4J BENEFITS AND WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
Prepared by Julie Wenzl • 541-790-7682 • October 30, 2015 • Issue Number 283
MAMMOGRAMS
The American Cancer Society recently issued new guidelines saying that women with an average risk of breast cancer should start having mammograms at 45, five years later than it had long advocated. They also recommend that after 45, women have mammograms every year until age 54 and then have them every other year. Professional groups representing gynecologists and radiologists still recommend starting at 40. With the conflicting information swirling in the news, it’s important to talk with your own health care provider to determine the best course of action for you.
As required under the Affordable Care Act, Moda Health covers certain preventive services with no cost to you when performed by an in‐network provider. This includes preventive women’s healthcare: one visit per plan year, including pelvic and breast exams and a Pap test. Breast exams are limited to women 18 years of age and older. Mammograms are limited to one between the ages of 35 and 39 and one per plan year age 40 and older.
Mammograms for the purpose of diagnosis in symptomatic or designated high-risk women are also covered when deemed necessary by a professional provider. These services will be covered under the office visit, x-ray, or lab test benefit level if not performed for preventive purposes.
3D mammography has been approved by the FDA, but is still in clinical trials and is not yet considered the standard of care. As such, it is considered as experimental and investigational by many insurance companies, including Moda Health, and is not a covered benefit. If you opt for a 3D mammogram, please be aware that you will be required to pay the additional cost of that procedure.
MEET THE WELLNESS CLINIC STAFF
For those of you who have yet to visit the 4J Wellness Clinic, you are missing out on a valuable service. For those of you who are clinic regulars, you know that we’ve had many changes over the years. Please allow me to introduce you to the 4J Wellness Clinic staff team.
Alison Nance, FNP – Alison is a nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner who obtained her Bachelor of Arts from New York University and Masters in Nursing from Pacific Lutheran University. She has been a Nurse Practitioner for 6 years, and has been at the 4J Wellness Clinic since 2013. She likes reading books – fiction, non-fiction, everything, walking in the woods, the fun things about gardening, and hanging out with her family.
Sylvia Gregory, PA-C – Sylvia is a nationally certified Physician Assistant who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Colorado and her Behavioral Health Science & Physician Assistant degree from Duke University Medical School in Durham, North Carolina. She has 32 years of experience practicing family medicine and urgent care services. She is delighted to be able to serve 4J employees and their families. In her spare time she enjoys social justice work. Sylvia has been with the 4J clinic since 2013.
Judy Zehr, LPC – Judy is a licensed professional counselor with over 30 years experience helping adults, children, couples, and families in health care and other settings. Judy received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Lewis and Clark College along with a Masters from University of Utah. She recently moved to Eugene after working at SW Medical Center in Vancouver and Kaiser Permanente in Portland. She is the newest member of the 4J staff and is thrilled to be able to serve 4J and the Eugene community. Judy loves to hike, bike and enjoy our beautiful Oregon landscape.
Elainea Graham – Elainea is a Program Assistant with over 10 years of experience working in the medical field. Before coming to the 4J Wellness Clinic she worked at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, OR in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a nursing assistant/scheduler. Family brought her back to Eugene where she began working for the 4J School District at the Churchill Health Center as an assistant to three providers. Almost three years ago she had the great opportunity to join the 4J Wellness Clinic, where she’s been ever since. In her spare time she enjoys her three beautiful children and traveling.
Sarah Nagy, BA – Sarah is a Program Coordinator who helps with various administrative responsibilities at the clinic. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Business at the University of Oregon in 2014. “I truly enjoy working for Cascade Health Solutions and at the 4J Wellness Clinic, which I started in October of 2014”, says Sarah. She is soon to be married, has two dogs and a horse. Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking and camping.
Cindy Stamps, NCMA/LXMO – Cindy earned her Associates of Applied Science as a nationally certified medical assistant and limited x-ray technician. She has been with 4J since June 2015. In her spare time she enjoys raising goats, photography, amateur mycology and bug pinning.
Penny DeMello, CMA – Penny is a Registered Medical Assistant who earned her training and certification from Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. She has over 30 years experience working in family medicine, pediatrics and gastroenterology as well as Urgent Care. She is delighted to be part of the 4J Wellness Clinic serving the employees and their families. In her spare time she enjoys canning and RV camping with her family. Penny has been with the clinic since 2014.
Jennifer Wilson, EMT II – Jennifer started her career as an EMT at Cascade Health Solutions in 2008 with MedExpress. She obtained a degree as a licensed Paramedic in 2010 at which point she began working at the Springfield Municipal Jail. She has been utilized in many departments and in August of 2013 she joined the team at the 4J Wellness Clinic. Jennifer’s training as a Paramedic is a great resource for the clinic. Prior to her career in the health care field she was a preschool teacher for seven years. Jennifer, originally from Eastern Oregon, moved to Eugene in 2002 and has fallen in love with the city and its surroundings.
FSA ROLLOVER
If you had unspent funds in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed health-care expenses, up to $500 of that unspent money rolled over into the new plan year. Because you have until December 31, 2015, to submit receipts for expenses incurred during the October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015 plan year, the funds have not yet been released to cover expenses that occurred on or after October 1, 2015. PacificSource Administrators (PSA) allows a run out period of 90 days to submit claims for the recently concluded plan year. The carryover of remaining unspent funds will happen automatically after December 31, 2015. If an employee makes the request, PSA can roll the funds early; however, once the funds roll the member can no longer submit claims for the October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015 plan year. Please be advised that any early roll requests take 7 – 10 days to complete. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information please contact PSA for assistance: 541-485-7488.
If you had a Dependent Care FSA for the October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2015 plan year, any unused money left in that account at the end of the plan year is forfeited, as part of the IRS regulations.
OEBB FITNESS REWARDS
OEBB’s new Fitness Rewards program will reimburse eligible members up to $15 per month for exercise at a qualified facility.
To be eligible, members:
- Must be enrolled in an OEBB medical plan as either the primary subscriber (benefits-eligible employee or early retiree) or a covered spouse or domestic partner;
- Must be 18 years old or older;
- Must complete an annual online health assessment through his/her OEBB medical carrier;
- Must submit the facility or instructor information to the OEBB Fitness Rewards program using the Registration Form; and
- Must provide verification of exercise at a qualified facility of at least eight times within the calendar month.
You can find additional details and forms here: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OEBB/Pages/OEBB-Fitness-Rewards.aspx
LEMONY CHICKPEAS
A recent issue of Nutrition Action Newsletter offers up the following recipe for a tasty side. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbs. plain 0% fat Greek yogurt
- Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp. tahini
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
Toss with drained 15 ounce can no-salt-added chickpeas and ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley. Makes 2 cups.
The information in this newsletter has been summarized. It is presented as information – not advice or counsel. In all instances, the benefits, conditions, and limitations as outlined in the 4J Master Contracts prevail over this representation. Please refer to your Benefits booklet or master contracts available at the District offices for additional information regarding your benefits plans.
