Exciting New Benefits Available to IHF Participants

JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2016

There are exciting new benefits that the IHF has rolled out in 2016! As our members know, working with the tools is hard on the back. Accordingly, IHF now covers six therapeutic massages. Members can find in-network providers by logging onto www.myuhc.com. In addition, for our members frustrated by low back pain, IHF is introducing the Healthy Back Program. When a member enrolls in the Healthy Back Program, they are paired with a personal health coach who specializes in low back pain. The coach will work with the member to: 

• Explain treatment options;
• Make sure they are receiving optimal care; and 
• Provide tools on how to manage lower back pain. 

IHF members also have access to a website with information regarding lower back pain.  The Healthy Back program is free to all IHF members and their covered dependents. For more information, call 1-866-559-2225. 

Another service being introduced is Virtual Visits, which provides IHF members with access to care online at any time. When a member or dependent is sick, the last thing they often want to do is leave the comfort of their home and sit in a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency room. It is also not always easy to get away from the jobsite to see a doctor, and what happens if you get sick when you are traveling? Now you don’t have to worry about leaving the house or a job to see a doctor, provided you have a mobile phone or computer. 

A Virtual Visit allows IHF participants to see and talk to a doctor from a mobile device or computer without an appointment! Visits usually take about 10-15 minutes and in most states, the doctor can write a prescription, if needed that can be picked up at a local pharmacy. Doctors are available to treat a wide range of medical conditions such as: 

• Bladder infections/ UTIs
• Bronchitis/Cold/ Flu/Sore Throat
• Diarrhea/ Stomachache
• Fever
• Migraine/ Headaches
• Pink Eye
• Rashes
• Sinus problems 

To access Virtual Visits, you must first log in to www.myuhc.com and choose from provider sites where you can register for a virtual visit. After registering and requesting a visit, the member will be asked to pay their responsibility of the service costs and then they will enter a virtual waiting room. During the visit, the member will be able to talk with the doctor about their health concerns, symptoms and treatment options. Virtual Visits are helpful when a members’ doctor is not available; the member is traveling, or considering visiting a hospital emergency room for a non-emergency health condition. They are not good for anything requiring an exam or test to treat complex or chronic conditions or injuries requiring bandaging or sprains/ broken bones. Log in to your account at www.myuhc.com to learn more about this new benefit. 

“Members’ benefits are our top priority,” says IHF Executive Director Robin Donovick. “Through the IHF and its participating Locals/ADCs, members can access quality medical, hospital and other health benefits at competitive rates.” For more information about members’ health benefits, visit bacweb.org.