Choose Healthy

This notice advises you of material modifications made to the Retiree Health Plan of the Bledsoe Health Trust (“Plan”). This information is very important to you and your Dependents. Please take the time to read it carefully.

BENEFIT CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE END OF THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

In January 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services established the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 (“Public Health Emergency”). Pursuant to related legislation, the Plan was required to make certain changes to your benefits for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, and you received various notices from the Plan regarding these changes.

The federal government has announced the Public Health Emergency will end at the end of the day on May 11, 2023. Below is a description of how the end of the Public Health Emergency will impact your Plan benefits.

1.COVID-19 Vaccines Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to cover approved COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters at 100% with no deductible and no cost-sharing, whether received from a Preferred Provider, Nonpreferred (Participating Provider), or a Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Provider). Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will cover approved COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters the same as any other preventive care benefit as follows:

Preferred Providers	Nonpreferred (Participating Providers)	Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Providers)
80%, after deductible	60% of Allowed Amount,* after deductible	60% of Allowed Amount,* after deductible

2.COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (Excluding Over-The-Counter Tests) Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to cover diagnostic COVID-19 tests at 100% with no deductible and no cost-sharing, whether received from a Preferred Provider, Nonpreferred (Participating Provider), or a Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Provider). 2 Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will provide coverage for diagnostic COVID-19 tests as an “Other Professional Services” benefit as follows:

Preferred Providers	Nonpreferred (Participating Providers)	Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Providers)
80%, after deductible	60% of Allowed Amount, after deductible	60% of Allowed Amount,* after deductible

3.Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 Tests Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to reimburse up to eight OTC COVID-19 tests per month per eligible family member for tests obtained through ExpressScripts. Reimbursement is limited to $12 per test. Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will no longer provide reimbursement for OTC COVID-19 Tests. 4.Virtual Care Telehealth The Plan’s Virtual Care Telehealth benefit will continue to be available with no changes.

END OF CERTAIN PLAN DEADLINE EXTENSIONS

Separate from the Public Health Emergency, the COVID-19 National Emergency became effective on March 1, 2020. Related guidance required the Plan to disregard the period beginning March 1, 2020, and ending 60 days after the end of the National Emergency (the “Outbreak Period”) when calculating the deadlines listed below. The Plan will no longer be required to disregard the Outbreak Period as of July 10, 2023. This means the timeframes listed below will begin (or resume) running as of July 11, 2023.

•HIPAA Special Enrollment Period – The 31-day period to enroll dependents following the birth, adoption/placement for adoption, marriage, or loss of other coverage (60-day period for a participant to enroll dependents following the loss of eligibility under CHIP or Medicaid).

•Claims and Appeals – Deadlines for filing a claim, an appeal of a denied claim, or a request for external review of a denied appeal. The examples below illustrate how the end of the Outbreak Period impacts Plan deadlines:

Example 1: Mary married her new spouse Shawn on November 15, 2022 (i.e., during the Outbreak Period). Mary would normally have had until December 16, 2022 to enroll Shawn in the Plan (i.e., 31 days from the date of their marriage). The deadline for Mary to enroll Shawn was tolled until the end of the Outbreak Period (July 10, 2023). Mary has until August 10, 2023 (31 days after the end of the Outbreak Period) to enroll Shawn in the Plan. 3

Example 2. Victor receives a claim denial letter on August 1, 2023 (i.e., after the end of the Outbreak Period). Because the Outbreak Period has ended, there is no tolling and normal deadlines apply. Victor must file an appeal within 180 days of the date he received the claim denial letter.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Trust office at (866) 239-1708.

In accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), this notice serves as a “summary of material modifications” to the Plan. Please keep this summary with your copy of the Plan booklet. In the event of any conflict between this document and any other written or oral statement regarding these Plan changes, this document will control.

This notice advises you of material modifications made to the Bledsoe Health Trust’s benefit plan (“Plan”). This information is very important to you and your Dependents. Please take the time to read it carefully.

BENEFIT CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE END OF THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

In January 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services established the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 (“Public Health Emergency”). Pursuant to related legislation, the Plan was required to make certain changes to your benefits for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, and you received various notices from the Plan describing those changes. The federal government has announced the Public Health Emergency will end at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.

Below is a description of how the end of the Public Health Emergency will impact your Plan benefits.

1.COVID-19 Vaccines Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to cover approved COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters at 100% with no deductible and no cost-sharing, whether received from a Preferred Provider, Nonpreferred (Participating Provider), or a Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Provider). Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will cover approved COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters the same as any other preventive care benefit as follows:

Preferred Providers	Nonpreferred (Participating Providers)	Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Providers)
100%, no deductible	100% of Allowed Amount,* no deductible	100% of Allowed Amount,* no deductible

2.COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (Excluding Over-the-Counter Tests) Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to cover diagnostic COVID-19 tests at 100% with no deductible and no cost-sharing, whether received from a Preferred Provider, Nonpreferred (Participating Provider), or a Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Provider). Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will provide coverage for diagnostic COVID-19 tests the same as any other laboratory test as follows:

Preferred Providers	Nonpreferred (Participating Providers)	Nonpreferred (Nonparticipating Providers)
80%, deductible applies	60% of Allowed Amount, deductible applies	60% of Allowed Amount,* deductible applies

3.Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 Tests Through December 31, 2023 — The Plan will continue to reimburse up to eight OTC COVID-19 tests per month per eligible family member for tests obtained through ExpressScripts. Reimbursement is limited to $12 per test. Effective January 1, 2024 — The Plan will no longer provide reimbursement for OTC COVID-19 tests.

4.Virtual Care Telehealth The Plan’s Virtual Care Telehealth benefit will continue to be available with no changes. END OF CERTAIN PLAN DEADLINE EXTENSIONS Separate from the Public Health Emergency, the COVID-19 National Emergency became effective on March 1, 2020. Related guidance required the Plan to disregard the period beginning March 1, 2020, and ending 60 days after the end of the National Emergency (the “Outbreak Period”) when calculating the deadlines listed below. The Plan will no longer be required to disregard the Outbreak Period as of July 10, 2023. This means the timeframes listed below will begin (or resume) running as of July 11, 2023.

•HIPAA Special Enrollment Period – The 31-day period to enroll dependents following the birth, adoption/placement for adoption, marriage, or loss of other coverage (60-day period for a participant to enroll dependents following the loss of eligibility under CHIP or Medicaid).

•COBRA:

–60-day election period. COBRA premium payment due date (45 days after the initial COBRA election and 30 days for subsequent monthly payments). –30-day period to notify the Plan of a divorce, legal separation, death, or disability determination by the Social Security Administration.

•Claims and Appeals – Deadlines for filing a claim, an appeal of a denied claim, or a request for external review of a denied appeal. The examples below illustrate how the end of the Outbreak Period impacts Plan deadlines:

Example 1. John’s 60-day period to elect COBRA began on December 31, 2022 (i.e., during the Outbreak Period) and would normally end on March 1, 2023. During the Outbreak Period this 60-day timeframe to elect COBRA was tolled until the end of the Outbreak Period (July 10, 2023). John has until September 8, 2023 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period) to elect COBRA.

Example 2. Mary gave birth to a child on November 15, 2022 (i.e., during the Outbreak Period). Mary would normally have had until December 16, 2022, to enroll her child in the Plan (i.e., 31 days from the birth of her child). The deadline for Mary to enroll her child was tolled until the end of the Outbreak Period (July 10, 2023). Mary has until August 10, 2023 (31 days after the end of the Outbreak Period) to enroll her child in the Plan.

Example 3. Victor receives a claim denial letter on August 1, 2023 (i.e., after the end of the Outbreak Period). Because the Outbreak Period has ended, there is no tolling and normal deadlines apply. Victor must file an appeal within 180 days of the date he received the claim denial letter.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Administrative Office at (866)239-1708.

In accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), this notice serves as a “summary of material modifications” to the Plan. Please keep this summary with your copy of the Plan booklet. In the event of any conflict between this document and any other written or oral statement regarding these Plan changes, this document will control.

You’re Protected from Unexpected Medical Bills

No one should ever face a surprise medical bill that can lead to financial disaster. Now, the No Surprises Act protects against surprise bills and limits your cost-sharing when you receive the medical services described below:

• Out-of-network emergency services. (Applies only to hospitals, independent freestanding emergency departments, and urgent care facilities that are licensed to provide emergency medical services.)
• Out-of-network services received at in-network facilities. For example, this protects you if you receive supplemental care (such as anesthesiology or radiology) by out-of-network providers at an in-network facility (such as a hospital or surgical center). Important: You will waive this protection if you agree to pay out-of-network charges by signing a consent form with certain required information.

The No Surprises Act does NOT prevent out-of-network rates for services not described above (for example, a doctor visit when you’re sick, specialist care, or ongoing care for a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma). 

You’ll save money by choosing in-network providers and facilities. Search regence.com to find an in-network provider or facility or call the number on your Health Plan ID card.

A Sleep Therapist Can Help

Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Half of us suffer from insomnia at least once a week. Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or cause you to wake up early and be unable to go back to sleep. 

Inability to sleep is frustrating, and it can also lead to health issues like diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, mental health disorders and accidents on the road and at work.

If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to help, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may be the solution. In just a few sessions with a Sleep Medicine Specialist, you can:

• Learn to control or eliminate thoughts and worries that keep you awake.
• Develop good habits that contribute to better sleep.

Unlike sleeping pills, CBT-I helps you overcome the underlying causes of your sleep problems. It can benefit nearly anyone suffering from lack of sleep due to insomnia, pain, restless leg syndrome, or something else. 

Studies show CBT-I is more effective than prescription sleep medication and continues to be effective even one year after treatment.

To get started, sign in on regence.com, then search for an in-network Sleep Medicine Specialist.

Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Adults need at least 7 hours each night for optimal health. Try these strategies to get all the sleep you need.

• Avoid large meals and/or alcohol before bed.
• Be physically active during the day, outside if possible.
• Cut back on caffeine, including coffee, sodas, and chocolate.
• Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
• Turn off screens (phones, tablets, TVs, etc.) 30 minutes before bed.
• Quit smoking.
• Turn your bedroom into a dark, quiet, cool sanctuary.
• Unwind with soothing music, a good book or meditation.
• Use sleep medication sparingly and only for a short time.

New Website Will Help You Make the Most of Them

When you need health care, that’s when you have questions. How do I find an in-network doctor? Is this service covered? Can I get a prescription filled anywhere? How much do I pay?

Coming soon, get answers to those questions and more at bledsoehealthtrust.org. The Trust’s new website will make it easy for you to understand your benefits and use them wisely. Once the website is launched, here’s what you’ll find:

• A clear explanation of your health, and income and security benefits
• An overview of your health care options to help you choose the right level of care
• Information about no-cost-to-you programs to help you get and stay healthy
• Links to the Trust Administrative Office, Regence, MDLIVE, and other Trust partners
• Examples of what you pay, including deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums
• Information about eligibility rules and enrollment
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• An online blog with the quarterly newsletter articles available for you to view anytime
• Quick links to help you connect fast:
• Find a doctor
• Estimate your medical care costs
• Get your enrollment information
• Make a change to your benefits
• Update your contact information
• Find a form

We’ve also updated our look, with a new logo and design. Watch for similar features on every Trust communication— whether it’s a newsletter, a letter from the Board of Trustees, or a postcard—making it easy to quickly recognize important benefit-related information. Watch for more information when the new website launches. Then, go to bledsoehealthtrust.org anytime you need information about your benefits.

Want Someone to Talk to?

A lot of information will be available online…but there may be times when you need to talk to someone in person. That’s when to call the Trust Administrative Office, managed by Northwest Administrators (NWA).

The team at Northwest Administrators can help with a variety of issues:

• Enroll yourself and your eligible dependents in the Active Employee Plan coverage.
• Add or drop dependents.
• Apply for Accident and Sickness Weekly Income benefits.
• Enroll in self-pay coverage through COBRA.
• Enroll in a Retiree Plan.
• Update your contact information.
• Assist with general questions about your benefits.

You have access to the nationwide BlueCard network through Regence. That means you can get cost-effective in-network care for urgent and emergency services anywhere in the U.S. When you need care away from home, call the number on your Health Plan ID card for assistance.

LifeMap Global Travel Assistance also gives you priceless support when you travel 100+ miles from home. For example, get help 24/7 if your passport gets lost or stolen, you have a medical emergency, or you need to replace a medical device or prescription. Learn more at lifemapco.com (select Members, then Group Plan Members, then Global Travel Assistance).

Your Benefits Help Keep Costs Down

The best way to avoid expensive health care costs is to do all you can to prevent illness, manage conditions and reduce your health risks. Here’s how.

• Get an annual wellness exam and recommended preventive services. Maintain good health and detect health issues early, before they require advanced (and expensive) treatment. Your Health Plan pays 100% when you use an in-network provider (no copay or deductible required). Sign in on regence.com, then search for an in-network provider.
• Make lifelong healthy habits. Don’t wait to get in shape. Download the Regence Empower app (no cost to you) to help you manage your weight and stay active, minimizing your risk for future, costly chronic conditions. Stay Healthy to Save Money YOUR BENEFITS HELP KEEP COSTS DOWN
• Don’t ignore health concerns. Talk to a doctor within 15 minutes on MDLIVE. You pay $0. To schedule a visit, go to MDLIVE.com/ regence-or, download the app, or call 1 (888) 725-3097. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Make mental wellness a priority. Stress that’s left unchecked can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. A few visits with a counselor can help you learn to manage it. Choose an in-network Regence provider or use MDLIVE for convenient visits from home.
• Get started with Livongo if you have diabetes. People with diabetes have two times the medical costs as those who don’t. Save money with free supplies, and optional coaching that can reduce your risk for costly complications. Visit join.Livongo. com/bledsoe (reg code: BLEDSOE) or call (800) 945-4355.
• Quit smoking and reduce your heart attack risk (which can have a $1 million price tag) by half in one year. Quit For Life® is available at no cost to you and your enrolled dependents age 18 and older. Call (866) QUIT-4LIFE (784-8454) or go to quitnow. net (employer = Bledsoe Health Trust).

Practice These Five Healthy Habits

How would you like to delay or reverse the aging process? Studies have shown that these simple lifestyle practices can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Maintain a healthy weight. You’ll live longer with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9, plus you’ll feel better and have fewer health complications. Losing weight, even just 5-10% of excess weight, can add years to your life. (Go to cdc.gov, then search BMI to calculate yours.)

Exercise regularly. Fit people have a higher survival rate than nonactive people. Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity and strength training twice a week. Get this: the higher your level of fitness, the longer your life expectancy.

Don’t smoke. Life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers. Quitting at any age can extend your life expectancy—and the sooner you do it, the more years you may recapture.

Reduce stress. Chronic stress makes us age faster but practicing stress reduction techniques (such as deep breathing, meditation, or counseling) can help build resiliency, which leads to a higher likelihood of living a longer and healthier life.

Rest well. Sleeping 7–9 hours per night is the optimal range for adults. Getting less than 6 hours (or more than 9 hours) of sleep per night is associated with up to a 30% reduced longevity.

GET STARTED WITH REGENCE EMPOWER

Whether you need a nudge to start a fitness routine, lose weight or improve your sleep, Regence Empower can give you the support and motivation to live a healthy life. Here’s how it works:

1 Start with a health assessment. Find out what areas of your health are strong and identify opportunities for improvement.

2 Get personalized recommendations. Based on your health assessment responses, you’ll see a list of programs that can help you reach your goals.

3 Track your progress. See how you’re doing and gain the confidence to keep going.

Regence Empower is available at no cost to participants 18 years and older. Log in on Regence.com, click “Programs & Resources,” then “Regence Empower.”

A Quit Program Can Help You Succeed

Want to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco in 2023? If you join a quit program, you are more likely to quit for good, compared to people who quit on their own. In addition, you can double or triple your chances of success if you use nicotine replacement therapy (patches or gum) or smoking cessation medications (bupropion or varenicline).

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT QUIT PROGRAMS

1 There is no judgement. You’ll work with a quit coach (many are former smokers), who is trained to listen and encourage you with support and helpful tips.

2 You don’t have to be ready to quit to start. A coach can help you decide when it’s a good time for you to quit—and how to do it on your own terms.

3 You’ll create your own quit plan. You’ll set yourself up for success by knowing why you want to quit and create strategies to overcome potential triggers and cravings.

4 You’ll get help to choose the right medication. Plus, get help navigating your Health Plan if prescription medications are appropriate.

5 You’ll become a nonsmoker for life. Learn how to deal with cravings and slip-ups and where to find online tools that can help you stay quit and get ongoing support.

WELCOME TO A BETTER WAY TO QUIT

Are you one of the millions of smokers who would like to quit and have tried to stop before? This time you CAN quit for good and become a nonsmoker for the rest of your life.

Quit For Life® has helped millions of people get started— and stay tobacco free! When you stop, you can:

• Improve your health immediately

• Reduce your risk for serious diseases

• Stop causing deadly secondhand smoke

To get started, call (866) QUIT-4-LIFE (866) 784-8454 or go to quitnow.net (type Bledsoe Health Trust for employer). The Trust provides Quit For Life® on Rally Coach™ at no cost to you and your enrolled dependents age 18 and older.

What is Pre-Authorization?

Pre-authorization means getting approval for certain services or supplies before they are provided. This process ensures you are getting safe, effective, and appropriate treatment.

The Health Plan requires pre-authorization for specific care, such as:

• Some surgeries and reconstructive surgery

• Planned admission into hospitals or skilled nursing facilities

• Specialized imaging such as MRIs, CT scans, and cardiac imaging

• Non-emergency air ambulance transport

• Home medical equipment

• Interventional pain procedures

• Physical medicine services such as physical therapy and chiropractic care

• Sleep studies

• Some high-cost injectable medications and specialty drugs

When pre-authorization is required, you must receive approval before you receive the service or supply. If you don’t, your Health Plan will not cover those costs and the doctor may bill you for the full cost.

An in-network provider will obtain pre-authorization for you when it is required. If you use an out-of-network doctor, you may need to request preauthorization yourself. 

Get all the details at regence.com; sign in, click My Plan, then Check benefits & coverage.