Vol. IX, Issue 9
April 4, 2012
- Medco and Express Scripts Merger Completed
- Virgin HealthMiles Updates
- New Social Network Feature—“VHM Connections”
- Rise Up for Health Challenge—Starts Easter Sunday
- Quarterly Activity Targets—Deadlines
- Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness—New Single Sign-On
Medco and Express Scripts Merger Completed
The merger of Medco Health Solutions and Express Scripts closed on April 2, 2012. The new company will operate under the Express Scripts name. However, this merger will have no immediate impact on HealthFlex participants. Participants do not need to take any special action as a result of the merger.
- Medco’s member services phone number, website and ID cards will continue to be valid.
- Participants can continue filling prescriptions through Medco Pharmacy (mail order) and participating retail pharmacies.
- Mail-order packaging will continue to carry the Medco name.
Additional details are provided in these Frequently Asked Questions. This FAQ will be available for participants on the HealthFlex/WebMD website.
The merger was first announced to plan sponsors in the July 25, 2011 HealthFlex Express. Over the long term, the move is expected to improve efficiencies and control costs for prescription medications. Express Scripts and Medco have yet to finalize an integration/implementation plan. The General Board will keep you apprised of developments and timeframes as they are finalized.
Participants with questions may contact Medco’s member services representatives at
1-800-841-2806. The call will be answered as “Express Scripts, formerly Medco.”
Plan sponsors seeking additional information may contact John White at jwhite@gbophb.org or 1-800-269-2244, ext. 5199.
Virgin HealthMiles Updates
Please note the following important updates to the Virgin HealthMiles program.
New Social Network Feature—“VHM Connections”
Virgin HealthMiles launched its social networking feature: VHM Connections.
After logging in to Virgin HealthMiles, each user may opt into “Connections” and personalize his or her social network by designating “My Friends” and “My Groups” through the Connections tab. Users also can select privacy settings through “My Profile.”
Sharing “what works for me” ideas and individual wellness accomplishments is a way for participants to motivate each other on the shared path to healthier lifestyles. In the coming months, we will use this feature to create walking groups and other groups to support healthy actions across the denomination.
Rise Up for Health Challenge—Starts Easter Sunday
The second annual Rise Up for Health Challenge begins Easter Sunday, April 8 at 12:01 a.m., local time. This challenge ends Monday, April 30. All United Methodist Church conferences and plan sponsors who participate in the Virgin HealthMiles program will be included in this challenge.
Virgin HealthMiles will send e-mail notices with challenge details and deadlines directly to participants. Participants can join the challenge through a link in the e-mail, or through their personal Virgin HealthMiles Web page. The sign-up deadline is Friday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time.
Participating individuals will be randomly assigned to small teams. Individual and team achievement will be rewarded with bonus HealthMiles. Individuals who do not upload any steps by April 20 will be removed from the challenge to prevent non-participating individuals from lowering their team’s step average.
Quarterly Activity Targets—Deadlines
With spring’s arrival, participants have a fresh opportunity to achieve their next quarterly activity targets. “Steppin’ Into Springtime” runs April 3–June 26. Participants’ quarterly activity targets are customized to their personal step history, as tracked through the GoZone or Polar heart rate monitor in the first quarter of 2012. Participants who achieve this quarterly target can earn $25 HealthCash.
The first quarterly activity target—Winter Warm Up—ended March 29. Participants must upload their steps by April 12 to receive credit toward the first quarter’s $25 HealthCash wellness incentive.
Learn More
Virgin HealthMiles will communicate directly to participants about the Rise Up for Health Challenge and Steppin’ Into Springtime targets. Participants can read more details about the 2012 Virgin HealthMiles approach and incentives opportunities on the HealthFlex/WebMD login page. (No password is necessary to access these documents online.)
Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness—New Single Sign-On
Single sign-on capability is now available for Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness through the HealthFlex/WebMD website. HealthFlex participants who log in through the WebMD portal can now preregister online for the Blueprint for Wellness biometric screening without entering a Quest-specific username, password or registration key. This feature makes it more convenient for participants and covered spouses to preregister for their screenings and later view their results online.
To access the Quest Diagnostics Web page:
- www.gbophb.org
- Click on “HealthFlex/WebMD”
- Enter username and password
- Choose “Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness” under Get Started, Vendor Links or the Benefits drop-down menu
- Register for a screening or view screening results online
Reminder: Preregistration is required for screenings at a Quest Diagnostics facility. Preregistration is strongly recommended for on-site screenings during annual conference or an employee health event.
Participants also can preregister by phone at 1-866-908-9440 (toll-free).
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