Compass Connection | Fall 2013 Publication

COMPASS OUTREACH

SERVICE. STABIL I TY . SECURITY.

FALL 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:Open Season News .... 2-5

Buzz Worthy News ........ 6-8

Brain Strain ...................... 9

Health Tips ................ 10-11

Community Outreach ... 12

Member Corner ........... 13

Specialty Products ... 14-15

Tune In! If you live in the

Washington, D.C.

metropolitan

area, tune in to

103.5/107.7 FM WTOP

and 1500 AM WFED

during Open Season

to hear more about

our health plan and

specialty products!

For 65 years, the key focus for Compass Rose Benefi ts Group has been our membership.

Every decision we make, every product we offer, and every partnership we develop is centered on providing you – the member – with peace of mind so that you can concentrate on your mission.

Focus on our membership is also why we chose the three pillars of our business plan: service, stability, and security.

You deserve all three of those pillars, and we are proud to, once again, demonstrate our commitment to stability for you with this year’s health plan premium rates.

The Compass Rose Health Plan premiums will remain virtually unchanged for both single and family coverage thanks to smart membership benefi t utilization and cost containment.

We take pride in ensuring that our healthplan has a stable premium rate while maintaining comprehensive benefi ts. We make sure you receive the health care you need when you need it, at an affordable price.

Service. Stability. Security. It is what our membership deserves, it is who we are, and it is what we do.

$72.06 biweekly premium

$156.13 monthly


$390.39 monthly


$156.13 monthly


$390.39 monthly

Self Family

Never Fear, Our Rates Are Here!

12137_CQ_CRBG_2013_Fall_PRINT.indd 1 10/25/13 11:23 AM

OPEN SEASON NEWS

2

Newly Eligible EnrollmentsIn June, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) allows you to extend your membership benefi ts to your legally married same-sex spouse.

Prior to the court’s decision, DOMA dictated that, in Federal law, a marriage would only refer to a legal union between opposite sex partners. Because of the court’s decision, CRBG can now extend benefi ts to legally married same-sex spouses of eligible Federal employees and retirees. The process for enrolling your spouse and the children of your spouse will be the same as standard enrollment.

If you need assistance regarding enrollments, call a Member Services Representative at (866) 368-7227. For more information about DOMA, please visit www.opm.gov.

Save the Date!Compass Rose Benefi ts Group President, Randy Stoughton, is ready to answer your questions! Because of the success of last year’s event, CRBG is hosting its second annual Open Season Live Chat.

Topic: 2014 Compass Rose Health Plan Bene� tsHost: Randy StoughtonDate: Friday, December 6, 2013Time: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST

Questions submitted ahead of time will be answered fi rst, so we encourage you to sign up for the chat in advance by posting your questions at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/onlinechat.

Participation: To join the chat, visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com on December 6th and click the link on our home page. Please sign in at least 10 minutes ahead of time to ensure that you do not miss any valuable information. We look forward to your participation!

Lucky Number 3For the third consecutive year, we are proud to announce that the Compass Rose Health Plan has been awarded the Blue Ribbon PlanSmartChoice Plus Award!

The award goes to the top 10% of Federal Employees Health Benefi ts (FEHB) plans based on PlanSmartChoice survey results and customer satisfaction ratings.

The Offi ce of Personnel Management (OPM) and other agencies offer PlanSmartChoice free-of-charge to all Federal employees. To use the PlanSmartChoice health plan comparison tool of all FEHB plans, visit www.plansmartchoice.com.

Open Season DatesThis year’s Federal Employees Health Benefi ts (FEHB) Open Season runs from November 11th through December 9th. During this time all Federal employees and retirees currently enrolled in any FEHB plan have the opportunity to change to another health plan. For active employees, any changes made during Open Season become effective the fi rst day of the fi rst pay period in 2014. For retirees, the effective date is January 1, 2014.


COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACHOPEN SEASON NEWS

3

Provider Address Contact

Medical Claims Services incurred on or after 1/1/14

UMR P.O. Box 8095Wausau, WI 54402

(888) 438-9135 Phone lines open 12/15/13

www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/umr

Pre-certifi cations Effective 1/1/14

UMR N/A (866) 494-4502

Stateside and overseas claims

UMR N/A (877) 293-4926 FAX Line

Medical Claims Incurred between 1/1/2011-12/31/2013

InforMed P.O. Box 141501Nashville, TN 37214

(877) 531-1159

Pharmacy Benefi t Manager

Express Scripts, Inc.

P.O. Box 747000Cincinnati, OH 45274Effective 1/1/14

(877) 438-4449www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy

Lab Work LabCorp N/A (888) 438-9135

Dental and Vision discount program

Careington Careington International Corp.7400 Gaylord ParkwayFrisco, TX 75034

(800) 290-0523www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/careington

Health Plan Information and Member Services

Compass Rose Benefi ts Group

1768 Business Center Drive, Suite 3500, Reston, VA 20190

(866) 368-7227 www.compassrosebenefi ts.com

New in 2014! Your claims payer will change from InforMed to UMR, effective January 1, 2014. UMR, a UnitedHealthcare (UHC) company, will be responsible for processing medical claims, handling pre-certifi cation, benefi t inquiries, and providing medical management services. If you would like to learn more about UMR, visit our website at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/UMR.

Claims incurred on or before December 31st will be sent to InforMed. Any claims incurred on or after January 1, 2014 will go to UMR.

You will continue to use the UnitedHealthcare network of providers with more than 725,000 doctors, 5,600 hospitals, and 1,000 convenient care clinics. Search the UHC directory to fi nd a doctor near you by visiting www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/UHC.

You will receive your new member ID card with your new membership number at the end of December.

There will be no changes to our Pharmacy Benefi t Manager. You will continue to receive your prescriptions through Express Scripts.

Our health plan benefi ts have continually evolved to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of our members. In 2014, you will have access to an online member portal with features such as paperless options for your Explanation of Benefi ts (EOBs). You will also have access to a variety of web tools to help you navigate your health benefi ts, including a cost estimator, which enables you to estimate costs for health care services based on a robust national data set of claims experience for more than 35 million Americans. Estimates include personalized costs based on our benefi t plan, deductible and catastrophic limit information.

In addition, the Health Education Library will provide you with a multimedia encyclopedia containing approximately 3,600 health care articles, images and illustrations on diseases, conditions, symptoms, injuries, surgeries, tests, nutrition and preventive health topics. We wish you a happy 2014 and hope that you enjoy all the new benefi ts of our partnership with UMR.


OPEN SEASON NEWS

4

New Year, New Card!It is the season of giving, so in late December, we will be mailing you a little present: your new member ID card!

It includes new information that your medical provider will need to properly fi le claims. In addition, please remember to present your new ID card when you obtain medications at your local retail pharmacy. This will be the card that you need to present at any medical appointments or pharmacies beginning January 1, 2014.

Please discard your current card after December 31st.

Your new card comes with some familiar benefi ts. Your doctor can use the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) number on your card to electronically submit your claims. Compass Rose Health Plan members also have access to ePrescribing – an Express Scripts program that allows your doctor to fi le your prescriptions electronically.

Each member will receive two new cards featuring the member name and the names of all dependents.

If Medicare B is your primary insurance, you have the freedom to be seen by ANY participating Medicare provider. The Compass Rose Health Plan would be a secondary plan payer to Medicare B, and will help pick up the expenses after Medicare has processed the claim. For any questions about your new member ID card, please call our Member Services team at (866) 368-7227.

Understanding Our Health PlanWe understand that health care language can be complex and hard to read, and we want to make sure that you understand your health plan’s coverage and benefi ts. That is why our newsletters contain articles that can assist you in understanding your coverage. We also feel it is important to tell you how to get the best use of your benefi ts.

To further assist our members, we have created two publications that you might fi nd useful in better understanding your plan.

• The Summary of Benefi ts and Coverage (SBC) is an eight-page booklet that lays out common questions regarding deductibles, referrals, and out-of-pocket expenses. It also answers and explains the importance of the information in easily understood language. Additionally, it lists common medical events, the services that might apply to them, what your share of the costs might be and limitations to those medical services.

• The Uniform Glossary is a document listing many commonly used medical terms and health coverage phrases and their defi nitions in everyday language. Examples include familiar terms ranging from co-pay and urgent care, to less familiar phrases such as Durable Medical Equipment and Rehabilitation Services. It also includes a graphic explaining how the cost of your medical coverage is shared by you and the Compass Rose Health Plan.

For your convenience, you can view both documents at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/SBC. If you have any questions about your health coverage, please call (866) 368-7227.

everyday language. Examples include familiar terms ranging from co-pay and urgent care, to less familiar


OPEN SEASON NEWS

5

The Choice Is Yours Did you know that as a Compass Rose Health Plan member, you and your covered family members have access to additional benefi ts that can reduce your annual out-of-pocket expenses? For your convenience, below is a complete listing of these benefi ts:

• Outpatient lab work performed by LabCorp is covered at 100% for Compass Rose Health Plan members. Find out more at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/labcorp.

• US Imaging offers a VIP appointment-scheduling program for your advanced diagnostic imaging tests, including MRI, CT, and PET scans. This does not apply to members enrolled in Medicare A and B. Find out more at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/usimaging.

• GlobalFit is a discount benefi t offering a range of options to get you fi t, energized, and living healthier. Some benefi ts include discounts on gym memberships, nutrition planning, health coaching, and an online store to buy home gym equipment. Find out more or get started by visiting www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/globalfi t.

• QuitNet’s Smoking Cessation Benefi t Program is a free, voluntary, confi dential option for members older than 18. Support programs include personal coaching, online tools and support, a printed Quit Guide, free medications, and tips for kicking the habit. To get started visit us at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/quitsmoking.

To learn more about the additional benefi ts available to you, please visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com.

Home Delivery Service for Prescription DrugsExpress Scripts, Inc. and the Compass Rose Health Plan make it easy and affordable for you to receive your prescription medications. Did you know that Express Scripts offers home delivery that can make it even more affordable and convenient? Home delivery is ideal for long-term maintenance medications, which are prescription drugs that you take on an on-going basis for a chronic situation like high cholesterol or diabetes.

While your local pharmacy can fi ll your prescription(s) up to 30 days, Express Scripts’ Home Delivery program can provide a 90-day supply for less, right to your doorstep!

Prescription Drug ProgramLevel Retail (30-day supply) Home Delivery (90-day supply)Generic $5 co-pay $10 co-pay

Brand Name Formulary $35 co-pay $70 co-pay

Brand Name Non-Formulary The greater of 30% or $50 The greater of 30% or $100

Prescription Drug Program for Medicare B Primary Participants Level Retail (30-day supply) Home Delivery (90-day supply)Generic $3 co-pay $6 co-pay

Brand Name Formulary $18 co-pay $36 co-pay

Brand Name Non-Formulary The greater of 30% or $35 The greater of 30% or $45

If you are interested in fulfi lling your prescriptions online, visit www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy.


6

BUZZ WORTHY NEWS

Meet the New Voice of Compass Connection Hi there! My name is Dan Schwind and I am the new Communications Specialist here at Compass Rose Benefi ts Group. What does that mean? Well, aside from being the editor of this very newsletter that you are reading, I will also be the voice behind social media, such as Twitter and Facebook!

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I spent my fi rst four years in the newspaper industry covering a wide variety of subjects, including sports, education, and courts. The last four years, I worked as a technical writer with General Dynamics. I am passionate about writing and I look forward to featuring many more articles for you like the ones found in this issue.

Of course, what good is it to be a Communications Specialist if I am only communicating to you, but give you no way to communicate with me? No good at all! Therefore, I invite you to send me your newsletter feedback and let me know more about what you like and what you would like to see from the Compass Connection. My goal is to listen to the requests and inquiries of our membership. E-mail me any time at feedback@compassrosebenefi ts.com.

Since Thanksgiving is approaching, I would like to share with you one of my favorite sides. It is a healthier take on a dish plenty of us will enjoy this year: potatoes au gratin. Instead of loading up on the cheese, I add some seasoning for fl avor. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and I look forward to interacting with all of you!

My Healthy Recipe: Potato Gratin with Herbs Makes 8 servings One serving = 109 calories, 2.8g fat, 19g carbs, 2g fi ber

Prep Time: 30 min Total time: 2 hours

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° and oil an 8-inch round cake pan, preferably of dark metal. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and oil the paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat the 1½ tablespoons of olive oil. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the thyme and rosemary and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat until reduced to ¾ cup, about 10 minutes.

3. Arrange an overlapping layer of potato slices in the cake pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper and spoon a small amount of the reduced broth on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and reduced broth, seasoning each layer lightly. Pour any remaining broth on top. Cover the pan with a sheet of oiled parchment paper and then a sheet of foil.

4. Bake the gratin in the center of the oven until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour. Remove the foil and paper and bake until the top is dry, about 10 minutes longer.

5. Turn the broiler on. Remove the gratin from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Invert the gratin onto a heatproof plate. Carefully remove the parchment round. Broil the gratin 6 inches from the heat until the surface is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Dan SchwindCommunications

Specialist

My Healthy Recipe: Potato Gratin with Herbs My Healthy Recipe: Potato Gratin with Herbs Makes 8 servings One serving = 109 calories, 2.8g fat, 19g carbs, 2g fi ber

Prep Time: 30 min Total time: 2 hours

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° and oil an 8-inch round cake pan, preferably of dark metal. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and oil the paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat the 1½ tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2. In a medium saucepan, heat the 1½ tablespoons of olive oil. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the thyme and rosemary until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the thyme and rosemary and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat until reduced to ¾ cup, boil. Cook over moderately high heat until reduced to ¾ cup, about 10 minutes.

3. Arrange an overlapping layer of potato slices in the cake pan. 3. Arrange an overlapping layer of potato slices in the cake pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper and spoon a small amount of the reduced broth on top. Repeat the layering Season lightly with salt and pepper and spoon a small amount of the reduced broth on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and reduced broth, seasoning each layer lightly. Pour any remaining broth on top. with the remaining potatoes and reduced broth, seasoning each layer lightly. Pour any remaining broth on top. Cover the pan with a sheet of oiled parchment paper and then a sheet of foil.Cover the pan with a sheet of oiled parchment paper and then a sheet of foil.

4. Bake the gratin in the center of the oven until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour. Remove the foil and 4. Bake the gratin in the center of the oven until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour. Remove the foil and paper and bake until the top is dry, about 10 minutes longer.

5. Turn the broiler on. Remove the gratin from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Invert the gratin onto a 5. Turn the broiler on. Remove the gratin from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Invert the gratin onto a heatproof plate. Carefully remove the parchment round. Broil the gratin 6 inches from the heat until the surface is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the cake pan

1 large shallot, minced (about 1⁄1⁄1 3⁄3⁄ cup)

1½ teaspoons chopped thyme

½ teaspoon chopped rosemary

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 pounds medium red potatoes, very thinly sliced

Salt

Freshly ground pepper


COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACHBUZZ WORTHY NEWS

7

“I was pleasantly surprisedby how

the experience was.The technician really put me at ease and explained each step.”

relaxingby how

relaxingby how

the experience was.relaxing

the experience was.relaxingrelaxing

“I was extremely

with the screening process and happy I decided to try it out.” with the screening processpleased

“I was extremely

pleased“I was extremely

with the screening processpleased with the screening processpleased with the screening processpleased with the screening processpleasedpleased with the screening processpleased with the screening processpleased

“The staff was very

friendly and professional. I was

and confidentthat any issues I might have

would be identifi ed.”

comfortablecomfortable

The Wheels On The Bus Compass Rose Benefi ts Group understands the value of living a healthier lifestyle. This summer, CRBG piloted a program with HealthFair to screen members for cardiovascular issues.

Each of the participants in this pilot program were welcomed aboard a bus, free-of-charge, to receive an echocardiogram ultrasound (ECHO), a carotid artery ultrasound, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to look for early warning signs of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or cancer.

Of the 270 screenings conducted, HealthFair detected abnormalities in 40% of the exams. Most of these abnormalities were discovered as a result of the carotid artery ultrasound, which looks at the arteries in your neck to detect the presence of plaque – a leading cause of strokes.

The results of the EKG, which examines the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, revealed that 68.75% of the screening detected slight abnormalities that could become something more signifi cant in the future.

While none of the abnormalities qualifi ed as severe, the tests revealed to some of our members that they might be at risk for more serious health issues down the road based on the presence of plaque, blood clots, or other anomalies. This insight allows our members to address their risk with their primary physicians long before it becomes a life-threatening problem.

We were thrilled by the turnout for this important and exciting pilot program and are exploring the opportunity to expand this to a larger audience in coming years.


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showed them

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after calling Member Services

of all of all% of all%% of all% CRBG FORMS FORMS% FORMS%% FORMS%were easy tounderstandand fill out

8

BUZZ WORTHY NEWS

Going Generic Several popular drugs now have a generic alternative. Effective January 1, 2014, several medications will be removed from the Compass Rose Health Plan prescription drug formulary due to the availability of generic formulations. We want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding these changes.

The fi ve most commonly prescribed drugs that will be removed from the formulary are: Travatan, Tricor, Diovan HCT, Lexapro, and Coumadin. You may choose to continue taking the brand name version of these medications, but you will be required to pay a higher, non-formulary copayment (level 3).

The good news is that these medications have been released in a less expensive generic version. Active employees can get a 30-day prescription with a $5 copay, and retirees enrolled in Medicare B can get the same prescription with a $3 copay. Additionally, most prescriptions are available for home delivery from Express Scripts. For more information about Express Scripts’ home delivery program, refer to page 5.

For a full list of prescription drugs removed from the formulary, please refer to the insert in your Open Season packet. For our comprehensive formulary, including commonly prescribed prescription drugs and their less expensive, generic equivalents, visit us at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/formulary.

Compass Rose Benefi ts Group is thrilled by the results of the 2013 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers

and Systems (CAHPS) survey about your experiences with the Compass Rose Health Plan.

In March, members are asked to report their experiences on their health care services and health

plans. The survey results are released in September by the National

Committee for Quality Assurance.

Compass Rose Benefi ts Group takes this survey very seriously,

as it helps us understand how to better serve our members. We are tremendously proud

of the survey results, but it does not mean

that there is no room for growth. We strive every

day to improve our service to you.

As always, we look for ways to help you and welcome any questions you may have

about your health plan and/or Specialty Products. Please direct all questions, concerns, or suggestions to

askcrbg@compassrosebenefi ts.com or (866) 368-7227.

We Aim to Please


9

BRAIN STRAIN

How Well Do You Know Your Health Plan? From coverage and benefi ts to numbers and names – test your mind, play our game!

Across1. On a member’s 65th birthday, he/

she becomes eligible to participate in this program.

7. This provider’s services incur $20 copayments for a maximum of 20 visits per year.

8. The coinsurance % the member is responsible for after the deductible is met for Physical Therapy.

9. Members do not need to obtain this in order to see a specialist under a PPO plan.

13. Term for lower priced drugs which contain the same active ingredients as the brand name formula.

14. A member is sometimes responsible for paying this before the health plan starts to payout benefi ts.

16. True or False: An Infl uenza vaccination is covered at 100% annually for in-network.

17. A dependent may keep their health insurance under their parents’ policy until this age.

Down2. The Pharmacy Benefi t Manager for the health plan.

3. If you utilize this company for blood work, coverage is 100%.

4. We cover this vaccination starting at age 50.

5. The acronym for Compass Rose’s Network Providers.

6. True or False: Smoking Cessation is covered at 100%.

10. A list of medications available to members; typically have lower copayments.

11. Term used to describe a provider within the UnitedHealthcare Network.

12. Compass Rose’s generic-drug copay for a retail 30-day supply.

1 2 3 4

5

6

7

8 9 10

11

12

13

14

16 17 –

–

Answers:Across: 1. Medicare 7. Chiropractor 8. Ten 9. Referral 13. Generics 14. Deductible 16. True 17. Twenty-SixDown: 2. Express-Scripts 3. LabCorp 4. Shingles 5. UHC 6. True 10. Formulary 11. Preferred 12. Five


Lowering Your Risk for DementiaAs we get older, the fear of developing dementia and memory problems is becoming increasingly more common. While you cannot prevent dementia, you can lower your risk of getting it, delay its onset and slow its progression.

The good news? If you did the crossword puzzle on the last page, you have already helped lower your risk. The brain is just like any other muscle. If you do not exercise it, it loses strength. Obviously, you cannot do arm curls to exercise your brain, but you can do intellectual activities like word-fi nds or crossword puzzles. A study in the journal Neurology included 300 participants and was based on how often they stimulated their minds by writing letters, reading books, or visiting the library. Those who were most mentally active showed a 32% slower rate of memory loss than those with average mental stimulation.

Also, get out of your ruts. A recent article by Men’s Health notes that any time you change your routine, your brain creates new connections and synapses from doing something new and unexpected. It could be as simple as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, taking a different route to the grocery store, or wearing your watch on the opposite wrist.

Stay rested, though. Like we said before, your brain is a muscle, so it can get overworked. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that by not getting enough sleep, you deprive your brain of necessary rest time, leading to mental fatigue and dulling your ability to learn and concentrate.

Finally, let yourself daydream. Do not do it in the offi ce, obviously, but the same NIH study found that by daydreaming while you walk or sit in your backyard, you promote creativity and increase how much your brain can process.

If you would like more information on reducing your risk of dementia or how to give yourself a little mental boost, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. SOURCES: National Institutes of Health, www.nih.gov; 10 Everyday Tips to Boost Brainpower, www.menshealth.com; Neurology Journal, www.neurology.org

10

HEALTH TIPS

Wear Red for Women…Heart disease has been considered a health problem exclusive to men, but did you know that more women than men die of it annually? In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, it is the number one killer of women in the United States, killing about one in four women.

One of the biggest challenges is identifying the symptoms of a heart attack stemming from heart disease in women. While the most prominent symptom of a heart attack in men is chest pain, the Mayo Clinic notes that women do not typically have chest pain. Instead, symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. Because these symptoms are subtle and not often associated with heart attacks, they can easily be missed.

Because it’s so hard to diagnose, the easiest way to confront heart disease is to lower your risk. Start with diet and exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, simply working out 30-60 minutes several days a week can have a signifi cant impact in helping to avoid heart disease. Something as simple as walking or taking the stairs will do. Combined with a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt, you can maintain a healthy weight, which is key in lowering your risk of problems associated with chronic heart disease.

Finally, quit smoking. Cigarettes can contribute to the build-up of plaque in your arteries, which contributes to heart disease and can worsen your case if you already have heart disease.

If you would like to spread awareness about women’s heart disease, look for our “Go Red for Women” campaign in February 2014. The program encourages women to wear red, especially red dresses, to promote awareness of this disease. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday.

By not getting enough sleep, you deprive your brain of necessary rest time, leading to mental fatigue and dulling your ability to learn and concentrate.

Women are far more likely to have symptoms unrelated

to chest pain. Instead, symptoms can include

shortness of breath, nausea, sweating,

dizziness, and extreme fatigue.


COMPASS OUTREACH

11

Bacteria are tiny, one-cell creatures that get nutrients from their environments in order to survive. Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some bacteria are good for our bodies.

Viruses survive and reproduce inside living cells. Viruses cause Chickenpox, measles, fl u, and many other diseases.

COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACHHEALTH TIPS

Ew, Germs!Now that summer is offi cially over and school is back in session, children are now more than ever, susceptible to germs. Germs are found all over the world and in all kinds of places. Germs thrive in environments that are warm, dark, and moist. When germs invade the body, they break down nutrients and energy in order to produce toxins, which are like poison to the body. Your mouth, nose, eyes, and ears provide perfect breeding grounds for germs!

Most germs are spread through the air in sneezes, coughs, or even breaths. Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva, and blood. According to Kids Health, there are four major types of germs:

Movember for Men...As you go about your normal routines this month, you might notice men of all ages growing out their facial hair and wonder, “What’s up?” The answer is Movember.

Movember (moustache + November) participants start out the month clean-shaven on November 1st. For the next 30 days, participants grow out their moustaches to “change the face of men’s health” by acting as walking billboards to raise awareness and funds for research to fi ght prostate and testicular cancer.

There will be at least one Movember participant here at Compass Rose Benefi ts Group: new Communications Specialist, Dan Schwind. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook as he grows out his facial hair in support of men’s health.

We invite you to post pictures of your Movember moustache on our Facebook page. In our next newsletter, we will publish a picture of our favorite moustache! For more information on Movember, visit www.movember.com or the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should fi rst teach your child the importance of covering their nose and mouth when they sneeze. The CDC also reports that teaching your child the importance of washing their hands with warm soap and water before lunch, after recess, after using the bathroom, and when they get home from school, can greatly reduce their encounters with harmful germs that can make them sick.

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov; Germs, Germs Everywhere, www.library.thinkquest.org; Kids Health, www.kidshealth.org

Fungi are multi-cell, plant-like organisms that get their nutrition from plants, people, and animals. Most fungi are not dangerous.

Protozoa are one-cell organisms that spread diseases through water. Some protozoa can cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea, nausea, and belly pain.


And the Donating Continues!There is more than one way to help out others. In certain cases, some folks need more of you than just your time! That is why on August 29th, Compass Rose Benefi ts Group hosted the American Red Cross to conduct our third Annual CRBG Blood Drive!

We had 24 participants give a little of their time and energy (literally!) to the American Red Cross. These folks helped us donate 19 units of blood, which could help save up to 60 lives! Our donations went to support Reston Hospital Center.

Our support, however, is just a small sample of the 44,000 blood donations that the American Red Cross needs every day. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, whether from an accident, for surgery, or for chemotherapy treatment. To learn how you can help give the gift of life by donating blood, or through a blood drive of your own, visit www.redcross.org or call (800) 733-2767.

12

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Compass Rose Charities Supports Military Families!On October 17th, Compass Rose Charities (CRC) hosted its fourth Annual Golf Invitational and Charity Auction in support of Operation Purple – a program designed to empower families by encouraging and reinforcing the need for a healthy and connected relationship before, during, and after deployment.

This past summer, our 2013 Mascot, “O.P.” – a name given by campers – joined military families during a free week of summer camp. After one VERY exciting summer, O.P. made his debut at this year’s Invitational alongside 93 guests. As CRC grows, we cannot show enough gratitude to our sponsors, event guests, golfers and auction winners for their support over the years. It is because of them that we were able to raise more than $35,000 for Operation Purple.

To see photos, or to fi nd out more about Operation Purple, please visit www.compassrosecharities.org or fi nd us on Facebook!


COMPASS OUTREACH

13

COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACHMEMBER CORNER

Cheers To The Next 65 Years! As we close out our 65th Anniversary Celebration, we want to once again thank all of our members for their continued commitment to Compass Rose Benefi ts Group. Our 65th year came and went faster than we anticipated, but we are excited to jump into next year, serving our members and their insurance needs! While this year brought about changes, including three new Specialty Products, we can say with great confi dence that one thing will always remain the same—our promise of Service, Stability, and Security.

As a friendly reminder, we encourage all our health plan and specialty members to sign up for our 65th Anniversary Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $65 gift card—there are only two months left to participate!

Sign up today at www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/65. DO NOT FORGET – along with our three monthly winners in December, we will give away our GRAND PRIZE—a $565 Visa gift card! Thank you for celebrating 65 years with us, and we look forward to many more years because of members like you.

On The Move? Let Us Know!Moving is bad enough without the worry of whether your mail is forwarded properly. If you’ve moved recently or are getting ready to, please notify us so that we can update our records. We are not notifi ed if you change your address with your parent agency or the Offi ce of Personnel Management.

Option 1: Contact Member Services at (866) 368-7227Option 2: Visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/address

and complete the Change of Address FormOption 3: Mail to:

Compass Rose Benefi ts Group1768 Business Center Drive, Suite 3500Reston, VA 20190

Holiday Tips For Your Pets The holidays are approaching and that means it is a special time for the entire family, including your pets. With that in mind, we wanted to provide pet owners some friendly reminders to make sure that your holiday celebration does not end with a trip to the all-night veterinary clinic.

First, and possibly most important, be careful about what plants you use to decorate your house. PetMD.com notes that holly and poinsettias are toxic to dogs and cats, and that mistletoe, in particular, can cause potential heart problems. The Humane Society also notes that lilies can be deadly to cats. Even pine needles from a Christmas tree can be poisonous to pets, or worse yet, puncture your pet’s intestines.

Also, if you have a Christmas tree, consider your decorations. Tinsel adds a nice sparkle to your tree, but if ingested by your pet, it can cause intestinal blockages. So, too, can ornaments, so be sure to hang your more

fragile ornaments out of your pet’s reach. Avoid edible decorations such as popcorn or ginger-bread cookies to decrease the likelihood of your pet taking your tree down to get to those snacks! Finally, don’t let your pet(s) drink the water in your tree stand, as that water often contains preservatives that are toxic.

For more tips on keeping your pet(s) safe this holiday season, visit www.petmd.com or www.americanhumane.org. Also, post your pictures of you and your pets in the holiday spirit on our Facebook page.

Holiday Tips For Your Pets The holidays are approaching and that means it is a special time for the entire family, including your pets. With that in mind, we wanted to provide pet owners some friendly reminders to make sure that your holiday celebration does not end with a trip to the all-night veterinary clinic.

First, and possibly most important, be careful about what plants you use to decorate your house. PetMD.comnotes that holly and poinsettias are toxic to dogs and cats, and that mistletoe, in particular, can cause potential heart problems. The Humane Society also notes that lilies can be deadly to cats. Even pine needles from a Christmas tree can be poisonous to pets, or worse yet, puncture your pet’s intestines.

Also, if you have a Christmas tree, consider your decorations. Tinsel adds a nice sparkle to your tree, but if ingested by your pet, it can cause intestinal blockages. So, too, can ornaments, so be sure to hang your more ingested by your pet, it can cause intestinal blockages. So, too, can ornaments, so be sure to hang your more

fragile ornaments out of your pet’s reach. Avoid edible decorations fragile ornaments out of your pet’s reach. Avoid edible decorations such as popcorn or ginger-bread cookies to decrease the likelihood such as popcorn or ginger-bread cookies to decrease the likelihood of your pet taking your tree down to get to those snacks! Finally, of your pet taking your tree down to get to those snacks! Finally, don’t let your pet(s) drink the water in your tree stand, as that don’t let your pet(s) drink the water in your tree stand, as that water often contains preservatives that are toxic.water often contains preservatives that are toxic.

For more tips on keeping your pet(s) safe this holiday season, For more tips on keeping your pet(s) safe this holiday season, For more tips on keeping your pet(s) safe this holiday season, visit visit www.petmd.com or www.americanhumane.org. Also, post your pictures of you and your pets in the Also, post your pictures of you and your pets in the holiday spirit on our Facebook page.holiday spirit on our Facebook page.


SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

So Many Reasons to Buy LIFE INSURANCE...Life insurance may be one of the most important purchases you will ever make. Buying life insurance is a promise you make to help protect your loved ones, should something happen to you. The Compass Rose Group Term Life Insurance Plan, underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company*, is specifi cally designed to meet the unique needs of active Federal Employees. Visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/TermLife to learn ways our Group Term Life Insurance Plan can help protect what matters most to you.

14

*NY, NY 10010 on Policy Form GMR-ER-P **Including the plan features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations and exclusions. No Purchase Necessary. The Compass Rose Benefi ts Group Tumbler and Gift Card Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, 18 and older. This is a monthly sweepstakes that ends on the last day of each month from April 2013 through December 2013. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by Compass Rose Benefi ts Group. 1768 Business Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190.

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COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACH COMPASS OUTREACHSPECIALTY PRODUCTS

15

LegalShield: It’s a No-Brainer, and I Know Personally!Many people think that they will never need legal protection: until they do. The need for legal services can arise at any time and for a number of instances ranging from drawing up a living will to reviewing settlement papers for the purchase of a new home.

Just ask Compass Rose Benefi ts Group President, Randy Stoughton. Stoughton believes that it is important to have access to legal protection. The goal of providing legal services to its members at an affordable price was the key factor in selecting LegalShield as Compass Rose Benefi ts Group’s newest specialty product.

LegalShield provides quality legal services at an affordable price. While an attorney might charge you hundreds of dollars per hour for basic legal advice, LegalShield gives you access to top-quality law fi rms at less than $16 per month. You can receive legal help from LegalShield for a whole year for less than the cost of an attorney’s hourly rate.

It was LegalShield’s services that proved to be valuable to Stoughton last fall when a hail storm damaged the roof and siding on Stoughton’s home. A contractor promised to replace all of the siding, including what was not damaged, even if his insurance company did not pay the difference.

Stoughton included that clause in the contract and had the contractor initial it, but when his insurance company declined to cover the total replacement, the contractor refused to honor the contract.

Next, Stoughton’s attorney notifi ed the contractor that the case would be pursued in court. After working with LegalShield, the case was settled prior to the court date.

To ensure that you have the legal protection you need, when you need it, consider LegalShield.

For more information about LegalShield, visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/legal or call (885) 387-6314.

Professional ProtectionYou can face allegations of misconduct, even when acting within the scope of your employment. Whether you are a manager or an entry-level employee, you can become the subject of a civil, administrative, or criminal investigation; damaging your professional reputation and hurting you fi nancially.

Do not go unprotected another day. Professional Liability Insurance offers you peace-of-mind knowing you’ll receive the legal assistance you need if a claim is made against you. Even baseless claims must be defended. For more, visit www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/PLI or call (855) 754-2724.

“A lot of products out there make sense, but this

is a

NO BRAINER!”


COMPASS OUTREACH

SERVICE. STABIL I TY . SECURITY.

1768 Business Center DriveSuite 3500

Reston, VA 20190(571) 449-2366(866) 368-7227

www.compassrosebenefi ts.com

Proud to provide quality

insurance solutions for

65 years!

COMPASS CONNECTION

FALL 2013

Claims/InforMed Compass Rose Health Plan (877) 531-1159Effective until 12/31/2013 P.O. Box 141501 Nashville, TN 37214

Express Scripts Express Scripts (877) 438-4449 P.O. Box 30117 www.express-scripts.com/pharmacy Tampa, FL 33630 Lab Program LabCorp (877) 531-1159

Dental and Vision Discount Program Careington International Corporation (800) 290-0523 7400 Gaylord Parkway www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/careington Frisco, TX 75034 Identify yourself as a Diversifi ed Federal Group (DFG) member

Compass Rose Benefi ts Group Compass Rose Benefi ts Group (866) 368-7227 1768 Business Center Dr., Suite 3500 askcrbg@compassrosebenefi ts.com Reston, VA 20190 www.compassrosebenefi ts.com www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/feedback

Social Networks www.twitter.com/CRBGinsurance www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/pinterest www.facebook.com/CRBGinsurance www.compassrosebenefi ts.com/linkedin

Compass Rose Contact Information:Please refer to page 3 for 2014 contact information.


Compass Connection | Fall 2013 Publication

Documents

Transcript of Compass Connection | Fall 2013 Publication