| Health Observance |
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March is National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month ® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Click here to continue. |
| CWI Overview Video |
To help you better understand the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI), we have developed a video that provides a short overview of the program and its requirements. As you prepare for Annual Enrollment, take a moment to review the video and learn more about the CWI. Click here and scroll to the middle of the page to see the video. |
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| Contact Us |
Customer Services:
1-888-234-2416
Prescription Questions:
1-800-336-5933
Health Coach for Eligible Members:
1-800-817-7044 | |
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| 2010 Annual Enrollment |
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It's time for Annual Enrollment for the 2010/2011 benefit year. You should have received your Annual Enrollment Kit in the mail. It contains important information about Annual Enrollment and the new Comprehensive Wellness Initiative that goes into effect July 1, 2010. Click here to continue reading. |
| Nutritional Visits Are a New Covered Benefit |
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Did you know that the State Health Plan now covers up to four (4) nutrition visits to a licensed dietician each year? As part of enhanced supports for the CWI, these visits were added as a new benefit, starting on January 1, 2010. Coverage includes nutritional visits with a licensed dietitian or physician. These visits are covered at the primary care copay.
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| "Biggest Loser" Contest Spurs Middle School Staff to Trim Down |
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"This contest really inspired me to make a change. Having the support of my coworkers has been crucial to my success," stated Tonya Buff, a math teacher at Gamewell Middle School in Lenoir. The school is holding a "Biggest Loser" competition, inspired by the popular TV show, to help participants reach their weight loss goals.
As on the show, teams weigh in each Friday for 12 weeks. Thirty teachers in six teams are participating. The group lost 98 pounds in the first week. Brad Barlett, another teacher at Gamewell Middle School is helping coordinate the contest, along with Ms. Buff. "Many of us set losing weight as our New Year's resolution. We thought this contest would help us encourage each other to stick with it." Click here to read more. |
| Member Tip of the Month |
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Coverage for Diabetic Testing StripsHave you wondered how diabetic blood glucose testing strips are covered by the State Health Plan? Test strips are covered under the Plan's pharmacy benefit up to specific quantities per month, after which members can receive additional supplies through the medical benefit. Click here to continue reading. |
| Pharmacy News: Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) Step Therapy Program Begins April 1 |
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Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In early 2010, two commonly prescribed ARBs, Cozaar ® and Hyzaar ®, became available as generic medications. As the State Health Plan strives to maintain an affordable pharmacy benefit for members and promote the use of generic and preferred medications, we will be implementing a step therapy program for ARB medications. Beginning April 1, 2010, Atacand ®, Atacand HCT ®, Avapro ®, Avalide ®, Benicar ®, Benicar HCT ®, Teveten ®, and Teveten HCT ® will no longer be covered without prior authorization. Also as part of the step therapy program, several brand name ARB medications will be moved to Tier 3. Click here to continue reading. |
| The Importance of Eating Whole Grains |
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Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides many health benefits. Dietary fiber from whole grains, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. Fiber-containing foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories than processed foods. Whole grains are good sources of dietary fiber, while most refined grains (like white flour and white rice) contain little fiber. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Click here to continue reading. | |
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