LIVING
healthy MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2013 Queensland Country Health Fund Policyholder Newsletter ed.9
SPECIAL OPTICAL
discounts
CHANGES TO
benefits super foods
THE MEANS TEST
for you
better health cover shouldn’t hurt
From the
General Manager Health Fund
Health insurance has remained in news headlines over the past six
As you may be aware, it is coming up to that time of year when we
months with the Government announcing a number of proposed
need to notify our policyholders of an increase in premiums. Our
changes to the Medicare Rebate. The most recent proposed change
focus has always been to keep health insurance as affordable as
reduces the Medicare Rebate for policyholders who currently pay a
possible. We are proud of the fact that our premium increases have
Lifetime Health Cover loading.
been less than our major competitors and the industry average for
The Government has proposed that from July 01 this year, the portion of a policyholder’s premium that relates to the loading will no longer receive a Medicare rebate. For most people (who pay a loading) this will not be a significant change, although the change is
each of the past eight years. During the past five years we have also been able to increase benefits each year. This year we have done it again. Our latest review of benefits has been completed and we have outlined these changes further in the magazine.
likely to impact lower income earners. This is certainly not a change
Thank you for continuing to support the Health Fund and I welcome
Queensland Country Health Fund supports and these concerns
any feedback you would like to share.
have been expressed to Government via our industry association (HIRMAA). The change is yet to be passed through parliament. On a more positive note, Queensland Country is in the final testing stage of a mobile optimised website and Online Member Services. We will have both of these access points available in the next couple of months. These enhancements will provide policyholders with improved online access to information and policy details via smart phones, tablets etc. You also might be interested to know that we have commenced a
Aaron Newman General Manager Queensland Country Health Fund Em. anewman@qccu.com.au
promotion in February which benefits our existing policyholders. If you appreciate the value of your health insurance with us why not tell a friend. If your friend then joins as a policyholder by the end of March we will send you a $200 gift card to say thank you!
“
We are proud of the fact that our premium increases have been less than our
major competitors
and the industry average for each of the past 8 years
2 Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
SPECIAL OPTICAL discounts
Queensland Country Health Fund has established a number of preferred provider arrangements with leading optical providers. These arrangements mean that our policyholders receive special discounts (for those who have Extras cover) for the purchase of eyewear frames and prescription lenses. The following table outlines the different optical providers we have arrangements with and the discount they offer to Queensland Country policyholders.
Townsville only
•
A 40-60% discount will apply to all optical frames when purchasing a complete set of spectacles
•
Prescription spectacle lenses attract a 15% discount
•
Prescription contact lenses attract a 15% discount
•
Townsville only
•
A discount of 21% on all glasses frames and lenses and a discount of 10% on all contact lenses purchased at retail stores.
•
A discount of 21% on all glasses frames and lenses and a discount of 10% on all contact lenses purchased at retail stores.
•
A discount of 21% on all glasses frames and lenses and a discount of 10% on all contact lenses purchased at retail stores.
•
25% discount for one pair of complete glasses (frames and lenses) from the $149 range or above, purchased at retail stores (no discount applies on two pair deals or complete glasses with less than $149 value)
•
20% discounts on optical extras (extras include suntint and UV filter, Polaroid lenses, Transitions lenses, driving tints, Drivewear lenses, Thin and Light lenses)
•
Free contact lens assessment, fitting and trial (no discounts apply to contact lens purchases)
•
Eye tests bulk billed to Medicare plus free Digital Retinal Photography
Be rewarded with $200
VISIT qldcountryhealth.com.au/cover-options/promotions FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 3
Did you know... Queensland Country pay benefits towards the usual and customary charges of essential health care expenses not reimbursed from any other source e.g. School indemnity Insurance or Travel insurance if a Dependant Child is injured at school, in a school activity or travelling to or from school. These benefits may include services claimed through Medicare which can be submitted to Queensland Country Health Fund for a top-up to be paid from the School Accident Benefit up to the Membership year limit.
@ 4 Queensland Country Health Fund | September 2012
School Accident Benefit Limits per membership year and what we will pay
Type of
Waiting
Service
Period
Premium Extras
Essential Extras
Young Extras
2 months
100% - limit of $750 per dependant child per membership year
100% - limit of $450 per dependant child per membership year
Not offered under Young Extras
School accidents
Supporting the Community Queensland Country Health Fund actively supports many community initiatives across the state that assists to build healthier communities.
L
A more recent event we sponsored was the Bowen Triathlon. It was a great success with more than 250 adults and 40 kids participating.
12pbUAZN Hospital Network
Queensland Country Health Fund has negotiated purchaser provider agreements with most of the private hospitals and day hospital facilities Australia wide. We have agreements with over 500 private hospitals across Australia which means you have access to quality medical care wherever you live. In most instances, the approved hospital charges for policyholders of a Private Hospital policy will be covered in full once the agreed excess has been deducted. This means that you will benefit from capped fees we’ve negotiated and convenient billing as your invoice will be sent directly to Queensland Country.
To find the nearest contracted private hospital go to our website www.qldcountryhealth.com.au/find-a-hospital
FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 5
CHANGES to benefits Dental The Health Fund completed an extensive review of dental benefits in 2011, with increases to most diagnostic and preventative treatments and restorations. This review has focussed on areas where we have received the strongest feedback from policyholders and staff. For the most part this revolves around crowns and bridges. Crowns can have substantial out of pocket expenses depending on the dentist used. The amounts payable for individual items numbers has been increased along with the annual sub-limit for Crowns. The changes are as follows: Crowns and Bridges increase to individual dental item numbers:
Current benefit
New benefit
Current benefit
New benefit
Premium Extras
Premium Extras
Essential Extras
Essential Extras
Existing Benefit $
New Benefit $
$500 (accumulating
$550 (accumulating
to $700 per year
to $1,000 per year
after 2 years of
after 2 years of
membership)
membership)
Existing Benefit $ $700 (accumulating Sub-Limit
to $1,400 per year after 2 years of membership)
New Benefit $ $800 (accumulating to $1,500 per year after 2 years of membership)
611
450
500
288
320
613
700
800
448
512
615
700
800
448
512
618
700
800
448
512
625
190
240
122
154
627
110
130
70
83
629
181
230
116
147
631
150
180
96
115
632
180
200
115
128
We have also increased the benefits paid for individual item numbers for Smart Start Extras and Young Extras. There has been no changes to sub-limits for these products.
6 Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
Therapies The Health Fund currently pays attractive benefits for dietician consultations. Whilst our current benefits for these services compare favourably against our competitors our wish was simply to make it more affordable for policyholders to seek advice from a dietician. Obesity is one of the leading causes of chronic disease and if we can provide our policyholders with more affordable treatment it will hopefully lead to some improved health outcomes. We have also increased the benefit for occupational therapy. The table below shows the increased benefit available from April 01, 2013. New benefit Premium Extras
New benefit Essential Extras
New benefit Smart Start Extras
New benefit Young Extras
Dietician initial consultation
$75
$48
$55
$55
subsequent consultation
$40
$26
$35
$35
initial consultation
$80
$51
N/A
N/A
subsequent consultation
$40
$26
N/A
N/A
Occupational Therapy
Single Parent Premium for Private Hospital Cover Queensland Country currently has premiums for single adult policies and family policies (which is twice the single adult premium). Given that adults under a family hospital cover account for the majority of claims, it is logical that a single parent family cover premium should be lower than a family policy covering two adults. Therefore we will be introducing a reduced premium for family policies where there is only one adult covered from April 01,2013. We will be reducing the family premium for Private Hospital Cover by 20% for family covers with one adult. There will be no discount for Extras cover. Existing policyholders who hold a family Private Hospital cover and have only one adult covered, will be contacted in the next month to be advised of the reduction in their policy premium.
FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 7
.
CHANGES to benefits (cont.) Healthy Living Benefit Queensland Country currently pays a living healthy benefit of $125/$150 per policy depending on the product. This payment provides a benefit for policyholders who participate in a quit smoking or weight loss program. We are changing this benefit so that it is available per person covered under the policy rather than per policy.
No Excess for Children
This will therefore provide all family members with access to a benefit
For those policyholders who have a private
which will allow them to be more proactive at managing their health.
hospital cover with an excess, we currently
Extras Product Premium Extras
Essential Extras
Smart Start Extras Young Extras
offer an excess exemption for children up
New benefit
to and including five years who require a
$150 annual limit – benefit limit applies per person covered
hospital admission. This will now be extended to
$125 annual limit – benefit limit applies
include children up to and
per person covered
including 10 years to try
$125 per person up to $250 per policy
and reduce the financial
per year
burden for young families
$125 per person up to $250 per policy
if there is a hospital or
per year
day surgery admission.
Mobile optimised website Queensland Country has been developing betters ways for our policyholders to access information regarding their policies. One initiative which will be available in March is a mobile optimised website. This means that when our website is accessed using a mobile device, i.e. a smart phone or tablet, a simplified website is shown providing easy access to the most popular pages of our site. Below is an example of how the mobile site will look. 8 Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
We are also working on a mobile optimised version of our Online Member Services which will allow policyholders to access their own personal policy details via a mobile device to check on the availability of benefits, update personal details and even change the level of cover. Testing is being completed at the moment and this should be available in April.
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.
Lauren Nugent Eat Smart Nutrition Consultant
Make 2013 Super with the New Super Foods! There are a host of new ‘super’ foods being touted as energy giving, disease preventing, revitalizing, youth preserving and overall powerhouses of nutrition. But do they do all they claim to?
giving but they still contribute calories and
eating a block of raw cacao however
carbohydrate to the diet so be aware that
it can be added to smoothies, yoghurt,
you can have too much of a good thing!
used in cooking or making a hot/cold
They do carry a hefty price tag so you may
chocolate drink. It is touted to have
like to get your antioxidants from fresh,
many health benefits from being an
frozen or other dried berries.
aphrodisiac to increasing our feel good chemicals to being a muscle relaxant due
Acai Berry
to its high magnesium content. For my
Pronounced ‘ah-sigh-ee’, this non-typical
eating pleasure, I’d rather a great tasting
berry is actually a reasonable source of
chocolate a little less often over a very
protein. Similar to Goji it is also high in
bitter somewhat chocolate-y powder
Chia seeds
antioxidants and a range of micronutrients.
every day!
Originating from Central America, this
The Acai berry is extremely sensitive
seed is a water absorbing seed that can be
to light and air so make sure you store
Spirulina
made in to a gel or used in baking as well
it properly. Is it worth the hype? A
A high protein, non-meat source of
as simply being added to cereal, yoghurt or
reasonable source of protein for those who
nutrition. While this may be true in large
a smoothie. The seeds are high in soluble
struggle to find enough protein in their diet
quantities, most people only consume
fibre, Omega-3 fatty acids and contain
(e.g. vegetarian or vegan eaters) but for
spirulina in small doses so its value is rarely
protein, calcium, vitamin C and antioxidants.
most they are not a tasty (in fact they’re
felt. Most people would prefer to get their
Great for people who experience
quite tasteless) way to good health!
protein from a nice piece of steak, chickpea
constipation and for those looking for a
pattie or a tub of yoghurt rather than a
non-fish source of Omega-3s. They can be
Maca
expensive however, a cheaper option with
The Incan super food! This is a “revitalizing”
the same benefits are flaxseeds.
powder, which contains amino acids (the
Super foods they may be, but good health,
building blocks of protein), essential fatty
vitality, youthfulness and vigour is achieved
Goji berries
acids (e.g. Omega-3s) and micro nutrients.
through many aspects of life, not just the
An extremely rich source of antioxidants
Anecdotally people swear by it, however,
foods we put in our mouth. So to live
that provide high levels of vitamin C. They
the scientific community is still waiting for
a long and prosperous life - Eat Smart,
taste like cherries and can be added to
the revitalizing to occur!
exercise, keep your mind active, care for
cereal, muesli, yoghurt, baking or simply
green drink.
your heart and you are on your way to a
enjoyed by themselves. Goji berries are a
Cacao
dried fruit and as such should be enjoyed in
Raw chocolate? Yep, this is raw chocolate!
a 2 tblsp serving size. They may be health
What does it taste like? Very, very bitter
super 2013!
chocolate. Can’t see too many people FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 9
The Low Down on High Intensity Not all of us can afford a gym
the park while the kids play, and then walk
membership, or can fit in hour long
that same distance back. How many times
workouts at the gym each day. And some
can you do that in 20 minutes? Next time
of us, who might be exercise-phobes or
– beat it! Be inventive, be creative and
workaholics, find it pretty daunting to even
time yourself. Exercise isn’t just about how
START! Well, let me introduce you to the
you look and a number on the scales. It’s
wonderful, time efficient world of
also about fitness and strength gain, and
interval training!
feeling happy and strong, in body
“Inter....whaaaaa’?!” you say. Interval
and mind.
training! This form of training generally
If you are lucky enough to have some
includes cardio and often strength training
gym equipment at home, think full body
exercises, working at a high intensity,
exercises. Why just squat when you
with less intense blocks, or rest periods,
could be holding dumbbells (or even a
in between. With the peaks and the lows,
tin of beans or water bottles!) and doing
it’s a really efficient way to boost your
overhead presses at the same time? More
metabolic rate which means you’ll still be
muscles, more calories burnt.
burning calories even after the session has finished. Studies have shown that a 20 minute interval session versus a 45
“I
Lauren Kelly Lauren Kelly Personal Training
How much and how often you do this is ultimately up to you. Ideally, a 20-30 minute workout 4-6 times a week would
don’t have time for exercise!”
minute steady pace session can actually
Sound familiar?
So my question is, why aren’t we ALL
improve your health and wellbeing. Just do
doing this? Especially as most of us are
what you can! Add in extra bits and pieces
Well, I have some exciting and possibly surprising news for you....you do!
time poor, working long hours, looking
where you’re able – park a little further
after the kids, the house, studying - the list
away from work, ride your bike to work,
goes on and on.
take the stairs. All those things count!
Don’t have equipment? No problem! Think
But the most important thing is to find balance. Find exercise you love that fits in with your current lifestyle. Dancing, rock climbing, bush walking, swimming - just move! That, with a healthy, balanced diet will make our mind and our body work as one.
You don’t always need to do a lot, you just need to be doing the right things at the right intensity. Even five or ten minutes a day will do, especially if it’s a choice between that and nothing at all.
burn more calories overall. More bang for your buck – yes please!
push ups, sit ups, squats, lunges, hovers and planks. Then introduce what I like to call, the puffy stuff! Jump squats, sprints in your backyard, fast mountain climbers, and utilising hills and steps. Check out body weight exercises online, and you’ll
So, what’s in it for you?
be amazed by the variety of things you
Ultimately, exercise makes us happy. It
can do, even in your own home. How
keeps us healthy, helps you to sleep better,
about squats for one minute, followed by
maintains energy levels throughout the
a 30 second wall hold squat and 10 jump
day and it can even assist in alleviating the
squats? Repeat that whole sequence 3-4
symptoms of stress and depression.
times for a cardio leg blast! Or sprint in
10 Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
be best, for fitness and strength gains. But if you only have 5-10 minutes a day, that’s OK, you’re going to definitely help
A very happy one!
News too good to keep to yourself REFER A FRIEND BEFORE MARCH 29 TO JOIN QUEENSLAND COUNTRY HEALTH FUND AND BE rewarded with $200* …Don’t forget to remind your friends when joining they need to tell us your name and contact details so we can send you your reward!
qldcountryhealth.com.au *Offer valid 4 February to 29 March 2013 and excludes corporate, public hospital cover and Young Extras. Terms and conditions apply and can be obtained by calling 1800 813 415. Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd ABN 18 085 048 237.
Wellness Portal
+
Queensland Country launched an exciting new feature through our Online Member Services in October last year. Our new wellness portal provides some online tools to help our policyholders manage their health. The portal includes a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), a personal health record and a web based coaching and personalised health news. We have had a great response from policyholders since the launch and many have already completed a health risk assessment. As an incentive over the past three months, we offered policyholders the opportunity to win one of three iPads for completing a HRA. The promotion finished at the end of December and the following lucky Members each won an iPad:
Zora, Warilla NSW Robert, South Mackay QLD Lisa, Thuringowa Central QLD
Congra
tulation
s Lisa!
Martin Hodgson BSc (Hons) Optometrist, The Optical Superstore, Townsville
Cataracts Explained A cataract is an opacity, or loss of transparency of the eye’s crystalline lens. Age related cataracts are common, however cataracts can occur at any age and children may even be born with congenital cataracts. Fortunately, with modern surgical techniques the treatment of cataract is a simple matter for the patient – normally a short, low-risk outpatient procedure.
vision. Some small congenital cataracts
at the same appointment if arrangements
may resemble dots or specks on the
are being made for surgery. Alternatively
crystalline lens and not require treatment,
the surgeon might recommend periodic
but larger cataracts require surgery. Other
observation until the cataracts are ‘ready’ to
possible causes of cataract include trauma,
be removed.
systemic disease, eye disease and sideeffects from medications.
Modern cataract surgery is a truly amazing hi-tech procedure with very low risk of
Cataracts can be detected during a routine
serious complications. A surgeon should
eye examination by your optometrist or
explain the procedure in detail and make
general practitioner. Often early signs of
the patient fully aware of the risks involved.
cataracts will prompt a clinician to simply
Normally a single cataract is removed and
monitor your eyes with annual or six-
replaced with an intraocular lens implant
monthly check-ups. Cataracts may take
during an outpatient procedure that may
several years to develop to the stage where
take as little as 20 minutes. Surgery is
surgery is indicated. On the other hand,
performed using local anaesthetic, but the
occasionally an early cataract will worsen
patient is often also given a mild sedative.
significantly in a matter of months. It is
The majority of patients are pleasantly
The symptoms of age related cataract
always important to see an optometrist
surprised at how easy and comfortable
often begin with glare from oncoming
promptly if you feel that your vision in one
the procedure is. If a cataract needs to be
car headlights at night or from the sun
or both eyes has deteriorated.
removed from the second eye this is often
when it is low in the sky. This is caused
The decision on when to refer a cataract
by light scatter from the cataract. Other
patient to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon)
Accurate measurements and modern
common symptoms are the result of
is based on the severity of a patient’s
surgical techniques ensure that many
cataracts significantly reducing the amount
symptoms and the observations of the
patients are less reliant on spectacles
of light entering the eye – often patients
optometrist or GP. Some patients are
following cataract surgery. Often reading
complain of needing a bright light close
keen to have cataracts removed as early
glasses only will be required.
by for reading and difficulties with poor
as possible to achieve optimum vision and
contrast tasks such as reading newspapers
possibly reduce the reliance on spectacles.
or sewing dark fabrics. Age-related
Others prefer the more conservative
cataracts become increasingly common
approach of waiting until symptoms
with advancing age over the age of sixty
are causing noticeably poor vision and
and, although one eye will often develop a
significant inconvenience (e.g. not being
cataract earlier than the other most patients
able to drive at night) before opting
eventually develop cataracts in both eyes.
for surgery.
Congenital cataracts occur in roughly 4
A cataract patient’s initial appointment with
in 10,000 infants and are responsible
an ophthalmologist will involve a thorough
for nearly 10% of childhood vision loss
eye examination and a discussion of the
worldwide. Early detection and treatment
implications of surgery. A number of scans
is essential for a child to develop normal
and measurements will be taken, possibly
performed a few weeks after the first.
As an optometrist it is a pleasure to see patients return to me a month after cataract surgery, delighted with the outcome and
S
amazed at how simple it was to fix their cataracts.
FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 13
Travelling Overseas
If you’re lucky enough to travel overseas, and you’re going to be absent from Australia for more than 4 weeks and less than 24 months, and provided you’ve fulfilled all the criteria, you may apply for a suspension on your policy. This will allow you to stop paying your premiums for a period when you are overseas. Please call us for full details when you’re making your travel plans.
Queensland Flood Appeal Queensland Country is again getting behind the Queensland Flood Appeal after flood waters ravaged Central Queensland in late January this year. Donation points have been set up at all Queensland Country Credit Union branches, to raise funds for the great work St Vincent De Paul are doing in providing financial aid and personal support to those who need it most.
14 Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
Funds donated to St Vincent De Paul will provide recovery efforts for those most affected and assist in the long term support they will require. We have also written and emailed to policyholders in the locations affected offering options if they are having difficulty paying premiums to help ease any financial difficulties. If these communications have not reached you and you have been affected by the floods, please feel free to contact us on 1800 813 415.
Healthy Living Benefit As well as helping you get well we want to help you stay well. Therefore we offer benefits to encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle. Queensland Country offers benefits for a range of services that assist in improving health. We will pay up to $150 per person per membership to assist you to:
P articipate in your choice of weight loss programs (excluding: gym memberships, personal training and other physical activity programs)
Consultation fees for Metabolic dieticians and nutritionists when providing assistance with weight loss
Participate in quit smoking programs
B owel screening tests and bone density tests (no doctors referral will be required)
Have your skin checked for skin cancers through mole mapping
P SA test (one per year). We will cover a second yearly test not covered by Medicare
Consultation fees for Diabetes educators
Limits per membership year and what we will pay *From April 1 the benefits will apply per person covered.
Type of service
Healthy Living
Waiting periods
2 months
Premium Extras
Essential Extras
$150 per person
$125 per person
covered*
covered*
Smart Start/ Young Extras $125 per person, up to $250 per policy per year*
FEBRUARY 2013 | Queensland Country Health Fund 15
OUR GREEN LOANS CAN HELP YOU
spend less
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a refreshing attitude to banking
Call 1800 075 078 or visit your local branch today.
16
1800 075 078 qccu.com.au Queensland Country Health Fund | FEBRUARY 2013
Minimum borrowing of $3,000. Maximum amount of $20,000. Normal lending criteria applies. Interest rates subject to change. Terms and conditions available on request. Queensland Country Credit Union Limited ABN 77 087 651 027 Australian Credit Licence 244 533.