We are excited to share with you that our 2024 Open Enrollment marks the 10th anniversary of our Kern Legacy Health Plans. While the health care industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, Kern Legacy Health Plans continues to make great achievements and significant progress, all while providing our members with the “white-glove” service they deserve. We take pride in being seen as a trusted and reliable health plan care administrator. Our focus will continue to be on working hard to make your health care needs our top priority. Don’t forget Open Enrollment is the only time of the year you can make changes to your current benefits without a permitting event. Protect yourself by reviewing your benefits to make sure they work for you. For information regarding our health plans, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or contact Kern County Health & Wellness at 661-868-3182. FALL 2023 Kern Legacy Health Plans ● A uniquely designed, two-tiered benefit health plan. ● Extensive network of Kern County providers. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● A high-deductible health plan. ● Health savings account (HSA) for eligible members. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● Both in-network and out-of-network benefits. ● Nationwide coverage from the Anthem Network. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. ● A low deductible with 20% co-insurance. ● Nationwide coverage from the Anthem Network. ● Self-insured health plan with claims paid directly by Kern County. 2024 Open Enrollment: October 9 - November 9, 2023 A DECADE OF Thank you for trusting us with your health care needs CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARY TH COMMITMENT TO YOU
Mammography: 4 facts to know Confused about mammograms? It’s no surprise. With all the contradictory information out there, you may wonder when you need a mammogram—or even if you do. Take a deep breath. Here are four key facts about these breast x-rays you can trust. 1. Mammograms are still No. 1 for early detection. They may spot a tumor up to three years before it’s big enough to feel. Treatment is more likely to be a success when breast cancer is caught early. This doesn’t mean mammograms are perfect. They may miss some cancers or cause false alarms. But all medical tests have limitations. 2. You have a choice about when to be screened. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests these mammogram guidelines: ● At age 40: You may choose to get yearly mammograms. ● At age 45: Get yearly mammograms. ● At age 55: You may continue with yearly mammograms or choose to get one every other year. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you. And remember: Your preferences matter. 3. You probably don’t need the extra protection of an MRI. The ACS advises women at high risk for breast cancer—for example, those with certain genetic mutations—to get an MRI plus a mammogram. But for women at average risk, MRIs aren’t necessary. 4. Most callbacks aren’t cancer. If doctors see something suspicious on your mammogram, they’ll ask you to return for a repeat x-ray or other tests. Try not to be alarmed. According to the ACS, about half of the women getting annual mammograms over a 10-year period will have a false-positive finding at some point. What to know about breast lumps Not all lumps are cancerous If you discover a lump in your breast, what’s the first thing you should do? Just breathe—and keep this in mind: Breast lumps are quite common, and most of them are noncancerous (benign). Still, just to be sure, the second thing to do is see your health care provider. They can explore all the possibilities of what’s causing your lump and hopefully put your mind at ease. Breast lump basics A variety of natural hormonal changes—including menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause—can cause lumpy breasts. So can having an infection, being overweight, breastfeeding and taking birth control pills. Breast lumps can also result from a number of benign conditions, such as the following: Adenosis. In this condition, the milk-producing glands of the breast, called lobules, become enlarged. Cysts. Tender lumps filled with fluid, they are typically round and movable and might be more noticeable just before your period. Fat necrosis. Round and hard, these lumps form when fatty tissue in the breast turns hard. This condition is mostly seen in very overweight women or those who’ve had a breast injury. Breast surgery or radiation treatment to the breast can also cause fat necrosis. Fibroadenomas. Marble-like, these round, small lumps can be moved around in your breast. They are usually firm or rubbery and are common in younger women. Fibrocystic breast changes. These can cause tissue in the breast to feel lumpy or rubbery. Get it checked out Again, chances are that any breast lump you discover is not cancer. But it’s always good to find out for sure. Another reason to see your health care provider is that there are treatments for painful benign lumps, which your provider can recommend. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; Radiological Society of North America MAKING AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR NEXT MAMMOGRAM ONLY TAKES A MINUTE. Annual screenings for women ages 40 and over are covered by your Kern Legacy Health Plan at no cost to you. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card for a list of contracted providers. October
Know the facts about an enlarged prostate If you’re an older man and urinary problems are making life uncomfortable, an enlarged prostate may be the culprit. It affects more than 50% of men ages 51 to 69 and up to 90% of men over 80. This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What is the prostate? This male reproductive gland makes fluid that is part of semen. It lies just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. BPH can cause urinary symptoms because: ● The prostate presses against the bladder and pinches the urethra. ● Your bladder muscle gets weaker because it has to work harder to pass urine. BPH symptoms include: ● Frequent urination, day and night. ● Urgent need to urinate. ● Difficulty starting a urine stream. ● A weak or interrupted stream. ● Dribbling at the end of urination. ● Accidental leakage (urinary incontinence). ● Pain while urinating or ejaculating. ● Urine with an odd color or smell. NOTE: Get medical help right away if you can’t urinate, have a fever or chills, have pain in your belly or urinary tract, or have blood in your urine. Is it BPH or something else? BPH does not increase your risk for prostate cancer. But you can have both BPH and cancer at the same time. It’s best to get a clear diagnosis either way. Your health care provider may perform a rectal exam to check the size and shape of the prostate gland and do urine tests for a bladder infection, diabetes or certain kidney disorders. You may also need a study to see how well the bladder and urethra are working. Talk with your provider about whether using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is appropriate for screening you for prostate cancer. BPH may elevate PSA levels, which can raise questions about the next tests and treatments to take, along with their relevant risks and benefits. Men 70 and older should not be routinely screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test. Treatment For mild cases, lifestyle changes can help. You can: ● Drink less before bedtime or travel. ● Cut back on caffeinated beverages and alcohol. ● Do training and exercises to control your urine flow. ● Prevent or treat constipation. Medications can treat mild to moderate symptoms of BPH by stopping prostate growth, shrinking it or relaxing muscles to improve urine flow. In severe cases, medical procedures or surgery can provide relief. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; MedlinePlus; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; UpToDate DID YOU KNOW? Your Kern Legacy Health Plan covers preventive care visits with no cost-sharing when obtained from a contracted provider. For a list of your plan’s contracted providers, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the customer service number on the back of your ID card. Prostate-specific antigen test A blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others. PSA levels also can be affected by: ● Certain medical procedures. ● Certain medications. ● An enlarged prostate. ● A prostate infection. Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results. If the PSA test is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to find out if you have prostate cancer. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SEPTEMBER PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
When the flu becomes an emergency For many of us, having a bad case of the flu can be a miserable experience. But sometimes the flu can be more than just an annoying sickness. It can be downright dangerous. How the flu can be severe Although it takes a few days to a week or two, most people recover from the flu, which is a viral respiratory infection. But some people develop severe and potentially lifethreatening complications, like pneumonia. The flu can also lead to dehydration. And it can make other health problems a person may already have, like asthma or heart disease, worse. Although anyone can develop flu complications, people at higher risk include adults over age 65, younger children and pregnant women. People with underlying health conditions—such as diabetes or heart, kidney or lung disease—are also at higher risk. Warning signs of a flu emergency If you have flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, body aches and a sore throat) and you’re in a high-risk group, ask your doctor about antiviral medicines. When started early, they may help you recover sooner. You should also pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical care right away if you have signs or symptoms of a flu emergency, which can include: ● Trouble breathing or fast breathing in children. ● Chest pain. ● Dizziness or confusion. ● Severe muscle pain, which can be bad enough to affect walking. ● Seizures. ● A fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens. ● In children, a fever above 104 degrees or, in infants younger than 12 weeks, any fever. ● Dehydration. Signs include not urinating, having a dry mouth and having no tears when crying. ● A worsening of chronic health conditions. Is it an emergency? If you’re not sure whether your flu illness rises to the level of an emergency, call your primary care provider or visit the nearest emergency room. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Red Cross; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FREE FLU SHOT CLINIC: All active County employees and their qualifying dependents are invited to come and receive a free flu shot. This service will be offered to you during our Employee Health Fair on Friday, Oct. 27. Bring your health care card and take full advantage of all the services and information offered to you. Don’t forget to enter our raffles! WHY KIDS NEED A FLU VACCINE If you’re wondering if your child really needs a flu shot, consider these facts: Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines are both options for vaccination. The flu is MORE DANGEROUS to kids than the common cold. Every year millions of kids get sick with the flu, THOUSANDS ARE HOSPITALIZED from it and some even die from the flu. Children younger than 5 years old and those with long-term health problems like asthma and diabetes are at HIGH RISK OF FLU-RELATED COMPLICATIONS. Those include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. WHEN AND HOW TO VACCINATE Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to prevent it. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine every year.
TIA: Take this warning seriously Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a stroke go away almost as swiftly as they arrive. But that doesn’t mean the danger has passed. Brief stroke symptoms can be caused by a TIA—short for transient ischemic attack. Like a regular stroke, a TIA happens when the brain’s blood supply is blocked by a clot. A TIA usually lasts only for a few minutes—the blockage dissolves on its own. As a result, a TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage or disability. However, a TIA is a warning. It means you’re at risk for a full-blown stroke. The good news? After a TIA, treatment can help prevent future strokes. So if you think you may have had a TIA in the past, tell your doctor. And remember this, should you ever experience the signs and symptoms of a stroke: Don’t wait for them to pass. Call 911 right away. There’s no way to know whether you’re having a TIA or a stroke—and the latter could kill or paralyze you if you don’t get immediate help. The signs and symptoms of both stroke and TIA come on suddenly and include: ● Trouble talking or understanding others. ● A severe, unexplained headache. ● Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. ● Numbness or weakness on one side of the body. ● Dizziness. Sources: American Stroke Association; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5 ways to lower your risk of stroke This may seem obvious, but it’s true: No one wants to have a stroke. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of adult disability. That’s why taking steps to prevent a stroke is so important. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off. This causes brain cells to die. Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy is very important if you want to lower your risk of a stroke. (Many heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, increase your risk of having a stroke.) Some things are out of your control when it comes to avoiding a stroke, such as your age or family history of stroke. But the good news is that there are at least five ways to help lower your chance of having a stroke: 1. Eat a healthy diet. Fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also choose foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Avoid excess salt. 2. Watch your weight. Too many pounds raise your risk of a stroke. Aim to keep your body mass index (BMI) in a healthy range. Your doctor can tell you how much you should weigh. 3. Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising is one of the best ways to protect against a stroke. It lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure levels and helps you maintain a healthy weight. 4. If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Smoking increases the risk for stroke in numerous ways. Your doctor can help you quit. 5. Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. Following tips one through four above can help keep your blood pressure under control. So can taking medicine to lower your pressure, if needed. Know the warning signs of stroke Stroke is a medical emergency, and it requires immediate treatment. If you or anyone you know experiences signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
DID YOU KNOW? It is Kern County’s responsibility to process eligibility documents received in a timely manner and adhere to rules established by the Plan Document, the Procedures Manual, and policies adopted by the Board of Supervisors. However, it is the employees’ responsibility to notify Kern County Health & Wellness of any changes in eligibility for themselves or their dependents. Here are a few reminders: Marriage. You have 30 days to add a new spouse to your health plans. Divorce. Ex-spouses are not eligible and must be removed from coverage immediately upon the date the judgment indicates the divorce is final. An employee will be liable for any benefits paid to an ineligible person. The Plan has the right to offset the amounts paid against the participant’s future medical benefits. Newborn children. You have 60 days to add a newborn onto your health plans. We strongly recommend you add your newborn as soon as possible, as claims can not be paid until your newborn is added to your health plans. Child reaches the age of 26 years. Your child will be automatically removed from your health plan on the last day of the month of their 26th birthday. Employees who have disabled dependents age 26 or older are responsible for submitting periodic certifications of their dependent’s status and other documentation as requested by Kern County Health & Wellness. Failure to timely submit the documentation will cause coverage to be retroactively canceled for the dependent(s). An overage disabled dependent cannot be re-enrolled at a future date if removed from the plan at any time. Please review the Health Benefits Eligibility Policy for additional permitting events and for the required supporting documentation needed. Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans Important benefit reminders Dependents who become ineligible must be removed by the employee to avoid incurring a financial obligation for benefits received by an ineligible dependent. Failure to comply with your obligations may result in your spouse and/or dependent to lose the right to obtain COBRA continuation coverage. For questions regarding COBRA or eligibility, call the customer service number on the back of your ID card or visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com.
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