WGAT-Participant-Newsletter-April-18-ENG-EMAIL

Q&A WGAT Questions and Answers

National Observances - Three Actions You Should Do This Season

April - Stress Awareness Month

WG AT Your Service is a quarterly publication distributed to all participants of the WGAT health plan. It is published by: Western Growers Assurance Trust 15525 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618 Please direct any inquiries or story ideas to the editors below. Senior Editor: Natalie Krosel - nkrosel@wgat.com Editor and Writer: Cher Knebel - cknebel@wgat.com Contributing Writers: Bre Luhrsen- bluhrsen@wgat.com and Anthony Cano - acano@wgat.com Customer Service: Our representatives are available to assist you, Monday - Friday, 7am - 5:30pm (PST) (800) 777-7898 Starting this issue, we are launching a new Q&A column to address some of the most frequently asked questions we receive through our customer service number at (800) 777-7898. Q : Are acupuncture benefits included as part of the Nicotine Cessation or Weight Loss Programs? A: At this time, acupuncture benefits are only covered for health plan participants with a pain management condition. Benefits are paid based upon the allowed services described in your Summary Plan Benefits. Q: Why does my statement frommy doctor show that my benefits were denied after my recent doctor visit? I gave the office staff my WGAT insurance card and I know the doctor is part of the Anthem Blue Cross network... A: When seeing a health care provider for the first time, be sure to point out that your insurance is provided through Western Growers Assurance Trust using the Anthem BlueCross, Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Arizona or First Health Network. A denial of your claim may be the result, especially with professional providers such as specialists and surgeons. If this occurs, call the provider or facility immediately and tell them WGAT is your insurance carrier or have them call the WGAT customer service line at (800) 777- 7898 to reprocess or verify benefits.

Stress can play a major factor in our day-to- day lives, but how we decide to cope with stress determines how much control we allow stress to have over our lives. Here are some tips that may help you better cope: · Set Goals and Priorities. Make to-do lists at work and at home to prioritize what must get done and what can wait. Remember, it’s ok to say no if you feel like you are taking on too much and starting to feel burned out and overloaded with tasks. · Try a Relaxing Activity. Meditation, yoga, tai chi and other soothing exercises The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health is sponsoring the 19th Annual National Women’s Health Week, May 13-19, 2018. This initiative is to empower and inform women to make their health a priority. Here are some ways you can take part in National Women’s Health Week: · Schedule a Check-up. Maintaining annual check-ups is one of the most important ways to improve a woman’s health. Make some time during this week to contact your doctor’s office to schedule a check-up and ask what preventative screenings are recommended for you ( screenings vary by age ). The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to increase awareness of preventable health issues and encourage men to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The following are ways to get involved in June for Men’s Health Month: · Eat Healthy. Make a conscious decision to eat healthier for the entire month. Cut out fast food and make a trip to the grocery store to buy healthier options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and other lean meats. · Get Moving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office, enjoy a long walk with your dog, or do yard work to stay active daily. Make sure you choose an activity that will keep you motivated and get you moving towards better health.

can be great for your health and help balance stress. Separate studies done through UCLA, the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, and the University of Oregon have showed that practicing meditation at least 12 minutes a day can have positive and lasting effects on reducing stress. · Exercise Regularly. Staying active can help boost your mood and reduce your stress levels. At least 30 minutes of exercise a day will increase endorphins, clear your head of the day's frustrations, and help regulate your sleep pattern. · Avoid Unhealthy Behaviors. Use this week to set new health goals and drop unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, indulging in fast food and consuming sugary drinks. Get information on nicotine cessation programs, pack and prepare healthy meals for the week, and drink water instead of soda. · Pay Attention to Your Mental Health. The quality of mental health is a very important factor of a woman’s overall health. If you feel too stressed, take the time to peruse the Womenshealth.gov website for resources on stress management.

May 13th - 19th - National Women’s Health Week

June - Men’s Health Month

· Make Prevention a Priority. Most health conditions can be prevented and detected early if you maintain regular check-ups with your doctor. These regular screenings can include vital information regarding blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor this month and keep a regular schedule for health screening appointments.

APRIL 2018 –WG AT Your Service

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