Blue & You - Spring 2009

Affordable gift idea for the graduate: Page 7 Spring 09
Heart
Sheila Nettles
gets help from
Baptist Health
and the Blue —
her remarkable
story is on Page 4
of Gold
from nurse to patient,
Sheila Nettles experiences
the other side of caregiving
A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies

on Page 10
7 Affordable gift idea for the graduate
10 Putting SilverSneakers at the top
of his list
18 Compare hospital costs online
INSIDE
3 Out of the Blue
4 Taking women’s cardiac health to heart
8 Jonesboro stays True Blue
12 Weight loss pills warning
Lose weight The Healthy Weigh!
13 Don’t be a couch potato!
Obesity linked to ovarian cancer
14 Pay your premium by telephone or Web
Celiac disease requires lifestyle changes
15 Spring and allergies: Both in bloom
16 ABCs of stress relief
Have you used a skin-numbing product?
17 Leaves of three — let them be
19 New law requires members’ SS numbers
Surcharges: What and why?
20 Fitness Challenge: On the move
21 The Doctor’s Corner
22 From the Pharmacist:
Sick with the flu? Stay home!
23 Health Savings Account pharmacy benefit
reminder
Customer Service telephone numbers
24 Good for you
Spring 09
is published four times a year by
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for
the company’s members, health-care
professionals and other persons
interested in health care and wellness.
Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley
Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — BNYou-Ed@arkbluecross.com
Designer: Gio Bruno Photographer: Chip Bayer
Contributors: Chip Bayer, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Jennifer Gordon,
Trey Hankins, Heather Iacobacci-Miller, Ryan Kravitz, Kathy Luzietti and
Mark Morehead

Out of the
Blue
A message from our
CEO and President,
Mark White
3
As I begin my tenure as president and chief executive
officer of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, I
am mindful of the values on which our company was
built. Those values include operating with integrity, making
responsible financial decisions and serving as good
custodians of our members’ trust by providing dependable
service and valuable products. Our values have
stood the test of time and will continue to serve our
members well in these turbulent times. Although our
leadership has changed, our mission and commitment
to the people we serve have not.
We know the economy is tough, and we understand
that health care is expensive. At Arkansas Blue
Cross, we remain focused on providing the best value
in health insurance available in the market today. We
honor our commitment to being good stewards of our
members’ money through working to build large and
affordable provider networks so that our members have
access to high quality care. This commitment to value
drives our focus on providing health information and
support so that our members have the information they
need to make good decisions in times of illness and to
live healthier, more productive lives. Our commitment
is visible in the service we provide, both through our
regional offices around the state and by telephone, and
in our assurance that our members’ claims are paid
quickly and accurately.
Arkansas Blue Cross provides peace of mind in
difficult economic times. For more than 60 years, we’ve
been part of the health care system in Arkansas. And
our desire to meet
Our values
the health-care financing
needs of Ar-
have stood the test
of time and will kansans in affordable
ways has never been
continue to serve
stronger. We’ve built
our members …
our reputation on
dependability and trustworthiness. We care about your
health and your ability to pay for health care when you
need it. And we thank you for allowing us to do so.
Blue & You Spring 2009

Taking women’s
cardiac health
to
heart
4
Sheila Nettles with her four granddaughters: (clockwise
from left) Amanda, Alexia, Madison and Kristen.
Photo: Cary Nettles
Blue & You Spring 2009

Working as a nurse, Sheila Nettles
thought she was familiar with the signs and symptoms
of cardiac problems, but in 1994 when she arrived at
work huffing and puffing from the short walk inside,
a friend who works in cardiology knew she was more
than out of breath.
“I didn’t realize I was having heart problems,”
Sheila said, “but when I went in the next day for a
stress test, I failed.”
Sheila’s story is significant because it is so common.
According to the National Women’s Health Information
Center, among all U.S. women who die each
year, one in four dies of heart disease. In 2004, nearly
60 percent more women died of cardiovascular disease
(both from heart disease and stroke) than from all cancers
combined.
Sheila, who was 51 at the time, was scheduled
for angioplasty in one vessel and quickly slid back into
her routine. She didn’t immediately make any lifestyle
changes, thinking it was a small bump in her life’s journey
and that she was “probably good to go.”
Sheila was working in Oklahoma when she had
the angioplasty but jumped at the opportunity to move
back home to Little Rock in 2002, and join the nursing
team at Baptist Health Medical Center. Her sons live in
central Arkansas, and she was excited to spend more
time with her granddaughters. As part of her move,
Sheila switched insurance to Health Advantage, one of
the companies under the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield umbrella.
Soon after her move however, she started having
a similar, but different, feeling in her chest. “This time
there was more pain,” she said, though not enough to
make her panic. “It wasn’t a crushing pain, just a feeling
— almost like a pinching sensation.”
Sheila had become friends with a cardiology
educator in the office next to hers, and she casually
mentioned the strange feeling in her chest. Calmly, her
friend suggested they go to the emergency room, and
she sat Sheila down in a wheelchair before she could
protest. Once again, tests showed she had a blockage
in the same vessel; this time she needed a stent.
Sheila said she never feared for her life — as a
nurse at Baptist Health she knew she was in great
hands — and after working for several years in rehabilitation,
she had watched many patients recover from the
same procedure. She also knew that through Health
Advantage she had great health insurance coverage.
And, she felt “completely at ease” with Gary Collins,
M.D., the cardiologist who performed the procedure.
“Treating the heart
means treating the
whole body,”
Dr. Gary Collins said.
“Treating the heart means treating the whole
body,” Dr. Collins said, a philosophy that has gained
Baptist Health the designation of a Blue Distinction
Center for Cardiac Care ® by Blue Cross and Blue Shield
plans nationwide and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association.
“We’re a multi-disciplinary medical center, so we
have different specialists available at any given moment,”
he said, adding that heart patients may need
additional care for diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders
or respiratory issues.
The Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care ®
program is designed to measurably improve the way
health care is accessed and delivered. When Health Advantage
members, like Sheila, have access to excellent
health care, it means better results for her. It also gives
her the information she needs when making a decision
about where to have a surgery or procedure. When a
hospital has been designated a Blue Distinction Center,
you know they have expertise in that specialty.
Cardiac, continued on Page 6
5
Blue & You Spring 2009

Sheila Nettles (left and inset) contemplates the
statue in front of Baptist Health Medical Center
depicting a helping hand to someone in need.
Cardiac, continued from Page 5
6
For Dr. Collins, this means Baptist Health takes
cardiac patients that other hospitals turn away because
those hospitals don’t have the facilities or staff available
to handle the possible complications. And, he said,
Baptist has a record of providing medical care faster to
heart patients than many other hospitals, which is
critical to saving heart muscle tissue during and after a
heart attack.
In order to become a Blue Distinction Center, a
hospital must meet high quality standards established
by an expert panel of physicians, surgeons and other
health-care professionals. When hospitals meet these
standards, they demonstrate better outcomes for their
patients.
Other medical centers designated as Blue Distinction
Centers for Cardiac Care ® in the Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield service area include CHRISTUS
St. Michael Health System in Texarkana, Texas, and St.
Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.
Baptist Health Medical Center continues to follow
patients as they go through rehabilitation and preventive
therapy to keep their hearts healthy after their procedures.
Dr. Collins said patients like Sheila are coached
on their eating habits, checking their cholesterol and
blood sugar, and stopping smoking.
Members of Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage
and eligible members of BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas can get help taking care of
their heart through our free Cardiovascular Education
Program in HealthConnect Blue accessed through My
Blueprint, our self-service center on the Web.
After her second procedure, Sheila joined a weightloss
program through Baptist Health and changed her
“Women … tend to put off
going to the doctor when
we don’t feel well … ,”
Sheila said. “Don’t wait —
get it checked out.”
eating habits. She also started sharing with her younger
sisters and girlfriends about the importance of heart
health. As her granddaughters grow, she said she will
be sharing that message with them as well.
“Women need to pay attention to their health because
we tend to put off going to the doctor when we
don’t feel well but can’t put a finger on what is wrong,”
Sheila said. “Don’t wait — get it checked out.”
Signs of heart trouble
Common to men and women:
Chest or arm discomfort, shortness of breath,
dizziness, nausea, abnormal heartbeats or
feeling very tired.
Women may also have:
Heartburn, loss of appetite and coughing.
Blue & You Spring 2009

Affordable gift idea for the graduate
Your son or daughter (or maybe grandchild) is about
to graduate from college and you are struggling with
a practical gift idea for the new graduate. Although he
or she already may have an iPhone and a laptop, he or
she may soon be without health insurance. After college,
many young people “age off”
Short-Term
their parents’ insurance policy and
Blue is a
have not yet found a job that offers
group coverage. That’s where you great idea for
come in, and we can help. anyone who is
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue temporarily
Shield offers an individual health
uninsured.
plan, Short-Term Blue, for anyone
who is temporarily uninsured. Here’s the best news
about this plan — it’s very affordable!
Other important information about Short-Term Blue:
1. Short-Term Blue has no monthly premium — you
make one non-refundable payment for the term
of the policy (if you apply online, you can use your
credit card, or have the premium drafted from your
bank account).
2. Coverage can be for a minimum of 30 days up to a
maximum of 182 days.
3. The graduate can apply online (remember, the graduate
must complete the application and provide bank
draft or credit card information at the time of the
application — although you can give him or her your
account information if you want to pay for it).
4. There are only a few quick and easy eligibility
questions to answer.
5. The policyholder will have access to more than
6,700 doctors and hospitals.
6. The graduate must live in Arkansas.
7. This policy will cover any unexpected illnesses,
diseases or accidents. It does not cover pre-existing
conditions or prescription drugs. Covered benefits,
excluded benefits and more information can be
found online at arkansasbluecross.com.
8. If the policy ends while the covered member is hospitalized,
he or she may be eligible for an extension
of benefits.
We know you want to make sure the new graduate
has one less thing to worry about while searching for
a job; this gift will show your thoughtfulness as well as
give him or her some peace of mind.
And, Short-Term Blue is a great idea for anyone
who is temporarily uninsured -— whether you are between
jobs, working part-time, recently retired and not
yet eligible for Medicare, or a new employee temporarily
without coverage.
For more information about Short-Term Blue, visit
arkansasbluecross.com or call 1-800-392-2583 or your
local independent or Farm Bureau agent.
7
Blue & You Spring 2009

Jonesboro stays
True Blue
8
Jonesboro may be the home of the Arkansas State
University Red Wolves, but the city has been true Blue
since 1975 — that’s the year city employees enrolled
with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for group
health insurance coverage. And, according to Jonesboro
Mayor Harold Perrin, the city could not be more pleased.
“Because we are a government entity, we have to
bid our health insurance,” said Perrin, who served for 15
years on the city council before moving into the mayor’s
office on Jan. 1, 2009. “And over the years, Arkansas
Blue Cross has come in with the low bid. I can’t remember
them ever being outbid. In addition, the service they
provide is great. They service the account, and service
is something I look at closely. As mayor, I’ve got to take
care of my people.”
The city has more than 500 full-time employees, but
when you add the employees at the library, airport and
housing authority — who also are covered in the account
— the membership roll is more than 600.
“And,” added Gloria Roark, director of Human Resources
for the City of Jonesboro, “the city also offers
several products through USAble [Life].”
Since 2000, a big part of the customer service city
employees have come to appreciate is the Northeast
Regional Office, located a few blocks from downtown
Jonesboro.
“Arkansas Blue Cross has worked closely with the
City of Jonesboro’s leadership and membership over
our long relationship,” said Connie Meeks, M.D., medical
director of the Northeast Regional Office. “Since the
Blue & You Spring 2009

Gloria Roark, director of Human
Resources for the City of Jonesboro,
and Jonesboro Mayor Harold
Perrin both cite value and superior
customer service as reasons the
city has been a group member
with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield since 1975.
9
regional office was established
we have been able
to provide even more value
with local initiatives.”
Through the regional office, Arkansas Blue Cross
has offered regular onsite benefit meetings at all city
locations — including City Hall, Public Works, the Fire
Department and the Police Department — during and
after work hours.
“We take advantage of the opportunity to help
members with any questions, but also, we are able to
educate them about new health information and wellness
tools like HealthConnect Blue.”
In fact, Jonesboro has been participating in the Diabetes
HealthCheck program since its inception in 2005.
“I call programs like that an ‘extraplus’,”
said Perrin. “Providing seminars
about health and wellness, and the diabetes
program in particular — they don’t have
to do that.”
Jonesboro currently is participating in the newly organized
employer alliance, Community HealthCheck, the
goals of which include improving the quality of health of
employees and members in the community.
“Having Arkansas Blue Cross here is not just good
for the City of Jonesboro, it’s good for our citizens as
well,” said Perrin. “It helps Jonesboro, trust me. It’s a
great selling point for economic development in Jonesboro.
We are the medical community in Northeast
Arkansas and Arkansas Blue Cross is a big part of that.”
Blue & You Spring 2009

Putting
SilverSneakers
at the top of his list
10
After losing his footing, Aubrey Scott fell
10 feet to the ground.
Blue & You Spring 2009

Ask Aubrey Scott about
exercise and he’ll tell you, “It’s on
the top of my list today.” But when
he fell from the top — to the bottom
— of a 10-foot ladder, Aubrey found
out just how important his exercise
regimen with the SilverSneakers
Fitness Program through Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield really is!
Aubrey, 86, was referred to
SilverSneakers at the Northeast
Arkansas Wellness Center in Jonesboro,
by his long-time friend and
physician, Ray Hall, M.D., in January
2008. All Medi-Pak and
Medi-Pak Advantage
members are eligible
for this free exercise
program.
It didn’t take long before Aubrey
was participating in the muscle
strength and range-of-motion class
and joining the free-form activities.
Even walking at the center gives him
a chance to catch up with old friends
and make new ones. And while
it may feel as if he and his wife,
Margaret, also 86, are just enjoying
time with friends, they also are
preventing disease, improving their
mental health and acuity, increasing
cardiovascular endurance, improving
muscle strength and gaining flexibility
through greater range of motion.
And that can add even more years
to the 61 they already have enjoyed
together.
All his physical agility was put
to the test recently when Aubrey
decided to climb the ladder to his
son’s attic. After losing his footing,
he fell 10 feet to the
ground. Shaken, Aubrey
and Margaret immediately
went to the doctor to assess
his injuries, fearing the worst.
Instead, he was delighted to hear he
had no injuries at all. Aubrey said he
feels certain his active lifestyle and
participation in the SilverSneakers
Fitness Program made all the difference
in the outcome of his fall.
“Kara Phillips does a wonderful
job of keeping us very active from
the top of our head to the soles of
our feet,” Aubrey said of the SilverSneakers
professional fitness
trainer at the center. Instructors in
the SilverSneakers Fitness Program
are certified and receive in-depth
training in providing exercise that
is specific to the needs of seniors.
Aubrey said Kara “provides a personal
touch” to the program. He and
Margaret enjoy the classes so much
that they have asked for additional
classes to be offered. “It is a very
beneficial program for maintaining a
level of fitness year round, especially
when the weather may prevent
outside activities.”
To enroll in SilverSneakers,
Medi-Pak and Medi-Pak Advantage
members can go to a participating
fitness center near them and
show their ID card. Participating
locations in Arkansas can be found
at silversneakers.com. The Fitness
center staff will assist with enrollment
and provide tours of the
locations.
11
Aubrey Scott said he feels
certain his active lifestyle
and participation in
the SilverSneakers
Fitness Program
made all the difference in
the outcome of his fall.
Blue & You Spring 2009

Weight-loss pills
warning
12
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) is seeking a recall on
weight-loss pills that could potentially
pose serious health risks to
consumers. Some products being
touted as “dietary supplements”
claiming to be “natural” or containing
“herbal” ingredients actually
contain “undeclared, active pharmaceutical
ingredients that may put
consumers’ health at risk.” The FDA
is urging consumers to not purchase
or take these weight-loss pills due
to health risks such as high blood
pressure, seizures, or even heart
attack or stroke. Just one more reason
to lose weight the natural and
healthy way.
For a full list of products being
recalled, visit the FDA’s Web
site at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/
NEWS/2008/NEW01933.html.
Lose weight
The Healthy Weigh!
The Healthy Weigh! Education
Program is free for members
of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield, Health Advantage, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Service
Benefit Plan (Federal Employee
Program), and eligible members
of BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas.
To enroll, complete the attached
enrollment form and return
it in the self-addressed, postagepaid
envelope included in this
magazine. The program starts
when you enroll.
After enrollment,
you will begin to receive
information through the
mail, which you can read
in the privacy of your
own home and at your
own pace. The program
is completely voluntary,
and you may leave the
program at any time. If
you have further questions
about the program,
call the Health Education
Program’s toll-free number
at 1-800-686-2609.
Simply
complete,
sign and
return the
attached
enrollment
form in
the selfaddressed,
postagepaid
envelope.
Blue & You Spring 2009

Don’t be a couch potato!
If your husband or son or father
is overweight, we know he has a
risk factor for heart disease. However,
most people may think that just
a few extra pounds is OK. Not true.
A study, recently published in the
medical journal, Circulation, showed
that a few extra pounds along with
inactivity raises the risk of heart
failure in men.
As much as two thirds of the
adult population are overweight,
if not obese. Basically, the study
showed that it doesn’t matter if you
are an overweight couch potato or
a lean couch potato, exercise could
extend your life.
13
Obesity linked to ovarian cancer
A new study suggests a link between
obesity in women and ovarian
cancer, which is the fifth leading cancer
of U.S. women. Researchers found
that obese women were 26 percent
more likely to develop ovarian cancer
than those at a healthy weight, but that
figure increased to 80 percent for obese
postmenopausal women who never
used hormone replacement therapy. The
findings suggest that obesity increases
the risk of ovarian cancer through hormonal
effects. The major implication is
a familiar one — maintaining a healthy
weight is important.
Source: Medline Plus
Blue & You Spring 2009

Pay your premium over the
telephone or on the Web!
Making your payment just got easier.
If you have an individual or family policy (not
through an employer) with Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield, we now offer two convenient and secure
ways to pay your premium.
1. You can call Customer Service at 1-800-238-8379,
and a representative can take your payment information
over the telephone.
2. Or, you can pay your premium online for free:
a. Go to arkansasbluecross.com.
b. Visit (or register for) the member self-service
center (My Blueprint).
c. Select “Pay Premiums Online” and follow the
instructions.
If you have any questions about either of the premium
payment options, please call Customer Service
at 1-800-238-8379.
14
Celiac disease requires
lifestyle changes
Does someone you know have an upset stomach • Behavior changes/depression/irritability
that won’t settle down? He or she may want to get • Vitamin K deficiency
checked for celiac disease. Celiac disease is a lifelong, • Canker sores, tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack Because celiac disease is chronic, the only treatment
is a gluten-free diet. Adapting to the gluten-free
itself when a person eats foods that contain a protein
called gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and diet requires some lifestyle changes. It is essential to
many other grains. If celiac
disease is left untreated, damage
to the small bowel can be
chronic and life threatening.
Symptoms of celiac
disease may include:
• Recurring bloating, gas or
abdominal pain
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation with pale, foulsmelling
stool
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Anemia, fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
• Bone or joint pain
Celiac disease can
be chronic and
life threatening.
read labels and learn how to
identify foods that are gluten
free. (Potential harmful ingredients
include starches, binders,
fillers and malt.)
Gluten also may be used
as a binder in some pharmaceutical
products. You can ask your pharmacist for help
in identifying medications that contain gluten.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Blue & You Spring 2009

Spring and allergies:
A seasonal allergy is
essentially an
allergic reaction
to something that is
only present for part
of the year.
BOTH IN BLOOM
The warm winds of spring usually
are a welcomed respite after a to something that is only present
is essentially an allergic reaction
long, cold winter. But those blooming
flowers and trees, while provid-
the spring or fall. In the spring, the
for part of the year — usually in
ing a colorful relief from gray skies, culprit is almost certainly pollen — a
also bring something else.
powdery grain released from flowering
plants.
Allergies.
It is estimated that almost
In a state like Arkansas, known
40 million Americans suffer from for its natural beauty, the potential
seasonal allergies — what we often for large amounts of pollen in the
refer to as “hay fever.” This results air during the spring and summer
in approximately 8 million annual months is rather high.
visits to the doctor and billions of
dollars spent on medications. What’s a person to do?
U. S. companies always report higher
absenteeism during the spring, allergist can help you determine
If your allergies are severe, an
as a direct result of allergies. which allergens affect you the most.
So, what exactly causes all In some cases, allergy shots are
this fuss? It can be any number necessary to alleviate symptoms. In
of things. But a seasonal allergy most people, however, some simple
steps can help a great deal in reducing
your exposure to pollen and its
ill effects.
• Keep windows closed to prevent
pollen from getting in your home.
• Keep car windows closed while
driving.
• Stay indoors when the pollen
count is expected to be high.
• Avoid early-morning outdoor
activity. Pollen is usually emitted
between 5 and 10 a.m.
• Take a vacation to somewhere
with less pollen, like the beach,
during the height of the pollen
season.
• Machine dry your laundry. Pollen
collects on laundry that is line
dried.
Springtime allergens are inevitable.
But you can fight back.
Sources: Centers for Diseases
Control and Prevention, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
15
Blue & You Spring 2009

16
ABCs of stress relief
We all have stress in our lives. It’s impossible to avoid it. Unfortunately,
too much stress can have a negative affect on our health. While we
can’t avoid it entirely, there may be some things we can do to help relieve
stress in our lives. Just remember your ABCs.
A
• Avoid stress when possible by learning to say, “no,” and cutting down
that out-of-control to-do list.
• Accept the unavoidable or unchangeable – you can’t change everything.
• Adjust unreasonable expectations.
B
• Breathe — Stop and take a deep breath; then, reassess the stressful
situation from a calmer perspective. Breathing exercises can help you
to refocus, relax and reduce your heart rate.
• Be kind to yourself by setting aside time to do something you enjoy like
C
taking a walk, reading a book or magazine or talking with a friend.
• Change your expectations and attitude by finding the positives or taking
a new look at the problem.
• Compromise by finding a middle ground rather than always expecting
change to come from others.
Source: Helpguide, Texas Woman’s University and WebMD
For more ways to beat stress, check out the Relax ® program behind My Blueprint on our Web sites.
Have you used a skin-numbing
If you have used a coma or death.
skin-numbing product, take So what are they? Skin-numbing products, or topical
anesthetics, are used to numb the surface of the
note — according to the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), they may in medical procedures, but they also may be used in
skin. Trained medical professionals frequently use them
cause serious side effects cosmetic procedures or used to relieve pain, burning or
including irregular heartbeat, itching due to a variety of medical conditions. They are
seizures, difficulty breathing, available with a prescription and over the counter. They
Blue & You Spring 2009

Leaves of three
let them be
“I don’t know how I got poison ivy.”
Well, it’s probably easier than you think. Did you give your dog a hug after he came in
from the backyard? Take a hike down a local trail? Burn some brush and sticks while on a
camping trip?
Poison ivy, oak or sumac can be just about anywhere, and it sticks to everything. If you
have ever had a case of the infamous itch, you know you want to avoid it.
Poison ivy, sumac and oak contain an oil called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil
touches the skin, many people develop an allergic reaction that causes a rash.
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to be able to recognize these plants — and
then avoid them — when you see them in the woods or in your backyard.
Poison
ivy
Poison
sumac
Poison
oak
17
If you accidently come in contact with one of these plants, wash your skin well with lukewarm
water and soap. All clothing should be laundered, and everything else that may be contaminated
with urushiol should be washed thoroughly. Urushiol can remain active for a long
time. For mild cases, cool showers and an over-the-counter product that eases itching can be
effective. Oatmeal baths and baking-soda mixtures also can sooth the discomfort. When a severe
reaction develops, contact your physician or dermatologist. Prescription medication may
be needed to reduce the swelling and itch.
product?
contain anesthetic drugs such as lidocaine or benzocaine
and come as creams, ointments or gels that are
applied to the surface of the skin and then absorbed
into the blood stream.
According to the FDA, with topical anesthetics, you
should not:
• Apply heavily over large areas of the skin
• Use formulas stronger than necessary
• Apply to broken or irritated skin
• Wrap treated skin with plastic or other dressings
• Apply heat from a heating pad to treated areas
As with any medication, remember to use only
as directed.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Blue & You Spring 2009

18
Compare
hospital
costs
online
Your husband’s doctor has recommended surgery
or a procedure that requires he spend time in the hospital.
So you may want to compare the quality of the care
that different hospitals have provided for the recommended
surgery or procedure. There are differences
between hospitals, and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield can provide you with information on how
hospitals perform.
You may want information on how many patients
have been admitted for this surgery, or the
number of deaths or complications related to this
surgery at this hospital, or how many days someone
who had this surgery remained in the hospital. And
now, if you are looking for cost information related to
this type of surgery, it also is available online.
To get this information and much more, visit the
member self-service center (My Blueprint) of our Web
sites (see complete list on Page 23) and select “Compare
hospital quality.” This will allow you to compare
hospitals in your area. With this tool (WebMD Hospital
Advisor), members may compare how the hospitals selected
have performed when treating other members of
the health plan or when treating those on Medicare.
The “Cost” category represents the amount a
hospital may be paid by the health plan in comparison
to other hospitals in the state. This category
does not represent the amount you pay. The
hospitals are rated by the following categories —
Low Cost, Average Cost and High Cost — in comparison
to other hospitals.
Visit our Web site and you’ll find hospital information
you need to help you make informed decisions
about your health care and the health-care needs of
your family.
Blue & You Spring 2009

New law requires
members’
Social Security
numbers
On Jan. 1, 2009, a new
federal health coverage reporting
law came into effect that requires
health insurers and thirdparty
administrators to provide
Social Security numbers from
members of group health plans
to the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS). This
information will allow Medicare
to properly coordinate payments
with other health plans and/or
workers’ compensation benefits.
Section 111 of Public Law
110-173, also known as the
Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP
Extension Act of 2007, requires
group health plans, insurers,
third-party administrators and
plan administrators or fiduciaries
of self-insured/self-administered
group health plans to report information
required for purposes of
coordination of benefits.
Because of this law, you
may receive a letter in the mail
from Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield, Health Advantage or
BlueAdvantage Administrators of
Arkansas asking for Social Security
numbers for you and/or your
dependent(s). Simply write in the
information and return the letter
using the enclosed postage paid
envelope by the date requested.
Arkansas Blue Cross (and its
family of companies) is committed
to your privacy and holds
your information in complete
confidence. In accordance with
applicable laws, including the
Privacy Act of 1074 and the
Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act Privacy Rule,
CMS also maintains your confidentiality.
We appreciate your assistance
in providing this information.
Please call the Customer
Service number for your health
plan listed on Page 23 if you
have any questions.
Surcharges on
individual and
family policies:
What and
why?
If you have applied for Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield individual
coverage, you may have noticed a “surcharge”
on your policy. A surcharge is
an additional cost added to your premium
for a medical condition (for example,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
allergies, etc.).
Offering affordable health insurance
is important at Arkansas Blue Cross.
One way we reduce the cost of individual
health insurance is to underwrite
applicants. Underwriting allows us to
assess the potential for risk associated
with each applicant. If an applicant is
high risk, we have three options:
1. Charge a higher premium.
2. Exclude the condition that has
increased the risk.
3. Decline to offer coverage.
We use the first two options when
necessary and only decline coverage as
a last resort. Sometimes, the only way
we can offer coverage is to add an additional
cost (surcharge) to the premium.
For more information about individual
and family insurance plans (for
those under age 65 and not covered
by Medicare), visit arkansasbluecross.
com or call 1-800-392-2583 or your local
independent or Farm Bureau agent.
Blue & You Spring 2009
19

20
The Blue & You Fitness Challenge
is in full swing after a record
205 groups (with an eligible population
of more than 110,000 participants)
from throughout the United
States have pledged to “invest in
fitness” for 2009.
“Exercise requires only a small
investment of time and movement
and promises a great rate of return
on your health,” said Richard
Cooper, vice president of Human
Resources and team champion
for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. “More than 110,000 Americans
are eligible to make a move
toward better health by participating
in the Challenge this year.”
This is the sixth year for the
Challenge, which is hosted by
Arkansas Blue Cross, the Arkansas
Department of Health and the Arkansas
Department of Human Services.
The exercise contest encourages
participants to work toward
the public health recommendation
of adult physical activity 30 minutes
each day, most days of the week.
Groups — representing large
and small companies, banks,
schools and universities, physician
offices, churches, hospitals and government
agencies — are ranked by
size for the competition. At the end
of the contest, winners will be announced
in each group size catego-
More than
110,000
eligible
participants
for 2009.
ry. Groups whose participants have
the greatest participation and
score the highest in
four categories of measurements
will be the overall winners of the
Blue & You Fitness Challenge.
Governor Mike Beebe
declared February 24 as “Fitness
Challenge” day in
Arkansas in recognition of the contest
in a decree that was unveiled at
the contest kickoff.
Didn’t get signed up this year?
Watch groups as they progress in
real time at BlueAndYouFitnessChallenge-ark.com
this year and plan to
be part of the fun in 2010.
Special note: Before beginning any
exercise program, always consult
your physician.
On the move
with the Fitness Challenge
Blue & You Spring 2009

The
Doctor’s
Corner
Colonoscopies and PSAs
after age 75?
The U.S. Preventive Services
by Ray Bredfeldt, M.D.,
Regional Medical Director
Northwest Region, Fayetteville
Task Force, the most respected
preventive health organization in
the country, recently recommend-
headaches, epilepsy, chronic pain,
and inflammatory bowel disease.
Free drug samples come
with a cost.
Has your doctor ever given
you a free sample of a medication?
Probably. Your doctor gets those
samples from the pharmaceutical
companies as a way to advertise
their products. However, a new
study shows that these samples
may not be such a good deal for
you. Pharmaceutical companies
usually provide samples of the
most expensive medications. On
average, people who receive free
samples spend 50 percent more on
medications than those who receive
a prescription for a less expensive
medication. So, go ahead and be
thankful for those free samples —
just remember to ask your doctor if
there is a less expensive alternative
when the sample runs out.
ed against receiving a screening
colonoscopy after age 75. The Task
Force also recommended that men
above age 75 no longer receive the
PSA (prostate-specific antigen test).
The Task Force believes that the
risks associated with screening and
follow-up testing and treatment of
abnormal results cause more harm
than good after that age. In addition,
the Task Force recommended that
men younger than 75 ask their doctors
about the potential risks and
lack of evidence for PSA screening.
Take your Vitamin D!
Is Vitamin D the new wonder
drug? According to several studies,
Vitamin D seems to play an important
role not only in bone formation
but many other things. A recent
study in the Archives of Internal
Medicine has shown that Vitamin D
deficiency is linked to an increased
risk for coronary artery disease,
Arthritis of the knee?
Surgery may not be the
best bet.
Arthroscopic surgery into the
knee joint to remove debris from
the knee is a common procedure for
people with degenerative arthritis.
The hope is that knee pain will
improve after the debris is removed.
Each year in the United States, several
hundred thousand arthroscopic
surgeries are performed for this reason.
However, a recent study in the
New England Journal of Medicine
reported that the people who had
the surgery along with medication
and physical therapy did not have a
better outcome than those who only
received medication and physical
therapy. The surgery appears to add
no benefit but does add unneeded
risk and cost.
21
several types of cancer, migraine
Blue & You Spring 2009

Sick with the flu? Stay home!
22
The flu season got a slow start
this year, but don’t be fooled; chances
are we still will get our fair share
of sore throats, aches and fever.
If you haven’t already gotten
one, it isn’t too late for a flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recently said that
the 2008-09 vaccine is effective in
preventing or reducing the severity
of illness with currently circulating
flu viruses. The CDC also warned,
however, that the flu virus circulating
this year is resistant to the
antiviral medication oseltamivir, also
known as Tamiflu, but that other
antiviral medications are working
against the virus.
So, as a pharmacist, what’s the
best advice I have if that weak, achy
feeling starts to hit you? Stay home!
And don’t think your boss will be
mad if you do. According to the
2007 CCH Unscheduled Absence
Survey, 87 percent of employers
report that sick employees who
show up to work are suffering from
short-term illnesses such as a cold
When sick
employees show up
for work, known as
“presenteeism,”
there is a significant
and costly impact on
an organization.
or flu, which can be easily spread.
CCH is a leading provider of human
resources and employment law
information and services.
When sick employees show
up for work, known as “presenteeism,”
there is a significant and costly
impact on an organization, not only
in terms of risking the spread of
disease, but also in terms of diminished
productivity, quality and
attention to safety. Overall, the CCH
Survey found that 38 percent of employers
report presenteeism being a
problem in their organizations.
The CDC estimates that individuals
who get the flu may be able
to infect others from the day before
their symptoms develop, to five
days after becoming sick.
Technology today allows many
of us the ability to work from home
if needed. If you simply can’t stay
away from the office, here are some
ways to stop the spread of germs:
• Avoid high-traffic areas in your
building where your co-workers
may come in contact with you.
• Do as much communication as
possible by telephone and e-mail.
Shut your office door to keep out
visitors.
• Cover your mouth and nose
when you sneeze or cough.
• Clean your hands often and use
antiseptic lotions.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose
or mouth.
Sources: The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, CCH
From the
Pharmacist
by Brandon Griffin, Pharm D.,
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Blue & You Spring 2009

Health Savings Account
pharmacy benefit reminder
Do you have a Health Savings Account High Deductible
Health Plan through Health Advantage? If you
do, you might not realize that you are eligible for network
discounts at your pharmacy. Also be sure your
pharmacy submits your claims through your insurance
so that they can be applied to your deductible.
There are a few pharmacies that have not submitted
claims to the insurance companies because the
pharmacist has stated that he/she could offer a better
cash price than what the insurance company would
otherwise allow. However, when a pharmacy offers a
price lower than what your insurance normally charges,
they still should send the cash price to the insurance
company as the submitted cost.
If your pharmacist informs you that your medication
would cost less if you paid cash without running
the claim through your insurance, please ask him/her to
submit the cash price to the insurance company. If the
cash price is less than what we would normally allow,
then the claim system will only charge you the cash
price (the lower price). Running the claim through insurance
also allows the paid amount to be applied to your
deductible.
If your pharmacy refuses to submit their cash price
to your insurance company, please contact your insurance
company’s customer service department so that
this situation can be remedied.
We love to hear from you!
May we help? For customer service please call:
Little Rock
Number (501)
Toll-free
Number
Medi-Pak members 378-3062 1-800-338-2312
Medi-Pak Advantage or Medi-Pak Rx 1-866-390-3369
Arkansas Blue Cross members 378-2010 1-800-238-8379
Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5561
Specialty Rx Pharmacy questions 1-866-295-2779
Health Advantage members 378-2363 1-800-843-1329
Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5567
BlueAdvantage members 378-3600 1-888-872-2531
Pharmacy questions 1-888-293-3748
State and Public School members 378-2364 1-800-482-8416
Federal Employee members 378-2531 1-800-482-6655
Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!
For individuals, families
and those age 65 or older 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
For employer groups 378-3070 1-800-421-1112
(Arkansas Blue Cross Group Services, which includes
Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas)
Prefer to speak with someone close to home? Regional Office
telephone numbers:
Pine Bluff/Southeast Region 1-800-236-0369
1800 West 73rd St.
Jonesboro/Northeast Region 1-800-299-4124
707 East Matthews Ave.
Hot Springs/South Central Region 1-800-588-5733
100 Greenwood Ave., Suite C
Texarkana/Southwest Region 1-800-470-9621
1710 Arkansas Boulevard
Fayetteville/Northwest Region 1-800-817-7726
516 East Milsap Rd., Suite 103
Fort Smith/West Central Region 1-866-254-9117
3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 5
Little Rock/Central Region 1-800-421-1112
320 West Capitol Ave., Suite 900
Web sites:
arkansasbluecross.com
healthadvantage-hmo.com
blueadvantagearkansas.com
blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org
blueannewe-ark.com
23
Blue & You Spring 2009

24
At Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield, we are
always looking for new
ways to be "Good for You."
Here are some of our
latest accomplishments.
Our news is good news
Visit “Newsroom” on arkansasabluecross.com for all
the latest news from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. Plus, find company information, photos and
bios of our executives, key statistics and information
about how we are good for you!
Looking for insurance?
Visit our Web sites under “Looking for Insurance?” and
find insurance to meet the needs of you and your family.
We have Medicare plans if you are aging into those
plans, individual plans if your company no longer offers
health insurance, and employer health plans and dental
plans. Call us at 1-800-421-1112 to help you find a plan
that fits your needs and budget.
We're in your neighborhood!
Help is right around the corner when you need it. Visit
one of our local regional offices when you need help
right away. (A complete list of addresses and telephone
numbers is on the inside back cover.) We’re here
for you!
Spring Break plans?
As a member of an Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield health plan,
your ID card is your link to coverage
and doctors and hospitals throughout
the United States when you are traveling. If you
are traveling out of state and need medical care, call
1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to find the name of the nearest
participating hospital. (If it is an emergency, go directly
to the nearest hospital’s emergency room.)
OR, before you travel you can go online to our Web
sites to access the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder
through the Provider Directory.
Blue & You Spring 2009