Embrace a New You in the New Year

By: TRISH ELLIOTT, VP, People Services and Systems

Pacific Dental Services is proud to offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package for eligible team members and families. But despite our best efforts, sometimes these benefits are underutilized. In 2022, only 56% of eligible team members took advantage of the adult and pediatric preventative medical services and wellness exams that are completely covered at no cost to you under all PDS-provided Anthem medical plans. To help support you in your overall health and well-being goals, here are some reminders of how you can embrace a new you in the new year.

Preventive care includes immunizations for influenza, HPV, COVID-19 and shingles to name a few in addition to 100% covered screenings for:

• Blood pressure

• Breast cancer including mammograms

• Cholesterol and lipid (fat)

• Colorectal cancer and colonoscopy

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Hearing and vision

• Hepatitis B and C

• HPV

100% covered preventive services when seeing an in-network provider also include:

• Alcohol and behavioral counseling

• Bone density test for osteoporosis

• Cholesterol and lipid (fat) screenings

• Interpersonal and domestic violence screening and counseling

• Tobacco counseling

• Well-woman visits

• FDA-approved contraceptive services

• Pelvic exams and Pap test

• Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling

To see a complete list of all exams, screenings and tests, view Anthem’s preventive care benefits page.

Additional Benefit Reminders

Smile Generation Dental Plan

All PDS team members and eligible dependents are enrolled in the Smile Generation Dental Plan for dental and orthodontia services. As a result of your feedback, we have adjusted this year’s plan to include a flat fee schedule for all treatment options instead of a percentage discount off the usual and customary rates. This ensures you know exactly what you will be charged regardless of what supported practice you visit. As a reminder, there is no plan deductible and all preventive and diagnostic services such as routine GP and Specialty exams, cleaning, polishing and cone-beam computed tomography and traditional X-rays are offered at no charge. Please view the 2023 Open Enrollment Guide (page 18-19) for treatment rates and most upto-date benefit information.

Future Moms and Dads Program

Each pregnancy is different and parents-to-be who are wellinformed can make decisions that may result in healthier and happier pregnancies and babies. Future Moms (and Dads) is a free supplemental program through Anthem that can answer your questions, help you make good choices and follow your health care provider’s plan of care.

All team members who are enrolled in a PDS medical plan are eligible to participate in this program and are encouraged to sign up as soon as you receive the news that you’re pregnant. Team members enrolled during their first trimester will receive a $500 Amazon gift card and Smile Generation onesie. Team members enrolled during their second trimester will receive a $250 Amazon gift card and Smile Generation onesie (pictured above) upon completion of a post-partum assessment.

The program offers the following benefits:

• A toll-free number to speak with a nurse coach 24/7 about your pregnancy

• A screening to check your health risk for depression and early delivery

• A Welcome Kit which includes informational guides, a Maternity Care Diary, and the Mayo Clinic “Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” book

• Free phone calls with pharmacists, nutritionists and other specialists

• Other helpful tools and information to support you through pregnancy, preparation, labor and delivery

Dr. Patel’s daughter, Naaya Sarla Sukla

As a first-time mom, the experience can be exciting and nerve-wracking to say the least. With the Future Moms Program through Anthem, I was able to get support with any questions I had during and after my pregnancy. It was nice having a nurse check in on me throughout my pregnancy.

- Seema Patel, DMD, Owner Dentist

Team Member Discount Programs

Team members can access discount programs year-round (no waiting for Open Enrollment) for everything from Costco and health club memberships to entertainment parks, sporting events, travel and, yes, even electronic toothbrushes.

For more information, please visit the Benefits page and Tickets at Work website.