2003 - Summer

Spring 2003

Summer 2003Summer 2003

~ Introducing New Family Dental Plan — P. 16 ~~ introducing New Family Dental plan — P. 16 ~

from the files from the filesHEALTH

n e w s s t o r i e s f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y

U.S. limiting costs of drugs for MedicareAccording to an article in The New York

Times, the federal government has begun toweigh cost as a factor in deciding whetherMedicare should pay for new drugs and medicalprocedures. Recently, federal officials haveadopted policies to limit what Medicare paysfor prescription drugs.

Exercise can curb your medical billsThere is a definite link between fitness

levels and medical costs. Although theconnection seems obvious, Americans aren’ttaking the connection seriously, according toThe Wall Street Journal. As Americans headtoward retirement, they will be responsiblefor more and more of their medical costs, butthe prospect of extra medical expenses hasnot translated into healthier living. Althoughsome people do everything right and still comedown with a costly, long-term disease, studiesshow that people can reduce their chances ofdeveloping many chronic illnesses (such asheart disease, diabetes, high blood pressureand obesity) by quitting smoking, exercisingand eating right.

Generic drug makers take on patents through“branded generics”

The Wall Street Journal recently reportedthat generic drug manufacturers increasinglyare taking market share from their brand-name counterparts by introducing “brandedgenerics” — similar products that have thesame effects as brand-name pharmaceuticalsbut are made of slightly different ingredients.These new drugs sometimes provide consumersquicker access to low-cost alternatives, butthese new tactics allow generic-drug firms toraise their own prices.

Traditional generic drugs must contain thesame active ingredients as the brand-namedrug, and tests must show that generic drugsreact in the body the same way as the brand-name drug. “Branded drugs” may includeslightly different compounds, and may lastlonger than their branded counterparts.

The total number of prescriptions for“branded generics” last year was less than athird of the total for traditional generics.

Study confirms life-saving benefit ofmammograms

According to The Associated Press andReuters Health, the largest and most rigorousstudy to date concerning the survival benefitsof mammograms indicates that women whoget them regularly could reduce their risk ofdying of breast cancer by 28 percent.

The study, conducted by a team of scientistsfrom Sweden, Britain, Taiwan and the UnitedStates, was based on 210,000 Swedish womenages 20 to 69.

Thanks to improvements in drugs used totreat breast cancer, even the women whorefused mammograms were still 16 percentless likely to die of breast cancer.

Deaths from breast cancer in the UnitedStates have fallen by nearly 30 percent since1990, but experts are unsure of how much ofthis is a result of the growing use ofmammograms to detect the cancer in itsearly stages.

Federal government announces new efforts toreduce minority chronic disease risks

In April 2003, during recognition of theannual National Minority Cancer AwarenessWeek, the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services Secretary Tommy Thompsonannounced several new efforts aimed atpreventing cancer and reducing healthdisparities among minority populations. Theinitiatives focus on nutrition, colorectal cancer,preventive health care and comprehensivecancer control programs.

Historically, minority populations haveexperienced a disproportionate burden of deathand disease from chronic illnesses. For moreinformation on the initiatives, see the followingWeb sites: www.9aday.cancer.gov;www.cdc.gov/cancer/screenforlife;www.healthgap.omhrc.gov; andwww.cancercontrolplanet.cancer.gov.

Blue & You Summer 2003

3

is published four times a year byArkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shieldfor the company’s members, healthcare professionals and otherpersons interested in health careand wellness.

Vice President of Advertising and Communications:Patrick O’Sullivan

Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — [email protected]

Designer: Gio Bruno

Contributors: Tammi Bradley, Janice Drennan, Damona Fisherand Kathy Luzietti

Customer Service Numbers

Little Rock Toll-freeCategory Number (501) Number

State/Public School Employees 378-2437 1-800-482-8416

e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement) 378-3062 1-800-338-2312

Medicare (for beneficiaries only): Part A (hospital benefits) 378-3151 1-877-356-2368 Part B (physician benefits) 378-2320 1-800-482-5525

UniqueCare, UniqueCare Blue, Blue Select®, BlueCare PPO & PPO Plus (individual products) 378-2010 1-800-238-8379

Group Services 378-2070 1-800-421-1112

BlueCard® 378-2127 1-800-880-0918

Federal Employee Program (FEP) 378-2531 1-800-482-6655

Health Advantage 221-3733 1-800-843-1329

BlueAdvantage Administrators 378-3600 1-800-522-9878

Pharmacy Customer Service (AdvancePCS): Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield 1-800-863-5561 Health Advantage 1-800-863-5567 BlueAdvantage Administrators 1-888-293-3748 Specialty Rx 1-866-295-2779

For information about obtaining coverage, call:Little Rock Toll-free

Category Number (501) Number

Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement) 378-2937 1-800-392-2583

BasicBlue®, BlueCare PPO & PPO Plus (individual products) 378-2937 1-800-392-2583

Regional Office locations are: Central, Little Rock;Northeast, Jonesboro; Northwest, Fayetteville; South Central,Hot Springs; Southeast, Pine Bluff; Southwest, Texarkana;and West Central, Fort Smith.

Customers who live in these regions may contact the regionaloffices or call the appropriate toll-free telephone numbers above.

Web sites: www.ArkansasBlueCross.comwww.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com

www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.comwww.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org

www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com

INSIDETHIS ISSUE

~SUMMER 2003~

From the Health files ................................... 2Be sensible in the sun .............................. 4-5The dog days of summer ........................... 6-7Water: It’s the real thing .............................. 7Was it something I ate? ............................ 8-9Summer stings and bites....................... 10-11RWIs: Is the pool really clean? .................. 12Sensible summer foot care ........................ 13That pesky poison ivy ................................ 14Financial information privacy notice ......... 15New IVR system answers a need ................ 16Introducing BlueCare Dental ................. 16-17Blue & You Foundation puts out the call ... 17Health Advantage making contact ............. 18New building for Medicare operations ....... 18My Blueprint users are winners ................. 19Sparkling at the PRISM awards.................. 19Best of Blue national awards ..................... 1924/7 access to pharmacy Web site ............ 20Copayment changes for three-tier plans.... 20“Don’t Start” winners announced ......... 21-22Blue & Your Community ............................. 23Blue On-Line .............................................. 24


Be sensible in theBe sensible in the4Sun protection is important year-round; but

it becomes critical in summer, when more peopleare outdoors for extended periods of time. Even afew serious sunburns can increase your risk ofskin cancer. Sun exposure also causes prematureaging of the skin and, for some people,photosensitive reactions.

Skin CancerSkin cancer is the most common form of

cancer in the United States, and its incidence isrising. People living in southern states, includingArkansas, where the sun’s UV radiation is moreintense, have a one in three (33 percent) chanceof developing some form of skin cancer.

Everyone is at risk. You are more at riskif you:• burn easily.• have multiple or atypical moles.• have a fair complexion.• have blue, gray or green eyes.• have red or blond hair.• have a family history of skin cancer.• experience chronic exposure to the sun

because of your occupation or location.

Premature Aging and Other Skin DamageTanned skin is damaged skin. Young sun-

bathers probably don’t realize that sunlightcauses wrinkles and premature aging of the

skin. Exposure over time can even causethe skin to have a leathery appearance.Age spots (flat, brown spots) appear mostoften on sun-exposed areas of the skin.

Tanning booths are as damaging as

sunlight. The FDA warns that some tanningoperators may claim that their sunlamps aresafer than the sun, but this is not true. Tanningbeds and booths have the same cancer-causingultraviolet (UV) radiation as the sun. Sometanning beds have UVA (ultraviolet A) sunlampsand claim to be safer than beds that produceUVB (ultraviolet B) radiation because UVA doesnot cause burns as often as UVB. However, UVAradiation penetrates the skin more deeply thanUVB and is responsible for long-term skindamage, such as aging, blood vessel damage andskin cancer. A tanning bed may have 10 timesthe amount of UVA radiation as the sun.

PhotosensitivitySome medications and food additives cause

photosensitivity, leading to a burn or skin rashafter only a few minutes of sun exposure. Somemedications cause skin cell damage and skineruptions that can persist for years.Photosensitivity also may be caused bychemicals in cosmetics and sunscreens appliedto the skin.

Medications that can cause photosensitivereactions include:• Antihistamines.• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs).• Antibiotics, including tetracyclines and

sulfonamides.• Antidepressants.• Cardiovascular drugs.

Cosmetics to be avoided during sunexposure include any that contain musk


sun 5sunambrette, sandalwood oil and bergamot oil. Topicalpreparations containing alpha hydroxy acids, often used totreat wrinkles, also may cause photosensitivity.

ProtectionProtecting yourself and your family from the sun is

simple. Planning for protection before you get out in the sunis the key to success.• Cover up. Wear tightly woven fabrics. Wear long

sleeves and long pants when practical. Take a cover-upto the beach.

• Avoid midday sun (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time,11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time).

• Seek shade (tree, tent, umbrella, building shadow).• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block UV rays.

Too much sun can damage the corneas of your eyes andlead to cataracts.

• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15or higher.

• Use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVBrays cause sunburn, and UVA rays penetrate to deeperlayers of skin.

• Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before you go outside.Apply it liberally and reapply often, especially afterswimming or physical activity.

• If you have allergies or photosensitivity, ask adermatologist to recommend a sunscreen that won’tcause a skin reaction.

• Don’t forget your ears, hands and tops of your feet whenapplying sunscreen.

— Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.Food and Drug Administration, National Institute on Aging,

National CancerInstitute,Arkansas CancerResearch Center(University ofArkansas forMedicalSciences)

Young sunbathers probably don’t realize thatsunlight causes wrinkles andpremature aging of the skin.


6In Arkansas, summers can be draining. With tem-

peratures soaring into the high 90s, and humidityhovering at stifling levels, we all feel listless at times.

During the heat of summer, it’s important to takeprecautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Drink plentyof water, exercise in the early mornings or evenings, treatany pre-existing conditions, wear loose and light-coloredclothing, check the heat index daily and give yourselftime to adjust to the heat before undertaking any athleticendeavors. The elderly and young children are mostsusceptible to heatstroke. One-half of all heat-relatedillnesses occur in people age 65 and older.

Pre-existing conditionsthat may contribute to heat-related illnesses includeanorexia, cardiac disease,uncontrolled diabetes,uncontrolled high bloodpressure, obesity, upperrespiratory tract infection,cystic fibrosis and gastroen-teritis. Medications that maycontribute to heat-relatedillnesses include alphaadrenergics, anticholin-ergics, antihistamines,benzodiazepines, betablockers, calcium channelblockers, neuroleptics,

phenothiazine diuretics, and tricyclic antidepressants.There are three main heat-related illnesses: heat

cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat CrampsSigns of heat cramps include elevated body tempera-

ture, thirst and muscle cramps. Heat cramps often occurin athletes or other physically fit people and are causedby excessive heat exposure. When you have excessiveactivity with profuse sweating followed by too little fluid

intake, it can result in painful musclespasms (heat cramps) in calf or

abdominal wall muscles.

Heat ExhaustionThe symptoms of heat exhaus-

tion include elevated body tempera-ture, thirst, muscle cramps, nausea/

vomiting, headache, malaise, hypotension(low blood pressure), light-headedness/fainting, incoor-dination, confusion and irritability. Heat exhaustionoccurs when persons are either water-depleted or so-dium-depleted, although in reality they often overlap.

Heat exhaustion from water depletion occurs mostoften in the elderly, who are more likely to have pre-existing conditions or take medications that can makethem more vulnerable to dehydration, especially duringthe summer. Heat exhaustion from sodium depletionoften occurs in those who have maintained fluid intheir system but have not replaced the sodium lostin sweat.

HeatstrokeHeatstroke is the deadliest of heat illnesses. The

symptoms of heatstroke are the same as those of heatcramps and heat exhaustion but also may includedelirium/seizure/coma, renal failure, hyperventilation,pulmonary edema, arrhythmia and shock. Treatmentfor heatstroke must begin immediately. Classicheatstroke usually occurs during summer and usuallyaffects those with advanced age or chronic medicalconditions. Exertional heatstroke also occurs most oftenin summer and primarily affects outside laborers orathletes. Symptoms are similar to those of classic heat-stroke, except that those with exertional heatstrokecontinue to sweat. When someone continues to sweat,heatstroke may be overlooked, and treatment couldbe delayed.


The “dog days”The “dog days”

7After an hour or two outdoors

during a hot southern summer,there’s probably only one thing

on your mind — cold, clear and clean water. While it’spossible to live for weeks without food, a person can lastonly a few days without water.

Water is the source of life. Up to 70 percent of thehuman body is made up of it. Body fluids that flowthrough all the blood vessels carrying nutrients andwastes are mostly water. Water fills cells and the spacesbetween them. It helps keep tissues healthy.

Water also:• Is required for many of the body’s chemical reactions.• Dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.• Lubricates joints.• Helps regulate body temperature. Perspiration evapo-

rates from the skin and cools the body, which helpskeep body temperature within a tight range. If ad-equate water is not consumed on a daily basis, thebody fluids will become out of balance, causing life-threatening dehydration.

Daily ingestion of water will help maintain goodhealth. Adults should drink two quarts (eight cups) aday; children should drink four to eight cups daily,depending on age and size. Other fluids and even somefoods contain water, and these can help meet daily waterneeds. Milk, fruit juices and even carbonated drinks aregood water sources. But try to drink decaffeinated colas— caffeine, a diuretic, causes the body to lose water.

One of water’s most important functions in the bodyis helping maintain fluid balance. Minerals called electro-lytes dissolve in water and contain sodium, potassiumand chloride. Electrolytes determine the balance of fluidinside cells and out. An imbalance isn’t healthy. Edema(fluid retention) is the condition by which too muchwater is inside the cells. Dehydration is the conditionwhere there is an abnormal depletion of body fluids.

Your fluid balance or imbalancecan be impacted by medicalconditions and medications.For more information on howto maintain a healthy fluidbalance, contactyour physician.

— Sources: National Institutesof Health andwww.healthanswers.com

Remember, heatstroke is a medical emergency.Multiple organ systems can be affected.

Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone. The bestway to avoid them is to avoid overexerting yourself insummer heat. Take note of the following table to helpyou remember when to stay out of the heat.

Heat Index130 degrees or higher Extreme danger. Heatstroke

highly likely with continuedexposure

105 to 130 degrees Dangerous. Heat cramps orheat exhaustion possible withprolonged exposure and/orphysical activity

80 to 90 degrees Caution. Fatigue possible withprolonged exposure orphysical activity

The heat index combines humidity and temperaturemeasurements to create a scale to describe how warmthe air feels when humidity is high.

Remember, summer heat and humidity can be adangerous combination. Take care to keep yourselfhealthy during those uncomfortable summer days.

— Sources: American Family Physician and NASD:Princeton University Outdoor Action


Water:It’s thereal thing

Water:It’s thereal thing

of summer of summer

8 When planning that barbecue in the back-yard or cookout at the campsite, be sure the shindig you and your family are enjoying doesn’t end up with everyone vying for time in the bathroom. Although America’s food supply

is the safest in the world, the facts tellus that the food we eat may be the vehiclethat transports a variety of unpleasantbacteria, viruses and parasites that caneither cause a bad bellyache or perhaps belife-threatening to the weaker among us(including children and elderly).

These unwelcome dinner guests cause76 million cases of foodborne illnesses inthe United State each year. They can befound in a variety of foods including meat,milk and other dairy products, spices,chocolate,seafood andeven water.Specific foodsthat have beenimplicated infoodborneillnesses areunpasteurizedfruit and vegetable juices and ciders; raw orundercooked eggs or foods containingundercooked eggs; chicken, tuna andpotato and macaroni salads; cream-filledpastries; and fresh produce.

Common symptoms of foodborneillnesses include diarrhea, abdominalcramping, fever, headache, vomiting, severeexhaustion, and sometimes blood or pus inthe stools. However, symptoms may varyaccording to the type of bacteria andamount eaten.

There are health conditions that may cause a bout offoodborne illness to be more severe. Those healthconditions include liver disease, hemochromatosis (irondisorder), diabetes, stomach problems, cancer, immunedisorders, and long-term steroid use (as with treatment

for asthma and arthritis).When symptoms are severe,

the ill person should visit adoctor or seek emergencyhelp. For mild cases offoodborne illnesses, theindividual should drinkplenty of liquids to replacefluids lost through vomitingand diarrhea.

If you can’t remember anything else, remember thisThe No. 1 thing to remember to avoid foodborne

illnesses is: keep it clean. Practice these four steps forfood safety.1. Wash your hands and surfaces often. With hot soapy

water, wash your hands, cutting boards,dishes, utensils and countertops before,during and after food preparation.2. Separate the food. Always keep rawmeat, poultry, seafood and their juices awayfrom other foods.3. Cook to proper temperatures. Use a foodthermometer to make sure foods are cookedto a safe internal temperature.4. Refrigerate promptly. Be sure to refriger-ate foods within two hours. Set yourrefrigerator no higher than 40 F and thefreezer at 0 F.

Take preventive measuresThe thought that the food you are

consuming may make you sick is unappe-tizing, at the least. There are, however,steps to take to make sure your food isprotected. When you are grocery shopping:• Pick up your packaged and canned

goods first.• Don’t buy packages or cans that are torn

or dented.• Don’t eat raw shellfish and use only

pasteurized milk products and pasteurized or other-wise treated juices and ciders if you have a healthproblem, especially one that has impaired yourimmune system.

• Choose eggs that are refrigerated in the store, andopen the carton and make sure the eggs are clean andare not cracked.

• Don’t buy frozen seafood if the package is torn, or ifthere are signs of frost or ice crystals on the package.

• Check for cleanliness at the meat or fish counter andsalad bar.

• When shopping for shellfish, buy from markets thatget their supplies from state-approved sources; stayclear of vendors who sell from roadside stands or theback of a truck.

• Take an ice chest along to keep frozen and perishable


Was it something I ate?Was it something I ate?

foods stored if you will be away from home for morethan an hour.

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods coldHot or cold foods left standing at room temperature

for an extended amount of time provide an ideal climatefor bacteria to grow. Improper cooking also plays asignificant role in foodborne illnesses.

Beef, lamb and vealshould be cooked to tem-peratures of 145 F; pork andground beef to 160 F; wholepoultry and thighs to 180 F;poultry breasts to 170 F; andground chicken or turkey to165 F. Eggs should be cookeduntil the whites and yolk arefirm. Seafood should becooked thoroughly to aninternal temperature of atleast 145 F; fish that isground or flaked should becooked to 155 F; and stuffed

fish should be cooked to 165 F.Don’t thaw meat or other frozen food at room

temperature; instead put them in the refrigerator for aday or two, or defrost submerged in cold water. Cookedfoods should not be left standing on the table or counterfor more than two hours. Hot dishes should be servedimmediately, and if the food has been reheated, it shouldbe reheated to 160 F. Keep cold food in the refrigeratoruntil they are ready to be served.

Although there is a lot to remember when it comesto keeping your food free from bacteria, viruses andparasites — it’s worth the work to avoid foodborneillnesses.

— Sources: U.S. Food and DrugAdministration and the U.S.Department of Agriculture

9


10


Ticks, bees, ants, mosquitoes, hornets, wasps,yellow jackets and other insects make enjoying theoutdoors in summertime less than enjoyable.

To reduce the chances that you may be bitten bysome sort of stinging, flying insect, remember to:1. Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing.2. Avoid perfume and perfumed soaps, lotions or

deodorants.3. Wear clean clothing and bathe regularly. Sweat

angers bees.4. Try to cover as much of your body as possible

with clothing.5. Avoid flowers.6. During the months of July, August and September, be

sure to check around your home for new insect nests.7. Keep outdoor areas clean and free from food.8. If there is a single, stinging insect flying near you,

remain still or lie face down on the ground. Swattingat an insect may cause it to sting.

9. If you are surrounded by a group of stinging insects,run to get away from them. Go indoors or jump intowater. A shaded area is better than an open area whentrying to get away.

You’ve been stung. What do you do now?Have someone stay with you in case you have an

allergic reaction. Wash the site with soap and water. Thestinger can be removed by usinggauze to wipe the area or byscraping a fingernail over the area— never squeeze the stinger oruse tweezers (it will cause morevenom to be released). Do notscratch the sting. This will causethe site to swell and itch more, and increase the chanceof infection.

The severity of an insect sting varies from person toperson. A normal reaction to a sting would be pain,swelling and redness confined to the area around the

sting site. A large local reaction wouldresult in swelling that extends beyond

the sting site. For example, a stingon the forearm might result inswelling in the entire arm. Al-though alarming in appearance,this type of reaction is usually

treated the same as a normal

A sting here, a bite there. Ah,

reaction. If the reaction seems highly unusual or verylarge, you may need medical attention.

Venomous vs. Non-venomous crittersVenomous insects include wasps, hornets, yellow

jackets, all bees and fire ants. Non-venomous insectsinclude chiggers, fleas, lice, scabies, bed bugs, ticksand mosquitoes.

The differences are in relation to the nature of the biteor sting. Venomous insects attack as a defense mechanismby injecting painful, toxic venom through their stingers topunish you so you will stay away from them next time.Non-venomous insects bite and usually inject anti-coagulant saliva in order to feed on your blood.

Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverSimply because ticks are non-venomous doesn’t

mean that they can’t cause a person harm. RockyMountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is an infection that istransmitted by ticks. The signs and symptoms usuallydevelop within one to 14 days after atick bite. RMSF usually begins sud-denly with a high fever with chills,muscle aches and a severe headachethat may center around the forehead.Eyes may become red, muscles may betender to the touch, and there may begeneralized body swelling.

The rash that makes RMSF a “spotted” fever maybegin anytime between one and 10 days after the feverand headache start. The rash looks like small red spotsand usually begins on the wrists and spreads over thebody (not usually the face). As the infection progresses,the original red spots may change in appearance to look

A sting here, a bite there. Ah,

11


more like bruises or bloody patches under the skin.Usually, RMSF causes moderate to severe illness and

may damage the liver, kidneys and lungs. Antibioticshave helped to decrease most of the suffering and dangerresulting from the infection.

Lyme DiseaseLike RMSF, Lyme disease also is attributed to tick

bites. In the majority of people, the first symptom ofLyme disease is a red rash. The telltale rash starts as asmall red spot at the site of the tick bite. It expands overa period of time forming a circular rash. Sometimes itresembles a bull’s eye. A fever, headache, stiff neck, bodyaches and fatigue often accompany the rash.

After several months of infection, more than half ofthose with Lyme disease who were not treated withantibiotics develop recurrent attacks of arthritis. Less

often, people with untreated Lyme disease may developheart abnormalities, eye problems and chronic skindisorders.

Nearly all Lyme disease patients can be effectivelytreated with antibiotics. The sooner such therapy beginsthe quicker and more complete the recovery.

The best way to avoid those irritating stings andbites is to protect yourself when outdoors. And, remem-ber, if you have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting,it’s important to see your doctor.

— Sources: American College ofAllergy, Asthma & Immunology,www.quickcare.org, NASD: Univer-sity of Maine Cooperative Exten-sion, National Institutes of Health,and The Nemours Foundation

the joys of summer.

the joys of summer.

HOW TO AVOID POOL-12


No one likes to talk about it. Everyone cringes at thethought of it. But it’s a topic that we can’t ignore if wewant to be safe while swimming this summer. No,we’re not talking about drowning, slipping or lightning inthis article … although those are important aspects ofwater safety.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) — swimmingpools, waterparks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers or the ocean —have contributed to 15,000 swimmers becoming ill fromswimming during the past decade. You may have evenseen headlines from a few celebrities whose childrenhave been affected.

Avoiding the germsGerms leading to RWIs

are spread by swallowingwater contaminated withfeces or by skin exposure tocontaminated water. Themost common waterbornegerms spread throughrecreational water are“crypto” (KRIP-toe), shortfor Cryptosporidium,Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh),E. coli 0157:H7, and Shi-gella (Shi-GEL-uh), whichcan cause diarrheal ill-nesses and skin rashes.Body fluids, includingblood, feces and vomit (not the kind associated withsimply swallowing too much pool water) are all consid-ered potentially contaminated with bloodborne germs.

The good news is that germs causing RWIs are killedby chlorine. However, chlorine doesn’t work right away.Although some germs can live only minutes in chlorine,it takes time to kill germs, and germs like Crypto can livein pools for days even in the best maintained pools.

A diarrheal fecal accident is a higher risk event thana formed stool accident. Generally, people have

more germs in their stool when theyare sick with diarrhea, so they can

spread the illness easier. Thenumbers of germs in the stooldecrease in the weeks followingthe end of diarrhea. Germs in

diarrhea can contaminate the water

and make others sick who swallow the water. In fact, forthose persons living with compromised immune systems,some illnesses could be life-threatening or fatal.

Healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protectyou and your family from RWIs and will help stop germsfrom getting in the pool in the first place. Here are six“P-L-E-As” that promote healthy swimming:

PLEASE — don’t swim when you have diarrhea … this isespecially important for kids in diapers. You can spreadgerms into the water and make other people sick.

PLEASE — don’t swallow the pool water. In fact, tryyour best to avoideven having waterget in your mouth.

PLEASE — washyour hands withsoap and water afterusing the toilet orafter changingdiapers. You canprotect others byrealizing that germson your body end upin the water.

PLEASE — takeyour kids on bathroombreaks often.

Waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean thatit’s too late.

PLEASE — change diapers ina bathroom and not atpoolside. Germs can spread tosurfaces and objects in andaround the pool and spreaddisease. Swim diapers areunlikely to prevent diarrhea(which may contain germs)from leaking into the pool.Even though diapers or swimpants may hold in some feces,they are not leak-proof and canstill contaminate the pool water.

HOW TO AVOID POOL-

RELATED ILLNESSES 13


Here comes the sun. Here come the sandals. With warmweather arriving in the Natural State, it’s only natural to exchangeslacks for shorts and shoes for sandals. Because feet are moreexposed during summer, they also are more vulnerable to injuryand irritation.

One of the most common problems insummer is heel fissures (cracks in the skinon the heels). Because dry, cracked heels aremore common when wearing sandals, it’sprobably a good idea to alternate sandalswith closed shoes. In summertime, be sureto regularly apply lotion to your feet and usea pumice stone along with lotion to preventcorns and calluses from building up.

Sandal-lovers also should do their best to avoid toenail traumacaused by sports injuries, wearing shoes that are too small, or evendropping things on your feet. Once toenails are damaged, funguscan enter, causing nails to turn thick and yellow. If an infectionoccurs, the toe can become red, hot and swollen, and pus mayappear. Then it’s time to see a physician.

Some other tips to keep your feet and toenails in tippy-toe shapefor summer include:1. Trim toenails straight across. This gives them an attractive look

and prevents toenail edges from becoming ingrown and causinginfection.

2. Wear properly fitting shoes to reduce the chance of blisters, cornsand calluses from building up.

3. When purchasing shoes, don’t select them by the size marked onthe box. Try on the shoe and see how it fits.

4. Keep the blood circulating to your feet as much as possible. Putyour feet up when you are sitting or lying down, stretch if you’vehad to sit for a long period of time, take a walk, get a gentle footmassage or take a warm foot bath.

People with diabetes need to be especially careful in summer.Because of a common condition called peripheral neuropathy (ornumbness in the feet), they might not notice a cut or fissure in theskin caused by stepping on a piece of glass, a thorn or other sharpobject on the ground.

Years of wear and tear can be hard onyour feet, so when it comes to taking careof them — don’t get “cold feet.” Bypracticing good foot care, your feet willbe able to take you where you want togo for years to come.

— Sources: National Institute onAging, Duke Health andwww.personalhealthzone.com

Therefore, it is recommended that you changeyour child often and make frequent trips tothe toilet. Swim diapers or pants are not aremedy for frequent diaper changing.

PLEASE — wash your child thoroughly(especially the backside) with soap and waterbefore swimming. We all have invisibleamounts of fecal matter on our bottoms thatcould end up in the pool. Not washing handscan spread germs. Wash your hands thor-oughly before returning to the pool.

Fecal accidents and poor hygiene are aconcern and an inconvenience to both pooloperators and patrons. Healthy swimming is ateam effort. For the health of all swimmers,don’t swim when ill with diarrhea and washhands thoroughly before returning poolside.

NOTE: Since many factors affect the waterquality at the beach, it is important for you toknow about the environmental conditions thataffect water quality. For more informationabout health risks associated with swimmingin polluted natural bodies of water such asoceans, lakes and rivers, contact the Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA).

— Source: Centers for Disease Control andPrevention

RELATED ILLNESSESBoth feet onthe ground: A guide to sensible foot care

Both feet onthe ground: A guide to sensible foot care

That pesky poison ivy14


Ah, the great outdoors. As residents of the NaturalState, Arkansans relish the sunny summer months andtake every opportunity to enjoy the many outdooractivities that abound. From fishing and water sports onour many lakes and rivers to hiking along wildernesstrails to gardening in our own backyards, we love to takeadvantage of long days outside. But beware, there’s acreeping, crawling culprit lurking about just itching toruin your summer fun. It’s poison ivy, and it may behiding out in an inviting patch of greenery near you.

“Leaves of three? Let it be.”To avoid a potentially ugly situation, when you

venture outside, keep this simple rhyme in mind,“Leaves of three? Let it be.” Poison ivy usually has threebroad, spoon-shaped leaves or leaflets, which can rangein size from one-third ofan inch to more thantwo inches. The leavescan have smooth or verynotched edges, and theircolor can range fromreddish in spring togreen in summer tovarious shades of yellow,orange or red in autumn.

A noxious weed,poison ivy has a toxicsap, called urushiol, in itsroots, stems, leaves andfruit. The oily substance isreleased when the plant isbruised or damaged, which can happen when you touchthe plant, when insects chew on the plant or even whenthe wind blows around it.

Once the urushiol oil comes in contact with yourskin, it can cause an allergic reaction (Rhus-dermatitis).Since urushiol oil doesn’t evaporate quickly, you canhave a reaction not only through direct contact with the

plant, but also by touching somethingthat has touched the plant, such as

tools, shoes, toys or clothing —or even by petting a pet that hascome across poison ivy inthe woods.

You also can have a poison ivyreaction by inhaling the smoke from

a burning plant, so be carefulof where you gather yourcampfire wood!

Quick, get the water!If you should come in contact with poison ivy, wash

with cool water as soon as possible and continue rinsingthe contaminated area frequently for the next six hours.(Use soap and water if you can.) Usually within 15minutes of contact, the urushiol oil binds to skinproteins. However, if it’s washed off with water beforethat time, a reaction may be prevented. When packingsupplies for hiking, camping or fishing trips, you mightwant to include disposable wipes with alcohol that youcan use immediately after contact. Once the urushiol oil

is fixed, however, it cannot bewashed off or transferred toother areas.

Things that go bumpThe first symptom of

poisoning is redness and severeitching of the skin. Then a rasherupts on the skin, frequently ina pattern of streaks or patches.Later, the rash turns into redbumps or, in severe cases,oozing blisters. Despite themyth, the rash is spread by thepoisonous sap, not as the resultof contamination from oozing

sores. Any new lesions that may appear after the first fewdays are most likely caused by contact withcontaminated items (clothes, shoes, etc.) that were notproperly sanitized.

What to do?Calamine lotion is the old standard treatment for

poison ivy rash, and while it may ease the suffering,time is the only cure — on average, five to 12 days. Aserious rash, or one that covers a large area of skin,probably calls for a corticosteroid that must beprescribed by a doctor.

— Sources: www.poison-ivy.org, www.poisonivy.aesir.comand WebMD.com

That pesky poison ivy

15


At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and itsaffiliates (HMO Partners, Inc. [d/b/a Health Advantage]and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas), weunderstand how important it is to keep your privateinformation just that — private. Because of the nature ofour business, we must collect some personal informationfrom our members, but we also are committed to main-taining, securing and protecting that information.

Customer InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates only compile

information necessary for us to provide the services thatyou, our member, requests from us and to administeryour business. We collect non-public personal financialinformation (defined as any information that can be tiedback to a specific person and is gathered by any sourcethat is not publicly available) about our members from:• Applications for insurance

coverage. The applicationincludes information suchas name, address, per-sonal identifiers such associal security numberand medical informationthat you authorize us tocollect.

• Payment history andrelated financial transac-tions from the purchaseand use of our products.

• Information related to thefact that you have been or currently are a member.

Sharing of InformationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates do not disclose,

and do not wish to reserve the right to disclose, non-public personal information about you to one another orto other parties except as permitted or required by law.Examples of instances in which Arkansas Blue Cross andits affiliates will provide information to one another orother third parties are:• To service or process products that you have re-

quested.• To provide information as permitted and required by

law to accrediting agencies.• To provide information to comply with federal, state or

local laws in an administrative or judicial process.

How we protect your informationArkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates use various

security mechanisms to protect your personal dataincluding electronic and physical measures as well ascompany policies that limit employee access to non-public personal financial information. Improper accessand use of confidential information by an employee canresult in disciplinary action up to and including termina-tion of employment.

Disclosure of Privacy Notice

Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliates recognize andrespect the privacy concerns of potential, current andformer customers. Arkansas Blue Cross and its affiliatesare committed to safeguarding this information. Asrequired by state regulation, we must notify our mem-bers about how we handle non-public financial informa-

tion of our members.Nothing has changed in theway we conduct our busi-ness. If you would like toreview the Financial Infor-mation Privacy Notices forall Arkansas Blue Crossmembers, you can visit ourWeb site atwww.ArkansasBlueCross.comor call the appropriateArkansas Blue Cross com-pany to receive the PrivacyNotice. Our customer

service areas are open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., CentralTime, Monday through Friday.

To receive a copy of the Privacy Notice, membersshould call:Arkansas Blue Cross — 1-800-238-8379BlueAdvantage — 1-888-872-2531(Call between 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Central Time,Monday through Friday.)Health Advantage — 1-800-843-1329.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue ShieldFinancial Information Privacy Notice

16


Beginning in early fall, ArkansasBlue Cross and Blue Shield, HealthAdvantage and BlueAdvantage Adminis-trators of Arkansas customers will be able to accesspersonal health insurance information with a simpletelephone call.

The new interactive voice response (IVR) systemrecognizes speech patterns to help answer questionswhen customers call current customer service telephonelines. When customers call a customer service line, thenew system immediately will answer, and by simplyresponding to the questions asked by the system — withno buttons to push — customers can get numerousquestions answered quickly and easily. And even better,the IVR system will be available 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. The new system can help customers whohave questions about benefits, status of claims and

premium payments; and help customers to order a newID card, a provider directory or a claim form. And,during regular business hours, customers can request —at any time during the telephone call — to speak to thenext available customer service representative.

Because the IVR system can’t help customers with allof their needs, Arkansas Blue Cross and its family ofcompanies will have customer service representativesavailable during regular business hours. The IVR systemis a service to our customers who have simple questionsthey need answered quickly; it’s there when they need it.

As always, Arkansas Blue Cross and its family ofcompanies is working to make being a part of the “Blue”family as beneficial and as easy as possible. The new IVRsystem simply is another way to meet the varying needsof our customers.

When current and potential customers calledArkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to express an interestin obtaining insurance coverage for their dental needs,Arkansas Blue Cross responded with a new dental productfor individuals and families called BlueCare Dental.

Arkansas Blue Cross (with inputfrom customers and participatingproviders) has created a product thatprovides the coverage customersneed at a more affordable price.

According to Ron DeBerry, vicepresident of Statewide Business, “Upto this point, while we offer dentalplans for groups, we have never had a plan for individu-als and families.”

Arkansas residents, age 64 or younger, are eligible toapply for coverage.

BlueCare Dental covers routine preventive care withno deductible or waiting period. Routine preventive careincludes the initial periodic examination, fluoride treat-ments, X-rays, sealants and emergency treatment. Thebenefits for these services are paid at 80 percent. Aftermeeting a $50 deductible and a six-month waitingperiod, coverage extends to minor restorative servicessuch as fillings and simple extractions. Benefits still are

paid at 80 percent. After a one-year waiting period,coverage includes root canals; oral surgery; surgicalextractions; inlays, onlays and crowns; bridges, partialsand dentures; and periodontics. These benefits are paidat 50 percent. The annual maximum benefit is $1,000

per member.BlueCare Dental customers may

use any dentist they prefer, but onlythose who are contracted withArkansas Blue Cross are required tofile claims for their customers. It’sto the customer’s advantage tochoose a dentist who is contracted

with Arkansas Blue Cross. These dentists will not billArkansas Blue Cross customers for charges in excess ofour allowable charges, up to the benefit-year maximum.Dentists who are not contracted with Arkansas BlueCross may bill customers for the balance of the bill.

David Bridges, president and chief executive officerof Health Advantage and senior vice president of Arkan-sas Blue Cross, said that customers who would like toapply for BlueCare Dental but find that their dentist isnot a participating provider should contact their dentistabout becoming a participating provider. “We’ve workedon our processes, visited with participating providers,

BlueCare Dental now available for individualsBlueCare Dental now available for individuals

Coming soon: Interactive voice response systemComing soon: Interactive voice response systemCustomer Service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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T he board of directors of the Blue & You Foundationfor a Healthier Arkansas has issued its second annualcall for grant applications to fund 2004 health programswhich support services to improve the health of Arkan-sans. The deadline for applications is Aug. 15, 2003. Thegrant applications will be reviewed in the fall and grantsawarded in December for 2004 programs.

“We are excited to announce our second year offunding health programsthat make a difference in thehealth of the citizens of ourstate,” said Robert L.Shoptaw, chief executiveofficer of Arkansas BlueCross and Blue Shield and chairman of the foundation’sboard of directors. “This is a new process that we hopeover time will lead to a state of better health in Arkansas.

Blue & You Foundation issues second annual call for grant applications to support health programs

Working together for better health is part of our missionat Arkansas Blue Cross. By working with other organiza-tions and agencies who share this commitment, webelieve we can have an even bigger impact on the healthof Arkansans.”

The Blue & You Foundation awarded its first grantstotaling $962,100, at the end of 2002 to fund 12 programsstatewide during 2003.

Recipients of 2003grants included the Ameri-can Heart Association,American Lung Associationof Arkansas, ArkansasCenter for Health Improve-

ment, Arkansas Post Girl Scout Council, BAPTISTHEALTH Foundation, Bess Chisum Stephens YWCA,Boston Mountain Rural Health Center, Inc., FamilyNetwork, Guadalupe Prenatal Clinic, KIDS FIRST, SafeJonesboro Coalition and UAMS/Delta Area HealthEducation Center (AHEC).

Arkansas Blue Cross established the Blue & YouFoundation in December 2001 as a charitable foundationto promote better health in Arkansas. The Blue & YouFoundation anticipates awarding up to $1 million ingrants annually to non-profit or governmental organiza-tions and programs that positively affect the health ofArkansans. Particular emphasis is given to projectsaffecting health care delivery, health care policy andhealth care economics.

“We have a health care crisis in Arkansas that mustbe addressed,” said Shoptaw. “The poor health status ofour citizens ranks 46th in the nation and contributes torising medical costs. By providing funding and workingtogether with other organizations, we hope to establishor expand a number of diverse health care projects thatwill benefit all Arkansans over the long term.”

For more information or to receive a grant applica-tion, write to Blue & You Foundation, 601 S. GainesStreet, Little Rock, AR 72201 — or visit the foundationWeb site at www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org forcomplete information and guidelines.

The foundation is an independent licensee of theBlue Cross and Blue Shield Association and servesthe state of Arkansas. The foundation is a 501(c)(3)organization.

and have created an environment at Arkansas Blue Crossthat is more ‘dentist-office friendly,’” said Bridges.

So how much does it cost?Monthly Premium

Individual under age 19 $15Individual age 19 through 64 $24Individual and spouse $48Individual and child(ren) $47Individual, spouse and child(ren) $71

Those interested in more information may call 1-800-392-2583 or contact a Farm Bureau or independent agent.

2nd

Ann

ual

and familiesand families

Health Advantage makes contact withnew customers

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield purchases North Little Rock building

for its Medicare Services operations

18


Understanding howyour health insurance planworks is key to maximizingthe benefits available to you,as well as the money youspend on your health care.

Because Health Advan-tage wants to help its mem-bers understand their healthinsurance policies, and toverify that identification cardsand benefit materials havebeen received, Health Advan-tage customer service represen-

tatives attempt to contact allnew members within the first90 days of the effective dateof coverage. The representa-tives then review a few of thebasic policies as well asanswer any questions thatcustomers may have. IfHealth Advantage is unableto reach its new customer bytelephone, a postcard (left)is mailed to the newcustomer’s home address.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has purchasedthe 93,000 square-foot office building and adjoiningproperty located at 515 West Pershing Boulevard in NorthLittle Rock (formerly the Southwestern Bell offices) for$3.4 million, as the site for its Arkansas Medicareoperations, according to Sharon K. Allen, president andchief operating officer of Arkansas Blue Cross.

Approximately 370 Arkansas Blue Cross employeeswho currently work in two buildings in Little Rock willmove to the North Little Rock location by year-end,following completion of renovations to the building.Newly-hired Dennis Robertson, former executive vicepresident and chief executive officer of the ArkansasFarm Bureau and affiliated companies, will serve as thechief executive officer of Arkansas’ Medicare operations.He will be joined by Charlie Clem and Reggie Favors,vice presidents of Public Programs for Arkansas BlueCross, at the North Little Rock facility where they willmanage operations.

“We are pleased to be consolidating our MedicareServices to help perform our operations even moreefficiently on behalf of the Medicare program,” saidAllen. “Arkansas Blue Cross has a long history of servingthe needs of Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas andother states. When Arkansas Blue Cross began adminis-tering Medicare in 1966, there were approximately 45employees who processed claims manually in Arkansas.Today, technological advances and computerization allowour staff to effectively handle more than 47 million

claims (Part A and Part B) with $4.3 billion in Medicarebenefit dollars paid out annually for more than 2.6million beneficiaries. Today, Arkansas Blue Cross hasmore than 850 employees who work with Medicare.

“Our Medicare operations have grown tremendously.This relocation and centralization will help our Medicarework continue to be done efficiently,” said Allen.

“I am elated and excited that Arkansas Blue Crosshas chosen to relocate its local Medicare Services em-ployees to the north side of the river,” said North LittleRock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays. “This will provideeconomic benefits to the city, and we are proud that theysoon will become one of our corporate citizens. ArkansasBlue Cross is a highly respected company.”

Arkansas Blue Cross has administered the MedicarePart A and Part B program in Arkansas since 1966;Louisiana Medicare Part B since 1985; Oklahoma/NewMexico Medicare Part B since 1997; and Missouri Medi-care Part B since 1999.

Arkansas Blue Cross also serves as the Data Centerfor contractors who process Medicare Part A claims for10 states. Since 2002, Arkansas Blue Cross has been thesole national maintainer of the two computer softwaresystems (FISS and APASS) that process more than 160million Medicare Part A claims nationwide.

“We have moved from a small contractor to a majorplayer,” added Allen. “This is due to our increased

Health Advantage makes contact withnew customers

(Medicare, continued on Page 22)

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In April, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shieldreceived four awards in the 2003 PRISM Awardsprogram of the Public Relations Society ofAmerica (PRSA), Arkansas Chapter. PatrickO’Sullivan, vice president of Advertising andCommunications, received the 2003 CrystalAward from PRSA for his distinguished career.

PRISM Awards received included:— Blue & You (member magazine) for Publications.(Kelly Whitehorn, editor; Gio Bruno, designer).— ArkansasBlueCross.com for Web Sites. (JaniceDrennan, content management; Web Team,

Arkansas Blue Cross “sparkles” at PRISM Awardstechnical management).

— Blue & Youth Health Program for CommunityRelations. (Damona Fisher, program manage-ment).— EweNews (kids health newsletter) for OtherPublications. (Damona Fisher, editor).

O’Sullivan, APR, ABC, was selected by hispeers to receive the Crystal Award for 30 years of careeraccomplishment, his contributions to the profession andthe community, and his commitment to the higheststandards of the public relations profession.

Ten lucky members of Arkansas Blue Cross andBlue Shield, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Admin-istrators of Arkansas were selected at random to win a$50 Wal-Mart gift card.

To qualify, these members registered to use MyBlueprint, our new on-line customer self-service center, oneither ArkansasBlueCross.com, HealthAdvantage-hmo.comor BlueAdvantageArkansas.com. The drawing was an-

nounced in the last issue of Blue & You.The winners were Victoria Gammil of Fort Smith,

Esther Lane of Jonesboro, Chad McDaniel of Texarkana,Dale Russom of Jacksonville, Armetrius Singleton ofLittle Rock, Stephanie Wheetley of Bryant and membersin Pine Bluff, Dierks, Fayetteville and Hot Springs.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recentlyreceived national honors from the Blue Cross and BlueShield Association for its Understanding Your Health CareCosts campaign and the Blue & Youth Health Program.

The Understanding Your Health CareCosts campaign received the prestigious“Best of Blue” first-place award in theHealthcare Cost Campaign category of theBlue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s2002 national competition, which honorsoutstanding communication programsproduced by the 42 Blue Cross and BlueShield Plans nationwide. The Blue & YouthHealth Program received the second-placeaward in the Community Relations/Sponsorship category.

The Understanding Your Health Care Costs campaignincluded a booklet (distributed in Sunday newspapersthroughout the state and as an insert in the Arkansas

Blue Cross customer magazine Blue & You), a video(distributed to employer groups) and a Web component.The campaign was an educational effort to help ourcustomers, and all Arkansans, understand why healthcare costs are so high, what Arkansas Blue Cross is doing

to hold down costs, and what individualconsumers can do to hold down their costs.

The Blue & Youth Health Program,featuring BlueAnn Ewe, is a health educationeffort designed to improve the well being ofArkansas citizens, starting with the youngpeople of the state.

The winning entries were chosen frommore than 150 marketing and communicationsentries from throughout the United States. Theentries were judged by an external panel ofmarketing and communications professionalsbased on research, planning, strategy, creative

execution and measurable results.

Arkansas Blue Cross honored with Best of Blue awards

My Blueprint users win gift cardsMy Blueprint users win gift cards

Pharmacy Web site gives members immediate access 24/7 ooo20


Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members (andHealth Advantage or BlueAdvantage Administrators ofArkansas members who have their prescription benefitsprovided by Arkansas Blue Cross) now are able to go on-line to look up drug interaction information as well asfind a wealth of general — and personal — informationabout prescription medications.

Members covered by the drug benefits provided bythe Arkansas Blue Cross family of companies will be ableto visit their plan’s Web site and connect to theAdvanceRx.com link for free access to valuable informa-tion on pharmacies and pharmaceuticals.

The AdvanceRx.com link is located within theArkansasBlueCross.com, HealthAdvantage-hmo.com andthe BlueAdvantageArkansas.com Web sites. The newfeature allows members to:• Look up their specific drug coverage (formulary

information and pricing).• Locate a pharmacy.• Access a drug dictionary.• Check drug-to-drug interactions.• Refill prescriptions and check order status (if mail

orders apply in coverage).• View/print standard preferred drug list.

Because AdvanceRx.com is hosted by AdvancePCS,the company that manages pharmacy benefits for the

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advan-tage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas madeseveral copayment changes on June 15, 2003, in the non-sedating antihistamine class and attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) classof medications for fully insured and self-insured plans thathave the three-tier copayment plan design.

Non-Sedating Antihistamines (NSA)Beginning June 15, all dosage forms of Allegra®,

Allegra-D® and Singulair®, which have been on second-tier copayment status in three-tier copayment plans, willmove to third-tier copayment status. This will place allNSAs on the third-tier copayment level in three-tiercopayment plans.

Letters will go out to all members currently takingSingulair® and Allegra® products to notify them ofthis change.

Copayment changes announced for three-tier plans

Arkansas BlueCross compa-nies, informationwill be updatedautomatically, somembers can beassured they arereceiving timelyand accurateinformation. Plus, members have access to information24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To access AdvanceRx.com, members will log on totheir plan site, and click on the link to the PrescriptionDrug Information section. Members will be required toregister to gain access to their personal information.Personal health information will be strictly confidentialand accessed by members through a log-in ID andpassword.

Coming soon is a prescription history componentfor members and then access to benefit summaries laterthis year.

The AdvanceRx.com link provides better informationabout health issues and benefit details and can encour-age appropriate drug use. This is another example of howArkansas Blue Cross is connecting our members toleading edge health care services.

ADD/ADHD MedicationsAlso, beginning June 15, 2003, the following

copayment changes were made in the ADD/ADHD classof drugs in three-tier copayment plans:1. Straterra® is a preferred medication and has moved

from third-tier copayment to second tier.2. Concerta® remains preferred and remains on second-

tier copayment status.3. The following medications changed from second-tier

copayment to third-tier copayment status:Adderall® Cylert® Dextrostat®Adderall XR® Dexedrine® Metadate CD®

4. All generic medications in this class will remain atfirst-tier copayment status.

First-tier medications have the lowest copaymentcost, and third-tier medications have the highestcopayment cost.

Pharmacy Web site gives members immediate access 24/7 ooo

21


Winners Announced for “Don’t Start”Erika Vang, age 11, a fifth-

grader at Western Yell CountyElementary School inBelleville, was named thegrand-prize winner in thesecond annual “Don’t Start”Smoking Coloring Contest.The contest was sponsored byArkansas Blue Cross and BlueShield, KASN-TV/UPNChannel 38 and KLRT-TV/FOXChannel 16, in partnershipwith the American LungAssociation of Arkansas andthe Arkansas Department ofEducation.

Seventeen other studentsfrom throughout the statewere finalists in the contest from elementary schools inBelleville, Bergman, Cabot, Gosnell, Jonesboro, LittleRock, Osceola, Paragould, Prairie Grove, Rison,Texarkana, Van Buren, West Memphis and Yellville.

Vang’s winning storyboard has been turned into a30-second public service announcement (PSA) and willbe shown on television stations statewide.

The “Don’t Start” Smoking Coloring Contest gavestudents in public, private and home schools in kindergar-ten through fifth grade an opportunity to write andillustrate a story about why it’s important to never beginthe dangerous habit of smoking. The contest helpedstudents “draw their way” to prizes and an opportunity tohave their story transformed into a television PSA to bebroadcast in Arkansas in the summer and fall of 2003.

The object of the program was to get kids thinkingabout why they should not use tobacco products andwhat they can do because they aren’t sick from smoking.Kids used storyboard sheets to write a story and drawpictures depicting their story. They were encouraged todraw animals, people, cartoon characters or anythingtheir creative minds could think of to tell their story.

In addition to the storyboards, teachers received aseven-minute educational video and Teacher’s Packet tohelp build a curriculum around the “Don’t Start” Contest.

Sharon K. Allen, president and chief operating officerof Arkansas Blue Cross, told students, along with theirfamily members, parents, teachers, counselors andprincipals at the “Don’t Start” celebration party, “Learn-

ing at an early age about howthe choices you make nowcan affect your health in thefuture is part of what ourmission is all about at Arkan-sas Blue Cross. We want youto be healthy. As you haveshown in your storyboards,there is nothing healthy aboutsmoking. We hope the ‘Don’tStart’ Smoking Contest was afun learning opportunity foryou. Someday, chances aregood you will be asked ortempted by someone to try acigarette or other tobaccoproduct. I hope you willremember what you’ve

learned through this program, stand firm, and just say,‘no.’ We’re proud to have been a sponsor of this worth-while project for the second year, and I’m proud of thecommitment you all have made to stay smoke-free.”

“Studies have shown that when the arts are incorpo-rated into a message, it is retained for a much longerperiod of time by the students,” said Karen Lackey,executive director of the American Lung Association ofArkansas. “This anti-tobacco program is unique andprovides thousands of kids an opportunity to get in-volved in the fight against tobacco in a meaningful way.Our goal is to have a future generation of healthier adultsfree of tobacco-related lung disease.”

“Engraining the harm of smoking in the minds of ouryouth is imperative. Doing it in a fun and creative way isto be commended,” said Chuck Spohn, vice presidentand general manager of Clear Channel Television. “I amproud of the efforts of the American Lung Association ofArkansas, Arkansas Blue Cross, and FOX16/UPN38 forproviding this educational and informational challenge toour youth.”

A panel of judges picked three finalists in each gradelevel. From those 18 finalists, judges selected an overallwinner, who received a $100 savings bond and a SonyPlayStation 2, in addition to having her story turned intoa PSA. All finalists received fun prizes, including DVDplayers, VCRs, portable CD players, Wal-Mart gift cards,restaurant gift certificates, music CDs, and prize packsfrom BlueAnn Ewe and FOX16/UPN38.

Erika Vang (center), age 11 of Belleville and grand-prizewinner in the 2003 “Don’t Start” Smoking Contest, is allsmiles with Chuck Spohn, Clear Channel Communica-tions; BlueAnn Ewe; the Wizard; and Miss ArkansasLauren Davidson, at the contest celebration party.

See list of winners on next page >

Winners Announced for “Don’t Start”

22KindergartenRachel Hunt, age 5, Southside Elementary in Cabot, first-placefinalist

Micah Huckabee, age 6, Southside Elementary School in Cabot,second-place finalist

Laura Jane Crocker, age 6, Valley View Elementary School inJonesboro, third-place finalist

First GradeKelsey Cates, age 7, Crowley’s Ridge Academy in Paragould, first-place finalist

Joel Morell, age 6, Pulaski Heights Elementary School in Little Rock,second-place finalist

Christopher Booker, age 7, West Elementary School in Osceola, third-placefinalist

Second GradeBradley Brown, age 8, Rison Elementary School in Rison, first-place finalist

Taylor Farr, age 7, West Memphis Christian in West Memphis, second-placefinalist

Emily Long, age 7, Bergman Elementary School in Bergman, third-placefinalist

Third GradeKeara Carey, age 9, Mitchell Academy in Little Rock, first-place finalist

Kelly Sellers, age 8, Gosnell Elementary School in Gosnell, second-placefinalist

Mallory Lee, age 9, Martin Luther King Elementary School in Little Rock,third-place finalist

Fourth GradeWhitney Smith, age 9, Rena Elementary School in Van Buren, first-placefinalist

Gunner Dacus, age 10, Ridgefield Christian in Jonesboro, second-pacefinalist

Amy Stevens, age 10, Kilpatrick Elementary in Texarkana, third-place finalist

Fifth GradeErika Vang, age 11, Western Yell County Elementary School in Belleville,first-place finalist and grand-prize winner

Samantha Johnson, age 11, Yellville-Summit School in Yellville, second-place finalist

Cody Davis, age 11, Prairie Grove Upper Elementary School in Prairie Grove,third-place finalist

“Don’tStart”Finalists

Pictured here with his parents, JoelMorell, age 6, a student at Pulaski HeightsElementary School in Little Rock, was thesecond-place finalist for first grade.


contractor jurisdictions, systems roleand desire and ability of our employeesto be innovative and strive for excel-lence. Our success is due to our dedi-cated employees — willing to worktogether as a team. They’re the bestemployees anyone could ask for and amonument to efficiency.”

(Medicare, continued from Page 18)

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leaders, communityand state leadersgreeted the walkers,pledging theirsupport in the fightagainst drugs. Thisyear, Miss ArkansasLauren Davidsonand Tony Johnson,a former profes-sional footballplayer with the NewOrleans Saints,Detroit Lions andPhiladelphia Eagles, served as parade marshals. Theywere accompanied by BlueAnn, McGruff the Crime Dogand R.F. Ant. Clark County Sheriff’s Office andArkadelphia Police Department officers, and members ofthe Arkadelphia Fire Department Rescue Unit attendedthe assembly. Always a highlight of the walk is getting tostop by Perritt Principal Wanda O’Quinn’s house forcookies, water and juice. It was a beautiful day for awalk … and to be drug-free!

Boogie with BlueAnnMore than 250 first- and second-graders got to “boogie”with the blue sheep recently as BlueAnn presented herHealthy ClassAct at Martin Luther King ElementarySchool in Little Rock. Students got to brush BlueAnn’steeth, listen to her heart and jump rope with her as theylearned about good habits and good health. At the end ofthe 30-minute health lesson, the students watched her“BlueAnn Rocks” animated, musical health messagesand sang along with the “Safety Song,” “Squeaky Clean,”“You Need Your Rest,” and more.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield strives to be agood corporate citizen. Our employees raise money andspend many hours helping those causes near and dear tothe hearts of Arkansans.

“Stomp” out SmokingGreenbrier High School’s capeless crusaders (a.k.a. HighSchool Heroes) have been doing a lot of stomping intheir school district this spring, spreading the word tomiddle-schoolers that smoking is not cool. These HighSchool Heroes are specially trained high school studentswho present an anti-smoking program targeted to fourth-,fifth- and sixth-graders in their school district. HighSchool Heroes serve as role models for the kids, pledgingto remain smoke-free and delivering a strong testimonyabout the dangers of smoking and the appeals of tobaccoadvertising. BlueAnn Ewe was able to join the Heroesand perform the “BlueAnn Stomp,” a rap-dance aboutsaying, “no” to cigarettes. The “BlueAnn Stomp” ties inthe High School Heroes anti-smoking message andBlueAnn’swellnessmessage,which is takenstatewide aswell. BlueAnnappeared withthe GreenbrierHigh SchoolHeroes eighttimes in theschools.

Sheep and Students say “no!”Celebrities of the human and mascot kind were on handat the 16th Annual “Just Say No” drug prevention walkhosted by Perritt Primary School in Arkadelphia on April18 — BlueAnn Ewe included! This was the fifth year thatBlueAnn has been on hand to help lead the fight againstdrugs with hundreds of elementary students, high schoolmentors, teachers and administration staff, and commu-nity supporters. The Arkadelphia High School cheerlead-ers led an energizer on the school parking lot, thenwalked with the elementary students to the SiftingsHerald newspaper office about a mile from the school.After a pep rally with anti-drug cheers led by the cheer-

Greenbrier High School Heroes hang outwith BlueAnn at Greenbrier Middle School.

BlueAnn and Perritt Primarybuddies take a Walk Against Drugsin Arkadelphia.

Students at Martin Luther King Elementary School grinfor BlueAnn to show how many have lost baby teeth.

www.ArkansasBlueCross.comwww.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com

www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.comwww.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org

www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue ShieldP.O. Box 2181Little Rock, AR 72203-2181


Check your claimsAre you wondering if that claim for your last doctor’s

office visit has been paid? You don’t have to wait foryour Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to arrive in the mail.Visit My Blueprint, our customer self-service center onArkansasBlueCross.com, HealthAdvantage-hmo.com orBlueAdvantageArkansas.comany time of day or night forthe answer to your question.

You’ll find eligibility information — who is coveredand each covered person’s eligibility dates. You’ll notonly be able to check the status of a claim, but you’llalso be able to see your claims history as far back as thatdata is stored on our computer systems. On the HealthAdvantage site, you can click on the word completeunder status to see your EOB, which is printable. Theother sites will add this feature soon.

All of our sites protect your personal information byusing secure socket layer (SSL) technology and requiringa log-in ID and password. You must register on-linebefore entering My Blueprint. All you need to register isthe information from your health plan ID card.

After you complete the simple on-line registrationform, you must read and accept our Security and PrivacyPolicy. You will receive a log-in ID on-screen. Save thisID because you will need it to enter My Blueprint afteryou receive your password via U.S. Mail. Arkansas BlueCross and its family of companies have chosen this extrameasure of security to protect the privacy of yourpersonal information.

Once you have your password, click on the MyBlueprint button on the home page. You’ll go to the log-in page to enter your ID and password.

Find AnswersAlthough Arkansas Blue Cross and it affiliates strive

to make useful information available on their Web sites,you may not find everything you need on-line. Please useour “Find Help” or “FAQ” sections if you have a questionthat is not answered on our sites.

You’ll find the link to “Find Help” at the bottom ofeach page of ArkansasBlueCross.com andHealthAdvantage-hmo.com. This section has answers tocommon questions and allows you to submit your ownquestion (“Ask a Question”). A “Find Help” link also

appears in the navigation bar to the left of internal pages.When you click on the link, you will see a page with

tabs at the top. The “Find Answers” tab reveals a list ofcommon questions with answers. The most frequentlyasked questions appear at the top of the list. You’ll seequestions organized as follows: Arkansas Blue Cross,Health Advantage HMO, Health Advantage POS, FederalEmployees Service Benefit Program (FEP), State andSchool Employees, Open Access Plans and Fort SmithChoice. The list of questions is searchable by keyword.

Click on the “Ask a Question” tab to submit yourown question to Customer Service. If you haven’t asked aquestion before, you will be asked to create an accountby submitting your e-mail address and selecting apassword. A Customer Service representative will sendyou an e-mail to notify you when your answer is ready.You will need to log in to your account to get youranswer. You’ll be able to see a history of your questionsand answers after you log in.

On BlueAdvantageArkansas.com, you’ll find answersto common questions in “Frequently Asked Questions” inthe “Customer Service” section. A menu at the top of thepage takes you to the following question categories:Benefits, BlueCard®, Claims, Health Plan Definitions, IDCard and Primary Care Network.

If you don’t see your answer in the FAQ section, youmay use the link at the bottom of each page called E-mailCustomer Service to submit your own question.

Documents

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