Kickoff and Health Fair! April 25

Save the Date! Governor's Stay Active Challenge Health Fair, April 25 from 10:00am-1:30pm in Helena at the Capitol Rotunda. A message and walk with the Governor at 11:30am, over 20 vendors, prizes and lots of fun! Come join us! http://benefits.mt.gov/Live-Life-We…/…/Stay-Active-Challenge

Interested in this year's incentive?

Check out this 6 minute video to learn all about it! http://benefits.mt.gov/Portals/59/Videos1/2016%20Incentive/story.html

Health Screening Schedule is OPEN!

Schedule your State-sponsored health screening today at a Montana Health Center location!

You must make an appointment through CareHere

www.carehere.com or 1-855-200-6822

Visit www.benefits.mt.gov/health-screenings for more information and a full schedule of screenings across the state.

Good News for State Employee Health Plan Members!

Governor Bullock Announces Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Saved Through Changes to Montana State Employee Health Plan

HELENA, MT – Today Governor Steve Bullock was joined by Sheila Hogan, Director of the Department of Administration and Dan Villa, Budget Director to highlight millions of taxpayer dollars saved and advancements in health outcomes resulting from innovative changes to the Montana State Employee Health Plan. 

“Saving Montana’s taxpayers millions of dollars while improving the healthcare of our state employees is a win-win,” said Governor Bullock.  “I applaud the progress made this past year improving the ways we approach the State Employee Health Plan and focusing on long-term, balanced solutions that will pave the way to even more cost savings in the future.”

The Governor highlighted steps taken by the Department of Administration to turn a $12 million projected shortfall in 2015 into $2 million cost savings, a $14 million turnaround.  These steps include:

·         Increasing contract efficiencies and reducing overlap of services;

·         Moving the state’s data services to its internal IT team, savings the costs associated with an external data warehouse;

·         Working with the State Health Centers to increase member use for primary care services; including an educational campaign to encourage and inform members about the services and access provided by the health centers; and

·         Contracting with Allegiance, a Montana-based company, to serve as the state’s new health care partner, which resulted in a 24% reduction in administrative fees.

“We will continue to strive to find ways of preserving the plan’s financial wellness while securing quality and affordable care,” said Director Hogan.  “I’m proud of the work the State of Montana has done to work together with its plan members, providers, vendors, and the State Employee Group Benefits Advisory Council to implement meaningful healthcare solutions.”

For more information about Montana’s State Employee Health Plan, visit www.benefits.mt.gov.

Meet Kim H.

Meet Kim H., member of the State of Montana health plan and CareHere Health Hero!

Before

Goal: To be healthy, to have control of my Type 2 Diabetes, to lose significant weight and become healthier.

Results: I have significantly dropped my A1C from 12.4 to 5.9 in nine months! I exercise for at least 30 minutes each day with walking, swimming or strength training. I have lost over 26 pounds since my diagnosis and almost 60 pounds from my heaviest weight. I had to get a whole new wardrobe because I have lost so many dress sizes!

How did you get started and what motivated you?

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in October, 2014. My husband is a state employee, and they had just opened the CareHere Clinic in Missoula for state employees and their spouses. I had gone in for a routine physical and blood work, so receiving such a significant diagnosis was devastating. I had other relatives with this diagnosis, so it also was not a surprise. I made the decision that day to do whatever it would take to be the “best” patient I could be and follow the recommendations of my treatment team. The first thing I did was go to a book store and purchase a book about Type 2 Diabetes. I began exercising, eating less of the unhealthy foods and more vegetables and fruits, counting calories and carbohydrates and testing my blood sugar three times a day, in order to learn how my body responded to food.

After

What do you want others to know that may have the same issue?

At my heaviest weight, I did not believe I could ever lose weight in any kind of meaningful way. In a sense, the diagnosis was a “wake up call” and likely saved my life. I still struggle with the concept of being a “Healthy Hero,” but know that I have been an inspiration to some of the people who have known me in the past. I believe my treatment team, especially my dietitian, has provided me a framework for moving forward and adopting a healthier lifestyle. I also let my family, friends and acquaintances know why I was losing weight and looking healthier. This has helped me to be more accountable for continuing with my journey to better health.

What’s next for you?

I plan to continue following the exercise, diet and lifestyle changes that have worked for me and hope to lose more weight and be healthier in the coming years. I am committed to making these changes a permanent part of me.

Deadline Extended for Discount - Benefits Elections End November 18!

The deadline to enter your Next Steps and Tobacco Free status in the MINE site has been extended to November 18th, 2015. If you're not sure if you've entered your discount activities, log in and what is in there are the elections you have made.  Remember that you must have had a health screening by October 31 to qualify for any discount! http://benefits.mt.gov/Discount 

Remember you must also make benefit elections by November 18! http://benefits.mt.gov/Annual-Change.

There is already influenza in Montana, are you vaccinated yet?

Protect your health, make an appointment to get your flu shot today!

• Flu shots are no cost to State of Montana Benefit Plan members from the Montana Health Centers or In-network providers.
• Appointments are required at both Montana Health Centers and On-site flu shot clinics.  See below.
• Getting a flu shot counts as a Next Steps discount activity if you get it before Oct. 31.

Montana Health Centers October & November (while supplies last) ·        Where-Anaconda, Butte, Helena, Billings, Missoula, and Miles City. ·        Who-State Plan members 4-years-old and older.	On-site Flu Shot Clinics Provided by the Montana Health Centers ·        Where-Click here or see below for a list of times and locations. ·        Who-State Plan members 18-years-old and older.
Appointments Required Ask for your flu shot when you come in for any other scheduled Health Center service or follow the directions below to just get a flu shot. 1. Log into www.carehere.com 2. Click “Appointments-SS” on the left hand menu 3. Select “Flu shot” under “What” 4. Follow the rest of the on screen instructions to make your appointment

The Fine Print

• The seasonal influenza vaccine often protects against more than one strain of the virus and is different each year based on projections for illness-causing strains. For more information on flu shot safety, efficacy, or necessity, click here or contact your health care provider. 
• If you cannot get your flu shot through the Montana Health Centers or at an on-site clinic, you may also have your flu shot from a participating pharmacy or in-network provider for no out-of-pocket cost to you, but at a much higher cost to the State Plan. We recommend that you ask what the provider/pharmacy will charge the plan and choose your best option from there.  

This email was sent by:

Health Care and Benefits Division

(800) 287-8266; (406) 444-7462; TTY (406) 444-1421

benefitsquestions@mt.gov

www.benefits.mt.gov

On-Site Flu Shot Schedule:

	ADDRESS	ROOM	DATE	TIME
MSP/MCE EMPLOYEES ONLY	Montana State Prison, 500 Conley Lake Rd, Deer Lodge	Wallace Building - small classroom	Friday, October 16	6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
	MT Developmental Center, Boulder	Recreation Multi-Purpose Room	Monday, October 19 Monday October 26	8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
	Palmer Complex, 2679 Palmer St., Missoula	Crime Lab Conference Room	Friday, October 16	7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
	Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1420 E 6th Ave, Helena	FWP Commission Rooms	Tuesday, October 20	1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
	Capitol Building, 1301 E 6th Ave, Helena	Room 350	Tuesday, October 20	6:30 - 11:30 a.m.
	301 S. Park Building, Helena	DOC Rooms 228	Wednesday, October 21	1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
DEQ EMPLOYEES ONLY	Metcalf Building, 1520 East Sixth Ave., Helena	Room 136/137	Thursday, October 22	7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
MILITARY AFFAIRS ONLY	Fort Harrison	Shared Conference room	Thursday, October 22	2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
MDT EMPLOYEES ONLY	MDT, 2701 Prospect Ave, Helena	MDT Auditorium	Wednesday, October 21	8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
	Cogswell Building, 1400 Broadway St, Helena	Rooms 205/207	Tuesday, October 27	1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
STATE FUND EMPLOYEES ONLY	Montana State Fund, 855 Front St, Helena	Workout Room	Wednesday, October 28 Thursday October 29	11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.