Did you know that some of our insurance carriers have mobile apps or mobile versions of their websites? These allow you to use your smartphone or handheld device to quickly and conveniently access information such as coverage details, carrier contact information, provider searches and more!

Annual Survey happening now! Help us plan for upcoming events and communication strategies! Click here to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZJTWWCN. What types of fun activities and informative workshops would you like to attend, what do you think of wellness incentives, what types of articles would you like to see in the Benefits Newsletter? The Benefits Office is anxious to hear from you! Only 9 questions.

Peralta Community of Retirees, Staff & Faculty! Join us for the Peralta Benefits Fair Tuesday, Tuesday, April 30, 2013 for workshops, free information and more! Complimentary Biometric Screenings will be available at the fair from 11:00am to 1:30pm.

See the attached 2013 Health Observances Calendar for significant health related events throughout the year.

Peralta Community College District and Sutter Health are pleased to provide you with the enclosed information to help you stay on top of your health.

The District is offering and early retirement incentive for current, active and eligible employees. Read the newsletter for details.

Take our employee/retiree activity survey – how do you want to have fun with the Peralta Community? Interested in a group cruise? Do you want to help plan the District-wide picnic for peralta employees, retirees at Marine World/Six Flags in Vallejo? Answer a few questions, give us your feedback?

Take the Survey Here

President Obama has signed H.R. 2 which is the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.  It is the purpose of this Act to provide dependable and stable funding for children’s health insurance under titles XXI and XIX of the Social Security Act in order to enroll all six million uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage today through such titles.
 
If you would like to know additional information about H.R. 2, please click: 
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2&tab=summary  or HR2 (PDF) 

As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, there are increased limits on the Pre-tax commuting/parking benefit.  Eligible employees can recognize pre-tax benefits from public transportation expenses. For more background, enrollment forms and the Summary Plan Description:

• download your personal copy of the March 9, 2009 - Benefits Spotlight: Pre-Tax Commuting/Parking Benefit;
• come to the District on March 25, 2009 during Staff and Retiree Appreciation day to ask questions about this benefit.

Did you know that you may be eligible to recieve a reimbursement of your Medicare Premiums? The Distirict reimburses premiums paid by the retiress and spouse or domestic partner. All you have to do is provide verification of the amount paid. If you are on the Districts Kaiser plan, make sure that you are enrolled in the Kaiser Senior Advantage Plan. 

Though the common cold and seasonal influenza share several symptoms, there are points of differentiation that will help you identify which you may have and seek proper treatment. It is important to tell the difference, as the flu can result in more serious health complications, while the cold likely will not.

Maintaining good posture is a simple yet effective way to keep the structures in the back and spine in good working order. In fact, good posture and back support are essential in reducing back and neck pain. Even sitting at a desk all day can wreak havoc on the back and neck, and result in painful strains.

Vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-aged children. Vision problems can begin at an early age; therefore it is important that children receive proper eye care. Untreated problems can worsen and lead to permanent vision loss and delayed development. Because it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, infants should be screened for common eye problems during their regular pediatric appointments.

H1N1 flu is an infection caused by the influenza A virus. It is a respiratory disease of pigs; however, human cases of H1N1 have been identified in the U.S. as well as internationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy your time in the sun.

The Department of HHS issued two rules addressing the preventative care requirements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Health Insurance plans must cover birth control as preventive care for women without cost sharing. This requirement is part of the PPACA legislation passed March 23, 2010. The guidelines will provide coverage for women’s preventive care under the health care law. These coverage guidelines are, in effect, as of August 1, 2011, although compliance is not required until the renewal date of the plan following August 1, 2012.

On June 28, 2012, the last day of its current term, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision on the constitutionality of the health care reform law. The Court upheld the entire law, holding that Congress acted within its constitutional authority when enacting the individual mandate. This means that the health care reform law will continue to be implemented as planned and provisions that are already effective will continue.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires employers to report the aggregate cost of employersponsored group health plan coverage on their employees’ Forms W-2. The purpose of the reporting requirement is to provide information to employees regarding how much their health coverage costs.

The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Effective immediately, employers are required to provide a reasonable space and time for nursing mothers for one year after their child’s birth. This space must be an enclosed location, other than a restroom, and protected from intrusion of the public and coworkers.