AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter | August 2020
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 09/02/2020 08:18 AM AKDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
AlaskaCare Retiree Health News
| Volume 27| August 2020 |
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In response to the COVID-19 national public health emergency declared on January 31, 2020 and the State of Alaska public health disaster emergency declared on March 11, 2020 by Governor Mike Dunleavy, the Division of Retirement and Benefits has implemented temporary plan changes and suspensions in the AlaskaCare health plans. Learn how your health plan is supporting you. |
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During the 2020-2021 cold and flu season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community, and the global community from flu. Especially now, everyone needs to do their part to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu and COVID-19. What will happen this fall and winter is uncertain, but it is likely that there will be COVID-19 and seasonal flu activity. Getting a flu vaccine will be important for protecting your own health. It will also help to protect the health of people around you. Does the AlaskaCare Retiree Plan cover flu shots?
Do we need to get a flu vaccine earlier this year? * The preceding temporary administrative changes are prospective in nature and shall remain in effect until earlier of the date of: 1) the termination of the suspensions contained in the applicable COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension; 2) the termination of the Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency issued by Governor Mike Dunleavy; or 3) the national public health emergency is terminated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; including any extensions or amendments thereof. The temporary administrative changes listed above are in response to a State of Alaska and federally recognized health emergency and do not provide a vested right to coverage for any individual. The Division of Retirement and Benefits retains the sole discretion to rescind or modify these temporary administrative changes depending on the circumstances. |
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Join Us for a Special Town Hall Event
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Town Hall Events are group calls hosted by the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Retirement and Benefits for all interested AlaskaCare retirees and families to ask questions about the AlaskaCare health plans. You can join the call to learn more about your health plan and ask Division staff any questions you have about your benefits. This format gives retirees a chance to connect directly with Division staff to hear the latest news on all things AlaskaCare, raise questions, share comments, and learn more about the health plans. Pre-register now online. We want to hear from you! The next Town Hall Events will be on:
Retiree newsletters are sent electronically to Health Plan members that have subscribed to receive updates. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time by managing your preferences here. |
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News from the Retiree Health Plan Advisory Board
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The Retiree Health Plan Advisory Board (RHPAB) is tasked with facilitating engagement and communication among the Commissioner of Administration, the Division of Retirement and Benefits, and the community of AlaskaCare retirees. The seven-member board meets four times per year, with additional meetings of the modernization committee each quarter. Quarterly Retiree Health Plan Advisory Board Meeting: September 3, 2020 The meeting agenda includes updates and in-depth discussion about the modernization project, a collection of initiatives and proposed changes to the health plan under consideration by the Board and the Division to provide updated and improved benefits for all retirees. Members of the public are always welcome to attend and observe the meeting or listen in via phone. Each RHPAB board meeting includes time on the agenda for public comment, and written comments may be submitted to the board at alaskaRHPAB@alaska.gov. For more about RHPAB and upcoming meetings, including meeting locations, teleconference information and meeting materials, please visit AlaskaCare.gov or the States’ Online Public Notices. Notice of Proposed Regulation Changes The Division of Retirement and Benefits proposes to amend and adopt regulation changes in Title 2 of the Alaska Administrative Code dealing with eligibility, coverage, and enrollment rules for the AlaskaCare retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) insurance plan. More information, including a copy of the proposed changes can be found on the State of Alaska Online Public Notices or on the AlaskaCare website. You may comment on the proposed regulation changes by submitting written comments to:
Comments may also be submitted through the Alaska Online Public Notice System by accessing this notice on the system and using the comment link. The comments must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on September 20, 2020. Oral comments may be submitted at a hearing to be held via WebEx on September 9, 2020 at 2 p.m. For more information visit Online Public Notices. |
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Reminder:
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If you have a dependent that has graduated from college, remember to notify the Division of Retirement and Benefits of their change in status. You should also notify the Division if you need to add or remove dependents due to marriage, divorce, birth, death, or adoption. In accordance with Alaska Statutes 39.35.680(12) and 14.25.220(13):
The AlaskaCare Verification of Student Status Forms are available on the AlaskaCare website. |
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Please Welcome the Following Providers to the Aetna Network!
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Using network providers can provide substantial benefits to members through the elimination of what's known as balance billing. The AlaskaCare plans limit payment of covered services to the recognized charge for the service provided. An out-of-network provider may bill you for the difference, or the balance, between the recognized charge and the actual charge. This is often referred to as balance billing and solely the member’s responsibility to pay. Network providers have agreed to accept, as payment in full, the negotiated charge. Therefore, you are not subject to balance billing when you use a network provider. Using network providers can also generate substantial savings to members by limiting charges to negotiated provider discounts. For assistance finding an in-network provider call the Aetna Concierge at (855) 784-8646 or search on-line using the Aetna DocFind tool. For more information about the benefits of network usage, please visit our FAQ. |
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As an employee of the State of Alaska, your input is valued and important. Below, please see a list of ways to contact us with your feedback. Also, a full list of AlaskaCare health plan and partner contact information can be found on our website.
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