A New Idea in Health Management

Whole Health Dimensions supports the medical home concept, which centers on the relationship between an individual and his or her clinician – an approach endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians. It focuses on improving employees’ overall health, and optimizing the value of employers’ premium dollars by facilitating the patient-clinician relationship and providing resources for employees to navigate the health care system.

In this issue of NEWS FROM BLUE, we will spotlight the Online Lifestyle Management component. We will continue to use NEWS FROM BLUE as a source of information on Whole Health Dimensions and worksite marketing tools to help you implement these health and wellness programs at your workplace. You can also contact your Wellmark representative for more information.  

Online Lifestyle Management Tools for Your Employees

Based on participant responses to the personal health assessment, individuals are directed to personalized, self-directed online programs to guide them through the change process specific to their health needs.

Each healthy lifestyle program delivers personalized messages that each participant is ready to hear based on his or her readiness to change. Participants can work on one or multiple lifestyle risks. And, they receive immediate feedback at each interaction and are able to track their progress over time.

Goal-based planning tools
Members can take advantage of online programs that allow them to create customized fitness, nutrition, and life-skill plans. Members can create a meal plan complete with calorie counts and nutritional information, access virtual exercise demonstrations, and take part in family fitness programs that are fun for the whole family.

Personal health trackers
Online health trackers allow members to track changes in their weight, cholesterol, physical activity, nutrition, and more.

Community forums
Members can visit our online community forums on nutrition, fitness, and stress management to receive support and information from other users with similar interests and goals.

Ask an expert
Members with specific questions about nutrition, fitness, and life management can use the Ask an Expert feature to get answers from health professionals and educators, exercise physiologists, and dieticians within one business day.

Participant identification (Who can participate?)
All members can use the goal-based planning tools, personal health trackers, community forums, and Ask an Expert tools.*

*This is standard for fully insured groups and available for self-funded groups to purchase.

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Source of good antioxidants
Chocolate contains the same type of disease-fighting “phenolic” chemicals as red wine, fruits, and vegetables. The antioxidant phenolics combat cell damage leading to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Boost brain chemicals
The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation. The carbohydrates in chocolate can raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in the sense of well-being. With its melt-in-your mouth consistency, chocolate can elevate moods and provide soothing effects on the brain.

In addition, the high content of chromium in dark chocolate can help control blood sugar, and cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.

Chocolate’s greatest crime
Chocolate’s greatest crime is that it’s usually combined with fats and sugar that are high in calories. But if eaten in moderation, chocolate is a treat you can enjoy with a clear conscience.

Zyrtec Moving to Over-the-Counter
Zyrtec, a popular allergy medicine, can now be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) and is no longer available as a prescription medication.  With this change, Zyrtec will not be eligible for coverage.  Zyrtec had been on Tier 3 of the Wellmark Drug List.

Wellmark is not providing coverage for OTC Zyrtec because the drug is priced at one-third less than the average Tier 3 copayment and because generic versions of OTC Zyrtec are expected to be available very soon at an even lower price.

Wellmark sent a letter and a $5 off coupon in mid-January to members who had filled a prescription for Zyrtec in the past 12 months for the purchase of an over-the-counter Zyrtec product.  

Independent Speech Pathologists Added to Wellmark's Networks

Prior to January 1, speech therapy services were a covered benefit only when provided in an inpatient or outpatient facility.  Please note Wellmark’s medical policy for speech therapy is not changing and prior approval is recommended prior to receiving speech therapy services.

Because this is a benefit change, amendments are required.  Large group fully insured members will receive an updated benefits certificate or coverage manual language at renewal. 

Self-funded groups can choose to opt out of this benefit change, but since there is no premium impact and the change makes it more convenient for members to receive speech therapy services, they are encouraged to implement it.

Review Your BluesEnroll^SM “To Do” List

• Adding required information before an employee or employee’s dependent(s) can be enrolled
• Giving approval for a contract change
• Reviewing a carrier change

Note: The information on your To Do list will not be transmitted to Wellmark until approved.

To view your “To Do” list:

• Log on to BluesEnroll under Electronic Enrollment in the Employers section on www.wellmark.com.
• Click the Home tab.
• View the items in the “To Do” list.  The number in front of each item indicates the number of employees who need attention.
• Use the drop down menu to select from one of three options to determine the order you want to view the items in the “To Do” list.
  
  The “To Do” options are:

1. Overall “To Do” list (Default View)
2. Category Type (Location, Classification, etc.)
3. Benefit Offer (Medical, Dental, Life, and AD&D)

The “To Do” list will be updated as needed each time an electronic file is received.  Group administrators who complete the requested action items in a timely fashion will receive these benefits:

• Timely enrollment of employees and their dependents
• Monthly statement reflecting timely account information

E-mailing Wellmark

Employer>Contact Wellmark>E-mail Customer Service

Select the appropriate link (registered or non-registered BlueConnection® user). Provide as much information as you can submit. If you are a registered BlueConnection user, you can track your e-mail questions. You can also inquire about navigating the Wellmark Web, compliance and ethics concerns, and Wellmark’s Secure E-Message services.

Walk with Wellmark on National Walk@Lunch Day^SM

More information about this exciting national event will be available in the March edition of NEWS FROM BLUE.