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In this April Issue...
- Message from the President
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Health Insurance Q & A
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ndependent Health: Transformational Approach Optimizes Cost of Care for Patients
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Four Area Health Systems Dedicate New Cardiac Catheterization Lab
- Annual Mammograms are Saving Lives
- Free or Low Cost Health Insurance Available
- Featured Recipe
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Message from the President
WHY YOU SHOULD CALL THE AMHERST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE
Today, Penny LaPlaca, one of our staff insurance brokers, devoted a great deal of time to resolve a dental claim issue for one of our subscribers. It seems they were denied coverage that should have been included in their premium. After many calls and verification, that individual will get their claim paid.
The Amherst Chamber exists to provide benefits and services that assist small firms and their employees grow their wealth. Every time we offer a service that saves you money or increases your staff capacity, we are achieving our goals. Offering and servicing health insurance plans is one of these benefits that distinguishes our organization and results in us being the largest chamber in the region. Unlike traditional insurance brokers, our licensed professional staff is available five days a week, 52 weeks a year to service our accounts. Think of it as your personal Human Resource staff. You can send your employees to us and we will customize a plan with the appropriate benefits and price points that meet their specific needs. Or, let us develop a group plan that covers your entire staff. You have our word – we have your best interests in mind.
If you currently get your health insurance from us, don’t make the mistake of not taking advantage of all of the other programs and services we offer. Our Business Before and After Hours are complimentary events that encourage you to expand recognition for your product and/or service and meet a lot of new people. Our Small Business Showcase still has a few tables available, or just stop by and visit with the vendors. Tools for Prosperity is a series of workshops on topics of interest to our small business members. An upcoming Purchasing Managers program will feature large firms from across the region who will share with you the process for bidding for their business.
Take advantage of your membership and realize the benefits of investing in the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. Go to our website, www.amherst.org for information on all of our programs and services.
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Vision: What Benefits Are Included Under Your Health Insurance Plan?
Don’t confuse vision insurance, that you purchase separately, with
- eye care - covered under the medical portion of your health plan or
- vision discounts - that may be a feature of your health plan.
The medical portion of your health plan will generally cover eye care expenses related to many eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Routine annual eye care exams are handled differently. For children under the age of 19, a routine eye exam is part of the required pediatric health benefit. However, it is not a covered medical service for adults in most health plans.
For adults, a $0 (or low copay) routine eye exam may be available if you have a vision discount program associated with your health plan. These programs also provide discounts on eyeglasses, contact lenses and other eye-care needs. Since the vision discounts can be used as often as you wish, there is no limit to your savings.
If you don’t have a vision discount program with your health insurance policy but have a health savings account, those funds can be used to pay for eye-care products such as contacts or eyeglasses.
Please contact us at the Amherst Chamber for more information on vision benefits under your health plan.
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Your Amherst Chamber of Commerce licensed brokers
are here to help!
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Call the Chamber offices at 632-6905 to get your questions answered.
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Transformational Approach to Behavioral Health Designed by Independent Health Optimizes Quality, Access and Cost of Care for Patients
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A new approach that holistically engages patients who have behavioral health concerns during a primary care office visit has proven to be an optimal process for improving quality of care and satisfaction for both patients and physicians while reducing health care costs, according to findings of the Behavioral Health Integration Program (BHIP) designed by Independent Health.
Funded by the John R. Oishei Foundation, the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, the Independent Health Foundation and Independent Health, this two-year pilot program involved nine family and pediatric primary care practices in Western New York. Licensed mental health counselors and social workers were trained as primary care behavioral health consultants and employed by the practices to work as part of the primary care team to engage patients with behavioral health needs, regardless of insurer.
“Behavioral health concerns are prevalent in medical care locally and throughout the U.S. Individuals with behavioral health problems must overcome several obstacles to receive the care they need in our fragmented health care system,” said Judith A. Feld, MD, MPH, MMM, DFAPA, Medical Director, Provider Engagement & Behavioral Health, Independent Health. “A fundamental goal of this Behavioral Health Integration Program was to improve access to quality behavioral health assessment and management in the environment that serves as the patient’s medical home – their primary care physician.”
Continue Reading...
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Four Area Health Systems Dedicate New Cardiac Catheterization Lab
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Western New York healthcare history was made recently as officials from Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center joined area care providers and emergency medical service personnel in dedicating the first and only cardiac catheterization laboratory in Niagara County.
The new facility, at The Heart Center of Niagara on Memorial’s downtown Niagara Falls campus, is the result of an unprecedented community collaboration between the four health systems and will be jointly operated by them.
“First and foremost we are all Western New Yorkers who for years have been concerned about the region’s alarmingly high cardiovascular mortality rates,” said Neil Dashkoff, M.D., medical director of the new lab. After all, it’s the number one killer in Western New York, specifically in Niagara County.”
Dr. Dashkoff noted that when it comes to interventional cardiology services, healthcare disparities have historically been dire in Niagara County especially for African Americans, Native Americans, the economically disadvantaged, people with special needs and people with mental health issues.
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Yes, Virginia, Annual Mammograms are Saving Lives
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With all of the confusion around breast cancer screening guidelines, have you questioned if it was beneficial to have an annual mammogram? Believe what you want about Santa Claus, but the most recent data affirms what many of us had thought. Mammograms are saving lives and annual mammograms for average risk women 40 and older are essential in that life saving quest.
A new report from the National Cancer Institute states that breast cancer death rates have dropped close to 40% since 1990. That equates to 274,000 lives saved according to the American College of Radiology (ACR). According to ACR’s statement, “Regular mammography screening and improved therapies are undoubtedly responsible for the decline in breast cancer deaths. The data shows that in 1990, 73.8 out of 100,000 women died of breast cancer; in 2014 the number had dropped to 45.9 out of 100,000.
Increased use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known to many as 3D mammographyTM, in regular screening has improved screening capability. The researchers found that the added sensitivity and specificity of breast tomosynthesis can also reduce follow-ups and minimize the stress and anxiety that many women experience when being recalled for additional imaging.
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Free or Low Cost Health Insurance is Available
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Did you know that there is a health insurance plan for lower income residents of New York State available for little or no cost? There are several Essential Benefit Plan types with certain income guidelines available. Enrollment for these plans is available all year long.
If you are a family of four with an income less than $48,600 per year, you can qualify. Single individuals with an income up to $23,760 are also eligible.
The plan has NO DEDUCTIBLE so it starts paying for your health costs immediately. You get FREE PREVENTATIVE CARE like routine doctor exams and screenings. Coverage includes doctor visits, including specialists, medical testing, prescription drugs and inpatient and outpatient hospital care. Some plans even offer a gym membership.
Call the Chamber at 632-6905 for more information. If you are an employer and have a member of your staff that meets these requirements, have them call us. If you have a child who has aged out of your plan, they also may qualify. If you are unsure, let us or one of our representatives assist you.
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Pork Tenderloin Rosa di Parma
This is a traditional roast from the Italian province of Parma, is a great healthy option for your Easter celebration this year. This take on traditional Italian Rosa di Parma serves parties of eight to ten.
Click here for the recipe.
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Amherst Chamber of Commerce | (P) 716.632.6905 | (F) 716.632.0548 | www.amherst.org
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