PREVENTIVE CARE: It could save your life
Don’t put your health on hold! Make preventive care a priority in the New Year, especially if you put off annual wellness exams and routine screenings because of COVID-19. Here’s why:
- Small health issues can become large health issues if left unchecked.
- Preventive care can help you manage chronic conditions (like high cholesterol, diabetes and asthma), which may help reduce your risk for serious complications if you become COVID-19 positive.
- Your Health Plan covers recommended screenings at 100%.
Give yourself the gift of good health. Schedule a wellness exam today and talk with your doctor about the preventive care services you should have, based on your gender, age and overall health.
Tip: Search for an in-network provider on your Health Plan’s website. Doctor offices have taken steps to make in-person visits safer than ever. When you call to schedule your wellness exam, ask about what to expect at your visit.
- Watch our short video: Simple screenings could save your life.
- Kaiser Permanente: Adult well-care visits, screenings, and immunizations.
- Providence: Why is preventive care so important?
- Regence: Take advantage of your preventive care benefits.
MIND & BODY: Make the connection for your best health
Your mind and body are powerful allies. Your mental wellness can affect your physical health (for example, stress can cause headaches or digestive problems.) And health problems can affect your emotional well-being (for example, an ongoing illness or condition can lead to depression or anxiety).
But you can use this mind-body connection to achieve optimal health (for example, a positive outlook on life may help you stay healthier than someone who is constantly negative).
Here are some of the ways your Health Plan integrates mental and physical health to help you be your best.
Mind: Mental wellness means resilience when the storms of life happen. Check out these tools you can tap into anytime to bring equilibrium to your state of mind.
- Kaiser Permanente: Take a time out with a podcast for emotional wellness.
- Providence: Enjoy the Healthy Bite Podcast during your commute or neighborhood walk.
- Regence: Need a boost? Read this: How to build mental resilience.
- The EAP: A few free, confidential counseling sessions can help you get back on track.
Body: Thinking about New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, lose weight, and be healthier in the New Year? Your Health Plan offers discounts, online trackers and exercise plans that can help you reach your goals.
- Kaiser Permanente: Resources to help you stay active and fit.
- Providence: Providence health and wellness classes.
- Regence: Save with Advantages discounts.
- WW (formerly Weight Watchers): The Trust will subsidize a subscription for you and your enrolled dependents if you are an Active or Early Retiree member.
- See our infographic: You bring the why, your Health Plan shows you how.
KNOW YOUR CARRIERS: Register for a personal account
To make the most of your Health Plan benefits, we encourage you to register on your Carrier’s websites (Kaiser Permanent, Providence, Regence, Express Scripts, VSP, and Delta Dental).
When you register for a confidential, personal account, you’ll be able to securely log in and:
- Search for providers in your network.
- See your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for past claims.
- View your benefit coverage, deductible amounts.
- Schedule online and virtual appointments (with some carriers).
- Securely communicate with providers.
- Print your plan ID card.
- Take advantage of valuable discounts and free programs.
If you changed Carriers during open enrollment, wait until after the new Plan Year begins (January 1 for Active Employees and Early Retirees) to register. Here’s how:
- Go to sdtrust.com, click Menu, then Health Benefits (under My Benefits).
- Choose your bargaining group and status, then click GO!
- Click the links to your Carrier’s websites and follow their directions.
Then, log in any time to make the most of your benefit coverage!