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Is Choices your plan?
Before you refer to the information on this website, make sure you are in the Choices
benefits plan. If you are in the Select or Master Agreement benefits plans, your
coverage will be different.
Password myth
Myth: I need to remember passwords to get benefits information online or
take my Health Questionnaire.
Fact: It depends. If you are on the Alcoa network and go to the Employee
Self-Service Tool on HR Direct on MyAlcoa, you can access benefits, pay,
travel & expense, training, and other online information without using a password.
Put your prescription drug order on auto pilot
If you or a family member takes maintenance medications for a chronic condition
or long-term therapy, this mail service program could provide you with the convenience
of automatic refills and renewals.
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Your Money or Your Health?
In the current economy, we’re all looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary spending.
For some people, the solution has been cutting their family’s health care budget. A recent survey found that 32% of people have skipped some preventive care and 10% have stopped or cut back on medicines that treat chronic conditions like asthma or high blood pressure.
Bad choices, according to medical professionals.
“Preventive care is not an option; it is a necessity like feeding your family and heating your home,” said Rob Muscalas, D.O.., Highmark senior medical director for clinical client relationships. “And most preventive care is covered 100% for Alcoa employees, so they shouldn’t skip it thinking they will save money.”
If you’re feeling OK, you may think you can safely cut back on your medicines. But drugs are not a discretionary purchase, according to Nick Gettas, M.D., CIGNA chief medical officer, National Accounts.
“Changing your medications is a very, very risky proposition,” he says. “If the medication is supposed to be taken twice a day and you only take it once, you might not get enough medicine to get the job done, which can lead to complications. If you break or cut a pill, all of the medicine can be released at once, meaning you can overdose yourself at one point and or not have enough medication in your system for the entire day.”
For example, altering the way you take your blood pressure medication can lead to a stroke or heart attack – which ultimately means more health care expenses.
People should never stop or alter a prescription from the way it was prescribed unless they check with their physician first, Dr. Gettas says. There may be a less expensive alternative, like a generic medication or a different version of the drug within the same general family of drugs, that your physician could recommend.
“I realize that people are motivated by finances right now. However, it’s better to spend a few dollars now on your health, or you may end up having to spend a lot later.”
How to Control Your Health Costs
Health care is complicated, but if you invest a little time, and look in the right places, chances are you’ll find ways to lower your costs. Here are some suggestions from Dr. Muscalas to get you started.
Know what you already have. Many people do not fully understand all of the benefits provided through their medical plan: things like free health coaching services, on-line programs, web access for health information and even discounts for products and services like vitamins and gym memberships. This information can be obtained on your medical claims administrator’s website or by calling their toll-free number.
CIGNA 1-800-814-3140
Highmark 1-800-433-9906
UnitedHealthcare 1-800-396-6505
Take the time to take care of yourself. Seventy percent of all health care costs are a direct result of behavior. Many chronic (and expensive) conditions are preventable: 80 percent of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, 60 percent of cancer, more than 90 percent of obesity.
Ask your doctor about generic medications. Some folks believe generic drugs are less effective than their brand counterpart – that is wrong! Generic medications must meet the same industry standards as their brand counterparts. The cost of a generic drug can be as much as 1/10 the cost of its brand counterpart.
Understand tests and procedures. When your doctor orders tests and procedures, it’s important for you to understand what is being done and why. Will the outcome affect your treatment? What other options exist? Must it be done now or are other actions equally appropriate? The intent is not to question your doctor’s advice, but rather to know what is happening and to make sure you know your options.
Know what’s covered. The best way to avoid unexpected health care bills is to know how your medical coverage works. Read the information on this website or call your medical claims administrator if you have any questions about what is covered, how your deductible works, or how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for a health care service.
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