If you need additional information, contact Kay Pinckard at 334-272-0240 ext. 4.

Health Insurance Information

Our current health insurance provider is Blue cross Blue Shield of Alabama. You may contact BCBS at 1-800-292-8868 with any coverage or claim questions. You may also find participating providers and print claim forms at www.bcbsal.com.

The health insurance premium effective 01/01/12 is $807.00 per month.

If you are traveling or live out-of-state, please contact BCBS at 1-800-810-2583 to find a participating provider in your area.

If you are covered under the Voluntary Dental Plan, please contact BCBS of Alabama at 1-800-292-8868 with any provider, coverage or claim questions.

The dental premiums effective 01/01/12 are:
Single - $23.00 per month
Member + 1 - $47.00 per month
Family - $87.00 per month

Effective January 1, 2012, the contribution rate is $5.04 per hour.

For additional information, please click on the SPD document listed at the right.

How Can You Help Control Health Insurance Costs

Health care costs continue to rise. As you know, our health insurance premiums are directly influenced by our claims. Therefore, leading to higher insurance premiums. The following tips will help you manage your health care, and the costs that go with it, more effectively.

~~ Ask your doctor and pharmacist if generic drugs can be substituted for specific drugs prescribed. Generics are made available after the brand name patent has expired. They are equally effective and safe and contain the same basic active ingredients as brand name drugs. Generic drugs are reimbursed at 100% with no deductible, compared to the Brand name that is reimbured at 80% after a $500 deductible. If there is no generic available, ask your doctor for samples.

~~ Make sure you understand how any test, x-ray or procedure relates to the diagnosis and treatment of your illness. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. It keeps you informed about your health and may keep your costs down.

~~ If you are planning a hospital stay, ask your doctor if routine tests can be performed before you are admitted to the hospital.

~~ Use the Emergency room for Emergencies ONLY. Emergency room visit costs are almost double that of a visit to your regular doctor. Please visit your regular doctor for everyday illnesses.

~~ Review bills from doctors and hosptials. Ask the hospital for an itemized statement. Bills could contain mistakes. If you find an error, please contact the provider immediately.

~~ Have outpatient surgery when the procedure can be safely and effectively performed as part of your treatment. Outpatient surgery can spare you a hospital stay, letting you recover in your own home.

~~ Sign up for InfoSolutions, Blue Cross' medical information network. Information such as chronic illnesses, test results, procedures, filled prescriptions, immunizations and allergies are stored securely so that authorized doctors can access it for use during your treatment and care. This may lead to faster diagnosis and treatment for you.

~~ If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, consider participating in Blue Cross' Care Management program. This program focuses on managing these conditions to improve your health and wellness.

~~ Routine medical procedures are performed during the week in most hospitals. Going into the hospital on the weekend to wait for a Monday procedure can be costly. Make sure any weekend stay is medically necessary.

~~ Follow a healthy lifestyle. More information about healthy living can be found at www.bcbsal.com by selecting the "For Your Health" link.

Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama flyer fyh124. "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and the Local 52 Health & Welfare Plan care about your health and wellness. "For your Health" is an informational series designed to provide you with specific ideas for ensuring you and your family enjoy a healthy and safe lifestyle. Sources are available upon request."

24-Hour Toll-Free Nurse Hotline

Did you know that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama offers a 24-hour toll free Nurse Hotline? With Blue Cross' Care Management hotline, an experienced nurse is a phone call away to help you with answers to your health care questions. With the hotline, you have immediate access to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This valuable service is free by calling:
1-800-896-2724

When you call the Care Management hotline, nurses provide information on:
* Effective home treatment and prevention
* When to call your physician
* Communicating effectively with your doctor
* Preparing for doctor visits
* Making wise decisions about tests, medications and surgeries
* Understanding prescription medications and how to make them work well for you
* Lifestyle choices to improve your health

The information you discuss with Care Management nurses may be printed and mailed to you if you prefer.

Health care information is also available on the website. For online access to a health library containing the most comprehensive health information available, visit www.bcbsal.com and select "For Your Health Wellness Tools for You."

There is no cost to you for calling the Care Management 24 hour hotline.

Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama flyer fyh205.

BCBS Online Services

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama's website now has many online services.

How to get Started.....
1. Go to www.bcbsal.com.
2. Sign in to CustomerAccess (register for this free service if you have not already done so).
3. Select the services offered:
* File your prescription drug claims
* Order replacement id cards
* Find a participating provider
* Download claim forms
* Verify full-time student status
* ...and much more

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Get Started Today!!