We’re Not Blowing Smoke: E-cigs Pose a Risk to Your Health

Are electronic cigarettes good or bad? That’s a big question raging among health experts. But the answer is not so simple because nobody knows for sure.

And therein lays a major risk.

E-cigarettes differ from typical cigarettes in that they use electronically heated liquid nicotine that is inhaled as vapor, in contrast to the burning of tobacco to produce smoke for inhalation.

Some believe that the burning of tobacco and other substances is the culprit that makes cigarettes dangerous and that nicotine is relatively harmless.

But the fact is we still do not know enough about E-cigarettes to make conclusions.

Here’s what we do know:

• Formaldehyde and other carcinogens were produced in e-cigarette vapor from certain devices in a recent study
• A report in Aug. 2013 of a French study found that 3 of 10 e-cigarettes contained carcinogens at a similar level to conventional cigarettes
• Their liquid is toxic and caused 215 e-cigarette-related calls to U.S. poison centers in Feb. 2014, 51% included children 5 years of age and younger

While some point to E-cigarettes as a way to kick the smoking habit, there are plenty of other proven methods to do this. For most individual and family plans, Premera offers our members these cessation benefits:

• Tobacco use screening and consultation with an in-network doctor
• Approved tobacco use cessation programs recommended by a physician. After completing the program, members provide us with proof of payment and a completed reimbursement form, which can be found on premera.com in the Member Services area.
• Coverage through a pharmacy benefit of approved tobacco cessation drugs and treatments, prescribed by an in-network physician.  These may include popular medications such as: Bupropion, Chantix, NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) nasal spray, or NRT inhaler.

While the argument rages about whether or not e-cigarettes are better than normal cigarettes, one fact remains: we simply don’t know. And that’s a big risk.

Have tips to quit? Comment below, on Facebook or on Twitter!

Don’t Miss Your Shot! Immunizations are Key to Your Health

Did you know that as a Premera member, you can get many immunizations for free? Shots to prevent everything from the flu to Measles are covered under all of our ACA individual and family insurance plans, generally at no cost to you.  Most Premera group plan members also have coverage for immunizations.

Why are vaccines important?

Immunization shots introduce your body to a heavily weakened form of the specific disease you are being immunized against. This gives your immune system the chance to build antibodies that can prevent, or severely reduce, the disease and its harm to your body. It’s far easier to prevent a dangerous disease than it is to treat one. Check out the CDC’s immunization schedules to find its recommended vaccinations.

Where can you conveniently get vaccines?

Premera members can get covered immunizations from any in-network pharmacy that offers them. All you have to do is show your Premera card to your pharmacist.

There are no fees upfront for you. To find an in-network pharmacy use our Find a Doctor tool. Just make sure to double check with them that they offer the vaccine you need!

What shots are covered by your Premera health plan?

For members who purchased a new individual health plan effective Jan. 1 2014 or later, check here to see which vaccinations are covered at 100%… meaning no cost to you.

For those who elected to continue a health plan that was in effect prior to March 23, 2010, go here to find which immunizations are covered.

If you get your health plan through your employer, please know that the shots covered at no cost may vary from those linked above. Check with your plan benefits department to ensure you have an accurate list of what is covered.

To find out the specifics of what is covered under your plan call customer service at the number on the back of your ID card.

Have additional questions? Please leave us a comment or reach out on our Facebook or Twitter channels.

Go Red During American Heart Month

In February we turn to matters of the heart, and not just because of Valentine’s Day.  It’s also American Heart Month—the perfect time to focus on the importance of taking care of your heart. While heart disease accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths in America, the good news is it’s never too late to begin taking steps to better your health.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Heart disease is a disorder of the blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.  Major symptoms of a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:

• Pain in the jaw, neck or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in the arms or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Know Your Status

You may feel healthy, but key indicators of your health like blood pressure and cholesterol may show a different story.  That’s why it’s important to see your doctor regularly to get preventive screenings and checkups that can indicate whether you have one or more risk factors for heart disease. For most Premera members, your plan covers preventive services at little or no cost to you. But check your benefits before scheduling an appointment by calling customer service using the number on the back of your card.

Get in the Action!

There are hundreds of ways to take action now to lower your risk of heart disease, ranging from taking more steps per day to introducing a healthy change to your diet.  Check out the Heart Truth Facebook page for #MyHeart28:  a tip a day for keeping your heart healthy. 

Finally, join with us in the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day this Friday, February 7, by wearing red all day! The Puget Sound chapter offers a month of activities, including free CPR instruction this Saturday at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.

Who are you going Red for?  Show the world by posting a selfie or pic of a friend or family member on social media using the hashtag and phrase “I #GoRed for ____.” Feel free to share your picture with us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

Two Convenient Ways to Get a Flu Shot

Washington saw its first flu-related death of the season last week, according to the Seattle Times. Last year during flu Season there were 54 deaths in Washington state alone, and on an average year 23,000 Americans die from the flu, according to the federal government.

During flu season—which typically peaks in January and February but can range from October through May—the most important thing you can do is to get the flu shot.  That’s why we recommend that our members receive a flu shot annually, and encourage you to take advantage of two convenient options:

1. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor and they can give you the flu shot
2. Take advantage of Premera’s pharmacy-based immunization program and visit an in-network pharmacy and show the pharmacist your Premera insurance card. Most members will experience little to no out-of-pocket costs when they get a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy. Your local pharmacist will be able to help you determine the exact level of coverage.

Use our Find a Doctor tool for Washington or Alaska to locate an in-network pharmacy.  Search for pharmacies near you by entering your zip code and medical network name, which is listed on your ID card.

If you have questions about how your plan covers the flu shot, please check first with Customer Service at the number listed on the back of your ID card. Otherwise don’t tempt it, get your flu shot now!

Preventive Benefits to Keep You Healthy

Visiting your doctor when you’re well can help you prevent future illness and save you money. To make it easy for you to get regular checkups, Premera offers preventive benefits at little or no cost to you (even if you haven’t met your annual deductible), depending on your plan. 

Our new plans starting in 2014 have the most comprehensive set of preventive benefits.  If your plan is grandfathered, meaning it was in effect before federal healthcare reform was passed in 2010, a more limited range of preventive services is included in your coverage.

These preventive benefits are generally available to all Premera members:

• Immunizations which help to reduce the chances you and your family will get illnesses such as influenza, shingles, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
• Screenings for medical conditions such as diabetes, abnormal blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain types of cancer (breast, cervical, colon, and prostate).  A screening is a test your doctor performs to determine whether you’re at risk, or in early stage, of a medical condition that may require treatment.
• Well-baby and well-child exams.

If your plan is non-grandfathered, you can take advantage of additional preventive benefits such as:

• Screenings, services and counseling for health conditions and issues specific to women.  This includes birth control, BRCA genetic testing for women with a family history of breast cancer, and more.
• Fall prevention screening and counseling if you’re age 65 and over
• Obesity screening and counseling for weight loss
• Tobacco use screening and counseling to help you quit

It’s important to keep in mind that diagnostic tests, which your doctor may perform if there’s reason to explore whether you have a medical condition, are not covered on the same basis as preventive screenings.  Diagnostic exams often require that you pay a share of the costs, as do some lab tests your doctor may order as a result of a preventive visit or service. Learn more about diagnostic tests.

Checklist for Using Preventive Benefits

* Always use an in-network doctor to get the highest level of benefit.  Find out if your doctor is in network. 

* A few preventive services, such as genetic testing for breast cancer, require you to contact  Premera first to get a pre-authorization.  Call customer service at the number of the back of your ID card to find out if the preventive benefit you’re planning to use requires approval first.

* Ask your doctor about which preventive services make sense for you.  Frequency of testing often depends on your age and medical history.