|
The PEBB Connection for September 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Content Download a printable copy |
Click here to download a PDF (takes time to load) |
 |
| Now is your opportunity to join the 2013 HEM |
Sept. 1-Oct. 31 is your window of opportunity for participating in the 2013 Health Engagement Model (HEM).
Take these two steps:
Sept.1-Oct.31 complete your health assessment on your plan’s secure website even if you completed one earlier this year.* If you cover a spouse or domestic partner, you both need to complete your individual assessment.
Oct.1-31 enroll during Open Enrollment and sign up for the 2013 HEM.
Beginning January 2013, you’ll get a taxable health incentive in your monthly pay: $17.50 for an employee only; $35 for an employee and spouse or domestic partner when both participate.
Click here to learn more about the 2013 HEM and to log in to your account on your health plan’s website for the assessment.
*Kaiser members: Your plan locks access to your assessment for 201 days after you take it. If you completed your assessment after Feb. 13 and before Sept. 1, it will count for 2013 HEM. |
|
|
| In the mail: your info packet for Open Enrollment |
|
Don’t toss this envelope! It gives you important information on Open Enrollment Oct.1-31.
This will be a mandatory Open Enrollment for 2013 health coverage, so you’ll want to use this information to compare plans in your area before you enroll.
When you enroll, you'll also select your status on participating in the HEM program, tobacco use, and spouse or domestic partner other coverage.
Click here for links to download the packet contents, including a letter from the Benefit Board, a summary of what’s new for 2013, premium rates, plan comparisons and tips for enrolling through the online benefit system. |
|
|
Adam Villarreal's three good reasons to quit tobacco - health, money, society |
 Millions of people have been able to quit using tobacco, given enough motivation and support.
PEBB member Adam Villarreal had three strong motivators that helped him quit - health, money and society -and strong support from the Quit for Life© tobacco cessation program.
Adam directs member services in the House Democratic Office. He’d been smoking off and on for about six years – the last two, pretty regularly.
Health came first. “I decided to quit because smoking is unhealthy. I wanted to be able to go for a run and not be short winded.”
Adam’s been running solo for about eight years, but he’s also into some fun group activities where being healthy pays off . He’s now a stronger rower on his 19-person dragon-boat racing team during Portland’s Rose Festival.
Money played a part. “I don’t want to spend money on cigarettes,” Adam says, “and I didn’t want to pay the $25 PEBB surcharge every month.” He quickly makes the connection between money and health. “If I kept smoking I knew I would cost the health care system more, and that means I’d have to pay more.”
The societal factor also pushed Adam toward quitting. “It’s more a part of the culture of our workplace now,” he says. “I see it as a two-pronged approach – a culture that discourages smoking and that also gives you support for quitting.”
Adam got support from the Quit for Life program – part of PEBB benefits. “I liked the
coaching and getting the nicotine patch for free. I might not have done that because of the expense.”
Though he struggled to get off the patch (nicotine is very addictive), he says he’d recommend that path to others. “Quit for Life gives a lot of support that helps you quit.
It’s definitely worth it.”
Whatever your motivation to quit, call today!
1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454)
Kaiser members call 1-866-301-3866, Opt. 2, and ask for the PEBB Quit for Life benefit. |
|
|
|
Worksite flu shot clinics scheduled
|
Get your 2012 flu shot conveniently and at no cost  in flu shot clinics scheduled at agency locations around the state now through December.
Click here for the current schedule. If you don't see your worksite scheduled yet, check back in a week or so. The vendor is working with worksite coordinators to add new clinics.
Click here for more information on attending or of these clinics.
If you can't make it to a worksite clinic, you can typically find a source in your community. The Statewide and Providence Choice plans cover immunizations from a participating provider or pharmacy. Kaiser covers immunizations in participating medical offices. |
|
|
Know who to call if you get sick at work |
|
When you’re at work in Salem and need health care for a minor  condition, call for a same-day appointment with Providence Health eXpress – a telehealth care pilot available at no cost to employees enrolled in all PEBB medical plans, including Kaiser plans.
Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m-4 p.m. by calling 855-229-6460.
Providence Health eXpress provides quick access to quality care from trusted medical
professionals using private, secure video conferencing.
The Providence Health Express telehealth clinic is in Room 27 on the lower level of the Labor and Industries building on the Capitol Mall at 350 Winter St. NE.
Members in the PEBB Statewide plan and Providence Choice plans outside the Salem area can call the Providence nurse line for advice when they get sick at work. The number is on the back of the Providence ID card. Kaiser members can call the Kaiser nurse line at the number on their plan ID card. |
|
|
| Put a little (food) love in your heart |
|
In this age of information, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by “eat this,  not that” advice.
Larlene Dunsmuir, FNP, from Providence Health eXpress, cuts through the nutritional noise with 11 “super foods” at the top of the charts for heart health.
1. Apples - One a day may not keep the doctor away permanently, but it can help
2. Asparagus - Rich in heart-loving vitamin B6, folate, fiber and potassium
3. Avocados - With the good fat for guilt-free guacamole
4. Bell peppers - Pack a flavor punch with B vitamins as well as folate and fiber
5. Blueberries - Rich in antioxidants, full of fiber and great for cholesterol levels
6. Carrots - What’s up, doc? In carrots, it’s vitamins A and C, fiber and carotenoids
7. Legumes - Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart...enough said
8. Oats - Get ‘em while they’re hot to power your morning
9. Olive oil - A slick way to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar
10. Nuts - Especially walnuts and almonds; a few a day go a long way
11. Salmon - Go fresh, go canned, go wild at least twice a week for omega-3 fatty acids
Larlene notes that these 11 star foods are readily available and affordable. What’s more, there are lots of ways to incorporate them into a variety of meals.
Easy ways to make these tasty super-foods part of your daily diet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|