JOIN THE CLUB: If You’re 50+, It’s Time for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US for both men and women. Nearly 90% of new CRC cases occur in people who are 50 or older.

Early detection is key to surviving CRC. Screening tests can remove pre-cancerous polyps before they turn into cancer, and detect CRC early, when it is most treatable.

But only 70% of people over 50 get screened. Those who don’t say they are “uncomfortable” with the screening tests. Did you know there are several types of screening tests? Ask your doctor what’s right for you:

  • Stool Tests detect blood or altered DNA in the stool.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy checks for polyps in the lower third of the colon.
  • Colonoscopy checks for polyps in the entire colon.
  • Virtual Colonoscopy uses imaging to view the entire colon.

Bottom line: CRC screening could save your life … or the life of someone you love.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

KEEP THIS NUMBER HANDY: Add the Nurse Hotline to Your Contacts

You're not feeling well and you're not sure what to do. Your doctor's office is closed. Should you go to urgent care? The emergency room? Have a virtual doctor visit? Wait it out? It's hard to know what to do.

Call your Health Plan’s 24/7 nurse line and talk with a registered nurse at no cost to you.

You can explain what’s going on and find out if you should see a doctor, go to an urgent care center or the emergency room. If it’s not a critical situation, you can explain symptoms, discuss home remedies and over-the-counter medicines … and get advice on any health-related issue.

  • Kaiser Permanente Nurse Hotline: 1-800-813-2000 or 503-813-2000 (in Portland)
  • Providence ProvRN: 800-700-0481 (TTY: 711) or 503-574-6520 (in Portland)
  • Regence: Call your doctor’s office (a nurse hotline is currently unavailable)

Please call 911 if your condition is life- or limb-threatening. See our Do I need Emergency or Urgent Care? infographic.

CHANGE IN YOUR FAMILY? Update Your Benefits Within 31 Days

You don’t have to wait for next year’s Open Enrollment to add a new family member to your coverage when you have a baby, adopt a child, get married or start a domestic partnership.

You can also make midyear changes if there is a change in your coverage outside the Trust; for example, your spouse loses or gains coverage through another employer.

  • Get the details on the Trust website under My Life Events.
  • You must make changes within 31 days of the qualifying event.
  • Notify the Trust’s Administrative Office if a dependent is no longer eligible; for example, you get legally separated or divorced, or your child turns 26.
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