UNC Asheville Benefits Roundup

What Can I do to improve my health status and the bottom line?

With input from the State Health Plan Integrated Health Management department, some action steps have been identified that can help to make a difference right now.

This means paying attention to exercise and diet and making wellness a part of each day, both at work and at home. This could translate into taking the stairs several times a day, finding partners for noontime walks and packing nutritious lunches for school and work.

For those with chronic conditions that need regular monitoring, such as diabetes, you can make a commitment to take the medicines you have been prescribed and on the schedule indicated. To underscore the importance of taking prescribed medications, a recent State Health Plan study indicated that:

50% of Plan members with a new prescription for cholesterol lowering drugs had stopped taking their medication within seven months.
Remaining on cholesterol lowering medication has been shown to reduce overall medical costs by 43%.
Remaining on diabetic medication has been shown to reduce overall medical costs by 48% by avoiding future complications.

You might also take some time to explore the resources available to you through NC HealthSmart. This includes access to a personal health coach, available by calling 1-800 -817-7044. (Please see note about eligibility and confidentiality.)

Please continue visiting our Web site often for monthly Member Updates and new initiatives announced on our Home Page. Your support and input are greatly appreciated.

*We're HR at YOUR Service!*			*November* 2008
UNC Asheville Employee Benefits ROUNDUP
		Spotlight ON: The State Health Plan Budget Shortfall Did I hear about a shortfall? As reported in July, the State Health Plan experienced a serious budget shortfall in fiscal year 2007-2008, and it is expected to continue into the current 2008-2009 fiscal year. In response to this shortfall, the State Health Plan of NC brought back former Administrator, Jack Walker, to lead the plan. Pledging financial transparency, Walker provides monthly Member updates through email communications with Health Benefit Representatives and posted on the State Health Plan's website: http://www.shpnc.org *So what does this mean for my health insurance?* Right now - nothing. A continuing theme to Walker's messages contain reassurance that health care coverage is in effect and all claims will continue to be paid. You will see some small changes that are a product of cost-cutting measures. For instance Health Points, a program that provided incentives for physical activity, was discontinued earlier this summer some pharmacy changes have already taken effect. However, as the plan continues to restore its cash reserves and increase financial strength, additional changes are likely to take place. Ultimately, solutions to the Plan's budget shortfall will be determined by the General Assembly during the 2009 Legislative Session as they face the challenge of funding the State Health Plan. Meanwhile, cost-saving initiatives continue as the Plan strives to appropriately reduce expenses in programs and services. What Can I do to improve my health status and the bottom line? With input from the State Health Plan Integrated Health Management department, some action steps have been identified that can help to make a difference right now. This means paying attention to exercise and diet and making wellness a part of each day, both at work and at home. This could translate into taking the stairs several times a day, finding partners for noontime walks and packing nutritious lunches for school and work. For those with chronic conditions that need regular monitoring, such as diabetes, you can make a commitment to take the medicines you have been prescribed and on the schedule indicated. To underscore the importance of taking prescribed medications, a recent State Health Plan study indicated that: 50% of Plan members with a new prescription for cholesterol lowering drugs had stopped taking their medication within seven months. Remaining on cholesterol lowering medication has been shown to reduce overall medical costs by 43%. Remaining on diabetic medication has been shown to reduce overall medical costs by 48% by avoiding future complications. You might also take some time to explore the resources available to you through NC HealthSmart. This includes access to a personal health coach, available by calling 1-800 -817-7044. (Please see note about eligibility and confidentiality.) Please continue visiting our Web site often for monthly Member Updates and new initiatives announced on our Home Page. Your support and input are greatly appreciated.
	Several Changes in Pharmacy Benefits Beginning November 1st, several pharmacy benefit changes have been implemented for State Health Plan participants. Health plan participants using Effexor XR or Pristiq will now be required to initiate a coverage review before coverage for these medications can be approved. This change has been made in an effort to promote generic and certain preferred brand medications as first-line therapy. In addition, users of certain psoraisis, multiple sclerosis and immunomodulator prescription medications will now require pre-authorization. For Effexor XR to be covered as a pharmacy benefit, covered individuals must exhibit a treatment failure or intolerance with a preferred medication. Coverage will also be approved for patients who have previously demonstrated a therapeutic response to Effexor XR in the past. Covered individuals currently taking Pristiq can continue to receive benefit coverage if they are being treated for depression and if they have experienced a treatment failure with or intolerance to at least two other preferred antidepressants. To initiate a coverage review, call 800.753.2851 or to learn more about the coverage review for these medications, visit the State Health Plan website. Prescriptions for some psoraisis medications will now require pre-authorizations immunomodulators generally prescribed for Multiple Sclerosis. The pre-authorization can be initiated by the insured, pharmacy or the prescribing physician. If users do not go through the pre-authorization process, they will be subject to the full cost of the medication. Current users of these medications should be receiving written information from the State Health plan regarding these changes via the postal service. Providers may call Medco toll-free at 800.417.1764 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday to request a review. Click here for frequently asked questions or call Medco Customer service at 800.336.5933. The Holidays are around corner... Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th are designated holidays in the UNC System in celebration of Thanksgiving. The Winter Break will follow in December and will include five scheduled holidays from December 22nd, 2008 through December 26th, 2008. As Departmental work plans allow, employees are encouraged to take advantage of an extended Winter Break through "Flex Scheduling." Flex Scheduling involves the use of Vacation Leave, Bonus Leave, or accrued Compensatory Time. This year's extended winter break includes December 21st as well as December 28th through January 2nd, 2009. A holiday is considered 8 hours for a full-time permanent employee and is pro-rated for part-time employees. For more information about your holiday benefit, check the Employee Holiday Schedule on the Human Resource website Last chance for Flu Shots! The final flu shot clinics will be on Tuesday, November 18th from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Highsmith 221. The shots are at available at no cost for employees, retirees and dependents above the age of 9 who are covered by the State Health Plan. Dependents between the ages of 9 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent. Shots will be available for family members and employees who are not covered by the State Health Plan at a charge of $30 per shot. Flu shots will also be available at no cost to all BCBS plans and Medicare Part B participants. Remember to bring your membership card for easier service and for more information regarding this year's flu season and vaccinating against the disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control Website ...if you participate in the 403b plan beginning January 1st deductions must be through either TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments. See the Human Resource website for more information or learn about your investment options via the new UNC System 403b website