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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of issues related to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of early detection. The health care field has advanced to help detect, prevent and treat cervical cancer and HPV more efficiently than ever before. Cervical cancer screenings are considered age and gender appropriate preventive care and are covered at 100%. This means, you can get screened for cervical cancer at no-cost, which can help prevent or detect cervical cancer early-on when treatment is more effective. For more information regarding cervical cancer or HPV, log onto the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at http://www.nccc-online.org/.

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If you suffer from back or foot problems, don’t forget that your podiatry and chiropractor benefits renew every year. Your chiropractor and podiatry benefits are each subject to a $1,500 maximum benefit payable per calendar year. Take care of your aches and pains by taking advantage of your benefits!

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While engaging in routine preventive care is important, it’s also critical to maintain proper oral health. Seeing a dentist on a regular basis can help identify dental and health problems early-on when treatment options are more effective. Your dental benefits cover preventive dental care services at 100% of the of the DenteMax fee schedule, up to the $2,000 calendar year maximum (participants and dependents up to the age of 19 are not subject to the $2,000 calendar year maximum for non-orthodontic services only). By utilizing a DenteMax provider, you can maximize your dental benefits. Additionally, if your dentist recommends dental services then a pre-determination may be required. To expand, if the proposed dental treatment exceeds $350 or if it includes partial dentures, crowns, periodontics, or fixed bridgework, then a pre-determination is mandatory. Failure to obtain a pre-determination may result in a 20% reduction of benefits. Obtaining a pre-determination for emergency dental treatment is not required. A pre-determination is obtained by your dentist’s office. To locate a DenteMax provider, visit www.dentemax.com or call 1-800-752-1547.

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Do you have a primary care provider? Having a primary care physician will not only provide you with routine care, but they can also save you time and money. The continuity of care offered by a primary care physician enables them to build a relationship with you, which provides them with knowledge about your health history, habits, personality, and prior tests. This information can be used to make quicker and more efficient diagnoses when a medical problem arises. To locate a primary care provider, simply log onto www.bcbsm.com and click on ‘Find a Doctor’ or you can call BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan directly at 1-800-818-4578.

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Would you like to save money on health-related products and services? As a BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan cardholder you have access to Healthy Blue Xtras, which provides you with instant access to thousands of savings! Healthy Blue Xtras eases the associated costs of living a healthier lifestyle by offering discounts on food and nutrition, gyms, recreational activities, and much more! To start saving your way to a healthier lifestyle, log onto www.healthybluextras.com.

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Do you have a child that’s enrolled under your benefit plan and is turning 26 years old this year? If so, your child will be covered through the end of the month of their 26th birthday. Your child will receive a COBRA notification in the mail 30 days before the end of their coverage, which will notify them of their benefit options once they are no longer eligible to be covered under your benefit plan. Additionally, you will have 60 days to disenroll your child once they are no longer eligible for coverage. For example, if your child turns 26 years old on April 2nd, they will have coverage through April 30th. You will have 60 days from April 30th to submit a new enrollment form. Your weekly co-premium rate may change due to disenrolling your child from your benefits plan. If you have any questions regarding your benefits, send us a message or call or office at 248-585-9610, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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Give back by donating your blood this month! January is Blood Donor Month, and there is always a constant need of blood in the medical field. Blood donation is important for maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply. The American Red Cross encourages healthy individuals to donate their blood. If you are interested in donating blood, you can find a local blood drive in your area by visiting the American Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org/. You can also view eligibility requirements, learn how to host a blood drive and find additional resources.

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Your Commit to Quit Starts Today Are you ready to commit to a tobacco-free life? If so, your benefits provide you with the tools that you may need to help you succeed. The Plan provides a Smoking Cessation Benefit, which covers two tobacco cessation attempts per year. A smoking cessation attempt includes coverage for four (4) tobacco counseling sessions of at least 10 minutes each and all FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications (including over-the-counter medications) for a 90-day treatment regimen under a prescription. If you’re a regular smoker that is ready to commit to quit, a smoking cessation program may be right for you. Additionally, MedExpert is here to provide you with support along the way. MedExpert has experience helping people quit smoking, and you’ll be more likely to succeed with a support system in place. MedExpert will be with you throughout the duration, no matter how long it takes. If you’re ready to quit, see your physician about what treatment option may be best for you. Also, call MedExpert at 1-800-999-1999 to see about setting you up on a Smoking Cessation support system.

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Your dental benefits renewed on 1/1/16! The dental maximum benefit of $2,000 renewed for all eligible participants and their enrolled dependent(s). Dental benefits cover preventive dental care services at 100% of the DenteMax fee schedule, up to the $2,000* calendar year max. *Participants and dependents up to the age of 19 are not subject to the $2,000 calendar year maximum for non-orthodontic services only. The Plan utilizes the DenteMax fee schedule, meaning in-network dentists agree to accept pre-negotiated rates. When you use an in-network dentist, you maximize your dental benefits payable by the Plan, while saving yourself money. To locate a DenteMax provider, visit www.dentemax.com or call 1-800-752-1547.

MI UFCW Unions & Employers Health & Welfare Fund's cover photo

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Today is National Trivia Day! Did you know that age and gender appropriate preventive care services are covered at 100%? Meaning, age and gender appropriate services such as colonoscopies, cervical cancer screenings and mammograms are completely covered and require no out-of-pocket expenses? Take advantage of your great benefit plan and get screened before a medical problem arises. *See your Summary Plan Description (SPD) for more information.

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The Plan Administrative Office would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year!