November/December 2012 


ODS makes it easier to compare group plan offerings

 
As part of the Affordable Care Act, beginning Sept. 23, 2012, all health insurance and group health plan providers are required to offer an easy-to-understand summary of health plan benefits and coverage, along with a standardized glossary of common terms. The Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) will have the same format from carrier to carrier, making it easier for group administrators to compare and choose the best plan to meet their needs.

 

ODS SBCs are currently available upon request by contacting your ODS Sales representative. In addition, ODS will replace all online summary of benefits materials with new materials formatted according to the SBC guidelines in compliance with all associated regulations. SBCs can be found by visiting www.odscompanies.com and clicking on the "Shopping for a health plan" link and selecting a health plan.

 

We are also currently working to load SBCs into myODS so your employees may access their SBC online. For more information about the SBC regulations, please visit http://cciio.cms.gov/programs/consumer/summaryandglossary/index.html.

November is American Diabetes Month

 

November is American Diabetes Month, and the American Diabetes Association's main goal is to raise the awareness of this growing disease and encourage people to make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.

 

With 26 million Americas now living with diabetes, and another 79 million at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, this chronic but manageable disease can be prevented or controlled through various lifestyle habits including eating healthy, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking.

 

Are you or someone you know thinking about quitting smoking? Join millions of Americans this month who are participating in a common quit date. The Great American Smokeout encourages smokers to set up a quit plan and quit together on the third Thursday of November.

 

This year, the quit date is Thursday, November 15th. Get the support and guidance you need to kick the habit with cessation resources available to you.

 

The Quit for Life Program is here to help you every step of the way. Call 866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) or log on to http://www.alerewellbeing.com to learn more.

Let eBill make paying premiums fast and easy
 

Simplify your ODS billing process by signing up for our new electronic billing (eBill) services today. With eBill, you can streamline billing tasks online, enabling you to access all employee account information with just a few clicks. In addition to reducing paper waste, eBill makes healthcare administration faster and easier for you through:

  • Email notifications when each bill is ready
  • Email notifications before bills are due
  • The ability to set up payment method and recurring payments

How to access eBill

Non-Employer Online Services (EOS) groups

  • If you do not already have an EOS account with ODS, complete and submit the online services agreement.
  • Once approved, ODS will email you a user name and password.
  • Access eBill by clicking on eBill in the "Employer Web Tools" box on the ODS employer web page.

 Employer Online Services (EOS) groups

If you have questions about ODS eBill, please contact your ODS sales and services team representative.

The flu shot: Fact from fiction 

We all have our opinions about flu shots. Whether these opinions are drawn from the media or personal experiences, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone who is at least six months and older should get a flu shot this season.

 

The CDC says getting a flu shot can significantly reduce your chances of contracting the flu virus. If you haven't got your flu shot this year, you should consider the following flu shot facts provided by the CDC:

 

1. The flu shot doesn't give you the flu: The CDC says all batches of flu vaccine are tested to ensure there is no live virus in flu shots.

 

2. Fall is the best time to get your flu shot: The flu season can last from October to late May. Getting your flu shot ahead of time increases your chances of not getting the flu bug.

 

3. Nearly everyone should get a flu shot: Anyone who doesn't want the flu should get a flu shot, particularly those with a higher risk of developing flu complications including people over 50, children between 6 months and 18 years, and pregnant mothers.

 

4. You might experience minor side effects: Soreness in the area where people get their flu shot is a result of the actual shot and antibodies going to work, not the flu.

 

5. Immunity doesn't happen immediately: After your flu shot, it takes about 2-3 weeks for your body to build up the immunity to the virus. During this time, you still need to take precautions from exposing yourself to the flu.

 

6. It's possible to get the flu after getting your flu shot: People with weakened immune systems can still get the flu after getting their shot, but they generally experience milder symptoms with less complications.

 

With the flu season in full swing, 100 percent of ODS Health's standard medical benefits cover flu shots.

Disclaimer 

Not all plans have access to all resources or tools referenced in this newsletter. Please refer to your Member Handbook, or call your ODS Sales and Account Services Representative for plan-specific information.

Volume 3, Issue 4        

In this issue:
SBC updates
American Diabetes Month
ODS eBill
Flu shot: Fact from fiction

The ODA wants you to get your "brushy" on

 

Can flossing be as cool as hip hop? The Oregon Dental Association certainly thinks so. The ODA's fun and flashy viral video, Teach Me How To Brushy is part of a public service campaign that communicates the importance of establishing healthy dental habits at an early age.

Check out the fun, hip video on YouTube and learn why over 700,000 viewers (and counting) are getting their brushy on.


Electronic EOB


Electronic Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) are now available. Members can sign up for eEOBs by logging into their myODS account at www.odscompanies.com.

 

Help us spread the word and conserve resources. A downloadable PDF

is also available for your convenience.
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