AlaskaCare Employee News | January 2021
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 01/20/2021 03:48 PM AKSTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
January 2021 | #99
| Coronavirus Vaccines |
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Alaska’s vaccine supply is currently limited, but in the coming months the vaccine will become more widely available. The State is implementing a phased approach to vaccine eligibility and has shared the eligibility requirements and timelines for Phase 1a and Phase 1b - this includes Alaskans aged 65 years of age and higher. The Alaska Vaccine Allocation Advisory Committee meets regularly to adjust, clarify, and create more phases, as meets the vaccine distribution quantity. It is expected to take many months to vaccinate the entire U.S. population. For more information about the vaccines and distribution, check out the links below:
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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. Rest assured that the AlaskaCare health plan is covering the vaccine at no cost to you during the public health emergency. When available, 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 during the public health emergency. The COVID-19 vaccine is covered by the AlaskaCare plan under either your medical or pharmacy plan, depending on the authorized vaccine provider. Learn how your health plan is supporting you.
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| Sign Up for Insights Into DHSS's COVID-19 Response |
| Subscribe to DHSS Insights for behind-the-scenes news about Alaska’s COVID-19 response and other efforts to protect the health and well-being of Alaskans. Stay informed and help put a lid on COVID! |
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2021—Better Benefits, Lower Costs
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AlaskaCare is here to work for you and with you! In the new year, AlaskaCare is working to enhance your benefits and reduce your costs. There is a lot to look forward to with your 2021 health care plan benefits, such as more hospital choices in Anchorage, reduced premiums, lower rates for Select Life, Supplemental Life, and Long-Term Disability, and more. We covered these and others in last month's newsletter, click here to check it out. With each passing year, our continued goal is to offer you the best healthcare coverage at lower costs. This month we want to give you more information about all the increased advantages through our partner, OptumRx. |
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OptumRx—Taking Charge of the Medicine Cabinet
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Variable Copay Solution Program Optum Specialty Home Delivery Prescription Home Delivery is:
To Enroll: Click here to sign up. The home delivery services save you time, giving you one less thing to worry about. OptumRx makes certain you have the right medications at the right time. If you need any assistance enrolling in home delivery, please call the Optum Home Delivery Team at (855) 640-0005, option 2. |
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There comes a time when you realize you want to make a change, a shift that betters your health or your quality of life. But change isn’t always easy, there may be things preventing you from reaching your goals. It can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. That’s why setting goals is so essential, they give you direction and keep you focused. What’s your reason for wanting to make changes in your life? What inspires you? Recognize your purpose and this will help you stick to the goals you create. Keep yourself motivated by asking yourself these questions:
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Emotional Well-Being Resources and the
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The holidays have come and gone, while COVID safety restrictions during this health pandemic have lasted. We look ahead into a new year and the surprises it will bring, there is hope on the horizon as vaccines are becoming available. Yet there are some things that remain—working from home, minimal social gatherings, and so much stress. We want to know, how are you doing? Becoming aware of our mental and emotional health is more important than ever. Aetna provides resources and support to focus on the less visible, but growing mental health crisis. While so much seems behind us, we know there is still a long road ahead. This is the perfect time to dive into increasing resiliency and strengthening our mental and emotional health. Emotional well-being resources are available on Aetna’s website, and offer multiple options for support. Resources for Living COVID-19 has brought a lot of change to our lives, including stress and anxiety. Resources for Living mental well-being services include:
Staying connected during social distancing can be challenging, especially for seniors who are at-risk for social isolation. Aetna's RFL is providing wellbeing and emotional support for seniors, expanding social connectedness outreach. This enhanced support system is available for anyone, you do not need to be covered by an Aetna plan, so please feel free to share with friends and family. |
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| Manage your healthcare on your schedule by using Aetna’s secure member portal. Along with your Aetna plan coverage information, you will find resources to help you find a health care professional, change a doctor, download your claims, and get your statements online. Signing up for the member site will give you a wealth of health information at your fingertips, with increasing wellness solutions coming up in the new year. This is the best time to take charge of your health, login to Aetna’s Member site today. |
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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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AlaskaCare – Plan Administrator
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