AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter

Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 11/27/2024 12:00 PM AKST

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Volume 74| November 2024
IN THIS EDITION:

 

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Last Day for Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment for the Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan is happening now and closes today, November 27, 2024. 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, 2025. Visit AlaskaCare.gov/DVA to participate in DVA Open Enrollment.

You can review the following documents to compare benefits:

If you have questions about your AlaskaCare Health Plan, please contact the AlaskaCare Member Education Center toll-free at (800) 821-2251, in Juneau at (907) 465-4460, or by email at doa.drb.benefits @ alaska.gov.

 

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Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Reimbursement

The new year is around the corner, and it is almost time to review your account and submit your 2024 Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) reimbursement request! This is also a reminder that the December 31, 2024 deadline to submit your IRMAA reimbursement request for 2023 is approaching!

Reminder: What is an IRMAA? Certain high-income retirees are required to pay an extra premium surcharge, known as an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA. This is similar to the surcharge for high-income enrollees in the Medicare Part B plan. If you are an individual or a married couple earning more than the threshold, you will be required to pay an extra surcharge for being enrolled in the AlaskaCare Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP) because it is a group Medicare Part D plan. Retirees whose household income is below this threshold will not be subject to the IRMAA premium surcharge.

What do you need to know?

  • You need to set up your HRA account every year, since IRMAA surcharges are based on your annual income and your income may change from year to year.
  • If you are not assessed a Part D IRMAA surcharge, this does not apply to you.
  • To receive the reimbursement, you should submit your claim and letter as soon as possible, but no later than 12 months after the last day of the current year. For example: The deadline for submitting your 2023 IRMAA for reimbursement is December 31, 2024.

How do I know if I have to pay a Part D IRMAA surcharge in 2024?

Each year, if you are Medicare-eligible, you will be notified by the Social Security Administration about your plan. This includes if you are required to pay an IRMAA and at what amount. The Social Security Administration uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine if the IRMAA applies to you and, if so, how much you will have to pay. MAGI is the sum of:

  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which can be found on the last line your IRS 1040 tax form (line 37 on form 1040, line 21 on form 1040A, or line 4 on form 1040EZ), plus
  • Any tax-exempt interest income (line 8b on form 1040).

The Social Security Administration requests income information from the IRS for the tax year that is two years prior to the surcharge year. IRMAA is automatically re-determined each year as long as you file an income tax return.

How to Set Up Your IRMAA Reimbursement with Optum Rx:

Once you have your letter from Social Security or a Medicare Bill that shows your 2024 Part D IRMAA surcharge, you can submit your reimbursement request by following the instructions below. You may submit your documents early to OptumRx if you have them available, but claims received prior to January will not be processed until the start of the new year.

Follow these steps to establish your 2024 IRMAA HRA account online:

  1. Register and/or log in to your Optum Rx.com  account either online or through the mobile app.
  2. Navigate to the AlaskaCare IRMAA Reimbursement Form by taking the following steps:
      - On the top of the main page, click the "Information Center" tab.
      - Click "Programs and Forms".
      - Click on the "AlaskaCare IRMAA Reimbursement" section. There you will find the digital enrollment form as well as the paper version.
  3. To submit your reimbursement request digitally (the faster method), click and submit the IRMAA HRA Digital Enrollment Form.
  4. Upload as an attachment, a copy or image of your letter from Social Security or a Medicare Bill that shows what your Part D IRMAA surcharge is.
  5. Optum Rx will confirm your eligibility and set up your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) with Optum Bank within 5 to 7 business days of receipt.
  6. Once your HRA has been set up with Optum Bank, they will send you a Welcome Packet within 5 to 7 business days, which will include information on signing up for Direct Deposit.
      - If you currently have Direct Deposit set up with Optum Bank, that information does not need to be submitted again.
  7. Once you receive your Welcome Packet, log in to OptumBank.com  to view your HRA account status/balance or to sign up for Direct Deposit.

If you have any questions on how to submit your documents online or if you do not have internet access and would like to submit paper documentation, please contact OptumRx at (855) 409-6999.

 

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Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

What is prediabetes?

Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have prediabetes. This is when their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. In the United States, about 98 million adults have prediabetes; that's 1 in 3 people.

There are usually no signs when you have prediabetes, which is why 81% of people don't know they have it. You can have prediabetes for years and not know.

Ready to find out where you stand? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test. If your score shows you have a high risk of prediabetes, visit your doctor for a simple blood test to confirm your result.

You can reverse prediabetes‎

You can reverse prediabetes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing a small amount of weight, making healthy eating choices, and getting more physically active.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop prediabetes at any age, but you may have a higher risk if you:

  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
  • Are over age 45.
  • Are overweight or have obesity.
  • Had gestational diabetes (diabetes when pregnant).
  • Have high blood pressure.
  • Are a Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian American, or Native American person.

For more information on prediabetes visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

 

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3 Steps to Building a Healthy Habit
  1. Make a plan

Make a clear plan of action before you begin your new habit. Start by defining your "why." Why do you want to make this change? What will be different about your life when you succeed? Write down your "why" and remember it or post it somewhere in your home. When challenges present themselves, it'll help you stay on track.

Next, figure out what long-term goal you want to reach and which new habit will get you there. For example, you may want to change your eating habits by eating more fruits and vegetables. Having a clear plan will help to decide how many per day, and how you can add them into your meals and snacks. Choose your action and make it SMART. This means:

  • S- specific
  • M- measurable
  • A- achievable
  • R- relevant
  • T- time-bound

Instead of saying "I'll eat more vegetables," try a SMART goal like "I'll eat a side salad with dinner on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays."

  1. Be accountable

Did you know that tracking a new habit makes you more likely to succeed? Tracking your progress can help you figure out what's working and what isn't, so you can learn as you go. It also encourages you to keep going and hold yourself accountable.

Some people prefer to track on their own with an online app, food diary, notebook, or spreadsheet. Other people benefit from social support to stay on track, like a walking partner, a gym buddy, members of their household, or friends who'll keep them honest.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, don't forget about some of the programs that can provide additional support. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is available for people with diabetes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes.

  1. Recognize your success

Find rewards that celebrate your success while also supporting your health goals. This could include taking time for your favorite hobbies, relaxing, or treating yourself to something on your wish list.

You may feel discouraged if you've started a new habit and don't see results right away. But that doesn't mean your habit isn't working. It's also OK if things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes the biggest success to celebrate is picking yourself up and not giving up.

Looking for inspiration?

At the end of the day, your healthy habit is completely up to you. Here are a few ideas if you're looking for a place to start:

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Cook more meals at home instead of getting takeout.
  • Cut back on unhealthy foods like salty and sugary snacks.
  • Substitute whole grains (for example, brown rice instead of white rice).
  • Add short walks into your routine.
  • Try a new activity at home like yoga, tai chi, Zumba, or strength exercises.
  • Increase your water intake.

Subscribe to the Monthly Retiree Health Plan Newsletter

Retiree newsletters are sent electronically to Health Plan members that have subscribed to receive updates. Each month we feature an article that helps you Get to Know your Benefits, provides you with updates about the Health Plan, and information about health events and resources. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time by managing your preferences here

 

We Want to Hear From You!
Retiree Town Hall Events

town hall

 

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 Defined Benefits AlaskaCare Retiree Health Plans. Town hall events typically 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 the AlaskaCare team to hear the latest news on all things AlaskaCare, raise questions, share comments, and learn more about the health plans.

Upcoming Town Hall Events:

We Value Your Feedback!

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

 

Physical Address:

State Office Building
6th Floor
333 Willoughby Avenue
Juneau, AK 99801 

Mailing Address:

State of Alaska
Division of Retirement and Benefits
P.O. Box 110203
Juneau, AK 99811-0203

  

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: Wellcove 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

Standard Plan Vision Benefits: Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Member Services: (800) 877-7195