Scoop july 2017

email : Webview : Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy

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Friday, July 7, 2017

Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy SEANC learned this week that members in the western part of the state are facing increased health care costs because of an ongoing contract dispute between Mission Health System, which operates six hospitals and other facilities in Asheville and surrounding areas, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the state’s largest insurance provider.

BCBSNC administers the State Health Plan, so all state employees and retirees it covers will be affected by the dispute.

After six months of negotiation, Mission officials informed BCBSNC this week that it will leave the network effective Oct. 5, becoming the only system in North Carolina outside of the State Health Plan’s network. This means that plan members will be charged out-of-

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy

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network rates should they need care at a Mission facility. BCBSNC will continue to provide emergency care at in-network rates.

SEANC and the State Treasurer’s Office continue to monitor the situation, and will provide information as it becomes available. In the meantime, members in the western part of the state should contact their doctors to see if they will be leaving the Blue Cross Clue Shield of North Carolina network.

More information on the issue, as well as a list of possible alternative facilities and providers, can be found here.

Complete dependent coverage audit by July 31!

The State Health Plan (Plan) is currently conducting a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit for members who cover dependents under the age of 75.

It is VERY important that all members with dependents take action on this by July 31!

Failure to respond and produce the required documentation will result in termination of dependents’ coverage under the plan effective August 1, 2017.

Some members have had difficulty navigating the upload process. To help, the Plan has created videos that guide members through each step. The videos along with Frequently Asked Questions and other resources are available on the Plan’s audit website at https://shp.nctreasurer.com/Pages/Dependent-Eligibility-Verification-AuditInformation.aspx.

The Plan has conducted audits in the past. But they never saved the documents for future verification. That is why this audit is being conducted digitally.

“There should be a way, once I tell how old my son is, for the State Health Plan to determine his eligibility,” Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, said in a recent interview. “But right now, that isn’t always possible. So we’re doing this audit now, and getting this information digitally, so we don’t have to ask for the same document in the future.”

Make the switch to bank draft now!

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3emap/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy

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Last week, we detailed how in the closing days of the legislative session SEANC was able to thwart several attempts to take away your right to have SEANC dues, insurance premiums and other payments easily deducted from your paycheck.

We’re all fooling ourselves if we think the threat is over, though. We fully expect it to come up again. Legislators on both sides of the aisle have used this threat to take away your voice in the past.

SEANC is asking all members to consider switching over to bank draft, where payments are pulled from members’ bank accounts each month instead of their paychecks, NOW. We have launched a contest to incentivize members to make the switch! We will give away 25 prizes of $1,000 to randomly selected members who have made the switch to bank draft or annual pay by the SEANC Convention. Five winners will be selected from each region. Anyone who has switched to bank draft or annual pay by the convention will be entered into the drawing. The 25 winners will be selected at the convention on stage.

Additionally, everyone who makes the switch by July 1 will be entered into a drawing for $500!

If you haven’t already, please visit apo.seanc.org to switch over to bank draft today!

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3emap/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy

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SEANC Scholarship Foundation Bowl-a-Thon on July 22 Love to bowl or just want to support the SEANC Scholarship Foundation? Join us for the annual SEANC Scholarship Bowl-a-Thon on July 22 at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh from 1-3 p.m or 3-5 pm. There will also be a silent auction with tickets to the NC Aquarium, Carolina Mudcats, Ripley’s Aquarium, theme parks, gift baskets and much more!

Register to bowl at https://www.seanc.org/seanc-bowl-a-thon or just come out to enjoy the event and support the Scholarship Foundation! Every member of the family can bowl, and the registration fee is $20 for an individual or $100 for a team (up to 6 bowlers) to play or sponsor a lane for $300. Proceeds will go towards educational scholarships for SEANC members and their dependents.

Questions? Email Carri Derrick.

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email : Webview : Dispute puts health services in west in jeopardy

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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Friday, July 14, 2017

A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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This week, with a week to regroup following a whirlwind of a close of the 2017 legislative session, SEANC’s Government Relations Department takes a look back at the issues that affected state employees and retirees in the session.

Click above to get the inside scoop on the budget debate, the dues deduction bill fight and more from SEANC lobbyists Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, Amanda Finelli, David Collins, Flint Benson and Tony Booe.

Also, be sure to tune into WRAL-TV’s Education Matters at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday for an interview with Watkins and leaders from other groups. They’ll tackle the problems of eroding retirement benefits, increasing health care costs and stagnant pay that have taken their toll on North Carolina’s public sector employees.

Complete dependent coverage audit by July 31!

The State Health Plan (Plan) is currently conducting a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit for members who cover dependents under the age of 75.

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3a7bp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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It is VERY important that all members with dependents take action on this by July 31! Failure to respond and produce the required documentation will result in termination of dependents’ coverage under the plan effective August 1, 2017.

Some members have had difficulty navigating the upload process. To help, the Plan has created videos that guide members through each step. The videos along with Frequently Asked Questions and other resources are available on the Plan’s audit website at https://shp.nctreasurer.com/Pages/DependentEligibility-Verification-Audit-Information.aspx.

The Plan has conducted audits in the past. But they never saved the documents for future verification.

That is why this audit is being conducted digitally.

“There should be a way, once I tell how old my son is, for the State Health Plan to determine his eligibility,” Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, said in a recent interview. “But right now, that isn’t always possible. So we’re doing this audit now, and getting this information digitally, so we don’t have to ask for the same document in the future.”

Make the switch to bank draft now!

Last week, we detailed how in the closing days of the legislative session SEANC was able to thwart several attempts to take away your right to have SEANC dues, insurance premiums and other payments easily deducted from your paycheck.

SEANC is asking all members to consider switching over to bank draft, where payments are pulled from members’ bank accounts each month instead of their paychecks, NOW. We have launched a contest to incentivize members to make the switch! We will give away 25 prizes of $1,000 to randomly selected members who have made the switch to bank draft or annual pay by the SEANC Convention. Five winners will be selected from each region. Anyone who has switched to bank

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3a7bp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

Page 4 of 6

draft or annual pay by the convention will be entered into the drawing. The 25 winners will be selected at the convention on stage.

Additionally, everyone who makes the switch by July 1 will be entered into a drawing for $500!

If you haven’t already, please visit apo.seanc.org to switch over to bank draft today!

SEANC Scholarship Foundation Bowl-a-Thon on July 22 Love to bowl or just want to support the SEANC Scholarship Foundation? Join us for the annual SEANC Scholarship Bowl-a-Thon on July 22 at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh from 1-3 p.m or 3-5 pm. There will also be a silent auction with tickets to the NC Aquarium, Carolina Mudcats, Ripley’s Aquarium, theme parks, gift baskets and much more!

Register to bowl at https://www.seanc.org/seanc-bowl-a-thon or just come out to enjoy the event and support the Scholarship Foundation! Every member of the family can bowl, and the registration fee is $20 for an individual or $100 for a team (up to 6 bowlers) to play or sponsor a lane for $300. Proceeds will go towards educational scholarships for SEANC members and their dependents.

Questions? Email Carri Derrick.

Need a little cool down in this heat? We have Water Country USA Single-Day Tickets for sale through the SEANC Office.

Adult Ages 10 & Up

$36.00

Child Ages 3-9

$32.00

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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And if that is not enough we also offer a Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA 2-Park Flex Ticket. Enjoy unlimited admission to both parks for up to seven consecutive days. Valid May 19 – September 10, 2017.

Ages 3 & Up

$78.00

You deserve a little fun! Contact us at 800-222-2758.

Discounts in the Eastern Region of North Carolina Rocky Mount Tire & Service can help you with your Automotive needs with a 10% off regular price or 5% off sale price and a $24.00 Lube-Oil Filter Change. Contact them today at 252/985-2230. They are located at 2088 Stone Rose Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Everybody needs a little ice cream! Dairy Queen is offering a 10% discount off your order in Washington, NC. They are located at 841 Washington Square Mall.

Need some Bling? Head on over to Dallas Jewelry in Greenville, NC. You will receive 10% off every day in stock discount prices and jewelry repairs. They are located at 302 SE Greenville Blvd.

Identity Theft Protection Summer is here and we are on the move! We love to go to the Beach, Mountains or just hit the Open Road and this is the time to think of protecting yourself from identity theft.

InfoArmor proactively protects against identity theft. It also includes credit monitoring for free! By detecting fraud at the source, InfoArmor’s PrivacyArmor benefit will minimize damages and better protect you from the fastest-growing crime in America.

Go online to https://www.seanc.org/insurance to learn more and sign up or contact an Insurance Specialist at 800/222-2758 today.

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : A look back at the 2017 General Assembly long session

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1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC | 27609 US This email was sent to awise@seanc.org.

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email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

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Friday, July 21, 2017

Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

If you haven’t already, the time is now to complete The State Health Plan’s Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit for members who cover dependents under the age of 75 to avoid a lapse in coverage for your loved ones.

It is VERY important that all members with dependents take action on this by July 31 – just 10 days away! Failure to respond and produce the required documentation will result in termination of dependents’ coverage under the plan effective August 1, 2017.

Some members have had difficulty navigating the upload process. To help, the Plan has created videos that guide members through each step. The videos can be found below or on the Plan’s audit website along with Frequently Asked Questions and other resources.

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3u6cp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

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The Plan has conducted audits in the past, but never saved the documents for future verification. That is why this audit is being conducted digitally.

“There should be a way, once I tell how old my son is, for the State Health Plan to determine his eligibility,” Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, said in a recent interview. “But right now, that isn’t always possible. So we’re doing this audit now, and getting this information digitally, so we don’t have to ask for the same document in the future.”

Active employees

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3u6cp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

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Retirees

SEANC's Watkins talks retiree health care on WRAL's Education Matters

SEANC's Ardis Watkins appeared on last week's Education Matters show on WRAL to discuss the end of retiree health care for new hires, the state budget, low state employee pay, retirement security and more. Watch the whole show here!

SEANC welcomes new members!

SEANC would like to welcome the 227 new members who chose to stand with their coworkers in support of public services in the last month, including 129 from the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Public Instruction, Public Safety, Revenue and Transportation, the Administrative Offices of the Courts, Local Government, N.C. Education Lottery, the General Assembly, Central Piedmont Community College, Forsyth Technical College, Guilford Community College, Richmond Community College, East Carolina University, N.C. Central University, N.C. School of the Arts, N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, Western Carolina University, UNC Hospitals, Alamance County Schools, Cleveland County Schools, Guilford County Schools, Hoke County

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

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Schools, Johnston County Schools, Pitt County Schools, Wayne County Schools and WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Schools.

Thanks to Executive Order 5, signed by Gov. Roy Cooper in March, SEANC’s member relations team is ready to come to your worksite and give a presentation on our many benefits and recruit new members!

Simply fill out this form or click the button below if you would like for us to come to your office or worksite.

Schedule a visit

Make the switch to bank draft now!

In the closing days of the legislative session SEANC was able to thwart several attempts to take away your right to have SEANC dues, insurance premiums and other payments easily deducted from your paycheck.

SEANC is asking all members to consider switching over to bank draft, where payments are pulled from members’ bank accounts each month instead of their paychecks, NOW. We have launched a contest to incentivize members to make the switch! We will give away 25 prizes of $1,000 to randomly selected members who have made the switch to bank draft or annual pay by the SEANC Convention. Five winners will be selected from each region. Anyone who has switched to bank draft or annual pay by the convention will be entered into the drawing. The 25 winners will be selected at the convention on stage.

Additionally, everyone who makes the switch by July 1 will be entered into a drawing for $500!

If you haven’t already, please visit apo.seanc.org to switch over to bank draft today!

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3u6cp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

Page 5 of 6

Need a little cool down in this heat? We have Water Country USA Single-Day Tickets for sale through the SEANC Office.

Adult Ages 10 & Up

$36.00

Child Ages 3-9

$32.00

And if that is not enough we also offer a Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA 2-Park Flex Ticket. Enjoy unlimited admission to both parks for up to seven consecutive days. Valid May 19 – September 10, 2017.

Ages 3 & Up

$78.00

You deserve a little fun! Contact us at 800-222-2758.

Discounts in the Eastern Region of North Carolina Rocky Mount Tire & Service can help you with your Automotive needs with a 10% off regular price or 5% off sale price and a $24.00 Lube-Oil Filter Change. Contact them today at 252/985-2230. They are located at 2088 Stone Rose Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Everybody needs a little ice cream! Dairy Queen is offering a 10% discount off your order in Washington, NC. They are located at 841 Washington Square Mall.

Need some Bling? Head on over to Dallas Jewelry in Greenville, NC. You will receive 10% off every day in stock discount prices and jewelry repairs. They are located at 302 SE Greenville Blvd.

Identity Theft Protection Summer is here and we are on the move! We love to go to the Beach, Mountains or just hit the Open Road and this is the time to think of protecting yourself from identity theft.

InfoArmor proactively protects against identity theft. It also includes credit monitoring for free! By detecting fraud at the source, InfoArmor’s PrivacyArmor benefit will minimize damages and better protect you from the fastest-growing crime in America.

https://t.e2ma.net/message/3u6cp/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : Deadline to complete dependent coverage audit fast approaching!

Page 6 of 6

Go online to https://www.seanc.org/insurance to learn more and sign up or contact an Insurance Specialist at 800/222-2758 today.

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9/18/2017

email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

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Friday, July 28, 2017

ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate East Carolina University and Vidant Health executed a formal agreement Wednesday to integrate ECU Physicians Group and Vidant Medical Group, completing a merger that gives away state assets and jeopardizes the future and stability of 1,200 state employees.

This deal essentially gives Vidant a monopoly over health services in Eastern North Carolina. It will dramatically weaken competition in a community that desperately relies upon affordable and accessible healthcare.

Throughout this process, the state employees at ECU Physicians were promised that they would have an opportunity to collaborate and offer input on merger discussions.

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email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

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Instead, this deal was made behind closed doors, intentionally designed to silence the voices of the people who would be impacted the most.

SEANC has been actively pursuing legal avenues to best advocate on behalf of the 1,200 affected state employees. Know that our fight doesn’t stop here. We will continue to challenge any agreement that hands the hard-earned money of taxpayers over to private interests without legislative approval and public input.

Your involvement is more critical now than ever. Click here to email your legislators and ask them to publicly oppose this merger. Urge them to stand up and protect state employees, taxpayers and accessible healthcare. Together, we can stand up to make it clear that ECU is not for sale.

The General Assembly reconvenes on Thursday, August 3, 2017, for a special session. It is imperative that SEANC comes out to the legislature on the 3rd to stand alongside and fight with our members at ECU Physicians. We will continue to update you as more details emerge.

Email your Legislators

Medicare advantage premiums to remain stable this year State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced Wednesday that thanks to renegotiation with United HealthCare, Medicare Advantage plan premiums will not increase in the coming year. Premiums were scheduled to increase as much as 25 percent.

The state will actually save money, around $1.2 million, in the deal. Though the state pays premiums for retirees, members who cover dependents may also see a small savings. This is contrary to a national trend where rate increases are the norm with the current uncertainty in the health insurance market.

SEANC Director of Operations Chuck Stone applauded the work of the Treasurer, United and the state employees who work at the State Health Plan for the renegotiation.

Watch the press conference here: https://youtu.be/0cVyx3rDQng

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email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

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Don't lose coverage for your dependents.

Complete the verification audit by Monday If you haven’t already, the time is now to complete The State Health Plan’s Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit for members who cover dependents under the age of 75 to avoid a lapse in coverage for your loved ones.

It is VERY important that all members with dependents take action on this by July 31 – just 3 days away! Failure to respond and produce the required documentation will result in termination of dependents’ coverage under the plan effective August 1, 2017.

Some members have had difficulty navigating the upload process. To help, the Plan has created videos that guide members through each step. The videos can be found below or on the Plan’s audit website along with Frequently Asked Questions and other resources.

The Plan has conducted audits in the past, but never saved the documents for future verification. That is why this audit is being conducted digitally.

“There should be a way, once I tell how old my son is, for the State Health Plan to determine his eligibility,” Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, said in a recent interview. “But right now, that isn’t always possible. So we’re doing this audit now, and getting this information digitally, so we don’t have to ask for the same document in the future.”

Active employees

https://t.e2ma.net/message/bloep/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

Page 4 of 7

Retirees

Schedule a visit

Make the switch to bank draft now!

In the closing days of the legislative session SEANC was able to thwart several attempts to take away your right to have SEANC dues, insurance premiums and other payments easily deducted from your paycheck.

https://t.e2ma.net/message/bloep/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

Page 5 of 7

SEANC is asking all members to consider switching over to bank draft, where payments are pulled from members’ bank accounts each month instead of their paychecks, NOW. We have launched a contest to incentivize members to make the switch! We will give away 25 prizes of $1,000 to randomly selected members who have made the switch to bank draft or annual pay by the SEANC Convention. Five winners will be selected from each region. Anyone who has switched to bank draft or annual pay by the convention will be entered into the drawing. The 25 winners will be selected at the convention on stage.

Additionally, everyone who makes the switch by July 1 will be entered into a drawing for $500!

If you haven’t already, please visit apo.seanc.org to switch over to bank draft today!

Go to https://www.seanc.org/discounts/ticket-monster-perks for more details.

https://t.e2ma.net/message/bloep/7d8p4i

9/18/2017

email : Webview : ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to integrate

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Discounts in the South Central Region of North Carolina Too HOT to cook this Summer? Contact Papa John’s Pizza at 1238 W. Williams Street in Apex. You will receive a 25% off regular menu prices for Carry Out Orders Only. Give them a call today 919/3039100. You must show SEANC Membership Card.

Prestige Auto Glass can help with those chips and cracks in your windshield. They can be reached at 919-553-9738 and are located at 2316 Stephanie Lane in Clayton. Members will receive 10% off all services.

Daughtry’s Bait & Tackle has a full line of fresh and saltwater fishing supplies out of Clinton. Members will receive a 10% discount. They are located at 848 Beaverdam Road. Give them a call to make sure they have what you need, the phone number is 910-564-6466.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Accidental Death and Dismemberment (CIGNA underwritten by Life Insurance Company of North America) SEANC members receive a $1,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy for joining the association.

Members can purchase additional coverage from $25,000 to $500,000 at competitive rates. Plan includes Travel Assistance Service, Keeping coverage with no age reduction and Dependent coverage is available.

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1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC | 27609 US This email was sent to awise@seanc.org.

To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.

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9/18/2017