Annual Leave Cash-In - Changes

The Annual Leave Cash–In program for the most part is remaining the same with a few adjustments. This program allows employees to get cash reimbursements on leave, up to a maximum of 40 hours,� during a fiscal year.� A fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30 each year. Retirement credit or contributions, and annual and sick leave, do not accrue for cashed-in hours.

Employees will now use a paper request form instead of on-line timesheet entry. Employees must sign the form indicating understanding of the program restrictions. This benefit will not be available�during the pay period in which June 30 falls each year.

Premera Travel Support - Begins July 1, 2013

This new program, available July 1, 2013, will give employees more access to care for certain medical procedures in and outside Alaska through specific pre-approved medical facilities. Pre-approved travel will be covered for the patient and a companion through this benefit.

Details of this program, specific application processes and a list of the selected facilities are available at: http://www.alaska.edu/files/voice/MTS-Brochure---Members.pdf

Disease Management Program – Vendor change begins July 1, 2013

Employees, at no additional cost, can get personalized health support, information, follow-up services and access to additional resources if they or a family member has asthma, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or heart failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 75 percent of health-care costs stem from these five conditions. This program is designed to reinforce a doctor’s treatment plan. It will be integrated into Premera’s case management system instead of behing handled through Alere. The change better integrates case management by handling it in-house at Premera.

For more information: http://www.alaska.edu/files/voice/DM_member_flyer.pdf

Ear Professionals International Corporation Hearing (EPIC) Benefit – Coming July, 2013

Human Resources is working out the contracting arrangements between EPIC and Premera. As of publication time, this new benefit, while officially on our benefits lineup as of July 1, isn't quite ready for use just yet. However, we can still let you know it is coming. This discount program works with the UA Choice hearing benefit, adding services to help employees' dollars go a little further after our benefit pays ($400 every three years).

The informational brochure and implementation plan is here:

http://www.alaska.edu/files/voice/EPIC-Open-Enrollment-Brochure-2013-2.pdf

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Great services available

The UA Choice plan offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all benefits-eligible employees and their dependents. The program has been considered a counseling service designed to help employees and their eligible family members resolve personal problems before they become overwhelming. This no cost (to the employee) confidential program has been expanded in the Work Life Solutions, Financial Information and Legal Services categories. Employees can contact ComPsych Guidance Resources at: 866-465-8934 or go online to http://www.guidanceresources.com. The UA Web ID is GC5901Q.�

Human Resources also has additional information about the EAP at: http://www.alaska.edu/benefits/employee-assistance-progr/

24-Hour NurseLine – New service
Wondering whether or not you need to take your child to the emergency room in the middle of the night? Helpful information is now available with round-the-clock access to the Premera 24-Hour NurseLine. Nurses will listen to your concerns, answer questions and offer advice about health-related topics. All calls to the NurseLine are free, confidential and available 24-7. Call 800-841-8384.

More information at: http://www.alaska.edu/files/voice/NurseLineAK.pdf