FAQs

Bobcat Balance is a program that consists of two available services:

1) a database of resources to help you with the daily challenges you face - legal, financial, family or personal, and;

2) an employee assistance program which provides up to five free counseling sessions per problem per plan year per person.

This program is free. The University pays for this benefit to help you achieve your full potential.

All benefits-eligible faculty, staff and graduate student employees and members of their household.

Yes. Other members living in your household may be able to utilize services.

Bobcat Balance will not release any information to Texas State regarding your contact with the program without your written consent or as required by law. Human Resources receives statistical reports of utilization, but never any names or other personal information.

Yes, Bobcat Balance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

No, this is an additional benefit and separate from your health insurance. However, upon your request, Bobcat Balance will try to use a provider with your health plan when possible so you can continue treatment with the same counselor if necessary, after your five free sessions.

The number of visits starts over each contract year (September 1-August 31). As an example, an employee utilized counseling services on March 1 for a marital issue; therefore, that employee may have up to 5 additional visits for the same marital issue when the contract year begins again on September 1. 

You are encouraged to use the program after work or during breaks. However, depending on the severity of your situation and how quickly you need help, your supervisor has discretion to permit you to access the services during work hours.

Some of the counselors offer evening and weekend appointments; however, if you go during your normal work day you should use sick leave like you would a doctor's appointment.

Register on the Wellness Online Registration Website. Completed registration includes receiving a reference number after one finishes the following items:

• Activity Release of Liability
• Personal Health & Wellness Appraisals 1, 2, and 3 and informed consent.

The health appraisal is a two-page questionnaire that is used to assess your current health status. Ms. Carolyn Swearingen, in the Department of Health and Human Performance, will review your information and provide you with feedback. This information will be useful when talking with your healthcare provider, developing a personalized wellness plan, and monitoring changes in your health status as a result of participating in a wellness program. Your information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone associated with Texas State management.

No. Participating in the program is strictly voluntary and the "Activity Release of Liability, Indemnification and Assumption of the Risk Agreement" form is a requirement for all participants.

Yes, but only the registration process (see FAQ 1). This gives you free access to the program.

Yes. Lunch ‘n Learn sessions, cooking classes, and nutrition consultations will cover how to eat healthy/nutrition. Watch for emails from the WellCats newsletter regarding announcements on cooking classes and nutrition consultation.

No. The free employee wellness program is only open to current employees of the University.

Yes, part-time employees may become a member of WellCats and attend events. However, only benefits-eligible faculty and staff are eligible for the paid wellness leave.

No. However, retirees can purchase a community membership for $60 through Total Wellness and would have access to the group fitness classes only.

No. Workers comp covers employees who are injured during the course and scope of their job duties.

Wellness leave is paid leave and factors into the total number of hours for the week just like any other paid leave. In your example, the employee would earn 2 hours of state comp time.

Yes, a co-worker may try out any group fitness class before registering for WellCats. The “Activity Release of Liability, Indemnification and Assumption of the Risk Agreement” form must be completed and given to the group fitness instructor leading the class.

If name did not populate under attendance list it means there is information missing from online registration. Go back to the on-line registration and log in. The missing information will show up with a negative red sign. Click on that form to complete registration. Completed registration includes receiving an email confirmation with reference number. Once complete, your name will appear in the attendance list during sign in.