STAY HEALTHY FOR YOUR WINTER BREAK: Three Steps to Avoid the Flu
Every year, millions of people get sick from the flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die. So be sure to protect yourself … and don’t let the flu ruin your winter break.
- Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against getting sick. Flu season peaks in Dec-Feb and continues through May, so if you haven’t had a flu shot yet, get one now.
- Prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands. Use soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes. Keep your hands away from your face. Stay away from sick people, as much as possible.
- If you do get sick, ask your doctor about a prescription antiviral. But don’t wait. You need to start taking it within two days of getting sick.
Your Health Plan Covers Flu Shots At 100%- KAISER PERMANENTE PARTICIPANTS: Stay well this cold and flu season.
- PROVIDENCE PARTICIPANTS: How to protect yourself during flu season. Find an in-network pharmacy.
- REGENCE PARTICIPANTS Flu season is here: Get your shot now.
- CVS/CAREMARK (through 12/31/2019): Flu shots made easy.
- EXPRESS SCRIPTS (beginning 1/1/2020): Find a pharmacy that offers vaccines.
- Try a convenient virtual visit. You can talk to a doctor within minutes from the comfort of your own home, then pick up a prescription at the pharmacy you choose.
- Regence members: Your doctor may offer virtual visits. Or search for an in-network virtual care provider: Sign in on Regence.com, click Find a Doctor, Search by Specialty, then type “telehealth.” (Regence members will not have access to MDLIVE after Jan. 1, 2020.)
THREE WISE TIPS: How to Plan a 2020 Health Care Budget
Planning for health care expenses can help you get the care you need, when you need it—without adding financial stress. Here’s how to get started.
- Watch these short videos to take the mystery out of how Health Plans work. What you need to know about your deductible. And here’s how the out-of-pocket maximum protects your financial security.
- Estimate and save for health care costs in 2020. Start with routine costs (scheduled doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions). Add recommended care (tests, procedures or surgery). But, remember, there is no cost to you for recommended preventive care. Budget for unexpected illnesses and minor injuries.
- Use your benefits wisely. Make recommended, preventive care a priority in 2020. It’s the best way to maintain good health and catch issues early … and it’s covered at 100%. Also, stay in-network, choose generic medications and get help managing ongoing conditions.
Here’s How Your Health Plan Helps You Save- KAISER PERMANENTE PARTICIPANTS: Lowering Your Health Care Costs.
- PROVIDENCE PARTICIPANTS: How to Get Estimates.
- REGENCE PARTICIPANTS: Knowing Your Network Can Save You Money.
“NEED TO KNOWS” FOR THE NEW PLAN YEAR
All Medical Plans
The annual deductible starts over on January 1, 2020. Here’s what you need to know about your deductible as the new Plan Year begins.
Dental Plans
- Trust Dental Plan: The network changes to Delta Dental of Oregon on Jan. 1, 2020. Register online and search for an in-network dentist.
- Kaiser Permanente Dental Plan: Register online and search for an in-network dentist.
Prescription Drug Plans
- Trust Prescription Drug Plan: The network changes to Express Scripts on Jan. 1, 2020. Register online and search for an in-network pharmacy and/or get started with Express Scripts mail-order service.
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Plan participants will continue to use Kaiser Permanente network pharmacies and mail-order service.
Register Online
Whether you changed your benefit coverage or kept all your current choices, register on each of your Carriers’ websites to get the most from your benefits:
- Go to the Health Trust website at sdtrust.com. Click “Find your Plan” under “Already Enrolled?”, then choose your bargaining unit and status to access your benefit information.
- Click on the links to Carrier websites to register, locate in-network providers and get full access your benefits.