Information From Cathy Downs, Development Associate

A thank you to ACHIEVA's weather committee for predicting great walking conditions for the recent Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community at PNC Park.  ACHIEVA had 110 registered walkers and raised over $9,500 for the services and supports provided by ACHIEVA.

This year we had several organized groups:

- "Downs the Hatch", captained by Cathy Downs with a winning donation collection of $1,050 from family and friends;

- "The Achievers", led by Captain Angie Tomer, Assistant Manager, Mail Service

The following departments raised over $3,600:

• Arc of Beaver $22
• Corporate Development $571
• Early Intervention $733
• Family Trust $330
• Home Care $426
• Human Resources $244
• Residential $447
• Vocational $876

Special thanks to our employees for supporting the various fundraisers. All funds raised through the walk benefitted ACHIEVA.

Benebits

From Human Resources Department 

Our new carrier for medical insurance will be Health America.  Health America has continued to expand its hospital and physician network.  Employees will generally find a comprehensive list of doctors and hospitals that will suit their medical needs.   
 

There will now be only one medical plan offered to employees, modeled after the current Base Plan.  For most employees, previously combined payroll contributions and other out-of-pocket expenses for the Buy-up Plan may have resulted in more expense to them.  Offering only one plan also decreases the overall administrative expenses associated with providing multiple plans.   
 

Under the new medical plan there is an alternative funding arrangement, known as a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).  A plan-wide $2,500 deductible must be satisfied; however, this deductible is shared by both ACHIEVA and employees.  The employee's deductible is $500 for single coverage and $1,000 for family coverage.  ACHIEVA then funds the difference between the employee's deductible and the plan-wide $2,500 deductible.  Health America is responsible for any eligible expenses over the plan-wide $2,500 deductible.  The effect of this arrangement is seamless to employees when receiving medical care, but will be seen when employees see their Explanation of Benefits from Health America.    

Another difference is that a $300 inpatient hospital co-pay will be charged when the employee or covered dependent is admitted to the hospital.  However, ACHIEVA will reimburse employees for this payment when proper documentation is submitted by the employee.  This will be considered taxable income; therefore, taxes must be withheld from this payment.   

Stay tuned for new wellness initiatives that ACHIEVA will be providing this year, with financial assistance from Health America.  It is well known that taking care of ourselves can reduce health care costs.  Employees who want help with smoking cessation, weight management or other wellness efforts will find a wealth of opportunities to choose from.      

The Open Enrollment Period for medical, dental, and vision plans is now underway with an effective date of July 1.  You must complete and submit the enrollment form for medical coverage to the Human Resources Department by June 10^th.  You can also switch dental plans or add or remove dependents for your medical, dental and vision plans.  You will not be able to do this throughout the year unless you experience a Qualified Change in Family Status, as defined by government regulations.

If you are currently enrolled in a dental or vision plan and wish to continue, you will need to complete and submit a new enrollment form to the appropriate Human Resources Department by June 10^th only if you switch plans, add or remove dependents.

If you have questions, please contact Sharon Berardelli at 412-995-5000 ext. 450 for ACHIEVA or Janet Laurella at 724-837-8159 ext. 109 for The Arc Westmoreland. 

Use Caution as Bin-Laden Photos Can Bring Malware to Your Computer!

From Steve McDonell, Information Systems Director

ACHIEVA will be launching its re-designed website and you will be invited to log on to learn about ACHIEVA's supports and services, legislative issues and action alerts, information about healthcare and disability issues, upcoming events and how you can support ACHIEVA to continue its vital mission.  This will be especially helpful to those that are new to our organization.

GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate.  You use it just as you would any search engine.  It's powered by Yahoo! and Bing, so you get great results.

Just go to http://www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter ACHIEVA as the charity you want to support.  Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7,300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! 

And, be sure to spread the word!  You can also make GoodSearch your homepage or download the toolbar! 

If you have any questions, please contact David Tinker at 412-995-5000 x436 or email: dtinker@achieva.info.