AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter

• Save the Date: Dental-Vision-Audio Enrollment
• Get Ready for Flu Season
• Annual Full-Time Student Verification
• Aetna Local Offices in Juneau and Anchorage
  
• Subscribe to the Monthly Retiree Health Plan Newsletter
• We Want to Hear from You - AlaskaCare Town Hall Event
• We Value Your Feedback!
• Health Benefit Contact Information

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 for more information about your DVA plan.

Get Ready for Flu Season

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. During the 2023-2024 cold and flu season, getting a flu vaccine is important to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from flu.

Does the AlaskaCare Retiree Plan cover flu shots?

Yes! Coverage for flu shots is part of the addition of preventive care coverage to the retiree health plan that went into effect on January 1, 2022.

• If you get your flu shot at a network pharmacy, AlaskaCare will cover 100% of the cost. Call OptumRx at (855) 409-6999 if you need help locating a network pharmacy.
• If you get your flu shot at an out-of-network pharmacy, you will need to pay for the vaccine up front and submit a claim to OptumRx to be reimbursed for the cost, up to the recognized charge.
• If you get your flu shot at your doctor’s office, the standard deductible and coinsurance wil apply.

When is the best time to get my influenza vaccine? September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that adults aged 65 or older preferentially receive one of the higher-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines.

For more information on Influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.

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):

• If your dependent child is under 23 years old, they are required to be registered at and attending on a full-time basis an accredited educational or technical institution recognized by the Department of Education and Early Development.
• If your dependent child is age 19 or older and is not a full-time student, then the dependent is eligible for coverage only if they are totally and permanently disabled, and the disability was documented prior to their 23rd birthday.

Aetna Local Offices in Juneau and Anchorage

Want to talk to an Aetna representative in person? Aetna has a local office in Anchorage and in Juneau dedicated to assisting AlaskaCare members with questions. Members are welcome to stop by during the open office hours or make an appointment by contacting the Aetna Concierge at (855) 784-8646.

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00-4:00 p.m.

We Want to Hear From You!
Retiree Town Hall Events

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:

• Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. Alaska Time

• Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 10 a.m. Alaska Time

We Value Your Feedback!

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

• Toll-Free: (800) 821-2251

• In Juneau: (907) 465-4460

• TDD: (907) 465-2805

• Fax: (907) 465-3086

• Email: doa.drb.mscc@alaska.gov

Health Benefit Contact Information

Division of Retirement and Benefits
Member Education Center: (907) 465-4460
Toll-Free: (800) 821-2251

Medical Benefits: Aetna
Member Services: (855) 784-8646

Long Term Care Benefits: CHCS Services, Inc.
Member Services: (888) 287-7116

Dental Benefits: Moda/Delta Dental
Member Services: (855) 718-1768

Pharmacy Benefits: Optum Rx
Member Services: (855) 409-6999