2012 - Spring by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

SPRING 2012

events and activities now

saturday, april 28

• “Like” our Mother Hood Facebook page to help support Arkansas Children’s Hospital. (page 13)

• Get your hands in the dirt with P. Allen Smith at ArkansasBlue, our health insurance store at Shackleford Crossings in Little Rock. (page 8)

• If you are entered in the Blue & You Fitness Challenge, don’t forget to log your virtual miles. “Like” us on Facebook to get great fitness tips and encouragement! (page 23) • Don’t forget to save our mobile Web site to your smartphone! (page 5) • If you’ve been to the doctor recently, you can review your experience. (page 5)

• Run in the Susan G. Komen Ozark Race for the Cure at the Promenade Mall in Rogers, Ark. (page 11)

Discover...

• Take your old, unused prescriptions to be safely disposed of at a National Take Back Day location. (page 18)

saturday, june 9

sunday, september 9

• Enjoy our “Dance and Discover” party at the Museum of Discovery. Show your member ID card to get in free and join the fun! (page 11)

• Whether you are a Nana, Mimi, Pops or Papaw, you can bring your grandbabies to “Grow with Grandparents” day at the Museum of Discovery. Show your member ID card to get in free! (page 11)

... the “Amazing You” exhibit at the Museum of Discovery, sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross ... page 10

Case management helps with rehab page 6

Garden expert P. Allen Smith shares advice page 8

Blue & You Foundation gives healthy smiles page 14

table of contents

A message from our CEO and President,

The newly renovated Museum of Discovery in downtown Little Rock wows guests with new exhibits.

Mark White

of the

Consumer transparency: Good for everyone When consumers make important and high-cost

INSIDE

PAGE

3 Out of the Blue 4 Healthy eyes and teeth with our new DentalBlue GoldSM

Plus Vision plan

5 We’ve gone mobile Review your doctor 6 Case management helps with rehab &

8 Eat healthy with Arkansas Blue Cross and P. Allen Smith 10 Arkansas Blue Cross members invited to “discover” a new museum 11 UAMS chair in emergency medicine honors Stanley Reed Register now for the Ozark Race for the Cure!

12 Effects of secondhand smoke on children Risk of a heart attack goes up after a loved one dies Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!

13 Shower the Mother Hood with “Likes” 14 Blue & You Foundation gives healthy smiles

SPRING 2012

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. Editor: Jennifer Sullivan – bnyou-ed@arkbluecross.com Designer: Ryan Kravitz

16 Lifelong Health with Dr. David

Photographer: Chip Bayer

18 Prescription drug abuse is everyone’s problem

Contributors: Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Gabe Couch, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Trey Hankins, Heather IacobacciMiller, Kathy Luzietti, Mark Morehead and Kelly Whitehorn

19 The Doctor’s Corner 20 Notice of Privacy Practices 22 New preventive service for Medicare 23 The 2012 Blue & You Fitness Challenge is under way Customer Service telephone numbers

24 Good for you events and activities

2 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

out

Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley

ON THE COVER: Adi Jain, 10, a student at E-Stem charter school in Little Rock, checks out the human skeleton replica in the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield “Amazing You” exhibit at the Museum of Discovery.

purchases, they generally have the ability to research their available options and choose accordingly. For example, when car shoppers begin their search, they can find numerous sources that provide information on the quality of the models in which they are interested. After a model is selected, the consumer can then compare the price of that model at a number of dealerships before making the purchase. In this way, consumers make sure that they are getting the best quality at the best price. But when consumers need medical services, they are constrained in their ability to compare the cost and the quality of the medical service providers available to deliver the service. This lack of “transparency” around medical services means that consumers have very limited ability to make informed decisions about who will provide their care. Employers are leading the charge for increased transparency around medical services and demanding that health plans provide their employees with the tools they need to choose wisely when medical services are required. And as a health insurer, we understand the value of the American consumer at evaluating a service and making a wise purchase decision. And so it becomes our responsibility to deliver information and tools that help our members make informed and value-based health care decisions. We have to make the information our members need on the doctors and hospitals they are considering understandable, valuable and easily accessible. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a committed partner in the Blue National Transparency Initiative, which means we are actively sharing information with other Blue

Blue plans nationwide so that every Blue member has access to information about doctors and hospitals throughout the country. It is our goal to deliver transparent health care treatment cost and quality information to our members. Why is transparency important? By sharing information with our members, they can make more informed choices about where to go for care. It puts them in control of their health care. The following are examples of how transparency has transformed our services: Blue Distinction — This designation is given to health care facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality health care in a particular medical service area such as treating rare cancers or performing gastric bypass surgeries. When our members see that a hospital has earned the Blue Distinction status for a particular specialty, they can be assured that the institution has met stringent criteria designed to provide the best possible patient outcomes. The Blue Distinction program initially focused only on the quality of care that patients received. After all, the highest quality care is also frequently the most cost-effective. Now, the program is being expanded to include cost information as well. National Consumer Cost Tool — This tool, available now by logging in to the self-service section of our Web sites (called My Blueprint) for Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members, gives access CONSUMER, continued on page 22

Blue & You SPRING 2012

table of contents

A message from our CEO and President,

The newly renovated Museum of Discovery in downtown Little Rock wows guests with new exhibits.

Mark White

of the

Consumer transparency: Good for everyone When consumers make important and high-cost

INSIDE

PAGE

3 Out of the Blue 4 Healthy eyes and teeth with our new DentalBlue GoldSM

Plus Vision plan

5 We’ve gone mobile Review your doctor 6 Case management helps with rehab &

12 Effects of secondhand smoke on children Risk of a heart attack goes up after a loved one dies Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!

13 Shower the Mother Hood with “Likes” 14 Blue & You Foundation gives healthy smiles

SPRING 2012

16 Lifelong Health with Dr. David

Photographer: Chip Bayer

18 Prescription drug abuse is everyone’s problem

Contributors: Chip Bayer, Gio Bruno, Gabe Couch, Matthew Creasman, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Trey Hankins, Heather IacobacciMiller, Kathy Luzietti, Mark Morehead and Kelly Whitehorn

19 The Doctor’s Corner 20 Notice of Privacy Practices 22 New preventive service for Medicare 23 The 2012 Blue & You Fitness Challenge is under way Customer Service telephone numbers

24 Good for you events and activities

2 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

out

Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley

Blue & You SPRING 2012

Dental Plus Vision insurance plan

now available.

Now it’s easier to have healthy eyes and healthy teeth with our new

DentalBlue GoldSM Plus Vision plan.

The new plan, for individuals and families, combines the popular DentalBlue Gold plan with vision benefits that reduce out-of-pocket eye care costs by offering annual eye examinations for a low copayment, as well as providing significant savings on eyeglasses, contact lenses and other lens options. Members have access to a nationwide network of eye doctors, ophthalmologists, optometrists and eye-care centers, and there are no claim forms to file. Members also can take advantage of special discounts for laser vision surgery. “Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is well known for our affordable, reliable health insurance,” said Ron DeBerry, senior vice president of Statewide Business for Arkansas Blue Cross. “DentalBlue Gold Plus Vision provides great benefits backed by a tradition of excellent customer service. Arkansans have been taking advantage of our dental plans for several years now. Providing affordable vision coverage was a natural next step.” Vision coverage is not sold as a separate policy; it is only available with the DentalBlue Gold plan. IN-NETWORK BENEFITS

EVERY 12 MONTHS

Eye Examination

Covered in full after $10 copayment

EYEGLASSES Covered in full for standard single-vision or lined multi-focal lenses after a $25 copayment

Spectacle Lenses Frames Collection Frames • Fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-Collection Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Covered in full (value up to $125) $15 copayment (value up to $175) $40 copayment (value up to $225) Up to $100 plus 20% off balance

Free one-year eyeglass breakage warranty

CONTACT LENSES (in lieu of eyeglasses) Contact Lenses and Evaluation, Fitting and Follow-Up Care

4 Blue & You

Up to $100, plus 15% off balance

DentalBlue Gold covers preventive services (initial and periodic exams, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, X-rays and sealants), minor restorative services such as fillings, extractions, endodontics (root canals) and oral surgery, and major restorative services like crowns, bridges and implants. The DentalBlue Gold plan allows members to “roll over” a portion of their unused benefit-year maximum to the next year as long as they submit at least one claim during the year and their total claims do not exceed $500 for that benefit year. For more information, call 1-800-818-9761 SPRING 2012

We’ve gone mobile Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently launched its mobile Web site designed for smartphone users — and it doesn’t matter if you have a Blackberry, iPhone, Windows or Android phone — it works for everyone! To view the new mobile site, simply use your phone’s Internet browser and go to arkansasbluecross.com and view the mobile site immediately. If you prefer to use the full site, there is a link at the bottom of every page. The site offers the new “Find a Doctor or Hospital” search, the ability to shop for health insurance plans for individuals and families, sales and service contact information, and information for the new ArkansasBlue health insurance store, which is located at the Shackleford Crossings shopping center in Little Rock. The mobile site allows visitors to get a rate quote, map to a doctor’s office, or easily call any of our service or sales phone numbers. Arkansas Blue Cross continues to develop a broader presence on the Internet through all channels available to create a positive online experience for all audiences — whether it’s the general public or you, our member. The new mobile site is just another way we’re improving our online service and sales experience.

Review Your Doctor

Let Others Learn From You You tell your friends and neighbors if they ask you about

your doctor…why not share that information with other Blue plan members?

If you are a member of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield or Health Advantage, you now have the ability to review your recent doctor’s office visit online! Rating doctors helps others make decisions as to whether a doctor is right for them. Sharing your personal experience with this doctor is a great way to share your observations with others. When can you rate your doctor? After you go to the doctor, a claim is filed. Go online to our Web site, and log in to the member self-service center. You then will need to go to the “Claims” section. You can complete a review for any recent claims. To fill out the review, you simply give the experience a rating of one to five stars based on the following questions: • Recommend – Would you recommend this doctor to your friends/family? • Overall Experience – How would you rate your overall experience and satisfaction with this doctor? • Availability – How would you rate the doctor’s availability for your appointment? • Communication – How well did the doctor communicate with you about your health concerns? • Environment – How would you rate the doctor’s overall office environment? A comments section allows you to elaborate on the visit – up to 600 characters. All comments are moderated for content. The results of your review will be incorporated into the “Find a Doctor” section of our Web sites at a later date. The review is part of the national Blue plan consumer transparency effort to ensure you are receiving the highest quality care possible. Tell your friends. Tell your doctor. This is a great to share your opinions with us, your doctor and other members … and find out what others are saying. Blue & You SPRING 2012

Dental Plus Vision insurance plan

now available.

Now it’s easier to have healthy eyes and healthy teeth with our new

DentalBlue GoldSM Plus Vision plan.

EVERY 12 MONTHS

Eye Examination

Covered in full after $10 copayment

EYEGLASSES Covered in full for standard single-vision or lined multi-focal lenses after a $25 copayment

Covered in full (value up to $125) $15 copayment (value up to $175) $40 copayment (value up to $225) Up to $100 plus 20% off balance

Free one-year eyeglass breakage warranty

CONTACT LENSES (in lieu of eyeglasses) Contact Lenses and Evaluation, Fitting and Follow-Up Care

4 Blue & You

Up to $100, plus 15% off balance

Review Your Doctor

Let Others Learn From You You tell your friends and neighbors if they ask you about

your doctor…why not share that information with other Blue plan members?

Nancy Lowe enjoys spending some time in her favorite store, The Yarn Mart, in Little Rock.

help for a lengthy recovery colorful yarn flows through Nancy Lowe’s hands as her crochet hook flashes in and out, creating artwork from a single strand. Crocheting is an art that takes patience and commitment, and some works of art take a bit longer to create. As Nancy recently learned, healing happens in its own time, too. Nancy’s healing from a torn rotator cuff received the extra time and commitment needed through the efforts of Brenda Hardage, a nurse case manager for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Nancy, a quality improvement coordinator at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, literally was asleep on her feet when she fell in April 2011. “I was going through the house, getting ready to go to bed, and I must have fallen asleep.

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SPRING 2012

I remember waking up as I was falling.” Her husband, Gary, rushed to her side. Severe pain in her left shoulder told her something was terribly wrong, but she thought it might get better with time. The fall happened on a Thursday night, and by Monday she was at her primary care physician’s office. An X-ray showed no sign of a bone break, so she waited for a few weeks before having an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). “It was very painful to go through the test,” she said. The next day she called to find out when she would get the results. She was told they already had the results and that she needed to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. They also prescribed her some pain medication for what was now obviously a very serious problem.

The rotator cuff is a system of four muscles that work together to allow the arm a wide range of motion. Not only had one of the muscles in Nancy’s left shoulder been torn, another had completely detached and slipped up into the bony structure of her shoulder. Most rotator cuff injuries can be fixed through arthroscopic surgery, but Nancy’s surgery had to be performed with a traditional incision, adding to her recovery time. “It is the most painful thing I’ve ever been through,” Nancy said. While she had to wait a few weeks to start physical therapy, her doctor told her she needed to flex her fingers. That was easy — she simply picked up her crochet work. Nancy has made numerous projects, but is most proud of the stick horses she has made for various

Nurse case management can help you: • Get the most out of your health plan. • Empower you and your family with information through health education, so you can work with your physician to manage your care. • Experience improved dialogue between you and your physician. • Navigate the system effectively to see the right health care providers at the right times in the right places. • Provide you the tools to actively participate in your medical decision making. – Understand your condition. – Understand evidence based alternatives to treat your condition. – Understand how your benefits support these alternatives.

Nancy shows her crocheted stick horse to Brenda Hardage, her nurse case manager.

children in her life. Each one is a work of art, exhibiting a personality and detail to capture a young imagination. Nancy was scheduled for 26 visits of physical therapy, which sounds like a lot at first, but as she progressed, she realized other people with similar injuries were regaining their strength and movement much faster. After Nancy discussed her concern with her doctor and therapist, Brenda was contacted to see if she could help. “I took the information from the physician and therapist, called and talked with Nancy, and put together a synopsis of what was happening with her,” Brenda said. What she learned was that, not only was the damage to Nancy’s shoulder severe, but she also has multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and central nervous system, which was slowing her recovery.

• Stay well-informed, follow your treatment plans, and know what to do when it is not working.

With a clearer understanding of Nancy’s condition, Brenda was able to get her approved for 12 additional visits of physical therapy. That gave Nancy the time she needed to reach her goal for the therapy, which she showed off by reaching high above her head with her left arm. “The last time I went to the doctor he said I had done much better than he expected,” she said of the therapy. Nancy said that when she first talked with Brenda, “I wasn’t sure what case management was,” but she now thinks of Brenda as a friend. “I’m always there to help her any time she needs it, even if it isn’t related to her shoulder,” Brenda said. Blue & You SPRING 2012

Nancy Lowe enjoys spending some time in her favorite store, The Yarn Mart, in Little Rock.

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SPRING 2012

Nancy shows her crocheted stick horse to Brenda Hardage, her nurse case manager.

• Stay well-informed, follow your treatment plans, and know what to do when it is not working.

Saturday morning, I head downtown to pick up locally grown produce, fresh eggs, homemade bread and herbs. There are several reasons why I choose to patronize the farmer’s market: the variety, freshness and value of locally grown produce.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is

a sponsor of P. Allen Smith’s weekly radio program, which airs at 4 p.m. on Saturdays on KARN 102.9 FM. You can enjoy his insights on healthy eating from the garden to the table and beyond in this special column in Blue & You. In addition, you will have opportunities to see him in person at ArkansasBlue, Arkansas Blue Cross’ health insurance store in Little Rock. P. Allen Smith’s first onsite visit will be:

• Saturday, April 28 Watch for more details about his upcoming appearances on our Web site at arkansasbluecross.com and in the news. ArkansasBlue is located in the Shackleford Crossings shopping center, across from Walmart.

At the farmer’s market, I can find unique varieties of fruits and vegetables. And the price! I can get a pound of fresh peas for one dollar, fresh organic eggs for two dollars and enough chives to make omelets for a month for just 50 cents. Many of the ingredients that I like to cook with are seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s what makes a dish so special. They taste better and require fewer preservatives to keep them fresh. There is something about eating food that is in

season that makes me feel more in tune with nature. Call me crazy, but a grocery store apple in May just isn’t as good as a fresh picked farm apple in October. Although that May apple looks like an apple fresh-picked in October, long-term shortage and the lengthy journey from farm to table gives the nutrients plenty of time to degrade, especially if exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Shopping at the farmer’s market is a community event. I get to say hello to friends and neighbors and build relationships with the farmers growing my food. This way I know as much about how the food I eat is produced as I would if I grew it in my own garden. I also feel it is important to send my dollars toward the people with whom I have built relationships over the years.

You may think that finding fresh food in early spring is a challenge, but in fact there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are seasonal right now, including: arugula, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, cucumbers, dill, grapefruit, kale, lemons, lettuce, leeks, oranges, onions, parsnips, peas, pears, rhubarb, shallots, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard and turnips greens.

A “Greener” You! So you may be thinking, “Allen, how does doing this also make me a greener citizen?” Well, buying locally also saves on petroleum resources since local farmers save gas by trucking shorter distances to get farm-fresh nutritious produce for a healthier you.

Buy Local, Be Green and $ave Green! by

P. Allen Smith

Are you interested in saving money on your groceries? Do you want healthy, home grown food, or do you just enjoy the great taste of fresh produce straight off the farm? Here’s how to be healthier, be a good neighbor and also be good to the earth.

Buying Seasonal Food As a gardener, I love to watch my plants grow, and I gain great pleasure in slicing a juicy tomato picked right out of my garden. I get a similar satisfaction from visiting my neighborhood farmer’s market. Each

Blue & & You You 88 Blue

SPRING SPRING 2012 2012

P. Allen Smith is an Arkansas native, an awardwinning designer and a lifestyle expert. He hosts several television programs, a radio show and is the author of many books on gardening, cooking and design. Learn more at pallensmith.com.

Blue & You SPRING 2012

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is

Buy Local, Be Green and $ave Green! by

P. Allen Smith

Blue & & You You 88 Blue

SPRING SPRING 2012 2012

Blue & You SPRING 2012

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members invited to “Discover” a new museum and other upcoming events will be posted on our Web site, arkansasbluecross.com and the Museum of Discovery’s Web site, museumofdiscovery.org.

rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has committed to an “amazing” sponsorship with the newly renovated Museum of Discovery in downtown Little Rock. The “Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You” interactive gallery inside the museum premiered during the museum’s grand re-opening in January. The “Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You” gallery has 22 exhibits that invite museum visitors to explore the amazing things their bodies do each and every day. The exhibits are divided among three main sections: “Incredible You,” “Healthy You” and “Active You.” The “Incredible You” exhibits showcase the body’s circulatory, nervous, musculoskeletal and skeletal systems. “Healthy You” focuses on how making healthy choices make healthy bodies and features the digestive and immune systems. The message in “Active You” is about how moving your body is fun and helps you stay healthy. The “Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You” gallery is one museum feature our members won’t want to miss.

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The museum has been completely renewed, with plenty to do and see.

And there are two fun family events for which folks who carry the cross and shield ID card in their wallet will want to take advantage: • “Dance and Discover” — Saturday, June 9 • “Grow with Grandparents” — Sunday, September 9 These two events are open only to Arkansas Blue Cross members. You’ll present your Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas member ID card for special admission and activities for the kids, parents … and grandparents. More information regarding these This series of gears shows just how hard it is to get to one million. At the one millionth turn of the crank, a glass will fall and break. Come see if you will be the lucky visitor!

“We are excited to sponsor the ‘Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You’ gallery,” said Mark White, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Blue Cross. “Each year, more than 150,000 children and parents visit the Museum to experience a world-class collection of fun and educational exhibits and displays. The ‘Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amazing You’ gallery will provide visitors an opportunity to learn about how the body works and how choices we make affect the body’s health and wellbeing. And, they’ll have a lot of fun in the discovery process. We believe it is a great way to showcase how important it is to take care of yourself.” BlueAnn Ewe, Arkansas Blue Cross’ health and wellness ambassador, also will make special guest appearances throughout the year at the museum.

Arkansas Blue Cross supports UAMS chair in emergency medicine in honor of Stanley Reed

A rkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently donated $100,000 to support the Stanley E. Reed Memorial Chair in Emergency Medicine, Trauma & Injury Prevention at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Reed, of Marianna, was a successful farmer, lawyer and businessman. He was a devoted, longtime UAMS advocate and had just been named to the Arkansas Blue Cross board of directors when he died on July 15, 2011. He also was a former member of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and served as president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau from 2003 to 2008.

Stanley Reed

The endowed chair will help UAMS build upon existing clinical expertise and training in emergency medicine and trauma system development, and support injury prevention efforts. The chair will reside in the College of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, and the recipient of the chair will be announced after the $1 million goal has been reached.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a proud sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Ozark Race for the Cure, which will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Promenade Mall in Rogers, Ark. You still can register at komenozark.org. The race features a 5K, 10K, family fun walk/survivor walk and the ever popular “Bark for the Cure!”

The Museum of Discovery is an exciting destination for Arkansans — including our members — to rediscover.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 11

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SPRING 2012

The museum has been completely renewed, with plenty to do and see.

Arkansas Blue Cross supports UAMS chair in emergency medicine in honor of Stanley Reed

Stanley Reed

The Museum of Discovery is an exciting destination for Arkansans — including our members — to rediscover.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 11

Effects of secondhand smoke on children

Lose weight

You may think that if you smoke, you’re only harming yourself. But, if you have children in your home, you’re harming them as well through secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is smoke from a cigarette, pipe or cigar and the smoke that is exhaled by a smoker. It is estimated that secondhand smoke contains more than 250 toxic chemicals that can be cancer-causing. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that children are even more vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because they are still developing physically. Research suggests that children exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk for a host of illnesses, including: • Asthma • Sinusitis • Rhinitis • Chronic respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia • Ear infections If you need help quitting smoking, log into your My Blueprint account and view the Health Resources section for additional information on smoking cessation programs and help. Sources: epa.gov American Academy of Otolaryngology (entnet.org)

Risk of heart attack goes up after a loved one dies We’ve all heard stories, or maybe even experienced having a loved one die soon after another death in the family. Recent research in the medical journal Circulation suggests that the risk for a heart attack increases dramatically within 24 hours after the death of a loved one. Nearly 2,000 patients were interviewed while hospitalized for acute heart attacks. The researchers found that the incidence rate of heart attack increased more than 20-fold within 24 hours of learning of the death, compared with deaths that occurred anytime in the prior six months. If you find your family members in this situation, be aware of their health risks and keep a close eye on them. If you see signs of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.

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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.

... an online community for moms just like you.

Shower us with “Likes” to help Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This spring, money will grow on our tree in an effort to help Arkansas Children’s Hospital. For the month of April, every new “Like” on the Mother Hood Facebook® page, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield will donate $1 to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), up to $10,000. Arkansas Blue Cross is proud to support ACH, the only pediatric medical center in Arkansas and one of the largest in the United States. ACH is committed to working with others to achieve high quality, cost-effective, fully accessible services for Arkansas’ most precious resource — our children, without regard to race, religion or inability to pay. Mother Hood is an online community for moms, just like you, and cared for by Arkansas Blue Cross. In our neighborhood, you’ll find useful articles, helpful tips, and even information about consignment sales or stroller friendly walks. So, “Like” us in April on Facebook and help ACH. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s another way we are good for you!

MPI 985 2/2012

Like us.

Simply complete, sign and return the attached enrollment form in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to join The Healthy Weigh! *Arkansas state and public school employees and retirees can access the “AR Benefits Plus” program through the Employee Benefits Division, 1-877-815-1017.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 13

Effects of secondhand smoke on children

Lose weight

12 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

... an online community for moms just like you.

MPI 985 2/2012

Like us.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 13

Blue & You Foundation grants: Something to Rose Gordon has a smile that can light up a room, but it had been a while since anyone had seen it.

Harmony Health Clinic started seeing medical patients in 2008 and dental patients in 2009. As of December 2011, the clinic has seen 1,753 medical patients and 709 dental patients, providing more than $2.3 million worth of services for people who otherwise would not be able to afford it. A pharmacy located in the clinic has provided about $500,000 worth of donated medications, 55 percent of which goes to patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. The clinic does not supply narcotics.

smile about

Then one Friday in January, she sat in the dentist chair at Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock, as Sam Nickol, DDS, MAGD, fitted her new dentures into her mouth. Immediately, her world brightened. “This man did a fantastic job,” Rose said with a grin as she visited with Dr. Nickol a few days later. “I went home and the first thing I did was eat some pecans. I have been waiting to be able to do that.” “That fits in good,” Dr. Nickol told Rose after checking her dentures. “Those should last you the rest of your life.” For Harmony Health Clinic in Little Rock, Rose’s life is one of hundreds changed for the better with the help of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. The Blue & You Foundation has given two grants to the clinic to improve the dental health of people who are medically uninsured and underserved in central Arkansas. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield established the Blue & You Foundation in 2001 as a charitable foundation to promote better health in Arkansas. “The Blue & You Foundation awards grants annually to non-profit or governmental organizations and programs that positively affect the health of Arkansans,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Foundation. “In our 10 years of operation, the Blue & You Foundation has awarded nearly $14 million to 208 health improvement programs in Arkansas.” “When you have a healthy smile, it can make the difference in whether you are hired for a job, or whether you can keep working,” said Eddie Pannell, executive director of the Harmony Health Clinic. Eddie said dental pain is one of the top reasons people miss work in the United States. “Your oral health definitely affects your physical health.”

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Rose Gordon examines her new smile from Harmony Health Clinic.

“

Dr. Nickol checks the fit of Rose’s new dentures.

Your oral health definitely affects your physical health. ..

”

Eddie Pannell,

executive director of the Harmony Health Clinic

Rose can’t help but smile while talking to Dr. Nickol about all the foods she can now eat with her new dentures.

The clinic helps the medical and dental community as well. Around 400 volunteers, most of them doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals, give their time, along with students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The teaching environment allows these students to get real-world experience with the supervision of experienced professionals. Eddie said he often hears the students discussing cases and saying, “I just learned about this in class.” For people to qualify for services at the Harmony Health Clinic, they must live in Pulaski County, have no insurance of any kind, be between 13 and 65 years old and their income must not exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. (Medicaid and Medicare patients are seen in the dental clinic if they meet the other requirements, but the clinic is not a Medicaid/Medicare provider and does not bill any third party for services.) Eddie said he sees many single parents come in to the clinic who are working two or three jobs and still qualify for their services. While the medical side of the clinic is extremely important, Eddie said the dental side is where the greatest need lies. “Our clients are asking for dental assistance three to one over medical assistance,” he said. “We have more than 100 people waiting for services.” And because dental services are not covered under health care reform legislation, “there will always be a need for this clinic.” “We couldn’t have done any of this without support,” Eddie said, adding that the Blue & You Foundation has been a major source. The clinic is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and still is in need of funding to reach its operational goals. Source: harmonyclinicar.org

Blue & You SPRING 2012 15

Blue & You Foundation grants: Something to Rose Gordon has a smile that can light up a room, but it had been a while since anyone had seen it.

smile about

14 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

Rose Gordon examines her new smile from Harmony Health Clinic.

“

Dr. Nickol checks the fit of Rose’s new dentures.

Your oral health definitely affects your physical health. ..

”

Eddie Pannell,

executive director of the Harmony Health Clinic

Rose can’t help but smile while talking to Dr. Nickol about all the foods she can now eat with her new dentures.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 15

7. Don’t let the little things get to you.

with Dr. David

It’s amazing how often we get upset over the smallest things. Remember what is important and put your challenges into perspective. Usually, getting upset about little things is a byproduct of a bigger problem. Seek the source of your issue.

David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D.

8. Learn how to handle conflict.

Seek peace to live long and live well 3. Be kind to your body and seek health.

Living a truly healthy life begins with calming down. Managing stress and making room for peace in life is just as important to health as exercise or nutrition. But stress management is a skill. You must learn to reduce stress; it’s not a simple task. By freeing yourself from stress, a healthier, happier life becomes possible.

unnecessary conflicts. Stress may push you to seek mindless activities like watching television or playing video games. At its worst, too much stress can lead to abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Of all the factors leading to disease, stress is one of the most important. While stress is a natural part of life, the way we respond to it can cause both acute and chronic hormonal changes. These changes can lead to high blood pressure, mood disorders, alterations in immune function, weight loss or weight gain, increases in cholesterol and the risk of heart attack and stroke, infections and even cancer. Dr. Dean Ornish and many other experts agree that the best way to reduce the risk of a second heart attack is to learn how to control stress. Furthermore, studies indicate that learning to cope with disease is a central element of recovery in patients with cancer, following major surgeries and dealing with depression.

Ten steps to reducing stress

Your health is precious, and nothing is more important than taking care of yourself. A healthy body is more prepared to handle stress. Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and be an empowered consumer of health care. Always maintain good health habits.

1. Learn stress reduction exercises.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Regardless of what the greatest stressor may be, the majority of Americans simply do not know how to cope with stress. This is probably why stress doesn’t end with retirement. Stress is not just about a job or a situation; it exists everywhere, and until you learn to use positive coping mechanisms, you will never be stress free. More and more evidence shows that, as a nation, we are not dealing with stress well. According to a recent survey of the American Psychological Association, 78 percent of Americans admit to using poor coping skills when it comes to stress. Too much stress may cause you to over eat or under eat. It may make you more prone to lash out at others and cause

16 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

Learning to unwind and seek true and inner peace will save your life. Whenever stressed or revved up, stop and breathe. Notice your breath. Find peace in this present moment. Doing so will bring you back, calm you down and provide a little extra room to be honest. Dealing with stress requires education, time and commitment. There are many relaxation techniques available including meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi and breathing exercises and an approach called guided imagery. Books, tapes and even smartphone applications can teach you relaxation techniques that suit your personality and the amount of time you are willing to devote to stress reduction.

2. Put yourself first.

Be honest with yourself — and others — about what you need. Give yourself the leeway to be first once in a while. This applies to all aspects of your life, including the time you spend with your family. If you have concerns, learn to be honest, discuss your feelings openly, and actively look for opportunities to improve your situation. You can never find peace if you constantly feel unsatisfied in a job or a relationship. By putting yourself first, you will actually be better for everyone around you. This is not a selfish task but rather a necessary component of being truly peaceful.

Voltaire said eloquently, “The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease.” In other words, don’t stress about it! Your body has an incredible ability to heal itself, and the more lighthearted you are, the better.

5. Be kind to yourself and to others.

Developing healthy interpersonal relationships is a huge component of living a stress-free life. But remember: it begins with you. Be kind to yourself and you can learn to be kind to others as well. Be vulnerable, open and honest. After you open yourself up to other people, you simply cannot be closed anymore. (And being closed isn’t healthy!)

6. Learn to say no.

Many of us simply take on too much — myself included! I took quite a long time learning to refuse opportunities, delegate tasks and simply make time for myself. Remember, the greater the responsibility, the more important it is to not take everything on yourself. Numerous studies have shown that the most successful people are not that busy.

Perhaps the best lesson I learned from my therapist was how to handle conflict. We have a tendency to either confront disagreements aggressively or bury them in our mind and stew. Neither is of great value. When you find yourself in a challenging situation, take a moment to breathe, and try to find the core reason for your conflict. It’s often not what’s on the surface. When dealing with interpersonal conflict, discuss your concerns in a calm environment and, whatever you do, avoid a shouting match. Try and induce sympathy in the person you are confronting and avoid accusations. Never attack. Always relate to the way the problem has negatively affected you. Choose to collaborate rather than agitate.

9. Learn to forgive.

Forgiveness plays a major role in promoting health and assuring a long and independent life. It rids you of resentment, hostility and negative thoughts that can eat away at you. Whether it is by embracing your faith, calling on your inner strength, or seeking help from others, having the capacity to forgive and let go allows healing, growth, comfort and peace.

10. Recognize what stresses you out.

We all have certain triggers that can set us off. Find out what your trigger is and try to address it. Each time you feel that thing happen — whatever it is — stop and breathe. Try to relax and approach the situation anew. Always remember the key to health involves a total and complete approach affecting all aspects of life. Eat right, have regular medical checkups and seek peace and happiness to reduce stress and live a longer, better and disease-free life.

EDITOR’S NOTE: David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D., is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of geriatrics.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is honored to have him as a contributor to Blue & You magazine.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 17

7. Don’t let the little things get to you.

with Dr. David

David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D.

8. Learn how to handle conflict.

Seek peace to live long and live well 3. Be kind to your body and seek health.

unnecessary conflicts. Stress may push you to seek mindless activities like watching television or playing video games. At its worst, too much stress can lead to abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Ten steps to reducing stress

1. Learn stress reduction exercises.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

16 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

2. Put yourself first.

5. Be kind to yourself and to others.

6. Learn to say no.

9. Learn to forgive.

10. Recognize what stresses you out.

EDITOR’S NOTE: David A. Lipschitz, M.D., Ph.D., is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of geriatrics.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is honored to have him as a contributor to Blue & You magazine.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 17

from the

the

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

Prescription drug abuse is everyone’s problem Last November, the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC), released a study on overdoses of prescription pain relievers, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, Oxycontin, fentanyl, and Duragesic, among others. These are not medications that should be readily available on the street as they all require a prescription. When these medications are available on the street, it is because they have been diverted from the appropriate person or location. In most cases that means they were stolen (from a pharmacy or from someone’s medicine cabinet), have been obtained via fraudulent behavior, or have been given to someone else by friends and family. Regardless of where they came from, they have become widely available. Inappropriate use of these medications has increased dramatically during the past decade. The sobering fact is that overdose deaths associated with these medications now surpass overdose deaths attributed to cocaine and heroin combined — not separate but combined. The CDC estimates that in 2010, 4.8 percent of the U.S. population 12 years and older used an opioid pain reliever nonmedically. (Nonmedical use is defined as using a prescription pain reliever without a prescription belonging to the person or use for the experience or feeling the drug causes.) By applying that same number to Arkansas, approximately 150,000 Arkansans used opioid pain relieving medications without a prescription in 2010. (Let’s bring this even closer to home; if you make a list of 20 friends, it is probable that one of your friends used these medications without a prescription in 2010.) A 2009 article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed that the most common source of free, misused prescription drugs for adolescents is friends

18 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

and family. The ease of access and high possibility of significant harm make this a very important issue. If you have a legitimate reason to be taking prescription opioid pain relievers and you have some currently available, please let this sink in — you may, unknowingly, be contributing to a prescription drug misuse problem. How many and which people know you are taking these medications? Do you keep them in a secure location? These are important questions that you need to answer for the sake of your friends and family. You should secure all your medication in a place where unauthorized people do not have access to it. Also, if you have unwanted medications you have an option to get rid of it appropriately, and thankfully, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has made this much easier. In 2010, the DEA started a program throughout the United States to take back and dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications. Since September 2010, the DEA has held three Take Back Days, and the results were unprecedented. After the third Take Back Day in October 2011, the DEA and its partners had removed 498.5 tons of medication from circulation — all of this collected. The next national Take Back Day will be April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a location nationwide, visit justice.gov/dea. In Arkansas, you can visit artakeback.org and enter in the name of your city. You might be amazed at how close one of the Take Back locations is to you. Disposing of unused, unneeded medications will help slow the rising trend of prescription drug abuse. This is just one action you can take to help prevent overdoses of prescription pain relievers and protect your friends and family from a very costly problem. Take action on April 28.

Resolve to keep your resolution! So, now that we are approaching spring,

corner

by Cygnet Schroeder, D.O. Medical Director, Fort Smith

how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? Was this the year you were going to get into shape? Well, if those good intentions fizzled out after the first few months, don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up either.

speed and long lapses where he was doing other things while the tortoise plodded along with slow steps to win the race.

We are constantly bombarded by the need for wellness. The rising costs of health care, increasing incidences of certain medical conditions and high rates of obesity are a direct response to our unhealthy lifestyles. The statistics are staggering. Did you know that Starbucks spends more each year on health care than coffee? And the health care portion of the cost of a new General Motors vehicle exceeds the cost of the steel from which it is made?

Try picking a realistic goal. Be specific — for example, you could have the goal to lose 10 pounds during a three-to-four-month period. Walk twice weekly. Eat fast food one less time a week than you do currently. A rough rule of thumb is you maintain your body weight if you consume 8-10 calories a day for every pound you weigh. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you will start to lose weight if you take in less than 2,000 calories. The daily decrease in calories will determine your weight loss. Just remember that to maintain a 10-pound weight loss it will require eating 10 percent less over time than when you started. Exercise compliments your weight loss. A modest gain in muscle tissue resets your metabolism higher because muscle must burn calories to maintain itself.

As a rehabilitation physician, exercise has special meaning for me. I prescribe it as a treatment when individuals have lost their independence with the goal of gaining it back. I see regularly how medical conditions caused by an unhealthy lifestyle can affect patient outcome. Stroke patients with diabetes, regardless of age, are less likely to return home. Obese patients increase the burden of care for their loved ones. On a personal note, after having my last child at 42, I felt an obligation to do my part to be sure I would be there at a minimum for his high school graduation. Many people deviate from their resolutions by setting themselves up for failure. They adopt an overly ambitious diet and exercise plan. Changing habits one at a time works better. Losing less but keeping it off yields better health results. Remember the Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare? The hare alternated between spurts of showing off his

Start exercise slowly. If you overdo it there will be multiple reasons to quit, such as pain and fatigue. Try something that appeals to you. Even an increase of 500 steps a day will help. Any activity that increases your pulse, makes you breathe hard, or causes a light sweat counts. A high school friend who had gained quite a bit of weight over time and successfully lost with diet change and exercise told me she didn’t really like to exercise, but she liked how she looked and felt by doing it. Keep track of your success. After you have achieved a goal, revise it. Remember you are racing only with yourself and you can get to the finish line at your own pace.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 19

from the

the

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

Prescription drug abuse is everyone’s problem Last November, the Centers for Disease Control

18 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

Resolve to keep your resolution! So, now that we are approaching spring,

corner

by Cygnet Schroeder, D.O. Medical Director, Fort Smith

speed and long lapses where he was doing other things while the tortoise plodded along with slow steps to win the race.

Blue & You SPRING 2012 19

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES – ARKANSAS BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW CLAIMS OR MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. By law, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is required to protect the privacy of your protected health information. We must also give you this notice to tell you how we may use and release (disclose) your protected health information held by us. Throughout this notice, we will use the name “Arkansas Blue Cross” as a short-hand reference for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Arkansas Blue Cross must use and release your protected health information to provide information: • To you or someone who has the legal right to act for you (your personal representative) • To the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, if necessary to make sure your privacy is protected, and • Where required by law. Arkansas Blue Cross has the right to use and release your protected health information to evaluate and process your health plan or health insurance claims, enroll and disenroll you and your dependents, and perform related business operations. For example: • We can use your protected health information to pay or deny your claims, to collect your premiums, or to share your benefit payment or status with other insurer(s). • We can use your protected health information for regular health care operations. Members of our staff may use information in your personal health record to assess our efficiency and outcomes in your case and others like it. This information will then be used in an effort to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of benefits and services we provide. • We may disclose protected health information to your employer if your employer arranges for your insurance and serves as Plan Administrator. If your employer meets the requirements outlined by the privacy law, we can disclose protected health information to the appropriate department of your employer to assist in obtaining coverage or processing a claim or to modify benefits, work to control overall plan costs, and improve service levels. This information may be in the form of routine reporting or special requests. • We may disclose to others who are contracted to provide services on our behalf. Some services are provided in our organization through contracts with others. Examples include pharmacy management programs, dental benefits, and a copy service we use when making copies of your health record. Our contracts require these business associates to appropriately protect your information. • Our health professionals and customer service staff, using their best judgment, may disclose to a family member, other relative, close personal friend or any other person you identify, health information relevant to that person’s involvement in your care or payment related to your care. An example would be your spouse calling to verify a claim was paid, or the amount paid on a claim. Arkansas Blue Cross may use or give out your protected health information for the following purposes, under limited circumstances: • To state and other federal agencies that have the legal right to receive Arkansas Blue Cross data (such as to make sure we are making proper claims payments) • For public health activities (such as reporting disease outbreaks) • For government health care oversight activities (such as fraud and abuse investigations) • For judicial and administrative proceedings (such as in response to a subpoena or other court order) • For law enforcement purposes (such as providing limited information to locate a missing person) • For research studies that meet all privacy law requirements (such as research related to the prevention of disease or disability) • To avoid a serious and imminent threat to health or safety • To contact you regarding new or changed health plan benefits By law, Arkansas Blue Cross must have your written permission (an authorization) to use or release your protected health information for any purpose other than payment or health care operations or other limited exceptions outlined here or in the Privacy regulation. You may take back (revoke) your written permission at any time, except if we have already acted based on your permission. Personal Health Record (PHR) If you have a health benefit plan issued by Arkansas Blue Cross on or after Oct. 1, 2007, you have a Personal Health Record (PHR). Your PHR contains a summary of claims submitted for services you received while you are or were covered by your health benefit plan, as well as non-claims data you choose to enter yourself. Your PHR will continue to exist, even if you discontinue coverage under your health benefit plan. You have access to your PHR through the Arkansas Blue Cross Web site. In addition, unless you limit access, your physician and other health care providers who provide you treatment have access to your PHR. Certain information that may exist in the claims records will not be made available to your physician and other health care providers automatically.

20 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

To protect your privacy, information about treatment for certain sensitive medical conditions such as HIV/AIDs, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, drug or alcohol abuse or family planning will be viewable by you alone, unless you choose to make this information available to the medical personnel who treat you. Similarly, non-claims data, such as your medical, family and social history, will only appear in your PHR if you choose to enter it yourself. It is important to note, that you have the option to prohibit access to your PHR completely, either by electronically selecting to prohibit access or by sending a written request to prohibit access to the Privacy Office at the address below. Special Note on Genetic Information We are prohibited by law from collecting or using genetic information for purposes of underwriting, setting premium, determining eligibility for benefits or applying any preexisting condition exclusion under an insurance policy or health plan. Genetic information means not only genetic tests that you have received, but also any genetic tests of your family members, or any manifestations of a disease or disorder among your family members. Except for preexisting condition exclusions, we may obtain and use genetic information in making a payment or denial decision or otherwise processing a claim for benefits under your health plan or insurance policy, to the extent that genetic information is relevant to the payment or denial decision or proper processing of your claim. Your Rights Regarding Medical Information About You You have the right to: • See and get a copy of your protected health information that is contained in a designated record set that was used to make decisions about you. • Have your protected health information amended if you believe that it is wrong, or if information is missing, and Arkansas Blue Cross agrees. If Arkansas Blue Cross disagrees, you may have a statement of your disagreement added to your protected health information. • Receive a listing of those getting your protected health information from Arkansas Blue Cross. The listing will not cover your protected health information that was given out to you or your personal representative, that was given out for payment or health care operations, or that was given out for law enforcement purposes. • Ask Arkansas Blue Cross to communicate with you in a different manner or at a different place (for example, by sending your correspondence to a P.O. Box instead of your home address) if you are in danger of personal harm if the information is not kept confidential. • Ask Arkansas Blue Cross to limit how your protected health information is used and given out to pay your claims and perform health care operations. Please note that Arkansas Blue Cross may not be able to agree to your request. • Get a separate paper copy of this notice. To Exercise Your Rights If you would like to contact Arkansas Blue Cross for further information regarding this notice or exercise any of the rights described in this notice, you may do so by contacting Customer Service at the following toll-free telephone number: Arkansas Blue Cross, 1-800-238-8379. You also may get complete instructions and request forms from our company’s Web site, which is: arkansasbluecross.com Changes to this Notice We are required by law to abide by the terms of this notice. We reserve the right to change this notice and make the revised or changed notice effective for claims or medical information we already have about you as well as any future information we receive. When we make changes, we will notify you by sending a revised notice to the last known address we have for you or by alternative means allowed by law or regulation. We also will post a copy of the current notice on Arkansas Blue Cross Web site. Complaints If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Arkansas Blue Cross, or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. You may file a complaint with Arkansas Blue Cross by writing to the following address: Privacy Office ATTN: Privacy Officer P.O. Box 3216 Little Rock, AR 72201 We will not penalize or in any other way retaliate against you for filing a complaint with the Secretary or with us. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Complaints filed directly with the Secretary must: (1) be in writing; (2) contain the name of the entity against which the complaint is lodged; (3) describe the relevant problems; and (4) be filed within 180 days of the time you became or should have become aware of the problem. Last revision 6/2010

Blue & You SPRING 2012 21

20 Blue & You

SPRING 2012

Blue & You SPRING 2012 21

CONSUMER, continued from page 3

to estimated costs for common medical procedures at local health care facilities (such as a hospital in your hometown). You can estimate your treatment costs by selecting a category, a medical procedure or service and then enter your ZIP code. The calculator will estimate the cost of that procedure at health care facilities near you. It also gives you easy-tounderstand descriptions of all of the procedures and definitions. Patient Review of Doctors — In mid-January, our patient review of doctors tool went live on our secure member self-service Web sites (My Blueprint) for members of Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage. If you have visited a doctor recently, you now have the ability to review your visit on a consistent rating scale and provide comments. By July, BlueAdvantage members as well as members of Blue plans throughout the United States will be able to review physicians. All physician reviews

nationwide (including Arkansas doctors) will be available for viewing through the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Finder later this year, while Arkansas doctors’ reviews will be available through our “Find a doctor” directory in May. Blue National Doctor and Hospital Finder — The national online doctor and hospital finder is a user-friendly tool that features logistical information on doctors and hospitals throughout the United States as well as quality-based recognition of both doctors and hospitals, an outline of specialties and affiliations and in-depth patient reviews of hospitals nationwide. These are just a few of the tools available now. There are more on the way. The move toward consumer transparency is one we all can agree will make health care easier to understand, easier to access and will give members a better understanding of the choices available within the health care system. And, we believe that it will be good for all involved.

New preventive service for Medicare The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved several new preventive services that will be offered to Medicare enrollees without having to pay a deductible, copayment or coinsurance (cost sharing). These preventive services include:

Effective Oct. 14, 2011 • Screening and behavioral counseling interviews in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse. • Screening for depression in adults.

Effective Nov. 8, 2011 • Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). • High intensity behavioral counseling to prevent STIs. • Intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield will cover any cost sharing amounts incurred by our Medicare Advantage members after those dates.

22 Blue & You

Blue & You Fitness Challenge The 2012 is

under way!

If you are one of the thousands participating in the 2012 Blue & You Fitness Challenge, you should be well on your way to exercising (virtually) across the United States. Whether or not you are participating in the Challenge, “Like” us on Facebook® 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 is an exercise contest held March through May each year that encourages participants to work toward the public health recommendation of adult physical activity 30 minutes each day, most days of the week. Each day that a participant completes a cardiovascular-oriented exercise session, he/she logs the exercise online to advance “virtually” one checkpoint on a national map. The winning entity is determined by whose group members score the highest in four categories. 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!

Like us. SPRING 2012

We Love to Hear From You! May we help? For customer service, please call: Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

Medi-Pak® members 378-3062 Medi-Pak Advantage members Medi-Pak Rx members Arkansas Blue Cross members 378-2010 Pharmacy questions Specialty Rx pharmacy questions Health Advantage members 378-2363 Pharmacy questions BlueAdvantage members 378-3600 Pharmacy questions State and Public School members 378-2364 Federal Employee members 378-2531

1-800-338-2312 1-877-233-7022 1-866-390-3369 1-800-238-8379 1-800-863-5561 1-866-295-2779 1-800-843-1329 1-800-863-5567 1-888-872-2531 1-888-293-3748 1-800-482-8416 1-800-482-6655

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help! For individuals, families and those age 65 or older For employer groups*

378-2937

1-800-392-2583

378-3070

1-800-421-1112

*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

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

ArkansasBlue — Little Rock 2612 S. Shackleford Rd. — Suite J

501-378-2222

Fayetteville 516 East Millsap Rd. — Suite 103

1-800-817-7726

Fort Smith 3501 Old Greenwood Rd. — Suite 5

1-866-254-9117

Hot Springs 100 Greenwood Ave. — Suite C

1-800-588-5733

Jonesboro 707 East Matthews Ave.

1-800-299-4124

Little Rock 320 West Capitol Ave. — Suite 900

1-800-421-1112

Pine Bluff 1800 West 73rd St.

1-800-236-0369

Texarkana 1710 Arkansas Boulevard

1-800-470-9621

Visit our Web sites for more information: arkansasbluecross.com • healthadvantage-hmo.com blueadvantagearkansas.com • blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

Blue & You SPRING 2012 23

CONSUMER, continued from page 3

Effective Oct. 14, 2011 • Screening and behavioral counseling interviews in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse. • Screening for depression in adults.

22 Blue & You

Blue & You Fitness Challenge The 2012 is

under way!

Like us. SPRING 2012

We Love to Hear From You! May we help? For customer service, please call: Little Rock Number (501)

Toll-free Number

1-800-338-2312 1-877-233-7022 1-866-390-3369 1-800-238-8379 1-800-863-5561 1-866-295-2779 1-800-843-1329 1-800-863-5567 1-888-872-2531 1-888-293-3748 1-800-482-8416 1-800-482-6655

Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help! For individuals, families and those age 65 or older For employer groups*

378-2937

1-800-392-2583

378-3070

1-800-421-1112

*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas

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

ArkansasBlue — Little Rock 2612 S. Shackleford Rd. — Suite J

501-378-2222

Fayetteville 516 East Millsap Rd. — Suite 103

1-800-817-7726

Fort Smith 3501 Old Greenwood Rd. — Suite 5

1-866-254-9117

Hot Springs 100 Greenwood Ave. — Suite C

1-800-588-5733

Jonesboro 707 East Matthews Ave.

1-800-299-4124

Little Rock 320 West Capitol Ave. — Suite 900

1-800-421-1112

Pine Bluff 1800 West 73rd St.

1-800-236-0369

Texarkana 1710 Arkansas Boulevard

1-800-470-9621

Visit our Web sites for more information: arkansasbluecross.com • healthadvantage-hmo.com blueadvantagearkansas.com • blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org

Blue & You SPRING 2012 23

SPRING 2012

events and activities now

saturday, april 28

• “Like” our Mother Hood Facebook page to help support Arkansas Children’s Hospital. (page 13)

• Get your hands in the dirt with P. Allen Smith at ArkansasBlue, our health insurance store at Shackleford Crossings in Little Rock. (page 8)

• Run in the Susan G. Komen Ozark Race for the Cure at the Promenade Mall in Rogers, Ark. (page 11)

Discover...

• Take your old, unused prescriptions to be safely disposed of at a National Take Back Day location. (page 18)

saturday, june 9

sunday, september 9

• Enjoy our “Dance and Discover” party at the Museum of Discovery. Show your member ID card to get in free and join the fun! (page 11)

• Whether you are a Nana, Mimi, Pops or Papaw, you can bring your grandbabies to “Grow with Grandparents” day at the Museum of Discovery. Show your member ID card to get in free! (page 11)

... the “Amazing You” exhibit at the Museum of Discovery, sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross ... page 10

Case management helps with rehab page 6

Garden expert P. Allen Smith shares advice page 8

Blue & You Foundation gives healthy smiles page 14