RECOGNIZING HEART ATTACKS

It happens every minute of every day, all year long. Every heart attack behaves differently, but the result is ultimately the same. The blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.²

For the person experiencing the heart attack, symptoms can vary. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. It can come on suddenly and intensely or start off mild, and it may go away and come back.

Heart attacks are the #1 killer of women, perhaps because the symptoms are not initially recognized as a heart attack. The symptoms listed below are most common. Women may dismiss them, thinking that they are signs of less severe conditions like acid reflux, the flu or just normal aging.²

Heart attack symptoms include:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest or torso
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Indigestion
• Heartburn

RECOGNIZING STROKE SYMPTOMS

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.³ Strokes also involve the arteries, but those leading to the brain. Arteries carry oxygenated blood.

The majority of strokes occur when an artery to the brain is blocked by a clot. Another type of stroke, although less common, occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures. When either type of stroke happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die.

As soon as a stroke occurs and the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, the region of the body controlled by the affected part of the brain stops working as it should. It’s this change in activity that causes the specific symptoms we can often spot.

HERE’S HOW TO IDENTIFY A STROKE F.A.ST: ²

Face drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Are both sides able to move?

Arm weaknessIs one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty
Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time to call 911
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

The hope is you never have to recognize any of the symptoms of either a heart attack or a stroke. Minutes matter. By being aware of and educated about these signs, you could save the life of a loved one or even yourself.

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1. 1. www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
2. 2. www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/ about-heart-attacks
3. 3. www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms

IT'S OPEN ENROLLMENT TIME AGAIN!

Open enrollment runs from May 6 through May 31, 2024.

If you are enrolled and want to change the plan selection offered by your Association/Employer, you should receive an invitation for open enrollment in early May. You will need to complete the online enrollment (or a paper enrollment form) and submit it no later than May 31, 2024.

In completing your enrollment, list the dependents for whom you wish to provide coverage. If they are enrolled, you do not have to provide additional documentation; however, you will need to place their names on the enrollment form, which confirms that you want to continue providing them coverage.

If you are adding dependents who are not currently enrolled, you must include verification that they are an eligible dependent (e.g., marriage or birth certificate, etc.). Please contact either the Trust or your Human Resources Department to learn your options.

If you are currently waived and want to enroll, you must submit your enrollment along with required documents to the Trust no later than May 31, 2024.

If you are currently enrolled and want to waive coverage, you must submit your waiver through the online portal, or submit a paper form to the Trust office, no later than May 31, 2024. Please note: some school districts require proof of other coverage to be eligible to waive coverage from this plan. Please contact your Human Resources Department for their criteria.

CHANGES EFFECTIVE JULY 1

1. Increased co-pays: Increasing co-payments on preferred and non-preferred tiers while maintaining the structure for generic medications is a strategic move to encourage the utilization of more cost-effective generic drugs. With prescription drug costs continuously rising, promoting the use of generics can help manage expenses for both the beneficiaries and the benefit provider. This adjustment, effective July 1, 2024, aligns with efforts to balance cost containment with ensuring access to necessary medications for members.
   
2. GLP-1s: The Board of Trustees, after careful consideration, has decided to discontinue coverage of GLP-1’s used for weight loss effective July 1, 2024. This includes Wegovy, Saxenda and Zepbound. There has been a meteoric rise in the number of utilizers and associated costs with the coverage of these medications. It is estimated, based on current eligible members utilization and costs, that all PEHT members and or districts would experience a significant increase in their health insurance premiums, with anticipated spending of nearly $3 million for these medications in the next 12 months.
   
   As more manufacturers come onto the market and more medications are developed, it is hopeful that the costs will decrease The Trustees will continue to monitor this drug class for future consideration.
   
3. Frame allowance: Frames will be paid in full up to $225 every calendar year after copay under the VSP benefit.

The Trust recommends that you review the list of your dependents to ensure accuracy. With appropriate documentation the Trust will provide coverage for spouses, qualified domestic partners, children up to theage of 26 and individuals for whom you are the legal guardian up to the age of 18. A complete listing of your dependents can be found on your miBenefits secured portal at miBenefits.ebms.com.

LET US BRING YOUR MEDICATIONS TO YOU

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