AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter
Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 08/31/2023 01:33 PM AKDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
| Volume 61| August 2023 |
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Save the Date: Dental-Vision-Audio Enrollment Open Enrollment for the Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan will open on October 11 and close on November 22, 2023. Retiree DVA plan members - this is your opportunity to review your DVA coverage options and make benefit elections for you and your family for the next plan year, which begins on January 1, 2024. Visit AlaskaCare.gov/DVA on October 11th to participate in DVA Open Enrollment. |
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Get to know your Benefits: Coverage for the new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for people ages 60 years and older. This means individuals may receive a single dose of the vaccine based on discussions with their healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year, RSV causes approximately 60,000–160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000–10,000 deaths among older adults. These new vaccines – which are the first ones licensed in the U.S. to protect against RSV – are expected to be available this fall. These vaccines provide an opportunity to help protect older adults against severe RSV illness at a time when multiple respiratory infections are likely to circulate. Healthcare providers should also talk to their adult patients about what other vaccines they will need this fall to help prevent respiratory infections. Does my AlaskaCare health plan cover the RSV vaccine? Yes! Vaccines administered at your network pharmacy or medical provider’s office are eligible for AlaskaCare coverage.
Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional to make sure you are up to date with the vaccines recommended for you. If you have any questions about your AlaskaCare preventive care benefits, contact the Aetna Concierge at (855) 784-8646.
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Annual Full-Time Student Verification AlaskaCare retirees with dependents ages 19-23 need to verify their dependent’s full-time student status annually. Full-time student verification letters and forms were sent to retirees during July 2023. Retirees need to complete and submit the requested documentation as outlined on the form. Completed forms should be returned to Aetna no later than September 30, 2023 to confirm your dependent's eligibility for coverage under your AlaskaCare plan. You can find the Verification of Student Status form on the Division's website. In accordance with Alaska Statutes 39.35.680(12) and 14.25.220(13):
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Please Welcome the Following Providers to the Aetna Network! Aetna continues to expand the list of in-network providers. Please welcome the following providers added during the first half of 2023.
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Alaska Medicare Information Office (MIO) The Alaska Medicare Information Office’s (MIO) Anchorage staff and statewide network of counselors offer one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families, tips on how to spot and report Medicare errors, waste and fraud, and classes on Medicare. On the second Monday of each month the MIO offers a Medicare Monday outreach event. Join the MIO on the second Monday of each month to listen to their latest presentation. After the presentation, staff will invite attendee's to ask questions. For more information or to register for the event, visit the Medicare Information Office webpage.
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We Want to Hear From You!
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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. Town hall events occur on the third Thursday of each month, and you are welcome to join us. You can pre-register now online to 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. Upcoming Town Hall Events: |
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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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Division of Retirement and Benefits Medical Benefits: Aetna Long Term Care Benefits: CHCS Services, Inc. Dental Benefits: Moda/Delta Dental Pharmacy Benefits: Optum Rx |