Latest News

Benefits on the go

September 12, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Are you enrolled to receive text message updates from our benefits team? Year-long updates are available straight to your smartphone, containing important messages and links regarding your benefits and open enrollment instructions. Text NIDEC to 877.392.0030 to sign up or scan the QR code to the right with your smartphone.

With our texting tool, you can:

• Make the most of your benefits with more access to detailed information
• Invite dependents to join so they are in the know
• Gain access to important reminders and deadlines, especially during open enrollment
• Receive direct links to helpful videos and websites regarding your benefits

Wellness Goals: Stay in Your Groove with Wellness Challenges

August 3, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

As a reminder, we partner with Asset Health to provide our employees with ongoing wellness challenges to keep you motivated and strong all year long. You can access these challenges by visiting the Asset Health website via any device or browser. After you log into your Nidec account, simply click on “Challenges” at the top of the page and learn how to get started on your next challenge.

Unsure of where to begin? Tailor your challenges to your specific health goals for the remainder of the year. Here’s an idea: sign up for the mini challenges that are updated on a daily basis.

Your Benefits Profile for 2023: Is it Up to Date?

As life changes, your benefits needs may change as well

Beneficiary Updates
It is important to ensure your beneficiary information is up to date in your benefits profile. As a reminder, your beneficiary is the individual named in your life insurance policy, retirement plan, and/or health savings account that will receive these benefits in case of your death. It’s imperative that you evaluate your current beneficiary designation whenever new changes occur before submitting any updated benefits elections.

Qualifying Life Events
In some cases, big life events are called a qualifying life event. A qualifying life event allows you to update your benefits outside of Open Enrollment or new hire eligibility enrollment. Below is a list of some of the most common events:

• Change of marital status (e.g., marriage, divorce, legal separation, death of a spouse)
• Change in dependents (e.g., birth, adoption, ineligibility due to age [children over 26], death of dependent
• Change in job status (e.g., your spouse loses benefit eligibility status under other coverage)

Is There a Deadline to Enroll in or Change my Benefits?
After a qualifying life event occurs, contact your local Human Resources Partner to open up your benefits enrollment to make the necessary changes. Typically, you will have 30 days after the event (e.g., birth of child, marriage, your spouse loses benefits coverage through their employer, etc.) to file an application to change your benefits.

Remember that when you make a change to your benefits due to a qualifying life event, your changes must be consistent with the event itself. For example, if a dependent loses eligibility due to age (over 26 years old), you cannot use that event to change medical plan selections for yourself.

Hinge Health: Back and Joint Management at Every Turn

Whether you are managing your back and joint pain, recovering from an injury, preparing for an upcoming surgery, or simply looking for more ways to stay healthy, Hinge Health gives you the tools to overcome any obstacle. Better yet, their services are free for you and any dependents currently enrolled in a BCBSA Health Plan. You can even receive wearable sensors from Hinge Health directly that can give live feedback on your form straight to the mobile app!

Comfort for Comfort

Hinge Health is optimized so that you can begin this journey from the comfort of your own home. Hinge Health will help you gather a personalized team of therapists and health coaches. If you have recently undergone a surgery, you can also use Hinge Health to schedule unlimited physical therapy sessions, and even receive a second opinion on your recommended surgery and treatment plan.

Planning for the Future

Sign up for the free app to receive tailored exercises directly to your phone, based off your job and lifestyle.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

June 21, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Skin cancer is America’s most common form of cancer, with more than 5 million cases reported each year. Thankfully, it is also the most preventable. Below are some tools to stay educated on preventing skin cancer.

Get Involved

Back-to-School Savings on Preventive Care

June 21, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Even though schools are out for the summer, back-to-school preparation will be here before you know it. Consider making those back-to-school doctor appointments, now. This year, you might see some cost savings when taking these important steps on preventative care for you and your family members. Did you know that back-to-school required physical exams and immunizations are covered under your health plan at 100%? As long as you are treated by an in-network provider, Nidec’s health plans cover preventive care—even certain preventive medications—at no cost to you.

This also includes:

• Preventive dental care, such as exams, cleanings, fluorides, x-rays, and sealants, with no applicable deductible
• Preventive eye care, such as frames (once every 12 months), contact lenses (once every 12 months in lieu of lenses or frames), and lenses (once every 12 months). See chart in your Benefits Guide on page 16 to compare copays and in-network vs. out-of-network costs.

Double Up on Savings with an FSA/HSA

When you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), you are provided with a list of items that fall under the umbrella of eligible expenses. You may use your FSA and HSA funds to purchase these eligible expenses using tax-free dollars.

Challenge Yourself and be Rewarded

May 1, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Our Wellness Challenge partner, Asset Health, invites you to take part in Nidec’s ongoing Wellness Challenges by accessing them online or through your mobile device on their website. Simply click on “Challenges” at the top of the page and you are on your way to saving money!

“Fill Your Cup” with our Hydration Challenge

The Hydration Challenge is designed to help you improve your health by increasing daily water intake. In the Hydration Challenge, participants can earn one point for every 8 ounces of water they drink each day, up to a maximum of eight points per day. This challenge runs from June 12 through July 9.

Get Fit and Earn Points (no gym equipment required)

The goal for the challenge is to record a certain number of steps per week. Participants will have an avatar that fills based on the number of steps they record. The avatar can be customized by the participant.

Use These Tips to Save Money

April 1, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Know When to Stay and When to Go

• If you are not experiencing an emergency, and are unsure where to go for care, call your doctor to discuss your medical needs and find appropriate care
• Skip the hospital bill and schedule an appointment at your local urgent care
• If this is a chronic issue, schedule a visit with your Primary Care Physician and save on spending money on multiple urgent care visits

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, go to your local emergency room or call 911
• Chest pain, heart attack, head trauma, overdose, severe allergic reaction, shortness of breath, blurry or loss of vision can all be classified as emergencies

Chew Away at Extra Costs this National Nutrition Month

“An Apple a Day…”

• Healthy habits can lower your overall healthcare costs
• Incorporate a rainbow of food colors every day to ensure you’re consuming important vitamins and nutrients
• Exercise at least 30 minutes/day

Rx Review

• Review your prescriptions every 6 months to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck
• Prescription costs can vary greatly; generic medications can have the exact same active ingredients as brand-name and cost you less
• For more information on how to put money back in your wallet, watch this short presentation

When Life Changes So May Your Benefits

April 1, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

When a big event happens in your family’s life, such as the birth of a child, it is natural to wonder about the next steps to take.

At Nidec, we want you to put your and your family’s needs first. What’s the best way to start? Prepare and protect your loved ones with optimal benefits coverage to keep you healthy and safe during life’s changes – big or small. The chart below shows common qualifying life events:

How Long Do I Have to Enroll After an Event?

Don’t Forget to Change Your Beneficiary(ies)

During a big life change, it is just as important to ensure that your beneficiary is up to date! A beneficiary is the individual named in your life insurance policy, retirement plan, and/or health savings account that will receive these benefits in the case of a death. After a qualifying life event has occurred, it’s imperative that you evaluate your current beneficiary and make any necessary changes to ensure no delay in payments.

New Year, New Focus — National Nutrition Month

March 1, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

What better time to refocus ourselves on our current wellness habits than during National Nutrition Month? Nutrition and physical activity go hand-in-hand to offer you a more fruitful future.

Pay Attention to Your Plate

Make every bite count by knowing what and how much to put on your plate. Try to keep these portions for each meal:

• Half of your plate should be made of fruits and veggies; try focusing on the whole fruits
• Veggies should vary from meal-to-meal
• Make ½ of your grains whole grain
• Vary your protein consumption, i.e. eggs, beef, fish

Substitute the Sugars

Let’s play a game of This or That! The chart below will give you a list of common sugary drinks and treats, along with two healthier choices next to them. The next time you reach for these treats, try out one of the healthier options instead!

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Well – Employee Assistance Program

March 1, 2023 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

At Nidec, we want you to feel your best each day you come to work AND leave the office. Sometimes, that requires more help from those around you. When this is the case, take part in our Employee Assistance Program.

What Does the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Offer?

The EAP is a confidential service designed to help employees and families with personal or work/life balance issues. Nidec offers the EAP to help you toward an early resolution of your personal concerns. This includes access to tens of thousands of clinicians throughout the country without a predetermined limit on the number of in-person sessions.

The following are issues that the EAP can address and help you manage:

• Stress management
• Emotional issues
• Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Elder care resources
• Relationship and family problems
• Chemical dependency
• Eating disorders
• Domestic violence
• …and more

For a better understanding of the EAP’s services, watch this short video.

Is the EAP Confidential?

The EAP cannot disclose any information without your written consent. The only exceptions are those required by law.

How Can I Get Started?

Reach out to the EAP directly and start the conversation now. The EAP is available to you 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 314-845-8302 or 800-832-8302. You can also visit their website.

Is There a Cost to Use the EAP Services?

There is no charge for any services provided within the EAP. If you are referred outside of the EAP services for additional help, you will be responsible for those services. As always, it is best to reach out to your health insurance provider before using these referred services to confirm if a portion of the costs will be covered by your plan.

Get Your Free Flu Shot!

December 9, 2022 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Flu shots are a covered benefit

Annual flu shots are covered 100% under your health plan and can be administered in seconds. It takes about two weeks to become effective.

It’s never too late to protect yourself

The flu virus typically peaks between December and February and can keep you down for days. Stop by your participating doctor’s office or pharmacy today for your covered flu shot.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first if you are now ill or have had severe, adverse reactions to past flu shots.
• Before you seek non-emergency healthcare, it is a good idea to call the provider to make sure your health plan is accepted. Always choose an in-network provider to pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your healthcare.

Finding in-network providers is easy

• Login to your myBlueCross account on AlabamaBlue.com or the Alabama Blue mobile app and click “Find a Doctor.”
• Call the member customer service number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card.

Registered Dietitians Available to Support Employees with Certain Health Conditions

August 20, 2022 | submitted by The Nidec Human Resources Team

Did you know? In-network dietitian services are covered for employees and family members who have certain medical conditions and who participate in BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama plans. Working with a registered dietitian can help control — and even prevent — health challenges such as obesity and diabetes.

Empowered to Develop Better Eating Habits

With these dietician benefits, Nidec employees and their families have an opportunity to control and even prevent health problems. Having benefits for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) enables you to receive assistance with:

• Creating diet plans
• Diabetes education
• Support in managing chronic and acute conditions.

Get All the Details

In-network services are covered on your benefit plan as follows:

• PPO Plan – Covered at 100% of the allowance, subject to a $30 per visit co-pay.
• High Deductible Health Plan – Covered at 80% of the allowance, subject to the calendar year deductible.

For a complete list of covered conditions, please refer to the plan document found under Resources > Document Library on this website.