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Testing and tracking your blood glucose levels is a crucial component of successful diabetes management, but it can sometimes be a time-consuming, manual process. Now, there’s a better way.

New to GW’s pharmacy benefits is the CVS Caremark^® Transform Diabetes Care (TDC) program. The new program* offers no-cost tools, services and extra support to help participants effectively manage their diabetes, including an optional glucometer via Livongo.

Every time you test your blood glucose levels with Livongo, your numbers will be automatically sent to a secure online account. With Livongo, you can easily:

• Track your levels, see trends and share your data with whomever you choose**
• Get unlimited test strips and lancets delivered to your door at no out-of-pocket cost
• Receive personalized tips in real-time to help you stay on track and make informed choices

Get started with Livongo today

• To enroll, visit livongo.com or call your Livongo Team at 1 (800) 945-4355. Be sure to provide the registration code, “GW.”

Additional TDC benefits include:

• Two diabetes monitoring visits per year at MinuteClinic^® (at no out-of-pocket cost) to help prevent diabetes-related conditions. These visits include A1c testing, foot exams, body mass index (BMI) assessments, diet consultation and blood pressure and cholesterol checks. No appointment is necessary; simply bring the program voucher with you to any MinuteClinic location. (Program vouchers will be mailed out to eligible participants by the end of the month.)
• Personalized, one-on-one coaching with pharmacists to help you stay on track. If you pick up prescriptions at a CVS Pharmacy, you may stop in and speak to a pharmacist. If you receive your prescriptions by mail, you may call the number on your CVS member ID card to speak with a CVS Caremark pharmacist.

Tip: CVS Caremark’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo can work together with UHC’s Diabetes Disease Management Program to provide members with maximized care.

*This program does not substitute for medical care provided by your doctor and is not a replacement for the advice or treatment you may be receiving from your doctor for your diabetes. In the event of a medical emergency, contact 911. Program availability is subject to change.

**Livongo will share with CVS Caremark your glucose readings and other health information needed to help you manage your diabetes. Information shared with CVS Caremark is protected by HIPAA. A CVS Caremark pharmacist may reach out to you, and may also coordinate with your healthcare provider.

Your phone is ringing. You look down at the screen and recognize the number: it’s UnitedHealthcare (UHC). You experience a sudden urge to send the call to voicemail – don’t!

Often, UHC tries to contact plan members regarding a health program or service available to them, or to offer information that may aid health management or improvement. Indeed, the service can help connect you with resources and benefits that you may not have been aware you had. Below, we list a few reasons why UHC may be calling you.

Disease Management

One in four adults has two or more chronic conditions.¹ Over seventeen million adults have asthma.² Every 42 seconds, someone has a heart attack.³ One in three adults could have diabetes by 2050.⁴ These numbers may scare you, but, unfortunately, they only scratch the surface of the chronic disease epidemic we face. With national healthcare costs continuing to rise, especially for chronic conditions, GW has partnered with UHC to offer Disease Management programs for eligible employees living with asthma, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and heart failure. Why? Because these diseases require longer and more sophisticated clinical support to help members make informed decisions about their care. By allowing participants to gain a better understanding of their conditions (including better ways to manage their conditions, recognize symptoms, etc.), the program decreases unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits, thereby reducing participant medical costs and improving their quality of life.

Program members are identified through several methods, including claims history, health assessments, Inpatient Care Advocacy and referrals (NurseLine, physician, or self-referrals). Once identified, members are contacted by UHC to develop personal care plans. From improving self-care to identifying warning signs to providing access to resources for assistance, UHC’s condition management programs share the goal of reducing members’ need for urgent/emergency services and improving their quality of life.

How does the UHC Diabetes Disease Management Program coordinate with CVS Caremark’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo?

Through cross-platform care coordination, both UHC’s and CVS Caremark’s diabetes management programs can work together to provide program participants maximized care without overlap. Both programs stand to supplement one another – while UHC Diabetes Disease Management program members can continue to receive high touch, comprehensive and ongoing engagement (via telephonic outreach and coaching from a Registered Nurse), simultaneous participation in CVS Caremark’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo can provide additional real-time outreach (via phone, email or text) from Livongo’s Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) based on blood glucose testing outcomes. Participation in the CVS program also brings other perks, including one-on-one pharmacy counseling and two annual MinuteClinic diabetes health evaluations (at no out-of-pocket cost).

Indeed, both programs work together to create an inclusive benefit for members, thereby making participant lives easier by simplifying the effective management of their diabetes.

Other Reasons UHC May Be Calling

• Wellness Coaching – Following completion of your Health Assessment, you may receive a call from a UHC wellness coach to discuss available coaching programs and strategies to help you work toward your wellness goals.
• Recent Hospitalization – If you’ve recently experienced an inpatient hospital stay, you may receive a call from Care Coordination to confirm your receipt of after-care instructions, medications, medical equipment and other needs.
• Healthy Pregnancy – If you participate in UHC’s Healthy Pregnancy Program, you may receive calls from the program’s experienced nurses offering educational services and health resources.

So, next time you receive a call from UHC, please go ahead and answer.

 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Diseases: The Leading Causes of Death and Disability in the United States. http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/.
2. Ibid, National Center for Health Statistics. www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm. Last updated January 2017.
3. CDC Foundation, April 2015. Heart Disease and Stroke Cost America Nearly $1 Billion a Day in Medical Costs, Lost Productivity. https://www.cdcfoundation.org/pr/2015/heart-disease-and-stroke-cost-america-nearly-1-billion-day-medical-costs-lost-productivity.
4. Ibid. Diabetes: Working to Reverse the U.S. Epidemic At a Glance 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/diabetes.htm. July 2016.

Not so merry this holiday season? With disrupted routines, high expectations and other pressures, stress and the holidays often go hand-in-hand.

Even during the non-holiday months, Americans’ relationship with stress is alarming. The Stress in America™ survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), recently revealed that 24 percent of adults in the United States report extreme stress. What’s more, one-third of American adults report that their stress has increased over the last year.

For those already coping with stress or a mental illness, the holidays can be an especially difficult time. Here are some general tips for mental wellness this holiday season:

1. Try to avoid overindulging. Consuming rich food and alcohol can lead to feelings of guilt or shame (as well as physical pain). When planning your holiday schedule, allow yourself opportunities to be active. Try to limit consumption or inactivity – do not try to eliminate them entirely.
2. Take time for yourself. Avoid feeling pressured to please everyone else this holiday season. Take some time for self-care: go for a long walk or hike, read a new book, listen to your favorite music.
3. Don’t take on too much. Don’t over-commit yourself or set unrealistic expectations this holiday season. Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks – do not take on more than you can handle.
4. Volunteer. If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation this holiday season, try volunteering with a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. The work is rewarding and you may even make a few new friends.
5. Seek support. Share some of the physical and emotional load this holiday season by calling GW’s Wellbeing Hotline. The hotline provides around-the-clock, confidential assistance ranging from life event planning to personal counseling from highly trained master’s- and doctoral- level clinicians (all at no cost to you). Learn more about the Wellbeing Hotline.

If you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, unable to sleep, irritable and unable to face routine chores, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Knowing where to go when an illness or injury occurs is a major factor when it comes to effective use of your health coverage. While the emergency room may seem like the easiest option when facing unexpected medical conditions, there are a few drawbacks. At the ER, “true emergencies” are usually treated first, which could mean long waiting times for other cases (sometimes lasting hours). Visiting the ER could also cost you more out-of-pocket.

Remember, you can use Castlight to compare costs for healthcare services, see personalized cost estimates and more. Castlight is completely confidential and provided at no cost to GW employees and their spouses/domestic partners and adult dependents covered under a university health plan.

Good news is there are several other options to consider when you need medical care.

Nurseline

Cost per visit: $0*

Availability: 24/7

For immediate, physician-approved answers to your health care questions.

With UHC’s Nurseline, free, confidential help is just a phone call or click away. Nurseline (available 24/7) allows you to speak with experienced nurses who can provide you with immediate and physician-approved answers to your health questions. Learn more about Nurseline, including when to use it, here.

Telemedicine: UHC Virtual Visit

Cost per visit: $10 copay (GW PPO) or 20% coinsurance after deductible (GW HSP)*

Availability: 24/7 (varies by provider)

For convenient, online access to a physician for minor health concerns.

When you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is leave the comfort of your home to sit in a waiting room. Luckily, as a UHC medical plan participant, you have the ability to access a large network of care providers offering Virtual Visits. This aptly-named tool allows you to virtually consult with a doctor using real-time video technology – accessible through www.myuhc.com or through the Health4Me app (available on the App Store and on Google Play). Not only can you obtain a diagnosis during a Virtual Visit, but your doctor can also write prescriptions (if needed). Virtual Visits are ideal for allergies, sinus and bladder infections, bronchitis and other minor medical conditions. Appointments are not needed, and most visits take about 10-15 minutes.

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Cost per visit: $30 copay (GW PPO) or 20% coinsurance after deductible (GW HSP)*

Availability: 40 – 50 hours per week

For non-urgent medical concerns with your regular doctor.

If your condition is not urgent – or if you need routine, primary/preventive care treatment – it’s often best to visit your primary care doctor. Your doctor already knows you and your health history, has access to your medical records and can provide follow-up care and specialist referrals. You may also pay the least amount out-of-pocket when you receive care in your doctor’s office.

Convenience Care Clinic

Cost per visit: $30-$50 copay (GW PPO) or 20% coinsurance after deductible (GW HSP)*

Availability: 60 – 80 hours per week

For non-urgent care when you cannot make it to your doctor’s office.

In cases where your condition is not urgent but you cannot make it to your doctor’s office, you may want to consider visiting a convenience care clinic. These clinics are often located in malls or retail stores (such as CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Walmart and Target), and offer services without the need to schedule an appointment.

Services at a convenient care clinic may be provided at a lower out-of-pocket cost than at an urgent care clinic, and are subject to PCP office visit copays or deductible/coinsurance depending on your plan. Clinic services are generally available to patients 18 months of age or older, and may vary by clinic.

Typical conditions that may be treated at a convenience care clinic include:

• Common infections
• Minor skin conditions
• Flu shots
• Pregnancy tests

To find an in-network convenience care clinic near you, visit www.myuhc.com.

Urgent Care Center

Cost per visit: $30 copay (GW PPO) or 20% coinsurance after deductible (GW HSP)*

Availability: 60 – 80 hours per week

For injuries or illnesses that are non-life-threatening but that require immediate care when your doctor is not available.

What is an urgent care center, and when should I use one? The short answer is: when you need care fast (within 24 hours) outside of your doctor’s regular office hours, and when a convenience care clinic isn’t an option. Urgent care centers often have shorter waiting times and cost less out-of-pocket than the emergency room.

Examples of typical conditions that may be treated at an urgent care center include:

• Sprains
• Small cuts
• Strains
• Sore throats
• Mild asthma attacks
• Rashes
• Minor infections

Services available vary by center. If you choose to use an urgent care center, make sure it is in-network by calling the number on the back of your UHC ID card or by visiting www.myuhc.com.

Emergency Room

Cost per visit: 20% coinsurance after deductible (GW PPO and GW HSP)*

Availability: 24/7

For immediate treatment of critical or life-threatening conditions.

Sometimes, you have to visit the emergency room. Emergency services are always considered at the in-network benefit level. It is truly in your best benefit in terms of out-of-pocket costs to save the emergency room for emergencies; for conditions that are not emergent, utilize a convenience care clinic or urgent care center.

Examples of emergent conditions – for which you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 – include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Large open wounds
• Sudden change in vision
• Chest pain
• Sudden weakness
• Trouble walking
• Major burns
• Spinal injuries
• Severe head injuries
• Difficulty breathing

*Per visit treatment costs listed reflect costs at the in-network level; out-of-network costs may be higher. Please note that costs for specific guidance and care may vary from those represented here. Emergency room per visit cost estimates include facility charge and initial physician consultation.

Taking good care of your health is a lifelong commitment, and different stages of life carry unique health considerations. Routine checkups are critical and common to every stage of life. Below are lists of important reminders for women and men in every stage of life, courtesy of UnitedHealthcare. No matter what age you are, be sure to ask your doctor if you are current on shots, screenings and services such as these.*

WOMEN

Teens – catch-up and booster vaccines; HPV vaccines

Young Adults – blood pressure screening; cervical cancer screening; STD screening and counseling (if sexually active)

Pregnant Women – gestational diabetes screening; prenatal checkups

Midlife – cholesterol screening; colorectal cancer screening; mammograms

Older Adults – bone density screening; pneumonia vaccines; shingles vaccines

MEN

Teens – catch-up and booster vaccines; HPV vaccines

Young Adults – blood pressure screening; STD screening and counseling (if sexually active)

Midlife – cholesterol screening; colorectal cancer screening

Older Adults – pneumonia vaccines; shingles vaccines

Additionally, both males and females 6 months and older should receive a yearly flu vaccine. (Side note: Each year, GW offers free flu shots to faculty, staff and retirees during the Open Enrollment fairs in October!)

Learn more about what preventive care you may need on the UHC preventive care website.

*Please note: This is not a complete list of the healthcare services you may need or that are available to you. Speak with your doctor about what may be right for you, and check your benefit plan to see what services may be covered. These guidelines are provided for informational purposes only, and do not constitute medical advice. Individuals with symptoms or who are at high risk for disease may require additional services or more frequent interventions. For information about specific health plan coverage, please refer to GW’s plan documents at https://benefits.gwu.edu or call the toll-free number on the back of your UHC ID card.

As we prepare for the New Year, we’d like to share some important reminders and expectations regarding your benefits. The Benefits Tips and Reminders for the New Year packet is now available on our website. Inside, you will find instructions for actions you must take for your medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA/HSA and legal plan(s). Information provided includes:

• How to register for online account access
• How to view, print and request permanent/temporary ID cards
• How to fill a prescription if you haven’t received your ID card yet
• How to file FSA paper claim reimbursements
• How to activate your HSA
• And more!

Please take the time to carefully review the packet, and be sure to note the deadlines! The document also provides contact information for each vendor, as well as additional tools you can utilize to stay on top of your benefits.

If you have any additional questions regarding your health and welfare benefits, please contact GW Benefits by emailing benefits@gwu.edu or calling (571) 553-8382. You can also connect with us and receive important updates, reminders and announcements by following @gw_benefits on Twitter.

It’s that time of year. Thanksgiving – the official kick-off of the holiday season – is rapidly approaching, and it’s time again to consider all that we have to be thankful for. Indeed, research suggests that doing so can actually elevate the spirits (especially for those who begin to experience the holiday blues this time of year).

A correlation has been found between gratitude and an individual’s wellbeing, including greater happiness.¹ Don’t overlook this crucial tool we have access to every day. Here are a few ways you can cultivate gratitude on a regular basis to boost your mood and improve your relationships:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. According to psychologists, including Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky from the University of California-Riverside, maintaining a gratitude journal – in which you record all of the things you have to be grateful for – can increase your energy and relieve pain and fatigue. Keeping a gratitude journal is also a great way to appreciate those little moments in life that can bring you joy.

2. Write thank-you notes. Write a thank-you note to a family member, friend, coworker, neighbor or other person in your life. Let them know you enjoy and appreciate their positive influence on your life.

3. Give back. Find more ways to give back this Thanksgiving. Try volunteering with a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Join a cause that is important to you, and donate money, time or talent.

4. Meditate. Take a few minutes during the day for mindful meditation. Focus on the present moment and what you’re grateful for.

5. Change your thinking. If you identify something with a negative trait (the cold room), rewire your thinking to transform that negative trait into a positive one (the room with a great view).

If you are struggling with pre-existing mental health conditions and need professional help, you can take advantage of GW’s Wellbeing Hotline. Available at no cost to you and all members of your household, the Wellbeing Hotline provides confidential, around-the-clock counseling and resources for stress, anxiety, depression, relationship/marital conflicts, substance abuse, job pressures, grief/loss and more. Up to five free counseling sessions are included. Call toll-free at (866) 522-8509 or learn more at go.gwu.edu/well.

1. Simon, Harvey B. “Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier.

Don’t cope with health concerns on your own – free, confidential help is just a phone call or click away. UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine* is available 24/7 and allows you to speak with experienced registered nurses who can provide you with immediate answers to your health questions.

When you call NurseLine, a registered nurse can help you:

Discuss your options for the right medical care. Understand a wide range of symptoms; determine what type of care may suit your needs; get help deciding if you should seek urgent care, follow-up with your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Find a doctor or hospital. Locate doctors or hospitals that meet your needs and preferences; locate an urgent care center and other health resources in your area.

Understand treatment options. Learn more about a diagnosis; explore the risks, benefits and possible results of your treatment options.

Develop a healthy lifestyle. Get preventive care information, such as nutrition, exercise and weight management tips; learn about important health screenings and immunizations.

Information and advice provided through NurseLine is physician-approved and designed to help guide your healthcare decisions.

Just call (800) 846-4678 or connect through live chat by logging into www.myuhc.com.

You can also meet with UHC on campus to ask questions about your medical or vision claims, network, website and/or benefits coverage. Learn more and make an appointment at https://benefits.gwu.edu/events.

Note: NurseLine should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The information provided through this service is intended for informational purposes only. Nurses cannot diagnose or recommend treatment, and are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. The service is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 11 Americans has diabetes – that’s more than 30 million people. Another 84 million adults in the United States (more than 1 out of 3) are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

American Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects us all. Whether you’re living with diabetes, caring for someone who is or you’re fighting to stop it, there’s a hero in you. This November for American Diabetes Month®, the American Diabetes Association® invites you to put on your cape and take a stand at diabetes.org/thisisdiabetes.

You can take steps to prevent diabetes

Take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test for a quick assessment of your risk.

Explore ways you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Discover ways to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of prediabetes.

If you have diabetes

Recognizing that living with diabetes can be challenging to manage every day, GW will offer CVS Health’s Transform Diabetes Care™ with Livongo (TDC/Livongo), beginning January 1, 2018 for medical plan participants. TDC/Livongo is a total condition level management program designed to help participants improve health outcomes and lower pharmacy costs through three key components: medication adherence, A1C control and lifestyle management. Program features include:

• Highly personalized support and coaching from Certified Diabetes Educators
• Comprehensive diabetes visits at MinuteClinic locations at no out-of-pocket cost, including A1C checks
• A Livongo connected glucometer that uploads your blood glucose level readings to a secure online account and provides you with real-time personalized tips
  • Unlimited test strips and lancets delivered to your door at no out-of-pocket cost
• Access to digital tools within the CVS Pharmacy mobile app, including medication refill reminders as well as the ability to refill prescriptions via two-way text messaging

With TDC/Livongo, patients can embark on a path to better health by keeping their diabetes under control while reducing their out-of-pocket costs. Please note: Beginning January 1, 2018, diabetic medications and supplies must be filled through CVS Retail or CVS Mail Order.

TDC/Livongo participants are also encouraged to enroll in the UHC Diabetes Management Program, which offers members additional tools and educational resources (such as comprehensive coaching) to help support successful diabetes management.

According to the American Cancer Society, 36.5 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use continues to be the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. This year, the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2017. Take this opportunity to encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and quit smoking that day.

Learn about how GW’s free Quit For Life® program can help you or an eligible dependent overcome physical, psychological and behavioral addictions to tobacco through coaching, a customized quitting plan and a supportive online community. With the help of expert Quit Coaches®, participants gain the knowledge, skills and behavioral strategies to quit smoking for life. Features of the program include:

• Unlimited access to phone- and web-based coaching
• Unlimited access to Web Coach®, an online community for e-learning and social support
• A printed workbook that helps guide participants through the quitting process
• Complimentary access to the Text2Quit Program

Call (866) QUIT-4-LIFE (1-866-784-8454), or log on to QuitNow for details or to enroll.

GW’s smoke-free policy is part of an ongoing effort to create a healthy environment for all individuals who live, learn at, visit and work on our campuses. Learn more about GW’s commitment to a smoke-free campus by visiting Smoke-Free GW.