Compass Outreach
FALL 2012
Service. Stability. Security.
Change in 2013 Health Plan Rates inside this issue: Meet Your Member Services Manager!..2 Community Outreach...... 3
For the first time in nearly a decade, our 2013 health plan premiums have experienced an approximate 16% out-of-pocket increase for single coverage and a 19% out-of-pocket increase for family coverage.
Monthly
Bi-Weekly
Monthly
Government Share
$190.84
$413.49
$424.95
$920.73
Member Share
$71.34
$154.57
$177.78
$385.19
Family Life......................... 14 Specialty Products.......... 15
2013 Open Season Dates This year’s Federal EmployeesHealthBenefits (FEHB) Open Season runs from November 12 through December 10, 2012. During this time, all Federal employees and retireescurrentlyenrolled in any FEHB plan have the opportunity to make changesintheircoverage. Foractiveemployees,any changes made during OpenSeasonwillbecome effectivethefirstdayofthe first pay period in 2013. For retirees, the effective date is January 1, 2013. Reminder: To be eligible to continue your health insuranceenrollmentinto retirement, you MUST be enrolled in any FEHB plan for at least five years immediatelypriortoyour retirement.
As a Compass Rose Health Plan member, we feel strongly that you deserve to know why we had to increase our premiums to this level. Over the last nine years, we have taken pride in being able to offer you and your family consistent rate stability and comprehensive health care coverage while consistently maintaining an almost flat-line out-of-pocket premium.
Compass Rose Health Plan Rate Stability
Compass Rose Health Plan Rate Stability $200.00
$180.00 $160.00
Premiums
What’s Up Doc?......... 12-13
Self and Family (422)
Bi-Weekly
Ask the Pharmacist........... 9 Health Tips................... 10-11
Self Only (421)
2013 RATES
Open Season News....... 4-8
$140.00 $120.00 $100.00
$80.00 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00
$-‐
Self
Family
2003
$54.55
$127.84
2004
$58.76
$137.92
2005
$60.43
$142.93
2006
$59.99
$142.73
2007
$61.23
$146.10
2008
$58.11
$138.69
2009
$56.64
$136.49
2010
$57.43
$142.35
2011
$58.90
$142.91
2012
$61.26
$148.96
2013
$71.34
$177.78
Although keeping this track record has always been our goal, medical trends, inflation, and benefit utilization have caused us to make an adjustment this Open Season. As your health plan provider, please know that we do not anticipate a significant increase again in the foreseeable future. While we understand that this year’s rate increase may be disappointing for some members, we hope that our competitive benefits, powerful nationwide PPO network, and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service will help reassure you that you are, and always will be, our number one priority.
Meet Your Member Services Manager! Greetings! My name is Venita Majette-Hill and I am the Member Services Manager for Compass Rose Benefits Group. With over 19 years of managerial experience as an Intelligence Community and DoD civilian instructor, I personally understand the challenging and unique needs of our member population. “Our Member Services Mission is to service the member on a personal level. When escalations occur or when the member needs confirmation, or assistance with health eligibility enrollment processes, we are here to help. We also assist our members with our popular Specialty Products that Compass Rose Benefits Group offers. We provide information to prospective members who consider selecting Compass Rose Health Plan or our Specialty Products such as New York Life Insurance, Group Accident Plan and The 20•20 Foundation. Collectively, our team has over 200 years of insurance and member service experience and training is a continuous requirement. Our goal is to touch the member in 24 hours and resolve in 48. Although there may be times that this may not be applicable, it is what keeps us committed and motivated to provide our dear members with an exceptional member experience.” Venita Majette-Hill Manager, Member Services
As a graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams!), I am also a certified trainer and specialist on the State and Local level with agencies and various programs that service communities in the Richmond, VA, area and surrounding counties. Today, I happily reside in Central Virginia with my husband and our adopted 2-year-old Bully named Rexi. “In the spirit of the holiday season, I would like to share with you one of my favorite recipes from Good Housekeeping that’s sure to keep you warm throughout the holidays!” -Venita
Beef Burgundy
Amount per serving: Total Fat: 11g Cholesterol: 52mg Oven Temp: 325˚ Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck, trimmed of fat and cut into 1.5-inch chunks • 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces • 3 clove(s) garlic, crushed with side of chef’s knife • 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• • • • • •
2 tablespoons tomato paste ¾ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 2 cups dry red wine 4 springs fresh thyme 2 packages (10 ounce) mushrooms, each mushroom cut in half • 1 bag (16-ounce) frozen peas
Directions: 1. In 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high until hot. Pat beef dry with paper towels. Add beef, in 2 batches, and cook 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until well browned on all sides. With slotted spoon, transfer beef to medium bowl. Preheat oven to 325˚ F. 2. To drippings in Dutch oven, add carrots, garlic, onion, and cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour, tomato paste, ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring. Add wine and heat to boiling, stirring until browned bits are loosened from bottom of Dutch oven. 3. Return meat and juices in bowl to Dutch oven. Add thyme and mushrooms; heat to boiling. Cover and bake 1.5 hours or until meat is fork-tender, stirring once. Discard thyme sprigs. Just before stew is done, cook peas as label directs. Stir in peas.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH Compass Outreach
Compass Rose Charities Supports American Heroes! On October 18, 2012, Compass Rose Charities (CRC) hosted its 3rd Annual Golf Invitational and Charity Auction benefiting Companions4Heroes (C4H), a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase public awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). C4H also rally’s support for animal welfare and the adoption of shelter and/or rescue animals to help our men and women in uniform cope with PTSD and TBI. Over 125 participants attended the Invitational. We had the distinct privilege to host the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper and his wife, Susan. In addition, we were honored to host C4H founder, David Sharpe; Regional Director, Jason Allen; and two (2) local American Veterans and their service animals. As a result of the generosity of our vendor sponsorships and auction winners, we were able to raise over $100,000! To view pictures from this year’s event or to learn more about the Veterans and C4H, visit www.compassrosecharities.org.
Since its establishment in 2010, CRC has been able to donate nearly $50,000 to the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation and over $65,000 to help support American Heroes.
Compass Rose Proudly Wears Pink! In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Compass Rose proudly partnered with the Agency throughout the month of October to raise awareness and donations to help fight breast cancer. Together with the Agency, we hosted a Breast Cancer Panel with leading OMS medical experts discussing the benefits of early detection and the importance of being proactive about your health. In addition Compass Rose Health Plan Director, Mary O’Connell, spoke about the overall FEHB benefits and coverage for breast cancer. IntheU.S., We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to accounts for all of the individuals that helped make this event diagnosed in women. such a great success!
breastcancer
cancers
nearly 1 in 3
Project USO Elf Season’s Greetings from all of us at Compass Rose Benefits Group! For the 2nd consecutive year, we are proudly joining forces with the United Service Organizations (USO) to support our troops and their families. We will purchase holiday presents for children whose parent(s) are currently serving our country. Since its establishment in 1941, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families, and will continue to be there for them until everyone comes home. The staff at CRBG is always willing to go above and beyond to help make a difference in a child’s life. This holiday season, we proudly salute and sincerely thank our brave military service members and families, family members of deceased fallen heroes, and military veterans for their service to our country. To learn ways you can show your support to the USO, please visit www.uso.org.
3
Open Season News
Save the Date! This Open Season, Compass Rose Benefits Group (CRBG) President Randy Stoughton cordially invites you to attend CRBG’s 1st LIVE Online Chat with the President! For the first time you, the member, have the opportunity to address health related questions directly with Randy.
LIVE Chat with CRBG President Randy Stoughton Topic: 2013 Compass Rose Health Plan Benefits Host: Randy Stoughton Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 Time: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST Participation Instructions: To join the online chat on November 30th at 1p.m. EST, sign in at www.compassrosebenefits.com. In order to ensure you do not miss valuable information, please join at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. If you are unable to attend the chat, we’ve got you covered! In weeks following the chat, we will post the entire transcript on our website and social media pages for your convenience. So make sure to check it out!
PlanSmartChoice PLUS Recipient We are proud to announce that the Compass Rose Health Plan has been awarded the PlanSmartChoice Plus Award for the 2nd consecutive year! This award recognizes the 12 top-rated Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans based on PlanSmartChoice results and user satisfaction ratings. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other agencies promote PlanSmartChoice free of charge to all Federal employees. If you would like to utilize this online health plan comparison tool to quickly compare all FEHB plans, please visit www.plansmartchoice.com.
Join the Compass Rose Green Initiative! In our continuing efforts to ‘Go Green’ with the 2013 OPM Brochure, you can request an electronic copy of all future newsletters be sent to your e-mail by visiting www.compassrosebenefits.com/ECompass. Please Note: If you sign up to receive the Compass Connection Newsletter electronically, you will no longer receive a hard copy by mail. All members have the freedom to “opt-out” of receiving the newsletter electronically at their convenience.
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Open Season News New Regulations Ensure Consumers Have Access to Clear, Consistent, and Comparable Health Care Information Under the Affordable Care Act, Federal health plans are now required to make available an easy-to-understand summary about a health plan’s benefits and coverage. These new regulations are a joint effort among the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury and are designed to help consumers determine the best health insurance options for themselves and their families. The new forms include:
• A brief, plain language Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
• A uniform glossary of terms commonly used in health insurance coverage
“Workers and their families need clear and understandable information regarding their health coverage. Today’s proposal is a common-sense step that will help workers quickly and easily compare different coverage options, in order to make more informed decisions.” - Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis In recent weeks, you should have received the 2013 Compass Rose Health Plan SBC by mail. The SBC’s standardized 8-page format details our plan benefits and allows you to easily make comparisons among all FEHB plans. If you have additional questions not answered in the SBC, please call (877) 531-1159 or visit www.compassrosebenefits.com/glossary to view the uniform glossary of terms. Don’t forget that you can always request a copy of the 2013 Health Benefits Brochure by mail at any time by calling (866) 368-7227.
MOVING? Make Sure to Let Us Know! If you have recently moved, you can conveniently update your personal information: 1. Online: Complete and submit the Change of Address Form found at www.compassrosebenefits.com/Address. 2. By Phone: Contact a Member Services Representative by calling (866) 368-7227. Reminder: If you change your address with your parent Agency or with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), CRBG is NOT notified.
5
Open Season News
Welcome Back ESI! As we have announced in previous mailings, Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) finalized its merger with Medco Health Solutions Inc. So what exactly does this mean? This means that Express Scripts and Medco have come together as one company to manage your prescription benefit. As a result, ESI will replace Medco on all future correspondence.
What Has Stayed the Same?
• Y ou have access to the same retail pharmacies (including Walgreens) and clinical experts • Contact (877) 438-4449 for refills or any pharmacy-related questions • Mail your prescriptions to: Express Scripts P.O. Box 30117 Tampa, FL 33630
What Has Changed?
If you are interested in managing your prescription refills online, please make sure to visit ESI’s website at www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy, which has been created specifically to accommodate your needs. Reminder: Using this online tool is NOT mandatory.
Compass Rose Drug Tier
2013 Rx Co-pays
2013 Medicare Rx Co-pays
Coming Soon: NEW Member ID Cards In late December, you will be receiving your new health plan member identification (ID) card which will display the ESI logo and your NEW ESI prescription ID number. Effective January 1, 2013, please discard your old ID card and use the new ID card. The new ID card is necessary for you to obtain medications at a retail pharmacy.
6
Open Season News Compass Outreach
Additional Benefits to Check Out Did you know that as a Compass Rose Health Plan member, you and your covered family members have access to additional benefits that can help reduce your annual out-of-pocket expenses? For your convenience, below is a complete listing of these benefits:
abCorp is the lab of choice for 100% covered outpatient laboratory testing. While you still have • L the option to have your lab work processed through Quest Diagnostics, these claims will be considered out-of-network.
S Imaging offers a voluntary, VIP Appointment-Scheduling Program for your advanced diagnostic • U imaging tests such as MRI, CT, and PET scans. This Program is not applicable to members enrolled in Medicare A and B.
areington’s nationwide Dental and Vision Discount Program offers discounts on • C procedures and services such as teeth cleanings, X-rays, dentures, orthodontics, crowns, eye exams, eyewear, LASIK, and much more!
lobalFit is a discount benefit that offers a full range of affordable options for you to get fit, feel • G more energized, and live a healthier lifestyle.
• Q uitnet’s Smoking Cessation Benefit Program is confidential, voluntary, and FREE! This Program offers members over the age of 18 a mix of support options including personal coaching, online tools and support, a printed Quit Guide, Quit medications, and Quit Tips e-mail notifications.
To learn more about the additional benefits available to you, please visit www.compassrosebenefits.com.
Attention: Retiree Associations If you are currently a member of a retiree association, we’d like to hear from you! At Compass Rose Benefits Group (CRBG), we are always looking for ways to become more involved with our retiree population. For instance, we welcome the opportunity to provide your association with customized articles to publish in your newsletter or on your website. In addition, if we have a Representative near your area, we will do our best to accommodate your request to speak in-person at your luncheons or events. Travel restrictions may apply. If you are interested in learning more ways we can assist you and your association, please contact retireeassociation@compassrosebenefits.com.
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Open Season News
Learn How to Turn a “Co-Payment” into a “No-payment!” As an active Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) member, you have an opportunity to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a tax-favored program offered by your employer that allows you to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
How Can Enrolling In FSA Save Me Money On My Out-of-Pocket Expenses? Your selected allotments can pay for health care services such as: • Co-pays
• Dental and vision expenses
• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Child care and/or adult day care expenses
Please Note: Unlike other Federal benefits you must enroll each year that you choose to participate. While your participation in FSA is completely voluntary and free, it is important to understand that enrollment into FSA runs concurrently with the FEHB Open Season dates. Find out how it works by visiting www.FSAFEDS.com. Source:FSAFEDS
We Value Your Opinion Every year, a small group of Federal employees are randomly selected from each Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan to participate in a Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) questionnaire. The CAHPS questionnaire covers topics that are important to consumers and focuses on aspects of quality that consumers are best qualified to assess, such as the communication skills of providers and ease of access to health care services. This year, the CAHPS questionnaire reported that the vast majority of our members feel that we communicate plan benefits extremely effectively! If you were one of the randomly selected members chosen, we would like to personally thank you for taking time to provide feedback. However, we enjoy hearing from all of our members and encourage you to provide us with feedback year-round at www.compassrosebenefits.com/feedback. Your membership is important to us and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.
8
Ask the Pharmacist Medication Safety Tips for Travelers The key to healthy, fun traveling is to plan ahead. This is particularly true if you’re taking medications, which, though meant to keep you well, can actually pose health risks due to travel and exposure to sun.
We are excited to feature the following article written by ESI Pharmacist, Paul Reyes.
Try these tips:
• A lways keep your medications on you. Medications should always be kept in carry-on luggage to avoid the possibility of getting lost with checked baggage. Also, the extreme temperatures checked baggages are exposed to may decrease the effectiveness of some medication.
• A lways keep a list of your medications. On the list, be sure to include specifics, such as the doses and why you take each medication.
• Consider time zone changes. If you’re traveling to a different time zone, ask your pharmacist about how to adjust your dosing schedule so you can avoid missing doses. The adjustment will vary according to the type of medication.
• C arry prescriptions in their original containers. It may cause confusion if they’re kept in unlabeled containers or bags.
• Prepare for weather changes. Store medication needing refrigeration in an insulated bag with a cold pack.
In addition to traveling, leisure plans often include getting back to nature. Here are some tips to remember when spending time in the great outdoors:
• Take precautions with sun-sensitive medications. Some medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and ibuprofen, can cause a reaction when skin is exposed to the sun. Medications usually include instructions that will tell you to wear sunscreen or to stay out of the sun altogether.
• Treating poison ivy and other rashes. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone may be helpful in stopping the itch. In severe cases, doctors may suggest taking an oral steroid.
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion. They include dizziness, sweating, headache and nausea. Stay hydrated. During the hottest time of day, wear lightweight clothing and refrain from strenuous activities. It’s especially important for seniors to stay out of intense heat.
For more information on traveling with medications, visit www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy.
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HEALTH TIPS Avoid Paying More for Your Prescriptions Three (3) commonly prescribed drugs—Lipitor, Plavix, and Singulair are now available in their less expensive generic versions.
The generic version of Lipitor is: atorvastatin The generic version of Plavix is: clopidogrel The generic version of Singulair is: montelukast As a result, these medications are no longer part of our plan’s Level 2 Brand Name Formulary medications. Therefore, if you are currently taking one of these drugs you will be required to pay the higher, Level 3 Brand Name Non-Formulary co-pay. Don’t forget to ask your physician if the newly available and less expensive generic versions of Lipitor, Plavix, or Singulair may be right for you! Please Note: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic versions (or equivalents) contain the same active ingredients, and are the same in safety, strength, performance, quality, and dosage form – as their brand counterparts. To review our Formulary Guide, please visit www.compassrosebenefits.com/Formulary. While the Formulary Guide is NOT an all-inclusive list of formulary and non-formulary medications, it does contain a list of the most commonly prescribed medications that are covered under your ESI Pharmacy Benefit.
Rx Tip! Do you often have difficulties opening your prescription bottles? Enacted in 1970, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) requires a number of household substances to be packaged in child-resistant packaging. However, you can request non-child resistant and reusable caps for your prescriptions by simply calling an ESI Representative at (877) 438-4449. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
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CompassHEALTH Outreach TIPS Breast Awareness and Self-Exam Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam every month can make a lifetime of difference. Beginning in their 20s, the American Cancer Society (ACA) recommends that women perform breast self-exams (BSE) regularly (usually monthly after their period). For women age 40 and older, an annual mammogram is strongly recommended. Following ACA guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer improves the chances that breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully. ACA’s recommendations for performing a breast self-exam are the following:
Check One, Check Two
1. Lie down and place your right arm behind your head.
breast abnormalities are found through
3. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps.
Nearly 70% of all
self-exams.
2. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.
4. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast changes to a health professional as soon as they are found. For women age 35 and older, your annual routine mammogram is 100% covered under the Compass Rose Health Plan’s Preventive Care Benefit. Sources: American Cancer Society, National Breast Cancer Foundation
Tips for Managing Stress This Holiday Season According to the American Heart Association, four (4) simple techniques for managing stress include:
• P ositive Self-Talk: With practice, you can learn to turn a negative thought into a positive one. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this” tell yourself “I’ll do the best I can.”
• E mergency Stress Stoppers: Whether at work, at home, or on the road, emergency stress stoppers like “Count to 10 before you speak” or “Go for a walk” can help you deal with stress on the spot.
• F inding Pleasure: Try to do at least one thing every day that you enjoy.
• Daily Relaxation: Some good forms of relaxation include yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
Source: American Heart Association
11
What’s Up Doc? December 1st: Getting to Zero Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st each year around the world. Over the last two decades, it has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. This year’s campaign is about “Getting to Zero” - zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS related deaths.
History of AIDS in America On June 5, 1981, the first cases of what would become known as AIDS were reported in California. Less than five months later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared this new disease an epidemic. During the height of the epidemic in the mid-1980s, an estimated 130,000 new HIV infections were reported in the United States each year. While this number has decreased by more than two-thirds during the last two decades, HIV infections continue at far too high a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming newly infected with the HIV virus each year. Today, an estimated 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV – and nearly 1 in 5 of those are unaware of their infection.
The Facts Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that can attack key parts of the immune system needed to fight against infections and disease, leaving your body more susceptible to contracting other life threatening diseases, infections, and cancers. When this happens, HIV infection can lead to a much more serious disease known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.
HIV has become one of the
world’s most serious health and development challenges.
Today,anestimated33.4millionpeopleworldwideare
currently living with HIV/AIDS. 12
What’s Up Doc? Compass Outreach Fighting the Stereotype Anyone, at any age, can get HIV and AIDS. Statistics published by the CDC show that people age 50 and older account for nearly 1 in 4 of all people infected with HIV. The CDC reports that the number of HIV/ AIDS cases among Boomers continues to increase because:
Did You Know? For people who wish to obtain anonymous HIV testing, you can now testyourbloodathome.ApprovedbytheFoodandDrugAdministration (FDA) in 1996, the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System is the only HIV home test approved by the FDA and sold in the United States.
• The first AIDS cases in the U.S. were reported in June 1981. Boomers and Traditionalists generally know less about HIV/AIDS than GenX and GenY.
• Healthcare workers and educators often do not talk with Boomers about HIV/AIDS prevention.
• Boomers are less likely to discuss their sexual activity or drug use with their doctor – and doctors are less likely to ask Boomers about their sexual history or talk about risky behaviors.
The HIV virus is usually contracted by having unprotected sex, sharing needles with an infected person, or through contact with HIV-infected blood. In addition to these recognized risk behaviors, a range of social and economic factors can also increase a person’s risk.
Living with HIV Sadly, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Nearly 18,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the United States. Since the first cases were reported in 1981, more than 25 million people have died from the virus. However if you are infected, or become infected, there are a combination of drugs called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) that will help keep the HIV virus in check and will slow down the spread of HIV in the body. Although it is not a cure, HAART is greatly reducing the number of deaths from AIDS in this country. Because many places offer HIV tests, there is no excuse to not get tested. In fact in most states, HIV tests are private and you can choose to take the test without giving your name. So next time you visit your health care provider, ask them to test your blood for AIDS. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit www.hivtest.org to find a HIV testing site near you. On a final note, even though we have achieved significant advancements in the fight against AIDS over the years, challenges still remain. The CDC believes strongly that by maximizing the opportunities now before us, we can envision a reality in which HIV and AIDS are no longer part of our daily lives, but only part of our history.
You may have read or heard chatter about HIV/AIDS BUT do you really know the facts? 1 T/F You CANNOT get HIV through casual contact such as shaking hands or hugging a person with HIV/AIDS. 2 T/F You CAN get HIV from using a public telephone, drinking fountain, restroom, swimming pool, whirlpool, or hot tub. 3 T/F You CAN get HIV from sharing a drink. 4 T/F You CANNOT get HIV from being coughed or sneezed on by a person with HIV/AIDS. 5 T/F you CAN get HIV from giving blood. 6 T/F You CAN get HIV from a mosquito bite. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Aids.gov, WorldAidsCampaign.org
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Answers: 1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. False 6. False
Family Life Can Pets Really Help Keep You Healthy? Studies published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) show that today, nearly two-thirds of U.S. households own one pet. While the decision to own a pet can differ from person to person, there are numerous health benefits associated with owning a pet. For example, owning a pet can decrease your:
• Blood pressure • Cholesterol levels • Triglyceride levels • Feelings of loneliness
In addition, studies show that pets can increase your:
• Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities • Opportunities for socialization
If you are looking to add a loving addition to your home, adopting a companion may be just what the doctor ordered! However, before selecting which pet is right for you experts recommend doing some research beforehand in order to educate yourself about the specific needs of the animal. Some common questions to ask yourself are: How much exercise does the pet require? How large will it become? Is the breed known to be aggressive? How much will it cost for veterinary care? Are pets allowed in my apartment or condominium? Once you’ve completed your research, we encourage you to check out your county’s local webpage for a list of animal shelters near you! Source: National Institute of Health
14
“
Animals are such
agreeable friends they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. - George Elliot
”
Specialty Outreach products Compass
Life Insurance: The Icing on the Cake! According to the nonprofit Life & Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), today 95 million adult Americans have no life insurance coverage and most with coverage have less than most insurance experts recommend (typically up to 10X your annual salary). Established in 2004, Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) was created by the LIFE Foundation in response to the growing concern about the number of Americans who lack adequate life insurance protection. Held each September, LIAM is an industry-wide effort to remind Americans of the need to include life insurance in their financial plans. This September, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro was the national spokesperson for LIAM. Even though Buddy has turned his father’s local bakery into an empire, it wasn’t always a cakewalk. When Buddy’s father died of lung cancer at the age of 54, Buddy faced financial stress while keeping the family business afloat. If Buddy’s father had purchased life insurance, things would have been much easier.
“When you die, your loved ones shouldn’t have to work around the clock to survive. Make sure they’re protected with life insurance.”
– Buddy
The Compass Rose Group Term Life Insurance Plan*, underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company*, caters exclusively to the unique needs of active Federal employees. Some highlights of our affordable plan include:
• Rates, on average, lower than FEGLI
• Simplified medical underwriting – only 3 questions
• Up to $500,000 in Employee and $100,000 in Supplemental Spouse Coverage without salary limitations
•U p to $100,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage automatically included – including loss due to Acts of War if you are there at the direction of your employer
• Full and Immediate Worldwide Coverage for Acts of War and Terrorism
• Our plan is portable and can be taken with you even if you leave your current employer
To learn more about our Group Term Life Insurance Plan*, including plan features, costs, eligibility, limitations and renewal provisions, or to request a brochure, visit www.compassrosebenefits.com/TermLife. *(New York, NY 10010) on Policy Form GMR-ER-P
coffee giveaway! SCAN THIS TAG with your mobile smartphone to register today!
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
A $50 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD! www.compassrosebenefits.com/coffee
No Purchase Necessary. The Compass Rose Benefits Group Gift Card Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 US, DC, and PR, 18 and older. This is a monthly sweepstakes that ends on the last day of each month from April 2012 through December 2012. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by Compass Rose Benefits Group, 1768 Business Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190. BATES # 489524
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Compass Outreach
FALL 2012
Service. Stability. Security. 1768 Business Center Drive Suite 3500 Reston, VA 20190 (571) 449-2366 (866) 368-7227 www.compassrosebenefits.com
Proud to provide quality insurance solutions for more than 60 years!
Compass connection Compass Rose Contact Information: Claims/InforMed
Compass Rose Health Plan P.O. Box 141501 Nashville, TN 37214
(877) 531-1159
Express Scripts, Inc. Express Scripts (877) 438-4449 P.O. Box 30117 www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy Tampa, FL 33630 Lab Program LabCorp (877) 531-1159 Dental and Vision Discount Program
Careington International Corporation 7400 Gaylord Parkway Frisco, TX 75034
Compass Rose Benefits Group Compass Rose Benefits Group 1768 Business Center Dr., Suite 3500 Reston, VA 20190 Social Networks
(800) 290-0523 www.careington.com Identify yourself as a Diversified Federal Group (DFG) member (866) 368-7227 askCRBG@compassrosebenefits.com www.compassrosebenefits.com www.compassrosebenefits.com/Feedback
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