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Tag: Benefits
Aetna Helps Consumer-Directed Health Plan Members Maximize Their Health Benefits
Aetna has introduced a new online resource designed to help members who have enrolled or are considering enrolling in an Aetna Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) get the most out of their plan. Through a new page on Aetna.com, visitors can learn more about the plans, get tips on how to use these plans effectively, and view informational videos on the two most common types of plans — Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The site was developed using feedback from Aetna’s own CDHP members, as well as an independent survey conducted earlier this year, indicating that an overwhelming majority of consumers would benefit from tools and information to help them better understand their coverage levels, find doctors in their network, and estimate the cost of an office visit before scheduling.
“The downturn in the economy has prompted many employers and consumers to consider CDHPs as a way to better manage their health and health care costs,” said Aetna President Mark Bertolini. “Switching to one of these plans can be a big change. But by providing people with the information and tools they need we can help them make more informed health care decisions and get the most out of their health care benefits.”
Helping Consumers Get the Information They Need
Aetna’s CDHP educational resources are part of a broader Maximize Your Benefits campaign. This campaign provides consumers and Aetna members with information and tools designed to help them get the most out of their health care benefits. The Consumer-Directed Health Care page provides an “At a Glance” overview of the plans; “the basics” on how to use the plans, as well as informational videos and other educational materials.
A survey of CDHP enrollees conducted earlier this year showed that tools like DocFind, Aetna’s online provider directory, and Aetna’s secure member self-service website, which provides access to benefits information and the company’s cost of care tools, are ideally suited to meet the needs of survey participants. Specifically, the survey found that:
– The majority of consumers surveyed would have been highly likely to use resources such as DocFind (89%), Benefits Used/Remaining (87%) and Cost of Care Tools (84%) when they first enrolled in a CDHP.
– Consumers would have found access to resources such as DocFind (96%), Benefits Used/Remaining (92%) and Cost of Care Tools (91%) as highly valuable when they first enrolled in a CDHP.
Lower Costs and Positive Impact on Health & Wellness
Recent reports have highlighted the fact that more employers are selecting CDHPs as a way to reduce costs as a result of the economy. An analysis of Aetna members earlier this year showed that employers who offer Aetna HealthFund plans as an option experienced a savings of $7 million per 10,000 members over a five year period.
Aetna’s research also demonstrates that Consumer-Directed Health Plans can have a positive impact on health and wellness. Aetna’s study found that Consumer-Directed Health Plan members:
– Sought increased levels of chronic and preventive care
– Used generic drugs more often
– Accessed online tools and information at higher rates than PPO members.
Importantly, this year’s results also show that Aetna HealthFund members spent 5 to 10 percent more on preventive care and had 5 to 10 percent lower emergency room use than PPO members, suggesting that Consumer-Directed Health Plan members are becoming more informed consumers of health care.
“It is clear that Consumer-Directed Health Plans can have a positive impact on both health and overall cost,” said Bertolini. “As the first national health insurer to launch a consumer-directed plan, we believe it is our responsibility to provide the information, educational tools, and online resources people need to manage their health.”
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
Spirulina is a variety of blue-green algae that has remained virtually unchanged since it first appeared on the earth more than 3.5 billion years ago. So named because of its helix or “spiral” shape, Spirulina has gained prominence as nature’s green “superfood” because of its rich concentration of perfectly balanced amino acids (protein), fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.
Spirulina is also naturally “pumped” with vitamins, especially the carotenoids like beta-carotene, essential fatty acids (EFA’s), the important fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), digestive enzymes, minerals and the richest plant source of vitamin B12. Spirulina is the “must have” green food- a complete protein with all eight essential amino acids present. Its 60% protein content is four times greater than beef (18%)! In our society, where the concept of complete protein is meat and dairy, it is very reassuring to know that greens like Spirulina can provide all the high quality protein and other nutrients needed.
A single serving of Spirulina contains 45% of your daily value of vitamin B12. That’s good news and reassuring for vegetarians, many of who are incorrectly led to believe that eating animal food is critical to getting this essential blood building vitamin.
Spirulina also helps with a variety of other ailments. DNA repair, cholesterol, and communication between cells are all helped with just a little bit of this supplement.
One of the main benefits stands to gain is the improvement of immune system. There have been many studies conducted that have shown that spirulina greatly helps to increase not only red blood cell production, but also the activity of the cells of bone marrow. Even T cells and macrophages have been increased.
Other studies conducted by Japanese scientists have shown that the growth of herpes virus, measles, and influenza have all been stunted by spirulina. Polysaccharides, phycocyanin and beta carotene are the active components of spirulina, which work to improve the immune system.
Spirulina also manages to fight bacteria such as E.coli and encourages the growth of good bateria in order to ensure that our bodies function well.
Another great attribute of spirulina is that it detoxifies one’s system well. A study revealed that spirulina actually helps decrease the toxicity of certain other drugs on one’s kidneys.
It also works to increase good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol for those who have ingested just a few grams of it a day. Of course as with any other sort of supplement or drug, one should always consult their physician before taking taking it in order to avoid a possible allergic reaction.
Give spirulina a try. I believe you will find that it will improve your health and support your efforts at healthy living.
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