Eugene Education Association

2815 Coburg Road • Eugene, OR 97408 • Phone 541-345-0338

THE COCONUT WATER CRAZE

Low in calories, naturally fat- and cholesterol free, more potassium than four bananas, and super hydrating – these are just some of the benefits ascribed to America’s latest health craze:  coconut water.  Celebrity and athlete endorsements claim coconut water can cure hangovers, control diabetes, fight viruses, speed metabolism, treat kidney stones, smooth your skin, stop dandruff, or prevent cancer.  Wow – that’s quite a glass of water!

Coconut water is the thin liquid inside young green coconuts – not to be confused with creamier coconut milk, which is made by grating and squeezing the white flesh of older coconuts.  It provides potassium and other electrolytes – sodium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.  Pure coconut water is virtually fat-free and relatively low in calories, though some products have more due to added sugars and/or fruit purée.

Unless you work out intensely for more than an hour, you may not need any sports drink or extra sodium to rehydrate; plain water is just fine.  On the other hand, if you sweat a lot during strenuous exercise, you may need a bit more sodium than coconut water provides.

Because coconut water has an electrolyte balance similar to that of blood it’s been called “the fluid of life.”  Some preliminary research suggests that it may have positive effects on blood pressure (due in part to its potassium) and cholesterol.  It may also be helpful in treating mild diarrhea.  Drink coconut water if you find it refreshing or want to replenish electrolytes after a long workout.  It is a good source of potassium, which most of us could use more of, and it’s better for you than sodas or other sugary beverages.  Just don’t buy into the hype that it has miraculous healing properties.

INSURANCE 101

Your ODS/OEBB insurance plan covers preventive care at 100% when you see an in-network provider.  If you seek care for something other than preventive care, then your claim will be subject to deductible and coinsurance.  Not sure what those terms mean?

• Preventive Healthcare:  This includes, but is not limited to evidence-based services, immunizations, screenings, and periodic health exams.  For more on preventive healthcare: https://www.odscompanies.com/reform/
• Claim:  The bill a provider or member submits to the plan to be reimbursed for covered goods or services.
• Deductible:  The amount a subscriber pays for covered goods or services before the plan begins to pay claims.  Deductibles are accumulated on a plan year basis.  The deductible applies separately to each member, but no family will be required to satisfy more than the total family deductible. Expenses applied toward the plan year deductible do not apply toward the out-of-pocket maximum.
• Out-of-pocket maximum:  The maximum you will have to pay out of your pocket for covered services.  Out-of-pocket maximums are calculated on an individual basis and are accumulated on a plan year basis.
• Coinsurance:  The cost of a covered service that is shared by the plan and by the member, typically expressed in percentages; e.g., 80% plan and 20% member.  The provider typically bills the member after the plan has paid.
• Network Information:  In-network benefits are those delivered by in-network providers; out-of-network benefits are those delivered by out-of-network providers.  By using the services of an in-network provider, members will have a higher level of benefits.  Members may choose an in-network provider from the network directory, which is available on myODS under “Find Care,” or by contacting ODS Customer Service (866-923-0409) for assistance.  Your member ID cards identify any applicable network(s).

Members are responsible for the following costs (they do not accrue toward the out-of-pocket maximum and members must pay for them even after the out-of-pocket maximum is met):

• Copayments (including but not limited to copayments for the additional cost tier, upper endoscopy, spinal injections, imaging procedures, and sleep studies);
• The out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medications;
• The out-of-pocket expenses for transplants not performed at an exclusive transplant network facility;
• Cost containment penalties; and
• Non-covered charges.

You can find information about your insurance coverage, including plan summaries and full plan books, on the ODS website for OEBB members: https://www.odscompanies.com/oebb/members/.

It is important to keep in mind the real purpose of medical insurance.  Its intended purpose is not to pay every medical expense following the outlay of a specific and ideally low monthly premium.  Its purpose is to prevent the economic catastrophe that could occur were it not in place.  While none of us is expected to be happy about the escalating costs of health care and medical insurance, we need to remember that our current coverage here at 4J protects us against the financial disaster that a serious illness, injury, or hospital confinement could otherwise mean.

ARE YOU STILL CONTAGIOUS?

The experts of the University of California, Berkeley newsletter have this to say about your cold germs:

As a general rule, adults with a cold will be able to infect others one day before symptoms appear, and up to five days or so after becoming sick.  Infants and children are able to transmit these viral infections for seven days or longer.  The precise number of days for transmission can vary from person to person, and also depends on the length of the illness.  Those in poor health tend to get sick more easily.  Children are also more likely to catch (and transmit) colds.

To avoid spreading or catching a cold, the # 1 precaution is to wash your hands often and well.  Hand sanitizers can be a good option when you’re not near a sink.

If you think you’re getting sick, limit your contacts.  When around someone who is sick, stay at least six feet away.  Cold viruses can’t travel much farther than that through the air.  Don’t share utensils, phones, or towels.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT BENEFIT

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions weight related?  All OEBB medical plans include a weight management benefit.  Members enrolled in an OEBB medical plan have access to:

• One-on-one telephone health coaching sessions
• Annual assessment
• Screenings
• Educational Resources to keep you on track, and
• Up to four 13-week Weight Watchers sessions per plan year

The Weight Watchers benefit is available to anyone age 10 and up covered on an OEBB medical plan.

You can access the Weight Watchers benefit in three different ways, so you can choose the one that’s right for you:  local meetings, At Work meetings or Weight Watchers Online.

You are eligible for four 13-week sessions per plan year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30), but you must provide proof of participation in 10 of the 13 weeks per session to participate in a subsequent session at no cost.

If you opt for an online subscription, please be aware that you will need to provide credit card information along with your OEBB access code.  The access code takes care of the first three months covered by insurance, but if that subscription is not cancelled before the end of the three months, the system will automatically renew your subscription and charge your credit card for the following month. You will still be eligible for four 13-week sessions per plan year – you’ll just need to manage your renewal process carefully to avoid the renewal charge.

You can find additional information about the OEBB Weight Management benefit, including answers to frequently asked questions, on the OEBB website: http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/OEBB/pages/weightmgmt.aspx.  To learn more about the ODS Weight Care Health Coaching program, call 800-913-4957.

To enroll in Weight Watchers AtWork or Community Meetings in SW Oregon (Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson or Klamath counties), call 800-651-6000.  To enroll in meetings outside of the counties listed above or to enroll in a Weight Watchers Online Subscription, call 866-531-8170.