March is National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on making informed food choices and developing healthier eating habits. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Table,” encourages us to think about where our food comes from, how we prepare it, and how it impacts our health and the environment.

Spring into Healthy Living with Mercy*

Mercy Care Connect Healthy Living (For MSU-insured individuals)
Employees with prediabetes or a BMI over 25 may receive an opt-in invitation for weekly automated check-ins via call or text, with access to a case manager for support. Calls begin March 17 from 417-497-2287.

Virtual Lunch & Learn – Building Healthy Habits (Open to all MSU employees)
Join a 30-minute virtual session  to learn how to create sustainable health habits. Registration required.

Session Dates:

• March 18 @ 1 PM
• March 24 @ 6:30 PM
• March 26 @ 12 PM

Register: sprgriskagreementscasemanagers@mercy.net | 417-841-5667

Fuel Your Body with These Employee Wellness Opportunities

Cooking Talks – April 14 – Learn about nutrition and dietetics.
Nutrition Talks Videos – On-demand wellness education.
Specialists at Magers Health and Wellness Center – Medical services available to employees.
Weight Watchers Programs – Support for healthy living and weight management.

For more information on Employee Wellness programs, contact Galen Martin, Coordinator of Employee Wellness, at EmployeeWellness@MissouriState.edu.

Nutrition Therapy Services at Magers Health and Wellness*

Employees and their dependents have access to nutrition therapy services with Daniela Novotney, our registered dietitian. No referral is needed—Call the scheduling desk to make an appointment.

Current Fee Structure:
Initial Nutrition Therapy: $67.20
Follow-Up Nutrition Therapy (Reassessment): $57.75

Flex Spending Options for Nutrition

If you are enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be eligible to use your FSA funds for:

Weight-loss programs (doctor-prescribed)
Dietary supplements (doctor-prescribed)*

Reminder: The last day to submit reimbursement requests for remaining 2024 FSA funds is March 15, 2025.

For more FSA eligible expenses, visit the ASI Flex Spending website.

*Health Plan Coverage for Nutrition Services

Missouri State University’s Group Medical Plan covers nutritional counseling only when part of a physician-supervised weight-loss program for treating morbid obesity/severe clinical obesity and related health conditions. Pre-approval is required, and coverage ends when BMI drops below 30.

Note: Nutritional supplements are not covered under the medical plan.

Note: Mercy Care Connect Healthy Living is part of the direct contract with Mercy and no additional billing is made to the health plan. However, employees and eligible dependents must be enrolled in the health plan to qualify for this program.

For more details, review the MSU Plan Document.

Additional Ways to Prioritize Nutrition

Plan balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Reduce food waste by choosing seasonal, locally sourced foods.
Stay hydrated and be mindful of portion sizes to support overall wellness.

Let’s make healthier choices together!

Follow the HR blog for news on benefits, HR updates, and professional development. For wellness-related news, visit the Wellness blog.