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Beginning on January 1, 2025, members who are covered under the nationally negotiated railroad health & welfare plans will have their pharmacy benefits transitioned from Express Scripts, Inc., to Optum Rx. This includes H&W Plan numbers GA-690100 (SMART-TD Plan), GA-23000 (National Railroad Plan), and GA-46000 (Early Retiree Plan).

For additional information, please view the joint statement released by the CRLO (labor) and the NCCC (management), which includes a list of questions and answers.

Railroad employees covered under the National Railway Carriers/UTU Health and Welfare Plan or the Railroad Employees’ National Health and Welfare Plan are being mailed a notification of the online open enrollment period that begins Oct. 1, 2019, and ends Oct. 31, 2019, at midnight. The enrollment site is available 24/7 during the period. The information should be specific to the current enrollment for you and your eligible dependents.
The online enrollment capability provides the ability to view your personal information, add, delete and update dependent information, view enrollment materials, enroll in benefits for next year, and receive an immediate confirmation statement. There is no need to mail in a paper enrollment form. However, if you need assistance, have questions or require a paper enrollment kit, call Railroad Enrollment Services at 800-753-2692.
The enrollment website can be found at https://www.yourtracktohealth.com.
You are encouraged to visit the site and review all the information available. Use the login instructions at the end of this article to access and review your personal information and spend some time learning about the benefits and resources available on the site.
You will also be able to search medical provider networks.
It is required that covered dependent Social Security numbers (SSN) be provided to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Please supply any missing Social Security numbers on the Dependent Information screen.
If you are currently enrolled in the Health Flexible Spending Account, the election and yearly contribution will not rollover to the new plan year. You must enroll in your Health Flexible Spending Account every year.
Instructions to log in to the site:

  • Click “Login” at the upper right of the screen.
  • If you have already registered, enter your username and password.
  • If you have not yet registered, select “New User?” to complete your registration.

Once logged in, select the option to “Enroll Now for 2020,” located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Follow this link to view more information on the flexible spending account.

The following health and wellness resources are available to those impacted by Hurricane Michael.

Behavioral Health:

United Behavioral Health/Optum: 1-866-342-6892 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
An emotional support hotline is available, free of charge, regardless of behavioral health plan membership. It provides access to specially-trained mental health specialists.

Prescription Drugs:

Accredo and Express Scripts: 1-800-842-0070 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, express-scripts.com
If you are affected by the hurricane and need your medicine, we can help. If you need an emergency fill, login to express-scripts.com and go to Find a Pharmacy to locate a nearby network pharmacy. Then, call the pharmacy to check if it is open. If your ID card is unavailable, call the number above for assistance, and to locate a nearby network pharmacy. Deliveries might be delayed into affected areas.

Vision:

EyeMed: 1-866-652-0018 (toll-free) Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. ET; Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET 
If you’ve lost, broken or damaged your eyewear, emergency (temporary) replacement glasses can be sent to you, at no cost, with overnight shipping (must call by 2:30 p.m. ET for same-day processing). Or, if you prefer to order permanent replacement glasses or contacts, expedited shipping is available.

Medical care and more:

Teladoc: 1-855-764-1727 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or for more information visit teladoc.com/michael/
Telemedicine services are available to any resident of an evacuation zone, regardless of health plan membership. Individuals can request a call from a doctor, free of charge, to handle non-emergency medical problems via specific contact information above.
Railroad HEALTHLINK: 1-866-735-5685 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
Free telephone access to registered nurses is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of health plan membership.
Aetna: 1-833-327-2386 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
Help finding care, behavioral health support, and assistance with finding available shelters and government resources, and other services are available through Aetna’s Resources for Living, regardless of health plan membership to people in affected areas.
Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield: 1-866-267-3320 (toll free) Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET 
For those who reside in areas where States of Emergency have been declared, waivers have been put in place for Medical Authorization Requirements, Claims Timely Filing, and Paying Out-of-Network Claims as In-Network.
UnitedHealthcare: 1-866-735-5685 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
Free telephone access to registered nurses is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of health plan membership. Help finding health care services is available through the toll-free phone number, and in-network rates will be available even if members are not able to see an in-network provider.
HealthAdvocate: 1-866-799-2690 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
Experts are available to help: locate in-network providers in a new area, find facilities that will be able to provide temporary assistance, transfer medical records and prescriptions, get a short supply of medications if prescriptions have been lost, coordinate care between insurance company and medical providers, answer benefit and treatment questions and help with elderly parents.

Dental:

Aetna Dental: 1-877-238-6200 (toll-free) Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET 
Members affected by the hurricane who need care or other assistance can access Aetna.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and is often undetected until it has spread to the stomach and pelvis. Early-stage ovarian cancer can frequently be treated successfully. However, late-stage ovarian cancer is much harder to treat and is often fatal. Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer don’t usually appear early enough for successful treatment, know what is normal for your body – if you begin to experience anything different and unexplained, talk to your doctor. ¹

What are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Unfortunately, there are normally no symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer. Once the cancer progresses, more symptoms arise but often they are similar to the symptoms of other common illnesses. Some of the symptoms are: ¹

  • Stomach swelling or bloating
  • Feeling full quickly while eating
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Increased need to urinate and/or constipation

What causes ovarian cancer?

Doctors know that cancer starts when a cell mutates in its DNA and the mutation triggers the cell to grow at a rapid pace and multiply, thereby creating a mass of abnormal cells. While doctors have been able to identify certain risk factors for ovarian cancer, they have not been able to specifically point to what causes it. ¹

What are some of the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Several factors may contribute to your risk of ovarian cancer, such as: ¹

  • Age – While ovarian cancer can happen at any age, women ages 50 to 60 are more at risk.
  • Family history – Close relatives, such as sister, mother and aunt on either parent’s side who have had ovarian cancer increases your risk.
  • Inherited gene mutations – Gene mutations that you inherit from your parents, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, not only increase your risk of breast cancer but for ovarian cancer as well.
  • Estrogen hormone replacement therapy – Long-term use, usually ten years or more, of estrogen hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk.
  • Start/end ages of menstruation and menopause – The younger the age for menstruation and/or the older the age for menopause increases your risk.
  • Certain previous cancers – If you have had colon, uterine or breast cancer, you are at an increased risk.
  • Never given birth or fertility issues – If you have never given birth or had trouble getting pregnant, your risk is higher.

Can ovarian cancer be prevented?

While there are no ways to guarantee the prevention of ovarian cancer, there are some things you can do which may help lower your risk, such as: ¹

  • Birth control pills – Using birth control pills for five years or more lowers risk, because oral contraceptives also have risks discuss this option with your doctor.
  • Given birth – Your risk may be less if you have given birth.
  • Certain surgical procedures – A tubal ligation, removal of both ovaries and a hysterectomy may lower your risk.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are experiencing any symptoms which aren’t normal for you, call your doctor. Ovarian cancer can often be treated successfully if caught in the early stages. If you have a risk factor for ovarian cancer or any cancer, reach out to your doctor to discuss any concerns you may have. ¹

More information

For more information visit the following websites:

¹ www.mayoclinic.org

This is informational only, not a replacement for the medical advice of your physician.

by UnitedHealthcare

Tips to help keep your health on track!

United Healthcare Logo; UHC; United HealthcareWhile there are many risk factors that can lead to heart disease, you may be able to make certain lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. In addition to your medical treatments and medicines, you may also benefit from exercise, healthy foods, stress management, and a yearly assessment for risk factors of heart disease.

What immediate changes can I make for better heart health?

Some of the immediate lifestyle changes you can make for better heart health are:

  • Get a yearly preventive exam – With regular checkups each year, medical issues may be identified earlier and could help you live a longer, healthier life.
  • Check cholesterol – Ask for a baseline test if it’s never been checked. Then have it re-checked each year as part of your preventive exam. Young adults should have their cholesterol checked beginning in their twenties if high blood pressure runs in their family. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may monitor it more often.
  • Monitor blood pressure – Blood pressure is another vital sign that should be checked yearly. If heart disease runs in your family or you have heart disease, your doctor will monitor it more frequently.
  • Stop smoking – If you smoke – quit. Smoking is a major contributor to heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Quitting is the most immediate thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and other heart issues.
  • Control your diabetes – If you are diabetic, it’s crucial to control your blood sugar to help lower your risk of heart disease.
  • Eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy weight – Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are heart healthy foods. They are lower in sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol, and added sugar – and may help keep your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control.
  • Stay active – Movement is necessary every day, not only to help you manage your weight, but to also help control the many risk factors of heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine what physical activity you can safely perform each week.
  • Minimize stress/depression – Learn to relax and focus on keeping your stress level and any depression to a minimum. The risk of heart disease increases with depression and stress. Seek professional help if you can’t do it on your own.

If I am diagnosed with heart disease, what are some coping skills?

It can be scary to learn you have heart disease and managing stress is very important to your condition. Emotional support, along with proper care and treatment, is important to helping your heart condition stabilize or improve. A few things you can do are:

  • Seek out support groups – Family and friends are a great way to seek support. If, however, you feel that’s not enough, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about a support group. Sometimes sharing your experience and fears with others who have similar issues helps you cope better.
  • See your doctor regularly – To ensure your condition is being treated properly, it is important that you see your doctor regularly.
  • Participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program – If this program is recommended to you by your doctor, participate in it. It will not only help you recover, but it will focus on exercise, diet, education, and support for lifestyle changes that will help keep your heart healthy.

What questions should I ask my doctor if I am diagnosed with heart disease?

It is important to be an advocate of your own health. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, you want to understand everything your doctor is telling you. If you have questions, write them down so you don’t forget what to ask. Bring someone to the appointment with you who can help interpret what you are being told. Some questions you should ask your doctor are:

  • What is causing my heart disease?
  • Can anything else be contributing to my condition?
  • What are the various tests/procedures I will need?
  • What can I do to help improve my heart condition?

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Some information provided to UnitedHealthcare by www.mayoclinic.org

This is informational only, not a replacement for the medical advice of your physician.

“Your Track to Health,” the web portal that distributes national railroad health and welfare plan information to SMART Transportation Division members, has added a new shorter URL for members to access.
To get the latest info on these railroad H&W plan offerings, TD members can go to either www,yourtracktohealth.com or to the shortened www.ytth.com in their web browsers as an alternative. Both addresses lead to the same site.
On the site, a page, “NEW BENEFITS FOR 2018: WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW”, presents healthcare modifications that accompany the new National Rail Agreement that was ratified by members last year.
Among the features:

  • An overview of benefits grid which outlines Medical and Prescription Drug benefit details;
  • A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) lookup option, which will let members know whether their benefits have changed and will take them to the applicable SBC; and
  • Links to access the Summary of Material Modification (SMM) Letters that were sent to members of the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan and the National Railway Carriers and United Transportation Union (NRC/UTU) Health and Welfare Plan.

Registration on the “Your Track to Health” site also allows members to access and make changes to their benefits and coverage, get contact information for benefits providers and provides healthy living tips.