A new tool to help determine if you qualify for cost breaks launches on our website, arkansasbluecross.com

2014 health care plans become available for review on our website

Online marketplace opens

Final day to buy health insurance for a January 1, 2014 effective date

New health insurance plans begin

Last day to sign up for health insurance

the HEALTH CARE LAW timeline

SEPT. 32013

JAN.12014

MAR.312014

JULY12013

OCT. 12013

DEC.152013

page22

Financial Information Privacy Notice

page15

Arkansas Blue Cross tops national customer survey

page10

Live Fearless

SUMMER 2013

A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies

Representatives of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield are ready to help you. Call or come by one of our locations.

page4

MPI 1624 6/13

Blue & You is published four times a year by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the company’s members, health care professionals

and other persons interested in health care and wellness.

EDITOR: Jennifer Sullivan – bnyou-ed@arkbluecross.com • DESIGNER: Ryan Kravitz • PHOTOGRAPHER: Chip Bayer CONTRIBUTORS: Will Ballard, Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Lauren Green,Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Genny Kirchner, Kathy Luzietti, Wendy McCullar, Mark Morehead, Alex Roberts, Kelly Whitehorn and Stephen Wilson VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS and PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Karen Raley

It has been a busy year for the health care industry, and it is only halfway through. We have seen remarkable progress made toward implementing provisions of the new health care law as they become effective, but I know many of you still have concerns about the changes yet to be implemented. You can rest assured that our team at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been working to determine how to best address these challenges.

Arkansas Medicaid expansionArkansas historically has had one of the most

restrictive Medicaid programs in the country, and I applaud the bipartisan efforts of the Arkansas Legislature and Gov. Mike Beebe to create the Arkansas Medicaid private option that was signed into law in April.

Arkansas is the first state in the nation to create a system allowing qualified low-income Arkansans to purchase subsidized private insurance through the state’s Health Insurance Marketplace, but other states are watching with interest. For the first three years, this program will be funded entirely with federal money.

Expanding Medicaid to provide health care coverage to low income Arkansans is the right thing to do. It not only benefits people who are struggling financially, it benefits their families, the business owners who hire these workers, our health care providers and the state’s economy. Ultimately, we will see the benefits of a healthier population.

Controlling health care costsMany of you may have heard news reports

concerning increases in premium costs as a result of new regulations under the health care law. There are provisions of the law that will increase costs for some, but there will be both winners and losers under the new regulations.

Why are costs increasing for some? The law requires the insurance industry to cover more services, offer some services at no cost to the member, and calculate premiums according to new guidelines. There also are a number of new taxes and fees included within the law. Certainly, most Americans understand that when you provide free or reduced-cost insurance to millions of people and cover more services, there will be a cost associated with it.

In this issue of Blue & You, we explain some of the new provisions within the health care law and what we believe you can expect regarding your coverage. Some of you will find that your coverage will be less expensive in the future; for others, it will be more costly. Regardless of the impact, Arkansas Blue Cross has spent the past two years working to find solutions that will provide you and your family affordable insurance options.

If you purchase health care coverage for you and your family on your own, we will be reaching out to you this summer to request a health insurance review. During a phone call or a visit we can cover any changes the law will require and make you aware of the most affordable choices available to you. It is important that you are informed about your options and you that maintain your “grandfathered” status until you have the information needed to aid in the decision process. Our customer support teams are

Health information from sources outside of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield do not necessarily represent the official position of the company.

SUMMER 2013

Out of the Blue

The health care law and you

The Health Insurance Marketplace – how it might help you

Meetings for small businesses

Arkansas’ Health Care Independence Program: Do you qualify?

Live Fearless – our new advertising campaign

Fast food and asthma Binge drinking studies Lose weight the Healthy Weigh!

Is memory loss from aging or lack of sleep? Maybe both.

Blue News

47

9

10

12

13

of OUT BLUEUpcoming changes under the health care law

a message from our President and CEO,MARK WHITE

CHANGES continued on page 23

3 15

16

17

18

19

20

23

Customers rank Arkansas Blue Cross as a top Blue Plan in the nation

Over-the-counter medicines

Your role in health care

Will Arkansas have enough doctors?

Member discounts Grants available for health programs

New ArkansasBlue health insurance store opens in Pine Bluff The “freedom” of short-term coverage

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Financial Information Privacy Notice

Customer Service telephone numbers

Health care law timeline

ArkansasBlue employee Michael Stewart greets a customer at the Shackleford Crossings location.

Sara Harris, ArkansasBlue team leader, consults with a customer about the upcoming health care law changes.

on thecover

2 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 3SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

22

1424

Blue & You is published four times a year by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the company’s members, health care professionals

and other persons interested in health care and wellness.

EDITOR: Jennifer Sullivan – bnyou-ed@arkbluecross.com • DESIGNER: Ryan Kravitz • PHOTOGRAPHER: Chip Bayer CONTRIBUTORS: Will Ballard, Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Lauren Green,Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Genny Kirchner, Kathy Luzietti, Wendy McCullar, Mark Morehead, Alex Roberts, Kelly Whitehorn and Stephen Wilson VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS and PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Karen Raley

It has been a busy year for the health care industry, and it is only halfway through. We have seen remarkable progress made toward implementing provisions of the new health care law as they become effective, but I know many of you still have concerns about the changes yet to be implemented. You can rest assured that our team at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been working to determine how to best address these challenges.

Arkansas Medicaid expansionArkansas historically has had one of the most

restrictive Medicaid programs in the country, and I applaud the bipartisan efforts of the Arkansas Legislature and Gov. Mike Beebe to create the Arkansas Medicaid private option that was signed into law in April.

Arkansas is the first state in the nation to create a system allowing qualified low-income Arkansans to purchase subsidized private insurance through the state’s Health Insurance Marketplace, but other states are watching with interest. For the first three years, this program will be funded entirely with federal money.

Expanding Medicaid to provide health care coverage to low income Arkansans is the right thing to do. It not only benefits people who are struggling financially, it benefits their families, the business owners who hire these workers, our health care providers and the state’s economy. Ultimately, we will see the benefits of a healthier population.

Controlling health care costsMany of you may have heard news reports

concerning increases in premium costs as a result of new regulations under the health care law. There are provisions of the law that will increase costs for some, but there will be both winners and losers under the new regulations.

Why are costs increasing for some? The law requires the insurance industry to cover more services, offer some services at no cost to the member, and calculate premiums according to new guidelines. There also are a number of new taxes and fees included within the law. Certainly, most Americans understand that when you provide free or reduced-cost insurance to millions of people and cover more services, there will be a cost associated with it.

In this issue of Blue & You, we explain some of the new provisions within the health care law and what we believe you can expect regarding your coverage. Some of you will find that your coverage will be less expensive in the future; for others, it will be more costly. Regardless of the impact, Arkansas Blue Cross has spent the past two years working to find solutions that will provide you and your family affordable insurance options.

If you purchase health care coverage for you and your family on your own, we will be reaching out to you this summer to request a health insurance review. During a phone call or a visit we can cover any changes the law will require and make you aware of the most affordable choices available to you. It is important that you are informed about your options and you that maintain your “grandfathered” status until you have the information needed to aid in the decision process. Our customer support teams are

Health information from sources outside of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield do not necessarily represent the official position of the company.

SUMMER 2013

Out of the Blue

The health care law and you

The Health Insurance Marketplace – how it might help you

Meetings for small businesses

Arkansas’ Health Care Independence Program: Do you qualify?

Live Fearless – our new advertising campaign

Fast food and asthma Binge drinking studies Lose weight the Healthy Weigh!

Is memory loss from aging or lack of sleep? Maybe both.

Blue News

47

9

10

12

13

of OUT BLUEUpcoming changes under the health care law

a message from our President and CEO,MARK WHITE

CHANGES continued on page 23

3 15

16

17

18

19

20

23

Customers rank Arkansas Blue Cross as a top Blue Plan in the nation

Over-the-counter medicines

Your role in health care

Will Arkansas have enough doctors?

Member discounts Grants available for health programs

New ArkansasBlue health insurance store opens in Pine Bluff The “freedom” of short-term coverage

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Financial Information Privacy Notice

Customer Service telephone numbers

Health care law timeline

ArkansasBlue employee Michael Stewart greets a customer at the Shackleford Crossings location.

Sara Harris, ArkansasBlue team leader, consults with a customer about the upcoming health care law changes.

on thecover

2 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 3SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

22

1424

54 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Whether your health insurance coverage will change as a result of new health care rules that go into effect January 1, 2014, depends on when you bought your health insurance and whether you bought it at work or on your own.

Medicare PlansIf you are on a Medicare Supplement plan,

regardless of when it was purchased, you won’t see any changes to your plan coverage in 2014 as a result of the health care law. If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, the process for notifying you about 2014 changes at the end of September 2013 remains unchanged as a result of the law.

Plans purchased before March 2010If your health plan was in place before the law

was passed in March 2010, whether purchased through your employer or on your own, you may have what is known as a “grandfathered” plan. A number of changes already have been made to these policies to meet new legal requirements. Changes include allowing children to stay on a parent’s health plan until their 26th birthday and removing lifetime dollar limits on some medical services. These plans will not see any big changes in 2014. If you are unsure whether your plan is grandfathered, call the customer service number on your ID card or contact your human resources administrator.

Employer Plans (purchased after March 2010)If you have coverage through a company with

100 or more employees, many changes required by the health care law already have been applied to your health plan. These required changes included removing any annual or lifetime dollar limits on certain medical services and adding preventive services if your plan did not include them. A major change that will be implemented relates to your total out-of-pocket cost. When this rule is put in place for your health plan, all deductibles, coinsurance and copayments will count toward your out-of-pocket maximum.

If your employer employs 51 to 100 employees, similar changes will become effective in 2016.

Employers with 50 or fewer employees are likely to see a number of changes to their coverage if the plan is not a grandfathered plan. The law requires that these health plans include a core set of benefits (essential health benefits) and cover preventive services at 100 percent with no member out-of-pocket costs. Among the preventive services provided with no cost sharing are colonoscopies and contraceptives. Also in 2014, your health plan will cover medical conditions that previously required a waiting period. Employers with two to 50 employees will be invited to attend meetings with Arkansas Blue Cross to discuss in detail how the health care law is impacting our employer customers (see article on page 9). After the meeting, employers will be contacted by their agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative, to determine the most affordable option for their organization.

Those who bought coverage on their own after March 2010

If you bought an individual or family health plan (not a Medicare plan) on your own and it was purchased after March 2010, you can keep the policy you currently have until December 30, 2014, with no changes.

Some of our members will find the new health plans to be more desirable. You may receive a new kind of tax credit that lowers their monthly health plan costs. If that is the case, your agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative will make you aware of a more affordable option.

New health care plans will cover preventive health benefits at 100 percent, will have no waiting periods for medical conditions and you will have guaranteed approval for health care coverage. Also, all deductibles, copayments and coinsurance will go toward your out-of-pocket maximum.

For many Americans who are not on Medicare, the full implementation of the new health care law in 2014 may mean a change in what they pay monthly (called a premium). And there will be winners and losers.

The extent to which the new rules will affect your health plan depends in part on when your coverage was purchased, and whether you get coverage through an employer or if you purchase coverage on your own for yourself and/or your family. The new changes will have the greatest impact on those who work for companies with 50 or fewer employees and those who buy coverage for themselves and their families on their own or through an agent.

The amount you pay monthly (your premium) may increase or decrease as a result of four primary provisions contained in the new law. They are:

• New taxes and fees

• New requirements regarding what medical services must be covered by insurance policies

• New rules concerning how insurance companies must calculate members’ monthly costs

• The availability of tax credits or subsidies to help pay for health insurance for individuals and families who qualify

New Taxes and FeesNew taxes and fees included in the law will

have an impact on premiums. The money collected from these fees will be used to help pay for advance premium tax credits (commonly called subsidies) which will be available to Americans in low-to-middle income ranges to help pay for health insurance. These taxes and fees also will be used to fund research into effective medical practices, to help cover the cost of the Health Insurance Marketplaces that will be established in every state and to stabilize the insurance market in the early reform years. Industry experts project that the fee collected to help fund the tax credit alone will add 2-3 percent to the cost of health insurance. Collectively, the fees could add as much as 3-5 percent to individual and employer health plan premiums.

New Coverage RequirementsHealth plans sold to individuals and employers

with 50 or fewer employees must cover a core set of medical services called “essential health benefits.” Many of these essential health benefits were covered by Arkansas Blue Cross health plans already, such as hospitalization and emergency care. Others were offered, but the buyer in some cases had the choice of whether to purchase the coverage, such as maternity and preventive care. Beginning in 2014, these coverage requirements no longer will be optional. In addition, more preventive services have been added and the health plan must pay 100 percent of the cost of these services.

“Will it impact my coverage?”the HEALTH CARE law We are here to help

This summer we are asking our members with individual or family health plans (not Medicare plans) to call us or their agent or come in and let us check to see if a lower cost plan will be available under the new law. Our representatives are trained and ready to talk

with you. You can call us at 1-800-310-3778 or you can visit with us in person at one of our offices around the state. Arkansas Blue Cross has been providing Arkansans quality health plans at affordable prices for 65 years, and we look forward to working with you.

?

“Will it impact what I pay?”

LAW continued on page 6

?

54 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Whether your health insurance coverage will change as a result of new health care rules that go into effect January 1, 2014, depends on when you bought your health insurance and whether you bought it at work or on your own.

Medicare PlansIf you are on a Medicare Supplement plan,

regardless of when it was purchased, you won’t see any changes to your plan coverage in 2014 as a result of the health care law. If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, the process for notifying you about 2014 changes at the end of September 2013 remains unchanged as a result of the law.

Plans purchased before March 2010If your health plan was in place before the law

was passed in March 2010, whether purchased through your employer or on your own, you may have what is known as a “grandfathered” plan. A number of changes already have been made to these policies to meet new legal requirements. Changes include allowing children to stay on a parent’s health plan until their 26th birthday and removing lifetime dollar limits on some medical services. These plans will not see any big changes in 2014. If you are unsure whether your plan is grandfathered, call the customer service number on your ID card or contact your human resources administrator.

Employer Plans (purchased after March 2010)If you have coverage through a company with

100 or more employees, many changes required by the health care law already have been applied to your health plan. These required changes included removing any annual or lifetime dollar limits on certain medical services and adding preventive services if your plan did not include them. A major change that will be implemented relates to your total out-of-pocket cost. When this rule is put in place for your health plan, all deductibles, coinsurance and copayments will count toward your out-of-pocket maximum.

If your employer employs 51 to 100 employees, similar changes will become effective in 2016.

Employers with 50 or fewer employees are likely to see a number of changes to their coverage if the plan is not a grandfathered plan. The law requires that these health plans include a core set of benefits (essential health benefits) and cover preventive services at 100 percent with no member out-of-pocket costs. Among the preventive services provided with no cost sharing are colonoscopies and contraceptives. Also in 2014, your health plan will cover medical conditions that previously required a waiting period. Employers with two to 50 employees will be invited to attend meetings with Arkansas Blue Cross to discuss in detail how the health care law is impacting our employer customers (see article on page 9). After the meeting, employers will be contacted by their agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative, to determine the most affordable option for their organization.

Those who bought coverage on their own after March 2010

If you bought an individual or family health plan (not a Medicare plan) on your own and it was purchased after March 2010, you can keep the policy you currently have until December 30, 2014, with no changes.

Some of our members will find the new health plans to be more desirable. You may receive a new kind of tax credit that lowers their monthly health plan costs. If that is the case, your agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative will make you aware of a more affordable option.

New health care plans will cover preventive health benefits at 100 percent, will have no waiting periods for medical conditions and you will have guaranteed approval for health care coverage. Also, all deductibles, copayments and coinsurance will go toward your out-of-pocket maximum.

For many Americans who are not on Medicare, the full implementation of the new health care law in 2014 may mean a change in what they pay monthly (called a premium). And there will be winners and losers.

The extent to which the new rules will affect your health plan depends in part on when your coverage was purchased, and whether you get coverage through an employer or if you purchase coverage on your own for yourself and/or your family. The new changes will have the greatest impact on those who work for companies with 50 or fewer employees and those who buy coverage for themselves and their families on their own or through an agent.

The amount you pay monthly (your premium) may increase or decrease as a result of four primary provisions contained in the new law. They are:

• New taxes and fees

• New requirements regarding what medical services must be covered by insurance policies

• New rules concerning how insurance companies must calculate members’ monthly costs

• The availability of tax credits or subsidies to help pay for health insurance for individuals and families who qualify

New Taxes and FeesNew taxes and fees included in the law will

have an impact on premiums. The money collected from these fees will be used to help pay for advance premium tax credits (commonly called subsidies) which will be available to Americans in low-to-middle income ranges to help pay for health insurance. These taxes and fees also will be used to fund research into effective medical practices, to help cover the cost of the Health Insurance Marketplaces that will be established in every state and to stabilize the insurance market in the early reform years. Industry experts project that the fee collected to help fund the tax credit alone will add 2-3 percent to the cost of health insurance. Collectively, the fees could add as much as 3-5 percent to individual and employer health plan premiums.

New Coverage RequirementsHealth plans sold to individuals and employers

with 50 or fewer employees must cover a core set of medical services called “essential health benefits.” Many of these essential health benefits were covered by Arkansas Blue Cross health plans already, such as hospitalization and emergency care. Others were offered, but the buyer in some cases had the choice of whether to purchase the coverage, such as maternity and preventive care. Beginning in 2014, these coverage requirements no longer will be optional. In addition, more preventive services have been added and the health plan must pay 100 percent of the cost of these services.

“Will it impact my coverage?”the HEALTH CARE law We are here to help

This summer we are asking our members with individual or family health plans (not Medicare plans) to call us or their agent or come in and let us check to see if a lower cost plan will be available under the new law. Our representatives are trained and ready to talk

with you. You can call us at 1-800-310-3778 or you can visit with us in person at one of our offices around the state. Arkansas Blue Cross has been providing Arkansans quality health plans at affordable prices for 65 years, and we look forward to working with you.

?

“Will it impact what I pay?”

LAW continued on page 6

?

76 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

LAW continued from page 5

Because more services will be covered and the health plan will pay more of the cost, premiums will go up to cover the cost of these new health plan benefits.

New rules around determining your monthly costsHistorically, insurance companies have

considered a number of factors when calculating premiums for employers or individuals purchasing coverage. These factors include the health condition of the individual or the employees in an employer’s group plan. Those employers or individuals who have more health conditions are likely to use more medical services and are, therefore, charged a higher rate. Beginning in 2014, health insurers will not be allowed to consider health conditions in developing premiums. As a result, those who are less healthy may find their costs are less and those who are healthier will pay more in monthly premiums.

Age also has been an important consideration in establishing premiums. Older people generally use more medical services and, therefore, pay more, while younger people who are not as likely to need expensive medical care pay less. Although age still will play a role in setting rates, there will not be as a great a range between the rate charged to a 24-year-old and the rate charged to a 60-year-old. Younger people can expect to pay higher rates when these rules are applied in 2014, and older people will pay less.

These are two of a number of new rules regarding setting premiums that will begin in 2014 and will cause changes in how much people pay for coverage.

Advance premium tax creditsBeginning in January 2014, many low- and

middle-income Americans who do not have the opportunity to enroll in an employer’s health plan will be eligible to receive a new kind of tax credit that lowers monthly premiums. The amount of tax credit a household receives is based on their household income and family size. The lower the household income, the higher the tax credit.

If you think your household may be eligible for an advance premium tax credit, please call Arkansas Blue Cross. We will help you determine if you meet the requirements and provide you with an estimate of what your premium might be after the tax credit is applied.

Arkansas Blue Cross has the information you needThe health care law is complex and difficult to

understand. Some of our members will benefit and others will not. You can count on Arkansas Blue Cross to provide the accurate and reliable guidance you need to understand how the health care law affects you and those you love.

Please don’t make any changes to your health insurance coverage without talking to us first. If your current plan was issued before the law passed, keeping it may be your best option. And if you drop it, you can’t get it back. If you buy coverage on your own, call your agent or Arkansas Blue Cross or come by one of our locations for a health insurance review. We are ready to help you evaluate your options and select a plan that provides the coverage you want at the lowest cost. Call 1-800-310-3778 today.

Qualifying for a tax creditFederal Poverty Level – 2013PEOPLE in family 100% 133% 200% 300% 400%

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

$11,490

$15,510

$19,530

$23,550

$27,570

$31,590

$35,610

$39,630

$15,282

$20,628

$25,975

$31,322

$36,668

$42,015

$47,361

$52,708

$22,980

$31,020

$39,060

$47,100

$55,140

$63,180

$71,220

$79,260

$34,470

$46,530

$58,590

$70,650

$82,710

$94,770

$106,830

$118,890

$45,960

$62,040

$78,120

$94,200

$110,280

$126,360

$142,440

$158,520NOTE: Federal minimum wage employee working 50 weeks per

year, 40 hours per week would earn $14,500.

the HEALTH INSURANCE Marketplace

Could you receive help with your health care costs?

We can help you find out in just a few seconds. Literally.

If you are wondering if you will get a break on the monthly cost of your health insurance plan in 2014, we can give you a quick answer.

Just visit our website, arkansasbluecross.com, and select “Will I qualify for a tax credit?,” and you can get an answer by answering two simple questions: household income and household size. That’s it.

This “estimator” is for individuals or families who purchase their health insurance on their own (in other words, you do not have coverage through your employer). Glad we can help!

LAW continued on page 8

If you are one of millions of Americans under age 65 who will purchase a health plan this fall through the Health Insurance Marketplace (exchange), you may be eligible for a $0 premium plan or a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a website designed to determine if you are eligible for financial help to cover your health insurance costs. It also will help you and your family shop for and purchase health insurance. Americans may also contact the Health Insurance Marketplace by telephone.

A Health Insurance Marketplace is being set up in each state, either by the state itself, by the federal government, or in Arkansas’ case, in partnership with the federal government. Each marketplace will be responsible for:

• Creating and maintaining a consumer shopping website.

• Providing access to all information necessary to determine if you are eligible for help paying for your premium or if you qualify for free coverage.

• Helping consumers shop for and purchase health plans.

• Making sure all health plans offered on the marketplace meet all the new regulations.

The Health Insurance Marketplace will be open October 1 for people to purchase coverage that begins January 1.

Why buy on the marketplace?Many Americans will be eligible to receive

advance premium tax credits (subsidies) if they purchase a health plan through the marketplace. An advance premium tax credit is a new tax credit that you can use to lower your monthly premium costs beginning January 1, 2014. (see chart below to see if you might qualify.)

The amount of the advance premium tax credit that each household will receive is calculated by using their income, the size of their family and other factors. This new tax credit helps lower- and middle-income families. Some households, based on their income, will receive additional financial assistance when they receive medical care.

Essential health benefitsEvery health plan sold to small employer

groups and individuals on the Health Insurance Marketplace must include a core set of benefits established by the law. Many of these services are covered today by health plans sold by Arkansas Blue Cross. Others, such as preventive care and mental health services, are available to purchase as options, but going forward, those will be required.

The essential health benefits are included in the following 10 categories: 1. Ambulatory patient services 2. Emergency services 3. Hospitalization

4. Maternity and newborn care5. Mental health and substance

use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment

6. Prescription drugs7. Rehabilitative and habilitative

services and devices8. Laboratory services9. Preventive and wellness services

and chronic disease management10. Pediatric services, including oral

and vision care

Helping some Americans pay for health care?

76 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

LAW continued from page 5

Because more services will be covered and the health plan will pay more of the cost, premiums will go up to cover the cost of these new health plan benefits.

New rules around determining your monthly costsHistorically, insurance companies have

considered a number of factors when calculating premiums for employers or individuals purchasing coverage. These factors include the health condition of the individual or the employees in an employer’s group plan. Those employers or individuals who have more health conditions are likely to use more medical services and are, therefore, charged a higher rate. Beginning in 2014, health insurers will not be allowed to consider health conditions in developing premiums. As a result, those who are less healthy may find their costs are less and those who are healthier will pay more in monthly premiums.

Age also has been an important consideration in establishing premiums. Older people generally use more medical services and, therefore, pay more, while younger people who are not as likely to need expensive medical care pay less. Although age still will play a role in setting rates, there will not be as a great a range between the rate charged to a 24-year-old and the rate charged to a 60-year-old. Younger people can expect to pay higher rates when these rules are applied in 2014, and older people will pay less.

These are two of a number of new rules regarding setting premiums that will begin in 2014 and will cause changes in how much people pay for coverage.

Advance premium tax creditsBeginning in January 2014, many low- and

middle-income Americans who do not have the opportunity to enroll in an employer’s health plan will be eligible to receive a new kind of tax credit that lowers monthly premiums. The amount of tax credit a household receives is based on their household income and family size. The lower the household income, the higher the tax credit.

If you think your household may be eligible for an advance premium tax credit, please call Arkansas Blue Cross. We will help you determine if you meet the requirements and provide you with an estimate of what your premium might be after the tax credit is applied.

Arkansas Blue Cross has the information you needThe health care law is complex and difficult to

understand. Some of our members will benefit and others will not. You can count on Arkansas Blue Cross to provide the accurate and reliable guidance you need to understand how the health care law affects you and those you love.

Please don’t make any changes to your health insurance coverage without talking to us first. If your current plan was issued before the law passed, keeping it may be your best option. And if you drop it, you can’t get it back. If you buy coverage on your own, call your agent or Arkansas Blue Cross or come by one of our locations for a health insurance review. We are ready to help you evaluate your options and select a plan that provides the coverage you want at the lowest cost. Call 1-800-310-3778 today.

Qualifying for a tax creditFederal Poverty Level – 2013PEOPLE in family 100% 133% 200% 300% 400%

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

$11,490

$15,510

$19,530

$23,550

$27,570

$31,590

$35,610

$39,630

$15,282

$20,628

$25,975

$31,322

$36,668

$42,015

$47,361

$52,708

$22,980

$31,020

$39,060

$47,100

$55,140

$63,180

$71,220

$79,260

$34,470

$46,530

$58,590

$70,650

$82,710

$94,770

$106,830

$118,890

$45,960

$62,040

$78,120

$94,200

$110,280

$126,360

$142,440

$158,520NOTE: Federal minimum wage employee working 50 weeks per

year, 40 hours per week would earn $14,500.

the HEALTH INSURANCE Marketplace

Could you receive help with your health care costs?

We can help you find out in just a few seconds. Literally.

If you are wondering if you will get a break on the monthly cost of your health insurance plan in 2014, we can give you a quick answer.

Just visit our website, arkansasbluecross.com, and select “Will I qualify for a tax credit?,” and you can get an answer by answering two simple questions: household income and household size. That’s it.

This “estimator” is for individuals or families who purchase their health insurance on their own (in other words, you do not have coverage through your employer). Glad we can help!

LAW continued on page 8

If you are one of millions of Americans under age 65 who will purchase a health plan this fall through the Health Insurance Marketplace (exchange), you may be eligible for a $0 premium plan or a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a website designed to determine if you are eligible for financial help to cover your health insurance costs. It also will help you and your family shop for and purchase health insurance. Americans may also contact the Health Insurance Marketplace by telephone.

A Health Insurance Marketplace is being set up in each state, either by the state itself, by the federal government, or in Arkansas’ case, in partnership with the federal government. Each marketplace will be responsible for:

• Creating and maintaining a consumer shopping website.

• Providing access to all information necessary to determine if you are eligible for help paying for your premium or if you qualify for free coverage.

• Helping consumers shop for and purchase health plans.

• Making sure all health plans offered on the marketplace meet all the new regulations.

The Health Insurance Marketplace will be open October 1 for people to purchase coverage that begins January 1.

Why buy on the marketplace?Many Americans will be eligible to receive

advance premium tax credits (subsidies) if they purchase a health plan through the marketplace. An advance premium tax credit is a new tax credit that you can use to lower your monthly premium costs beginning January 1, 2014. (see chart below to see if you might qualify.)

The amount of the advance premium tax credit that each household will receive is calculated by using their income, the size of their family and other factors. This new tax credit helps lower- and middle-income families. Some households, based on their income, will receive additional financial assistance when they receive medical care.

Essential health benefitsEvery health plan sold to small employer

groups and individuals on the Health Insurance Marketplace must include a core set of benefits established by the law. Many of these services are covered today by health plans sold by Arkansas Blue Cross. Others, such as preventive care and mental health services, are available to purchase as options, but going forward, those will be required.

The essential health benefits are included in the following 10 categories: 1. Ambulatory patient services 2. Emergency services 3. Hospitalization

4. Maternity and newborn care5. Mental health and substance

use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment

6. Prescription drugs7. Rehabilitative and habilitative

services and devices8. Laboratory services9. Preventive and wellness services

and chronic disease management10. Pediatric services, including oral

and vision care

Helping some Americans pay for health care?

8 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013

Employers with two to 50 employees are invited to attend meetings with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield representatives to discuss in detail how the health care law is impacting our employer customers.

Arkansas Blue Cross will hold meetings in 10 locations throughout the state during August and September. After the meetings, employers will be contacted by their agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative. We hope to see you at one of the following locations:

The Arkansas Health Care Independence Program is a new program for low income Arkansans that will allow them to shop for and enroll in Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other health care plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace. These health plans will be available at no cost to them.

People who choose this program can use any of the doctors or hospitals that other

Arkansas Blue Cross members choose and will either pay nothing or very little when they receive medical care. Call us at 1-800-310-3778 to find out if you qualify. Beginning in October, we can help you enroll.

HOT SPRINGSThursday, August 8Hot Springs Convention Center

JONESBOROTuesday, August 13Hilton Garden Inn

LITTLE ROCKWednesday, August 21Embassy Suites

MEETINGS for SMALL businesses

FORT SMITHTuesday, August 27Holiday Inn City Center

FAYETTEVILLEWednesday, August 28Embassy Suites

MOUNTAIN HOMEThursday, August 29 ASU – Vada Sheid Development Center (The Sheid)

TEXARKANAWednesday, September 4Texarkana Country Club

EL DORADOWednesday, September 11El Dorado Conference Center

PINE BLUFFThursday, September 12Pine Bluff Convention Center

The Arkansas Health Care Independence Program: Do you qualify? $

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

In addition, these essential health benefits must be covered with no annual or lifetime dollar limits. Preventive services, including women’s preventive care and birth control must be paid 100 percent by the health plan.

Metallic plansPeople often found that it was difficult to

compare what their total cost would be from one plan to the next. It was easy to compare the monthly payments (premiums) but it was difficult to compare how much you would pay out of pocket for medical services. In an effort to make it easier for people to determine what they will pay for medical services, the health care law standardized the health plans on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace. Because these health plans are called Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, they are referred to as Metallic Plans.

For instance, the lowest level of coverage, called the Bronze plan, is designed to cover 60 percent of your total health care costs.

A person purchasing a Bronze plan will pay more when they receive health care but less month to month (their premium). A person purchasing a Platinum plan will pay more month to month, but pay less at the doctor’s office. (See chart below.)

Because the law requires that insurance companies offer plans that only fit these levels, they are no longer allowed to offer plans that don’t fit the requirements. For instance, you won’t be able to purchase a plan to cover 75 percent of your medical costs. As a result of this regulation, health insurance companies will have to reduce the options available to small employers and individuals.

Arkansas Blue Cross can estimate any advance premium tax credits you may be eligible to receive and can help you select a health plan. You can buy an Arkansas Blue Cross plan on and off the marketplace. Call us at 1-800-310-3778 or come in for a health insurance review.

BRONZE SILVER GOLD PLATINUM0%

100%

60%* 70%* 80%* 90%*

LAW continued from page 7

Metallic Coverage

LEVELS

? Have a question? Ask us!The health care law is complex and confusing,

but Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is here to help. If you have questions regarding anything to do with the health care law, we want to hear from you in an email, post or tweet.

Our email address designated for the health care law questions is HCRinfo@arkbluecross.com. Send us an email and we will respond directly

to you. We usually can get an answer back to you in a day or two. To find our corporate Facebook page, just search for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Our Twitter account is arkbluecross.

If you are under 65 and have an individual or family health plan you purchased on your own or with the help of an agent, you can call your agent or call us for a health insurance review at 1-800-310-3778.

On April 23, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe signed historic legislation approving a Medicaid expansion program in Arkansas, creating the Arkansas Health Care Independence Program.

*NOTE: Percentage shows how much of your total health care costs this plan pays.

2

3

7 8

91

6

4

5

9SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Meetings will be held at 1:30-3 p.m. in all locations.

We love to hear from you!

8 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013

Employers with two to 50 employees are invited to attend meetings with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield representatives to discuss in detail how the health care law is impacting our employer customers.

Arkansas Blue Cross will hold meetings in 10 locations throughout the state during August and September. After the meetings, employers will be contacted by their agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative. We hope to see you at one of the following locations:

The Arkansas Health Care Independence Program is a new program for low income Arkansans that will allow them to shop for and enroll in Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other health care plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace. These health plans will be available at no cost to them.

People who choose this program can use any of the doctors or hospitals that other

Arkansas Blue Cross members choose and will either pay nothing or very little when they receive medical care. Call us at 1-800-310-3778 to find out if you qualify. Beginning in October, we can help you enroll.

HOT SPRINGSThursday, August 8Hot Springs Convention Center

JONESBOROTuesday, August 13Hilton Garden Inn

LITTLE ROCKWednesday, August 21Embassy Suites

MEETINGS for SMALL businesses

FORT SMITHTuesday, August 27Holiday Inn City Center

FAYETTEVILLEWednesday, August 28Embassy Suites

MOUNTAIN HOMEThursday, August 29 ASU – Vada Sheid Development Center (The Sheid)

TEXARKANAWednesday, September 4Texarkana Country Club

EL DORADOWednesday, September 11El Dorado Conference Center

PINE BLUFFThursday, September 12Pine Bluff Convention Center

The Arkansas Health Care Independence Program: Do you qualify? $

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

In addition, these essential health benefits must be covered with no annual or lifetime dollar limits. Preventive services, including women’s preventive care and birth control must be paid 100 percent by the health plan.

Metallic plansPeople often found that it was difficult to

compare what their total cost would be from one plan to the next. It was easy to compare the monthly payments (premiums) but it was difficult to compare how much you would pay out of pocket for medical services. In an effort to make it easier for people to determine what they will pay for medical services, the health care law standardized the health plans on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace. Because these health plans are called Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, they are referred to as Metallic Plans.

For instance, the lowest level of coverage, called the Bronze plan, is designed to cover 60 percent of your total health care costs.

A person purchasing a Bronze plan will pay more when they receive health care but less month to month (their premium). A person purchasing a Platinum plan will pay more month to month, but pay less at the doctor’s office. (See chart below.)

Because the law requires that insurance companies offer plans that only fit these levels, they are no longer allowed to offer plans that don’t fit the requirements. For instance, you won’t be able to purchase a plan to cover 75 percent of your medical costs. As a result of this regulation, health insurance companies will have to reduce the options available to small employers and individuals.

Arkansas Blue Cross can estimate any advance premium tax credits you may be eligible to receive and can help you select a health plan. You can buy an Arkansas Blue Cross plan on and off the marketplace. Call us at 1-800-310-3778 or come in for a health insurance review.

BRONZE SILVER GOLD PLATINUM0%

100%

60%* 70%* 80%* 90%*

LAW continued from page 7

Metallic Coverage

LEVELS

? Have a question? Ask us!The health care law is complex and confusing,

but Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is here to help. If you have questions regarding anything to do with the health care law, we want to hear from you in an email, post or tweet.

Our email address designated for the health care law questions is HCRinfo@arkbluecross.com. Send us an email and we will respond directly

to you. We usually can get an answer back to you in a day or two. To find our corporate Facebook page, just search for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Our Twitter account is arkbluecross.

If you are under 65 and have an individual or family health plan you purchased on your own or with the help of an agent, you can call your agent or call us for a health insurance review at 1-800-310-3778.

On April 23, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe signed historic legislation approving a Medicaid expansion program in Arkansas, creating the Arkansas Health Care Independence Program.

*NOTE: Percentage shows how much of your total health care costs this plan pays.

2

3

7 8

91

6

4

5

9SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Meetings will be held at 1:30-3 p.m. in all locations.

We love to hear from you!

1110 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

You’ve likely seen and heard our new messages on television and radio for several weeks now. What is it all about?

Health care financing was invented during the Great Depression, and with a new health care revolution on the horizon, we know you may have concerns. Arkansans have come to rely on Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for more than six decades — and you still can.

We’ll be here to guide you through this rapidly evolving health care landscape. Giving you strength to be fearless, even in the face of change. Contact us about affordable health coverage to protect you and your family. So you can Live Fearless.

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

with the card that opens doors in 50 states

When was the last time you felt … FREE?Free of worry? Free of fear?Free of uncertainty?

It’s time to uncover that feeling again.

Because you are protected … with the compassion of a CROSS that’s been trusted for 65 YEARS; the security of a SHIELD accepted by more than 90 PERCENT of doctors and specialists. And the power of a card that opens doors in IN ALL 50 STATES. Giving you the freedom to love.

To dream. To dare. To believe. To laugh.

To dance like no one is watching.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

LIVE FEARLESS

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

1110 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

You’ve likely seen and heard our new messages on television and radio for several weeks now. What is it all about?

Health care financing was invented during the Great Depression, and with a new health care revolution on the horizon, we know you may have concerns. Arkansans have come to rely on Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for more than six decades — and you still can.

We’ll be here to guide you through this rapidly evolving health care landscape. Giving you strength to be fearless, even in the face of change. Contact us about affordable health coverage to protect you and your family. So you can Live Fearless.

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

with the card that opens doors in 50 states

When was the last time you felt … FREE?Free of worry? Free of fear?Free of uncertainty?

It’s time to uncover that feeling again.

Because you are protected … with the compassion of a CROSS that’s been trusted for 65 YEARS; the security of a SHIELD accepted by more than 90 PERCENT of doctors and specialists. And the power of a card that opens doors in IN ALL 50 STATES. Giving you the freedom to love.

To dream. To dare. To believe. To laugh.

To dance like no one is watching.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

LIVE FEARLESS

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The Healthy Weigh! Education Program is free for members of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage (except ARBenefits members*), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (Federal Employee Program), Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS), Medi-Pak Advantage PPO, and eligible members of BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas.**

To enroll, complete the attached enrollment form and return it in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope included in this magazine. The program starts when you enroll.

After enrollment, you will begin to receive information through the mail, which you can read in the privacy of your own home and at your own pace. The program is completely voluntary, and you may leave the program at any time. If you have further questions about the program, call the Health Education Program’s toll-free number at 1-800-686-2609.

Simply complete, sign and return the attached enrollment form in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to join The Healthy Weigh!

Lose weight

*Arkansas State and Public School Employees can enroll in a weight-loss program administered

by the Employee Benefits Division. Call 1-877-815-1017 for more information.

**Medi-Pak® Medicare supplement and Medi-Pak Rx insurance policyholders are

not eligible for The Healthy Weigh! program.

SPECIAL NOTICE:Fast Food and AsthmaWe all know fast food isn’t exactly ideal for

us. But, if your child has asthma, you may have even more of a reason to cut out the fast food. A recent study published in Thorax (a respiratory medical journal, suggests that consuming fast food more than three times a week can lead to an increase in the severity of their asthma.

While the findings do not show that fast food is the cause of asthma, they do suggest that children with asthma who eat fast food often have more severe asthma than children who do not eat fast food often.

Why? It appears that it may be due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats and sugar found in fast food; all of which are known to affect the immune system.

Sources: Healthyliving.msn.com / Usnews.com

12 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

The benefits of a good night’s sleep on the body are well known, but did you know it is also beneficial for your brain? New findings are making strong correlations between sleep and memory, and are shedding light on why older people may have trouble with both.

A study by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging found a marked difference in the brain-wave activity of younger people and older people while they sleep. Looking deeper into the difference, they found that the lack of deep sleep in seniors prevents their brains from storing memories in the location of the brain used for recalling them over the long term. Instead their brains leave memories stored in the portion of the brain that is used for short-term memory.

So, if you find yourself struggling to recall facts, or having more frequent “it’s-just-on-the-tip-of-my-tongue” moments, make sleep a priority.

Studies tie binge drinking to future heart disease and liver damage

Young people who party too hard may regret it later in life, according to recent studies on alcohol’s lasting effects on health.

In research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, binge drinking has been identified as a significant risk factor for both heart disease and liver damage later in life.

In the study regarding heart health, researchers looked at two groups of healthy nonsmoking students, ages 18 to 25. One group had a history of binge drinking and the other group did not drink heavily. The study found that binge drinkers had impaired function in two cell types that control blood flow. These vascular changes can be a precursor to hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.

The study focused on liver damage in binge drinkers found that over time binge drinking can sensitize the liver and make it prone to more subsequent damage. High levels of alcohol were found to create an inflammatory response in the liver, sending out various damaging signals to systems in the body.

Both studies cautioned against the notion that being young and healthy can protect people from poor lifestyle behaviors or choices.

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research

13

Is memory loss from aging or

lack of sleep? maybe both

• Turn off electronics a couple of hours before bedtime.

• Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening.

• Stick to a schedule; don’t sleep late on weekends.

• Exercise in the late afternoon.

• Keep your room cool and dark. Place black tape over electronic lights if necessary.

• Keep pets and children out of the bed.

• Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed.

• When you wake up in the morning, open the blinds or step outside as soon as possible. Sunlight helps regulate your biological clock.

• Seek medical help if you have a sleep problem, especially if it includes snoring.

How can you get better sleep?

The Healthy Weigh! Education Program is free for members of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage (except ARBenefits members*), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (Federal Employee Program), Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS), Medi-Pak Advantage PPO, and eligible members of BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas.**

To enroll, complete the attached enrollment form and return it in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope included in this magazine. The program starts when you enroll.

After enrollment, you will begin to receive information through the mail, which you can read in the privacy of your own home and at your own pace. The program is completely voluntary, and you may leave the program at any time. If you have further questions about the program, call the Health Education Program’s toll-free number at 1-800-686-2609.

Simply complete, sign and return the attached enrollment form in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to join The Healthy Weigh!

Lose weight

*Arkansas State and Public School Employees can enroll in a weight-loss program administered

by the Employee Benefits Division. Call 1-877-815-1017 for more information.

**Medi-Pak® Medicare supplement and Medi-Pak Rx insurance policyholders are

not eligible for The Healthy Weigh! program.

SPECIAL NOTICE:Fast Food and AsthmaWe all know fast food isn’t exactly ideal for

us. But, if your child has asthma, you may have even more of a reason to cut out the fast food. A recent study published in Thorax (a respiratory medical journal, suggests that consuming fast food more than three times a week can lead to an increase in the severity of their asthma.

While the findings do not show that fast food is the cause of asthma, they do suggest that children with asthma who eat fast food often have more severe asthma than children who do not eat fast food often.

Why? It appears that it may be due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats and sugar found in fast food; all of which are known to affect the immune system.

Sources: Healthyliving.msn.com / Usnews.com

12 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

The benefits of a good night’s sleep on the body are well known, but did you know it is also beneficial for your brain? New findings are making strong correlations between sleep and memory, and are shedding light on why older people may have trouble with both.

A study by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging found a marked difference in the brain-wave activity of younger people and older people while they sleep. Looking deeper into the difference, they found that the lack of deep sleep in seniors prevents their brains from storing memories in the location of the brain used for recalling them over the long term. Instead their brains leave memories stored in the portion of the brain that is used for short-term memory.

So, if you find yourself struggling to recall facts, or having more frequent “it’s-just-on-the-tip-of-my-tongue” moments, make sleep a priority.

Studies tie binge drinking to future heart disease and liver damage

Young people who party too hard may regret it later in life, according to recent studies on alcohol’s lasting effects on health.

In research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, binge drinking has been identified as a significant risk factor for both heart disease and liver damage later in life.

In the study regarding heart health, researchers looked at two groups of healthy nonsmoking students, ages 18 to 25. One group had a history of binge drinking and the other group did not drink heavily. The study found that binge drinkers had impaired function in two cell types that control blood flow. These vascular changes can be a precursor to hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.

The study focused on liver damage in binge drinkers found that over time binge drinking can sensitize the liver and make it prone to more subsequent damage. High levels of alcohol were found to create an inflammatory response in the liver, sending out various damaging signals to systems in the body.

Both studies cautioned against the notion that being young and healthy can protect people from poor lifestyle behaviors or choices.

Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research

13

Is memory loss from aging or

lack of sleep? maybe both

• Turn off electronics a couple of hours before bedtime.

• Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening.

• Stick to a schedule; don’t sleep late on weekends.

• Exercise in the late afternoon.

• Keep your room cool and dark. Place black tape over electronic lights if necessary.

• Keep pets and children out of the bed.

• Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed.

• When you wake up in the morning, open the blinds or step outside as soon as possible. Sunlight helps regulate your biological clock.

• Seek medical help if you have a sleep problem, especially if it includes snoring.

How can you get better sleep?

NEWS

1514 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Arkansas Blue Cross provides family fun for members

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities earlier this year. We appreciate our members and always are looking for opportunities to add value to our relationship. And, there is more to come!

Families at the Hop on Over Easter Party at ArkansasBlue enjoyed dancing and playing games with Radio Disney. And, two lucky families won season passes to the Museum of Discovery and the Little Rock Zoo along with beach towels, insect repellent, sunscreen, first-aid kits, bubbles and more. ArkansasBlue is Arkansas’ first health insurance store, located in the Shackleford Crossings shopping center in Little Rock.

During the Night at the Museum Pajama Party in June at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, parents and children went on a scavenger hunt in the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You Gallery for a chance to win prizes, and shared healthy snacks in the Gigabyte room. BlueAnn Ewe was on hand to dance with the kids and point out clues in the gallery. While all of our members could get in free to the event, we also gave away 300 tickets to non-members at ArkansasBlue.

As part of our title sponsorship of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You Gallery inside the Museum of Discovery (designed to teach youth and families about the body and how to keep it healthy), we have two member-appreciation days each year. Mark your calendar — the next member-appreciation day at the Museum of Discovery will be on Grandparent’s Day, Sunday, September 8.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the best Blue Plans in the nation in providing valuable products, excellent customer service and gaining the trust of members, according to a national survey of Blue Plan members.

A recent consumer brand index (CBI), a tool for understanding consumers’ perceptions of a brand or company, was developed for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to determine how all the Blue Plan markets rank with their members. There are 38 Blue Plans across the United States, but the survey was more in-depth and actually involved 61 individual markets. The survey focused on three primary areas:

Did the Plan meet expectations? Is the Plan a company you can trust? How do you feel and think about the Plan?

Out of a possible 100 points, Arkansas Blue Cross received an overall score of 82, tying two other Blue Plan markets for the top score in the nation. The median score nationwide was 76. Members were asked, based on everything they have seen, heard, read or experienced, how they think about their Plan on a scale of 1 to 10. A score with a plus sign indicates that the score was significantly different than the system-wide results. So how did Arkansas Blue Cross do, question-by-question?

“We are pleased that our members think so highly of us,” said Karen Raley, vice president of Communications and Product Development at Arkansas Blue Cross. “We put our members first in everything we do and these survey results let us know that our members recognize that.”

It is that “member first” attitude permeating every division within Arkansas Blue Cross that makes it difficult to pinpoint who should get the most credit for the glowing CBI results. Customer Service and other employees who interact directly with members leave a lasting impression of the company as a whole. The Communications team provides a Web presence that is user-friendly and informative. New member welcome kits provide vital information right up front that help members more completely understand their benefits.

“It takes all of us to deliver the kind of service our members deserve, and all of our employees should be pleased with these excellent ratings,” said Karen. “However, we have no intention of relaxing now. Our industry as a whole is facing unprecedented challenges, and we need to raise the bar — for ourselves and for Arkansas Blue Cross. Our customers deserve that.”

Heart Walk 2013Arkansas Blue Cross had a great team showing at the Heart Walk held April 20 at Burns Park in North Little Rock. Employees and their family members walked together to show their support for heart disease research. Blue definitely cares!

Walk at LunchApril 24 was National Walk @ Lunch Day (NW@LD), and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Arkansas Center for Health Improvement; Me, Myself and I Workout;

Arkansas Department of Human Services; Arkansas Workers’ Compensation; and the Arkansas Plant Board employees walked together to the Little Rock River Market.

NW@LD is an event designed to encourage employees to spend part of their lunch break on this day walking in an effort to promote fitness and encourage regular

worksite wellness activities. NW@LD is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s Walking Works program.

The Easter Bunny and BlueAnn Ewe interact with

a young admirer at the ArkansasBlue Easter party.

Customers Rank Arkansas Blue Cross as a top Blue Plan in the Nation

1. 2.3.

Did your Plan meet expectations?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.3+

Blue Plan national average: 7.7

Is your Plan a company you can trust?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.6+

Blue Plan national average: 8.0

How do you feel and think about your Plan?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.2+

Blue Plan national average: 7.8

NEWS

1514 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Arkansas Blue Cross provides family fun for members

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities earlier this year. We appreciate our members and always are looking for opportunities to add value to our relationship. And, there is more to come!

Families at the Hop on Over Easter Party at ArkansasBlue enjoyed dancing and playing games with Radio Disney. And, two lucky families won season passes to the Museum of Discovery and the Little Rock Zoo along with beach towels, insect repellent, sunscreen, first-aid kits, bubbles and more. ArkansasBlue is Arkansas’ first health insurance store, located in the Shackleford Crossings shopping center in Little Rock.

During the Night at the Museum Pajama Party in June at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, parents and children went on a scavenger hunt in the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You Gallery for a chance to win prizes, and shared healthy snacks in the Gigabyte room. BlueAnn Ewe was on hand to dance with the kids and point out clues in the gallery. While all of our members could get in free to the event, we also gave away 300 tickets to non-members at ArkansasBlue.

As part of our title sponsorship of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You Gallery inside the Museum of Discovery (designed to teach youth and families about the body and how to keep it healthy), we have two member-appreciation days each year. Mark your calendar — the next member-appreciation day at the Museum of Discovery will be on Grandparent’s Day, Sunday, September 8.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the best Blue Plans in the nation in providing valuable products, excellent customer service and gaining the trust of members, according to a national survey of Blue Plan members.

A recent consumer brand index (CBI), a tool for understanding consumers’ perceptions of a brand or company, was developed for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to determine how all the Blue Plan markets rank with their members. There are 38 Blue Plans across the United States, but the survey was more in-depth and actually involved 61 individual markets. The survey focused on three primary areas:

Did the Plan meet expectations? Is the Plan a company you can trust? How do you feel and think about the Plan?

Out of a possible 100 points, Arkansas Blue Cross received an overall score of 82, tying two other Blue Plan markets for the top score in the nation. The median score nationwide was 76. Members were asked, based on everything they have seen, heard, read or experienced, how they think about their Plan on a scale of 1 to 10. A score with a plus sign indicates that the score was significantly different than the system-wide results. So how did Arkansas Blue Cross do, question-by-question?

“We are pleased that our members think so highly of us,” said Karen Raley, vice president of Communications and Product Development at Arkansas Blue Cross. “We put our members first in everything we do and these survey results let us know that our members recognize that.”

It is that “member first” attitude permeating every division within Arkansas Blue Cross that makes it difficult to pinpoint who should get the most credit for the glowing CBI results. Customer Service and other employees who interact directly with members leave a lasting impression of the company as a whole. The Communications team provides a Web presence that is user-friendly and informative. New member welcome kits provide vital information right up front that help members more completely understand their benefits.

“It takes all of us to deliver the kind of service our members deserve, and all of our employees should be pleased with these excellent ratings,” said Karen. “However, we have no intention of relaxing now. Our industry as a whole is facing unprecedented challenges, and we need to raise the bar — for ourselves and for Arkansas Blue Cross. Our customers deserve that.”

Heart Walk 2013Arkansas Blue Cross had a great team showing at the Heart Walk held April 20 at Burns Park in North Little Rock. Employees and their family members walked together to show their support for heart disease research. Blue definitely cares!

Walk at LunchApril 24 was National Walk @ Lunch Day (NW@LD), and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Arkansas Center for Health Improvement; Me, Myself and I Workout;

Arkansas Department of Human Services; Arkansas Workers’ Compensation; and the Arkansas Plant Board employees walked together to the Little Rock River Market.

NW@LD is an event designed to encourage employees to spend part of their lunch break on this day walking in an effort to promote fitness and encourage regular

worksite wellness activities. NW@LD is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s Walking Works program.

The Easter Bunny and BlueAnn Ewe interact with

a young admirer at the ArkansasBlue Easter party.

Customers Rank Arkansas Blue Cross as a top Blue Plan in the Nation

1. 2.3.

Did your Plan meet expectations?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.3+

Blue Plan national average: 7.7

Is your Plan a company you can trust?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.6+

Blue Plan national average: 8.0

How do you feel and think about your Plan?Arkansas Blue Cross: 8.2+

Blue Plan national average: 7.8

PHARMACY continued on page 211716 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

More and more, Americans can go to their favorite grocery store instead of to the doctor when they need medicine. This immediate access to medicine to treat an ailment gives us immense power over our health, but it must be balanced by the knowledge to use the medicine correctly. The following information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides some great advice for using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines responsibly.

The FDA determines whether medicines are prescription (Rx) or OTC. The FDA also decides when a prescription medicine is safe enough to be sold directly to consumers, a regulatory process known as Rx-to-OTC switch. More than 700 products sold over the counter today use ingredients or dosage strengths available only by prescription 30 years ago.

With new opportunities in self-medication come new responsibilities and an increased need for knowledge. The FDA and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) have prepared the following information to help Americans take advantage of self-care opportunities.

OTC know-how: It’s on the labelYou wouldn’t ignore your doctor’s instructions

for using a prescription medicine; so don’t ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Here’s what to look for:• Product name• Active ingredients — therapeutic substances

in medicine• Purpose — product category (such as

antihistamine, antacid or cough suppressant)• Uses — symptoms or diseases the product

will treat or prevent• Warnings — when not to use the product,

when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor and possible side effects

• Directions — how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it

• Other information — such as storage information

• Inactive ingredients — substances such as binders, colors or flavoring

Make sure you are reading the label correctly. Always use enough light. It usually takes three times more light to read the same line at age 60 than at age 30. If necessary, use your glasses or contact lenses when reading labels.

Always remember to look for the statement describing the tamper-evident feature(s) before you buy the product and when you use it.

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never misuse OTC medicines by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it’s time to see a doctor.

Health care is changing in many ways to provide the highest quality of care while keeping costs down. Doctors and their care teams, hospitals, insurance companies, employers and many others are learning their roles as part of this new approach. What you may not realize, however, is that you are a vital part of that change. On its most basic level, health care is between the person who delivers care and the person who receives it. To achieve better health outcomes, patients must make good decisions based on complete information.

If you’ve been in your doctor’s office recently, you may have noticed some changes. The clinic may be using an electronic medical record. Computerized records make it easier to keep up with current and past problems, medication lists, recommended screening tests, lab results and needed immunizations. Some doctors and facilities have developed systems to securely share your information so those who need to know a test result will have access to it rather than delaying care or repeating the test. There may be someone in the clinic who is coordinating care between specialists or the emergency room and your doctor. To improve the clinic’s efficiency, you may be asked for feedback about clinic services. Specialists and primary care doctors are communicating more in order to monitor costs and improve your care.

To achieve the highest quality of care, both underuse and overuse of health care resources must be avoided. With some of the new payment methods, your doctor may be eligible for higher payments if his patients receive appropriate tests that have proven beneficial. The health maintenance your doctor recommends is to prevent or delay more serious illness, and you should benefit from following his advice and changing behaviors. You may be asked to participate in an education program for a condition like diabetes or

low back pain. If your doctor recommends a screening or a behavior change, consider his advice. Take personal responsibility and recognize that routine care is an investment in better health for the long term.

In contrast, there are some overused procedures that have not proven effective. Leading medical specialty societies have teamed up with Consumer Reports to spread the word that doctors and patients should have important conversations to decrease the practice of ordering unnecessary tests and procedures. The Choosing Wisely campaign focuses on lists of “Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question,” created by each participating specialty group. For instance, the specialty group for family doctors recommends that electrocardiograms or other cardiac screenings for low-risk patients without symptoms should not be ordered.

Pediatricians recommend against cough and cold medicines for respiratory illnesses in children under four years of age. Doctors will be spending more time discussing with patients why certain tests may or may not be needed. Your part in this is to be open to discussions with your doctor and to understand that there are new expectations for him to provide advice supported by evidence, discuss options and gain your cooperation in a plan of care. This is shared decision making, so there is an expectation that you will participate and follow through with decided plans.

The goal of improved personal health is not only that it is good for patients, but that it will contribute to the improved financial health of our country. The effort begins with you taking responsibility.

FROM the PHARMACIST

Over-the-counter medicines Access + Knowledge = Power

by TREY GARDNER, Pharm D.,Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

by CONNIE MEEKS, M.D. – Corporate Medical DirectorArkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

the DOCTOR’S corner

Source: Choosing Wisely campaign, choosingwisely.org

Your role in health care

PHARMACY continued on page 211716 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

More and more, Americans can go to their favorite grocery store instead of to the doctor when they need medicine. This immediate access to medicine to treat an ailment gives us immense power over our health, but it must be balanced by the knowledge to use the medicine correctly. The following information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides some great advice for using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines responsibly.

The FDA determines whether medicines are prescription (Rx) or OTC. The FDA also decides when a prescription medicine is safe enough to be sold directly to consumers, a regulatory process known as Rx-to-OTC switch. More than 700 products sold over the counter today use ingredients or dosage strengths available only by prescription 30 years ago.

With new opportunities in self-medication come new responsibilities and an increased need for knowledge. The FDA and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) have prepared the following information to help Americans take advantage of self-care opportunities.

OTC know-how: It’s on the labelYou wouldn’t ignore your doctor’s instructions

for using a prescription medicine; so don’t ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Here’s what to look for:• Product name• Active ingredients — therapeutic substances

in medicine• Purpose — product category (such as

antihistamine, antacid or cough suppressant)• Uses — symptoms or diseases the product

will treat or prevent• Warnings — when not to use the product,

when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor and possible side effects

• Directions — how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it

• Other information — such as storage information

• Inactive ingredients — substances such as binders, colors or flavoring

Make sure you are reading the label correctly. Always use enough light. It usually takes three times more light to read the same line at age 60 than at age 30. If necessary, use your glasses or contact lenses when reading labels.

Always remember to look for the statement describing the tamper-evident feature(s) before you buy the product and when you use it.

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never misuse OTC medicines by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it’s time to see a doctor.

Health care is changing in many ways to provide the highest quality of care while keeping costs down. Doctors and their care teams, hospitals, insurance companies, employers and many others are learning their roles as part of this new approach. What you may not realize, however, is that you are a vital part of that change. On its most basic level, health care is between the person who delivers care and the person who receives it. To achieve better health outcomes, patients must make good decisions based on complete information.

If you’ve been in your doctor’s office recently, you may have noticed some changes. The clinic may be using an electronic medical record. Computerized records make it easier to keep up with current and past problems, medication lists, recommended screening tests, lab results and needed immunizations. Some doctors and facilities have developed systems to securely share your information so those who need to know a test result will have access to it rather than delaying care or repeating the test. There may be someone in the clinic who is coordinating care between specialists or the emergency room and your doctor. To improve the clinic’s efficiency, you may be asked for feedback about clinic services. Specialists and primary care doctors are communicating more in order to monitor costs and improve your care.

To achieve the highest quality of care, both underuse and overuse of health care resources must be avoided. With some of the new payment methods, your doctor may be eligible for higher payments if his patients receive appropriate tests that have proven beneficial. The health maintenance your doctor recommends is to prevent or delay more serious illness, and you should benefit from following his advice and changing behaviors. You may be asked to participate in an education program for a condition like diabetes or

low back pain. If your doctor recommends a screening or a behavior change, consider his advice. Take personal responsibility and recognize that routine care is an investment in better health for the long term.

In contrast, there are some overused procedures that have not proven effective. Leading medical specialty societies have teamed up with Consumer Reports to spread the word that doctors and patients should have important conversations to decrease the practice of ordering unnecessary tests and procedures. The Choosing Wisely campaign focuses on lists of “Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question,” created by each participating specialty group. For instance, the specialty group for family doctors recommends that electrocardiograms or other cardiac screenings for low-risk patients without symptoms should not be ordered.

Pediatricians recommend against cough and cold medicines for respiratory illnesses in children under four years of age. Doctors will be spending more time discussing with patients why certain tests may or may not be needed. Your part in this is to be open to discussions with your doctor and to understand that there are new expectations for him to provide advice supported by evidence, discuss options and gain your cooperation in a plan of care. This is shared decision making, so there is an expectation that you will participate and follow through with decided plans.

The goal of improved personal health is not only that it is good for patients, but that it will contribute to the improved financial health of our country. The effort begins with you taking responsibility.

FROM the PHARMACIST

Over-the-counter medicines Access + Knowledge = Power

by TREY GARDNER, Pharm D.,Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

by CONNIE MEEKS, M.D. – Corporate Medical DirectorArkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

the DOCTOR’S corner

Source: Choosing Wisely campaign, choosingwisely.org

Your role in health care

1918 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Metabolic Research CentersEnjoy a 10 percent discount on all new program enrollment

fees at the Metabolic Research Center, a weight management company with locations in Bentonville, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Conway and Little Rock.

The Metabolic program is unique because it addresses the root cause of disorder eating and recurring weight gain. Their personalized approach helps clients by identifying why as well as what they eat. They recognize and affirm the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual by this one-on-one approach. The programs at Metabolic were designed by the nation’s foremost experts in the field of disorder eating and are administered nationally through Metabolic Research Centers. Metabolic Research Center offers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services and products to the clients they serve.

Save on Jenny CraigAs our member, you can choose a FREE 30-Day Program*

or 25 percent off a Premium Program* from Jenny Craig.® Just print the coupon on the national and statewide discounts page on any of our websites.

Pick a program that works with you, not against you! MyDays is a flexible, new weigh-loss choice that gives you the structure you need to stay on track and the freedom to live your life. Eat five days of Jenny and two days of your own healthy choices. Your consultant will help you find the program that fits your real life.

It’s about progress, not perfection. Your personal consultant will help you stay on track every step of the way. Jenny has two options for consultations:

Member Discounts

* Plus the cost of food and shipping, if applicable. At participating centers. Restrictions apply.

Programs to improve the health of Arkansans, whether in a small town or throughout the state, have until July 15 to submit applications for grants from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.

The grants of $5,000 to $150,000 may be used for general operational or specific program support for an existing or new program. Any public charity, public school, government agency or non-profit hospital in Arkansas is eligible to apply; however, grants are not made to individuals. Funds must be used to produce positive health outcomes for Arkansans.

The grants will be awarded in November to fund health improvement programs during 2014. Information about the grants and the online application submission process can be found at blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.

Grants available for health programs

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas recently collaborated with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) to fund a study examining the current and future numbers of physicians and specialists statewide.

The report, Arkansas Health Care Workforce: A Guide for Policy Action,

provides a unique, multi-dimensional look at how and where health care is provided in Arkansas. This includes location, office capacity, acceptance of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid and the patient experience. Previous studies either have been national in scope and based on raw population-to-physician ratios or have relied solely on survey information.

According to Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation, the report provides a much-needed resource for informing policy decisions that will result in meaningful solutions for improving the health care system in Arkansas.

“Much discussion has centered on the idea that we have a serious statewide shortage of doctors and that this shortage will worsen due to an aging health care workforce,” Patrick said. “At the same time, there has been a lack of consistent data to demonstrate the real picture in Arkansas. ACHI has proven expertise for using information from various sources to pull together a big picture and identify policy implications. The Blue & You Foundation is pleased to have partnered with ACHI to provide policymakers and stakeholders a guide for important decisions.”

The information in the report shows not only the number of medical professionals needed, but where they will be needed. The report describes a severe shortage in the southeast and southwest regions, but points to an excess supply in central Arkansas. On a positive note, many clinic managers surveyed said they expect to keep their present staff and in many cases have plans to add new clinicians.

The following are a few highlights from the report:

•Whilethereisashortageofprimarycarephysicians, the presence in Arkansas of physician extenders, like advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, make up all but 4 percent of the shortfall in the supply of primary care clinicians.

• Therearecriticalshortagesofprimary care physicians and physician extenders in some rural areas and a potential oversupply in urban areas.

• Primarycarecliniciansmayapproach the needed number statewide by 2020, but shortages will remain in rural parts of the state unless incentives are put in place.

• Creativesolutionsmayinvolvepoliciesregarding expanded insurance coverage, transportation resources and use of information technology.

To learn more about the report, go to the ACHI website, achi.net.

• Get weekly, face-to-face support and motivation at one of more than 600 locations.

• Enjoy the convenience and privacy of getting your support and motivation on the phone each week.

WILL ARKANSAS DOCTORS?haveenough

The Blue & You Foundation funds a study to find out

Arkansas Health Care Workforce

March 2013

Funded by:

A Guide for Policy Action

Demand greater than supplyDemand 20% or more

Demand 10% to 19%

Little or no supply shortageDemand = Supply (+ 9%)

Supply 10% or more

Adequacy of Supply and Demand of Primary Care Providers by County (2012)

JULY15deadline

1918 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Metabolic Research CentersEnjoy a 10 percent discount on all new program enrollment

fees at the Metabolic Research Center, a weight management company with locations in Bentonville, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Conway and Little Rock.

The Metabolic program is unique because it addresses the root cause of disorder eating and recurring weight gain. Their personalized approach helps clients by identifying why as well as what they eat. They recognize and affirm the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual by this one-on-one approach. The programs at Metabolic were designed by the nation’s foremost experts in the field of disorder eating and are administered nationally through Metabolic Research Centers. Metabolic Research Center offers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services and products to the clients they serve.

Save on Jenny CraigAs our member, you can choose a FREE 30-Day Program*

or 25 percent off a Premium Program* from Jenny Craig.® Just print the coupon on the national and statewide discounts page on any of our websites.

Pick a program that works with you, not against you! MyDays is a flexible, new weigh-loss choice that gives you the structure you need to stay on track and the freedom to live your life. Eat five days of Jenny and two days of your own healthy choices. Your consultant will help you find the program that fits your real life.

It’s about progress, not perfection. Your personal consultant will help you stay on track every step of the way. Jenny has two options for consultations:

Member Discounts

* Plus the cost of food and shipping, if applicable. At participating centers. Restrictions apply.

Programs to improve the health of Arkansans, whether in a small town or throughout the state, have until July 15 to submit applications for grants from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.

The grants of $5,000 to $150,000 may be used for general operational or specific program support for an existing or new program. Any public charity, public school, government agency or non-profit hospital in Arkansas is eligible to apply; however, grants are not made to individuals. Funds must be used to produce positive health outcomes for Arkansans.

The grants will be awarded in November to fund health improvement programs during 2014. Information about the grants and the online application submission process can be found at blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.

Grants available for health programs

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas recently collaborated with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) to fund a study examining the current and future numbers of physicians and specialists statewide.

The report, Arkansas Health Care Workforce: A Guide for Policy Action,

provides a unique, multi-dimensional look at how and where health care is provided in Arkansas. This includes location, office capacity, acceptance of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid and the patient experience. Previous studies either have been national in scope and based on raw population-to-physician ratios or have relied solely on survey information.

According to Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation, the report provides a much-needed resource for informing policy decisions that will result in meaningful solutions for improving the health care system in Arkansas.

“Much discussion has centered on the idea that we have a serious statewide shortage of doctors and that this shortage will worsen due to an aging health care workforce,” Patrick said. “At the same time, there has been a lack of consistent data to demonstrate the real picture in Arkansas. ACHI has proven expertise for using information from various sources to pull together a big picture and identify policy implications. The Blue & You Foundation is pleased to have partnered with ACHI to provide policymakers and stakeholders a guide for important decisions.”

The information in the report shows not only the number of medical professionals needed, but where they will be needed. The report describes a severe shortage in the southeast and southwest regions, but points to an excess supply in central Arkansas. On a positive note, many clinic managers surveyed said they expect to keep their present staff and in many cases have plans to add new clinicians.

The following are a few highlights from the report:

•Whilethereisashortageofprimarycarephysicians, the presence in Arkansas of physician extenders, like advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, make up all but 4 percent of the shortfall in the supply of primary care clinicians.

• Therearecriticalshortagesofprimary care physicians and physician extenders in some rural areas and a potential oversupply in urban areas.

• Primarycarecliniciansmayapproach the needed number statewide by 2020, but shortages will remain in rural parts of the state unless incentives are put in place.

• Creativesolutionsmayinvolvepoliciesregarding expanded insurance coverage, transportation resources and use of information technology.

To learn more about the report, go to the ACHI website, achi.net.

• Get weekly, face-to-face support and motivation at one of more than 600 locations.

• Enjoy the convenience and privacy of getting your support and motivation on the phone each week.

WILL ARKANSAS DOCTORS?haveenough

The Blue & You Foundation funds a study to find out

Arkansas Health Care Workforce

March 2013

Funded by:

A Guide for Policy Action

Demand greater than supplyDemand 20% or more

Demand 10% to 19%

Little or no supply shortageDemand = Supply (+ 9%)

Supply 10% or more

Adequacy of Supply and Demand of Primary Care Providers by County (2012)

JULY15deadline

2120 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Residents of Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas can speak face to face with health insurance experts at the new ArkansasBlue office at 509 Mallard Loop Drive in Pine Bluff.

Health insurance experts at the new location will provide Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members and insurance shoppers with information about Arkansas Blue Cross insurance plans, advice on which plan best covers them and fits their budget, as well as assistance with questions or concerns they may have about purchasing or choosing health insurance. ArkansasBlue also will provide visitors with information on dental and other insurance plans.

And, with the full implementation of the health care law approaching in 2014, visitors who have purchased individual or family health insurance plans can come in for health insurance reviews to see how new regulations will impact their health insurance coverage and cost.

“Arkansas Blue Cross has operated a full-service office in Pine Bluff since 1994, serving members in a 13-county area with customer service, individual and group product sales and marketing, medical management and provider services,” said Dwayne Pierce, regional executive. “Our new location will allow us to expand our services and provide more one-on-one counseling about health and dental insurance for individuals and families, especially with the implementation of the new health insurance law approaching.”

Walk-in members and shoppers also can pick up informational brochures or digitally walkthrough an online shopping experience with an Arkansas Blue Cross representative.

Arkansas Blue Cross opened Arkansas’ first health insurance store in 2011 in Little Rock to help Arkansans better understand health insurance products and how they work. The flagship store has proven to be a resource for people needing health insurance answers, and a gathering place for fun and informative events.

Whether you need coverage for one month or a longer period, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a solution for you. We have affordable plans designed to provide coverage for the length of time you need it.

Essential Blue Freedom is a comprehensive health insurance policy that lasts 364 days, with the freedom to reapply for coverage. It is available to Arkansas residents age 64 and younger who are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.

It offers affordable copayments for doctor visits as well as prescription drug coverage. Your application is subject to a medical review, and a waiting period for pre-existing conditions may apply, but if you have no major health problems and you are looking for comprehensive coverage at a great rate, it may be the solution you need.

What happens after day 364?You have the opportunity to

reapply for another Essential Blue Freedom policy issued after answering a few simple health-related questions and by meeting certain medical criteria. If you fall outside the ranges, don’t worry — you still may qualify for reissue; however, your application will be subject to review.

If you think Essential Blue Freedom is an option for you, call us at 1-800-392-2583! We’d love to talk with you.

PHARMACY continued from page 16

Be sure to read the label for each product you purchase. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn’t mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

Remember, if you read the label and still have questions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Medicine InteractionsAlthough mild and relatively uncommon,

interactions involving OTC medicines can produce unwanted results or make medicines less effective. It’s especially important to know about medicine interactions if you’re taking Rx and OTC medicines at the same time.

Some medicines also can interact with foods and beverages, as well as with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Here are a few medicine interaction cautions for some common OTC ingredients:

• Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough/cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or medicines that treat sleeplessness.

• Do not use medicines that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.

• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you’re taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.

• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription medicine for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

This is not a complete list. Read the label! Medicine labels change as new information becomes available. That’s why it’s important to read the label each time you take medicine.

Time for a Medicine Cabinet Checkup?• Be sure to look through your medicine

supply at least once a year.• Always store medicines in a cool, dry place

or as stated on the label.• Throw away any medicines that are past

the expiration date.• To make sure no one takes the wrong

medicine, keep all medicines in their original containers.

Protect Yourself Against TamperingMakers of OTC medicines seal most products

in tamper-evident packaging (TEP) to help protect against criminal tampering. TEP works by providing visible evidence if the package has been disturbed. But OTC packaging cannot be 100 percent tamper-proof. Here’s how to help protect yourself:

• Be alert to the tamper-evident features on the package before you open it. These features are described on the label.

• Inspect the outer packaging before you buy it. When you get home, inspect the medicine inside.

• Don’t buy an OTC product if the packaging is damaged.

• Don’t use any medicine that looks discolored or different in any way.

• If anything looks suspicious, be suspicious. Contact the store where you bought the product. Take it back!

• Never take medicines in the dark.

Source: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)

PINE BLUFFArkansasBluehealth insurance storeOPENS IN

The “freedom” of short-term coverage

With the changes in the health insurance industry, some people will find they need a health insurance policy to fill a gap in coverage, or they may be looking for a more affordable solution with comprehensive coverage.

new

2120 BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

Residents of Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas can speak face to face with health insurance experts at the new ArkansasBlue office at 509 Mallard Loop Drive in Pine Bluff.

Health insurance experts at the new location will provide Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members and insurance shoppers with information about Arkansas Blue Cross insurance plans, advice on which plan best covers them and fits their budget, as well as assistance with questions or concerns they may have about purchasing or choosing health insurance. ArkansasBlue also will provide visitors with information on dental and other insurance plans.

And, with the full implementation of the health care law approaching in 2014, visitors who have purchased individual or family health insurance plans can come in for health insurance reviews to see how new regulations will impact their health insurance coverage and cost.

“Arkansas Blue Cross has operated a full-service office in Pine Bluff since 1994, serving members in a 13-county area with customer service, individual and group product sales and marketing, medical management and provider services,” said Dwayne Pierce, regional executive. “Our new location will allow us to expand our services and provide more one-on-one counseling about health and dental insurance for individuals and families, especially with the implementation of the new health insurance law approaching.”

Walk-in members and shoppers also can pick up informational brochures or digitally walkthrough an online shopping experience with an Arkansas Blue Cross representative.

Arkansas Blue Cross opened Arkansas’ first health insurance store in 2011 in Little Rock to help Arkansans better understand health insurance products and how they work. The flagship store has proven to be a resource for people needing health insurance answers, and a gathering place for fun and informative events.

Whether you need coverage for one month or a longer period, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a solution for you. We have affordable plans designed to provide coverage for the length of time you need it.

Essential Blue Freedom is a comprehensive health insurance policy that lasts 364 days, with the freedom to reapply for coverage. It is available to Arkansas residents age 64 and younger who are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.

It offers affordable copayments for doctor visits as well as prescription drug coverage. Your application is subject to a medical review, and a waiting period for pre-existing conditions may apply, but if you have no major health problems and you are looking for comprehensive coverage at a great rate, it may be the solution you need.

What happens after day 364?You have the opportunity to

reapply for another Essential Blue Freedom policy issued after answering a few simple health-related questions and by meeting certain medical criteria. If you fall outside the ranges, don’t worry — you still may qualify for reissue; however, your application will be subject to review.

If you think Essential Blue Freedom is an option for you, call us at 1-800-392-2583! We’d love to talk with you.

PHARMACY continued from page 16

Be sure to read the label for each product you purchase. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn’t mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

Remember, if you read the label and still have questions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Medicine InteractionsAlthough mild and relatively uncommon,

interactions involving OTC medicines can produce unwanted results or make medicines less effective. It’s especially important to know about medicine interactions if you’re taking Rx and OTC medicines at the same time.

Some medicines also can interact with foods and beverages, as well as with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Here are a few medicine interaction cautions for some common OTC ingredients:

• Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough/cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or medicines that treat sleeplessness.

• Do not use medicines that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.

• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you’re taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.

• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription medicine for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

This is not a complete list. Read the label! Medicine labels change as new information becomes available. That’s why it’s important to read the label each time you take medicine.

Time for a Medicine Cabinet Checkup?• Be sure to look through your medicine

supply at least once a year.• Always store medicines in a cool, dry place

or as stated on the label.• Throw away any medicines that are past

the expiration date.• To make sure no one takes the wrong

medicine, keep all medicines in their original containers.

Protect Yourself Against TamperingMakers of OTC medicines seal most products

in tamper-evident packaging (TEP) to help protect against criminal tampering. TEP works by providing visible evidence if the package has been disturbed. But OTC packaging cannot be 100 percent tamper-proof. Here’s how to help protect yourself:

• Be alert to the tamper-evident features on the package before you open it. These features are described on the label.

• Inspect the outer packaging before you buy it. When you get home, inspect the medicine inside.

• Don’t buy an OTC product if the packaging is damaged.

• Don’t use any medicine that looks discolored or different in any way.

• If anything looks suspicious, be suspicious. Contact the store where you bought the product. Take it back!

• Never take medicines in the dark.

Source: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)

PINE BLUFFArkansasBluehealth insurance storeOPENS IN

The “freedom” of short-term coverage

With the changes in the health insurance industry, some people will find they need a health insurance policy to fill a gap in coverage, or they may be looking for a more affordable solution with comprehensive coverage.

new

Medi-Pak® members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312Medi-Pak® Advantage members 1-877-233-7022Medi-Pak® Rx members 1-866-390-3369Arkansas Blue Cross members 378-2010 1-800-238-8379 •Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5561 •Specialty Rx pharmacy questions 1-866-295-2779Health Advantage members 378-2363 1-800-843-1329 •Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5567BlueAdvantage members 378-3600 1-888-872-2531 •Pharmacy questions 1-888-293-3748Federal Employee members 378-2531 1-800-482-6655

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!For individuals, families 378-2937 1-800-392-2583For employer groups* 378-3070 1-800-421-1112*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

•ArkansasBlue — Little Rock 2612 S. Shackleford Rd., Suite J 1-501-378-2222

•Fayetteville 516 East Millsap Rd., Suite 103 1-800-817-7726

•Fort Smith 3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 5 1-866-254-9117

•Hot Springs 100 Greenwood Ave., Suite C 1-800-588-5733

•Jonesboro 707 East Matthews Ave. 1-800-299-4124

•Little Rock 601 Gaines Street 1-800-421-1112

•Pine Bluff 509 Mallard Loop 1-800-236-0369

•Texarkana 1710 Arkansas Boulevard 1-800-470-9621

Visit our websites for more information: arkansasbluecross.com • healthadvantage-hmo.com • blueadvantagearkansas.com • blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

2322 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

May we help? For customer service, please call:

Prefer to speak with someone close to home?Call or visit one of our offices near you:LITTLE ROCK

Number (501)TOLL FREENumber

At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliates (including HMO Partners, Inc. d/b/a Health Advantage), we understand how important it is to keep your private information just that — private. Because of the nature of our business, we must collect some personal information from our members, but we also are committed to maintaining, securing and protecting that information.

Customer InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates only

compile information necessary for us to provide the services that you, our member, request from us and to administer your business. We collect non-public personal financial information (defined as any information that can be tied back to a specific person and is gathered by any source that is not publicly available) about our members from:

• Applications for insurance coverage. The application includes information such as name, address, personal identifiers such as Social Security number, and medical information that you authorize us to collect.

• Payment history and related financial transactions from the purchase and use of our products.

• Information related to the fact that you have been or currently are a member.

Sharing of InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates do not

disclose, and do not wish to reserve the right to disclose, non-public personal information about you to one another or to other parties except as permitted or required by law. Examples of instances in which Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates will provide information to one another or other third parties are:

• To service or process products that you have requested.

• To provide information as permitted and required by law to accrediting agencies.

• To provide information to comply with federal, state or local laws in an administrative or judicial process.

How We Protect Your InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates use

various security mechanisms to protect your personal data including electronic and physical measures as well as company policies that limit employee access to non-public personal financial information. Improper access and use of confidential information by an employee can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Disclosure of Privacy NoticeArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates recognize

and respect the privacy concerns of potential, current and former customers. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates are committed to safeguarding this information. This Financial Information Privacy Notice is provided to our members as required by state regulation to explain how we handle their non-public financial information. It is also available on our website at arkansasbluecross.com or from our Customer Service Call Centers. Our customer service areas are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday.

CHANGES continued from page 3

ready to provide you with the information you need to make a good decision for you and your family. You also can request a review with an agent if you have one, or you can go to one of our locations throughout the state.

If you are age 65 or older and have coverage through one of our Medicare products, there should be no changes to your health plan until 2016 as a result of the health care law. We will discuss those changes in future issues.

If you are an employer with two to 50 employees, you will be receiving information regarding Arkansas Blue Cross meetings being held throughout the state to help our employer customers learn how the new regulations may impact their businesses. Afterward, you will be contacted by an agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative to discuss your situation in more

detail. Until then, our advice is that you not make any changes to your health plan.

If you are an employer with 51 or more employees, you likely already have been discussing options with an agent or Arkansas Blue Cross representative. If not, I encourage you to do so in the coming months.

At Arkansas Blue Cross, we are concerned with making health care affordable for everyone. We applaud the efforts of our state for coming up with a unique solution to take care of the many Arkansans who can’t afford health care. And, we will continue to provide our members with the most affordable health care coverage available by finding solutions that work within health care reform regulations and giving our members the protection they deserve.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Financial Information Privacy Notice

Arkansas Blue Cross 1-800-238-8379

Health Advantage 1-800-843-1329

BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013

Self-funded group members should call Customer Service using the toll-free telephone

number on their ID card.

CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS

Medi-Pak® members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312Medi-Pak® Advantage members 1-877-233-7022Medi-Pak® Rx members 1-866-390-3369Arkansas Blue Cross members 378-2010 1-800-238-8379 •Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5561 •Specialty Rx pharmacy questions 1-866-295-2779Health Advantage members 378-2363 1-800-843-1329 •Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5567BlueAdvantage members 378-3600 1-888-872-2531 •Pharmacy questions 1-888-293-3748Federal Employee members 378-2531 1-800-482-6655

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!For individuals, families 378-2937 1-800-392-2583For employer groups* 378-3070 1-800-421-1112*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

•ArkansasBlue — Little Rock 2612 S. Shackleford Rd., Suite J 1-501-378-2222

•Fayetteville 516 East Millsap Rd., Suite 103 1-800-817-7726

•Fort Smith 3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 5 1-866-254-9117

•Hot Springs 100 Greenwood Ave., Suite C 1-800-588-5733

•Jonesboro 707 East Matthews Ave. 1-800-299-4124

•Little Rock 601 Gaines Street 1-800-421-1112

•Pine Bluff 509 Mallard Loop 1-800-236-0369

•Texarkana 1710 Arkansas Boulevard 1-800-470-9621

Visit our websites for more information: arkansasbluecross.com • healthadvantage-hmo.com • blueadvantagearkansas.com • blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

2322 SUMMER 2013 BLUE & YOU

May we help? For customer service, please call:

Prefer to speak with someone close to home?Call or visit one of our offices near you:LITTLE ROCK

Number (501)TOLL FREENumber

At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliates (including HMO Partners, Inc. d/b/a Health Advantage), we understand how important it is to keep your private information just that — private. Because of the nature of our business, we must collect some personal information from our members, but we also are committed to maintaining, securing and protecting that information.

Customer InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates only

compile information necessary for us to provide the services that you, our member, request from us and to administer your business. We collect non-public personal financial information (defined as any information that can be tied back to a specific person and is gathered by any source that is not publicly available) about our members from:

• Applications for insurance coverage. The application includes information such as name, address, personal identifiers such as Social Security number, and medical information that you authorize us to collect.

• Payment history and related financial transactions from the purchase and use of our products.

• Information related to the fact that you have been or currently are a member.

Sharing of InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates do not

disclose, and do not wish to reserve the right to disclose, non-public personal information about you to one another or to other parties except as permitted or required by law. Examples of instances in which Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates will provide information to one another or other third parties are:

• To service or process products that you have requested.

• To provide information as permitted and required by law to accrediting agencies.

• To provide information to comply with federal, state or local laws in an administrative or judicial process.

How We Protect Your InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates use

various security mechanisms to protect your personal data including electronic and physical measures as well as company policies that limit employee access to non-public personal financial information. Improper access and use of confidential information by an employee can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Disclosure of Privacy NoticeArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates recognize

and respect the privacy concerns of potential, current and former customers. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates are committed to safeguarding this information. This Financial Information Privacy Notice is provided to our members as required by state regulation to explain how we handle their non-public financial information. It is also available on our website at arkansasbluecross.com or from our Customer Service Call Centers. Our customer service areas are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday.

CHANGES continued from page 3

ready to provide you with the information you need to make a good decision for you and your family. You also can request a review with an agent if you have one, or you can go to one of our locations throughout the state.

If you are age 65 or older and have coverage through one of our Medicare products, there should be no changes to your health plan until 2016 as a result of the health care law. We will discuss those changes in future issues.

If you are an employer with two to 50 employees, you will be receiving information regarding Arkansas Blue Cross meetings being held throughout the state to help our employer customers learn how the new regulations may impact their businesses. Afterward, you will be contacted by an agent or an Arkansas Blue Cross representative to discuss your situation in more

detail. Until then, our advice is that you not make any changes to your health plan.

If you are an employer with 51 or more employees, you likely already have been discussing options with an agent or Arkansas Blue Cross representative. If not, I encourage you to do so in the coming months.

At Arkansas Blue Cross, we are concerned with making health care affordable for everyone. We applaud the efforts of our state for coming up with a unique solution to take care of the many Arkansans who can’t afford health care. And, we will continue to provide our members with the most affordable health care coverage available by finding solutions that work within health care reform regulations and giving our members the protection they deserve.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Financial Information Privacy Notice

Arkansas Blue Cross 1-800-238-8379

Health Advantage 1-800-843-1329

BLUE & YOU SUMMER 2013

Self-funded group members should call Customer Service using the toll-free telephone

number on their ID card.

CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS

A new tool to help determine if you qualify for cost breaks launches on our website, arkansasbluecross.com

2014 health care plans become available for review on our website

Online marketplace opens

Final day to buy health insurance for a January 1, 2014 effective date

New health insurance plans begin

Last day to sign up for health insurance

the HEALTH CARE LAW timeline

SEPT. 32013

JAN.12014

MAR.312014

JULY12013

OCT. 12013

DEC.152013

page22

Financial Information Privacy Notice

page15

Arkansas Blue Cross tops national customer survey

page10

Live Fearless

SUMMER 2013

A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies

Representatives of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield are ready to help you. Call or come by one of our locations.

page4

MPI 1624 6/13