December 2020
   

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Coping with COVID-19 and the Holidays

The holiday season may look and feel a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You might feel sad or anxious because you’re not able to spend time with some of your loved ones during the holidays. Make the most out of this unique holiday season by getting creative with friends and family.  

This holiday season, think outside the box and find new traditions. Come up with fun and creative ways to spend time with friends and family – even if it’s apart. Check out these great ideas.  

  • Host a virtual holiday party. Invite friends and family to dress up and enjoy your favorite foods, drinks or desserts. Or host a virtual party in your pajamas. It’s your party, create a theme and have fun with it.  
  • Find local holiday events or activities to enjoy safely with your family. Visit a drive-thru holiday light exhibit synchronized to holiday tunes. Or create your own holiday-inspired road trip safely visiting outdoor attractions with cocoa and festive lights. 
  • Secret gift exchange via mail. Recruit friends or family and draw names from a hat. Set a dollar amount, buy a gift and mail it anonymously to your person. 
  • Write a heartfelt letter. Think of a friend or family member who may be struggling or lonely this holiday season. Write them a letter to show how much you care, include funny stories, jokes or share ideas of all the fun things you can do together soon. 

If you are feeling down this holiday season, please visit the Live and Work Well website for some helpful tips and tools. The Live and Work Well site is available 24/7 for confidential access to professional care, self-help programs and resources. Visit LiveAndWorkWell.com and enter the access code "Medica."

This Month's Articles

Important My Health Rewards by Medica® Deadline
A friendly reminder that an important My Health Rewards* deadline is coming up at the end of the month. My Health Rewards is an online tool that helps you take small steps to reach your health goals while you earn rewards for completing healthy activities. 

Find fun and healthy ways to earn points by the end of the year. 


Live Online Workout Options with Fit ChoicesSM by Medica 
With Fit Choices by Medica, you can earn up to a $20 credit each month toward your health club dues when you meet your monthly visit requirement. Effective now through the end of 2021, live online workouts completed through a participating gym or health club will count toward the monthly visit requirement.

Learn more about how to earn credit for working out online. 

Did you know?

FSA Money – Use it or lose it
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), remember to use those dollars before the deadline. For many people that’s Dec. 31, but some employers allow their employees to carry over up to $550 from one year to the next. Or they may allow employees to roll over their entire unused balance to pay for medical expenses incurred during the first 2½ months of the next plan year. Check with your employer to see whether they allow these options and what other changes might be available due to COVID-19.

Also remember that the CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, allows you to use your medical FSA to pay for menstrual care products and several over-the-counter medications (without a prescription) such as pain relievers, sleep aids and cold, cough and flu medications. 

For a list of eligible FSA expenses, see IRS Publication 502.

What health or health plan related topics would you like to see in the 4members newsletter in 2021? Please send suggestions to Medica4Me@medica.com.

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