AlaskaCare Employee News | Spring 2021
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 04/12/2021 03:10 PM AKDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Spring 2021 | #101
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COVID-19: What Your AlaskaCare Health Plan is Doing for You
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The COVID-19 outbreak has caused us all to adjust and changes to our daily routines. Here at AlaskaCare, we made temporary changes and limited benefit expansions to your health plan to support the public health COVID-19 response, reduce the strain on the medical system, and to assist you in accessing the care you need. You can find up to date information about the temporary changes to your benefits at AlaskaCare.gov. The Division is monitoring the status of the Alaska COVID-19 outbreak and will provide updates regarding the effective dates of the remaining temporary changes when more information becomes available. Beginning May 1, 2021, the following temporary changes are no longer effective:
The following benefits are permanently available to AlaskaCare members.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for anyone living or working in Alaska who is age 16 or older. Check availability with Alaska COVID vaccine providers in your community covidvax.alaska.gov. Call the COVID Vaccine helpline if you need assistance making your vaccine appointment (907) 646-3322. If you are located outside of Alaska, check with your local health authorities to find out more about vaccine eligibility and availability in your area. |
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AlaskaCare Employee plan members have access to medical care wherever you are and whenever you need it through Teladoc. Not Feeling Well? You can connect with a doctor via phone or video call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Teladoc doctors can diagnose and prescribe treatment for many health issues like sinus problems, respiratory infection, allergies, flu symptoms, and many other non-emergency illnesses. Visit Request a consult through the Teladoc website, app, or over the phone. A doctor will call you back in minutes. Talk to the doctor, take as much time as you need…. there’s no limit. Your Teladoc copay for general medical and dermatology consults is $0! Resolve Teladoc is a convenient and affordable way to receive care wherever you are and whenever you need it. If medically necessary, a prescription will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. Feel Better. It’s that easy! Register today.
Using telemedicine may help you avoid exposure to potentially sick people in public places and may also allow you to obtain treatment while remaining at home. |
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Planning Ahead with Supplemental Life Insurance
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Each year during Open Enrollment, you have the choice to select optional Voluntary Supplement Benefits (VSB). These à la carte offerings provide coverage for those unexpected emergencies and allow you to pick and choose coverage to fit you and your family’s needs. Supplemental life insurance provides the peace of mind that your family’s short term or long-term financial needs could be met if you are no longer here. Transitions are challenging enough when events go as planned, however when financial hardship is layered on top, things can feel more difficult than ever. Choosing supplemental life insurance coverage brings confidence that your family is prepared for the unexpected. Should something happen, your family will have additional financial security to cover expenses large and small, such as household bills or college tuition. Your premiums are paid through payroll deductions and are subtracted from your gross wages before taxes are deducted—an added advantage to you. You can also choose to add these additional VSB options during Open Enrollment:
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Planning for your health care needs and associated costs can be challenging. When a bill comes in the mail after a visit to the doctor because a service was denied, it may be a surprise. The AlaskaCare health and dental plans provide members with the right to appeal claims and precertifications that have been denied. If your AlaskaCare health plan denies payment for a treatment that you believe should be covered, you have the right to challenge that decision through the appeal process. Do you need more information about when and how to file an appeal? Visit the AlaskaCare Health & Dental Appeal Guide webpage on the Department of Administration Retirement and Benefits website. The page includes frequently asked questions as well as appeal guides and forms for Aetna, Delta Dental of Alaska, and OptumRx. |
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Paperless Explanation of Benefits
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Prefer to receive your Aetna Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) online instead of by mail? You can securely access your current and past EOBs at your convenience, day, or night. Print them as needed—less paper is good for the environment. Go paperless today! Follow these simple steps:
Once you select paperless delivery, Aetna will send you an email notification whenever you have an EOB available for review. If you change your mind and want to receive your EOB by mail again, simply update your preferences or contact the Aetna Concierge at (855) 784-8646. |
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Aetna’s Alaska Network Continues to Grow! Please help us in welcoming these new providers:
Walmart nation-wide is now an in-network provider for your VSP vision care. By utilizing the in-network providers within the AlaskaCare plan, members save substantially. Network providers have preemptively agreed on services charges, therefore allowing you to know your exact charges, with no surprises. 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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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. AlaskaCare – Plan Administrator
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| Please note: AlaskaCare Employee News is switching its distribution cycle from monthly to quarterly. |