Monthly Benefits Bulletin

May 2026 | Issue #0526

The Servicecorp Monthly Benefits Bulletin contains relevant information about topics related to the benefits offered through the Credit Union Consortium and Servicecorp. These bulletins are designed to provide educational material for you and your employees. We encourage you to share this information with your employees when applicable. Please note not all topics will pertain to each credit union since not all groups offer all products.

May 2026
Newsletter Topics:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is also Healthy Vision Month

SupportLinc Savings Center

Coordination Of Benefits (COB)

About Sleep

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health awareness is the practice of educating the public, reducing stigma, and fostering understanding of mental health conditions. It involves recognizing symptoms, promoting early intervention, and supporting those struggling with mental health issues. Mental Health Awareness Month has been held every May since 1949.

Key Aspects of Mental Health Awareness

Reducing Stigma: Challenging stereotypes that prevent people from seeking help.
Education: Understanding that mental health affects emotions, thinking, and daily functioning.
Open Conversations: Encouraging open, honest dialogue to support colleagues, friends, and family.
Promoting Well-being: Highlighting the importance of self-care and mental health as part of overall health.

Benefits and Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Encourages Treatment: Increased the likelihood that individuals will seek professional help early.
Saves Lives: Directly addresses high-stress levels, anxiety, and depression, which are leading contributors to crisis situations.
Builds Support Systems: Creates more compassionate communities and workplaces.

Tips for Mental Health Awareness Month

Share Stories: Use social media to share personal experiences using hastags like #MyMentalHealth or #MentalHealthAwareness.
Educate Yourself: Learn the warning signs of mental health issues from organizations like SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
Use Proper Language: Avoid using diagnostic terms casually (e.g., “I’m so OCD”) to minimize stigma.
Support Others: Reach out to someone you think may be struggling and listen without judgement.

Servicecorp’s partnership with SupportLinc offers emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to help you be your best. Support for everyday issues. Every day. Call anytime, 24/7/365, for in-the-moment support and guidance.

1-888-881-5462

MySupportLinc.com

Group Code: cuconsortium

May is also Healthy Vision Month

Each May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) observes Healthy Vision Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about eye health and the importance of regular eye care. With millions of Americans at risk for vision loss due to preventable or treatable eye conditions, this month serves as a timely reminder to take proactive steps to protect our sight.

Why Eye Health Matters

Our eyes are our windows to the world. But unlike many other parts of the body, the early stages of eye disease often come with no warning signs. Conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts often have no significant visual symptoms until the disease process is advanced. Because of this, many eye diseases can quietly steal your vision when left undetected. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.2 million Americans aged 40 and older are visually impaired, and nearly half of all blindness is preventable.

What You Can Do

Here are five key steps you can take to support your eye health:

1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Even if you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses, regular exams help detect issues early and prevent vision loss long-term.

2. Wear Sunglasses

UV rays can damage your eyes just like they can harm your skin. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

3. Use Eye Protection

Whether you’re working around the house or playing sports, wearing the right protective eyewear can prevent many eye injuries.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and fruits can support eye health. Regular exercise and managing chronic conditions like diabetes will also help preserve your vision.

5. Know Your Family History

Many eye diseases run in families. Understanding your genetic risk can help your eye doctor monitor and treat issues early.

Click the link below for more helpful tips on how to keep your eyes healthy

VSP - May 2026: 6 Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

SupportLinc Savings Center

The SupportLinc Savings Center, powered by LifeMart, is a discount shopping program that makes everyday life a little more affordable – and a lot more fun – with national and local discounts from the brands you know and love.

Bills, healthcare, retirement savings, and taxes take enough out of your paycheck. The Savings Center can help you maximize the spending power of your earnings by finding exclusive discounts. When you visit the Savings Center, you can shop quality name brands at discounts of 25 to 70 percent off regular retail prices!

The Savings Center provides savings on real-life needs like childcare, travel, tuition, groceries, school supplies, appliances, and other little things that can add up. Whether you’re planning a major purchase like a car, home or vacation or just want to save on day-to-day essentials, SupportLinc is your lifeline.

If you are a first-time user, you will need to register. No Member ID is necessary. If you have visited the Savings Center before, sign in with your email and password.

Visit the SupportLinc website and click the two lines in the top right.

1. Click “Credit Union Consortium Collection” and then select the “Savings Center” tile.

2. Follow the instructions to register your work or personal email address.

3. Explore a wide array of discounts from leading name-brand retailers as well as discounted tickets.

4. Redeem discounts online, through catalogs and select in-store merchants.

Get started!

MySupportLinc.com

Group code: cuconsortium

Coordination of Benefits

When a member has multiple benefit coverages through different insurance companies, determining which insurance will pay as primary can become unclear. Below is an outline detailing how insurance companies determine the order of payment, also known as COB (Coordination of Benefits), and how the payments work.

Key Rules for Determining Order of Payment

Your Own Employer vs. Spouse's Plan: Your own employer-sponsored plan is primary for you, while your spouse's plan is primary for them.
Children (Birthday Rule): For dependent children covered by both parents, the plan of the parent whose birthday (month and day) falls earlier in the calendar year is primary.
Divorced/Separated Parents: Generally, the plan of the parent with legal custody is primary, unless a court decree dictates otherwise.
Active vs. Retired/COBRA: A plan covering a patient as an active employee is primary over a COBRA or retiree plan.

How Payments Work

Primary Payment: The primary plan pays up to its policy limits.
Secondary Review: The provider sends the claim to the secondary plan with the primary plan’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Secondary Payment: The secondary plan covers the remaining balance, often reduced to ensure total payment does not exceed 100% of the allowable expenses.
Member Responsibility: Any remaining deductibles or copays are then billed to the patient.

If you or an employee have questions about how COB works, reach out to a Servicecorp Team Member for assistance at cubenefits@servicecorp.com.

About Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining both physical health and mental well-being. Sleep allows the body and brain to recover from the demands of the day, helping to improve concentration, memory, mood, and overall performance. Without adequate rest, people are more likely to experience fatigue, stress, weakened immune function, and difficulty focusing on everyday tasks. In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals underestimate the importance of sleep, yet it plays a critical role in supporting healthy growth, emotional balance, and long-term health.

Health benefits of sleep:

1. Good sleep is essential for our health and emotional well-being.

2. Getting enough sleep and good sleep quality are essential for healthy sleep.

3. The amount of sleep you need changes as you age.

4. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have problems sleeping.

Getting enough sleep can help you:

1. Get sick less often.

2. Stay at a healthy weight.

3. Reduce stress and improve your mood.

4. Improve your heart health and metabolism.

5. Lower your risk of chronic conditions like:

· Type 2 diabetes

· Heart disease

· High blood pressure

· Stroke

6. Lessen the risk of motor vehicle crashes and related injury or death.

7. Improve your attention and memory to better perform daily activities.

How to get better sleep:

· Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.

· Keeping your bedroom quiet, relaxing, and at a cool temperature.

· Turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

· Avoiding large meals and alcohol before bedtime.

· Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or evening.

· Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet.

The daily recommended hours of sleep you need changes as you age.

Adequate sleep is vital to a healthy life! Share the Sleep for good health brochure with your employees as a reminder of the importance of good sleep. Visit NHLBI: Sleep Education & Awareness for additional information on the importance of sleep.

Did you miss a bulletin or have a "hot topic" you would like us to publish? Send your "hot topic" or request for a prior bulletin to us at cubenefits@servicecorp.com.

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Monthly Benefits Bulletin

May 2026﻿﻿Newsletter Topics:

May is also Healthy Vision Month

May 2026
Newsletter Topics: