By Jack W. Walker, PhD
Executive Administrator
State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees
I am very pleased to welcome you to the first issue of
Member Focus, the new monthly publication designed especially for you, our members. This e-newsletter will include benefit information and articles about how to stay healthy and save money, along with recipes and fitness tips.
Member Focus is part of our commitment to provide timely, pertinent information to you about your pharmacy and health benefits.
I encourage you to subscribe to
Member Focus today, if you haven't already done so. You can sign up on the State Health Plan Web site at
www.shpnc.org. New subscribers will be asked to provide a business or personal e-mail address.
We look forward to this opportunity to develop a dialogue with you about your health, and - in the process - to bring you information that will be helpful to you and your family. The State Health Plan will request your feedback in a readership survey in early 2010.
Do you have a Health Coach or a case manager? Have you been contacted by the NC HealthSmart program to call a Health Coach? Other than the NC HealthSmart magnet and welcome kit, what else do you know about NC HealthSmart? 
Be sure to shop around for your generic prescriptions. Many retail pharmacies now offer generics for only $4 for a one month supply, or $10 for a three month supply. Each retailer has a unique program with a different list of generic medications covered at the lower price. Be sure to check the list of discounted generics-and current prices-at each pharmacy to see if the generic you are using is offered at the discounted rate. 
Many State Health Plan members travel out of the country on vacation or business. They usually take their prescription drugs with them. Have you wondered what you would do about your prescriptions if you were traveling out of the country for more than three months? 
I want to remind you of the importance of the many health screenings and other preventive services available to State Health Plan members. Preventive care benefits include routine physical and screening procedures, laboratory tests and immunizations. I would strongly encourage you to choose a primary care provider such as a family physician, general internist, pediatrician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who can advise you on necessary preventive services based on your age, sex and medical history. Your primary care provider can coordinate all necessary care going forward.