SUMMER 2019

BLUE BULLETIN MEMBER NEWSLETTER

in our quest to help lower healthcare costs

NEW PARTNERS

What’s also in this issue:Stay healthy with summer safety tips Page 6

Blue Cross of Idaho gives back to our communities Page 8

TABLE OF CONTENTSA Note from the CEO 3Building partnerships to help cut healthcare costs for everyone.

Back-to-School Vaccinations 4Make your appointment to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Getting the Right Care 5Prior authorizations help make sure you get the care that’s right for you.

Summer Safety 6A few simple steps can help you stay safe all summer long.

Skin Care Check 7Talk to your doctor about keeping your skin healthy.

Giving Back 8Blue Cross of Idaho employees step up to help our communities.

New Partnership 10Blue Cross of Idaho partners with Primary Health Medical Group to help support affordable healthcare.

IBM Honors Blue Cross of Idaho 10Using data in new ways to help members save money earns Blue Cross of Idaho high praise.

Finding Care Just Got Even Easier 11Updates to our online doctor search and cost transparency tool make finding affordable care simpler.

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Charlene Maher

President and CEO, Blue Cross of Idaho

A Note from the CEOAt Blue Cross of Idaho, we believe healthcare should be easier to afford, so we are always looking for new ways to lower the cost of care for our members.

But no one is going to be able to win the cost battle on their own, which is why we work so closely with our healthcare provider partners, arming them with cutting-edge data that can help them cut costs while still providing high-quality care.

By using tools like IBM Watson’s Advantage Suite, we are able to see trends and patterns that are impacting the cost of care. We can then share that information with providers and help them find ways to lower costs for their patients. Our innovative work in this field earned us the 2019 Advantage Award by IBM Watson Health. You can learn more about how we earned this award on page 10.

We also want to empower you to take charge of your healthcare spending by making sure you have easy access to information and

services that help you to make informed decisions. We have upgraded our Cost Advisor cost transparency tool, as well as our Find a Doctor search on our member website at members.bcidaho.com, giving you richer information and more options.

We are working behind the scenes, too, expanding our value-based contracts that reward healthcare providers for the quality of care they offer rather than number of procedures they do. This approach puts the focus on helping patients get and stay healthy, addressing their long-term health needs. This means that you and your family stay healthier while saving money.

It is only through this multi-pronged approach that we can change the healthcare landscape, driving costs down while ensuring access to quality care.

All of us at Blue Cross of Idaho are dedicated to advocating for you, our members, because we believe people matter most.

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Back to School VaccinationsThe summer is winding down, and a new school year is starting soon. While you’re busy buying school supplies and squeezing in that last-minute summer trip, add making an appointment with your children’s doctor to your end-of-summer to-do list.

One of the most contagious, preventable infections in the world–measles–is making a comeback. Outbreaks skyrocketed this year, with reported cases jumping up from 372 in 2018 to more than 1,000 cases in 2019 -- so far.

Why are recent measles outbreaks a big deal? Measles can cause severe respiratory issues, blindness, brain swelling or even death, and children are especially vulnerable. “The recurrence of measles in the United States and the recent trends abroad represent a growing health concern,” said Blue Cross of Idaho Medical Director Steve Lucht. “Helping our families and communities stay well is a shared responsibility, and one to which we are fully committed.”

The good news is that vaccinations are covered at no cost to you as part of your Blue Cross of Idaho health insurance plan. Contact your doctor to set your child’s appointment.

Making Sure You Get the Right CareSome services and procedures need to be approved before they can be performed. This approval process is called prior authorization and can help make sure you’re getting the right care at the right time.

This step isn't meant to tell you no. It’s a way to work with you and your doctor on options that may be a better choice for you. Some care options may save you out-of-pocket costs and downtime compared to others. For example, physical therapy may be a better pain-relief option than knee surgery in some cases.

Remember, if you have a medical emergency, you don’t need a prior authorization.

Find a list of services that need prior authorization at members.bcidaho.com. Hover over Benefits & Coverage and select Prior Authorization Information.

Strive for Five ChallengeDid you know a healthy diet can give you more energy, boost your brain power and even help you sleep better?

A few small tweaks can change your nutrition routine entirely, and it’s easier than you think. Join the Strive for Five Challenge and commit to five weeks of small, healthy choices that can change your life for the better.

To learn more and to sign up, log-in at members.bcidaho.com and select the WellConnected logo.

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Summer is in full swing, which means most of us are getting outside and enjoying the long days. But it’s important to stay safe and healthy this summer, too.

When temperatures rise, so too do the risks of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related deaths are a leading cause of extreme, weather-related deaths. Young children, people ages 65 and older and those who are already ill are at high risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, so pay attention to how you’re feeling in the heat.

KEEP COOLIf your job requires you to be outdoors for long periods of time, check in with co-workers regularly and pace yourself. Find a shady spot or cool area to rest, especially if you feel lightheaded or faint. To prevent heat-related illness, wear light, breathable, loose clothing and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.

Be sure to check your local news outlets for extreme heat alerts and try to stay in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. If your body temperature reaches 103 degrees or higher, or you have dizziness or nausea, get help immediately.

BE WATER WISEMany of us head to the nearest body of water to cool off, but we all need to be aware of what else is in the water. The National Center for Biotechnology Information estimates that 90 million recreational water illnesses

are reported each year, costing up to $3.7 billion in healthcare costs. Simply showering before and after jumping in the pool, hot tub, fountain, lake or river greatly reduces your risk of getting sick.

FOOD SAFETYWhile most of us love a summer picnic, food poisoning is a big problem in the summer because bacteria multiply faster in warm weather. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 128,000 people are hospitalized from food poisoning every year. Don’t forget to wash your hands and surfaces often, and never use the same plate or utensils for raw meat and cooked meat. Make sure any leftovers are refrigerated properly.

BUG OFFThere’s never any shortage of bugs in the summer. And some of these bugs are far more than just a nuisance – they can carry diseases. From ticks to mosquitos, it’s important to protect yourself by wearing bug repellant with at least 20 percent DEET. Wear protective clothing and tuck your pants into your socks when you’re in wooded or grassy areas where ticks might live.

Any bug bites that cause headaches, flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Summer Safety

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE THIS SUMMER WITH A FEW SIMPLE STEPS

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WATCH THOSE RAYSThe most important (and preventable) summer safety hazard is too much sun exposure. From burns to eye damage, basking in the sun can carry a heavy price.

Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses labeled to block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Labels reading “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean they block 99 percent of UV rays. Also wear a wide-brim hat and light-weight, breathable clothing to cover exposed skin.

Most importantly, don’t forget to apply sunscreen - no matter how long you plan to be in the sun. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. Don’t forget to apply it to often overlooked spots like the tops of your feet, backs of your hands and your scalp.

With a few simple steps, you can make the most of summer while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Make a Skin Check Part of Your RoutineSkin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, which is why it’s so important to get a skin screening every year to identify any potential problems before they become larger issues. Your primary care provider (PCP) or dermatologist can help you make sure your skin is healthy.

Your Blue Cross of Idaho plan may include an annual skin cancer screening at no cost to you as part of your preventive care benefits. You can check your specific benefits by logging in to your member account at members.bcidaho.com, or by calling the Blue Cross of Idaho Customer Service Department at the number on the back of your member ID card.

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Investing in the Communities We Serve: Our Commitment to a Healthy IdahoBlue Cross of Idaho’s longtime commitment to our members goes beyond the health plans we offer. Our roots are grounded in helping fellow Idahoans live a longer, healthier life.

To honor that commitment, Blue Cross of Idaho will partner with nine charities that closely align with our goal of a healthy Idaho.

2019 Nonprofit Partners• Idaho Food Bank

• YMCA

• Chambers of Commerce

• Ronald McDonald House

• Idaho Technology Council

• Idaho Senior Games

• Boys and Girls Club

• Camp Rainbow Gold

• The United Way

As Idaho’s largest health plan provider, we are proud to support these amazing organizations and their contributions to the communities we serve.

Employee Giving Campaign Raises more than $205,000 Annual Fundraising Event Supports Nonprofits and Community Groups Blue Cross of Idaho employees showed their support for non-profit organizations across Idaho during the company’s annual Employee Giving Campaign.

Staff gave financial donations, as well as participated in a series of fundraising events. Events like the Rubber Duck Derby and a silent auction helped raise money for Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health and the United Way of Treasure Valley.

Employees raised more than $205,000, which will benefit both the United Way and the Blue Cross of Idaho Employee Giving Fund, which will use the funds to award grants to community organizations across the state.

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Supporting Higher EducationBlue Cross of Idaho creates new scholarships at the College of IdahoBuilding a healthier future is about more than physical health. That’s why Blue Cross of Idaho is funding two full-tuition scholarships at The College of Idaho.

Blue Cross of Idaho has committed to funding two Heritage Scholarships over 12 years, giving highly qualified students much-needed financial support. It’s a commitment of $804,000 to support higher education.

According to the College, its graduates have seen great success in the healthcare field, with 85 percent of graduates who apply to medical school getting accepted. It’s the highest rate in Idaho and one of the highest in the West.

Hundreds of blue shirts joined a pink-clad crowd for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event. Blue Cross of Idaho was

a corporate sponsor of the annual event, which helps raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Employees, their

families and friends helped raised more than $5,500 for breast cancer research.

Blue Cross of Idaho Goes Pink

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Celebrating New PartnersAt Blue Cross of Idaho, we know how important it is to have easy access to primary care. That’s why we have entered into an exciting new partnership with Primary Health Medical Group (PHMG).

Blue Cross of Idaho is now a minority partner in the Idaho-based PHMG. While both companies will remain independent, the investment furthers our commitment to bring more choice and better access along with high-quality, affordable healthcare to Idaho.

Blue Cross of Idaho’s investment will help PHMG build new clinics and hire more primary care providers, which will in turn help grow value-based healthcare.

Blue Cross of Idaho Honored with 2019 Advantage Award by IBM Watson HealthAward honors work to use data to help make healthcare more affordable for our membersBlue Cross of Idaho is dedicated to lowering the cost of care for our members, as well as supporting the relationship between healthcare providers and their patients. That’s why we’re so proud to be honored with the 2019 Advantage Award by IBM Watson Health for Performance Improvement and Efficiency.

The Advantage Awards recognize hospitals, health plans, government agencies and employers using data and analytics in new ways to improve the quality, effectiveness and affordability of healthcare.

We were honored for using IBM Health Insights software to help healthcare providers understand how they may be able to lower costs for their patients. You can learn more about the award on the Stay Informed page at bcidaho.com.

We are already hard at work finding even more ways to use the valuable data. It’s all part of our continuing mission to change the healthcare landscape and make it more affordable for everyone.

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Find Care You Need at the Right PriceUpdates to our Find a Doctor and Cost Advisor tools make it easier for you to find the care you need and what you can expect to pay.

We’ve combined both tools so you can search for providers, clinics, hospitals, services and procedures in the same place. When you log in to your member account and search, you can sort results by cost, location and category, plus view reviews.

You will only see results for providers and facilities in your network, which means you can save on out-of-pocket costs and get the most out of your healthcare benefits. Search results will also show the cost of care based on your plan benefits.

Log in to your member account at members.bcidaho.com to find both tools.

Keep in mind that you may not be able to see all Cost Advisor features based on your plan benefits.

Healthy HelpAre you having trouble making your health a priority? Blue Cross of Idaho offers coaching services to help you manage stress, improve nutrition, be more active and even sleep better.

Call toll-free 855-216-6844 or log in to members.bcidaho.com and select WellConnected to get started.

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Contact Us

3000 E. Pine Ave. Meridian, ID 83642

Call our customer service line at the number listed on the back of your member ID card.

Website: members.bcidaho.com

Email: customerservice@bcidaho.com

Access the information on your mobile phone.

Let’s Get Social

Let’s get to know each other better. When you want to know more about how we’re working hard for members, how we give back to the community, or to find out when a hot job is open, visit one of our social media channels.

Blue Cross of Idaho

Blue Cross of Idaho

@bluecrossidaho

@bluecrossidaho

Published by Blue Cross of Idaho. © 2019 by Blue Cross of Idaho, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement – not take the place of – the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or healthcare regimen. Blue Cross of Idaho makes no endorsements or warranties regarding any of the products and services included in this publication or its articles.

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