APWU Health Plan

APWU Health Plan Conference Report

Jane Masterman – Local Office Secretary

I attended the APWU Health Plan conference in Las Vegas recently. The conference was very helpful and I learned quite a bit of new information. Thank you to the officers and membership for the opportunity for training. It’ll be very helpful in the upcoming open season.

There are a few new benefits available to members of the health plan. Both the Consumer Driven option and the High Option are adding management programs for Diabetes. If you have diabetes, you can register for the voluntary management program, and if you follow the requirements outlined, your out of pocket cost is nothing. Medication, coaching, test strips, diabetes related office visits would all be covered with no out of pocket cost. The High Option plan has a similar program for Hypertension as well.

The High Option will be changing networks from Preferred One to CIGNA. To find out if your doctor is in network go to the APWU Health Plan’s website and check out the list of providers for 2010.

Info comparing the plans is available at ww.opm.gov Note that the OPM website does not list the rate for APWU bargaining unit members. For those members, the rates are 7.77 for self only, and 17.47 for family coverage. St. Paul will be holding one at the downtown main office 11/25/09 from 7:00 – 10:00 am and 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Diabetes: The silent epidemic.

Americans across the nation are dealing with a deadly epidemic, diabetes. This epidemic is silently affecting millions of adults and children throughout the US regardless of race or social class.   Long-term effects of diabetes include, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and nerve damage. If controlled the effects of diabetes can be managed and individuals can live long healthy lives.

Diabetes is when the body has issues producing or using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.   Diabetes has two major categories.

Type 1 diabetes is a result of the body’s inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t recognize the insulin being produced by the body and as a result the blood glucose level will be abnormally high. Both types of diabetes can lead to hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, and hyperglycemia, high blood sugar.

Complications

·        Heart Disease and Stroke

·        Kidney Disease

·        Eye Complications

·        Oral Health and Hygiene

·        Neuropathy and nerve damage

·        Foot Complications

·        Skin Complications

·        Gastroparesis and Diabetes

·        Depression

Controlling Diabetes

Although diabetes is a serious threat to an individual’s livelihood, simple lifestyle changes can drastically reduce the long-term effects of the disease. Simple blood monitoring, consistent physical activity, and a focused diet will all help to manage blood sugar levels allowing for a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Always consult a physician when striving to control diabetes.

Know the Symptoms:

Lack Of Energy

Excessive Thirst

Weight Loss

Frequent Urination

This information is not intended to take the place of medical advice from your physician. Please consult your provider if symptoms persist. For an in-depth explanation of what APWU Health Plan offers please refer to the Plan’s Brochure (RI 71-004). APWU Health Plan is dedicated to helping you Live Life Well.