AlaskaCare Employee News | Quarterly Newsletter | Summer 2023
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 06/20/2023 11:39 AM AKDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Summer 2023 | #108
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COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended May 11, 2023 The federal government announced it will end the COVID-19 public health emergency and national emergency declarations on May 11, 2023. Here at AlaskaCare, we made temporary changes, permanent changes, and limited benefit expansions to your health plan during the public health COVID-19 response to assist you in accessing the care you needed. While the national public health emergency has ended, your health benefits will continue to be there when you need them. Here is what you need to know. COVID-19 Vaccines Remains Covered Your AlaskaCare health plan covers preventive vaccines under both the medical and pharmacy plans. AlaskaCare members receive preventive vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, at no cost when received at a network pharmacy or from a network provider. Standard cost sharing provisions apply for non-preventive vaccines. COVID-19 Treatment Remains Covered. Your AlaskaCare health plan covers your medically necessary treatment when diagnosed with COVID-19, the same as other covered medical expenses. You must first meet the annual deductible. After you meet the annual deductible, the Medical Plan pays a coinsurance percentage for covered expenses up to annual individual out-of-pocket limit. When your deductible is satisfied and your out-of-pocket maximum is reached, the Medical Plan pays 100% of most covered medical expenses for the rest of the benefit year. COVID-19 Laboratory Testing Remains Covered. Your AlaskaCare health plan covers laboratory testing for COVID-19, the same as other covered diagnostic testing expenses. Standard cost sharing provisions apply for COVID-19 laboratory tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction or “PCR” and antigen tests) that are deemed medically necessary under the terms of the plan. Over the Counter COVID-19 Testing Temporary coverage expires on June 30, 2023. Your AlaskaCare health plan pharmacy benefit will continue to cover at-home, over the counter, FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests, 8 per month per covered person through June 30, 2023. Beginning July 1, 2023, the temporary coverage for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits will no longer be in effect. COVID-19 laboratory testing (PCR and antigen tests) will continue to be covered per the plan provisions. Telemedicine Services Remains Covered. Your AlaskaCare plan covered telemedicine before and during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will continue to cover telemedicine services delivered by your regular providers per the plan provisions. If you or your provider are unsure which telehealth services are eligible for coverage, please contact the Aetna health concierge at (855) 784-8646 for more information.
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Did you know that cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss for individuals over the age of 40? In fact, there are more cases worldwide of this lens-clouding condition than glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy combined. Fear not! No matter what your age, there are steps you can take to help prevent cataracts or slow their development. But don't wait until your vision becomes affected to start thinking about cataracts—read on to discover a healthy tip you can tackle today!
It's no secret that cigarettes pose numerous health risks to you and those around you. But did you know it affects your eye health too? Research suggests that smoking increases your chances of developing cataracts, so if you need another reason to put down the pack, think about the future of your vision. Have plans to head out to happy hour this week? Just remember to enjoy your beer, wine, or cocktails in moderation. Like cigarettes, excess alcohol consumption can pose a number of health risks, one of which is an increased chance of developing cataracts.
Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E may help ward off cataract development. Studies suggest that those with diabetes are at greater risk for developing cataracts. Maintaining healthy blood sugar is so important--for both your overall health, and the health of your vision.
Protect yourself from UV rays. Ultraviolet light can hasten the formation of cataracts even in younger patients. To reduce your exposure, wear a wide brimmed hat when spending time outdoors and always keep sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection close at hand in any season.
Even if your vision is clear and healthy, if you have elected vision plan coverage, make it a priority to schedule an annual eye exam. Routine visits allow your eye care professional to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision disorders. This early detection just may save your sight! They also look for signs of health conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. For more information visit www.vsp.com |
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New In-Network Aetna Provider Spotlight: Valley Medical Care |
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Located in Juneau, Valley Medical Care is a full-spectrum family medicine practice providing a wide range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical care services that include obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, outpatient procedures, and geriatric medicine to the individual and the family. Valley Medical Care is committed to providing excellent care through all stages of life. In a small community, the family medicine model is best to have long-standing relationships with patients and their families. It is crucial in an isolated setting to have a knowledgeable primary care provider that can work with local and out-of-town specialists to co-manage chronic illness and cancer care. Valley Medical Care has extended hours in the office and can be reached for phone consultation after hours for emergency questions. Patient care continues they need hospital admission or care in a long-term facility. For more information, visit valleymedicalcare.com You can find other in-network providers in your area here.
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When a State of Alaska employee moves from one position to another, or a position is reclassified, it can result in a bargaining unit change and in turn, a change in health plan coverage. In the past, this change has been challenging for employees who may have already met part or all of their annual deductible under their other State employee health coverage and must start again when they enroll in their new AlaskaCare plan. AlaskaCare understands and has a benefit in place to help. Employees of the State of Alaska who move from a State bargaining unit that does not participate in AlaskaCare and who have satisfied all or a portion of the current benefit year deductible under their former plan may request a waiver of all or a portion of their new AlaskaCare plan deductible. Requesting a bargaining unit change waiver is a straightforward process. To transfer deductible credits from your previous State employee health plan to AlaskaCare, follow these steps:
Customer service agents are available to assist you Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alaska Time. Find more information here: drb.alaska.gov/docs/brochures/ben106.pdf
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Know Your Resources: 24 Hour Assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) |
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The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered by Aetna can connect you to confidential counseling and other support services, free of charge to you and your dependents. This service provides assessment, treatment, and referral services, and fully covers up to eight counseling sessions per problem. Some of the areas the EAP program is geared to providing assistance with include:
Toll-free: (855) 417-2493 Online: EAP Home Page Aetna EAP staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When you call, you may be able to work through your problem on the phone with an EAP staff member. In most cases, however, the staff will try to schedule an appointment with a local counselor. The counselor will then assess your situation in person. Based upon this assessment, he or she will either counsel you or refer you to another professional for specialized care. In an emergency, the EAP counselor will provide crisis counseling by phone or will direct you immediately to appropriate medical or psychiatric facilities in your area. Your call or visit with an EAP counselor is completely confidential. Unless you choose to tell others, no one needs to know about your EAP counseling sessions. EAP counseling offices are located away from your work site. Discussions with an EAP counselor will not be revealed to anyone without your written permission unless required by law. Find more resources here: drb.alaska.gov/employee/assistance.html
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Need some ideas for self-care exercises? You can find a multitude of resources and directions on the AlaskaCare website: drb.alaska.gov/employee/wellness.html#exercises. Leg Raises can tone and tighten your lower abs and give you a flatter stomach that will help to improve your posture. Preforming six-inch leg raises twice a week can also help to balance and stabilize your core.
Target Muscle Groups: Lower Abdominals
TIP: Don't arch your back just to hold your legs up, otherwise you will no longer be working abdominal muscles. Instead, lift your legs a little higher, bend your knees, or put your hands under your bottom for more support. Warning: before you engage in any exercise regimen, you should always first consult your physician.
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We Value Your Feedback! Your input is valued and important. Below is 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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