• Health Profile Questions
• HRA Questions
• Quit For Life® Questions
• Condition Management Questions
• LiveWell Fit

Health Profile Questions

Should I complete the Health Profile if I’m already healthy?

Definitely. Although genetics and environment play important roles in your health, your habits and behaviors cannot only affect the way you feel today, they can also contribute to a longer, healthier life. So even if you feel great, taking the health profile may uncover valuable information that can help you enjoy even better health.

How often can I submit a Health Profile?

The Health Profile can be completed at any time. You and your covered spouse or same sex domestic partner (SSDP) must complete and submit a Health Profile each and every year within a specific time period to receive part of your HRA funding. You can go to www.ghc.org to take the Health Profile.

What if I already took my Health Profile, do I need to take it again to receive my full HRA funding?

To receive part of your HRA funding you must take your Health Profile once a year, every year within a specific timeframe. If you and your spouse/SSDP complete the Health Profile you will receive partial HRA funding. Please note that you must complete all required steps to receive full HRA funding.

What happens if I do not complete the Health Profile? What happens if my enrolled spouse/SSDP does not complete the Health Profile?

When you, as the employee participant, complete the Health Profile and update your contact information, during the available time period, up to $350 will be credited to your HRA account. If you have an enrolled spouse or same sex domestic partner, when they take the Health Profile during the available time period, the same amount will also be credited to your HRA account. If you and your eligible spouse/SSDP do not take the Health Profile, your deductible will be higher.

Why is it important to take the Health Profile?

The Trust is continuing to encourage and reward healthy behaviors among our plan participants. We want to get as much participation as possible in our wellness programs. These programs are designed to give employees and their families direct access to the medical expertise, information and personalized support they need to make better health decisions and enjoy healthier, happier lives. With healthier employees and families come lower medical costs, which allows us to continue offering excellent medical coverage.

What if I don’t know the answers to all of the questions?

If you don’t know some of the answers to the questions (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.), you may leave them blank. The only required screening measurements on the Health Profile are height and weight. However, the more questions you answer, the more tailored and useful your results will be.

How soon after I take my Health Profile will the additional credit show up in my HRA account?

When you and/or your covered spouse/SSDP complete the Health Profile and complete any other necessary steps, the additional credit will be put into your HRA the beginning of the following calendar year.

Is my privacy protected?

Yes. Any information you supply is completely confidential, protected by federal law, and cannot be shared with the Sound Health & Wellness Trust, the union or your employer without your permission.

Based on your answers to the questions in the Health Profile, you may be contacted by phone or mail to participate in a number of other voluntary LiveWell programs that are relevant to your situation and health status. For example, you may be contacted about a quit smoking program, a health coaching program to work on a particular area of concern such as exercise or nutrition, or a program to help manage a chronic condition such as diabetes.

Please be aware that information on your health status and health conditions is shared only with the independent service providers that manage the LiveWell programs. By law, your health information cannot be used to determine or deny health care coverage. Your health information is completely confidential, protected by federal law, and cannot be shared with the Trustees, your union or your employer without your permission.

How do I take the Health Profile?

Simply go online to www.ghc.org. Once you’re registered with the site and you’ve upgraded your account to get access to all the site offers, you can take the Health Profile. Then follow the instructions to complete your profile. When you’ve finished, click “Submit,” and your personal plan will be displayed online in just a few moments.

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HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) Questions

Will I receive a debit card to use for my health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)?

Though many HRA programs use a debit card, your LiveWell HRA does not require one. The Trust handles all the paperwork affiliated with your LiveWell HRA. Bank of America does not send out debit cards to Sound Health & Wellness participants.

Who do I contact with questions about my HRA?

Bank of America administers the LiveWell HRA. They have a dedicated toll-free number to handle Sound Health & Wellness Trust participant questions. Call 1-888-590-SHWT (7498) Monday – Friday, 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time if you have any questions about your HRA.

What is the purpose of the HRA and how does it benefit me?

The LiveWell HRA gives participants extra funds to provide first dollar coverage for the majority of their medical care expenses. Not until you have exhausted your HRA funds will you have to pay your deductible. Having an HRA can help you become more aware of the true cost of health care and empower you with greater control over your own health care spending. Also, any unused funds roll over to the next year.

How does my health reimbursement arrangement work?

Participants hired after December 3, 2010 who are covered under the Sound Plan and have worked for 12 months are eligible to receive HRA funding. SoundPlus participants are eligible to receive HRA funding on their first month of eligibility under the Trust.

HRA funding is received through you and your eligible spouse or same sex domestic partner’s completion of several steps, including updating your contact information and taking your Health Profile when it is offered, and notifying the Trust of your selected primary care provider. The maximum annual HRA funding is $500 for employee only coverage and $1,000 for family coverage.

Your HRA funds are used to offset part of your medical plan deductible and potentially the cost of other eligible medical expenses throughout the year. When you receive medical services the bill will be submitted to the Trust, then any HRA eligible expenses will go directly to your LiveWell HRA for automatic payment—with no claim forms, bills or hassles for you. Your on-line HRA account will show your activity as well as your balance.

Does Bank of America receive my medical information? What information do they receive?

Bank of America receives only basic claims data needed to make payments from your HRA on your behalf, including (but not limited to) patient name, subscriber and dependent identifying numbers, date of service, type of service, provider name, and amount eligible for HRA payment.

What is covered under the HRA?

HRA funds are used to cover eligible medical expenses for such things as your doctor office visits, lab tests, x-rays, emergency room co-pays, in-network co-insurance or other eligible, covered medical expenses. For SoundPlus participants, out-of-network benefits are also covered.

What is not covered under the HRA?

The HRA is not used for prescription, dental or vision benefits. For Sound plan participants, the HRA is not used for out-of-network benefits. The LiveWell HRA is not used for in network provider preventive care like wellness visits and mammograms that are already covered in full through LiveWell Prevention @ 100%. The deductible is not covered by the HRA either. However, you will only have to pay the deductible once your HRA is exhausted.

How is the HRA administered?

When you go to a medical care provider, the provider sends a claim to the Trust. The Trust will first determine if the claim is payable from your HRA. If it is, the claim will automatically be sent to the HRA for payment. At this point, if you have adequate money in your fund, your LiveWell HRA will pay your doctor for your claim. If the HRA is used up, then the plan will pay its portion of the bill after the deductible is met.

What should I do if I think a mistake was made and something was paid or denied on my HRA account?

Contact Bank of America, the LiveWell HRA administrator. Call 1-888-590-SHWT (7498) Monday – Friday, 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Are non-covered benefits eligible to be paid by the HRA?

No, only covered medical benefits can be paid by the HRA.

If I don’t use my HRA this year, does it carry over into next year?

Yes. Unused funds in a calendar year are rolled over into the next year as long as you maintain your benefit eligibility status. (The amounts rolled over may be lower if you are a participant for less than the full year). So the better you manage your health and cost of health services this year, the more money you’ll have left in your HRA to roll over to next year.

Who funds the HRA account?

Sound Health & Wellness Trust funds each participant’s HRA.

My EOB shows HRA/deductible. How can I tell if it’s deductible or was covered by my HRA?

On your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements from Sound Health & Wellness Trust, you will see an “HRA/deductible” amount that includes your deductible plus your HRA amount. If you completed all the steps necessary to receive you full HRA funding, your LiveWell HRA automatically pays for the first $500 (for employee only) or $1,000 (for families) before any covered expenses are applied to your deductible. If you, and your eligible spouse or same sex domestic partner did not take your Health Profile, update your contact information or select a Primary Care Physician, you did not receive HRA funding and your deductible will be higher.

If you have employee only coverage under the Sound Plan, and your medical deductible was $250 before, it appears on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) as your $250 deductible + your HRA amount, depending upon whether or not you completed the necessary steps to receive your HRA funding. If you completed all or some of the steps, you received partial to full funding and your LiveWell HRA will automatically cover the first $150-$500 in covered medical expenses. You are responsible for paying the deductible.

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Quit For Life® Questions

How does the LiveWell Quit For Life® Program work?

Once you are enrolled, your Quit Coach will help you develop a personalized quit plan. The Quit Coach will also determine whether nicotine patches, gum, or prescription medication will be helpful for you during the quit process.

You then receive a series of self-paced Quit Guides to implement your personal quit plan (with guidance from the Quit Coach).

Participants who smoke cigarettes also receive a Welcome email with a password to Web Coach, Alere Wellbeing®’s interactive web site. With Web Coach, you can:

• Track your progress and further track your personalized quit plan.
• Interact with others who are trying to quit and with Quit Coach Moderators on the discussion forums. Peer support is a key factor in success.
• Receive coaching emails between calls with tips on quitting and reminders to help you stay on track.

Who is eligible for the program?

The LiveWell Quit For Life Program is available to all Sound Health & Wellness Trust participants and covered spouses or same sex domestic partners 18 years of age or older.

How much does it cost to participate in the LiveWell Quit For Life Program?

We are committed to helping our participants become free of tobacco, so we are fully subsidizing the cost of the LiveWell Quit For Life Program. Participants pay nothing for the program. Even the cost of nicotine patches or gum is fully covered. If you and your Quit Coach or doctor decide you should use a prescription medication instead of patches or gum, contact the Trust Office to find out what’s covered under your prescription drug benefit and what your co-payment would be.

Why is the Trust subsidizing this program?

We believe quitting tobacco is an important step to improve the health of our participants. The health benefits of quitting tobacco start almost immediately and continue for a lifetime. On average, people who don’t use tobacco have lower medical expenses than those who do. Our participants will enjoy better health, live longer and save money on healthcare.

What about other forms of tobacco besides cigarettes?

The Quit For Life Program is tailored to the needs of the participants. Whatever the tobacco type—cigarettes, cigars, pipes or even smokeless tobacco—LiveWell’s intensely trained Quit Coaches will work with participants to design an effective quit plan.

Is there evidence that the Quit For Life Program works?

Alere Wellbeing®, which administers the LiveWell Quit For Life Program, has helped more than 125,000 people successfully quit tobacco. In fact, Alere Wellbeing®’s quit rate is more than twice as high as the standard established by the U.S. Public Health Service and more than eight times as high as quitting “cold turkey.”

The program was first validated in 1989 through a randomized clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute and the University of North Carolina. The study demonstrated that the combination of self-help materials and telephone counseling boosted quit rates by 50 percent. The program has continued to conduct large, randomized trials to prove its methods and effectiveness over the years and has also received six consecutive awards from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) for achievements in tobacco control initiatives.

Is participation in the Quit For Life Program confidential?

Yes. Participation is completely confidential. Alere Wellbeing® will not share personal health information with the Trustees, your union or your employer.

How does someone enroll in the Quit For Life Program?

Enrollment is easy—call 1.866.QUIT.4.LIFE (866.784.8454) or go to http://www.quitnow.net/soundhealthwellness/ to get started. A registration specialist will verify your eligibility to enroll and transfer you to a Quit Coach for an initial intervention.

Can I enroll again if I start using tobacco again?

Yes. We recognize that it often takes several attempts to quit tobacco for good, and that participants may start using tobacco again during the program. Participants are able to repeat the program a second time if necessary.

What are the hours for the Support Line?

You can call the toll-free Support Line anytime you need additional information or support. The line is staffed by expert Quit Coaches from 5 a.m. – 12 a.m.

How long does the program last?

The calls we make to you are typically completed within two to six months, depending on how quickly you move through the process of quitting. However, the Quit Coaches will help you establish your new tobacco-free lifestyle and provide you with ongoing support for up to 12 months after you enroll.

What if I miss my phone call from the Quit Coach?

Please call us back at a convenient time for you. Studies have shown that the more calls you complete with a Quit Coach, the more success you will have in quitting tobacco. Call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (866-784-844).

What if I don’t have an email address?

Participants who smoke cigarettes need an email address to experience the benefit of Web Coach. If you choose to set up an email account, you will then get access to the web site. Even if you don’t use Web Coach, you will still get all scheduled calls with a Quit Coach.

Do I have to attend classes?

No. All of your counseling sessions take place over the telephone. This means you don’t have to try to find time for classes or trips to someone’s office. And, you can talk to a Quit Coach any day of the week – even Saturday or Sunday.

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Condition Management Questions

What is Condition Management?

Condition Management is part of Sound Health & Wellness Trust’s LiveWell program that can help you manage specific chronic conditions. This free, confidential, and voluntary program is available to SoundPlus participants and offers an innovative, comprehensive approach to chronic condition management by striking a good balance between self-care and professional help. Participants work one-on-one with a specially trained personal nurse advocate—via telephone —in the comfort of their homes. They gain greater confidence in managing their disease or condition, and as a result, improve their health. You are eligible if you are a SoundPlus participant and have been diagnosed with certain conditions.

How does the Condition Management program work?

If you have a certain medical condition – such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease—you can get help through the Condition Management program. Here’s where to call, (800) 816-3306.

Do I have to participate in the program if I don’t want to?

No, the Condition Management programs are voluntary and strictly confidential.

What chronic conditions does the Condition Management program cover?

The Condition Management program manages diabetes, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.

How can the Condition Management program benefit me if I’m already working with my doctor?

Managing a chronic condition requires ongoing education and support. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a chronic condition, your personal nurse advocate can answer your questions, educate you about self-care techniques and help you make lifestyle changes for maximum health and quality of life. The counseling support provided by your personal nurse advocate is meant to supplement, but does not replace, your doctor’s advice.

What are some reasonable outcomes I can expect from participating in the Condition Management program?

Condition Management program participants understand their conditions better, increase their ability to follow their physician-directed treatment plans, and reduce the amount of unnecessary care they receive. They also take a more active role in their health care, become better at using self-care techniques and improve their overall health.

How do I participate?

If you qualify, you will receive a phone call with an invitation to participate. Or, you can call (800) 816-3306 to inquire.

Who is eligible for the program?

Programs are available for employees and their covered spouses/partners with SoundPlus coverage. No dependent children are eligible.

How long does the Condition Management program last?

This will vary person to person. Our goal is make sure you understand your condition, treatment plan, options and how to avoid complications. Your understanding and how your condition is presently managed will determine the length of time you will be in the program.

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LiveWell Fit

What will I receive for joining Team Sound Health?

In addition to the exercise, fresh air and good-natured fun to be had at the LiveWell Fit events, all pre-registered participants will receive a Sound Health hat and LiveWell water bottle from the Trust. Pre-registered participants will also receive a fee reimbursement check in the mail.

Will my families’ fees be reimbursed for a LiveWell Fit event?

Yes, if your family member is covered under your Sound Health medical plan. Please note that a few races require that participants be at least 21 years old. If you are unsure if your child, spouse or same-sex domestic partner is covered on your plan, please call the Trust’s eligibility department at (800) 225-7620 option 2 then option 2.

How can I be sure I will be reimbursed for my event registration fees?

Once you have registered for an event, you must call Sarah at the Trust office (800-225-7620 option 2 then option 5) at least one week before your event. You must also attend the event. After completing the reimbursement form and turning in your registration fee receipt at the event, you can expect your reimbursement check in the mail in about two weeks.

This is my first race! How should I prepare?

Getting from the couch to your first 5K is easier than you think! The Sound Health & Wellness Trust has personal health/lifestyle coaches available to you at no cost, to help you create a plan and meet your exercise goals. Call to begin working with a coach today:

• PPO Plan participants: (877) 362-9969 option 3
• Group Health Options Plan participants: (800) 816-3306

I purchased an event T-shirt or have other expenses associated with the event, will the Trust reimburse this amount as well?

No, only event registration fees will be reimbursed by the Trust.

How will I find the Trust Wellness Coordinator at the event?

You will receive a confirmation call 1-2 days prior to your event notifying you of the meeting location and time.

The Wellness Coordinator will be the person in the lime green hat, waving Sound Health signs and enthusiastically passing out reimbursement forms.

I forgot my receipt at home; can I still turn it in for reimbursement?

Yes, you can mail in the completed reimbursement form you received from the Trust’s Wellness Coordinator at the event with your receipt after the event.

I registered for an event but forgot to call the Trust office to confirm my spot. Will I be reimbursed?

No, if you do not call the Trust one week prior to the event you will not be reimbursed.

What if my favorite event is not on the Fit List?

Call Sarah at the Trust Office at (800) 225-7620 option 2 then option 5 to request reimbursement for a team of participants in your chosen event.

I live in one town but want to register for an event in another town, can I?

Participants can register for any of the events listed in the LiveWell Fit – regardless of where you call home. Just make sure you don’t forget your state map.

I would like to register for more than one event, is there a limit?

We love your enthusiasm, but want to make sure that everyone who wants to participate gets a chance. Call Sarah at the Trust office at (800) 225-7620 option 2, and then option 5 if you have already registered for two events and we can talk through your plans.

I would like to start a Sound Health event team at my workplace. Can you help?

Yes, absolutely! Call the Trust at (800) 225-7620 option 2 then option 5 to be put in touch with your regional Wellness Coordinator who can help you get a team started for the LiveWell Fit. Way to lead!

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