January MyMDCARES Spotlight - Money Smarts
January marks the beginning of a new year and offers a reset for many people. January also marks the time of year that MyMDCARES wants you to focus on your money smarts and creating your first budget. Creating a budget is one of the most powerful financial tools - it can help you control your spending, understand the flow of your money, and plan for long and short-term milestones. If you already have a budget, now is a good time to review it for any necessary updates (for example, if you had a change in housing costs or a change in family size).
Whether you are creating your first budget or reviewing your existing budget, MyMDCARES offers tools and resources to help you. View this month’s featured Cafe Series Webinar and a Tip Sheet on the MyMDCARES Portal.
- For the Webinar, type “Budgeting Basics: Financial Wellness is Within Reach!” in the search bar to access it on-demand.
- For the Tip Sheet, type “Creating Your First Budget” in the search bar to access it on-demand.
Also, be sure to check out the Featured Learning Centers on the MyMDCARES Portal. They include Communication, Digital Wellness, and Relaxation and Meditation to name a few.
ABOUT THE MyMDCARES PROGRAM
We all have experienced times when life can be uncertain, scary, and overwhelming. This kind of stress can cause strong emotions in us and our children, affecting our relationships, work productivity, and school performance. Wouldn't it be great to have help in navigating life in all aspects of life - relationships, work, school, parenting, financial, legal, and everyday responsibilities?
We now have help! Brought to you by BHS, MyMDCARES provides you and dependents with no-cost, confidential, in-the-moment support - 24/7 to help with personal or professional issues that may interfere with work or family responsibilities. MyMDCARES is a robust, whole-life program and "counselor on call" program that offers employees and dependents support and assistance to navigate life. MyMDCARES Program Overview Video
Participation is no-cost to you and your dependents! Participation in MyMDCARES does not depend on benefits eligibility. No election is required for participation. It's here for you and your dependents for whatever life brings you, 24/7!
How to access MyMDCARES:
Employees and dependents can access MyMDCARES via phone, text, online portal, and the MyMDCARES app. MyMDCARES is available 24/7 - even at 2:00 am!
When you call...
When you call the dedicated MyMDCARES number (844.405.8200), a MyMDCARES BHS Care Coordinator will answer your call, understand your needs, assist with any emergencies, and connect you to the appropriate resource. The MyMDCARES BHS Care Coordinator will follow up with you to ensure your needs are met.
When you text...
Text MyMDCARES to ask a question about the program, get in-the-moment support for routine needs, and initiate services. To start a conversation, send a text to 800.327.2251 and use one of the following hashtags:
- #BEBETTER to connect with a master's level MyMDCARES BHS Care Coordinator
- #WORKLIFE to connect with a Work-Life Resources Specialist
When you use the portal...
The MyMDCARES program provides access to services, contains information about the program, and offers unlimited access to more than 500,000 tools, resources, and trainings. To connect via the portal, use the live chat option for in-the-moment support. The portal also provides a Services Request Form with a response time of one (1) business day. To access the portal, visit https://portal.bhsonline.com/. User name is MYMDCARES.
When you use the app...
Use the MyMDCARES app to access services from anywhere! You can browse topics such as emotional well-being, personal growth, and relationships. You can also take personal growth trainings directly through the app!
*Provides 24/7 services and resources to active employees and dependents of the State Personnel Management System, Maryland Department of Transportation, Judiciary, and Legislature. Not available to contingent workers, temporary employees, and interns.
