the PDF

tpaT day
a publication of EBMS
Symmetry
Harmony
Stability
Equilibrium
Clarity
1st Quarter
2014
Synergy
Rhythm
In This Issue:
Achievment Awards p3
Scott Asay Service Award p6
miHealth Manager p10
Living the Core Values
Three employees were recognized with Living the Core Values awards for 4th Quarter 2013 at the January State of EBMS meeting.
Melissa Lyon, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, presented the award to Cade Helmer. Unfortunately, both Julie and
Karla were out of the office for the meetings.
Cade Helmer, Strategic Account Manager, was nominated
for Passion. His nomination reads, “Cade is passionate about
completing projects in a timely manner and as a result meets
the client’s needs. He is always cheerful, down to earth and
a real team player. He knows who is impacted across the
company and isn’t afraid to call or meet in person with the
team member to be certain all parties involved understand
the process that is necessary to implement. He is fairly new to
the company and is rising to the top quickly due to his friendly
personality, desire to get the job done as quickly as possible
and team approach. His fantastic communication style is
obviously hitting the high marks. You would be hard pressed
to find someone that had any complaints about Cade and
his work ethic and style. Because of Cade’s commitment to
EBMS’ core values and overall passion to get the job done - while creating great work and client relationships along the way - I am
nominating him for the Living the Core Values award.”
A Claims Examiner, Karla Hofer was nominated for Excellence. Karla’s nomination reads, “Analytical, Consistency, Discipline,
Harmony and Responsibility are Karla Hofer’s top five strengths. These strengths have contributed towards Karla’s ability to
provide excellent service to her clients. In a recent on-site visit from Valley View, I was impressed with the continued compliments
that Valley View provided in regard to the service that Karla provides. Not only in the visit that the claims area had with the client
did we hear the praise and respect they had for Karla’s service it continued on throughout the day into the dinner we had with
them that evening. When we were discussing that Karla processes claims for 13 other groups outside of Valley View, they couldn’t
believe it. They said that Karla makes them feel like they are her ONLY group! That is an astounding statement and confirms that is
what Excellence is all about and Karla demonstrates this each day!”
Nominated for Passion was Julie Nelson, Client Success Manager. Her nomination states, “Julie Nelson assumed leadership for
the EBMS Client ID Card transition to RedCard. Her extensive knowledge of our current ID Card process, client plan designs and
data feeds, coupled with her exceptional organizational and project management skills, allowed her to design a new, streamlined
process for ID card production. She designed a new checklist, lining out roles/timelines for all EBMS RedCard personnel involved,
and performed quality checks that enable us to design and produce new ID cards for nearly seventy EBMS clients within the
month of December. Her tireless commitment and passion to serve EBMS clients and colleagues in order to meet our stated goals
is worthy of this award! Thanks, Julie for living the core value of PASSION!”
Any employee may nominate a deserving co-worker for a Living the Core Values award for Excellence, Passion, Integrity,
Innovation, and Commitment. Awards are presented quarterly and in addition to their certificate, recipients of the award receive
a $100 gift card.
Newsletter Staff
Alice Jagiello, Editor
Alyssa Francis
Janean Honadel
Julie Mogan
Stacey Loucks
Jessa Remington
Jen Robbins
Meagen Fehlauer
Kathi Schweigert
Kati Musson
Kerri Patterson
Brandon Moore
Office Locations
Montana
2075 Overland Avenue, Billings, MT 59102
Colorado
5995 Greenwood Plaza Blvd,
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Oregon
1001 SW 5th, Ste 310, Portland, OR 97204
EBMS Leaders Tackle Change Management
Jessa Remington, Employee Relations Coordinator
Did you know that 70% of all organizational change initiatives fail? This statistic is one of the reasons that EBMS did not
hesitate to choose change management as our next area of focus for our ongoing leadership training and development
curriculum.
Last September, EBMS implemented a Situational Leadership training program developed by the Center for Leadership
Studies. During an initial workshop, a group of EBMS directors, managers, and supervisors learned to diagnose the variables
of any given situation and adapt their management styles to the behavioral needs of the individual or group they are trying to
influence.
On February 6, the same group of leaders expanded their leadership repertoire by attending Leading Change, a one-day,
instructor-led course that introduced participants to a model and key success factors for improving their chances of
successfully managing a change implementation. The model combines the Situational Leadership approach with behavioral
scientist and change expert Kurt Lewin’s theory of change management. The highly interactive workshop prepared attendees
to successfully guide change targets through the three phases of the change process: unfreeze, change, and refreeze.
Participants learned how to communicate driving and restraining forces impacting the change, identify key players, create
a sense of urgency around the change initiative, avoid common causes of change failure, manage individual performance
relating to the change, and sustain the change into the future.
Leaders in attendance included Andrea Pluhar, Director of Claims; Chris Haugan, Stop Loss Supervisor; Tiffany Johnson,
Claims Supervisor; Kathi Schweigert, Claims Business Analyst and Supervisor; Lisa Rel, Claims Supervisor; Tara Keehn,
Claims Supervisor; Lisa Elings, Finance Supervisor; Sondra Arnold, Controller; Jen Robbins, Director of Support and Provider
Services; Laura Rookhuizen, Director of CareLink; Vikki Fosjord, Director of Internal Audit; Stacey Crossley, Director of
Client Services; Nilo Cabrera, Lead Project Manager; Terri Hogan, Director of Legal; Duane Moody, Portland Branch Manager;
and Bobby Archuleta, Denver Branch Manager. The course was facilitated by Erin Jimison, Account Executive, and Jessa
Remington, Employee Relations Coordinator.
Attendees agreed that the amount of change that we experience on a daily basis both in our personal and professional lives
seems to be increasing exponentially. From changes in technology to changes in healthcare and legislation, EBMS depends
on our leaders’ ability to ensure that we evolve and adapt successfully. The group will continue to meet on a monthly basis
to review the concepts of Situational Leadership and Leading Change and to practice those skills in an effort to improve their
leadership effectiveness.
Achievement Awards
Each year employees are recognized for their many years of outstanding, dedicated service to EBMS and its valued clients. The
number of employees recognizes continues to increase each year. Kevin Larson presented certificates to recipients and Rick
Larson was available to recognize Kevin for his years of service.
This year four employees were recognized and rewarded for 20 years of service at EBMS. Those employees were Kevin
Larson, President; Al Galt, Finance Coordinator; Jenny Gordon, Claims Examiner; and Gloria McKay, Claims Examiner.
Recognized for 15 years of service to EBMS were Kathy Johnson, Eligibility Services Assistant; Terry Kane, Senior
Accountant; Tracy Kipp, Claims Examiner; Tim Trafford, IS Data Analyst; Linda White, ID Card Administrator; Jodi Worden, Claims
Examiner; and Darci Roskelley, Quality Assurance Specialist—Salt Lake City.
Those recognized for their 10 years of service include Carolyn Anderson, Claims Examiner; William Carkhuff, Plan Document
Specialist; Candice DeTienne, Provider Services Specialist II; Lynn Fischer, Claims Registrar; Dawn Klamert, EDI Specialist; Korin
Miller, Eligibility Administrator II; Tricia O’Neil, Provider Specialist II; Noni Ramage, Client Service Representative II; and Sally
Schanz, Claims Examiner.
Five-year service award recipients include Portland employees Tung Tran, Finance Specialist; Thu Tran, Consumer
Reimbursement Accounts Specialist; Kerri Patterson, Consumer Reimbursement Accounts Coordinator; Annie Miranda, Graphic
Design and Event Coordinator; Sue Corie, Claims Review Specialist; and Rhoda Bergler, Claims Registrar; Jana Peterson, Claims
Examiner in Salt Lake City; Wendy Whitman, Senior Claims Consultant; Chris Walter, Finance Specialist; Cam Trudeau, Provider
Services Support Clerk; Rhonda Thomas, Senior Lead Client Service Representative; Robert Simeon, IS Systems Administrator;
Patricia Rogers, Consumer Reimbursement Account Specialist; Jen Robbins, Director of Provider and Support Services; Robin Nelsen,
Claims Examiner; Karen Morales, Finance Specialist; Tracy Kerwin, Client Service Representative; Erin Jimison, Account Executive;
Jaime Holly, Claims Examiner; Steve Hoklin, Pilot; Lisa Elings, Finance Supervisor; Mary Deal, Client Services Quality Trainer; Stacey
Crossley, Director of Client Services; Angela Carlton, Eligibility Administrator II; and Karesha Bailey, Finance Specialist.
For the first time, employees recognized for 5, 10 and 15 years of service selected their own award from the OC Tanner
Achievement selection. Twenty-year employees were presented with a travel voucher.
20-year recipients Kevin Larson and Al Galt with Rick Larson
Kevin Larson with the 10-year service award recipients, Korin
Miller, Lynn Fischer, Carolyn Anderson, Dawn Klamert, Candice
DeTienne, Tricia O’Neil, and Cori Cook
Jodi Worden, Tracy Kipp, and Kathy Johnson, 15-year service
award recipients, with Kevin Larson
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Robin Nelsen, Jen Robbins, Jaime Holly, Mary Deal, Stacey Crossley, Angela
Carlton, Lisa Elings, Erin Jimison, Karen Morales, Robert Simeon, Patricia Rogers,
Rhonda Thomas, Wendy Whitman, 5-year recipients, with Kevin Larson
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Promotions and
Title Changes
We enjoy celebrating the growth
of our professional staff at EBMS.
Please help us congratulate the
following employees on their recent
promotions and/or position/title
changes!
Tara Keehn, Claims Supervisor,
winner of the grand prize, with
Kevin Larson
Kevin presented Jana Peterson and
Darci Roskelley their service awards
at the Salt Lake City party
Joyce Ostermiller
Senior Stop Loss Specialist to
Senior Stop Loss Analyst
Cathy Flynn
Support Services Clerk to
Claims Support Clerk
Aidan Dowling
Marketing Intern to
Marking Assistant
Katie Larson
Special Project Associate to
Eligibility Administrator
Trevor Daer
Melissa Lyon, Vice President Human Resources, and Andrea Pluhar , Director of
Claims, with 5-year recipients in Portland—Annie Miranda, Kerri Patterson, Sue
Corie and Tung Tran
miCare Clinic Account Manager to
Director of Prescription Services
Winter Survival
Tips
Everyone should know how to build
a survival kit for their car. - Bev
Allison, Provider Services Specialist
I enjoy keeping my birdfeeder going
(winter months only). When I go out
to the feeder, you can sometimes
hear the birds “talking” in the
distance and then they flock to
the feeder as soon as I walk away.
- Cathy Bentz, Plan Document
Specialist
Be humble, or you’ll stumble.
– Dwight L Moody
Anniversaries
We truly value our experienced and
dedicated team members! Please join us in celebrating the following
employees’ anniversaries! Happy Anniversary to all of you!
Title
New Employees
Brandon Moore
Claims
Claims Registrar
Employee Name
Start Date Department Korin Miller
1/5/2004
Eligibility
Eligibility Administrator II
LynAnn Henderson
1/6/2005
Executive
Vice President Business Development
Jim Smidt
1/7/2013
EBMS Re
Underwriter
Tracy Boyce
1/8/2007
Support Services
Scanning Technician
Meagan Colter
1/11/2007
Claims
Claims Examiner
Tracy Kipp
1/14/1998
Claims
Claims Examiner
Linsey Bishop
1/14/2013
CareLink
Wellness Coach
Jeri Garbiso
1/14/2013
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Cade Helmer
1/14/2013
Account Management
Strategic Account Manager
Mindy Jagiello
1/14/2013
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Michelle Smidt
1/19/2004
EBMS Re
Underwriting Assistant
Kathi Schweigert
1/22/1996
Claims
Claims Business Analyst & Supervisor
Jeanne Rickard
1/26/2004
Claims
Claims Specialist--Voids/Refunds
Jennifer Kieling
1/26/2009
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Jill Mosure
1/30/2012
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Brenda Specht
1/30/2012
Support Services
Back-up Receptionist/Mail Clerk
Andrew Thelen
1/30/2012
Information Services
IS Report Analyst
Andrea Bishop
1/4/2010
miCareRN--Colorado
Candace Sterns
1/25/2010
miCare
Nurse Practioner
Chris Walter
2/4/2008
Finance
Finance Specialist
Tracy Kerwin
2/7/2008
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Jamie Bradbury
2/9/2009
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Rich McGrail
2/9/2009
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Heather Lewis
2/11/2013
Account Management
Strategic Account Manager
Karla Hofer
2/15/2006
Claims
Claims Examiner
Jessa Remington
2/18/2013
Human Resources
Employee Relations Coordinator
Shelly Roybal-Frazier
2/20/2006 Claims
Member Advocate
Heidi Capser
2/21/2012
Information Services
EDI Specialist
Tara Weil
2/23/2005
Claims
Stop Loss Specialist
Candy Maldonado
2/23/2009
Eligibility
Eligibility Administrator 1
Vonnie Herbst
2/25/2013
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Tom Partlow
2/26/2013
Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Lynn Fischer
2/27/2003
Claims
Claims Registrar
Katherine Knudtson
2/27/2013
miCare
Medical Assistant--Washington
Bobby Archuleta
3/4/2009
Claims
Branch Manager--Denver
Shelley Fuger
3/6/2000
Claims
Claims Supervisor--Salt Lake City
Melissa Lyon
3/14/2011
Executive
Vice President Human Resources
Patricia Rogers
3/16/2008
Consumer Reimbursement
Consumer Reimbursement Accounts Specialist
Robin Nelsen
3/20/2008 Claims
Claims Examiner
Tim Trafford
3/23/1998
Information Services
IS Data Analyst
Katherine Meyers
3/23/2011
CareLink
Health Promotion Coordinator
Angela Brown
3/25/2013
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Michelle Goselin
3/25/2013
Client Services
Client Service Representative
Donna Paige
3/27/2006
Sales
Sales Coordinator
Carolyn Anderson
3/31/2003
Claims
Claims Examiner
Marcy Eschler
3/25/2013
miCareLPN
Michael Kuebler
Stacy McComb-Goins
3/26/2012
miCare
Information Technology
Help Desk Support
Nurse Practioner
Kim Willis
Teresa Field
Client Services
Client Service
Representative–Denver
Client Services
Client Service
Representative
Myriah Alexie
Client Services
Client Services
Representative
Angela Chambers
Client Services
Client Services
Representative
Alisia Reda
Client Services
Client Service
Representative
Fay Wilson
Claims
Senior Stop Loss Analyst
Jill Fenimore
Account Management
Account Executive–Portland
Tiffeny Kline
Claims
Claims Support Clerk
Kati Musson
Consumer Reimbursement
Consumer Reimbursement
Account Lead–Denver
Heather Verhoeff
Client Services
Client Service
Representative–Denver
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Scott Asay Service Award
p6
Kids Corner
MacKenzie Crossley, a ninth grader
at West High School, earned the
Golden Bear award for the JV
Soccer Team. MacKenzie is the
daughter of Stacey Crossley,
Director of Client Services.
Judi Martin is the recipient of the 2013 Scott Asay Service Award. A Client
Success Manager, Judi has been employed with EBMS since 2000.
Excerpts from Judi’s nomination include “Unlike any other employee I’ve met-here or in other organizations I’ve worked--Judi is a living example of EBMS’ core
values of Commitment, Passion and Excellence. She works tirelessly on behalf of
each of her clients-- on having assignment of EBMS’ largest client, as well as one
of our longest standing local relationships. Late this spring, Judi transitioned into
the role of leading the implementation efforts for EBMS, and through this process
she balances the science of project management with the art of motivating
and inspiring others to meet pressing deadlines and to provide a level of service
beyond what our clients might expect. The successful implementations she’s led
to date are a direct result of her passion, commitment, and inspiring leadership.
Judi also makes significant service contributions to her community. From
her volunteer coaching in the Denton High School volleyball program, to her
involvement with youth 4-H programs, Judi always “shows up” to assist in
volunteer efforts.
Judi sets the highest bar for professionalism and excellence for herself,
employing the highest degree of integrity and ethics, which makes her an
ideal role model for all of her teammates and colleagues. It is for all of these
compelling reasons that I nominate Judi Martin for the 2013 Scott Asay Service
Award.”
Winter Survival
Tips
My winter survival tip is how “NOT”
to fall in icy/snowy conditions. Ever
heard of “Yaktrax”--they are chains
for your shoes! Easy to slip on and
off over the bottom of the sole of
your shoe and gives you the traction
to move on ice. You can find them
at sporting goods stores. Mine were
a gift so don’t know how much they
cost but they truly give you the
stability you need when walking in
winter conditions. I usually have
them with me if you want to see
what they look like! - Carol Schell,
Provider Services Specialist
The Scott Asay Service Award was established in 2007 to recognize an employee
who demonstrates contributions toward achieving the Vision, Mission, and Core
Values of EBMS; who demonstrates leadership that fosters compassion, honesty,
fairness, respect and cooperation; who demonstrates uncompromised integrity
and ethical behavior and serves as a role model for others; and who provides
service within the community. The plaque contains a saying by LeAnn Asay,
“Picture a pond of water. As a stone is thrown into the
pond and a splash is created, waves begin to ripple
outward until the water laps upon the shore. The
action of the stone--regardless of how large
it is--affects the whole pond. Each act
of service can have a likewise affect.
Even small singular acts of service
can affect multitudes. Each act can
change a person, then his home and
family, his community, and eventually
a nation.”
Kevin Larson with award winner Judi
Martin.
My wife and I like to stay inside
our home, play a game, or watch a
movie, and have a hot drink. - Bob
Markovich, Mail Clerk
Those who have changed the universe have never done it by
changing officials, but always by inspiring the people.
– Napoleon Bonaparte
The Importance of Sleep
Meagen Fehlauer, Disease Management/Wellness Assistant
One-third of adult Americans aren’t getting enough sleep, and the importance of getting a full night’s rest is often put on the back
burner when compared to other daily tasks. But what really happens when the body is sleep deprived? Forgetfulness, poor health,
dull skin and weight gain are just a few of the problems. It’s enough to give you nightmares!
You know that sleep deprivation can make you grumpy and groggy and often leaves you forgetting tasks throughout the
day. During the deepest levels of sleep, the body repairs cells and restores energy levels. During this time, memories are also
transferred to the neocortex of the brain and stored as long-term memories. This is why we are often scatterbrained after a fitful
night’s sleep.
Chronic sleep loss leaves a person with much greater problems than just forgetfulness. They include, but are not limited to, heart
disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and stroke. The heart rate slows down when a person is sleeping, which
gives the heart a break and time to recover. However, a person with chronic sleep problems doesn’t give their heart a rest, causing
high blood pressure and increased heart rates. Over time this puts strain on the heart and can lead to serious health issues and
even death.
“Beauty rest” is not a myth. Most everyone has experienced puffy eyes and a sallow complexion due to sleep loss. This is because
the stress hormone cortisol is released when the body is sleep deprived. Too much of this hormone causes the skin collagen to
break down, which is the protein that makes the skin smooth and elastic. The body is also not able to do its repair job on the skin
when we don’t sleep. Dull skin, fine lines and dark circles under the eyes are a sure sign of chronic sleep loss.
Lack of sleep and weight gain also appear to be linked. Less than six hours of sleep a night can lead to an increase in hunger and
appetite, especially for high-fat foods. Research has shown that the peptides that regulate hunger and satiety are thrown off
during sleep deprivation which cause hunger stimulation and satiety deprivation. Continuous sleep loss over time has been linked
to obesity, according to recent studies.
These are just a few of the negative aspects of sleep loss, and I’m sure you are able to think of a few others on your own. To beat
the consequences, it is recommended that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. So embrace these facts as motivation,
and this year make it a goal to try to get more shut eye so your other resolutions will be easier to tackle.
Sources: WebMD, National Institute of Health
What are those? New cabs hit the streets of Billings.
There are only two places in the world you can ride in
the newest taxi cab: The Big Apple and now The
Magic City.
The Billings Yellow Cab Company received seven Nissan
NV 200 taxis, a new breed of pay-to-ride vehicle. A few
highlights of the new vehicles include a special interior
that absorbs odors, a charging port for your cell phone,
and a skyline roof.
So how does Billings become only the second city in
the country to get these new cabs? “We’ve looked into
these cabs for the past several years, since the original
prototype, and have been on a waiting list and calling
almost daily to Nissan,” said cab company owner Bob
Young. “And they just felt out of respect we should be
entitled to the cabs in Billings, Montana.”
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mi Woodzie Sets Record
p8
EBMS
Craft Sale
The 1st Annual EBMS Craft Show
provided employees and their family
members the opportunity to show
and sell their crafts. Eleven merchants
took the opportunity to sell last minute
Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
Jewelry, scarves, mittens, throws,
holiday decorations, picture frames
and much more was available. In
addition to crafts, there were Watkins
and Avon products.
The event, organized by Gloria McKay,
Claims Examiner; JoAnne Hartin,
Claims Examiner; and Marianne
Brenden, Claims Review Specialist,
was a success.
A dedicated group of employees, organized by Alice Jagiello, Executive
Administrative Assistant, donates their time each year to make decorations and
decorate a tree to be raffled at the Festival of Trees. This year’s theme proposed
by Linda Miller, Disease Management/Wellness Assistant, was a hit. Making and
donating decorations for the tree were Kathy Garretson, Receptionist; Linda
Miller, Karen Morales, Finance Specialist; Terry Kane, Senior Accountant; Cindy
Pavey, Plan Design Specialist; and Alice.
The tree set a record for EBMS; it sold
for a record $5,000 and was the
highest selling tree at the auction.
However, to the dismay of the
committee members, miWoodzie did
not return to EBMS to be enjoyed by
employees and guests.
The Festival of Trees is sponsored
by The Family Tree Center, the
Billings Exchange Clubs Child
Abuse Prevention Center, which is
committed to the prevention of all
types of child abuse and neglect in
Yellowstone County and surrounding
communities. Through their programs,
which educate and strengthen
families, they are making important
steps toward their goal each day!
Adopt a Family
Amy Hagen, Marketing Assistant
For the 2013 holidays, Family Services invited EBMS to take part in the Adopt-aFamily program. Every year Adopt-a Family helps families throughout the Billings
community who have found themselves in difficult circumstances. Without a little
help, many of these families would have gone without during the holiday season.
Candy Maldonado, Eligibility
Administrator I; Brenda Witschi,
Eligibility Services Assistant;
and Tina Ontiveros, Scanning
Technician, peruse the crafts.
Family services supplied the wish lists of three families for whom EBMS purchased
gifts. Under the leadership of Amy Hagan and Aidan Dowling, Marketing Assistants
and co-chairs for the event, gift tags with the gender, age and needed items were
hung at the front and back desks for employees to take and shop. Items purchased
were delivered to collection boxes located in the front lobby. Gifts were then
wrapped and taken to Family Services to be distributed to the families.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Because of your generosity, we were
able to make the holiday season memorable for these three families!
They who dream by day are cognizant of many things, which
escape those who dream only by night. In their grey visions
they obtain glimpses of eternity.
– Edgar Allan Poe
Winter Survival
Kathi Schweigert, Claims Business Analyst & Supervisor
Even for the most optimistic individuals in the country I would think that getting through the winter months would require a rich
fantasy life and a lot of flannel, or hot beverages, or a great fire place. Well, you get the idea. Surviving winter is not simply a matter
of making certain you have enough gas in your car, although that is extremely important. I personally would like to curl up in my
recliner at the first sign of snow and stay there reading until the temperature is consistently above 50 degrees for 3 weeks in a row.
I asked my fellow employees what Winter Survival tips they would like to share and here you go! Don’t forget to bundle up--and
enjoy the sun when it shines even if the temperature is a single digit on either side of zero.
This is really only for men, but grow a beard. - Josh Bestrom, IS Programmer Analyst
Personally, I curl up with a fleece blanket, with our beagle underneath it to radiate heat, and a good book in front of the fireplace.
- Brandon Moore, Claims Registrar
Nothing helps like hot coffee and the sensation of baking and smelling up the house (not to mention it makes the house rather
toasty) and then you have a midnight snack! - Kashmire Kieling, Eligibility Administrator
My favorite thing to do in winter is to brew up a nice cup of hot tea and snuggle down with a good book. I also like to make sure
that the curtains are open on the windows during the day to bring in as much of the natural light as possible. - Sharon Jacobs,
Claims Examiner III
This is my first winter in Montana. In Ohio, everyone hides in their house until the daffodils start peeking through the snow. In
Montana, my husband and I have skied almost every weekend, gone snow shoeing in the Beartooths, and started taking climbing
lessons so that we can ice climb next winter. Montana winter sports make me look forward to snow! - Erin Ryman, Strategic
Account Manager
I do two things to get me through winter: 1) I walk my dogs every day--sometimes it ends up being 11 pm, but we get outside!
On the days below 10 degrees we do a ratio of 5:10--5 minutes outside, 10 minutes inside (total 5 times). I have labs and they go
crazy if they are not walked. 2) I make myself workout, even when it is dark, cold and miserable. I have seen more than a few of
my EBMS co-workers at the gym, so I am not alone on this one! - Melissa Walton, Care Management Business Analyst
I personally love to run in the snow and cold, especially when it is snowing out and I have the time and am in no rush (i.e., am not
trying to get ready for work). I find it very quiet and calming. And it helps to have specially designed “cold gear”--so you can enjoy
those types of activities outdoors.
Keep car windows frost-free overnight in winter by coating them with a solution of 3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water. I also
find when it is 30 or colder it really helps to plug my car in. A block heater is worth its weight in gold. - Holly Bohler, Claims Examiner
I moved back to Montana on purpose after living in New Mexico and Tennessee for the past 15 years and I want to hide under my
bed for the winter. So I have no tips, but would sure like some. I don’t remember it being this ‘WINTRY’ before I left Montana for
milder climate. I’m thinking moving to Chico Hot Springs for the winter season might work out well (would certainly take the edge
off, great food, great hot water, let it snow) or hibernating for at least 3 months and working from home or maybe just working
extra hard the rest of the year to make up for the hibernation months--just saying. - Debra Mckeen Sparks, Eligibility Administrator
Find an activity to do that’s fun for you. In sheer desperation, because I couldn’t face another winter cooped up inside and neither,
I suspect, could anyone else having to put up with me, I took up snowshoeing and now find I look forward to the change of season
and snow. The exertion keeps me more than warm, and I feel some disappointment when it warms up enough to start melting.
Until Spring that is, then I’m ready to move on to warmer weather. Photography is another thing I enjoy getting out to do. There’s
a beauty in winter not to be found any other time that provides some terrific opportunities for photos. Combining the two, for me,
is perfect. - Kelly Rittenbach, miRx Coordinator
I have even been snowed on in June while camping in the Grand Canyon. Summer is SO short. My trick to surviving winter--start
planning a trip to some place warm such as Cancun, Florida or Las Vegas. Even if I can’t actually go, doing the research, looking at
palm trees and white sand beach photos seem to warm me up. - Janet Alexander, Plan Design Specialist, Denver
continued on page 11
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miHealth Manager
Meagen Fehlauer, Disease Management/Wellness Assistant
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Portland
Office Holiday
Giving Tree
Kerri Patterson,
Consumer Reimbursement
Accounts Coordinator
Every year, the Portland office
collects its jeans day funds in order
to contribute to the Salvation
Army Angel Giving Tree holiday toy
collection. With only 11 employees
contributing year round, we all
felt that we could more directly
impact our community by saving
up our funds and by December
2013 we were able to collect
over $200 towards clothes and
toys. Additionally, employees
gave additional toys and items of
clothing to the program through
their own generosity which
added to the total amount that
the Portland office was able
to contribute. Throughout the
Portland metro area, the Salvation
Army collects and distributes
over 12,500 toys to less fortunate
children every Christmas.
2014 is officially underway and many of us have made New Year Resolutions to be
healthier. Whether that is to make more nutritious choices, exercise more, or get
more sleep, it’s not an easy task to make those changes on your own. Luckily we
have access to a tool that can help us make those resolutions a little bit easier.
miHealth Manager is more than just a site used to complete HRAs. There are
many interesting and interactive facets of the site just waiting to be explored,
including tools that you can use to help live a healthier lifestyle. The first, and one
of my favorites, are the healthy recipes under Health Content within the My Apps
page. This running slide show of recipe descriptions and mouthwatering pictures
offers recipes that are tailored to your health records as well as the season. A full
breakdown of the nutritional information is included, making it easy to keep track
of your nutritional needs. So the next time you need a fast, healthy recipe, check
out what miHealth Manager has on the menu.
The second helpful aspects are the Challenges. miHealth Manager offers a
multitude of challenges in four areas of wellness: eating, exercising, moving and
living. These week long challenges can help make your resolutions more fun,
and be used as a motivation when times get tough. Invite coworkers to do the
challenge with you to add a little competitiveness to the mix. Or, get the family
involved in the challenges to promote a healthy lifestyle at home. Browse through
the challenge options and start one today…I dare you!
The last area to cover is the Fitbit app. The Fitbit is the latest craze with health
tracking. This device, which can be worn around your wrist or attached to
clothing, tracks steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, active minutes
and sleep productivity. Users can also manually enter their food and calorie intake
throughout the day. The Fitbit automatically synchs your progress to a mobile
device or computer, including the miHealth Manager site. Download the Fitbit app
on miHealth Manager to keep tabs on your personal data feed.
These are just three of many useful and entertaining aspects of miHealth Manager.
Peruse through the site and check out the areas mentioned above, as well as other
areas that you have yet to discover. Take advantage of this handy tool to help you
down the path to a healthier you!
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from
achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the
wrong mental attitude.
– Thomas Jefferson
Winter Survival Continued
Be Prepared. There is a lot of truth to the old saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” - Todd Ragar MD,
miCare Medical Director
I can think of a few essentials: Always have a blanket in your car. NEVER let your gas tank get below 1/2, that way if you get stuck
you will stay warm! When stopping on ice, put transmission in neutral, this stops the wheels from spinning, tap breaks, and do
not hold them down. These are just a couple of the things Dear Ole Dad (rest his soul) made sure all of his children remembered! Janice Langlinais, Client Services Representative
Temperature permitting of course--bundle up, go sledding, build a snow man, go snowshoeing, or any activity where you can go
outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. - Carolyn Anderson, Claims Examiner III
As soon as the snow flies, I begin planning my spring garden revisions as well as planning my upcoming trips into Yellowstone
Park. The planning keeps me focused that winter will ultimately come to an end and that I will again be able to enjoy the great
outdoors without freezing to death or my worst nightmare, slipping and falling. One would never guess that I was born and raised
in Billings, Montana. - Chris Haugan, Stoploss Supervisor
Health Care Reform Timeline
Stacey Loucks, Compliance Officer
As we continue to receive new guidance from the IRS, the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human
Services, some compliance dates for future requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are a moving target. EBMS wants you
to remain up to date with current information. Following are the expected dates of upcoming requirements:
January 1, 2014
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Individual coverage mandate
Expansion of wellness incentives from 20% to 30% with an extra 20% allowed for incentives to prevent tobacco use
First day of first plan year beginning in 2014
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No annual or lifetime dollar limits allowed
No pre-existing condition exclusions allowed
No waiting periods in excess of 90 days for full-time employees
Automatic enrollment for new employees for employers with 200 or more employees (awaiting guidance)
Cover routine medical costs of clinical trial (grandfathered exempt)
Allow all dependents up to age 26 coverage even if they have other employer-sponsored coverage available
Out of pocket maximum of $6,350 for all in-network benefits administered by a single administrator (grandfathered exempt)
Plans years ending on or after October 1, 2013 to 2019
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PCOR fee imposed on plan sponsors ($1 for first year filers and $2 for second year filers multiplied by average number of
covered lives for prior plan year)--due July 31st of the immediately following year following the end of the applicable plan year
Plans must report number of covered lives for Temporary Reinsurance Fee. Fee is estimated at $5.25 per covered life per month
for 2014
November 5, 2014
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Large health plans must obtain a Health Plan Identifier (small plans – November 5, 2015)
First day of first plan year beginning in 2015
•
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Employer Shared Responsibility applies (“Pay or Play rule”)--applies to employers with 100 or more full time equivalent
employees (working an average of at least 30 hours per week) and at least one full-time employee is eligible for premium
assistance credits to purchase insurance through the State Exchange. (Delayed for employers with 50-99 employees until 2016)
Out-of-pocket maximum applies for all benefits included in plan
January 31, 2016
•
New information returns – Code Section 6055 (to plan member) and 6056 (to IRS) due for calendar year 2015
January 1, 2018
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Excise Tax begins for “Cadillac Plans” (awaiting guidance)
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P.O. Box 21367
Billings, MT 59104-1367
www.ebms.com
P 406.245.3575
T 800.777.3575
F 406.652.5380
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The Reader’s Review
Alyssa Francis, Project Manager
I Know This Much is True: by Wally Lamb
This book was given to me by my grandmother for Christmas last year and I simply
couldn’t put it down. I was in the middle of Gone With the Wind when I ‘accidently’
picked up this book and read a few pages just to see what this poignant…astonishing,
very good book was about.
Author Wally Lamb has written several chart-topping novels and I Know This Much
is True is really a commendable book that serves the purpose of telling a story of a
dysfunctional family with many twists and unexpected turns that keeps the reader
engaged. Set in 1990, Thomas, the elder twin, performs what he deems a ‘religious
act’ changing the dynamics of an already rocky relationship with his younger brother,
Dominick. The twins, just 6 minutes apart, one New Year’s Eve and the other New Year’s
Day, sets the stage for the struggles of acceptance from their step-father, mother, and
to differentiate between each other on the wild ride of family complexities. Thomas
is afflicted with schizophrenia and Dominick becomes consumed with how to handle
the weight of caring for his brother into adulthood. This fascinating novel brings to
life another unexpected turn when Dominick is presented with his grandfather’s
memoir, prompting further questions about the root of the family’s history and how
Thomas came to follow through with what Dominick noted as his ‘heroic’ act. The book
references the undercurrents of Thomas and Dominick’s youth, the experiences they
shared collectively and privately; what made them who they are.
I highly recommend this long, but very well written novel that will keep the reader
engaged from the first page to the last.
Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.
– Unknown