AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter | September 2022
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AlaskaCare Retiree Health News
| Volume 52| September 2022 |
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Save the Date: Dental-Vision-Audio Open Enrollment
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Enrollment for the Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan will open on October 12 and close on November 23, 2022. Retiree DVA plan members - this is your opportunity to review your dental-vision-audio coverage options and make benefit elections for you and your family for the next plan year, which begins on January 1, 2023. Effective in plan year 2020, AlaskaCare began offering two retiree dental plan options, the Legacy Dental Plan, and the Standard Dental Plan. If you are enrolled in either plan, you have an annual opportunity to select the plan that works best for you! You can review the 2023 Benefit Comparison Guide and 2023 Enrollment Guide and the monthly premium information online. You can make changes to your benefit elections online at AlaskaCare.gov/DVA during the Open Enrollment period, beginning October 12, 2022, and ending November 23, 2022. Need more information?
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Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine This Season? Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. If you have questions about which flu vaccine to get, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. When Should I Get Vaccinated Against the Flu? It’s best to be vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in your community. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. However, even if you are not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February, and significant activity can continue into May. The CDC's comprehensive website with general information on influenza transmission, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and more can be found here: Influenza Information. |
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Your AlaskaCare Retiree Health Plan ID Cards
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AlaskaCare Retiree Health Plan members receive health plan identification (ID) cards for medical and pharmacy services and if you have dental-vision-audio coverage for dental services. Your member ID card is proof that you have health benefit coverage. Providers use the information from your member ID card to confirm they are part of your plan’s network and to bill your health plan for your care. Keep your member ID card handy when you go to the doctor, the hospital, or the pharmacy. You can use the physical ID card you received in the mail or a digital version available on your mobile device. Medical Benefits ID Card – Aetna Aetna is the medical claims administrator. Your member ID card includes the Aetna logo, the AlaskaCare logo, your member ID number, and provider network information as well as information on how to contact the Aetna Concierge for any questions. Your card will look like this:
Pharmacy Benefits ID Card – Optum Rx OptumRx is the AlaskaCare pharmacy benefit manager. Your member ID Card includes the OptumRx logo, the AlaskaCare logo, your member ID number as well as information on how to contact the OptumRx customer service for any questions. Your card will look like this:
If you are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in the enhanced Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP), you should receive a single ID card that has the MedicareRx logo in the lower right (see example below). Although you receive only one card, when you present the card at the pharmacy you will receive the benefit of your double coverage under the plan. This means you will not be required to pay a copay at the pharmacy counter.
OptumRx.com: Your Digital Tool You can also use the online or mobile app a fast, easy, and secure way to get the information you need to make the most of your pharmacy benefit. Visit OptumRx.com or download the OptumRx mobile app by searching for OptumRx in the App Store or Google Play. Website features and tools:
Dental Benefits - Delta Dental If you elected Dental-Vision-Audio coverage, Delta Dental is your dental benefit administrator. Your Delta Dental card includes the Delta Dental logo, the AlaskaCare logo, your member ID number, and dental provider network information. Your card will look like this:
Questions? Delta Dental is happy to help. Just contact the customer service team at (855) 718-1768 or customersupportAK@DeltaDentalAK.com View your card online It’s easy to access your ID card from a computer or smartphone, too. Here’s how:
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COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They are available for everyone aged six months and older. People who are up to date with their vaccines are optimally protected against severe illness and death from COVID. Updated COVID-19 boosters can both help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination and provide broader protection against newer variants. The updated, or bivalent boosters, target the most recent Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, that are more contagious and more resistant than earlier strains of Omicron. To make an appointment, visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call the Alaska COVID Helpline at (907) 646-3322.
The AlaskaCare health plan covers the cost for FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, subject to recognized charge, under both the medical and pharmacy plans, at any authorized site of care. AlaskaCare members receive the vaccine at no cost. |
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The AlaskaCare Health Plan, in partnership with the Pacific Health Coalition, is offering Health Fairs this fall in five Alaskan cities. Pre-registration opened on August 8, 2022, and all appointments in Juneau and Anchorage are full. There are still some available appointments in Soldotna when you select Comprehensive Lab Test Only. Pre-register now at coalitionhealthfair.org.
The Health Fair offers preventive care lab tests to adults age 18 and over. Screenings like these can help you learn about your health and detect potential problems early on.
AlaskaCare covers preventive care for you and your eligible dependents. There are no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for covered preventive services when you see a network provider. Earlier this year, from January through June, we took a closer look at some of the preventive services now covered by the Plan. If you missed any of the previous newsletters, find a copy here. |
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Future AlaskaCare Town Hall Events
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Retiree 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. Town hall events occur on the third Thursday of each month and you can pre-register now online. We want to hear from you! Please join us for a Town Hall event on: |
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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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