2013 - Spring

events and activities

All you need to know about changes that may be coming to your health plan ... page 6

Innovative IT earns Arkansas Blue Cross

a patentpage 4

Look for the BlueCares team at the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk on April 20 at Burns Park in North Little Rock.

April 20, 2013

Opening of the ArkansasBlue retail store in Pine Bluff. Come visit us at 509 Mallard Loop Drive.

May 20, 2013

good for you

MPI 1528 3/13

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Member Appreciation Day, Saturday, June 8, at the Museum of Discovery. Check our Web site for more details.

June 8, 2013

Countdown to Health Care Reform

Hop on over for some Easter fun at ArkansasBlue in Little Rock on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Radio Disney will be there for games, prizes, photo ops and more!

March 30, 2013

Arkansas Blue Cross named top workplace page 21

Blue & You Foundation wins award

page 16

Bert Price, M.D., discusses the psychology of

spring cleaning.

A message from our CEO and President,

Mark White

Helping you understand the cost increases under health care reform

tablecontents

2 3Blue & You SPRING 2013 Blue & You SPRING 2013

SPRING 2013

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.

of

&

Editor: Jennifer Sullivan –

[email protected]

Designer: Ryan Kravitz

Photographer: Chip Bayer

Contributors: Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Lauren Green, Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Kathy Luzietti, Mark Morehead, Kelly Whitehorn and Stephen Wilson

Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley

INSIDE

out of the

Blueout

Blue

3

4

6

10

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

If you follow news coverage of health care reform, you likely are beginning to see stories discussing the cost increases many Americans will experience under this law. For some Americans, these cost increases will be offset (in whole or in part) by advance premium tax credits (subsidies). For many, they will not. At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we want to be certain our members understand the provisions of the law that are driving the cost increases and, more importantly, what Arkansas Blue Cross is doing to ensure you have access to affordable coverage.

The drivers of increased premium costs are new taxes and fees put in place to support the cost of many of the reform programs and the new rules around how health plans must be structured and what they must cover. These new rules apply to those who purchase individual or small employer coverage.

In January 2014, significant provisions of the new law will become effective. And, by that time, three of the four major new taxes and fees will be in effect. For the most part, these taxes and fees will affect premiums paid by small employers and those purchasing individual health insurance plans. (That is because those who work for larger employers that insure themselves are exempt.) The impact of these provisions is expected to add hundreds of dollars to family premiums that many Arkansans already are struggling to pay, according to estimates by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation as well as actuarial consulting firms.

Additionally, more significant increases for some who buy individual or small employer coverage will be driven by new requirements concerning how health insurance companies must calculate rates and what expanded benefits are offered. For example, after January 1, 2014, health insurers can no longer consider health conditions in developing premium

rates, so as a result, individuals and small employers who are healthier than average or have a healthier than average workforce – and use fewer medical services – no longer will benefit from reduced rates. Today, older Arkansans pay higher rates than younger Arkansans because we are statistically more likely to need medical services as we age. Under the new rules, young people will be paying more and older Arkansans will be paying less. These and other new rules mean that some Arkansans will see higher rates, while some will pay less.

New services must be covered by health plans marketed to under age 65 individuals and small employers beginning in January 2014. These new “essential health benefits” must be included in all health plans sold in the small group and individual market. For example, today maternity coverage is optional for some small employers and in individual policies. Going forward, every policy must contain coverage for maternity services, whether you need it or not. The more services covered, the more expensive the health plan becomes.

When the new rules take effect, Arkansas Blue Cross will be ready – ready to assist each individual and small employer customer in understanding his or her unique situation under the new law. And, we will be ready to offer new products and provide the kind of security and stability you have come to expect from Arkansas Blue Cross in a new and uncertain insurance marketplace. You’ll be hearing from us when the time comes. Until then, if you have coverage purchased prior to March 2010, hold on to it! It may be the option that is good for you!

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

14PAGE

Out of the Blue, “Helping you understand the cost increases under health care reform”

Arkansas Blue Cross’ innovative technology means savings for members and the health care industry

Health care reform: Big changes are coming

Health care reform questions and answers

The dangers of laundry pods to children Do smoking bans make a difference? Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!

New viral tick illness discovered

The psychology of spring cleaning

Blue & You Foundation receives Outstanding Foundation Award

Blue & You Foundation grants

Three easy ways to engage in SilverSneakers

Let’s take back prescription drugs

Blue News

Get in on the action with member discounts

Americans are eating less fast food, but not by much Customer service telephone numbers

Events and activities

Bert Price, M.D., discusses the psychology of

spring cleaning.

A message from our CEO and President,

Mark White

Helping you understand the cost increases under health care reform

tablecontents


SPRING 2013

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.

of

&

Editor: Jennifer Sullivan –

[email protected]

Designer: Ryan Kravitz

Photographer: Chip Bayer

Contributors: Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Lauren Green, Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Kathy Luzietti, Mark Morehead, Kelly Whitehorn and Stephen Wilson

Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley

INSIDE

out of the

Blueout

Blue

3

4

6

10

12

13

14

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

If you follow news coverage of health care reform, you likely are beginning to see stories discussing the cost increases many Americans will experience under this law. For some Americans, these cost increases will be offset (in whole or in part) by advance premium tax credits (subsidies). For many, they will not. At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we want to be certain our members understand the provisions of the law that are driving the cost increases and, more importantly, what Arkansas Blue Cross is doing to ensure you have access to affordable coverage.

The drivers of increased premium costs are new taxes and fees put in place to support the cost of many of the reform programs and the new rules around how health plans must be structured and what they must cover. These new rules apply to those who purchase individual or small employer coverage.

In January 2014, significant provisions of the new law will become effective. And, by that time, three of the four major new taxes and fees will be in effect. For the most part, these taxes and fees will affect premiums paid by small employers and those purchasing individual health insurance plans. (That is because those who work for larger employers that insure themselves are exempt.) The impact of these provisions is expected to add hundreds of dollars to family premiums that many Arkansans already are struggling to pay, according to estimates by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation as well as actuarial consulting firms.

Additionally, more significant increases for some who buy individual or small employer coverage will be driven by new requirements concerning how health insurance companies must calculate rates and what expanded benefits are offered. For example, after January 1, 2014, health insurers can no longer consider health conditions in developing premium

rates, so as a result, individuals and small employers who are healthier than average or have a healthier than average workforce – and use fewer medical services – no longer will benefit from reduced rates. Today, older Arkansans pay higher rates than younger Arkansans because we are statistically more likely to need medical services as we age. Under the new rules, young people will be paying more and older Arkansans will be paying less. These and other new rules mean that some Arkansans will see higher rates, while some will pay less.

New services must be covered by health plans marketed to under age 65 individuals and small employers beginning in January 2014. These new “essential health benefits” must be included in all health plans sold in the small group and individual market. For example, today maternity coverage is optional for some small employers and in individual policies. Going forward, every policy must contain coverage for maternity services, whether you need it or not. The more services covered, the more expensive the health plan becomes.

When the new rules take effect, Arkansas Blue Cross will be ready – ready to assist each individual and small employer customer in understanding his or her unique situation under the new law. And, we will be ready to offer new products and provide the kind of security and stability you have come to expect from Arkansas Blue Cross in a new and uncertain insurance marketplace. You’ll be hearing from us when the time comes. Until then, if you have coverage purchased prior to March 2010, hold on to it! It may be the option that is good for you!

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

14PAGE

Out of the Blue, “Helping you understand the cost increases under health care reform”

Arkansas Blue Cross’ innovative technology means savings for members and the health care industry

Health care reform: Big changes are coming

Health care reform questions and answers

The dangers of laundry pods to children Do smoking bans make a difference? Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!


The psychology of spring cleaning

Blue & You Foundation receives Outstanding Foundation Award

Blue & You Foundation grants


Let’s take back prescription drugs

Blue News


Americans are eating less fast food, but not by much Customer service telephone numbers

Events and activities

4 Blue & You SPRING 2013 5Blue & You SPRING 2013

When it comes to developing innovative technology to drive down costs, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield always is on the leading edge.

Imaginative thinking — and remembering who

we work for — has allowed Arkansas Blue Cross’ team of innovators to create new technology that will save the entire health care industry millions of dollars and help hold down costs for our members.

What is the issue?Every doctor’s office, hospital and health

care business in the world uses a system of codes to record health care diagnoses. These

codes are filed with health insurance companies and are used to determine the payment the medical provider receives for providing the service. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. A new set of codes was released a few years ago. The United States, by law, must switch to these new codes by October 1, 2014.

The old coding system, called ICD-9, contains about 24,000 numbers for 24,000 different conditions. The new code set, called ICD-10, contains 155,000 codes.

The new codes are designed to better define a person’s diagnosis. For instance, under ICD-9, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has one code, but under ICD-10 there are 96 codes related to RA because the code includes the body part affected.

This all sounds good, but there is a problem. The computer systems developed to recognize the old codes currently can’t recognize the new ones. Requiring every business involved in the U.S. health care industry to switch to the new coding system will be expensive and confusing — and it will happen right on the heels of health care reform.

For Arkansas Blue Cross, the codes are used by almost all computer systems and business processes in the company. “This is a huge change for anyone in health care,” said Joe Smith, senior vice president of Private Programs and chief information officer for Arkansas Blue Cross.

The answer

Knowing the industry was not ready for this conversion, Arkansas Blue Cross’ Information Technology team, under the direction of Joe,

made a commitment to create a solution for this new requirement. Their solution was so innovative, they earned a patent for it.

“The pinnacle of innovation in America is getting a U.S. patent,” said Joe. “And we have a whole team of people who can be proud of being a part of this accomplishment.” While the patent itself is significant, what it protects is even more vital.

Strategy

Joe and his team decided on a system to neutralize the codes. To “neutralize” the codes, they created a system that will accept both 9

and 10 codes, but in the “back room” converts all 10 codes back to 9. This way, Arkansas Blue Cross can process claims for both coding systems and make smart decisions as to when to switch over completely to ICD-10.

The Arkansas Blue Cross code-neutralizing

system is so innovative that consultants who had worked on parts of the project started marketing their own version of it. Joe quickly trademarked the name “ICD-10 Neutralizer” and filed for the patent. Now, Arkansas Blue Cross has the rights to market the technology and expand it to help other health care businesses.

Innovation every dayThis isn’t the first time the technology team

at Arkansas Blue Cross has received national attention. In 2010, Arkansas Blue Cross was

named a Best Practices Award winner by The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), the premier provider of in-depth, high-quality education and research in the business intelligence and data warehousing industry. We’ve also been recognized repeatedly by Information Week magazine’s annual list of the top 500 companies in the United States that are innovators in business technology.

What Does This Mean For You?Our employees at Arkansas Blue Cross are

continually striving to be good stewards of your money by finding innovative ways to solve

problems before they even become problems. And that is why Arkansas Blue Cross is good for you!

Arkansas Blue Cross’ innovative technology means savings for members and the

health care industry

Enterprise employees who worked on the ICD-10 Neutralizer project are (pictured here, standing,

left to right) Rama Dandamudi, Amrita Banerjee, Jignesh Borad, Kim Henderson (director), Joseph S. Smith (inventor, senior vice president of

Private Programs and chief information officer), Bhargava Gopireddy, Lakshman Tallam, Venu Chittemsetty, Tom King, Sathish Kariyanna, Vijendar Sunkari, Michael Leung (pictured, sitting, left to right)

Sharon Stone, Ramana Bhrugubanda, Sateesh Telugu and Kiran Kathi. Not pictured are Keith West and members of the offshore team: Nagarjuna Kommuri, Deepak Surthi, Sharath Sriramoju, Pavan Puna, Sandeep Sundaram, Khader Pothuganti, Gayatri Vangipuram, Siva Ramasubramanian, Ganesh Pakkirisamy, Eshwar Gajawada, Surya

Kalidindi, Rajaram Eyunni Chary Rajuri, Priyanka Alluri, Shilpa Garja and Vani Vedire.


When it comes to developing innovative technology to drive down costs, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield always is on the leading edge.

Imaginative thinking — and remembering who

we work for — has allowed Arkansas Blue Cross’ team of innovators to create new technology that will save the entire health care industry millions of dollars and help hold down costs for our members.

What is the issue?Every doctor’s office, hospital and health

care business in the world uses a system of codes to record health care diagnoses. These

codes are filed with health insurance companies and are used to determine the payment the medical provider receives for providing the service. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. A new set of codes was released a few years ago. The United States, by law, must switch to these new codes by October 1, 2014.

The old coding system, called ICD-9, contains about 24,000 numbers for 24,000 different conditions. The new code set, called ICD-10, contains 155,000 codes.

The new codes are designed to better define a person’s diagnosis. For instance, under ICD-9, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has one code, but under ICD-10 there are 96 codes related to RA because the code includes the body part affected.

This all sounds good, but there is a problem. The computer systems developed to recognize the old codes currently can’t recognize the new ones. Requiring every business involved in the U.S. health care industry to switch to the new coding system will be expensive and confusing — and it will happen right on the heels of health care reform.

For Arkansas Blue Cross, the codes are used by almost all computer systems and business processes in the company. “This is a huge change for anyone in health care,” said Joe Smith, senior vice president of Private Programs and chief information officer for Arkansas Blue Cross.

The answer

Knowing the industry was not ready for this conversion, Arkansas Blue Cross’ Information Technology team, under the direction of Joe,

made a commitment to create a solution for this new requirement. Their solution was so innovative, they earned a patent for it.

“The pinnacle of innovation in America is getting a U.S. patent,” said Joe. “And we have a whole team of people who can be proud of being a part of this accomplishment.” While the patent itself is significant, what it protects is even more vital.

Strategy

Joe and his team decided on a system to neutralize the codes. To “neutralize” the codes, they created a system that will accept both 9

and 10 codes, but in the “back room” converts all 10 codes back to 9. This way, Arkansas Blue Cross can process claims for both coding systems and make smart decisions as to when to switch over completely to ICD-10.

The Arkansas Blue Cross code-neutralizing

system is so innovative that consultants who had worked on parts of the project started marketing their own version of it. Joe quickly trademarked the name “ICD-10 Neutralizer” and filed for the patent. Now, Arkansas Blue Cross has the rights to market the technology and expand it to help other health care businesses.

Innovation every dayThis isn’t the first time the technology team

at Arkansas Blue Cross has received national attention. In 2010, Arkansas Blue Cross was

named a Best Practices Award winner by The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), the premier provider of in-depth, high-quality education and research in the business intelligence and data warehousing industry. We’ve also been recognized repeatedly by Information Week magazine’s annual list of the top 500 companies in the United States that are innovators in business technology.

What Does This Mean For You?Our employees at Arkansas Blue Cross are

continually striving to be good stewards of your money by finding innovative ways to solve

problems before they even become problems. And that is why Arkansas Blue Cross is good for you!

Arkansas Blue Cross’ innovative technology means savings for members and the

health care industry

Enterprise employees who worked on the ICD-10 Neutralizer project are (pictured here, standing,

left to right) Rama Dandamudi, Amrita Banerjee, Jignesh Borad, Kim Henderson (director), Joseph S. Smith (inventor, senior vice president of

Private Programs and chief information officer), Bhargava Gopireddy, Lakshman Tallam, Venu Chittemsetty, Tom King, Sathish Kariyanna, Vijendar Sunkari, Michael Leung (pictured, sitting, left to right)

Sharon Stone, Ramana Bhrugubanda, Sateesh Telugu and Kiran Kathi. Not pictured are Keith West and members of the offshore team: Nagarjuna Kommuri, Deepak Surthi, Sharath Sriramoju, Pavan Puna, Sandeep Sundaram, Khader Pothuganti, Gayatri Vangipuram, Siva Ramasubramanian, Ganesh Pakkirisamy, Eshwar Gajawada, Surya

Kalidindi, Rajaram Eyunni Chary Rajuri, Priyanka Alluri, Shilpa Garja and Vani Vedire.

76 Blue & You SPRING 2013

Most Americans have been hearing about the new health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), for several years now, but many have seen very little change despite all the discussion. However, big changes are coming, and significant portions of the new law will take effect on January 1, 2014. In preparation, the federal government and private health insurers soon will begin announcing plans for implementing these changes. With thousands of pages of new regulations, it can all be very confusing. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield staff

members are working hard every day to be prepared to help our members navigate the new marketplace. When the time comes, you can count on Arkansas Blue Cross to help you understand how the new law will affect you and to help you be aware of any decisions you need to make around your health insurance coverage.

Big changes are coming

Will your health plan be affected?For many of our members, the new health care law

will not change their health coverage in significant ways. For example, there are no provisions of the law taking effect in 2014 that impact our Medicare plans. Many of our large employers already have made the coverage changes the law requires and will be making no further adjustments to their benefits. (However, new taxes and fees may lead to an increase in cost.) The members who likely will be most aware of the

changes are those who buy insurance for themselves and their families (either directly from Arkansas Blue Cross or through an agent) and those who are insured through employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees. We will be reaching out to these members – either directly or through their agent – beginning this summer to make them aware of the new rules and provide them with new choices where appropriate.

Will you get an advance premium tax credit ?Many Americans who purchase their insurance

coverage through a health insurance marketplace will qualify for advance premium tax credits, often called subsidies, beginning in January 2014. These advance premium tax credits are paid monthly to the insurance company chosen by the policyholder and help cover the cost of the premium for the health plan the individual or family purchases. In order to receive an advance premium tax credit, you must meet certain income requirements and not have access to affordable coverage through your employer. (It is important to note that the law determines what “affordable” employer coverage is and that may not always seem “affordable” to consumers.)

The amount of any advance premium tax credit you might be entitled to is based on your household income, your family size and the cost of certain government-approved health insurance plans (benchmark plans). For example, a family of four

with a household income of $47,100 annually would be required to pay 6.3 percent of their household income for health insurance. The advance premium tax credit would cover the difference between the 6.3 percent and the cost of the benchmark plan. A single individual earning $34,470 per year would be required to pay 9.5 percent of his annual income and the difference between the 9.5 percent and the cost of the benchmark health plan would be covered by the advance premium tax credit.

The benchmark plan is only used to calculate the amount of the advance premium tax credit. If you are entitled to an advance premium tax credit, you can use it toward the purchase of any government-approved plan. In this way, some Arkansans will be eligible for free coverage. Their advance premium tax credit will be calculated based on the cost of the benchmark plan, and they can apply those dollars to a plan with more limited coverage and a lower monthly premium.

What do you need to know today?People (or businesses) who had a policy in place

prior to the passage of the health care reform law in March 2010, and who have not made certain changes to their plans, have “grandfathered coverage.” That means that if you like the plan you have, you can keep it and you do not have to make the changes required of health plans purchased after that time. For many of our members, keeping their “grandfathered” health plan will be the most affordable option after the new rules are in place.

Others will find new coverage to be more affordable and will have the opportunity to change. Until all the regulations that define the law are issued, no one can tell you for sure what the best course of action will be. But we do know one thing – if you lose your grandfathered coverage, you cannot get it back. So the most important thing for you to know today is that preserving your grandfathered coverage until the new law is completely defined is the best way to ensure you have affordable options.

How do you find out if you are eligible?Beginning this October, Arkansans (and all

Americans) can visit new online “health insurance marketplaces” (also known as exchanges) being established by the state and/or federal government. Arkansas’ health insurance marketplace will be run by the federal government in partnership with the state. These health insurance marketplaces allow Americans to apply for advance premium tax credits and to shop for health insurance. In addition to the Web site, Arkansans will have access to assistance by phone and in person to help with the process.

Individuals (not eligible for Medicare), families and small businesses can all shop for coverage online through the health insurance marketplace. The health plans available through the marketplace are all offered by private insurance companies, like Arkansas Blue Cross, that have decided to sell policies through the marketplace and have satisfied all necessary state and federal requirements. If you are eligible for an

REFORM, continued on page 8

Blue & You SPRING 2013

... there are no provisions ofthe law taking effect in 2014

that impact our Medicare plans.


Most Americans have been hearing about the new health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), for several years now, but many have seen very little change despite all the discussion. However, big changes are coming, and significant portions of the new law will take effect on January 1, 2014. In preparation, the federal government and private health insurers soon will begin announcing plans for implementing these changes. With thousands of pages of new regulations, it can all be very confusing. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield staff

members are working hard every day to be prepared to help our members navigate the new marketplace. When the time comes, you can count on Arkansas Blue Cross to help you understand how the new law will affect you and to help you be aware of any decisions you need to make around your health insurance coverage.

Big changes are coming

Will your health plan be affected?For many of our members, the new health care law

will not change their health coverage in significant ways. For example, there are no provisions of the law taking effect in 2014 that impact our Medicare plans. Many of our large employers already have made the coverage changes the law requires and will be making no further adjustments to their benefits. (However, new taxes and fees may lead to an increase in cost.) The members who likely will be most aware of the

changes are those who buy insurance for themselves and their families (either directly from Arkansas Blue Cross or through an agent) and those who are insured through employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees. We will be reaching out to these members – either directly or through their agent – beginning this summer to make them aware of the new rules and provide them with new choices where appropriate.

Will you get an advance premium tax credit ?Many Americans who purchase their insurance

coverage through a health insurance marketplace will qualify for advance premium tax credits, often called subsidies, beginning in January 2014. These advance premium tax credits are paid monthly to the insurance company chosen by the policyholder and help cover the cost of the premium for the health plan the individual or family purchases. In order to receive an advance premium tax credit, you must meet certain income requirements and not have access to affordable coverage through your employer. (It is important to note that the law determines what “affordable” employer coverage is and that may not always seem “affordable” to consumers.)

The amount of any advance premium tax credit you might be entitled to is based on your household income, your family size and the cost of certain government-approved health insurance plans (benchmark plans). For example, a family of four

with a household income of $47,100 annually would be required to pay 6.3 percent of their household income for health insurance. The advance premium tax credit would cover the difference between the 6.3 percent and the cost of the benchmark plan. A single individual earning $34,470 per year would be required to pay 9.5 percent of his annual income and the difference between the 9.5 percent and the cost of the benchmark health plan would be covered by the advance premium tax credit.

The benchmark plan is only used to calculate the amount of the advance premium tax credit. If you are entitled to an advance premium tax credit, you can use it toward the purchase of any government-approved plan. In this way, some Arkansans will be eligible for free coverage. Their advance premium tax credit will be calculated based on the cost of the benchmark plan, and they can apply those dollars to a plan with more limited coverage and a lower monthly premium.

What do you need to know today?People (or businesses) who had a policy in place

prior to the passage of the health care reform law in March 2010, and who have not made certain changes to their plans, have “grandfathered coverage.” That means that if you like the plan you have, you can keep it and you do not have to make the changes required of health plans purchased after that time. For many of our members, keeping their “grandfathered” health plan will be the most affordable option after the new rules are in place.

Others will find new coverage to be more affordable and will have the opportunity to change. Until all the regulations that define the law are issued, no one can tell you for sure what the best course of action will be. But we do know one thing – if you lose your grandfathered coverage, you cannot get it back. So the most important thing for you to know today is that preserving your grandfathered coverage until the new law is completely defined is the best way to ensure you have affordable options.

How do you find out if you are eligible?Beginning this October, Arkansans (and all

Americans) can visit new online “health insurance marketplaces” (also known as exchanges) being established by the state and/or federal government. Arkansas’ health insurance marketplace will be run by the federal government in partnership with the state. These health insurance marketplaces allow Americans to apply for advance premium tax credits and to shop for health insurance. In addition to the Web site, Arkansans will have access to assistance by phone and in person to help with the process.

Individuals (not eligible for Medicare), families and small businesses can all shop for coverage online through the health insurance marketplace. The health plans available through the marketplace are all offered by private insurance companies, like Arkansas Blue Cross, that have decided to sell policies through the marketplace and have satisfied all necessary state and federal requirements. If you are eligible for an

REFORM, continued on page 8

Blue & You SPRING 2013

... there are no provisions ofthe law taking effect in 2014

that impact our Medicare plans.


What kinds of health plans can you buy on the health insurance marketplace?

Whether the health plans are sold on or off the health insurance marketplace, there are a number of new rules governing the medical services that health plans must cover and the way in which premiums must be calculated. These rules take affect on January 1, 2014, and apply to almost all health plans sold after March 2010. (Health plans offered by larger employers are generally “self-funded plans” and do not have to comply with all the new rules. Medicare plans also are excluded from these provisions.)

After January 2014, all health plans must cover certain medical services that the law describes as “essential health benefits.” These services must be part of every non-grandfathered plan. For example, Arkansas Blue Cross offers maternity coverage as an optional benefit for our members who purchase their own insurance rather than getting coverage through their employer. Those who don’t want to pay for maternity coverage simply do not add that benefit. After 2014, all health plans must include coverage for maternity services. Although many of these medical services already were covered by health plans, adding additional coverage requirements and new rules around out-of-pocket costs will make these plans more expensive.

New rules around how premiums must be calculated also will make health insurance more expensive for many Arkansans. For example, young people will pay more than they have in the past and older people will pay less. Because health status can no longer be considered, those with health conditions may find that insurance is less expensive for them, while those who are healthy will likely pay more. And several new taxes, which were put in place to cover the cost of the new health reform law, will increase the cost of coverage for most everyone.

REFORM, continued from page 7

Health plans sold both on and off the marketplace will be required to meet certain “actuarial value” rules. In other words, there will be “bronze” health plans which are designed to cover 60 percent of the cost of medical services an individual is likely to receive (a 60 percent actuarial value plan), “silver” plans that cover 70 percent, “gold” plans that cover 80 percent and “platinum” plans that cover 90 percent.

Many health plans sold after March 2010 are required by law to comply with these new regulations around what must be covered and how premiums are to be calculated. These health plans are called “qualified health plans” because they meet all the new federal requirements. Beginning in 2014, most Americans will be required to have a qualified health plan, a grandfathered health plan or pay a tax or penalty.

Who pays the penalty? Under the health care reform law, most Americans

are required to purchase qualified health insurance or pay a tax or penalty. This portion of the law is often called the “individual mandate.” The penalty for not having coverage is:

2014 — $95 per person or 1 percent of adjusted gross income (whichever is greater)

2015 — $325 per person or 2 percent

2016 — $695 per person or 2.5 percent

Remember that grandfathered plans, even if they do not meet all the requirements necessary to be “qualified,” satisfy the individual coverage mandate and allow you to avoid the penalty. The penalty is collected by the IRS from any tax refund due.

You are exempt from the penalty if:• You are between jobs and without

insurance for three months or less

• You have religious objections

• You are an undocumented immigrant

• You are in jail

• You are an Alaska Native or a member of an American Indian tribe

advance premium tax credit, you must purchase a plan through the marketplace in order to receive the assistance. By applying through the marketplace, you can determine if you will receive an advance premium tax credit and the amount of the tax credit you are entitled to. Then, you can review the health plans offered on the Web site and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. After you have made your choice, you can enroll for coverage through the marketplace as well. Any portion of the premium you owe you will pay directly to the insurance company you have selected. The marketplace is responsible for paying the insurance company any advance premium tax credit on your behalf.

The amount of any advance premium tax credit you may be entitled to is based on your income for the previous calendar year as reported on your income tax return. If your income is actually higher for the current year than for the previous year, you may have to repay part of the advance premium tax credit. If your income is lower than anticipated, you may be entitled to additional money in the form of a tax refund.

This October, Americans will have their first opportunity to

visit the new health insurance

marketplaces.

What can you expect from Arkansas Blue Cross?

If your health plan is impacted by the changes in 2014, we will be reaching out to you. We have spent the past two years working to understand the new law, how it will affect each of you, our valued members, and developing plans for guiding you through the transition. In October, Americans will have their first opportunity to visit the new health insurance marketplaces. Prior to that time, we’ll be asking many of our members to contact us for a health insurance review. During that call or visit, we will work with you to help you

understand your choices and assist you in selecting the plan that best fits your budget. Until then, be sure to maintain any grandfathered coverage you have in case that is the best option.

For more than 60 years, Arkansans have trusted Arkansas Blue Cross to provide them affordable medical coverage. And some things never change.


What kinds of health plans can you buy on the health insurance marketplace?

Whether the health plans are sold on or off the health insurance marketplace, there are a number of new rules governing the medical services that health plans must cover and the way in which premiums must be calculated. These rules take affect on January 1, 2014, and apply to almost all health plans sold after March 2010. (Health plans offered by larger employers are generally “self-funded plans” and do not have to comply with all the new rules. Medicare plans also are excluded from these provisions.)

After January 2014, all health plans must cover certain medical services that the law describes as “essential health benefits.” These services must be part of every non-grandfathered plan. For example, Arkansas Blue Cross offers maternity coverage as an optional benefit for our members who purchase their own insurance rather than getting coverage through their employer. Those who don’t want to pay for maternity coverage simply do not add that benefit. After 2014, all health plans must include coverage for maternity services. Although many of these medical services already were covered by health plans, adding additional coverage requirements and new rules around out-of-pocket costs will make these plans more expensive.

New rules around how premiums must be calculated also will make health insurance more expensive for many Arkansans. For example, young people will pay more than they have in the past and older people will pay less. Because health status can no longer be considered, those with health conditions may find that insurance is less expensive for them, while those who are healthy will likely pay more. And several new taxes, which were put in place to cover the cost of the new health reform law, will increase the cost of coverage for most everyone.

REFORM, continued from page 7

Health plans sold both on and off the marketplace will be required to meet certain “actuarial value” rules. In other words, there will be “bronze” health plans which are designed to cover 60 percent of the cost of medical services an individual is likely to receive (a 60 percent actuarial value plan), “silver” plans that cover 70 percent, “gold” plans that cover 80 percent and “platinum” plans that cover 90 percent.

Many health plans sold after March 2010 are required by law to comply with these new regulations around what must be covered and how premiums are to be calculated. These health plans are called “qualified health plans” because they meet all the new federal requirements. Beginning in 2014, most Americans will be required to have a qualified health plan, a grandfathered health plan or pay a tax or penalty.

Who pays the penalty? Under the health care reform law, most Americans

are required to purchase qualified health insurance or pay a tax or penalty. This portion of the law is often called the “individual mandate.” The penalty for not having coverage is:

2014 — $95 per person or 1 percent of adjusted gross income (whichever is greater)

2015 — $325 per person or 2 percent

2016 — $695 per person or 2.5 percent

Remember that grandfathered plans, even if they do not meet all the requirements necessary to be “qualified,” satisfy the individual coverage mandate and allow you to avoid the penalty. The penalty is collected by the IRS from any tax refund due.

You are exempt from the penalty if:• You are between jobs and without

insurance for three months or less

• You have religious objections

• You are an undocumented immigrant

• You are in jail

• You are an Alaska Native or a member of an American Indian tribe

advance premium tax credit, you must purchase a plan through the marketplace in order to receive the assistance. By applying through the marketplace, you can determine if you will receive an advance premium tax credit and the amount of the tax credit you are entitled to. Then, you can review the health plans offered on the Web site and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. After you have made your choice, you can enroll for coverage through the marketplace as well. Any portion of the premium you owe you will pay directly to the insurance company you have selected. The marketplace is responsible for paying the insurance company any advance premium tax credit on your behalf.

The amount of any advance premium tax credit you may be entitled to is based on your income for the previous calendar year as reported on your income tax return. If your income is actually higher for the current year than for the previous year, you may have to repay part of the advance premium tax credit. If your income is lower than anticipated, you may be entitled to additional money in the form of a tax refund.

This October, Americans will have their first opportunity to

visit the new health insurance

marketplaces.

What can you expect from Arkansas Blue Cross?

If your health plan is impacted by the changes in 2014, we will be reaching out to you. We have spent the past two years working to understand the new law, how it will affect each of you, our valued members, and developing plans for guiding you through the transition. In October, Americans will have their first opportunity to visit the new health insurance marketplaces. Prior to that time, we’ll be asking many of our members to contact us for a health insurance review. During that call or visit, we will work with you to help you

understand your choices and assist you in selecting the plan that best fits your budget. Until then, be sure to maintain any grandfathered coverage you have in case that is the best option.

For more than 60 years, Arkansans have trusted Arkansas Blue Cross to provide them affordable medical coverage. And some things never change.

12 1310 Blue & You SPRING 2013 11Blue & You SPRING 2013

Will there be penalties for switching insurance?No. However, people who purchased coverage prior to March 2010 should be very careful about switching coverage. New rules on what health plans must cover and how premiums must be calculated become effective January 1, 2014. For many of our customers, coverage purchased before March 2010 (called “grandfathered” plans) will be the most affordable option. And after you have switched from these plans, you cannot get them back! Beginning in 2014, there is a penalty for not having insurance which meets certain government requirements. If someone does not have this type of “qualified coverage,” the individual penalty will apply and will be withheld by the IRS from any tax refund due the individual.

Under the new health care reform laws, will premium rates still be structured based on age?Under the new laws, premium rates can vary by a factor of no more than 3:1 based on age. That means that the oldest can be charged no more than three times the rate of the youngest. The result likely will be that younger insureds will pay more than they currently do for their insurance, and older age groups will pay less than they currently do. In other words, young people will subsidize the cost of the older age group.

If I currently have COBRA under a grandfathered plan, can I keep my grandfathered status?Unfortunately, no. Your COBRA policy will expire under the terms of the COBRA coverage. At that time, you will need to secure coverage through either another employer plan (which may or may not be grandfathered) or purchase coverage in the individual market (which will be non-grandfathered because it will be purchased after March 2010). You might choose to shop for coverage through the newly created online health insurance marketplace beginning October 1, if you believe you will be entitled to an advance premium tax credit (subsidy). If you do so, your coverage would begin on January 1, 2014. Depending on when your COBRA coverage expires, you may need to purchase a short-term policy to cover you until the new policy takes effect on January 1, 2014.

How will health care reform affect my Medi-Pak plan?There were some provisions in the legislation that discussed Medicare Supplement plans, but those will not be effective until 2015. We are hopeful that any changes to the supplement plans will be for policies sold after 2015 and will not impact our current members. The guidance related to these provisions has not been finalized yet. We will be sure to keep all of our Medi-Pak members informed of any changes that might impact them as we get closer to the implementation date.

Health care reform can be very confusing, so we’ve asked our experts at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help answer your questions. The following are some of the top questions we’ve received in the past few months from Blue & You readers through our e-mail

address designated for health care reform questions, [email protected]. If you have a question that hasn’t been asked here, feel free to send us an e-mail. We will forward it to one of our experts and get an answer back to you, usually in a day or two. We love to hear from you!

If an individual buys his or her health insurance through the health insurance marketplace, will he or she be kept from switching to an employer’s plan in the future?No. People cannot be penalized for dropping off the marketplace and purchasing qualified coverage outside the marketplace, either as an individual or through an employer plan.

What do I do if I am on the Arkansas CHIP Program?While we do not know for sure, it is likely the Arkansas CHIP program will end and CHIP enrollees will be able to enroll in products on or off the marketplace. Beginning January 1, 2014, medical conditions can no longer be used in rate determinations and older enrollees can be charged no more than three times the rate of younger enrollees. You should be prepared to shop beginning in October for new coverage that will begin on January 1, 2014.

Will those who have insurance through their employer that is considered self funded still be eligible for advance premium tax credits, and will the advance premium tax credit be the same as those available through the marketplace? Individuals who meet the income requirements will be eligible for advance premium tax credits on the marketplace unless they have the option to purchase affordable coverage through an employer. “Affordable coverage” is defined by the law as the employee’s contribution to the employee-only premium, which must be no more than 9.5 percent of his income listed on his W-2. In other words, if your employer offers coverage (whether fully insured or self-funded) that is either grandfathered or meets certain coverage requirements, and your contribution to self-only coverage does not exceed 9.5 percent of your income, you (and your dependents) are not eligible for an advance premium tax credit even if you fall within the income eligibility rules.

For employers with fewer than 50 employees, what will be the penalty for not offering health insurance to employees?A business with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees is not required to offer coverage to employees. If the firm has 50 or more full-time equivalent employees and 30 actual full-time employees and does not offer coverage, there is a penalty of $2,000 per employee (excluding the first 30 employees) if an employee purchases subsidized coverage on the new marketplaces.

Are there tax credits or breaks for employers with fewer than 50 employees who offer health insurance?There will be tax credits available for some small businesses that provide benefits during the first two years of the marketplace operations if the employer meets size requirements and certain wage levels for employees. The program is similar to the one that was put in place for small businesses in 2011. To be eligible, you must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of single (not family) health care coverage for each of your employees. You also must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Those employees must have average wages of less than $50,000 a year. You can find out more information about the small-business tax credits on the IRS Web site.

Can I choose to drop my health insurance with my employer if I can get a better deal elsewhere?Yes, you can drop your coverage and purchase a product either on the marketplace or off the marketplace. You may not qualify for an advance premium tax credit on the marketplace if your employer offers coverage deemed affordable. Under the new rules, there can be no underwriting of health insurance products, no pre-existing conditions, and rates for older people will be no more than three times what they are for younger people (right now they average five times higher nationally).

12 1310 Blue & You SPRING 2013 11Blue & You SPRING 2013

Will there be penalties for switching insurance?No. However, people who purchased coverage prior to March 2010 should be very careful about switching coverage. New rules on what health plans must cover and how premiums must be calculated become effective January 1, 2014. For many of our customers, coverage purchased before March 2010 (called “grandfathered” plans) will be the most affordable option. And after you have switched from these plans, you cannot get them back! Beginning in 2014, there is a penalty for not having insurance which meets certain government requirements. If someone does not have this type of “qualified coverage,” the individual penalty will apply and will be withheld by the IRS from any tax refund due the individual.

Under the new health care reform laws, will premium rates still be structured based on age?Under the new laws, premium rates can vary by a factor of no more than 3:1 based on age. That means that the oldest can be charged no more than three times the rate of the youngest. The result likely will be that younger insureds will pay more than they currently do for their insurance, and older age groups will pay less than they currently do. In other words, young people will subsidize the cost of the older age group.

If I currently have COBRA under a grandfathered plan, can I keep my grandfathered status?Unfortunately, no. Your COBRA policy will expire under the terms of the COBRA coverage. At that time, you will need to secure coverage through either another employer plan (which may or may not be grandfathered) or purchase coverage in the individual market (which will be non-grandfathered because it will be purchased after March 2010). You might choose to shop for coverage through the newly created online health insurance marketplace beginning October 1, if you believe you will be entitled to an advance premium tax credit (subsidy). If you do so, your coverage would begin on January 1, 2014. Depending on when your COBRA coverage expires, you may need to purchase a short-term policy to cover you until the new policy takes effect on January 1, 2014.

How will health care reform affect my Medi-Pak plan?There were some provisions in the legislation that discussed Medicare Supplement plans, but those will not be effective until 2015. We are hopeful that any changes to the supplement plans will be for policies sold after 2015 and will not impact our current members. The guidance related to these provisions has not been finalized yet. We will be sure to keep all of our Medi-Pak members informed of any changes that might impact them as we get closer to the implementation date.

Health care reform can be very confusing, so we’ve asked our experts at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help answer your questions. The following are some of the top questions we’ve received in the past few months from Blue & You readers through our e-mail

address designated for health care reform questions, [email protected]. If you have a question that hasn’t been asked here, feel free to send us an e-mail. We will forward it to one of our experts and get an answer back to you, usually in a day or two. We love to hear from you!

If an individual buys his or her health insurance through the health insurance marketplace, will he or she be kept from switching to an employer’s plan in the future?No. People cannot be penalized for dropping off the marketplace and purchasing qualified coverage outside the marketplace, either as an individual or through an employer plan.

What do I do if I am on the Arkansas CHIP Program?While we do not know for sure, it is likely the Arkansas CHIP program will end and CHIP enrollees will be able to enroll in products on or off the marketplace. Beginning January 1, 2014, medical conditions can no longer be used in rate determinations and older enrollees can be charged no more than three times the rate of younger enrollees. You should be prepared to shop beginning in October for new coverage that will begin on January 1, 2014.

Will those who have insurance through their employer that is considered self funded still be eligible for advance premium tax credits, and will the advance premium tax credit be the same as those available through the marketplace? Individuals who meet the income requirements will be eligible for advance premium tax credits on the marketplace unless they have the option to purchase affordable coverage through an employer. “Affordable coverage” is defined by the law as the employee’s contribution to the employee-only premium, which must be no more than 9.5 percent of his income listed on his W-2. In other words, if your employer offers coverage (whether fully insured or self-funded) that is either grandfathered or meets certain coverage requirements, and your contribution to self-only coverage does not exceed 9.5 percent of your income, you (and your dependents) are not eligible for an advance premium tax credit even if you fall within the income eligibility rules.

For employers with fewer than 50 employees, what will be the penalty for not offering health insurance to employees?A business with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees is not required to offer coverage to employees. If the firm has 50 or more full-time equivalent employees and 30 actual full-time employees and does not offer coverage, there is a penalty of $2,000 per employee (excluding the first 30 employees) if an employee purchases subsidized coverage on the new marketplaces.

Are there tax credits or breaks for employers with fewer than 50 employees who offer health insurance?There will be tax credits available for some small businesses that provide benefits during the first two years of the marketplace operations if the employer meets size requirements and certain wage levels for employees. The program is similar to the one that was put in place for small businesses in 2011. To be eligible, you must cover at least 50 percent of the cost of single (not family) health care coverage for each of your employees. You also must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Those employees must have average wages of less than $50,000 a year. You can find out more information about the small-business tax credits on the IRS Web site.

Can I choose to drop my health insurance with my employer if I can get a better deal elsewhere?Yes, you can drop your coverage and purchase a product either on the marketplace or off the marketplace. You may not qualify for an advance premium tax credit on the marketplace if your employer offers coverage deemed affordable. Under the new rules, there can be no underwriting of health insurance products, no pre-existing conditions, and rates for older people will be no more than three times what they are for younger people (right now they average five times higher nationally).

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


Do smoking bans make a difference?Smoking bans appear to be helping smokers and

non-smokers alike. A recent study shows that smoking bans resulted in a radical decrease in the number of patients being hospitalized for heart attacks (15 percent), strokes (16 percent) and respiratory diseases (24 percent). The implications of the bans and decreased hospitalizations are a decrease in health costs as well.

Doctors also suggest that the bans help non-smokers too. According to a Mayo Clinic study, “Secondhand smoke affects a non-smoker’s blood vessels in as little as five minutes, causing changes that increase the risk of heart attack.” It is estimated that 46,000 non-smokers died due to exposure to secondhand smoke each year.

So whether you are a smoker or not, it seems these smoking bans could be beneficial for all.

Source: American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic

13Blue & You SPRING 2013

*Arkansas State and Public School Employees can enroll in a weight-loss program administered by the Employee Assistance Program’s vendor. Call 1-877-247-4621 to enroll.**Medi-Pak® Medicare supplement and Medi-Pak Rx insurance policyholders are not eligible for The Healthy Weigh! program.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

rkansas is a great place for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, Arkansas also is a great place for ticks. A new viral illness tied to ticks is yet another reason to take precautions before hitting the great outdoors.

The Heartland virus was identified in the fall of 2012 from two Missouri men who had been bitten in 2009 by lone star ticks, a tick common in Arkansas. Both men were admitted to the hospital for more than a week with severe fatigue, headache, nausea and diarrhea. Neither of the men developed a rash, which is considered a telltale sign of tick-borne illnesses. Because the illness is viral, antibiotics will not fight the illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the seven varieties of ticks in the United States that transmit diseases to humans, five are found in Arkansas. While the viral tick-borne illness has not been identified in Arkansas, it is still important to take a few precautions before you venture out into the Natural State.

Spare the pod and save the childWith their bright colors and shiny outer coating,

detergent pods can look like candy to children, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting parents to keep them high and out of sight.

Detergent pods (also known as capsules, liquitabs, or sachets) are single load, measured amounts of concentrated liquid detergent within a gel membrane that dissolves in water. Poisonous exposure to laundry detergent in pods, especially among children ages 5 years and under, has become an emerging public health hazard in the United States, according to recent data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS). While the data was specific to laundry pods, dishwasher pods also exist.

Exposure to laundry detergent from pods has been associated with severe adverse health effects. Clinical symptoms in children, including vomiting, coughing, nausea, red eyes/conjunctivitis, drowsiness/lethargy, respiratory distress, unresponsiveness and seizure-like activity, have been documented in cases where the pods were ingested. As with other household cleaners, these products should be kept out of reach and out of sight of children.

Sources: The New England Journal of Medicine,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Avoid contact with ticks: Before you hit the trail, make sure you use a repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET. Wearing light colors helps you to see ticks on your clothing. When you return, bathe or shower as soon as possible. Check carefully for ticks afterward.

• Promptly remove ticks: If you find a tick already has bitten you, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.

• Watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases: Most tick-borne bacterial illnesses have similar symptoms, including fever, chills, aches and pains, but not all tick-borne illnesses include a rash, and not all of the rashes have the bulls-eye appearance known in Lyme disease. If you suspect you have a tick-borne disease, you should contact your physician immediately. Be sure to tell the doctor when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

There is a lot to enjoy in Arkansas’ great outdoors. And, with a few precautions, you can enjoy them all safely.

A


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


Do smoking bans make a difference?Smoking bans appear to be helping smokers and

non-smokers alike. A recent study shows that smoking bans resulted in a radical decrease in the number of patients being hospitalized for heart attacks (15 percent), strokes (16 percent) and respiratory diseases (24 percent). The implications of the bans and decreased hospitalizations are a decrease in health costs as well.

Doctors also suggest that the bans help non-smokers too. According to a Mayo Clinic study, “Secondhand smoke affects a non-smoker’s blood vessels in as little as five minutes, causing changes that increase the risk of heart attack.” It is estimated that 46,000 non-smokers died due to exposure to secondhand smoke each year.

So whether you are a smoker or not, it seems these smoking bans could be beneficial for all.

Source: American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic


*Arkansas State and Public School Employees can enroll in a weight-loss program administered by the Employee Assistance Program’s vendor. Call 1-877-247-4621 to enroll.**Medi-Pak® Medicare supplement and Medi-Pak Rx insurance policyholders are not eligible for The Healthy Weigh! program.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

rkansas is a great place for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, Arkansas also is a great place for ticks. A new viral illness tied to ticks is yet another reason to take precautions before hitting the great outdoors.

The Heartland virus was identified in the fall of 2012 from two Missouri men who had been bitten in 2009 by lone star ticks, a tick common in Arkansas. Both men were admitted to the hospital for more than a week with severe fatigue, headache, nausea and diarrhea. Neither of the men developed a rash, which is considered a telltale sign of tick-borne illnesses. Because the illness is viral, antibiotics will not fight the illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the seven varieties of ticks in the United States that transmit diseases to humans, five are found in Arkansas. While the viral tick-borne illness has not been identified in Arkansas, it is still important to take a few precautions before you venture out into the Natural State.

Spare the pod and save the childWith their bright colors and shiny outer coating,

detergent pods can look like candy to children, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting parents to keep them high and out of sight.

Detergent pods (also known as capsules, liquitabs, or sachets) are single load, measured amounts of concentrated liquid detergent within a gel membrane that dissolves in water. Poisonous exposure to laundry detergent in pods, especially among children ages 5 years and under, has become an emerging public health hazard in the United States, according to recent data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS). While the data was specific to laundry pods, dishwasher pods also exist.

Exposure to laundry detergent from pods has been associated with severe adverse health effects. Clinical symptoms in children, including vomiting, coughing, nausea, red eyes/conjunctivitis, drowsiness/lethargy, respiratory distress, unresponsiveness and seizure-like activity, have been documented in cases where the pods were ingested. As with other household cleaners, these products should be kept out of reach and out of sight of children.

Sources: The New England Journal of Medicine,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Avoid contact with ticks: Before you hit the trail, make sure you use a repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET. Wearing light colors helps you to see ticks on your clothing. When you return, bathe or shower as soon as possible. Check carefully for ticks afterward.

• Promptly remove ticks: If you find a tick already has bitten you, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.

• Watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases: Most tick-borne bacterial illnesses have similar symptoms, including fever, chills, aches and pains, but not all tick-borne illnesses include a rash, and not all of the rashes have the bulls-eye appearance known in Lyme disease. If you suspect you have a tick-borne disease, you should contact your physician immediately. Be sure to tell the doctor when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

There is a lot to enjoy in Arkansas’ great outdoors. And, with a few precautions, you can enjoy them all safely.

A


14 Blue & You SPRING 2013 SPRING 2013Blue & You 15

by Bert Price, M.D.Regional Medical Director, Jonesboro

The Psychology of

fter a long winter, spring has finally come. This is the time when the weather is perfect to venture into the attic or the garage and to open windows and doors to air out the house. It is the time for spring cleaning.

Cleaning out the house once a year is hard-wired into our psyches. A special time for house cleaning occurs across all cultures as part of preparing for the New Year, either at the end of the calendar year, or at the beginning of spring. While there are a variety of traditions, I particularly like a term for cleaning house during the Persian New Year, which fall on the first day of spring. “Khooneh tekouni,” in Persian, means, “shaking the house.”

What holds us back from “shaking our house?” Sometimes our approach to spring cleaning or decluttering is due to a personality style that controls our approach to our stuff. Below are some personality styles determined by behavioral health experts. Perhaps you can see yourself in some or all of them — I certainly do.

Most of these personality styles don’t get in the way of everyday life, but hoarding is different. Hoarding disorder is now a new separate psychiatric diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). According to the American Psychiatric Association, “its addition to DSM is supported by extensive scientific research on this disorder. This disorder

The Collector — They have a collection of objects that gets out of control, from Depression glass to Elvis memorabilia. Sometimes they don’t know what all they have and it is gathering dust.

The Procrastinator — They never get around to it, and before they know it the Arkansas summer is sweltering. They may never put their stuff away and they wind up with piles. They may spend a lot of time looking for misplaced things.

The Pleaser — Family and friends give them stuff and they won’t get rid of anything for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.

The Sentimentalist — They keep souvenirs of past times and events. Their memories are tied up in things. Giving or throwing something away would be like giving up part of their past.

The Perfectionist — They have lots of projects that they never can seem to finish because they can’t do it perfectly. The unfinished projects pile up.

The Hoarder — They keep everything in case they may need it someday. They never throw anything away. In extreme forms, so much is accumulated that the space for living inside the home is reduced.

will help characterize people with persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behavior usually has harmful effects — emotional, physical, social, financial and even legal — for a hoarder and family members.” This extreme form of hoarding was previously classified as a category of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This condition can be greatly helped with psychotherapy and the anti-obsessive medications clomipramine and fluvoxamine.

The one-year rule for clothes: If you haven’t worn or used it in a year, get rid of it. One great way to decide on clothes is to make all your hangars face the same way at the beginning of spring cleaning. During the next year, face the hangers the opposite direction as you hang the clothes. Next spring cleaning you can instantly recognize what you never wore.

To help with sorting, take three boxes and label them “Garbage,” “Recycle” and “Sell/Donate.” Put the items that you can quickly and easily decide about into these boxes. Take any item that will take up contemplation time and put it into a fourth box labeled “Later.” This box is to help you keep your purge momentum going. At another time you can take your time making decisions about each object in the “Later” box.

While working in my garage, I found a box of programs from my children’s plays and concerts. The pace of my decluttering quickly ground to a halt as I examined each program. If I’d had a “Later” box for the programs I could have kept the momentum going with the stuff in the garage. After you sort through the “Later” box, seal it and date it for one year in the future. When that date comes and you never had to open it up, donate the box without opening it.

forsome tips decluttering

Source: ndbh.com

Going through the process of spring cleaning causes us to feel better and feel accomplished. It feels so good when it is over. Keep track of how you feel so you can remember when next spring rolls around.

•Setasideatimefordeclutteringto keep the focus so you won’t get sidetracked. Don’t let yourself be pulled in other directions.

•Dooneareaorroomatatime.

•Movetheboxesofstuffthat are going out of your house within 48 hours.

•Ifit’sbrokenbeyondrepair,getridof it. Don’t save it in the chance you might get around to it later.

•Donatethestuffyoudecluttersoyoudon’t feel bad about throwing it away.

14 Blue & You SPRING 2013 SPRING 2013Blue & You 15

by Bert Price, M.D.Regional Medical Director, Jonesboro

The Psychology of

fter a long winter, spring has finally come. This is the time when the weather is perfect to venture into the attic or the garage and to open windows and doors to air out the house. It is the time for spring cleaning.

Cleaning out the house once a year is hard-wired into our psyches. A special time for house cleaning occurs across all cultures as part of preparing for the New Year, either at the end of the calendar year, or at the beginning of spring. While there are a variety of traditions, I particularly like a term for cleaning house during the Persian New Year, which fall on the first day of spring. “Khooneh tekouni,” in Persian, means, “shaking the house.”

What holds us back from “shaking our house?” Sometimes our approach to spring cleaning or decluttering is due to a personality style that controls our approach to our stuff. Below are some personality styles determined by behavioral health experts. Perhaps you can see yourself in some or all of them — I certainly do.

Most of these personality styles don’t get in the way of everyday life, but hoarding is different. Hoarding disorder is now a new separate psychiatric diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). According to the American Psychiatric Association, “its addition to DSM is supported by extensive scientific research on this disorder. This disorder

The Collector — They have a collection of objects that gets out of control, from Depression glass to Elvis memorabilia. Sometimes they don’t know what all they have and it is gathering dust.

The Procrastinator — They never get around to it, and before they know it the Arkansas summer is sweltering. They may never put their stuff away and they wind up with piles. They may spend a lot of time looking for misplaced things.

The Pleaser — Family and friends give them stuff and they won’t get rid of anything for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.

The Sentimentalist — They keep souvenirs of past times and events. Their memories are tied up in things. Giving or throwing something away would be like giving up part of their past.

The Perfectionist — They have lots of projects that they never can seem to finish because they can’t do it perfectly. The unfinished projects pile up.

The Hoarder — They keep everything in case they may need it someday. They never throw anything away. In extreme forms, so much is accumulated that the space for living inside the home is reduced.

will help characterize people with persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. The behavior usually has harmful effects — emotional, physical, social, financial and even legal — for a hoarder and family members.” This extreme form of hoarding was previously classified as a category of obsessive-compulsive disorder. This condition can be greatly helped with psychotherapy and the anti-obsessive medications clomipramine and fluvoxamine.

The one-year rule for clothes: If you haven’t worn or used it in a year, get rid of it. One great way to decide on clothes is to make all your hangars face the same way at the beginning of spring cleaning. During the next year, face the hangers the opposite direction as you hang the clothes. Next spring cleaning you can instantly recognize what you never wore.

To help with sorting, take three boxes and label them “Garbage,” “Recycle” and “Sell/Donate.” Put the items that you can quickly and easily decide about into these boxes. Take any item that will take up contemplation time and put it into a fourth box labeled “Later.” This box is to help you keep your purge momentum going. At another time you can take your time making decisions about each object in the “Later” box.

While working in my garage, I found a box of programs from my children’s plays and concerts. The pace of my decluttering quickly ground to a halt as I examined each program. If I’d had a “Later” box for the programs I could have kept the momentum going with the stuff in the garage. After you sort through the “Later” box, seal it and date it for one year in the future. When that date comes and you never had to open it up, donate the box without opening it.

forsome tips decluttering

Source: ndbh.com

Going through the process of spring cleaning causes us to feel better and feel accomplished. It feels so good when it is over. Keep track of how you feel so you can remember when next spring rolls around.

•Setasideatimefordeclutteringto keep the focus so you won’t get sidetracked. Don’t let yourself be pulled in other directions.

•Dooneareaorroomatatime.

•Movetheboxesofstuffthat are going out of your house within 48 hours.

•Ifit’sbrokenbeyondrepair,getridof it. Don’t save it in the chance you might get around to it later.

•Donatethestuffyoudecluttersoyoudon’t feel bad about throwing it away.


The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, a charitable foundation established and funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, recently received the “Outstanding Foundation Award” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter, during its 2012 Philanthropy Day Awards.

For improving the lives of thousands of Arkansans, the Foundation was recognized as one of a prestigious list of Arkansas organizations and people who have “changed the world with a giving heart.” The Blue & You Foundation, led by Executive Director Patrick O’Sullivan, has awarded more than $16 million to 326 programs in Arkansas during its first 11 years of awarding grants.

To be recognized as an “outstanding foundation,” the Blue & You Foundation had to demonstrate an outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. The Foundation was nominated for the award by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. Past recipients of the award include the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and the Arkansas Community Foundation.

“The Blue & You Foundation wants to find and support organizations that are making a difference in improving the health of Arkansans,” Patrick said. “That may be a small community organization that has found an effective way to address diabetes among 40 of its residents or a large statewide organization that conducts health programs in all corners of the state, affecting thousands.”

When considering where to award grant money, Patrick says it comes down to organizations that have a clearly defined plan to make measurable improvements in their target group. “The organization needs to have the passion and drive to carry out their plan to produce positive results that can be measured, shared and even replicated by others,” he said.

“It will take many organizations, large and small, filled with passionate individuals working together, to create a healthier Arkansas,” Patrick said. “The Blue & You Foundation just wants to help in making that happen.”

Marla Johnson Norris, chief executive officer of Aristotle (left), and Sybil Hampton, Ph.D., former chief executive officer of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (right), join Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, for the annual Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals awards luncheon.

Blue & You Foundation receives Outstanding Foundation AwardBlue & You Foundation awards $2.2 million in grants to improve health in Arkansas

Arkansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Foundation, Little Rock –To transform pediatric practices.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, Little Rock – To provide dental care to children.

Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock – To improve care for stroke patients.

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention), Little Rock – To increase access to healthy foods and physical activity.

Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Harrison – To provide free eye exams and glasses to children.

CAPCA, Inc., Conway – To provide dental services to children.

CareLink, North Little Rock – To expand a medication management system.

Centers for Youth and Families, Little Rock – To address mental health needs.

City of Lockesburg – To provide a safe community park.

Community First Wellness, Nashville – To encourage healthy nutrition, physical activity and health literacy.

Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc., North Little Rock – To improve the health of patients by using electronic medical records.

Cushman United Methodist Church, Cushman – For the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Inc., Jonesboro – To increase nutritional value in the food boxes provided to seniors.

Franklin County EMS, Ozark – To replace four cardiac monitors.

Gaines House, Inc., Little Rock – To provide physical and mental health for women.

Greater Delta Alliance for Health, Inc., DeWitt – To provide health literacy education.

Magnolia Hospital Foundation, Magnolia – To renovate the existing city park.

Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc., Blytheville, – To provide early childhood physical education and child nutrition programs.

Monticello School District, Monticello, – To encourage healthy eating by growing produce.

Our House, Inc., Little Rock – To improve the health of the 1,000 homeless clients.

Pulaski Technical College Foundation, North Little Rock – To implement online education for anesthesia technology.

Samaritan House Community Center, Rogers – To expand its dental program.

Save the Children Federation, Inc., Maumelle – To improve the health of youth through after-school programs.

The grants awarded for 2013 are:

GRANTS, continued on page 18

rom a safety seat for a small baby, to a walking trail for an entire community, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas seeks to provide grants that improve the health of all Arkansans. The Foundation recently awarded a total of $2,237,910 in grants to 33 health improvement programs in Arkansas.

“Our grants this year went to programs across the state that address such issues as nutrition and exercise, dental and mental health, and medical professional education,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation.


The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, a charitable foundation established and funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, recently received the “Outstanding Foundation Award” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter, during its 2012 Philanthropy Day Awards.

For improving the lives of thousands of Arkansans, the Foundation was recognized as one of a prestigious list of Arkansas organizations and people who have “changed the world with a giving heart.” The Blue & You Foundation, led by Executive Director Patrick O’Sullivan, has awarded more than $16 million to 326 programs in Arkansas during its first 11 years of awarding grants.

To be recognized as an “outstanding foundation,” the Blue & You Foundation had to demonstrate an outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement. The Foundation was nominated for the award by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. Past recipients of the award include the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and the Arkansas Community Foundation.

“The Blue & You Foundation wants to find and support organizations that are making a difference in improving the health of Arkansans,” Patrick said. “That may be a small community organization that has found an effective way to address diabetes among 40 of its residents or a large statewide organization that conducts health programs in all corners of the state, affecting thousands.”

When considering where to award grant money, Patrick says it comes down to organizations that have a clearly defined plan to make measurable improvements in their target group. “The organization needs to have the passion and drive to carry out their plan to produce positive results that can be measured, shared and even replicated by others,” he said.

“It will take many organizations, large and small, filled with passionate individuals working together, to create a healthier Arkansas,” Patrick said. “The Blue & You Foundation just wants to help in making that happen.”

Marla Johnson Norris, chief executive officer of Aristotle (left), and Sybil Hampton, Ph.D., former chief executive officer of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (right), join Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, for the annual Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals awards luncheon.

Blue & You Foundation receives Outstanding Foundation AwardBlue & You Foundation awards $2.2 million in grants to improve health in Arkansas

Arkansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Foundation, Little Rock –To transform pediatric practices.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, Little Rock – To provide dental care to children.

Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock – To improve care for stroke patients.

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention), Little Rock – To increase access to healthy foods and physical activity.

Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Harrison – To provide free eye exams and glasses to children.

CAPCA, Inc., Conway – To provide dental services to children.

CareLink, North Little Rock – To expand a medication management system.

Centers for Youth and Families, Little Rock – To address mental health needs.

City of Lockesburg – To provide a safe community park.

Community First Wellness, Nashville – To encourage healthy nutrition, physical activity and health literacy.

Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc., North Little Rock – To improve the health of patients by using electronic medical records.

Cushman United Methodist Church, Cushman – For the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Inc., Jonesboro – To increase nutritional value in the food boxes provided to seniors.

Franklin County EMS, Ozark – To replace four cardiac monitors.

Gaines House, Inc., Little Rock – To provide physical and mental health for women.

Greater Delta Alliance for Health, Inc., DeWitt – To provide health literacy education.

Magnolia Hospital Foundation, Magnolia – To renovate the existing city park.

Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc., Blytheville, – To provide early childhood physical education and child nutrition programs.

Monticello School District, Monticello, – To encourage healthy eating by growing produce.

Our House, Inc., Little Rock – To improve the health of the 1,000 homeless clients.

Pulaski Technical College Foundation, North Little Rock – To implement online education for anesthesia technology.

Samaritan House Community Center, Rogers – To expand its dental program.

Save the Children Federation, Inc., Maumelle – To improve the health of youth through after-school programs.

The grants awarded for 2013 are:

GRANTS, continued on page 18

rom a safety seat for a small baby, to a walking trail for an entire community, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas seeks to provide grants that improve the health of all Arkansans. The Foundation recently awarded a total of $2,237,910 in grants to 33 health improvement programs in Arkansas.

“Our grants this year went to programs across the state that address such issues as nutrition and exercise, dental and mental health, and medical professional education,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation.


Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County, Little Rock – To provide education on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

St. Bernards Development Foundation, Jonesboro – To improve the health of underserved children.

St. Vincent Foundation, Little Rock – To establish a patient--care simulation lab.

United Way of Garland County, Hot Springs – To provide maternity patients with safety items.

University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation, Hope – To purchase a birthing simulation mannequin.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Foundation, Inc. (UAMS), Little Rock – To create awareness about the benefits of physician assistants.

UAMS Foundation, Inc. (UAMS Northwest), Little Rock – To expand medical residency training in Internal Medicine.

Waldron School District, Waldron – To provide a licensed mental health therapist for students.

Wynne Public Schools, Wynne – To construct a series of exercise stations along walking/fitness trails.

Youth Bridge, Inc., Fayetteville – To purchase an electronic medical record system.

GRANTS, continued from page 17

In 2007, Arkansas was reported to have the worst teen prescription pain reliever abuse problem in the United States. That same year, about 27,000 unintentional drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States — one death every 19 minutes.

There is little doubt that easy access and availability are major factors in youth misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. There is no shortage of prescription medicines in Arkansas homes.

For calendar year 2010, per capita, Arkansas ranked: • #7 in overall prescriptions, at 15.3 prescription

drugs per person • #7 in prescriptions for 0 – 18 year olds • #8 in prescriptions for 19 – 64 year olds • #8 in prescriptions for those over age 65

(Kaiser Foundation, 2010)

Which kids abuse prescription drugs? Kids with high risk factors (availability of drugs,

family conflict, poor performance in school, or depression) are more apt to abuse drugs. Kids with positive influences (peers who don’t use drugs, religious involvement, academic accomplishment, involvement in social activities, or who have a strong family environment) are more likely to not abuse. However, due to their widespread availability, prescription drugs should be considered a threat to all teens. Just because a teen has plenty of positive influences should not provide parents false confidence that their children will not abuse.

The good news is that awareness is growing. Parents are recognizing the risks involved in youth prescription drug abuse. In the past three years, Arkansas youth prescription drug abuse rates have dropped. The majority of teens report that their parents, not their peers or the media, have the biggest impact on their decision to stay drug free.

What can you do? Talk to your children about the dangers of using

prescription drugs. The following approach is recommended by Partnership for a Drug-Free America:• Take note of how many pills are in each

prescription bottle or packet.• Keep track of refills.• Lock medications or keep them in a safe place.• If your teen has been prescribed a drug,

control the medication and monitor the dosages and refills.

• Keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet your teen cannot access.

• Tell relatives, especially grandparents, to lock their medications or keep them in a safe place.

• Talk to the parents of your teenager’s friends. Encourage them to secure their prescriptions.

• Utilize law enforcement-sponsored “take back” events and prescription drop boxes. This is the VERY BEST way to dispose of your medicine.

• Inventory all prescription drugs in your home.• Discard expired or unused prescription drugs

by mixing the medication with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt, place in an empty can or bag and place in the trash. Medications should not be flushed down the toilet.

• To prevent unauthorized refills, remove any personal, identifiable information from bottles

or packages before throwing them away.

by Brandon Griffin, Pharm D., Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Source: Office of the Arkansas State Drug Director

National Take Back Day is April 27The next National Take Back Day will be April 27,

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a location nationwide, visit www.justice.gov/dea. In Arkansas, you can visit www.artakeback.org and enter in the name of your city.

The application deadline for the foundation’s next funding cycle is July 15, 2013. For more information about the grant application process, visit the Foundation Web site at blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.

The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves the state of Arkansas. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.


The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program offers many different ways to get the activity you need to stay healthy and independent.

If you have Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medi-Pak®, Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS) or Medi-Pak Advantage PPO, you can join SilverSneakers at no additional cost. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading well-being program designed exclusively for seniors. SilverSneakers offers a fitness membership with use of all basic amenities plus SilverSneakers group exercise classes at participating locations across Arkansas. You also can use any SilverSneakers location in the nation when you travel.

You can get involved three ways:

1. Go to a SilverSneakers participating location

Visit silversneakers.com to find your closest location, then present your health plan ID card at the front desk.

2. SilverSneakers Online

Silversneakers.com provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use wellness resource for eligible members of health plans that include SilverSneakers as part of their benefits.

3. SilverSneakers Steps

SilverSneakers® Steps is a personalized fitness program for members who don’t have convenient access to a SilverSneakers location. Register online to receive a kit with tools to help you get fit, including resistance bands, an exercise DVD and “how-to” material.

New SilverSneakers locations in Arkansas include: Benton County Senior Activity Center (Bentonville), Northwest Arkansas Mercy Family YMCA (Rogers), Clinton Physical Therapy, and the Coronado Fitness Center (Hot Springs Village). Silversneakers also is in several Anytime Fitness locations. For a full list, go to silversneakers.com and enter your ZIP code.

Arkansas Blue Cross does not cover SilverSneakers memberships for Medi-Pak Rx policyholders.

SilverSneakers® is a registered trademark of Healthways Inc., The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is provided by Healthways, Inc., an independent company that operates separately from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.


Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County, Little Rock – To provide education on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

St. Bernards Development Foundation, Jonesboro – To improve the health of underserved children.

St. Vincent Foundation, Little Rock – To establish a patient--care simulation lab.

United Way of Garland County, Hot Springs – To provide maternity patients with safety items.

University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation, Hope – To purchase a birthing simulation mannequin.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Foundation, Inc. (UAMS), Little Rock – To create awareness about the benefits of physician assistants.

UAMS Foundation, Inc. (UAMS Northwest), Little Rock – To expand medical residency training in Internal Medicine.

Waldron School District, Waldron – To provide a licensed mental health therapist for students.

Wynne Public Schools, Wynne – To construct a series of exercise stations along walking/fitness trails.

Youth Bridge, Inc., Fayetteville – To purchase an electronic medical record system.

GRANTS, continued from page 17

In 2007, Arkansas was reported to have the worst teen prescription pain reliever abuse problem in the United States. That same year, about 27,000 unintentional drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States — one death every 19 minutes.

There is little doubt that easy access and availability are major factors in youth misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. There is no shortage of prescription medicines in Arkansas homes.

For calendar year 2010, per capita, Arkansas ranked: • #7 in overall prescriptions, at 15.3 prescription

drugs per person • #7 in prescriptions for 0 – 18 year olds • #8 in prescriptions for 19 – 64 year olds • #8 in prescriptions for those over age 65

(Kaiser Foundation, 2010)

Which kids abuse prescription drugs? Kids with high risk factors (availability of drugs,

family conflict, poor performance in school, or depression) are more apt to abuse drugs. Kids with positive influences (peers who don’t use drugs, religious involvement, academic accomplishment, involvement in social activities, or who have a strong family environment) are more likely to not abuse. However, due to their widespread availability, prescription drugs should be considered a threat to all teens. Just because a teen has plenty of positive influences should not provide parents false confidence that their children will not abuse.

The good news is that awareness is growing. Parents are recognizing the risks involved in youth prescription drug abuse. In the past three years, Arkansas youth prescription drug abuse rates have dropped. The majority of teens report that their parents, not their peers or the media, have the biggest impact on their decision to stay drug free.

What can you do? Talk to your children about the dangers of using

prescription drugs. The following approach is recommended by Partnership for a Drug-Free America:• Take note of how many pills are in each

prescription bottle or packet.• Keep track of refills.• Lock medications or keep them in a safe place.• If your teen has been prescribed a drug,

control the medication and monitor the dosages and refills.

• Keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet your teen cannot access.

• Tell relatives, especially grandparents, to lock their medications or keep them in a safe place.

• Talk to the parents of your teenager’s friends. Encourage them to secure their prescriptions.

• Utilize law enforcement-sponsored “take back” events and prescription drop boxes. This is the VERY BEST way to dispose of your medicine.

• Inventory all prescription drugs in your home.• Discard expired or unused prescription drugs

by mixing the medication with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt, place in an empty can or bag and place in the trash. Medications should not be flushed down the toilet.

• To prevent unauthorized refills, remove any personal, identifiable information from bottles

or packages before throwing them away.

by Brandon Griffin, Pharm D., Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Source: Office of the Arkansas State Drug Director

National Take Back Day is April 27The next National Take Back Day will be April 27,

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a location nationwide, visit www.justice.gov/dea. In Arkansas, you can visit www.artakeback.org and enter in the name of your city.

The application deadline for the foundation’s next funding cycle is July 15, 2013. For more information about the grant application process, visit the Foundation Web site at blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.

The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves the state of Arkansas. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.


The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program offers many different ways to get the activity you need to stay healthy and independent.

If you have Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medi-Pak®, Medi-Pak Advantage (PFFS) or Medi-Pak Advantage PPO, you can join SilverSneakers at no additional cost. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading well-being program designed exclusively for seniors. SilverSneakers offers a fitness membership with use of all basic amenities plus SilverSneakers group exercise classes at participating locations across Arkansas. You also can use any SilverSneakers location in the nation when you travel.

You can get involved three ways:

1. Go to a SilverSneakers participating location

Visit silversneakers.com to find your closest location, then present your health plan ID card at the front desk.

2. SilverSneakers Online

Silversneakers.com provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use wellness resource for eligible members of health plans that include SilverSneakers as part of their benefits.

3. SilverSneakers Steps

SilverSneakers® Steps is a personalized fitness program for members who don’t have convenient access to a SilverSneakers location. Register online to receive a kit with tools to help you get fit, including resistance bands, an exercise DVD and “how-to” material.

New SilverSneakers locations in Arkansas include: Benton County Senior Activity Center (Bentonville), Northwest Arkansas Mercy Family YMCA (Rogers), Clinton Physical Therapy, and the Coronado Fitness Center (Hot Springs Village). Silversneakers also is in several Anytime Fitness locations. For a full list, go to silversneakers.com and enter your ZIP code.

Arkansas Blue Cross does not cover SilverSneakers memberships for Medi-Pak Rx policyholders.

SilverSneakers® is a registered trademark of Healthways Inc., The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is provided by Healthways, Inc., an independent company that operates separately from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

The Blue & You Fitness Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary! And, in honor of that milestone, we designed a group – Me, Myself and I Workout – to allow individuals who didn’t have a company/group to register under to sign up and participate in the Challenge. This group is 163 members strong.

Whether or not you are participating in the Challenge, “Like” the Blue & You Fitness Challenge page on Facebook® and follow us on Twitter to share and receive daily exercise tips and reminders. This page also provides a forum for you to share questions, comments and experiences regarding health and fitness. Through this site, we hope to help motivate individuals to start and continue a fitness routine and/or enhance an existing routine.

The Blue & You Fitness Challenge, held March 1 through May 31, encourages participants to work toward getting 30 minutes of physical activity each day, most days of the week. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Department of Human Services host the Challenge.

If you missed the Challenge this year, you can go to arkansasbluecross.com, select “Members,” go to the “Popular Links” section and select “Blue & You Fitness Challenge.” Then encourage your co-workers, friends or people in your community to participate next year!

Arkansas Blue Cross named top workplace

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been named one of central Arkansas’ “Top Workplaces” by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and earned the top ranking in the large-business category (businesses with more than 500 employees).

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette began promoting the Top Workplaces initiative in June 2012 by inviting people all across central Arkansas to nominate their company as a Top Workplace. According to the newspaper, Arkansas Blue Cross was nominated several times by employees. All of the nominations were provided to a third-party consultant with extensive experience in evaluating companies.

Nominated companies were provided employer surveys and employee surveys that covered a range of topics considered to be important indicators of a positive workplace.

“Knowing that our employees feel good about coming to work at Arkansas Blue Cross and are dedicated to serving our members makes us feel very proud and thankful for all that they do,” said Richard Cooper, vice president of Human Resources. “As an employer, we always work to maintain that culture and environment.”

Be fit and healthy with the Blue & You Fitness Challenge

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue

Shield employees take a walk outside in the warm spring

sun to log some exercise time in the Blue & You Fitness

Challenge.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter

Not only do we live where you live, we are as close as Facebook and Twitter! Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield maintains several Facebook® and Twitter accounts so you can find out the latest information on our company, connect with other parents and grandparents, and stay updated on the Blue & You Fitness Challenge.

To find our corporate Facebook page, just search for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. After you are there you can find information on jobs, our latest news updates and information about insurance and health care reform. Our Twitter account is arkbluecross.

Mother Hood is an online neighborhood for moms. In our neighborhood, you’ll find useful articles, helpful tips, and even information about consignment sales or stroller-friendly walks. Got any special tips for other moms? Know of some great deals on diapers? Through Facebook and Twitter you can share, share, share. Here’s the place to let us all in on your latest discoveries. Mother Hood’s Twitter account is TheMother_Hood.

Fitness buffs can learn more about the Blue & You Fitness Challenge and get exercise tips and information on great family activities through our Facebook page. Search for the Blue-You-Fitness-Challenge page on Facebook and like us! You can find us on Twitter at BYFitChallenge.

Like us! Tweet us! We love to hear from you!


Members of the new “Me, Myself and I Workout” team can follow Coach Carl Carter

on Facebook to compare your progress and get motivated. Look for updates on our

Facebook page, Blue & You Fitness Challenge. Even if you joined the Challenge on your own,

you are never alone with Coach Carter!

The Blue & You Fitness Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary! And, in honor of that milestone, we designed a group – Me, Myself and I Workout – to allow individuals who didn’t have a company/group to register under to sign up and participate in the Challenge. This group is 163 members strong.

Whether or not you are participating in the Challenge, “Like” the Blue & You Fitness Challenge page on Facebook® and follow us on Twitter to share and receive daily exercise tips and reminders. This page also provides a forum for you to share questions, comments and experiences regarding health and fitness. Through this site, we hope to help motivate individuals to start and continue a fitness routine and/or enhance an existing routine.

The Blue & You Fitness Challenge, held March 1 through May 31, encourages participants to work toward getting 30 minutes of physical activity each day, most days of the week. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Department of Human Services host the Challenge.

If you missed the Challenge this year, you can go to arkansasbluecross.com, select “Members,” go to the “Popular Links” section and select “Blue & You Fitness Challenge.” Then encourage your co-workers, friends or people in your community to participate next year!

Arkansas Blue Cross named top workplace

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been named one of central Arkansas’ “Top Workplaces” by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and earned the top ranking in the large-business category (businesses with more than 500 employees).

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette began promoting the Top Workplaces initiative in June 2012 by inviting people all across central Arkansas to nominate their company as a Top Workplace. According to the newspaper, Arkansas Blue Cross was nominated several times by employees. All of the nominations were provided to a third-party consultant with extensive experience in evaluating companies.

Nominated companies were provided employer surveys and employee surveys that covered a range of topics considered to be important indicators of a positive workplace.

“Knowing that our employees feel good about coming to work at Arkansas Blue Cross and are dedicated to serving our members makes us feel very proud and thankful for all that they do,” said Richard Cooper, vice president of Human Resources. “As an employer, we always work to maintain that culture and environment.”

Be fit and healthy with the Blue & You Fitness Challenge

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue

Shield employees take a walk outside in the warm spring

sun to log some exercise time in the Blue & You Fitness

Challenge.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter

Not only do we live where you live, we are as close as Facebook and Twitter! Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield maintains several Facebook® and Twitter accounts so you can find out the latest information on our company, connect with other parents and grandparents, and stay updated on the Blue & You Fitness Challenge.

To find our corporate Facebook page, just search for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. After you are there you can find information on jobs, our latest news updates and information about insurance and health care reform. Our Twitter account is arkbluecross.

Mother Hood is an online neighborhood for moms. In our neighborhood, you’ll find useful articles, helpful tips, and even information about consignment sales or stroller-friendly walks. Got any special tips for other moms? Know of some great deals on diapers? Through Facebook and Twitter you can share, share, share. Here’s the place to let us all in on your latest discoveries. Mother Hood’s Twitter account is TheMother_Hood.

Fitness buffs can learn more about the Blue & You Fitness Challenge and get exercise tips and information on great family activities through our Facebook page. Search for the Blue-You-Fitness-Challenge page on Facebook and like us! You can find us on Twitter at BYFitChallenge.

Like us! Tweet us! We love to hear from you!


Members of the new “Me, Myself and I Workout” team can follow Coach Carl Carter

on Facebook to compare your progress and get motivated. Look for updates on our

Facebook page, Blue & You Fitness Challenge. Even if you joined the Challenge on your own,

you are never alone with Coach Carter!

Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

Medi-Pak® members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312Medi-Pak Advantage members 1-877-233-7022Medi-Pak Advantage PPO members 1-877-401-8808Medi-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

For individuals, families 378-2937 1-800-392-2583 For employer groups* 378-3070 1-800-421-1112*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

ArkansasBlue — Little Rock2612 S. Shackleford Rd. — Suite J 501-378-2222

Fayetteville516 East Millsap Rd. — Suite 103 1-800-817-7726

Fort Smith3501 Old Greenwood Rd. — Suite 5 1-866-254-9117

Hot Springs100 Greenwood Ave. — Suite C 1-800-588-5733

Jonesboro707 East Matthews Ave. 1-800-299-4124

Little Rock601 Gaines Street 1-800-421-1112

Pine Bluff1800 West 73rd St. 1-800-236-0369

Texarkana1710 Arkansas Boulevard 1-800-470-9621

We Love to Hear From You!May we help? For customer service, please call:

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!

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

arkansasbluecross.com•healthadvantage-hmo.comblueadvantagearkansas.com•blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

Visit our Web sites for more information:


Whether you enjoy a scenic high-wire adventure or a 30-minute fitness break, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is looking out for your health and your pocketbook. Check out these great new member discounts!

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world with thousands of locations in more than 85 countries. The Curves 30-minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. For 2013, Curves has expanded with the introduction of Curves Complete, a program that combines the right exercise with the right meal plan and one-on-one coaching to maximize fat loss and rev-up your metabolism.

As a member of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, you will pay a reduced service fee of $29 (discounted from $99 depending on the location). This is a one-time fee paid at the time of purchase. Regular monthly fees apply.* You also can enjoy Curves Complete for $12.95 per week with no sign-up fee, for a three-month membership (discounted from $14.95 weekly for regular three-month memberships).*

To receive the discount, print the voucher posted on the Wellness Discounts section of our Web site and take it to a participating club. To locate your nearest Curves, call 1-800-287-8373 or visit curves.com. *At participating locations.

Loco Ropes is a high-wire forest adventure in Mountain View, Ark., for fun-loving folks of all ages. The three Loco Lines, consisting of more than 30 elements – such as zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and swinging logs – offer challenges from the mildly cautious to the seriously adventurous.

As a member of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage, you save 10 percent when you book a full course — the End of the Line (Loco Lines 1, 2 & 3) or one of the shorter excursions — Short Line (Loco Line 1) or Jump the Line (Loco Line 2 or 3), or when purchasing a season pass.

Book your treetop adventure online at locoropes.com, or call 1-888-669-6717. Loco Ropes is open from March 1 through November 30 and closed for Easter and Thanksgiving. They are located in the Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View.


Adults in the United States are skipping the burger joints and drive- throughs a bit more than in the past, according to a recent study, but only by a small margin.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that from 2007 to 2010, American adults consumed an average of 11.3 percent of their total daily calories from fast food. That is down from 12.8 percent in 2003 to 2006.

The survey showed that younger people, ages 20 to 39, ate the most fast food, with it averaging 15.3 percent of their total diet. Seniors consumed the lowest percentage of their daily calories from fast food, averaging only 6.0 percent. Not surprisingly, the higher the person’s weight in the survey, the more calories were consumed from fast food. For each age group, obese adults consumed the highest percentage of their calories from fast food.

More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Previous studies have reported that more frequent fast-food consumption is associated with a higher percentage of calories and fat and a lower percentage of healthy nutrients.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

Medi-Pak® members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312Medi-Pak Advantage members 1-877-233-7022Medi-Pak Advantage PPO members 1-877-401-8808Medi-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

For individuals, families 378-2937 1-800-392-2583 For employer groups* 378-3070 1-800-421-1112*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

ArkansasBlue — Little Rock2612 S. Shackleford Rd. — Suite J 501-378-2222

Fayetteville516 East Millsap Rd. — Suite 103 1-800-817-7726

Fort Smith3501 Old Greenwood Rd. — Suite 5 1-866-254-9117

Hot Springs100 Greenwood Ave. — Suite C 1-800-588-5733

Jonesboro707 East Matthews Ave. 1-800-299-4124

Little Rock601 Gaines Street 1-800-421-1112

Pine Bluff1800 West 73rd St. 1-800-236-0369

Texarkana1710 Arkansas Boulevard 1-800-470-9621

We Love to Hear From You!May we help? For customer service, please call:

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!

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

arkansasbluecross.com•healthadvantage-hmo.comblueadvantagearkansas.com•blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

Visit our Web sites for more information:


Whether you enjoy a scenic high-wire adventure or a 30-minute fitness break, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is looking out for your health and your pocketbook. Check out these great new member discounts!

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world with thousands of locations in more than 85 countries. The Curves 30-minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. For 2013, Curves has expanded with the introduction of Curves Complete, a program that combines the right exercise with the right meal plan and one-on-one coaching to maximize fat loss and rev-up your metabolism.

As a member of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, you will pay a reduced service fee of $29 (discounted from $99 depending on the location). This is a one-time fee paid at the time of purchase. Regular monthly fees apply.* You also can enjoy Curves Complete for $12.95 per week with no sign-up fee, for a three-month membership (discounted from $14.95 weekly for regular three-month memberships).*

To receive the discount, print the voucher posted on the Wellness Discounts section of our Web site and take it to a participating club. To locate your nearest Curves, call 1-800-287-8373 or visit curves.com. *At participating locations.

Loco Ropes is a high-wire forest adventure in Mountain View, Ark., for fun-loving folks of all ages. The three Loco Lines, consisting of more than 30 elements – such as zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and swinging logs – offer challenges from the mildly cautious to the seriously adventurous.

As a member of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage, you save 10 percent when you book a full course — the End of the Line (Loco Lines 1, 2 & 3) or one of the shorter excursions — Short Line (Loco Line 1) or Jump the Line (Loco Line 2 or 3), or when purchasing a season pass.

Book your treetop adventure online at locoropes.com, or call 1-888-669-6717. Loco Ropes is open from March 1 through November 30 and closed for Easter and Thanksgiving. They are located in the Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View.


Adults in the United States are skipping the burger joints and drive- throughs a bit more than in the past, according to a recent study, but only by a small margin.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that from 2007 to 2010, American adults consumed an average of 11.3 percent of their total daily calories from fast food. That is down from 12.8 percent in 2003 to 2006.

The survey showed that younger people, ages 20 to 39, ate the most fast food, with it averaging 15.3 percent of their total diet. Seniors consumed the lowest percentage of their daily calories from fast food, averaging only 6.0 percent. Not surprisingly, the higher the person’s weight in the survey, the more calories were consumed from fast food. For each age group, obese adults consumed the highest percentage of their calories from fast food.

More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Previous studies have reported that more frequent fast-food consumption is associated with a higher percentage of calories and fat and a lower percentage of healthy nutrients.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

events and activities

All you need to know about changes that may be coming to your health plan ... page 6

Innovative IT earns Arkansas Blue Cross

a patentpage 4

Look for the BlueCares team at the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk on April 20 at Burns Park in North Little Rock.

April 20, 2013

Opening of the ArkansasBlue retail store in Pine Bluff. Come visit us at 509 Mallard Loop Drive.

May 20, 2013

good for you

MPI 1528 3/13

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Member Appreciation Day, Saturday, June 8, at the Museum of Discovery. Check our Web site for more details.

June 8, 2013

Countdown to Health Care Reform

Hop on over for some Easter fun at ArkansasBlue in Little Rock on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Radio Disney will be there for games, prizes, photo ops and more!

March 30, 2013

Arkansas Blue Cross named top workplace page 21

Blue & You Foundation wins award

page 16

2013 - Spring

Documents

arkansas blue cross

health plans

health care professionals

health care reformhop

cost increases

new law

new rules

major new taxes