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Public Employees' Benefit Board

May 2010
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Board Plans for 2011 Benefits
 
This is the Benefit Board’s planning schedule for the 2011 benefit program. You can give input to the Board throughout the process through e-mail, public comment at Board meetings and the annual member survey.
 

Month
Actions
May
Finalize how cost trends and plan design changes will impact rates
June
Publish 2011 premium rates – used in developing biennial budgets
July
Decide Open Enrollment process
Aug.
Prepare Open Enrollment process and systems
Sept.
Communicate 2011 plan changes
Oct.
Conduct Open Enrollment
Nov.
Review input for 2012 benefits
Dec.
Finalize 2011 contracts with plans
Jan.
Enact 2011 plans; post final member handbooks online

Rural Subsidy Changes
 
Beginning 2011, the Benefit Board will no longer apply the rural subsidy in Jackson and Deschutes counties.
 
The Board began the policy on rural subsidies more than 10 years ago to support access to primary care in areas without an HMO.
 
Recent analysis shows that the rural subsidy may not improve access but may increase costs without better quality.
  • Access. Both Jackson and Deschutes counties have urban areas. Provider networks for PEBB and the Oregon Educators Benefit Board have comparable networks in these counties, even though OEBB doesn’t have a rural subsidy.
  • Cost. With the rural subsidy, out-of-network providers can charge more, and the plan still pays a bigger share. Members in rural counties pay in-network costs even when they use out-of-network providers in urban areas, including Portland.
  • Quality. Through provider contracts, the Board can demand higher quality care. The subsidy removes this tool for improving patient care.
PEBB will send details to members who live in Deschutes and Jackson counties before Open Enrollment. Review a set of questions and answers on the topic.
 
The Board will consider discontinuing the rural subsidy for other areas at future meetings.

Do you have a Medical Home?
Doctor_sign
 
You don’t want to go to a stranger when you’re hurt or sick. You want to go home – your medical home – where you can see someone you know and trust to understand your individual health needs.
You want to see someone who
  • Takes the time to advise you on how to stay healthy
  • Knows your medical history and your family history
  • Helps you avoid problems through tests and screenings
  • Explains treatment choices, including prescription drugs
  • Coordinates care if you have a chronic or complex illness
  • Knows when to refer you to other specialists
Don’t wait until you’re sick or hurt. Use your plan’s online directory to find a medical home now.
Search for a general or family practitioner, a general internist, a gynecologist (for women), a pediatrician (for children) or a nurse practitioner in your area.

Dependent Coverage
 
 New federal law requires group health plans to cover dependents to age 26. This requirement goes into effect for PEBB in 2011. The Benefit Board will modify rules on dependent coverage by Open Enrollment for the 2011 plan year.

A Problem with a Solution
 
Abuse of alcohol and drugs is a problem for employees and employers.
  • 64 percent of people who have alcohol use disorders are employed
  • 37 percent of those with a substance abuse problem also suffer from a serious mental illness
Treatment is effective.
  • 75 percent of people who get treatment have better performance on the job
  • 53 percent who get treatment need less medical care
This spring, your employee assistance program will kick off a campaign on the facts and effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
 
Your Benefit Board has selected Cascade Centers to continue as the employee assistance program through 2013 for state agencies through the PEBB program.

Make a Healthy Choice
 
Quitting tobacco is one of the healthiest choices people can make. It decreases the risk of cancer, lung disease, heart attack and stroke. It can lead to a more active, productive life, and a healthier, happier you.
 
Make a healthy choice today. Enroll in the Quit For Life® Program. Your Benefit Board offers this program as a fully covered benefit – for you and your dependents.
 
 
It’s FREE. It’s confidential. It works. 1.866.QUIT.4.LIFE (1.866.784.8454)
 
Kaiser Members: Call 503-286-6816 or 1-866-301-3866; select option 2. Tell them you’re a PEBB member and want the PEBB benefit.
 
 

Weight Watchers Success
Gym
 
"I have put off losing weight for too long. I thank you for including weight watchers into your program. It is much easier to lose weight when the program is incorporated into the work day and there are others at work to lose weight with. Without having weight watchers incorporated as a benefit during the work lunch hour I never would have tried to lose weight." Read more. 
 
— PEBB Member
 
" I really appreciate being able to attend Weight Watchers meetings for free where I work. The women who come to our office from Weight Watchers are extremely supportive and thoughtful. To tell you the truth, I don’t actually attend the meetings anymore, I just go for the weigh-in. I don’t need the support to lose weight anymore – I’ve met my goal – but I do need help staying honest. They make it easy." Read more. 
 
— PEBB Member
 
 

Connect with Your Benefit Board


Resources

PEBB    
(503) 373-1102, fax (503) 373-1654      
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