Team Members not receiving STD pay, full PPL balance available for use as needed throughout child’s first year with the family.
  • PPL may be used more than once, but not within the same 12-month period, unless required by applicable law.
  • Where applicable, PPL follows the same 12-month, rolling backward period as U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.

Video Overview of Leave, Disability & Voluntary Benefits

Request Leave

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.

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.

File Your Claim(s) Online with Reliance Matrix

Provider

Reliance Matrix

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

Contact Information

Phone: 1-800-351-7500

Quick Links

Wellness Requirement Verification

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Confirm Your Wellness Activity

Michaels offers you and your spouse/domestic partner an opportunity every year to pay a lower medical premium. If you and your spouse/domestic partner are enrolled in a Michaels full-time medical plan, you both must complete an annual wellness exam between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025  to avoid a $780 per person surcharge on your 2025-2026 medical premiums.

Our records show that you and/or your spouse/domestic partner have not completed the wellness requirement and will NOT be eligible for the lower medical premium each month. If you are subject to the surcharge, your monthly premium for medical coverage WILL INCREASE beginning with the August 8, 2025 paycheck. 

Wellness exams can take up to 45 days after the date of service to be reported to Michaels. We ask for your patience while we partner with our vendors to get confirmation.

If You Think Our Records Are Incorrect

If you believe our records are incorrect, and all wellness activities have been completed, please complete the Wellness Activity Confirmation form on this page by June 30, 2025, and we will begin a review. Please provide all requested data so that we can quickly resolve your dispute.

2025 Wellness Activity Confirmation Form

Wellness Activity Confirmation Form

* = Required

Team Member Name
Team Member Name
First
Last
(Log into Workday to find your ID)
Disputing Record(s) For
2024-2025 Medical Plan Administrator

Team Member Wellness Activity Information

Name
Name
First
Last

Spouse / Domestic Partner Wellness Activity Information

Name
Name
First
Last

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While we research your information, please review the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below, which you can also download or print in English or Spanish.

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How much will my premium increase?

If you and/or your spouse/domestic partner do not complete a wellness exam, your premium will increase by $30 per person per pay period. If both you and your spouse/domestic partner do not complete a wellness exam, it will increase by $60 per pay period. You will see the wellness surcharge added as a separate deduction on your paycheck details.

If I get my wellness exam after June 30, 2026, will I still receive a surcharge?

Yes, the last day to get a wellness exam for the next plan year is June 30, 2026.

Do I need to submit a separate form for each disputed charge – i.e., self and spouse separately?

You may submit one dispute form for both you and your spouse/domestic partner.

Do I need to open a case for Team Member Services separately?

No, the submission of this form will be reviewed by the Benefits team and each case will be investigated through the appropriate medical insurance carrier. If a ticket is submitted, your ticket will automatically be closed.

What information do I need to complete the form?

You will need to provide your team member ID, legal name, date of birth, email, contact phone number, date of wellness exam, and the name of the medical provider for the individual the charge is being disputed for.

What happens after the dispute is submitted?

If the dispute is denied, the Team Member will be contacted with an explanation. If the dispute is affirmed, the Team Member will avoid paying the surcharge for plan year 2026–2027.

Why was my wellness exam not recorded?

Wellness exams can take up to 45 days after the date of service to be reported to Michaels. We ask for your patience while we partner with our vendors to get confirmation.

How can I avoid my physical not being recorded properly this year?

Monitoring your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements is crucial to ensure accurate reporting of your wellness exam by your physician. In the event that you identify any discrepancies or issues, it is important to take action promptly by contacting your physician and/or insurance company to rectify the situation.

What are the dates when I am supposed to get a wellness exam?

You and your spouse/domestic partner need to complete an annual physical between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. There will be no extension to the deadline.

When will I see my first surcharge?

If we determine that wellness requirements have not been completed by June 30, 2026, beginning with your August 22, 2026, paycheck, you will see the wellness surcharge added as a separate deduction on your check details. The annual wellness surcharge is $780 per person, but the amount per paycheck is only $30 per person or $60 if both the team member and spouse/domestic partner did not get an annual physical before the deadline.

Why was I not told about this surcharge?

Michaels does its best to be transparent and has communicated this information in the open enrollment guide, MIKBenefits.com guide, and several email reminders that were sent throughout the year, beginning in February.

How long do I have to dispute this charge?

You have until September 30, 2026, to dispute this charge. Any disputes after September 30, 2026, will be rejected and a refund will not be issued.

When will the wellness surcharge for the current plan year end?

June 30, 2026.

If I submitted a wellness exam for the last plan year, will I still receive credit for this plan year?

No, you need to complete an annual wellness exam each plan year to receive credit.

Why does Michaels charge team members a wellness surcharge?

Michaels prioritizes the well-being of every team member, supporting their individual wellness journeys and promoting the health of both Team Members and their families. Research has consistently shown that individuals who undergo regular annual physicals are less likely to experience severe illnesses, as potential diagnoses are made in a timely manner or even prevented altogether. By encouraging and facilitating these annual check-ups, Michaels aims to ensure the overall health and longevity of its workforce. Taking proactive measures to maintain the well-being of team members helps us effectively manage corporate expenses and allows us to offer competitive premiums, ultimately benefiting both the organization and its team members.

HR Resources

For legal notices and summary plan descriptions, see Resources > Documents.

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Forms

  • Coming Soon!

Documents

  • Coming Soon!

FAQs

  • Coming Soon!

Communications Library

Digital Communications Archive for HR & People Leaders
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Newsletters

Latest Edition

Read the summer 2024 edition of the Michaels Benefits newsletter below.

Older Editions

2024
2023
2022

HR Resource Center

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Communications Library

A catalog of previous communications, including emails, newsletters, and resource guides.

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Open Enrollment

In-depth information that Team Members may need during the next open enrollment period.

Team Member Handbook

Benefits at a Glance

Full-Time Employment Benefits
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Benefits at a Glance

Select your full-time employment type and language below to access your Benefits at a Glance.

Benefits Orientation

2nd.MD

Free Expert Medical Advice & Second Opinions for Critical Health Concerns
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This program is for Team Members enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.

Expert Medical Services

Your medical coverage with BCBSTX includes FREE access to expert medical advice and second opinions for critical health concerns from some of the country’s leading medical providers.

When you’re facing a critical medical decision, 2nd.MD can help you receive the right diagnosis and the right course of treatment — all at no cost to you. They can put you in touch with a board-certified, leading doctor, specializing in your area of need, by video or phone within 3-5 days of your request. The 2nd.MD Care Team will coordinate all the details for you and help you collect the necessary medical records, so you can focus on getting the best care possible.

This benefit is available to all U.S. Team Members and dependents enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.

Get Started

  • Activate your account by visiting 2ndmd.com/michaels or calling 1-866-841-2575.
  • Download the 2nd.MD app so that no matter where you are, you can speak a 2nd.MD specialist via video.

Provider

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

Medical Insurance (PPO & HSA)

Contact Information

Phone: 1-877-269-1180

Quick Links

Employment Status Change

How Your Employment Status Change Impacts Your Benefits
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When your employment status changes from part-time to full-time, or from full-time to part-time, you’ll have different Michaels benefit options.

What's Next for Your Benefits

Changing to Full-Time (Previously Part-Time)

For Team Members who are now full-time: You can choose to end any part-time coverage and any new full-time coverage you elect will begin immediately, as long as: a) you have completed 30 days of employment, and b) you enroll in full-time benefits via Workday within 30 days of the status change.

If you enroll dependents in Michaels full-time medical and/or dental coverage, our third-party vendor, Consova, will mail information to your home address verifying eligibility. Remember, coverage for new dependents may be delayed until you complete the dependent verification process. For more information, visit the Eligibility page.

Changing to Part-Time (Previously Full-Time)

For Team Members who are now part-time: On the 1st of the month following the status change, any full-time medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, disability, critical illness, and accident benefits that you previously elected will end. You can elect part-time health, life, auto, and home coverage by visiting the Mercer Indigo website for Michaels Part-Time Benefits.

Select the appropriate button at the top of your screen (Full-Time or Part-Time) to determine what Michaels benefits are available with your new status.

Regardless of your employment status:

  • All Team Members can save for retirement via the 401(k) Plan and receive the same Michaels matching contributions.
  • You still have access to all of the same voluntary benefits and discounts.

Helpful Resources

Qualifying Life Events

Like a change in employment status, other life events may qualify you to update your benefit elections outside of the open enrollment period. Follow the link below for more detailed information about qualifying life events and requesting a change in status.

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.