CIS has been working hard to enhance its already outstanding employee benefits program. It’s been well known for years — based on claims data — that CIS Benefits members’ employees struggle with musculoskeletal issues. These chronic issues can lead to frustration as employees search for some type of relief. Historically, musculoskeletal conditions have been one of the drivers of CIS’ top claims. 

For those employees who have a Regence plan through CIS Benefits, they are adding Hinge Health and SurgeryPlus. Both programs give county employees more tools to recover from their injuries or chronic issues. For example, if an issue can’t be resolved through physical therapy through Hinge Health, CIS now has a SurgeryPlus program to help them to choose the highest quality surgeon, with the best outcomes in the industry. 

This should help keep rates stable for members covered through CIS Benefits. It will also give county employees better tools to help them deal with their musculoskeletal issues — and save money (if they go through SurgeryPlus for their needed surgeries).

SurgeryPlus is voluntary, so county employees can use the new program, or continue to go through the Regence network for their surgeries. SurgeryPlus gives them one more option.

Hinge Health for Back and Joint Pain Relief 

With the nicer weather comes summer activities, which can lead to sore joints and even back pain. Thankfully, CIS Benefits brings counties Hinge Health (starting Aug. 1, 2022), where county employees can access a digital exercise therapy program that supports back and joint health. 

If counties have CIS Benefits and are enrolled in a CIS medical plan administered by Regence, Hinge Health can help treat back and joint pain — as well as aid in their recovery from injuries, prepare them for surgery, and help them stay healthy and pain free. 

The programs from Hinge Health are available to CIS members enrolled on a CIS medical plan administered by Regence and their enrolled dependents over 18 years of age. 

In addition, Hinge Health allows them to complete their customized care plan anywhere, any time. They’ll have access to a personal health coach, convenient exercise therapy, and education articles that will help them understand their condition and treatment options.

Start by visiting http://hingehealth.com/CISOREGON. For questions, please call 855-902-2777 or email hello@hingehealth.com.

SurgeryPlus Can Save County Employees Money, Starts Jan. 1, 2023 

County employees — who are CIS Benefits members and enrolled in a CIS medical plan administered by Regence — will soon have access to a new program that can save them money when planning for a non emergency surgery. The new program is called SurgeryPlus, and it can provide employees with access to top-quality, affordable care for more than 1,500 surgical procedures. Some of the covered procedure categories include (but are not limited to) orthopedics, spine, general surgery, gynecology, ear nose, throat, gastrointestinal, bariatric, and cardiac. 

When county employees use SurgeryPlus, they may be able to save money through reduced financial responsibility.  

If they’re enrolled in a Copay or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plan, the deductible and coinsurance are waived — making their procedure through SurgeryPlus free.

If the employee is enrolled in a HDHP with HSA plan, for procedures with SurgeryPlus, there is no coinsurance, and the deductible is reduced to $1,500/$3,000 (individual/family coverage).

SurgeryPlus has a nationwide network of over 400 hospitals and 3,000 surgeons to ensure the right care, from the right provider in the right place. The network is built with provider quality and surgical outcomes as the top priority. 

If an employee thinks they need surgery, SurgeryPlus’ dedicated team of care advocates provides a personalized experience, guiding them through the entire process. They’ll help the employee find a surgeon that meets the rigorous SurgeryPlus credentialing standards. With an understanding of their care needs and preferences, the SurgeryPlus team will hand-select three surgeons for them to evaluate and choose from. Plus, they’ll ensure they have access to the best information as they make decisions about their care. SurgeryPlus will also coordinate logistics, and any necessary travel arrangements.  

As a voluntary program, CIS Benefits member employees can use SurgeryPlus, or continue to go through the Regence network for their surgeries. SurgeryPlus has been added to CIS Benefits to give county employees another choice when they are planning for a non emergency surgery.

To learn more, attend CIS’ Annual Conference this Aug. 24 -26.  SurgeryPlus’ Account Executive Ashly Hoss will join CIS on Thursday, Aug. 25, to provide greater detail of this added enhancement to CIS Benefits’ medical plans administered by Regence.

Contributed by: Bill LaMarche | Public and Member Relations Manager

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