Now is the time to prepare for open enrollment In …4 • Castlight Giveaway winners! Now is the...
Transcript of Now is the time to prepare for open enrollment In …4 • Castlight Giveaway winners! Now is the...
In this issue
2 • Preventthefluearlywithaflushot
3
The TorchispublishedmonthlybytheStatePersonnelDepartment
andisavailableonlineatwww.in.gov/spd
Submityourstoryideasto:[email protected]
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8 • CommuterConnect• NewSPDtrainings
• Fallsquashrecipies
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October 2013
• Preventativecare• Mindfuleatinghabits
4 • CastlightGiveawaywinners!
Now is the time to prepare for open enrollmentOpenenrollmentisjustaroundthecorner.Ratherthanwaittothelastminutetodeterminewhatoptionstoselect,taketimenowtocarefullyreviewyourhealthcareneeds.Thatway,youarebetterpreparedtoselecttheplansthatbestmeetthehealthcareneedsofyouandyourfamily.
Hereareafewtipstogetstarted:
Review this year’s medical, vision and dental expenses.Howmuchdidyouspendonmedical,visionanddentalneeds?Theseareyourout-of-pocketexpenses.WouldanHealthSavingsAccount(HSA)makebettersense?AnHSAislikeasavingsaccountsetuptofundonlyeligiblemedical,visionanddentalexpenses.Notonlydoesthestatedeposit
moneyintotheaccount,butanemployeecanalsoelectaportionoftheirpaychecktobedepositedintoaHSA,beforetaxes.AnemployeemustopenupanHSAinordertoreceivethecontributionsthestatemakestoeachaccount.
Comparethetotalout-of-pocketcostsyouspentthispastyearinmedical,visionanddentalexpensesandthecostofyouroverallmedicalexpenses.Besuretoincludeyourpremiumcosts.Afteryoutotalthisnumber,aCDHPcombinedwithaHSA,maybesignificantlycheaperthanatraditionalPPOmedicalplan.Itcanpotentiallygiveyouothertaxadvantagessincecontributionsaremadebeforetax.
Examine how much you contribute to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). IfyouhaveaFlexibleand/orDependentCareSavingsAccount,besuretoexamineyourout-of-pocketexpensescloselyastheseprogramsareause-it-or-lose-itprogram.Youmayneedtoincreaseordecreaseyourcontributionsaccordingly.Understandyourinsuranceneeds.Ifaqualifyingeventhasoccurredwithinthepastyear,yourinsuranceneedsmayhavechangedaswell.Aqualifyingeventcouldbeabirth,divorce,weddingoranadoption.RatherthansimplysigningupContinued on page 2
The Torch 2
Prepare for OEcontinued from page 1
forthesameamountyoudidtheyearbefore,determinewhetheryouroverallfinancialsituationhaschanged,andwhetherornotyouneedmoreorlessinsurance.Ifyouexperiencedsuchaneventanddidnotrequestachangetoyourbenefitswithin30days,theopenenrollmentperiodisthetimetodoso.Ifyouaremarried:compareyourcoverageagainstyourspouse’s.Ifyouandyourspousehavedifferentcompanybenefits,makesuretoweightheprosandconsofeachhealthinsuranceandoverallbenefitspackage.Sincepremiumscanchangesignificantlyinsmaller-andmedium-sizedcompaniesbaseduponlastyear’shealthclaimratings,onecompany’sinsuranceprogramscanbecheaperthananother.Thiscouldbeachangefromtheyearbefore.Comparethelistofdoctorsinyourplantoyourspouse’stoseeifoneplanoffersmorethantheother.Ifyourspouse’sopenenrollmentperiodandeffectivedatesdifferfromthestateplans,planahead.Yourspouse’sopenenrollmentisnotconsideredaqualifyingeventtochangeplansorlevelofcoveragelaterintheyear.Also,ifyou’respouse’splandoesnotoffervisionordental;youmayconsiderpickingoneortheotherfromthestate’splan.
Openenrollmentdoesnotneedtobeastressfultime.Planaheadandaskquestionsnowtohelpreducethestresslater.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutyourbenefits,pleasecontacttheSPDBenefitsHotlineforanyquestionsorissuesyoumayhaveregardingyourcoverageat317-232-1167(withinIndianapolis)ortoll-freeat877-248-0007(outsideIndianapolis).
AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC),the“seasonalfluseason”intheUnitedStatescanbeginasearlyasOctoberandlastaslateasMay.Nowisthetimetogetarmedagainsttheannualbug.Sincepreventivecareservicesarecoveredat100percent,employeeswiththestate’shealthplanandtheireligibledependentsshouldgetvaccinated.
IndianaStatePolice,ExciseandConservationOfficersHealthCarePlanMembersareeligibletoutilizetheseclinics;however,youmustcompleteaseparateclaimformandbringitwithyoutotheclinic.StatePoliceHumanResources,DNRLawEnforcementandtheExcisePolicewillbesendingfurtherinformationseparatelyregardingflushotsthatwillhavetheclaimformsyouwillneed.
Thebestprotectionagainstthefluistogetaflushoteveryyearbeforethefluseasonstarts.Sinceinfluenzaviruseschangeovertime,itisimportanttogetashoteveryyear.Eachyearthevaccineisremadetoincludethetypesoffluvirusexpectedtocauseillnessduringthatfluseason.Thevaccinebeginstoprotectyouwithinafewdaysaftervaccination,butthevaccineisnotfullyeffectiveuntilabout14daysaftervaccination.
KrogerpharmacistsarehostingaflushotclinicontheIndianaGovernmentCenter(IGC)campus8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 17 inConferenceRMB,andintheStatehouseAtriumonOct.24.IfyoudonotcarryState
insurance,thecostis$20payablebycashorcheck.Please Note:ifyouplantobringachildundertheageof14,itisnecessarytohaveaprescriptionfromthedoctorforapharmacisttoadministerafluvaccine.
YouneedtobringyourAnthemIDcardwithyouandcompleteawaiverpriortoreceivingthevaccination:
• Inactivatedshotconsentform• Livenasalvaccineconsentform
KrogerPharmaciesarealsoadministeringvaccinesinitsretaillocations.Vaccinationsmayalsobeadministeredatyourdoctor’soffice,pharmacyornearbywalk-inclinic.Evenatanyoftheselocations,thestatecovers100percentofthecost,ifyoucarrystateinsurance.
Ifyouarewonderingifyoushouldgetavaccine,adetailedlistcanbefoundatWhoShouldGetVaccinatedAgainstInfluenza.Acompletelistofhealthandagefactorsthatareknowntoincreaseaperson’sriskofdevelopingseriouscomplicationsfromfluisavailableatPeopleWhoAreatHighRiskofDevelopingFlu-RelatedComplications.
Prevent the flu with a flu shot earlyHealth
To see a full list of flu shot clinics across the state, see page 11.
The Torch 3
Ways to cook squash, try these three delicious fall recipies
Thanks to the Indiana Dietetic Association for this submission.
Bean & Tomato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Newrecipesarealwaysfunandagreatwaytotrynewfoods.Fallproducehasabountyofvegetablesandfruitsavailableandthisisanexcellenttimetoexperimentwithlowcost,inseasonitemsyoucanpurchasestraightfromtheFarmersMarket.Wintersquashesarefantastic,withtheirslightlysweettastetheyaresuretobeahitwithyourfamily.Tryone(orALL)ofthesethreeflavorfulsquashrecipes.
Crockpot Curried Butternut Squash SoupRecipefrom:Thegirlwho.net• 2poundsbutternutsquash,rinsed,
peeled,seededandchoppedinto1-inchcubes
• 1yellowonion,chopped• 2firmcrispapples,peeled,seeded
andchopped• 5cupschickenstock/broth• 1tablespooncurrypowder• ¼teaspoongroundcloves• Pinchofcinnamon• Pinchofnutmeg• Saltandpeppertotaste• ¼cupchoppeddriedcranberries
Cutskinsofftwomediumbutternutsquash,cutseedsout,cutinto1inchcubesandputincrockpot.Diceonemedium-sizedyellowonionandaddtocrockpot.Peelapples,chopintosmallcubesandaddtocrockpotaswell.Pour5cupsofchickenbroth
overtopofvegetablesinpotandaddspices.Cookonlowforfivehours,oruntilvegetablesaresoft.Addcookedvegetablesandjuicesinsmallbatches,intoablendertopureeuntilsmooth.(Youmayalsouseanimmersionhandblenderdirectlyincrockpottopureevegetablesifyouhaveone).Garnishwithdriedcranberriesifdesired.Thissoupfreezeswell.
Spaghetti Squash-Tomato BakeRecipefrom:greenlitebites.com• 3cupscookedspaghettisquash(1
mediumone)• 2largegardentomatoessliced• Koshersalt• Garlicpowder,onionpowder,dried
basil,driedparsleyforsprinkling• 5ozoffancyshreddedMexican
cheeseblend(separated)• FreshBasilforGarnish(optional)
Tocookspaghettisquash:Cutsquashinhalflengthwise.Placehalfintodeepmicrowavabledish.Cookinmicrowaveapproximately8minutesoruntilsquashwillpullawayfromskinwhenscrapedwithafork.Itshouldeasilypullawaylike“spaghetti”noodles.Cookafewminuteslongerifstrandsarestillstiff.Removefrommicrowave,scoopoutseedsandscrapeoutspaghettisquashfromouterskin.Setasideandrepeaton2ndhalfofsquash.
Topreparefulldish:Preheattheovento350degrees.Spraya11x9casseroledishwithnon-stickspray.Spreadabout1cupofspaghettisquashonthebottom.Topwithalayerofslicedtomatoes.Sprinklewithkoshersaltandspices.Topwith1.5ozofcheese.Addanotherlayerofsquash,thentomatoes,spicesandcheese.Topwithafinallayerofsquash.Topwiththelast2ozofcheeseandsprinklewiththespicesonelasttime.Bakefor30minutesuncovered.Topwithsomefreshcutbasilandcutinto6servingsizesabout3×3incheseach.Stuffed Acorn SquashRecipefrom:justapinch.com• 2mediumacornsquash,halved
andseededwaterforsteaming• 1Tbspbutter,melted• 1/2lbsausagemeat(any)• 1/2mediumonion,chopped• 1/2cupcelery,chopped• 1cupsoftbreadcrumbsorpanko• 1can(s)(8ounce)crushed
pineappleinjuice,undrainedtotastesaltandpepper
STEAMTHESQUASHINOVEN:Placesquashhalvescutsidedowninshallowroastingpan.Addwatertoabout1/4-inchdepth.Bake400Foven25minutes--removefromovenandturncutsideupinpan.
STUFFING:Inskilletsauteonion,celeryandsausageuntillightlybrowned.DrainthefatAddcrumbs,pineapple,saltandpepper,thenspoonintosquashhalves.Bake400F25minutesoruntilsquashisfork-tender.
The Torch4
State employees benefit from Castlight in more ways than one OnJune3,theStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)introducedahealthcaretransparencytoolforStateemployeesaimedtohelpmakemedicalcostsmoreaffordable.Castlight,availabletothoseenrolledintheState’smedicalbenefits,allowsemployeestosearchfordoctorsandproceduresintheirareabasedonpriceandquality.ItislikeaPricelineorExpedia.comforhealthcare.
Healthcaretransparencyisbecomingavitalwayforpeopletokeeptheircostsdownandimprovetheirmedicalcare.CastlightallowsStateemployeesandtheirdependentstoseewhataprocedurecostsorwhatadoctorchargesbeforegoingtoanappointment.Castlightalsoletspatientsrateandreviewtheirexperiences,sotheratingsseenforeachdoctorarefromrealpatientswithfirst-handexperience.
“CastlighthashelpedmebecauseIwashavinghorriblemigrainesandIcheckedthewebsitetoseewhereIcouldgothatwouldbecosteffectiveformeandstillreceivethebesttreatmentpossible,”saidKylieMabeofCorrectionalIndustrialFacility.“Itturnsoutthatmyfamilydoctorwasthemostcosteffectivewhichmademefeelevenbetteraboutseeingmydoctor,becausehealreadyhassomeideaofmymedicalhistoryratherthansomeonewhomI’veneverbeentobefore.”
InanefforttospreadthewordaboutCastlighttoStateemployees,achance
towinafreeiPadorFitBitwasofferedtothosewhoregisteredandconductedasearchontheirsitebyJune30.Overthepastseveralmonths,15iPadsand30FitBitshavebeengivenaway.
Mabe,whowonaFitBitActivityTracker,isgettingthemostoutofherprize.“Iuseiteverydayandit’sbecomealmostobsessive,becauseI’mconstantlycheckingmyFitBitApponmyiPhonetoseemyprogressfortheday,”shesaid.“It’smadememoreawareofwhatI’mdoingwithmytimethroughouttheday,howwellI’msleepingandwhatI’mputtingintomybody.”
Alongwithallowinguserstosearchforproceduresanddoctorsintheirareas,Castlightalsohelpstokeeptrackofpastmedicalproceduresandwhatyou’vespenttowardyourdeductible.
“IhavefoundCastlighttobeveryusefulandveryuserfriendly,”said
IsabelCarrerooftheDepartmentofChildServices.“Ireallylikethatitdoesthemathforme,soIdon’thavetocalculateout-of-pocketmaximums,limits,deductiblesandotherconfusingthings.”
Castlightalsohasanappthatcanbeusedonmobiledevicesandtabletstohelpmakehealthcaretransparencyavailableatyourfingertips.Employeescanutilizetheapptomakedecisionsinthedoctor’sofficeinregardstobloodwork,x-rays,andotherproceduresinrealtime.
“NoweveryoneattheofficeknowsmeastheiPadgirl,”saidCarrero.“RightafterIwon,alotofmycoworkersstartedaskingmeaboutCastlightandwhatitwas.Theywerereallyexcitedtolearnabouthowhelpfulitcanbetokeephealthcareexpensesdown.”
“MyLocalCountyDirector,DivisionManagerandSupervisordidanawesomejobsurprisingme,”Carrerosaid.“Theycalledahugemeetingunderthepretenseofstaffingadifficultcaseandsurprisedmeinfrontofalotofmycoworkers.Iturnedbrightred!”
Stateemployeeswhohavebeenenrolledinmedicalbenefitsformorethan30dayscanregisterandbeginusingCastlight.FormoreinformationonCastlightandhowtosignup,pleasevisitwww.investinyourhealthindiana.com/castlight/
Denny Darrow, SPD Chief of Staff, presents Kylie Mabe (center) with a FitBit for the Castlight Registration contest. Left to right: Denny Darrow, Kylie, Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon, and Correctional Industrial Facility Superintendent Wendy Knight.
The Torch 5
Preventive care is 100 percent coveredYoumayhaveheardthatpreventiveservicesarecoveredat100percentforeachofourhealthplans.Whatdoesthismean?
Doesthismeanthatifyougotothedoctorforyourannualphysicalanddiscussheadachesyouonlyrecentlystartedexperiencing,thatbillwouldbecovered100percent?Howaboutifyougoforamammogramandalumpisdiscovered?Ifyouseeamedicalproviderwhoisnotinyournetwork,isthatcovered?
Let’sstartbydefiningpreventivecareand/orpreventiveservices.Thisiscareoraserviceprovidedbyaphysiciantopromotehealthandpreventfuturehealthproblemsforsomeonewhodoesnotexhibitanysymptoms.
Allthreehealthcareplansoffer100percentcoverageonpreventiveservices.Thoseservicesincludeitemslikeannualphysicals,wellbabyvisits,mammograms,prostateexams,colonoscopies,routinevaccinesandannualpapsmears.
Thecoverageis100percentaslongasthehealthcareproviderisinyournetwork.Iftheproviderisout-of-network,youmaybeexpectedtopay40percentofthecostifyouareenrolledinaCDHP.IfyouareinaTraditionalPPO,thatcostbumpsupto50percent.
Youareexpectedtosharethecostoftheofficevisitifitisbilledseparatelyorifthemainpurposeoftheofficevisitisnotforpreventiveservices.
Forexample,whilehavingyourannualphysical,youtellyourdoctoryouhavebeenhavingheadaches.Nowthevisitbecomesnotjustpreventive,butdiagnosticaswell.Thephysicaliscovered100percent,asitispreventive,butthediagnosisfortheheadachesisnotapreventiveservice.
Toavoidbeingchargedtheentirecost(forthephysicalandanydiagnosis),makesureyouhaveyourinsurancecardwithyouandthatyoupointoutpreventiveservicesarecovered100percent.
Preventiveservicesarelimitedtooneofeachserviceperyearpercoveredmember.Preventiveservicesforallplansdonotcounttowardthedeductible.
Ifyouhavequestionsaboutwhatispreventiveandwhatiscovered,remembertheslogan“know before you go.”CheckwithAnthem,eitherbycallingthecustomerservicenumberonthebackofyourinsurancecard,orlogontotheirwebsitefordeterminingcoverage.
Somestudiesshowthatmindfuleatingcanlowerbodyweights,agreatersenseofwell-being,andfewersymptomsofeatingdisordersHerearesometipstointroducemindfulnesstomealtimes:Eat slower:Eatingslowlydoesn’thavetomeantakingittoextremes.Still,it’sagoodideatoremindyourself,andyourfamily,thateatingisnotarace.Takingthetimetosavorandenjoyyourfoodisoneofthehealthiestthingsyoucando.Youaremorelikelytonoticewhenyouarefull,you’llchewyourfoodmoreandhencedigestitmoreeasily,andyou’llprobablyfindyourselfnoticingflavorsyoumightotherwisehavemissed.Ifyouhaveyoungchildren,whynottrymakingagameofit—whocanchewtheirfoodthelongest?Oryoucouldintroduceeatingwithchopsticksasafunwaytoslowthingsdown.Silence the distractions:Ourdailylivesarefullofdistractions,andit’snotuncommonforfamiliestoeatwiththeTVblaringorsmartphonesrunning.Considermakingfamilymealtimeanelectronics-freezone.Pay attention to flavor:Thetanginessofalemon,thespicynessofarugula,thecrunchofapizzacrust—payingattentiontothedetailsofourfoodcanbeagreatwaytostarteatingmindfully.Afterall,whenyoueatonthegoorwolfdownyourmealsinfiveminutes,itcanbehardtonoticewhatyouareeveneating.Ifyouaretryingtointroducemindfuleatingtoyourfamily,considertalkingmoreabouttheflavorsandtexturesoffood.Askyourkidswhattheavocadotasteslike,orhowthehummusfeels.
Mindful eating tips
The Torch 6
How the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy educated me for a dayIndiana Youth
WhenyoufirstarrivetothegroundoftheHoosierYouthChalleNGeAcademy(HYCA),youstandinfrontofagothicstructurewhereyoufindaquasimilitarylearningenvironmentthatisgivingIndianayouthanopportunitytochangetheirlivesandthoseofeveryonetheymeet.
AccordingtotheHYCA,23studentsdropoutofhighschooleveryschooldayinIndiana.Dropoutsearn$10,000lessannuallythanhighschoolgraduates.Roughly,68percentoffederalinmatesaredropoutsandroughly80percentofIndiana’sinmatesaredropouts.
ThethreeR’sinthelifeofaHoosierYouthChallengeAcademycadetare:relationships,respectandresponsibility.UnderthesupervisionoftheAdjunctGeneralMartinUmbarger,theHoosierYouthChallengeAcademyisafederallyandstatefunded“AtRisk”quasi-military,youthacademy.Participantsmustbe16-18yearsold,volunteertoparticipateintheprogram,beahighschooldropout/expellee,unemployed,drugfreeandhavenofelonyconvictionsorpendingcourtcases.TheacademyisofferedtoIndianaresidentstuitionfree,withnocoststoparentsorparticipants.
Theacademyisa17-and-a-halfmonth,twophasequasi-militarymodeledtrainingcourse.Theresidentialphaseconsistsoffive-and-a-halfmonthsofadisciplinedscheduleincludingphysicaltraining,educationandcommunityservice.Upongraduation,aoneyear,postresidentialphaseissettokeepgraduatesontrack.
Theprogramboostsahighgraduationrateaswellasscholarshipsawardedforhighereducation.
Todate,ofthe878studentsgraduatedfromHYCA,45percentearnedtheirGEDdiploma,and27percentearnedthreeormorecollegecredits.Studentshaveprovidedmorethan44,000hoursofcommunityserviceandreceivedmorethan$371,000inscholarships.
Duringarecentvisit,IhadthepleasureofmeetingtheleadersofClass13:YorellSmith,AaronRaymer,GeordanHinesandAnthonyEnochs.Eachcadetheardbywordofmouthabouttheprogramfromagraduateandfeltthisprogramwouldbethebestforhim.Eachdisplayedexemplaryleadershipandmannersandcharm.Ivisitedthemduringtheirseventhweekintheprogram,butalreadymosttalkedabouthowquicklytheirminds,bodiesandbehaviorshavechanged.Frombookstarstotalkingprivilegesduringmeals,everythingisearnedforthecadet.Theprideandaccomplishmentscanbeseenonthecadets’facesandinhowtheytalkabouttheprogram.
InformingIndianaparentsandresidentsabouttheprogramtofilltheemptybedsisthebiggestchallengefortheprogram.Ifyouwishtoapplyfortheprogram,pleasevisitwww.ngycp.org/site/state/in/node/2263tofindalocalrecruiterandtocompleteapre-application.Youmayalsocall866-477-0156orvisitthemonFacebook,TwitterorYouTube.
Melissa Helsby, State PersonnelDepartment Communications.
The HYCA Class 13 visits the Indiana State Musuem. Visit www.ngycp.org for more information and pictures.
Artwork by Jerry Williams
The Torch7
Vote INDOT project for top award
StateemployeesareencouragedtocastanonlinevotefortheIndianaDepartmentofTransportation’s(INDOT’s)I-465/AllisonvilleRoadInterchangeReconstructionprojectasoneofthenation’stop2013transportationprojectsinacontestsponsoredbytheAmericanAssociationofStateHighwayandTransportationOfficials(AASHTO).
ThePeople’sChoiceAwardaredeterminedbythenumberofvotesreceivedthroughonlinevoting–availablehere.VotesarecollectedthroughOct.2.
TheGrandPrizewillbedeterminedbyapanelofjudges.Winnersofbothawardsreceivea$10,000prizetodonatetoacharityorscholarshipoftheirchoice.
INDOTplanstodonatethefundstotheIndianaStateTransportationWorkersFoundation,acharitythatsupportsthefamiliesofINDOTworkerswhoarekilledordisabledonthejob.
InordertovoteforthePeople’sChoiceAwards,avalidemailaddressmustbeprovided.Individualsmayvoteupto10timesperdayperindividualemailaddress.ContestdetailsandafullTop10listmaybefoundatwww.AmericasTransportationAwards.org.
ThewinnersofbothprizesareannouncedattheAASHTOAnnualMeetinginDenveronOct.20.
Enjoy the Indiana Fall festival seasonTourism
Indiana’sfallfestivalseasonisuponusandthisisagreattimeofyeartogetoutandexploreIndiana.FallisaspecialtimeofyearinIndianadue,inlargepart,tothelegacyoffallfestivalsthroughoutourstate.Indiana’sfestivalsareaffordable,family-friendlyeventsthatshowcasefood,localartists,historyandreflectthediversecultureofourstate.Throughouttheentireyear,thereareover400festivalsinIndiana.HereareacoupleofideasforfestivalswithinanhourortwoofIndianapolisthatyouandyourfamilycouldvisitthisfall.
There’sgreatfamilyentertainmentforALLagesattheAmazingFallFuncornmaze!Enjoyhoursoffunconqueringthe12-acreAdventureMaize,hoppingonahayride,roamingthepumpkinpatch,orplayingachallenginggameofoneofthemanyexhilaratingactivitiesonsite!NewthisyearisTheHalloweenTrailMaze.Itisfive-acresofcornmazepackedfullofspecialeffectsandtheonlyonethatexistsinIndiana!ItrunsthroughOctober27.Schoolandchurchfieldtripsareavailablebyappointment.Visitthewebsitefortimesandotherinformation:www.amazingfallfun.comorcall(260)333-2302.LocatedatAmazingAcresFarms,3150CountyRoad43,Waterloo,IN.
ThelargestWarof1812livinghistorymuseumintheUnitedStatesistheMississinewa1812reenactment.Thisyear,theeventisOctober11-13andincludesmilitaryencampmentrecreations,periodstylefielddrills,artilleryfiringandbattlefieldsurgeryreenactments.MississinewaisalsohometothelargestreconstructionofaWoodlandIndianavillagetoshowcaseNativeAmericanlifestyleduringthistime.
ThesearejustafewofthedozensoffallfestivalsinIndiana.Formoreinformationandtravelideas,gotoVisitIndiana.com.
On Septemeber 10, day four of his first international trade mission to Japan, Governor Pence meets with leadership of Mitsui Mining & Smelting Company, which is the parent company of GECOM in Greensburg, Indiana.To see more pictures of Governor Pence, visit www.in.gov/gov/2387.htm
The Torch 8
SPD launches new trainings for customer service and supervisors/managers
Training
October is Commuter Challenge Month
Save money
TheStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)islaunchingseveralnewcatalogsofonlinetrainingtohelpouremployeesdevelopandenhancetheirskills.
Thefirstcatalogoftrainingisavailableonlytomanagersandsupervisors.TheBLRManagerandSupervisorTrainingcatalogistoensuretheyreceivesupervisorytraininginatimely,cost-effectiveandefficientmanner.Thecataloghas32coursesandincludingtwocurriculumprograms.CAUTION:Thesecourseswerenotdevelopedspecificallyforstategovernmentsowhilethematerialsillustratesomegeneralemploymentconcepts,theydonotsupersedeanylaws,rules,orpolicies/proceduresdirectlyapplicabletoStateofIndianaemployees,supervisors,andworkplaces.ForState-specifictraining,clickhereforSPD’strainingcatalog.
• The Core Supervisor Training Programisa12coursecurriculumavailabletoenhancetheskillsetmanagersandsupervisorsneedtoworkeffectivelyandefficientlywithinouragencies.Topicsinclude:managingconflict,discipline,discrimination,documentation,firingandhiring,performanceevaluations,privacy,sexualharassmentandviolence.Afteryouhavecompletedthiscourseyoucanprintacertificateofcompletionforyourrecord.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothisprogramcanbefoundhere.
• Enhanced Supervisor Program Theother20coursesareavailablealacarteorbyregisteringintheEnhancedSupervisorTrainingProgram.Topicsinclude:dealingwithchange,conflictresolution,effectivecommunicationforsupervisors,motivatingemployees,
problemsolving,andtimemanagementforsupervisors.Afteryouhavecompletedthiscourseyoucanprintacertificateofcompletionforyourrecord.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothisprogramcanbefoundhere.
Toensurethestateisprovidingthehighestlevelofservicetoallcustomers,aspecialcollectionoftrainingsareavailabletohelpanyemployeewhowishestoadvancetheirskills.• LookfortheBLRCustomer
ServiceLibrarytohelpyouexpandonyourabilitiestomeetandexceedcustomerexpectations.Someofthesetopicsinclude:businesswriting,connectingwithcustomers,bestemailpractices,teambuilding,timeandstressmanagementandmaintainingapositiveattitude.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothesecoursescanbefoundhere.
• LookfortheBLRHealthandSafetyLibrarytohelpyoulearnwhysafetyissuchanimportantworkplaceissueandhowyoucantakeanactiveroleinpromotingworkplacesafetyandhealth.Someofthesetopicsinclude:avoidingbackinjuries,basicfirstaid,officeergonomics,slips,trips,andfalls,andworkplacesafetyforemployees.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothesecoursescanbefoundhere.
Enrollmentislimitedforeachtypeoftraining,soenrolltodaybyloggingintoPeopleSoftELM.Instructionsonhowtoregisterarepostedaboveoronlineatin.gov/spd/2391.htm.Questionscanbedirectedtospdtraining@spd.in.govandadditionaltraininginformationforstateemployeescanbelocatedatwww.in.gov/spd/2331.htm
CommuterConnectisafreeservicetoanystateemployeewholivesorworksinBoone,Hamilton,Hancock,Hendricks,Johnson,Madison,Marion,MorganandShelbyCounties.
Alternativewaystogettoworkinclude:carpool,ridethebus,joinorstartavanpool,rideyourbikeorwalk.Allofthesesaveyoumoneyandarehealthierwaystogettowork.
AllStateEmployeeswholiveorworkinoneoftheabovecountiesareeligibleforaFreeEmergencyRidehomebenefitforthosewhoridetoworkwithaminimumofoneotherperson(includingspousesandrelatives),peoplewhoridetheirbike,takethebus,walkorrideinavanpoolonaverageofthreedaysaweek.JustsignupwithCommuterConnecttoreceivethisbenefit.
So,howdoyougetstarted?Ifyoualreadyusealternativetransportationtowork,makesureyoulogitwithCommuterConnectonline.Wouldyouliketocarpool,vanpoolorrideyourbike,ifyoujustknewsomeoneelsewholivednearyou?WellCommuterConnecthelpsmatchyouupwithothersyoucancommutewithfreeofcharge.
OctoberisCommuterChallengeMonthsomakesureyoulogyouralternativecommuteonourwebsiteduringthemonth.Thereareweeklyprizesincludingthechancetowintwograndprizedrawingsfora$500cashgiftcardandiPad.Themoreyoulogyourcommute,themorechancesyouhavetowin.Visitthewebsiteformoredetails.
Formoreinformationgotowww.commuterconnect.usorcall317-327-RIDE(7433).
The Torch9
Guides help Hoosiers find local dairy, meat and poultry products
BOAH
Areyoulookingforsourcesoflocalfoodsbeyondtheweeklyfarmersmarket?Ifso,twonewguidesarenowavailabletohelplocatemeat,poultryanddairyproductsprocessedhereintheHoosierState.
TheIndianaStateBoardofAnimalHealth(BOAH)haspublishedthe2013versionsoftheIndianaMeat&PoultryBuyer’sGuideandtheIndianaDairyProductBuyer’sGuide.Eachguidelistscontactinformation,locationandthetypesofproductseachsellerproduces,includingmanyspecialtyornicheproductsthatmaynotbeavailableelsewhere,likejerkyandbratsorgoat’smilkcheese.
Theguides,initiallydistributedbyBOAH,servetohighlightthewidearrayoflocalfoodsavailableacrossthestate.Andsomeconsumersarealittlesurprisedatwhattheylearn.
“Localfoodsdonothavetocomefromafarmer’smarket,”saidDougMetcalf,DairyDivisionDirectorforBOAH.“ManyHoosiersdonotrealizehowmanynationalbrandsofdairyproductsareraisedandbottledrighthereinIndiana.OnegreatexampleisthefluidmilkandicecreamyoubuyinyourlocalKrogerstore—itcomesfromIndianafarmsandispackagedinIndianapolis.”
Otherwidelyknownbrands,likeReddi-Whip,Dean’s,andPrairieFarms,arealsomadehereathome.“Mostpeopledon’tknowthatIndianaisactuallythesecond-leadingproduceroficecreaminthenation,”Metcalfexplained.“TheEdy’sicecreamplanthereisoneofthelargestintheworld.”
ThequalityofIndianaproductsrunsdeep,withsmallerIndiana-baseddairies,likeDeutchKaseHausandCaprioleDairy,enjoyingregionaland
nationalrecognitionfortheirproducts.
Meanwhile,foodsafetyisatoppriorityfortheinspectorsattheBoardofAnimalHealth.
“Ourinspectorsareworking,everyday,acrossthestate,toensureIndiana’smeatanddairyproductsarewholesomeandsafetoeat,”saidIndianaStateVeterinarianBretD.Marsh,DVM,wholeadstheagency.“Theseguidesareawaytointroduceconsumerstothegreatfoodproductsbeingproducedinthefacilitiesweinspect.”
AsthestateagencyresponsibleforIndiana’sdairyprogram,BOAHstaffmembersinspectall1200-plusdairyfarms,aswellasprocessingfacilitiesthatbottlemilkandmanufacturecheese,icecreamandotherdairyproducts.BOAHalsoinspectsmeatandpoultryprocessingplantsaspartofthestateinspectionprogram.State-inspectedfacilitiesmustmeetallofthesafetyandsanitationrequirementsasthoseinspectedbythefederalgovernment.Becausethefederalinspectionsystemisscaledtohandlelargerprocessingoperations,BOAHfillsagapbyprovidinginspectionfor126smallHoosierbusinessesthatoffereconomicopportunitiesinruralregionsofthestate.
Inturn,Hoosierscanenjoyawiderangeofspecialtyproductsthatarenotwidelyavailable,likeduck,bratsandbuffalojerky.Theseprocessorsalsoprovidecustom-cutmeats,fromtheindividualcuttothesideofbeeforporktofillafamilyfreezer.
BOAHisattheStatehouseMarketonOct.3withcopiesoftheguides.Or,theycanbedownloadedfromtheBOAHwebsite.
Governor appoints new leadership
Governor appointments
OnSept.6,GovernorMikePencenamedSeanKeeferashisLegislativeDirector,SarahTaylorastheExecutiveDirectorofHoosierLottery,andTristanVanceasDirectoroftheOfficeofEnergyDevelopment.
SeanKeefernowservesasLegislativeDirectorintheOfficeoftheGovernor.HejoinstheGovernor’slegislativeteamthatincludesformerStateRepresentativeJeffEspich,whoservesasSeniorLegislativeAdvisor.Withextensivepublicserviceexperience,KeefercurrentlyservesasCommissioneroftheIndianaDepartmentofLabor.UndertheDanielsadministration,heservedasDeputyCommissionerofLabor,aswellasLegislativeDirectorandPublicInformationOfficer.Previously,KeeferservedasChiefofStaffintheIndianaStateDepartmentofHealth(ISDH)andDeputySecretaryofStateandChiefofStaffintheIndianaSecretaryofState’sOffice.Priortojoiningstategovernment,KeeferworkedastheDirectorofGlobalHealth&SciencePolicyfortheAmericanCollegeofSportsMedicineandinthepublicaffairsdivisionofBosePublicAffairs.Keefer,ofFishers,earnedhisundergraduatedegreefromHillsdaleCollegeandhisgraduatedegreefromIndianaUniversity.
SarahTaylorwillserveasExecutiveDirectoroftheHoosierLotterybeginningtoday.TayloristhecurrentDirectorofConstituentServicesforthe48thMayorofIndianapolis,GregoryA.Ballard.TwiceelectedastheMarionCountyClerk,wheresheservedforeightyears,sheactedasthechieffinancialofficerforcourtreceiptsincludingchildsupportmoniesandaschiefelectionofficialforIndianapolis/MarionCounty.AnIndiananative,Taylor,ofIndianapolis,earnedherundergraduatedegreefromIndianaUniversity.
The Torch 10
INDOT - Fort Wayne DistrictTheFirstAnnualGolfOutingisscheduledMonday,October14atMagicHillsGolfCourse,whichislocatedoffofSR9,northofColumbiaCity.Thisisabest-balltournamentwithashotgunstart.Greenfeeis$25,whichincludescart,18holesofgolf,alightmealanda$5donationtoSECC.Prizeswillbeawardedforwinningteam,longestdriveandclosesttothepin.Bringyour4-memberteams,andenjoyourColumbusHolidayplayinggolfwithyourcoworkers,whileweraisemoneyforaworthycause!FormoreinformationandtoRSVP,contactDennisWarnickatdwarnick@indot.in.govorcall260-341-5919nolaterthanOctober7.
INDOT - LaPorte DistrictEveryMonday,abakesaleisheldinthedstrictofficelobbystartingat8a.m.OnOctober9,anacholunchstartsat11a.m.(centraltime)intheDistrictOfficelargeconferenceroom.
Online accounts to help with planning
Open Enrollment help
Tohelpyouprepareforopenenrollment,bothAnthemandExpressScriptshavewaystotrackofyourhealthcareexpenses.BothExpressScripts(formerlyMedco)andAnthemwebsitesmakeiteasyforyou.
Asourpharmacybenefitprovider,ExpressScript’swebsiteissetupsothatyoucanviewallyourprescriptioninformationinoneplace.Fromhere,youcantallyupallyourprescriptioncostseitherthroughapharmacyorthroughExpressScripts.
Logontoexpress-scripts.com®:• Activateyouraccountforsecureaccesstotoolsthathelpyoumanageyourprescriptionplan
• Trackyourprescriptionspending• Comparethecostofamedicationfora30vs.90-daysupply
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• Orderprescriptionsonline• Getthelatestdrug,healthandwellnessinformation
Anthemprovidesasimilarserviceformedicalandvisionspending.Logontoanthem.com:•Viewmedicaleligibilityandbenefits•Trackthebenefitsanddeductionsyouand/oryourdependentshaveusedto-date
•Checkthestatusofhealthclaims•ComparethecostandqualityofaprocedureorservicesthroughAnthem’sCareComparison
•Viewvisioneligibilityandbenefits•Trackyourvisionclaims
GetyourAnthemIDcardhandyandclickheretoactivateanaccount.
SECC Special EventsOnSeptember4theStateEmployees’CommunityCampaign(SECC)officallybeganwiththetheme“Indiana:AStatethatGives”givenbychairman Lt. Governor Sue EllspermannStateagenciesarealreadyhostingspecialeventstoraisemoneytoreachourgoalof$1.3M.Belowisoneofthoseeventsandothertocome:
The Indiana Veteran’s Home held a bake sale to raise money for Honor Flight — an organization that helps transport veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice. Holly Frey and Kim Mosson (pictured) lead the sale and raised more than $400, which is enough money to sponsor a guardian on an upcoming Honor Flight.
The Torch11
Date(s) Time(s) Name of Agency Location/City
Oct.1&2 11am-7pm PlainfieldCorrectionalFacility/RDC
737MoonRoad,Plainfield,IN46168
Oct.1&2 2pm-7pm RockvilleCorrectional 811W50N,Rockville,IN47872
Oct.15&16 2pm-7pm WabashValleyCorrectional 6908S.OldHwy41,Carlisle,IN47838
Oct.16&17 8am-4pm IGC-South,ConferenceRMB IndianapolisOct.17 9am-11am TippecanoeCounty(DCS) 250MainStreet,Suite301,Lafayette,IN47901Oct.18 2pm-7pm PendletonJuvenileCorrectional 9310SouthStateRoad67,Pendleton,IN46064
Oct.21 11am-1pmCST
LakeCounty(DCS) 661Broadway,Gary,IN46402
Oct.22 9am-11am DelawareCounty(DCS) 3600W.KilgoreAve.,Suite600,Muncie,IN47304
Oct.22 10am-1pmCST
INDOTLaPorte 315EBoydBlvd.,LaPorte,IN46350
Oct.22&23 2pm-7pm CorrectionalIndustrialFacility 5124WestReformatoryRd.,Pendleton,IN46064
Oct.23 11am-2pm MarionCounty(DCS) 4150N.KeystoneAve,Indianapolis,IN46205Oct.23 8am-10am INDOTFowler 600S.Grant,Fowler,IN47944Oct.24 8am-4pm Statehouse Indianapolis
Oct.24&25 2pm-7pm PendletonCorrectionalFacility 4490WestReformatoryRd.,Pendleton,IN46064
Oct.29 8am-11am INDOTCrawfordsville 41W.300N.,Crawfordsville,IN47933Oct.31 8am-10am INDOTFrankfort 1675WStateRd28,Frankfort,IN46041Nov.5&6 3pm-7pm PutnamvilleCorrecitonalFacility 1946WestUSHwy40,Greencastle,IN46135Nov.6 8am-10am INDOTCloverdale 10HighSt.,Cloverdale,IN46120Nov.7 8am-10am INDOTTerreHaute 5693E.SonyDrive,TerreHaute,IN47801Nov.13 10am-2pm DepartmentofRevenue 7811MilhouseRd.,Indianapolis,IN46241StePNov.13 9am-11am INDOTSeymour 185AgricoLane,Seymour,IN47274
Flu shot clinics around the state: