Conference Corner - Heath Insurance changes

As I am sure you are aware by now, there will be an increase in health insurance premiums in 2010, for our active participants and those retirees who are on the Medicare supplement policy. This is the first rate increase in four years, so our Conference has been fortunate in the past.
There also will be a slight change to our pharmacy plan administered by Medco. Both the retail pharmacy co-pay and the 90-day by mail co-pay have increased for brand name drugs. The co-pays for generic drugs have not changed.
A summary of the Medco Pharmacy plan has been posted on the Web site at www.nwtxconf.org. Click on Service Center and then Pension and Health Benefits to find information about our current plans.
As we approach a new year, I want to encourage you to make the necessary changes in your life to move toward a healthier lifestyle. Regardless of your age, health or level of fitness, we can all make changes for the better.
Take advantage of the wellness programs that are part of our health insurance plan, such as annual exams, blood screening offered at annual conference and the walking program with Virgin Health Miles.
Blue Cross Blue Shield has negotiated discounts with Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. Let me know if you would be interested in finding out more about any of these programs.
Taking care of yourself is of vital importance to your ministry.

Do you find yourself in any of these situations:

Too much to do in too little time?

Personal or family issues that consume your thoughts?

Financial worries that weigh you down?

Blurred boundaries between work and personal time?

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. Confidential resources are available online as well as over the phone or in person.

As a participant or spouse covered by a HealthFlex active plan, you may use the EAP to address a variety of issues related to work, relationships, family life, finances, time management and personal challenges.
The program provides support in several ways: through information available at no cost online or by phone from United Behavioral Health (UBH) and through in-person sessions with local network providers. Services are completely confidential. Your conference or employer will not be informed if you use these resources.
Participants in active HealthFlex plans are eligible for eight, in-person counseling visits per concern at no out-of-pocket cost. If more visits are warranted, they will be covered under the plan’s standard behavioral health benefit – with low co-payments for in-network providers.
To learn more about EAP services, go online at www.gbophb.org, click on "HealthFlex/WebMD" and log in with your username and password. Under the "Benefits" drop-down menu, choose "Live and Work Well." Or, call UBH directly at 1-800-788-5614 with any questions.
As always, I am available by phone, (806) 762-0201, or email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to answer your questions or provide more information.
I hope that each of you will decide to make at least one small change in 2010 to make your life healthier and happier.