Recent News for Members
At PacificSource, everything we do revolves around taking care of people. And we’re always on the lookout for new ways to do just that. If you have questions about features not highlighted here, we’d be happy to help you find answers. You’re welcome to use our Staff Department Directory or submit our online Contact Us form.
Keeping a Healthy Smile Can Prevent Other Health Risks
Good oral hygiene is important—not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems, such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, and more. Regular checkups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following for good dental care:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss. Bacteria linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach, which can cause tooth decay. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque (the sticky film on teeth) from between your teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and routine oral exams.
Oregon individual policy holders: Round Out Your Health Coverage with an Elect Dental Plan!
- Diagnostic and preventive care services are fully covered when received from an Advantage Network dentist.
- Save out-of-pocket expense. When you see an Advantage Network dentist, the deductible is zero. And, your annual plan maximum increases over three years.
- See any dentist. (If your dentist is not a member of the Advantage Dental Network, deductibles apply and we will cover services based on Advantage Dental usual, customary, and reasonable charges.)
For more information, please call (866) 695-8684 or email individual@pacificsource.com.
Save Yourself Time in the Morning
Are you always feeling rushed in the morning? Here are a few ways to make your mornings a breeze.
- Lay out your clothes the night before. This way you don't waste fifteen minutes searching for your belt.
- Get your coffee pot ready right before bed. All you'll have to do is push start when you wake up.
- Avoid the computer. They can be a time trap.
- Have quick breakfast foods on hand. Prepare breakfast burritos ahead of time so all you have to do is warm one up in the morning.
New Program Offers Members Fast Access to Care for Low Back Pain
If you are suffering from low back pain, you may be eligible to participate in PacificSource's Low Back Pain pilot program. The pilot provides fast access to physical therapists to help get you back on your feet. To see if you might be eligible, visit our dedicated web page, PacificSource.com/backpain.
Welcome to Springtime Allergy Season
Ah, spring: Birds chirping. Flowers blooming. Sun shining. For many of us, the much anticipated season is quickly met with a sniffling, sneezing nose, along with itchy, watery eyes. This doesn’t mean you should plan to spend the next few months hiding indoors. We’ve put together a few tips to help you get through allergy season and enjoy the outdoors. Check out our allergy tips.
Online Bill Pay Tips
If you pay your bill using your bank’s online bill pay service, following these tips can ensure we receive everything we need to process your payment:
- At your policy renewal, check the scheduled payment amount. You may need to adjust the payment if your monthly premium has changed.
- Verify the delivery address to make sure it matches your bill’s payment coupon.
- Include the PacificSource member ID number for each policy you are paying for.
- Allow extra time before your due date. Your bank’s online bill pay service payments are sent to us by regular mail.
Welcome Emails for New Members
If you're a new member, we want to make your transition to PacificSource as easy as possible. To help you get the information you need, you will receive a Welcome email with information about your ID cards, our provider network and how to contact us. It also includes information about the great extras we offer.
Welcome emails are sent each business day to new subscribers who provided an email address in their application. We have both an Oregon version and an Idaho version, with a Montana version soon to come. If you did not include an email address with your application, be sure to check these out. We want to provide answers to your questions and help you get the most from your coverage.
Simple Ways to Save Money
Feeling the post-holiday crunch on your wallet? Here are a few ways to save money without making a huge impact on your lifestyle.
- Buy one fewer latte per week and save $200 this year. Espresso drinks can be expensive and high in calories. Save yourself both by skipping one a week.
- Take a brown bag lunch three times per week. Spending $10 each work day eating out for lunch adds up to $2,600 a year. By bringing your lunch to work a few days per week you can save approximately $1,500 per year. Also, you are more likely to eat healthier when you prepare the food you eat.
- Get creative with date night! You don’t have to sacrifice fun to save money. Some cities have movie theaters that play older releases. Tickets can be significantly less expensive, saving you around $10.
Live Healthy in 2012
Take advantage of free health and wellness tools at PacificSource.com!
As a PacificSource member, you can access free online resources powered by WebMD®. To get started, log in to InTouch, and then click Health Manager.
Visit the Living Healthy section to:
- Take the HealthQuotient® health risk assessment to identify potential health risks related to your lifestyle.
- Learn more about wellness topics.
Thank You!
As 2011 draws to a close, all of us at PacificSource would like to thank you for your business and wish you a happy and healthy new year!
Give Yourself the Gift of Health
December is the month when we tend to think about other people’s needs. Don’t forget to take care of yourself this holiday season by giving yourself the gift of health.
Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
We will be closed on December 26 and January 2 for the holidays.
Making Premium Payments in Person
When making a payment in person at one of our offices, please bring your billing statement payment coupon or your PacificSource member ID card. Presenting your coupon or card will help ensure we have all the information we need to process your payment.
Simple Ways to Walk the Walk
Increasing your number of daily steps will keep you on the path to good health. Here are some simple ways to walk the walk each day.
- Shuffle through the autumn leaves—enjoy the fresh fall air with a walk after dinner.
- Get a pedometer—and aim for 10,000 steps a day.
- Invest in a great pair of walking shoes—a cheaper alternative to a gym membership.
- Return the shopping cart—take the cart all the way back into the store rather than to the closest cart return.
- Walk for charity—participate in a local 5k benefiting a charity.
For our complete top ten list, visit our 10 Simple Ways to Walk the Walk page.
Simple Ways to Lighten Up
Sometimes the everyday stressors in life can really get you down. Here are some simple ways to lighten up and have some fun.
- Relax—take off your shoes and walk in the grass. Take a deep breath and stretch. Sip on a glass of wine.
- Play a game—invite friends over and have some fun.
- Do something that takes your breath away—cross something off your bucket list.
- Create something—paint a picture, make a piece of jewelry, or knit a scarf.
- Explore—take your bike on a new excursion.
For our complete top ten list, visit our 10 Simple Ways to Lighten Up page.
Make Wellness Fun
Exercising and eating right by yourself can be a drag. Here are some simple ways to make wellness fun with a friend, a pet, or even a stranger:
- Find a fitness buddy—working out is more fun with a friend, and it will help you stay accountable.
- Join an online community—check out a wellness blog, or take advantage of the Weight Watchers Online program.
- Hold a family wellness night—make it a competition. Whoever makes the most delicious meal gets to choose the family activity for the night.
For our complete top ten list, visit our 10 Simple Ways to Make Wellness Fun page.
Holiday Hours
We will be closed on Monday, September 5, for Labor Day. Our offices will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6.
Simple Ways to Enhance Your Nutrition
A healthy meal starts with more vegetables and fruits, and smaller portions of protein and grains. Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle can be as easy as these simple steps:
- Fire up the grill—use the grill to cook vegetables and fruits.
- Take your time—savor your food. Eating very quickly may cause you to eat too much.
- Don’t forget the dairy—pair your meal with a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk. They provide the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but have less fat and fewer calories. Don’t drink milk? Try soy milk (soy beverage) or include fat-free or low-fat yogurt in your meal.
- Try new foods—keep it interesting by picking out new foods you’ve never tried before. You might find a new favorite! Trade fun and tasty recipes with friends or find them online.
- Think fresh—buy your fruits and vegetables locally from a farmers’ market.
For our complete top ten list, visit our 10 Simple Ways to Enhance Nutrition page.
Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day!
We will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Best wishes from all of us at PacificSource for a happy and safe holiday!
Oregon: Round Out Your Health Coverage with an Elect Dental Plan!
We are excited to announce our new Oregon individual dental plan—Elect Dental.
- Diagnostic and preventive care services are fully covered when received from an Advantage Network dentist.
- Save out-of-pocket expense. When you see an Advantage Network dentist, the deductible is zero. And, your annual plan maximum increases over three years.
- See any dentist. (If your dentist is not a member of the Advantage Dental Network, deductibles apply and we will cover services based on Advantage Dental usual, customary, and reasonable charges.)
For more information, please call (866) 695-8684 or e-mail individual@pacificsource.com.
10 Simple Ways to Get Moving
As the weather starts to get warmer, many of us look for ways to get off the couch and get moving. Here are some simple ways to add more activity to your day-to-day routine:
- Head for the trail—go horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking with family and friends.
- Go the distance—choose the farthest parking space from the door.
- Schedule a walking meeting—next time you have a brainstorming session, ask your coworkers to meet you outside. A change in scenery and increasing blood flow will stimulate your body and mind.
For our complete list of top ten ways, visit our 10 Simple Ways to Get Moving page.
Individual Billing Statement Gets New Look Next Month
If you have an individual and family plan, your July billing statement will look a little different. We are making some changes to simplify your statement and make it easier to read and understand.
10 Simple Steps to Work-Life Balance
It’s a concept we all struggle with, maintaining a healthy balance between our professional career and our personal life. To be successful at both, we must find a good balance. Try these simple tips for creating a healthy work-life balance:
- Do nothing—schedule a day off to do nothing but relax.
- Volunteer—invest time to help an organization or cause you care about.
- Soak up the sun—take a walk on your break and get some vitamin D.
For our complete list of top ten tips, visit our 10 Simple Steps to Work-Life Balance page.
Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart!
Heart disease is the number one killer in America. That’s not a happy thought, but there is good news—you can directly impact your heart health by making a few key lifestyle changes. The best part is that every little bit helps, so take it one step at a time. Try these simple tips for building a healthy heart:
- Warm your belly—start your day with a steaming bowl of oatmeal, which is loaded with calcium, fiber, and folate.
- Go fish—relax with an afternoon of fishing, and then enjoy a heart-healthy meal with your catch.
- Chase your kids—shoot some hoops or take a jog together.
For our complete list of top ten tips, visit our 10 Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart! page.
Strengthen Your Relationships
As the stores fill with pink and red hearts for Valentine’s Day, take a moment to remember that our most fulfilling relationships aren’t limited to significant others. Here are a few tips to build your relationships, both romantic and otherwise:
- Get together—schedule family game night, take a class with your spouse, or go out and chat with your Facebook friends in person.
- Snuggle—rent a movie, pop some popcorn, and spend the evening with your family.
- Say “I love you”—send thoughtful notes to your love ones.
For our complete list of top ten tips, visit our Strengthen Your Relationships page.
Beat the Winter Blues!
As the darkness of January settles in, it’s easy to give in to the winter blues. Fight back with these tips:
- Soak up some vitamin D—take a walk during lunch, join your friends for a muddy football game, or add a full-spectrum light to your desk.
- Get your groove on—go dancing or take an exercise class.
- Throw a tropical party—heat up the house and wear summer clothes.
For our complete list of top ten tips, visit our Beat the Blues page.
Thank You!
As 2010 draws to a close and 2011 begins, all of us at PacificSource would like to thank you for your business and wish you a happy and healthy new year!
Set Wellness Goals You Can Keep
In 2011, make small lifestyle changes you can live with, but that can provide big health benefits. Try these resolutions: eat a piece of fruit instead of a cookie, limit after-dinner dessert to two nights a week, walk during your work breaks, ride your bike once a week. To learn more, see our Set Goals You Can Keep page.
Flu Vaccination Coverage Information
Our Flu Vaccination Web page has information about your seasonal flu vaccination coverage, as well as general information about the flu. All medical plans, except PacificSource Short Term Medical, have seasonal flu vaccine coverage under the plan’s immunization benefit. If your plan has a pharmacy benefit, you can obtain a flu vaccine shot from a provider in our participating Flu Shot Pharmacy Network. For details, please see Flu Vaccination Coverage and General Information.
Diagnostic Imaging Review Program Begins November 1, 2010
As of November 1, 2010, we will use a diagnostic imaging management vendor to review all physicians’ orders for the diagnostic CT or PET scans, MRIs, or nuclear cardiology in outpatient, nonemergency settings. Our vendor, American Imaging Management® (AIM®), will review these requests against clinical guidelines and notify physicians of coverage decisions.
This change should be seamless for you as a member. If your physician recommends an outpatient advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that is included in the AIM program, he or she will work directly with AIM to obtain preauthorization. To learn more, please read our Diagnostic Imaging Management Program FAQ for Members, or contact our Customer Service Department.
Healthcare Reform: When to Expect Changes
The Affordable Care Act will eventually bring about many changes, but it's important to remember that those changes will not occur all at once. They will be phased in over the next decade. While the first wave of provisions (including preventive care coverage and the extension of dependent care age to 26) are said to be "effective" September 23, 2010, the changes actually take effect for existing plans when the policy renews on or after that date. So in some cases, that could be months from now. You'll find more information, FAQs, and links to online resource in our Healthcare Reform Resource Center.
Get Cholesterol Levels to :-) About
Are your cholesterol levels sending you a message? Don’t LOL about your LDL! Get levels you can :-) about.
Unlike calling plans, there are no “unlimited” cholesterol levels. Doctors recommend that you keep your total cholesterol below 200. According to WebMD®, a few simple changes can help lower your cholesterol and risk for heart disease:
- Eat low-cholesterol foods
- Quit smoking
- Exercise
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
Visit our Get Cholesterol Levels to :-) About page to learn more.
Our Boise Office is Moving
On October 16 and 17, 2010, our Boise office will move to a new location. Our phone and fax numbers will not change. Our new address will be:
PacificSource Health Plans
408 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Suite 100
Boise, ID 83706
Learn More about Healthcare Reform
As you may know, several changes are coming this September as part of federal healthcare reform. We know you may have many questions and concerns.
Visit our Healthcare Reform Resource Center for information on important healthcare reform issues.
Sign up for our Healthcare Reform E-update. Simply visit our online Healthcare Reform Resource Center and click on the “Sign up now” link on the right side of the page. Or you can browse directly to the online form at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R95TGXD.
Your Benefits Tag Along When You Travel
Planning a summer vacation? Two important travel companions are right in your wallet—your PacificSource and Assist America ID cards. These cards ensure that you can access your benefits if you need medical care.
Assist America® Global Emergency Services—100 miles from home or in a foreign country. Lost your passport or had an accident? Call Assist America toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These services complement rather than replace PacificSource coverage. Once you are under the care of a provider, your PacificSource policy terms and conditions apply. For more information, see Global Emergency Services from Assist America.
Wear Your Shades for Good Eye Health!
Good eyesight is important to your mobility and the enjoyment of life, so it’s important to follow basic steps to keep your eyes seeing clearly.
- Wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Wear safety glasses or protective goggles while playing sports or working with hazardous materials.
As a PacificSource member, you can access free online resources powered by WebMD®. To get started, log in to InTouch, and then click on Health Manager.
Help to Lighten Your Symptoms
As you probably know, a chronic disease is different from getting the flu. When you come down with the flu, you know that you will likely feel better in a week or so. Chronic diseases, on the other hand, may never go away and can affect your lifestyle in many ways. Learn more about lightening your symptoms.
Youth Sports: Get in the Game!
Sports are fun, and they offer benefits and lessons for children that carry over into all aspects of life. According to researchers at the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, children who participate in organized sports do better in school, have better interpersonal skills, are more team oriented, and are generally healthier. Participation in sports provides opportunities for leadership and socialization, as well as the development of skills for handling success and failures. Learn more about the benefits of youth sports.
Use Your Current Member ID Card to Ensure Access to Benefits
Be sure to use the PacificSource member ID card with the most current issue date (shown on the front of the card) when visiting your doctor or pharmacy. When you receive a new card, please begin using the new card right away, and discard any old cards, especially if the ID number on the old card begins with an “R” or a “P.” If a pharmacy checks your benefits using an old ID number, their system may not find a record indicating you are covered.
Turn off the TV and Turn on Life!
TV Turnoff Week is April 19–25. If you want to spend more quality time with your family, there's no better way to gain precious hours than by turning off the television set. That’s the idea behind TV Turnoff Week. According to Screentime.org, more than 65 national organizations, including the American Medical Association, the National Education Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, support or endorse TV Turnoff Week.
Take the opportunity to be more active. Consider organizing an after-work soccer match, have a family game night, or plant a garden. With so many activities to choose from, you may decide to make a TV Turnoff activity part of every week!
Online Resource Provides Information on Healthcare Quality in Oregon
Looking for information about how your doctor or hospital measures up? A new Web site – www.PartnerForQualityCare.org – summarizes the quality of care delivered by about two-thirds of Oregon’s adult primary care providers. You’ll also find quality information on Oregon hospitals and helpful tips for getting quality healthcare. PacificSource is pleased to participate in this collaborative effort that includes doctors, hospitals, other health insurers, purchasers, government agencies, and consumers.
Is your potential for a heart attack expanding along with your waistline?
Are you a woman with a waist greater than 35 inches or a man with a waist greater than 40 inches? If so, research indicates you may be at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic problems, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol. According to WebMD®, waist size is a better predictor of heart disease than weight or body mass index (BMI), because it changes in relation to your fitness level.
Learn more! As a PacificSource member, you can find ways to improve your heart health online with PacificSource’s Health Manager. To get started, log in to InTouch, and then click on Health Manager.
Free Prenatal Vitamin Program Supports Healthy Babies
Because we’re dedicated to the health of our members, which includes helping the tiniest get a good start in life, we now offer a free prenatal vitamin program, effective January 1, 2010. PacificSource group and individual members that are pregnant can receive up to six months of physician-prescribed prenatal vitamins via mail order at no cost. (Copays and deductibles are waived.) For details and to participate, see our Prenatal Vitamin Home Delivery Order Form.
Safeguard Your Health with Screenings and Self-Exams
Regular screening and self-exams can catch two easily detectable cancers in their earliest and most treatable stages: cervical and testicular.
Men: Spend a few more minutes in the shower and practice cancer prevention! You can detect testicular cancer in its early stages by performing a simple self-exam.
Women: Face it—some things that are good for you just aren’t fun. However, did you know that the Pap test that you receive at your women’s health exam is the most successful cancer screening test? So, schedule your exam today!
As a PacificSource member, you can access free online resources powered by WebMD®. Log in to InTouch, and then click on Health Manager. Visit the Living Healthy section to:
Take the HealthQuotient® health risk assessment to identify potential health risks related to your lifestyle.
Learn more about health topics, such as cervical and testicular cancer, and learn how to perform a testicular cancer self-exam.
Allow Extra Time for Your Electronic Payments
If you use an online bill payment service, please be sure to schedule your payments well in advance of when they are due. All online bill pay services actually make your payment by mailing us a check, which adds to the time it takes for a payment to reach us—as much as a week extra. Also, please be sure your current nine-digit member ID number is referenced with your payment, so we can identify your payment.
Take a Holiday from Stress!
- There is a true connection between stress and illness, which is why it is important to take it easy this holiday season. You can access free online resources powered by WebMD®. Log in to InTouch, and then click on Health Manager.
In the Healthy Living section, start a Stress Management Lifestyle Improvement Program. Start with the HealthQuotient® health risk assessment.
Track your progress with the Stress Management planner.
Learn more about stress and other topics.