AlaskaCare Employee News | April 2019

• Getting to Know Your Benefits
• SurgeryPlus
• Aetna Local Office in Anchorage and Juneau
• Recipe of the Month
• Exercise of the Month
• Health Fact of the Month
• Health Benefit Contact Information

Vision Care
Being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts would be ideal. Unfortunately, most of us will experience at least one vision condition at some point during our lives.

The human eye is incredibly complex, the slightest disruption in the lens, cornea, retina, or iris could drastically affect vision. The good news is that many vision conditions can be corrected through comprehensive eye exams, and if necessary, prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.

Routine eye exams can help detect serious conditions early, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetes. Routine exams are not just for adults—children benefit from them as well. They can assist in spotting problems that could hinder learning and development.

Exercise for Your Eyes
It's no secret that exercise is the best way to get in shape and avoid serious health conditions. But you may be surprised to learn that you can exercise your way to healthy eyes, too! The heart, brain, lungs, and eyes are impacted by how you care for your body. Regular exercise can help prevent eye conditions linked to obesity and being out of shape.

• Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. Simply walking 2 or 3 times a week can help decrease pressure on the nerves located in the eyes.
  
  
• Diabetic Retinopathy can lead to blindness unless a healthy diet plan and exercise is followed.
  
  
• Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Lowering blood pressure through healthy diet and exercise may help slow the process.

Decrease your risk for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration by staying active and maintaining a healthy diet.

More Resources:
Exercise Your Way to Healthier Eyes

The State of Alaska has partnered with SurgeryPlus to provide a supplemental surgical travel benefit for AlaskaCare employees and their eligible dependents. With SurgeryPlus, AlaskaCare members with non-emergency surgical needs now have access to a network of 100% board-certified surgeons in many major metropolitan areas across the United States.

With SurgeryPlus, there are no surprise charges. After members meet their deductible, there are no additional out-of-pocket costs associated with the surgery. SurgeryPlus will book and pay for travel up front, schedule your appointments, and coordinate with your doctor. AlaskaCare members and their eligible dependents have been reporting positive engagement with the SurgeryPlus team.

“I tried SurgeryPlus for this first time and need to share how impressed I am with the process. I called SurgeryPlus when I needed surgery. I was assigned a Care Advocate and she was with me through the whole process from planning my travel to after I was home. The doctor that was highly recommended was on the approved list and Rachel was able to help me with appointments, flights, and a good hotel. Rachel sent me a pre-loaded charge card to cover expenses like a taxi to and from the airport and doctor’s office. Rachel was amazing during the process and checked in at each step. She made me feel important and took care of the details so that I could focus on my recovery.”

-SurgeryPlus member, Juneau, AK

Hernia repair and chemo port removal
Location: Seattle, WA
Travel cost to member: $0
Total travel time: 5 days

When you need to travel for a non-emergency medical procedure, consult SurgeryPlus! To learn more, contact a SurgeryPlus Care Advocate toll-free at (855) 715-1680.

Want to talk to an Aetna representative in person? AlaskaCare employees can stop by Aetna offices in Juneau and Anchorage and talk directly with an Aetna representative. The Aetna AlaskaCare offices operate on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed! 

They can assist you with questions about your benefits and with services such as: 

• Paper claim submissions
• Travel precertification
• Help understanding your explanation of benefits
• Eligibility issues
• Appeals assistance
• Coordination of benefits for multiple plans
• And More…