LAST CHANCE FOR 2012 HEALTH SCREENINGS!

LAST CHANCE for screenings in 2012! October and November screenings include Helena, Livingston, Bozeman, Missoula, Boulder, Deer Lodge, Polson and Miles City. These are the last screenings for 2012. Time is Running Out!

NEW! The Health Center is now open in Helena! You can choose to have your health screening done there – but you must make an appointment.

To register for an appointment at the health center: http://benefits.mt.gov/content/docs/Publications/MHC_brochure.pdf.

To Register for the locations listed below:

VISIT WWW.BENEFITS.MT.GOV/WELLNESS.MCPX AND CLICK ON “REGISTER FOR HEALTH SCREENINGS.”
First Time Users: Click “Create An Account.” Create a User Name & Password for yourself, along with the other requested information. Have your benefits card handy.
Returning Users: On the www.itstartswithme.com web page, click “Login.” Enter your username and password. (Use the “Forgot your user name?” or “Forgot your password?” links if necessary.)
1. After following the directions for “first-time users” or “returning users” from last year, enter this as your Company Code: 3711786
2. Select a screening to attend.
3. If you are registering yourself and a spouse, create a separate account for each of you. Simply start at “Create An Account” again when registering your spouse. Due to federal privacy regulations, an e-mail address may only be used on one account. If you share an e-mail address, one account can be created online and the other may be set up via It Starts With Me at (866) 932-6467.

REMEMBER! $5 Discount
Participants covered under the State of Montana health care plan can get a $5 discount off their monthly health care contributions IF they attend a screening in 2012. For questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx.

Please Note: These are the final dates for 2012.
• Helena, MT: October 10-12 from 6:30 – 10:30 am at the MDT Auditorium
• Helena, MT: October 16-19 from 6:30-10:30 am at the Cogswell Building, Rms 205/207
• Missoula, MT: October 17-19 from 6:30-10:30 am at the C’mon Inn
• Helena, MT: October 23-26 from 6:30-10:30 am at the Holiday Inn, Downtown
• Helena, MT: October 30-31 from 6:30-10:30 am at the Front Street Learning Center
• Boulder, MT: November 1 from 6:30-10:30 am at the MDC Multi-purpose Room
• Polson, MT: November 2 from 6:30-10:30 am at the Polson Masonic Lodge
• Miles City, MT: November 7 from 6:30-10:30 am at the Holiday Inn Express
• Deer Lodge, MT: November 9 from 5:30-10:30 am at the MSP Wallace Bldg Large Classroom
Screenings take about 20 minutes with an appointment. Bring a copy of your benefits card and a picture ID with you to the screening. Employees, Retirees, spouses, and dependents the age of 18 or over on the State of Montana health benefit plan are eligible for one State of Montana sponsored health screening per year.

For assistance with registration contact
It Starts With Me
(866) 932-6467 (10 AM – 4 PM MST)
info@itstartswithme.com

For other questions contact: Health Care and Benefits Division
(406) 444-7462 - or - (800) 287-8266
TTY (406) 444-1421
healthregistrations@mt.gov

Annual Change Starts September 24!

Annual Change presentations start Monday September 24, 2012 in Helena and Havre.

See the schedule at http://benefits.mt.gov/annualchange.mcpx or http://benefits.mt.gov/content/docs/annualchange/Annual_Change_2012_Presentations.pdf.

We have lots of changes with a new medical plan administrator, changes due to health care reform legislation, and the new health center.  Please plan to attend!

Any questions? Contact HCBD at (800) 287-8266, TTY (406) 444-1421, or benefitsquestions@mt.gov.

Hunter's Challenge is here!

The 2012 Hunter Fitness Challenge Archery Season Begins July 30!  Sign up by July 27.

The Hunter’s Challenge is for anyone who participates in hunting, backpacking or other fall sports and wants a jump start. It’s simple, free, and there are prizes to be won…

Please note: You may sign up for one or both challenges! The Rifle season challenge directly follows the Archery season challenge. Archery season challenge begins on July 30 and the Rifle season challenge begins on September 17.

If you are interested in participating in this FREE program, just e-mail benefitsquestions@mt.gov your name, e-mail, mailing address and telephone number by Friday, July 27. The 2012 Hunter's Challenge Archery Season will begin on July 30.

If you are interested in participating, just e-mail your name, e-mail, mailing address and telephone number to benefitsquestions@mt.gov. We will send you back an e-mail verifying that you are signed up, and additional information.
You can read more about the program and download entry forms (these are the forms you fill out as you go through the program, and then turn in to us at the end) at http://www.benefits.mt.gov/hunterfitness.mcpx.

Any questions, just let us know.

For more information:
Health Care and Benefits
State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP)
Web site: http://www.benefits.mt.gov/hunterfitness.mcpx
Toll Free Telephone: (800)287-8266
E-mail: benefitsquestions@mt.gov

Spring Tour Schedule - Don't Miss It!

HCBD SPRING TOUR SCHEDULE

What can we expect for 2013 benefits and rates?

At this time there is only one thing we can reasonably expect to happen: health care costs will continue to rise. We (HCBD) constantly evaluate benefit options and new programs to enhance benefits and help keep those benefits affordable. Because of the complexity of health care and benefits, it takes time to evaluate potential changes. Final decisions for 2013 benefits and rates will be made in late August 2012. In the meantime, we encourage you to become an informed consumer (ask questions and seek alternative treatments) and live a healthy lifestyle (exercise, eat properly, and quit smoking).

Click here for a schedule of presentations on our Spring Tour.  You can attend these presentations on your work time, so don't miss this important information!

http://benefits.mt.gov/content/docs/annualchange/Spring_tour_sites_2012.pdf

Are You Fit for Spring?

Spring Fitness 2012 is coming! Registration starts April 2.

Spring Fitness is the State of Montana’s annual physical activity program and is one of the best things you can do for yourself this year – whether you’re already very active or just starting out. Improve your health and encourage others!!
We have great prizes to motivate us this year! Yak Traks, fleece vests, flashlights, socks, water bottles…

Go to http://mine.mt.gov/programs/SpringFitness/default.mcpx for details and registration

Team Captains: Thank you for making Spring Fitness a reality that helps improve the health of the State of Montana.

All team captains get a $5 discount off the 2012 registration fee!
• PLUS, if you captain a team of 2-7 people, you get a pair of Superfeet socks.
• If your team is 8-10 members, we’ll give you socks AND a water bottle!
Teams can be a single member or up to 10 members.

What does it cost?

$5 – Registration
$15 – Registration + pedometer*
$10 – Registration + water bottle**
$20 – Registration + pedometer* AND water bottle**

*To save money, use your pedometer from last year, but if you need a new pedometer we have brought back the ever popular and very reliable DIGIWALKER!
**We also have Camelbak “better bottles” available for purchase this year. Buy them for less than they cost in the store! Click here to learn more about the pedometer and water bottles:
http://mine.mt.gov/programs/springfitness/pedometers.mcpx.

Who can participate?

Anyone who is a member of the State of Montana health care plan may participate.
The team captain must have access to MINE to register their team and put in the weekly step totals. Click on the Spring Fitness link – if you get there, you have access! http://mine.mt.gov/programs/SpringFitness/default.mcpx

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
April 2 - Team registration opens
April 25 - Deadline for team registration
April 30 – Spring Fitness Begins
June 24 - Spring Fitness Ends

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Questions?

Contact Health Care and Benefits Division:
benefitsquestions@mt.gov
(406) 444-7462
(800) 287-8266
TTY (406) 444-1421

Runs For Cookies

Good afternooon SOMHELP Members,
Many of us struggle with our weight, so I like to share good resources when I come across them.  This is an interview with a lady named Katie who has lost 100 pounds. I thought the interview itself had some great ideas. Check out Katie’s interview here: http://workoutmommy.com/2012/02/27/need-some-inspiration-see-how-katie-lost-over-100-pounds/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Workoutmommycom+%28workoutmommy.com%29  

Katie’s “runs for cookies” blog is a work of art (at least in my opinion) and has SO many great ideas and things that may inspire you. Check it out: http://www.runsforcookies.com/p/about-me.html. I know I’m going to add it to my blog watch list!
Enjoy,

2012 Health Screenings Open!

Attention State Employees:
Registration for 2012 Health Screenings is now open!
January/February screenings include Helena, Missoula, Anaconda, Whitefish and Kalispell. Employees, Retirees, spouses and dependents the age of 18 or over on the State of Montana health benefit plan are eligible for one State of Montana sponsored health screening per year. Health screenings are sponsored by the State of Montana Healthy For Life Wellness Program.
REMEMBER! $5 Discount
Participants covered under the State of Montana health care plan have another opportunity to get a $5 discount off their monthly health care contributions! The discount will be given for the 2013 plan year based on participation in a health screening during 2012. To be eligible for a $5 discount, the member must participate in a health screening during 2012. To be eligible for a $10 discount, the member and a spouse or dependent age 18 or older covered under their plan must participate during 2012. Discounts will not exceed $10 per month per member. For questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at www.benefits.mt.gov/wellness.mcpx.
Important! Registration for appointments is essential to ensure your spot, and appointments can be made for anytime during the year. There is even a convenient option to add a “reminder” to your Outlook calendar right on the registration system. Don’t wait until the last minute; please make your appointment today!
To Register:
VISIT WWW.BENEFITS.MT.GOV/WELLNESS.MCPX AND CLICK ON “REGISTER FOR HEALTH SCREENINGS.”
First Time Users: Click “Create An Account.” Create a User Name & Password for yourself, along with the other requested information. You will need a copy of your benefits card handy.
Returning Users: Click “Login.” Enter your username and password. (If you’ve forgotten them, use the “Forgot your user name?” or “Forgot your password?” links.)
1. After following the directions for “first-time users” or “returning users” (depending on if you created an account last year) you will reach a section that asks for your Company Code. Use Company Code: 3711786
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a screening to attend.
3. If you are registering yourself and a spouse, a separate account must be created for each of you. Simply start at “Create An Account” again when registering your spouse. Due to federal privacy regulations, an e-mail address may only be used on one account. If you share an e-mail address, one account can be created online and the other may be set up via the It Starts With Me toll-free number, (866) 932-6467.

Screenings take about 20 minutes with an appointment, and you will need to bring a copy of your benefits card and a picture ID with you to the screening. Employees, retirees, spouses and dependents on the health plan over the age of 18 are eligible for one free health screening per year.

For assistance with registration please contact
It Starts With Me
(866) 932-6467 (10 AM – 4 PM MST)
info@itstartswithme.com

For other questions please contact:
Health Care and Benefits Division
(406) 444-7462 - or - (800) 287-8266
TTY (406) 444-1421
healthregistrations@mt.gov