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THE BUFFALO BEAT C EL EB R A T I N G T H E P A S T , S H A P I N G T H E F U T U R E

HAPPY NEW YEAR

VOL. 3

WWW.CIBOLOTX.GOV

JANUARY 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE CITY MANAGER HR UPDATES HR PORTAL LAUNCH ELECTION UPDATES & CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOLIDAY EVENTS RECAP POLICY HIGHLIGHT & CIBOLO LENDING LIBRARY BENEFITS HEALTH AND WELLNESS ANNIVERSARIES WELCOME TO TEAM CIBOLO JANUARY BIRTHDAYS ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS LUNCHEON-2025 GALLUP & SURVEY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

RESPECT

TEAMWORK

INTEGRITY

LETTER FROM THE CITY MANAGER

HR UPDATES COMING SOON Market/COLA pay changes will be effective January 3. You will see this change on the January 23 paycheck. All employees who received adjustments should have received their letters. If you have any questions, reach out to hrservices@cibolotx.gov We will be scheduling department meetings to roll out the revised Employee Handbook changes.

WE ARE RECRUITING EMPLOYEES (WARE) The WARE program will continue citywide into calendar year 2026. To be eligible for the WARE benefit, employees must be listed on the candidate’s application at the time of submission. Moving forward, employee referrals will no longer guarantee an interview, as the City will focus on ensuring the most qualified candidates are selected for interviews regardless of referral status. If a referred candidate is hired, the employee named on the application will receive the WARE benefit. These changes will take effect on January 5, 2026.

HR PORTAL

The HR Portal on Microsoft SharePoint is now live! Here you can find insurance and benefits information, HR forms, communications resources, and more.

To access the HR Portal, click the link below and log in using your employee ID: HTTPS://CIBOLOTXGOV.SHAREPOINT.COM/:U:/S/CIBOLOHUMANRESOURCES/IQ AHRRXUFGDHROKXGDMD5MG2ABPNW7WG9EJLXAI3NC_VQH8?E=YSYLZQ

ELECTION UPDATES Runoff Election Results

Randy Roberts Place 2- Oath of Office December 9th

At the December 22 meeting, City Council canvassed the results of the December 13, 2025, Runoff Election. MarissaEllen Patterson was officially elected to Council Place 3, and Summer Marie Brown was elected to Council At-Large Place 7.

CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT In this edition of the Buffalo Beat, we would like to recognize the following #TeamCibolo members commitment to our core value of professional development. Justin has obtained a Class D Water License and Jordan has obtained a Class A CDL with a tanker endorsement.

Congratulations Justin & Jordan!

CITY HOLIDAY EVENTS

457 max contributions For 2026, the standard maximum Roth 457(b) contribution is $24,500, with catch-ups for age 50+ adding an extra $8,000 (totaling $32,500), and a "super catch-up" for ages 60-63 allowing an extra $11,250, while a special 3-year pre-retirement catch-up lets some participants double the basic limit, up to $49,000, though Roth catch-ups for high earners must be designated as Roth. Standard & Age-Based Contributions (2026) Standard Elective Deferral: $24,500 (same for Roth 457(b)). Age 50+ Catch-up: Additional $8,000 (total $32,500). Ages 60-63 "Super" Catch-up: An extra $11,250 (total $35,750)

Cibolo Lending Library Be Our Guest outlines Disney’s approach to service excellence through four core principles: clear purpose, intentional design, empowered employees, and consistent delivery. The book offers practical insight for City staff as we continue to serve a growing community with a resident-centered, respectful approach. It is a valuable read for employees looking to strengthen trust, improve satisfaction, and deliver consistent service by treating residents as valued guests and aligning culture, processes, and accountability around service excellence.

SCAN TO CHECK OUT/IN BOOKS

Benefits Changes to Proficient FSA Receipt and Claim Submission Options Effective January 16, 2026, Proficient Benefit Solutions will inactivate the Email and Fax services used by participants to submit receipts for substantiation of card transactions and claim forms for manual reimbursement. This change is being implemented to protect your account from the growing trend of fraud across the employee benefits industry. Not Registered? Visit proficientconnect.wealthcareportal.com or download the Proficient Connect App through your Apple or Google app store today!

Complete Registration Begin the registration process by entering the required information. If you have your benefit card number handy, then you only need to enter your name, zip code, and card number. You will be guided to confirm your identity, create a user ID, and choose and confirm a password that meets the provided specifications. If you do not have a card or your card number available, you will be directed to confirm your email or mobile phone number (if on file), where you will receive a security code verification. Otherwise, you will be prompted to enter your Employer and Employee ID.

Proficient Connect Provides: >> Secure document upload directly from your favorite device. "Add a Receipt" to an existing transaction or "Submit an Expense" for manual reimbursement. >> The ability to report a lost or stolen card immediately >> Access to your account balance and transaction history >> Access to manage communications >> Access to set up direct deposit for reimbursement

Submit By Mail: You can continue to submit by mail as well however we do not recommend this method as it is not as secure as Proficient Connect and you will experience a delay in processing as you are relying on the delivery times of the USPS.

Need Help? Contact Proficient at 210-659-8100 if you need help with your EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE ID or if you simply require assistance with the portal.

Benefits resources: Contact Info

Find an In Network Vision Provider Find an In Network Dental Provider BlueCross BlueShield Virtual Visits

Where do I go for Health Care?

health & wellness January Is National Blood Donor Month Winter is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. That’s why National Blood Donor Month is celebrated every January. Blood is needed for surgeries, traumatic injuries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. Blood and platelets cannot be made synthetically, so voluntary donations are necessary. Find where to donate blood at https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/centers

As the holidays end, some people give up alcohol in what’s known as “Dry January.” Are you in? Alcohol can also contribute to various health conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, heart disease and certain cancers. People may experience health-related benefits when taking a brief break from moderate to heavy alcohol consumption. Dry January participants often report sleeping better, having higher energy levels, being in a better mood and feeling more focused. Some also experience weight loss and clearer skin. Tips for a Successful Dry January Think about potential challenges during the month, such as social events or stress triggers, so you can plan how you’ll handle these situations without alcohol. Stay busy and engage in activities that don’t involve drinking. You may discover a new hobby, exercise more or spend quality time with others in alcohol-free settings. Stock up on nonalcoholic beverages that you enjoy. Many great options include sparkling water, functional sodas, mocktails, and nonalcoholic beers and wines. Let friends and family know about your goal so they can offer support or even join you. Pay attention to the positive health and mental changes you notice, as they can reinforce your commitment.

Access your employee discounts Start the Year Strong Did you know Cibolo employees get employee discounts through ADP? Find deals on gyms this new year through Life Mart in ADP. Find out how to find these discounts below!

Go to the home page on ADP to find the “Your Employee Discounts!” box. Click “View My Discounts”

This will lead you to the LifeMart homepage. Search “The Active&Fit Direct Program”

This will lead you to The Active&Fit Direct Program discount offerings

Click “$0 Enrollment At 20K+ Gyms”

January Anniversaries STEVEN BURDETT- 21 YEARS

GABRIEL GUEL- 3 YEARS

BRIAN NIPPER- 20 YEARS

ANDREW JUAREZ- 3 YEARS

RALPH DE LEON- 18 YEARS

JORGE CASIAS- 3 YEARS

MAGGIE PATTERSON-18 YEARS

CODY WEBBER- 3 YEARS

MANUEL TOVAR- 12 YEARS

RYAN MCCOSH- 3 YEARS

AUSTIN ZITKUS-9 YEARS

JORDAN NG- 3 YEARS

MIGUEL DELGADO- 9 YEARS

RONNIE CRUZ- 2 YEARS

LANDON JOHNSTON- 9 YEARS

HERIBERTO MADRIGAL- 2 YEARS

RICARDO MEDINA- 6 YEARS

RICK VASQUEZ- 1 YEAR

DUSTIN MORRIS- 6 YEARS

PAUL WATSON- 1 YEAR

CHRISTOPHER HUBBARD- 6 YEARS

MILES BENTZ- 1 YEAR

TRACY BEEKMAN- 4 YEARS JEANETTE GONZALEZ- 3 YEARS

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE!

WELCOME TO TEAM CIBOLO! PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS OF TEAM CIBOLO!

VICTORIA HIMEL ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER ANIMAL SERVICES

JAMES LEE JAHANARA POLICE OFFICER POLICE DEPARTMENT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANUARY

MILES RONNIE BENTZ CRUZ MARGARITA MARIA HERNANDEZ NEWELL

RICHARD KERSHAW

JOSHUA HARVILLE

JASON FORE

NICHOLAS GUEL

RUBEN LASCANO

RICARDO MEDINA

RUSSELL HARVILLE

ADAM TAYLOR

CARLOS MAASS KENNETH THOMES

DANIEL MANSBACH

MARIO MARTINEZ

NICHOLAS RUSSO

CHRISTOPHER MARTINEZ GREGORY VILLANUEVA

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Thank you to everyone who was able to come celebrate with us at the Annual Employee Awards Luncheon! We were proud to recognize outstanding members of Team Cibolo at our Annual Awards Luncheon. Four Employees of the Year, two People Managers of the Year, and two Teams of the Year were honored for exemplifying the City’s core values of professional development, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. Their dedication and leadership make a meaningful impact on our organization and the community we serve. Special thanks to Everyday Christian Fellowship for graciously providing the event space, Crust Pizza for catering the luncheon, and Waste Connections for their generous raffle donations.

Don’t forget to download your group photobooth pictures! https://fotoshare.co/u/1896181033/8490585

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS LUNCHEON Employees of the Year

Ashley Quick, Public Works Admin

Natalie Dahlstein, Police Department SRO

Nicholas Guel, Public Works Utilities Division

Armando Aguero, Public Works Drainage Division

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS LUNCHEON People Managers of the Year

Jessica Donoho, Finance

Russell Harville, Public Works Streets Division

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS LUNCHEON Team of the Year - Streets Division

Team of the Year - School Resource Offer Team

Thank you to Mayor Latimer and Councilmembers Mrs. Sanchez-Stephens, Mrs. Roberts, and Mr. Hicks for joining us in celebrating our employees!

GALLUP: MY SUPERVISOR, OR SOMEONE AT WORK, SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT ME AS A PERSON. The goal of this question is to measure how supported, valued, and genuinely cared for employees feel at work, beyond just their job performance. When people feel personally valued, engagement and morale increase, creating a healthier and more connected culture.

💡Check In Challenge: Take a few minutes this week to genuinely check in with a coworker. Ask how they are doing and listen.

WE’D LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK TO HELP IMPROVE THE BUFFALO BEAT!

HTTPS://FORMS.OFFICE.COM/G/TELCSDN6TK

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER JANUARY 2026 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As I reflect on 2025, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments by Team Cibolo. It has been a year marked by incremental improvements, thoughtful decisions, and a shared commitment to serving our community well. Much of that work goes unseen, but it matters. It shows up in reliable services, professional staff, fiscal management, and the trust that is built when people do what they say they will do.

I am proud of the progress we have made together. It was four years ago that our employees came together to define our core values; today, those values are reflected in the real results we see inside our organization and across our community. At the same time four years ago, the City Council embraced the need for a vision to guide its decision-making and to have a destination it wanted to arrive at on behalf of the community. I am deeply grateful for a City Council that understands its role in setting direction, asking hard questions, and making important and sometimes difficult decisions in the best interest of the community. As we continue to evolve, our success will be built on our culture and shared values that allow individuals and teams to show up, contribute, and move the organization forward.

As we begin this new year, I look at the new goals we have set that will lead us toward our vision. As we deliver on our promises, it will mean we are continuing to change, to evolve. In this environment, progress does not come from one individual, but a team committed to a purpose. It comes from clear direction. Direction comes from a singular mindset framed in a strategy to focus our limited resources on what’s important. It comes from alignment. Alignment between purpose and strategy. Between leadership and culture. Between vision and execution.

I am grateful for our Mayor and City Council, whose leadership has allowed us to move forward on several fronts. Their decision-making has allowed us to advance our new public safety and animal services facilities. They have asked us to grow smart and put plans in place that are implemented. Their collective decisions have led us to initiate master planning for new wastewater services near the I-10 corridor as well as many other important initiatives. Most importantly, I appreciate our elected officials continue support to invest in our greatest asset, our employees, through funding equipment, training, and compensation. Our people deliver the services and make this city run.

As I look ahead to 2026, I feel both optimistic and focused. Optimistic because of the people who serve this organization and community with professionalism and respect. Focused because of the work ahead, investments in our infrastructure, opportunities to grow our local economy, and deliver on our promise to be prepared for the future. This requires consistency, good judgment, and a team committed to a singular purpose.

I plan to conduct my departmental visits during the 2nd quarter, before the summer season kicks off. I look forward to hearing your stories and discussing how we can continue to support one another. In the meantime, let’s continue to lead with grace and kindness in our words and actions.

Finally, as we step into this new year, I want to wish each of you a very safe and happy New Year. I hope you were able to enjoy meaningful time with your loved ones and feel refreshed for the year ahead. Thank you for everything you do!

Sincerely,

Wayne Reed, ICMA-CM City of Cibolo City Manager

Office Hours: M-F | 8 AM - 5 PM Executive Assistant: Nicole Perez Email: nperez@cibolotx.gov

Mailing Address: City of Cibolo 200 S. Main St. Cibolo, TX 78108

RETURN TO BENEFITS PAGE Questions & Answers Enrollments & Changes That Can Be Made Effective January 1, 2026: Enroll orterminate individual and/ordependentcoverageinthe medical,dental, vision, voluntary life, voluntary short term disability voluntary long term disability, supplemental plans, and. pet insurance. MASA, and Health Savings Account. Make changes to plans you are currently enrolled in.

How Do I Enroll? LogintoEmployeeNavigatortoelect,make changes, and/or decline your benefits.

Who Do I Contact With Questions? Contact Debra Hogan at 210-619-0017 Contact HUB International Texas, Inc.

Contact List Name / Organization Tina Burger–HUB International Texas, Inc. BlueCross BlueShield Customer Service BlueCross BlueShield Nurse Line Guardian Customer Service Proficient Benefit Services Nationwide Retirement Services Wishbone Pet Insurance MASA –Emergency Transportation

Alliance Work Partners

Phone 210-298-7165 800-521-2227 800-581-0393 888-600-1600 888-659-8151 888-401-5272 800-891-2565 U.S.:1-800-423-3226 International: 1-800-643-9023 800-343 3822

BlueCross EAP Line -ComPsych

844-213 8968

Guardian EAP Line –ComPsych

855-239 0743

Email / Website Tina.Burger@hubinternational.com www.bcbstx.com www.bcbstx.com www.guardianlife.com www.proficientbenefits.com www.nrsforu.com petbenefits.com www.masamts.com

www.awpnow.com Registration Code: AWP-CIBOLO-3562 www.guidanceresources.com App: GuidanceNow Web ID: TXEAP www.guardianceresources.com App: GuidanceNow Web ID:Guardian

RETURN TO BENEFITS PAGE

Tips: Deciding Where to Go for Health Care Knowing your options when it comes to health care can mean big savings when it comes to cost and time.

Be informed. Know where to go.

If you need emergency care seek help from any doctor or hospital immediately!

CALL

Virtual Visits video access from a mobile device or computer doctors available all day, every day approximate wait time: less than 5 minutes quickest option for non-emergency care

Doctor’s Office established relationship, knowledge of medical history office hours vary approximate wait time: 20 –45 minutes generally best choice for non-emergency care

Retail Health Clinic convenient locations in stores and pharmacies based on retail store hours approximate wait time: 1 hour minor, non-emergency medical care

Urgent Care Provider check-in online or over the phone hours typically include weekends, evenings, and holidays approximate wait time: 1 hour non-emergency care

Free Standing Emergency Room multiple bills, condition could require transfer to hospital ER doctors available all day, every day approximate wait time: commonly less than hospital ER emergency care, but not trauma

Hospital Emergency Room multiple bills, highest out of pocket cost to you doctors available all day, every day approximate wait time: 2.5 -3 hours emergency and trauma care NOTE:Ambulance services always subject to coinsurance and deductible. Check your official health plan documents to see what services and providers are covered by your health plan. The information and estimates provided are for general informational and illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical advice or a substitute for your doctor’s care.

RETURN TO BENEFITS PAGE

Virtual Visits: Get Cost-Effective, 24/7 Care With Virtual Visits from MDLIVE®, the doctor is always in. This Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) benefit gives you access to 24/7 non-emergency care from a board-certified doctor or therapist by phone, online video or mobile app from almost anywhere. Skip expensive ER bills and waiting to see a doctor. You can speak with a Virtual Visits doctor within minutes. Services are available in both English and Spanish with translation services available in other languages. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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Why Virtual Visits? • 24/7 access to an independently contracted, board-certified doctor or therapist • Access via phone, online video or mobile app from almost anywhere • Average wait time of less than 20 minutes • Doctors can send e-prescriptions to your local pharmacy

The Virtual Visits benefit is a convenient alternative for treatment of more than 80 health conditions, including: • Allergies

• Headaches

• Cold/Flu

• Nausea

• Fever

• Sinus infections

Virtual Visits sessions with licensed behavioral health therapists are available by appointment. Get virtual care for: • Depression

• Substance use disorders

• Eating disorders

• Trauma and PTSD

• ADHD

• Autism spectrum disorder

First, call your doctor’s office; they may also offer telehealth consultations by phone or online video. If you have any questions about this or any other BCBSTX benefit, please call the number on the back of your ID card.

Activate your Virtual Visits account today: • Call 888-680-8646 • Go to MDLIVE.com/bcbstx • Text BCBSTX to 635-483 • Download the app

Virtual Visits may be limited by plan. For providers licensed in New Mexico and the District of Columbia, Urgent Care service is limited to interactive online video; Behavioral Health service requires video for the initial visit but may use video or audio for follow-up visits, based on the provider’s clinical judgment. Behavioral Health is not available on all plans. MDLIVE is a separate company that operates and administers Virtual Visits for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. MDLIVE is solely responsible for its operations and for those of its contracted providers. MDLIVE® and the MDLIVE logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc., and may not be used without permission. Blue Cross® , Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

9100009.1222

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Blue Access for MembersSM

Get all the advantages your health plan offers

Get information about your health benefits, anytime, anywhere. Use your computer, phone or tablet to access the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) secure member website, Blue Access for Members (BAMSM). With BAM, you can: •Check the status or history of a claim •View or print Explanation of Benefits statements •Locate a doctor or hospital in your plan’s network

It’s easy to get started 1

Go to bcbstx.com/member

Click Register Now

Use the information on your BCBSTX ID card to complete the registration process.

•Find Spanish-speaking providers •Request a new ID c ard – or print a temporary one

Text* BCBSTXAPP to 33633 to get the BCBSTX App that lets you use BAM while you’re on the go. *Message and data rates may apply

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Ahora es más fácil recibir atención médica a cualquier hora y en cualquier lugar

Consultas virtuales Atenciónmédica al alcance de sus manos

Enfermarse nunca es oportuno y puede ser difícil encontrar el tiempo para ir al médico. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) le permite, a usted y sus derechohabientes asegurados, recibir atención por medio del programa MDLIVE para tratar problemas médicos que no sean de emergencia y atender sus necesidades de salud mental. No importa si se encuentra en casa o de viaje, siempre podrá comunicarse con un médico avalado por la junta de su especialidad, las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana. Usted puede consultar a un médico de inmediato o programar una cita según su disponibilidad. Las consultas virtuales pueden ser una mejor opción que acudir a una sala de emergencias o un centro de atención médica inmediata.

Algunas de las condiciones médicas que los médicos o terapeutas de MDLIVE pueden tratar son las siguientes: Salud general • alergias • asma • náuseas • infecciones de los senos nasales

Atención pediátrica • resfriados • gripe/influenza • problemas del oído • conjuntivitis

Salud mental • ansiedad/depresión • problemas de aprendizaje o de conducta en los niños • problemas matrimoniales

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association 731393.0318

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Conexión

Consulta

Consultas porcomputadora, , tableta o teléfono smartphone

Consultas en tiempo real con un médico o terapeuta avalado por la junta de su especialidad

Sitio web:

Aplicación móvil:

Diagnóstico Envíoelectrónico derecetas médicas a la farmacia de su preferencia (cuando corresponda)

Teléfono:

Visite el sitio web MDLIVE.com/bcbstx

• Descargue la aplicación MDLIVE de Apple • Llame a MDLIVE (888-680-8646). App StoreSM o Google PlayTM Store. • Hable con un especialista en • Abra la aplicación y elija un médico • Elija un médico. servicios médicos. de MDLIVE. • Converse con médicos por • Hable con un médico. • Converse con el médico desde su videoconferencia. dispositivo móvil. • También puede obtener acceso a través del portal Blue Access for MembersSM.

¡Comuníquese hoy mismo! Para inscribirse, tendrá que proporcionar su nombre y apellido, fecha de nacimiento y número de asegurado de BCBSTX.

Se requiere conexióna Internet/inalámbrica para tener acceso por computadora. Puede recibir cobros por transferencia de datos.Verifiquelos detalles delplan de sucompañía telefónica o proveedor de Internet. Elservicio médico en Idaho, Montana y New Mexico, que no sea de emergencia, está limitado a video/audio interactivo (solo por video), con la capacidad de recetar medicamentos. El servicio médico en Arkansas, que no sea de emergencia, está limitado a video/audio interactivo (solo por video) para una consulta inicial, con la capacidad de recetar medicamentos. El servicio de consultas de salud mental en todos los estados, está limitado a video/audio interactivo (solo por video), con la capacidad de recetar medicamentos. Disponibilidad de servicio sujeta a ubicación a la hora de consulta. No todas las coberturas ofrecen el servicio de consultas virtuales de MDLIVE. Consultas virtuales sujetas a los términos y las condiciones de su cobertura médica, incluidos los beneficios, las limitaciones y las exclusiones. MDLIVE opera sujeto a normas estatales y podría no estar disponible en ciertos estados. MDLIVE no es un seguro médico ni un almacén para el surtido de medicamentos con receta. MDLIVE no garantiza la expedición de recetas médicas. MDLIVE no receta sustancias controladas por la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA, en inglés), medicamentos no terapéuticos y otros medicamentos que podrían ser dañinos por su potencial de abuso. Los médicos de MDLIVE se reservan el derecho de negar atención por posible uso indebido de los servicios. MDLIVE, una compañía independiente, opera y administra el programa de consultas virtuales, y es el único responsable de su funcionamiento y el de sus profesionales contratados. MDLIVE® y el logotipo de MDLIVE son marcas registradas de MDLIVE, Inc., y queda prohibido su uso sin autorización por escrito. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. App Store es una marca de servicio registrada de Apple Inc. Google Play Store es una marca registrada de Google Inc. (“Google”). Page 10