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State Employees' Association
of New Hampshire,
SEIU Local 1984

207 North Main Street
Concord, NH  03301
*    *   *
P.O. Box 3303
Concord, NH  03302-3303
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(603) 271-3411
(800) 852-3737
Fax (603) 271-3500
*    *   *
www.seiu1984.org
sea@seiu1984.org

State Employee Health Benefits

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Well, it's January.

COMPASSThat means that until February 1st, workout centers everywhere will be filled with people resolving to lose some weight, get back in shape, shed those added holiday pounds, etc. How many times has each of us planned on this being "the year" to change those behaviors? Even for me there are too many to count. This year, I would encourage all of you to take that resolution that we all know too well and turn it into something beneficial and realistic: be healthier.

Resolving to be healthier can mean that you change your diet, exercise more, even possibly lose weight; But it also encompasses becoming familiar with your own health and learning what exactly you need to do to be a healthier person. A very simple thing you can do to start on this path is to "Know Your Numbers."

State Employees: Health Benefits Update

January 5, 2012

State Employees: Have You Had FSA Card Issues? Read On.

Just in from Karen Hutchins, Director of Personnel:

You may have been aware that there was an unexpected delay in the data file transmission from the Common Census system of the FSA (medical and dependent) Open Enrollment elections. Although the FSA benefit has been available since January 1, 2012, the funds were not loaded and available for use on the Combined Services card. Eligible transactions processed between January 1 - 5, 2012, can be submitted for reimbursement by using the Combined Services form located on our HR website at the following link: 
http://www.combinedservices.com/pages/formdownloads.php#flexben

By the end of the day today, for employees who are renewing an election, FSA dollars will be available on their debit cards.

Employees who elected an FSA account for the first time (effective 1/1/2012) dollars will be available via paper reimbursement until their cards are mailed to their homes. This process always runs about 3 weeks due to the high volume of new elections at the beginning of each plan year.


Technical Difficulties at Anthem
Also regarding state employees The Health Risk Assessment tool on the Anthem website is currently giving the following message when members logon : An error occurred while processing your request. We're sorry, we cannot complete your request at this time. Please try again later. We have checked in with Anthem and they are having technical issues. They hope to resolve them soon.

Health Benefits Update
January 11, 2012

Unfortunately the State is continuing to have some technical difficulties related to our Health Benefits. The State is working with the all the venders to straighten these out. As a result, new Anthem ID cards have not yet been mailed out to those employees that added a dependent or changed plans during the Open Enrollment event (new Pharmacy and Dental cards were not scheduled to be issued). The lack of card at this time does not mean that employees that added a dependent during Open Enrollment do not have coverage. If you have an immediate access to care issue (a procedure or prescription needed within the next two weeks), please contact your agencies human resource office.

Some employees may experience processing issues with the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) and Compass. The State is working closely with Anthem for a solution for the processing issues we will keep you updated on the status.

Apparently some members are able to complete the HAT – over 1,100 completed it the first week. Anthem reports the technical issue has been identified and it is moved to a high-level priority to have the HAT up and running for all by the end of the week. Anthem is requesting everyone that has an issue with the HAT or Anthem website to call the SoNH/Anthem Customer Service number which can be found on the insurance card (800-933-8415). Some issues have to do with one’s own individual computer, or system they are operating from, or even pop-up blockers, and can be handled over the phone. For others, Anthem needs to track all calls for follow up purposes. Anthem can consistently track all issues if anyone having a problem accessing the HAT contacts the Customer Service line, so Anthem recommends directing any inquires/issues to that number.




Need Help?
Contact information for the various companies that help the State run its health care benefits programs is available here.

If you have questions or problems accessing your health benefits, please contact the SEA's HBAC Helpline at 271-3411 x134.



Health Assessment Tool  - Health Reimbursement Arrangement
Log on to www.Anthem.com and click on the far right purple Health & Wellness Tab. Click on the Better Health Banner, read and accept the Welcome Letter and click “Go” in the top box with the sunflower to complete the new HAT.

More information about how to register on the new Anthem website, Better Health HAT Frequently Asked Questions, 2011 Better Health HAT Worksheet and “Click-by-Click” instructions on taking the Better Health HAT can be found at: http://admin.state.nh.us/hr/flexible_spending.html.

The $200 benefit is per-subscriber and per-calendar year.  Contact the SEA's HBAC HelpLine at 271-3411 x134 if you have questions about this benefit.



 Health Education Reimbursement

The State of New Hampshire offers a $150.00 Health Education benefit per subscriber per calendar year covered under the Anthem Insurance Plan. Programs are offered in the areas of childbirth education, nutrition education, parenting, physical activity, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight management.  Members should check with the individual facilities for more information on coverage plans.

You can access more information on the programs by clicking here

Reimbursement forms are also available here

In addition to the programs that are typically covered under the Community Health Education Program, the State has elected to include coverage for Yoga, Weight Watchers, and HealthFast and Fast and Forever that are offered through Concord Hospital. 

Should members have any additional questions, you can contact the HBAC HelpLine at the SEA, 271-3411 x134.



Wellness InformationHealth Benefits Advisory Committee
The State of New Hampshire Health Benefits Advisory Committee is a collaborative effort between the State of New Hampshire and the State Employees Association.  This committee was formed to respond to the health needs of state employees, and has worked hard reviewing and analyzing data and seeking information and ideas from other states and large health plans.

One important theme as a result of our review continues to stand out.  We have come to realize we need to focus more than ever on the health and well-being of state employees.  Promoting health and encouraging healthy lifestyles is critical to the needs of New Hampshire employees and retirees. The data shows that this can make a significant difference in long-term health.

Promoting health and healthy lifestyles is one of several ways we can address the ever-escalating cost of health benefits .  More importantly, we believe that promoting health and wellness is directly related to the quality of life we desire for our employees, their families and the people of the State of New Hampshire. 

  Click here for more information

 



 

Smoking Cessation 

You can stop.
We can help.

Call the New Hampshire Smokers' Helpline.
It's confidential and free.

What is it:   It is a toll free smokers' helpline to assist individuals interested in quitting tobacco use.

How does it work: Callers are assisted by trained cessation counselors.  Three free telephone follow-up counseling sessions are arranged, and the caller is provided with resource materials to assist him/her to quit.

Call now
1-800-Try-To-Stop
1-800-879-8678

 

"Think it's impossible to quit?  So did I.  But I haven't had a cigarette since August 5."

Paul Stokes
Past President

  Paul Stokes

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

  DHHS Tobacco Prevention & Control Program
  American Lung Assoc. of NH
  American Cancer Society
  Smokefree.gov