Connect Newsletter (Oct. 1, 2026)

New Plan Year for Benefits Starts Oct. 1

A new medical insurance carrier and other high-quality benefits take effect today with the start of the 2026-2027 plan year. 

Cook Children's invests more than $200 million annually in benefits designed to help our team members thrive. It’s an investment that reflects an ongoing commitment to you and your family. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, leave of absence, mental health resources and a variety of support for well-being. 

The benefits you selected during open enrollment in August 2026 run from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. The bullets with astericks are new this year. A quick recap of highlights:

• *The switch to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) offers more in-network provider options, improved contract rates to help manage out-of-pocket costs, and a simplified experience for all your medical plan questions.
• *Disabled dependents over age 26 remain covered, as long as the disability occurred before age 26 and eligibility requirements are met.
• *Digital tools FitOn Health and Enrich promote content to build physical and financial wellness.
• Judi Rx, formerly called Capital Rx, continues as pharmacy benefits manager. A big perk is the convenience of filling prescriptions at Cook Children’s retail pharmacies in Fort Worth and Prosper.
• Flexible spending accounts will be managed by Health Equity effective Oct. 1, 2026 (formerly managed by Navia).

Click here to view the benefits CookNet page or email your questions to AskBenefits@cookchildrens.org.

Temporary Sidewalk Closure Near 901 Building

Beginning Oct. 5, the sidewalk in front of the 901 Building between W. Humbolt St. and Terrell Ave. will be temporarily closed for several months.

Staff Access

Staff, including those working in the Rosedale Office Building and Urgent Care Center, can continue to access the Fort Worth Medical Center through the 901 Building by using their badge at the door located next to the garage exit on Humbolt Street, as shown in the graphic.

This entrance leads into the Terrell Avenue Garage, where you can access the 901 Building on the first floor. From there, take the elevator or stairs to the third floor and use the skybridge to reach the rest of the Medical Center.

Patient and Family Access

If you encounter a patient or family on the south side of campus, please direct them to the following parking locations for easier access:

• Medical Center patients and visitors: park in the 7th Avenue Garage
• Dodson patients and visitors: park in P1 Garage
• Behavioral Health-ABC patients and visitors: park in the Terrell Garage

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this work is underway.

Enjoy Exclusive Access During Family Fun Day at Six Flags

Get ready for a day of thrills! Cook Children’s Family Fun Day returns to Six Flags Over Texas from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.

This year Six Flags will be open exclusively for Cook Children’s employees and their families. With no other company joining us, you can look forward to a fully private park experience, shorter lines and more time to enjoy your favorite rides and attractions.

Employees who purchase one or more tickets will receive one free ticket! Employees can purchase a total of six tickets at $16.24 each ($15 plus $1.24 tax). Each ticket includes park admission and parking. Children 2 and under are free and do not need an admission ticket. The original price for one ticket that includes Six Flags park admission and parking is valued at $89.99, so this is an outstanding offer.

Additional offers:

• Add on a Single Meal Deal [1Meal - 1 Snack - 1 Beverage] to enjoy inside the park at select park locations for $19.99 per person.
• Upgrade your event ticket to a Gold Season Pass for unlimited access to Texas and Oklahoma Six Flags locations including parking for a special price of $29.00. Must purchase on the day of the event.

And there’s a brand-new thrill waiting for you, Tormenta Rampaging Run is now open. The record-breaking coaster is the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster and features a 95-degree beyond-vertical drop. Make plans to bring your family and enjoy an unforgettable day of rides, food and fun with your Cook Children’s family.

Ready for the thrills? Visit the Team Experience CookNet site to learn more about Family Fun Day, review ticket-purchasing instructions and purchase your tickets.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This year's theme is 'Don't Make It Easy for Them.' Throughout the month, Information Services will share practical tips and resources to help employees build safer online habits and make life difficult for cybercriminals. 

In addition to the Cybersecurity Rock Star Challenge, employees can participate in the new Phishing Derby and Cyber Quest Scavenger Hunt. Watch for weekly security tips, fun activities, prize opportunities, and resources designed to help protect both personal and organizational information. 

Visit the Cybersecurity Awareness Month page on CookNet for activities, schedules, resources, and participation details throughout October.

Sign up for Fort Worth Medical Center Trick or Treat Patient Event 

Help create a fun Halloween experience for our patients by signing up your department at this year's Halloween event.

If your department plans to participate, please click here to see the requirements and forms to sign up. The first 25 forms submitted are guaranteed a table. 

All forms must be turned in by Oct. 16, to Katie Shanklin in the Child Life Department via email patientevents@cookchildrens.org For more information, please call 682-885-4270.

Share Your Content with Us

Do you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

Check our CookNet calendar for more system-wide events and to find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.