AlaskaCare Employee News | December 2020
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 12/18/2020 02:30 PM AKSTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
December 2020 | #98
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AlaskaCare: Better Benefits, Lower Costs
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More Hospitals In-Network in Anchorage
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AlaskaCare is committed to providing benefits to help you affordably access the care you need and stay healthy, when and where you need it. Your health care keeps getting better and better! This means AlaskaCare is bringing more convenience and choices in your area! By having both hospitals in-network, you will save no matter where you go. Preferred hospitals and facilities have partnered with the State to control health care costs by setting a fair, predetermined rate for medical services. By visiting in-network, you keep your out of pocket maximum low and the plan will pay for more on your behalf. It doesn’t stop there—this expansion also adds a host of Ambulatory Surgical and Imagine Centers, helping you find the right fit for services required.
Using network providers can provide substantial benefits to members through the elimination of what is 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. You will also have network access to many more Anchorage-area ambulatory surgical centers. To find an in-network provider, or to see if your provider is in-network, call the Aetna Concierge at (855) 784-8646, or use the online DocFind tool. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine—Your AlaskaCare Plan Has You Covered!
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When the time comes, know that your COVID-19 vaccine will be covered. Vaccine distribution began this week and due to limited supplies will occur in phases, focusing first on high-risk health workers, first responders, and older adults living in long-term care facilities. As more vaccine becomes available, additional groups will be eligible for vaccination. It is expected to take many months to vaccinate the entire U.S. population. Rest assured that the AlaskaCare health plan is covering the vaccine at no cost to you during the public health emergency. When available during the public health emergency, you can receive any FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine at any authorized vaccine provider, which may include pharmacies, public health clinics, physician offices, and hospitals. For all other members the COVID-19 vaccine is covered by the AlaskaCare plan under either your medical or pharmacy plan, depending on the authorized vaccine provider. For more information, check out the links below:
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Emergency Medical Transportation Services
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Emergency Medical Transportation: Planning Ahead Can Save You Money In-Network Medical Transportation Bedside Membership Agreements Out-of-Network Network Medical Transportation What Do I Need to Know About Balance Billing? For example: Under the terms of Rose’s health plan, after she meets her deductible she is responsible for 20% of the cost of services and the plan is responsible for the remaining 80% (until Rose meets her out-of-pocket costs for the year, at which point her plan will pay 100%). Rose has already met her deductible for the year and visits an out-of-network provider. She is billed $1,200 for the service, but her plan has determined that the recognized charge for that service is $1,000. According to the terms of her plan, Rose is responsible for $200, and the plan is responsible for $800. Because the provider is out-of-network they may bill Rose for the balance, or the additional $200 that is not covered by her plan – bringing her total charge to $400. Suggestions for Protecting Yourself from Balance Billing by medical transportation Providers
Consider membership options from out-of-network providers servicing your community. We are always trying to contract with out-of-network providers so you do not have to worry about balance billing, but it is not always possible. If you think you may need emergency medical transportation services from an out-of-network provider, consider researching the options available in your area. Some out-of-network providers offer the opportunity to purchase an annual membership that can provide additional protection from balance billing. As you evaluate the best choice for your personal circumstances, keep in mind that the providers and membership options available in each area may differ. If you would like to know if a specific provider participates in Aetna’s network, call Aetna at (855) 784-8646. |
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Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA)
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The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) provides an opportunity for you to save by setting aside money for health care expenses on a pre-tax basis. You decide the amount you want to contribute each month, up to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limit. You can also use your HFSA to pay for qualified health care expenses not covered by your insurance. Find out if an expense is eligible as an expense here. How a HFSA Works
For questions you can call PayFlex directly at (888) 678-8242, Mon-Fri 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. AST, and Sat 6 a.m. – 11a.m. AST, or visit payflex.com |
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Fight the Flu before it comes. The best and easiest way is to vaccinate yourself and your family. Trivalent and Quadrivalent influenza (flu) shots, along with the pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot, are temporarily* covered by your AlaskaCare plan during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
 * 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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COVID-19: What Your Health Plan is Doing for You
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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. Sign Up for Insights Into DHSS's COVID-19 Response |
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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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