Winter 2017–2018

Community calendar ..............................2

President's message ...............................3

Amwell: a faster, easier way to see a provider .............................4–5

Curling: a healthy way to have fun ........... 6–8

Know before you go................................9

Importance notice: understanding your pharmacy benefits ........................... 10

Suicide and crisis support in Vermont .......................................... 10

Vermont recipe feature ........................11

A Newsletter for Subscribers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont

and The Vermont Health Plan

Curling: a healthy way to have fun

Mark your calendars: BCBSVT’s annual Snow Days events return! Since 2011, BCBSVT has hosted its free Snow Days events to encourage Vermonters to get outside during the winter months by covering the cost of admission and rentals at ski venues around the state. Join us at the below locations for cross‑country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding (as available) as well as healthy snacks and a toasty fire:

Jan. 27: Grafton Outdoor Center (783 Townshend Rd., Grafton)

Feb. 3: Mountain Top Inn & Resort (195 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden)

Feb. 17: Lyndon Outing Club (1580 Lily Pond Rd., Lyndonville)

Feb. 24: Bolton Valley Ski Resort Nordic Center (4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton Valley)

Please note: � All events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. � The first 50 attendees will receive

a signature Snow Days hat. � You are welcome to bring

your own equipment. � The Lyndon Outing Club will not

be offering cross‑country skiing. � In the event of cancellations, we

will post on our Facebook page, facebook.com/bcbsvt and on our website at bcbsvt.com.

Questions?Email events@bcbsvt.com.

Winter 2017–2018

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We’re in your communityWe’re proud to sponsor and support our communities because we’re Vermonters, too.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont publishes Vigor® for members and other interested parties.

Please address correspondence to:Editor, VigorBCBSVTP.O. Box 186Montpelier, VT05601-0186

Send your comments, questions and suggestions about Vigor to:

communications@bcbsvt.com

We’d like to hear from you.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice.

For information about any of the events listed, please email events@bcbsvt.com or call (802) 764-4858.

To find our up-to-date Community Calendar, visit www.bcbsvt.com/calendar.

Community events calendarJANUARY27Snow Days at Grafton Trails & Outdoor CenterFree access to cross country skiing, snow shoes, tubing, healthy snacks, hot cocoa and a bonfire.11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center Grafton events@bcbsvt.com

Jan. 30 – Feb. 1Vermont Farm ShowChamplain Valley Expo Essex Junction www.vtfarmshow.com

FEBRUARY1 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon8:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sheraton Burlington

3Snow Days at ChittendenFree access to cross country skiing, snow shoes, healthy snacks, hot cocoa and a bonfire.11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mountain Top Inn and Resort Chittenden events@bcbsvt.com

50 Plus and Baby Boomers Expo9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sheraton Burlington www.vermontmaturity.com/expo

FEBRUARY17Snow Days at Lyndon Outing ClubFree access to sledding, snow shoes, healthy snacks, hot cocoa and a bonfire.11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lyndon Outing Club, Lyndon events@bcbsvt.com

24Snow Days at BoltonFree access to cross country skiing, snow shoes, healthy snacks, hot cocoa and a bonfire.11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton events@bcbsvt.com

MARCH10Howard Center Curling Challenge8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cairns Arena, South Burlington www.howardcenter.org

17Jr. Iron Chef9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Champlain Valley Expo vtfeed.org/jrironchefvt

Local.

Independent.

Not-For-Profit.

www.bcbsvt.com

Vigor

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President's message:Vermont and the nation are facing a crisis of huge proportions; opiate addiction and abuse has reached dire levels, causing significant pain to those touched by its effects. We at Blue Cross and

Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) empathize with the struggles that many are facing in this state and are committed to finding ways to address the situation in a positive way.

As part of that commitment, we were honored to underwrite the “Opiate Crisis: Stories and Solutions” program this fall and partner with Vermont PBS, who facilitated the series and led important conversations about opiate use in our state. I was deeply affected by these conversations, and feel motivated to help find new solutions, ways to support effective prevention and treatment and have an impact on the rise in opiate use and misuse.

For many years, BCBSVT has been involved in raising awareness of addiction issues in Vermont. We have supported community screenings of Bess O’Brien’s films and participated in many town hall discussions, which have helped bring these issues to the forefront. The project with Vermont PBS interested us because it allowed us all to further the conversation and

determine how we can continue to enhance the important and effective work going on to both prevent and treat addiction in Vermont.

There is much good work to be applauded but there remains much to be done as 15,000 to 20,000 Vermonters struggle with addiction each day.

Our ultimate goal is to provide Vermonters and our providers effective prevention-oriented approaches, which minimize availability and exposure to opioids and the potential for addiction, identify early risky substance use as well as substance use disorders and provide effective integrated treatment and support for those who develop and are living with a substance use disorder.

We can assure you that we are deepening our commitment to fighting this epidemic. We are working with key partners and providers to raise awareness and address opiate issues through community engagement, meaningful dialogue, and progressive prescription drug policies—ultimately encouraging effective prevention and treatment options.

We believe that, together, we can develop strategies and solutions that can change the course of this crisis.

Thank you,

Don George, President and CEO

Sick on a weekend? Trying to get help with a rash between work meetings? Worried about a feverish baby in the middle of the night? Advice from a leading provider is as close as your computer, tablet or smartphone. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) offers telemedicine services with Amwell®, a nationally acclaimed telemedicine vendor, to provide you with services 24/7, wherever you are.

Members can verify whether their benefits cover telemedicine services by checking their Plan documents within the Member Resource Center at www.bcbsvt.com/mrc or by calling the number on the back of their ID cards.

Telemedicine is an online video consultation with a provider via a computer or an app on a smartphone or tablet. Amwell providers can help you with issues like:

Amwell providers can also prescribe medication, if needed. (Please note distribution of prescriptions are subject to state law.)

Helpful tips!

1.Register before you get sick!

This way, when illness hits, you are merely a finger tap away from getting the care you need. Visit Amwell.com to register or download the Amwell

app from the iTunes® or Google Play™ store. If you have any questions about how the service works, please feel free to contact Amwell at (855) 818-3627.

2.After any telemedicine visit, follow up with your primary care provider’s office.

Keeping your primary care provider informed helps your provider manage your health.

3.Keep a list of important health care numbers on your fridge or family cork board.

It’s a good idea to keep a list of important contact information such as how to access telemedicine services, the number for your primary care provider’s office and your closest

urgent care facility number on hand. When you’re not feeling well, having these numbers handy helps save time and energy. In the case of an emergency seek care right away by dialing 9-1-1.

Cost-sharing for telemedicine services

Please note: a medical consultation via Amwell requires cost-sharing.

A faster, easier way to see a provider

� respiratory infections

� bronchitis

� urinary tract infections

� pharyngitis

� rashes

� pink eye

� cough

� flu

� stuffy head

� allergies

� nutritional counseling*

� breastfeeding support*

� mental health and substance abuse*

*new services offered in 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) has contracted with American Well® (Amwell), an independent company, to provide telemedicine services for BCBSVT members. Amwell is solely responsible for its services and site content, as well as the conditions, terms of use and privacy policies that govern its site and services.

Telemedicine services provided by:

Download theAmwell app and enroll today!

How to download the app for your smartphone or tablet Follow these steps to connect with Amwell through the app:

� Grab your BCBSVT ID card and have your medical history nearby, as you’ll need certain information in order to use Amwell.

� Search for and download the Amwell app from the Apple App Store (if you have an Apple Device) or from the Google Play Store (if you have an Android device).

� Install the app—you open the app by finding an icon on your device that looks like a heart with a checkmark in it.

� Open the app and register for your virtual visit in order to access benefits through your health plan (self-pay options are also available through Amwell).

� Select Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont from the drop-down menu in the health plan field.

� When prompted, enter your Subscriber ID from your BCBSVT ID card.

� When prompted, choose the type of service you want.

� Next, you’ll see a list of providers available to you. Select the provider you’d like to see, or simply wait for the next available provider.

� You will next need to answer some questions about the problem for which you’re seeking care and some general information about your health status and history.

� That’s it! You’ll next watch a short Amwell welcome video and go to

the virtual “waiting room” for your provider.

� If you can’t wait, you can also schedule an appointment for a time that is convenient for you.

The online app contains many features to make your visit more effective. Find icons for the following on the bottom of your screen:

� Adjust your settings.

� Take photos and send them to your provider.

� Adjust the volume or mute the microphone on your device.

� Receive a post-visit report about your visit that you can share with your PCP.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) has contracted with American Well® (Amwell), an independent company, to provide telemedicine services for BCBSVT members. Amwell is solely responsible for its services and site content, as well as the conditions, terms of use and privacy policies that govern its site and services.

Telemedicine services provided by:

Download theAmwell app and enroll today!

How to download the app for your smartphone or tablet Follow these steps to connect with Amwell through the app:

� Grab your BCBSVT ID card and have your medical history nearby, as you’ll need certain information in order to use Amwell.

� Search for and download the Amwell app from the Apple App Store (if you have an Apple Device) or from the Google Play Store (if you have an Android device).

� Install the app—you open the app by finding an icon on your device that looks like a heart with a checkmark in it.

� Open the app and register for your virtual visit in order to access benefits through your health plan (self-pay options are also available through Amwell).

� Select Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont from the drop-down menu in the health plan field.

� When prompted, enter your Subscriber ID from your BCBSVT ID card.

� When prompted, choose the type of service you want.

� Next, you’ll see a list of providers available to you. Select the provider you’d like to see, or simply wait for the next available provider.

� You will next need to answer some questions about the problem for which you’re seeking care and some general information about your health status and history.

� That’s it! You’ll next watch a short Amwell welcome video and go to

the virtual “waiting room” for your provider.

� If you can’t wait, you can also schedule an appointment for a time that is convenient for you.

The online app contains many features to make your visit more effective. Find icons for the following on the bottom of your screen:

� Adjust your settings.

� Take photos and send them to your provider.

� Adjust the volume or mute the microphone on your device.

� Receive a post-visit report about your visit that you can share with your PCP.

Curling:By Bill Germer

With the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea less than two months away, it’s a great opportunity to discover an obscure winter sport. While curling is considered one of the fastest growing sports in America, you likely are less familiar with the game. You probably watched a little bit of curling on TV but didn’t really pay much attention. What’s with all the yelling, the sweeping and the stones? What is it all about?

The game of curling started over 500 years ago in Scotland as an opportunity for neighbors to gather during the cold winter months in a friendly game on their local frozen lake or pond. There weren’t a lot of rules back then, but the spirit of curling—to play an honorable game—still continues today. Even at the Olympic level, every game starts and ends with a handshake. There is no heckling or intimidating the other team. In fact, players will congratulate their opponent on a shot well played and empathize with their misses. Both teams socialize during and following their game. There is even a tradition that the winners get the losing team a beverage after the match. The teams will chat and trade stories—and the losing team will get the next round…it’s only polite. It really is a great way to make new friends.

As you will read below, I have learned there many reasons to love curling, which is perhaps why my friends say I can’t go five minutes without slipping a little curling into the conversation.

Chess on iceCurling is a game of two teams, four players each, throwing stones down a sheet of ice about 140 feet long1 with the goal of putting a few of them in a 12‑foot target called the “house” in order

to score points or block their opponent from scoring. To do this, each player takes turns delivering their stones with a predetermined rotation, and as the stone travels down the ice, it will actually curl (thus the name). In order to put the stone where their captain (called the “skip”)

requested it, teammates use brooms to polish the ice in front of the stone to help reduce friction. Sweeping like this allows the stone to go a little farther and straighter. As the game progresses, every player delivers stones and every player sweeps.

The game continues this way for six to 10 rounds—called “ends”—with each player throwing their two stones as directed by the skip. Players put up “guards” to protect their other stones, curl some “draws” into the house to score points and throw “take‑outs” to remove unwanted stones. The most desired stone, the final stone in each end (called the “hammer”), can be a great advantage. After each end, the two vice‑skips (aka: “vice,” “third” or “mate”) tally and agree upon the score. As part of this honorable game, players admit their own fouls—so no need for a referee.

So, what’s up with all the yelling? When sweeping is needed, the skip shouts encouraging commands to the players such as “HURRY!” “HARD!!!”…

The Spirit of Curling

“Curlers play to win, but never to humble

their opponents.”Rules of Curling, World Curling Federation (WCF), 2017

a healthy way to have fun

Quick Facts: CurlingOrigin: Scotland, 16th century

(first known written reference: 1541)

Stones: weigh 38–44 pounds

Made of granite from only two quarries (Scotland & Whales)

Olympics: Debuted at the first Winter Olympics in 1924

Official competitive event since 1998

Mixed doubles in 2018

Nicknames: "Chess on ice" "The roaring game"

or “WHOA!” What a delight to watch the skips playing a sort of chess match with 40‑pound2 stones thrown from the other end of a sheet of ice. Watching a well‑executed shot slide right into position—as requested—is truly exciting. It’s even better when you get to take part.

InclusionAnyone can play curling—and at pretty much any age. As soon as you can push a rock, you can play, and it’s common to see players keeping active well into their 80s and 90s. In curling, there are many options for your specific situation. For instance, there are lighter stones (aka: “Little Rocks”) or shorter fields of play for younger kids as well as numerous options to keep older people playing. Most clubs welcome wheelchair curlers, some even have deaf or blind curlers. It can be a real treat to play with a variety of people—watching them play—and talking with them after. It really is impressive and inclusive. On a related note, the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games are March 9‑18, following the Olympics.

Health advantagesJust because curling is open to a wide variety of people doesn’t mean it’s easy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks curling as a “moderate activity”3. An average game (8‑ends) of curling lasts two hours, and most players walk over 1.5 miles4 while playing. Moreover, almost half of the game, players are sweeping. During those intense bouts of sweeping, a player’s heart rate can elevate to 140–200 bpm5 with a short breaks when walking back down the sheet. Over a two‑hour game, that can add up to a decent workout. It’s great for balance, focus and keeping active. According to one National Institutes of Health (NIH) publication, “Although further research is necessary, the results suggest that any level of curling experience can enhance older adult psychophysical well‑being, and warrants consideration for physical activity promotion and falls prevention programs.”6

If you track your daily activities using the My Blue Health and Wellness CenterSM, look for “curling” in your MyBlueHealth (https://mybluehealth.bcbsvt.com) cardio activity log (or whatever app you may use).

By playing curling multiple times a week, I have been able to keep active and keep my cholesterol levels under control—plus, it’s fun.

BonspielingOn top of being a good way to be active and meet people, I find it a great excuse to travel. Wherever people play curling, someone has organized a “bonspiel” (curling tournament). Bonspiels are friendly events that may last a half a day, all‑day or even span a long weekend. There’s usually a shared meal involved, too. Every weekend during the curling season, there’s a bonspiel somewhere. The trick is to find one in a place you want to visit—you’re going to meet others there that had the same idea. Last summer, I traveled to Torino, Italy to play and met players from Italy, France, Switzerland and Scotland. Too far, you say? Each year (in late February), the Rutland Rocks Curling club hosts a one‑day bonspiel for the four clubs in Vermont—called the VERspiel—at Giorgietti Arena in Rutland.

The Spirit of Curling

“While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly

feeling and honourable conduct.”Rules of Curling, World Curling Federation (WCF), 2017

1 WCF rule: 138' hack line to hack line; may be shorter when playing outdoors, depending on conditions

2 WCF rule: 38‑44 lbs.3 3‑6 METS or 3.5‑7 kcal/min.4 skips don’t walk that much.5 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/

articles/PMC3761524/6 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28952847

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Winter 2017–2018

Vigor

Get startedI got hooked on the sport in 2011 at the annual Howard Center Curling Challenge—a Burlington area fundraiser for the local, nonprofit crisis and counseling service provider—which Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) proudly sponsors. I didn’t even play that year, but I knew then that I had to try out for the BCBSVT‑employee team that next year—and I did. What a great event, 32 teams (most sponsored by local businesses) gather at Cairns Arena in South Burlington for a day of curling. The players aren’t seasoned pros; they may be out for their one day of curling that year or even their first time ever. Either way, people are having a ball. Many of the teams step it up a notch with wacky costumes, too. This year’s Howard Center Curling Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2018. (howardcenter.org)

While there are currently no facilities dedicated to curling here, we do have four curling clubs in Vermont (see box below for

more info). Upper Valley Curling (aka: Woodstock Curling Club) and Rutland Rocks Curling Club play out of their local hockey arenas. The Equinox Curling Club (Manchester, Vermont) currently plays at Giorgietti Arena in Rutland. And the oldest curling club in Vermont, Green Mountain Curling Club (Burlington area and Northern Vermont), crosses the border each week to play at Bedford, Quebec—one of the many dedicated curling clubs stationed over the border. Years ago, the local governments around Canada saw the advantage of building places for the public to meet, play and socialize. According to Curling Canada, there are almost 1,000 dedicated facilities sprinkled around their country—about nine distributed along the border with Vermont. There are other clubs within reasonable distances over the border in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York. If you live somewhere else, it’s worth checking the Internet—even small clubs usually have a Facebook page.

Look for a “Learn to Curl” clinic in your area. No doubt, there will be more and more as we get closer to this year’s Olympics.

Even if you can’t get to a local club, you can always go “old school” and play on a frozen pond or lake. During their annual Mardi Gras festival, locals in Calais, Vermont gather on Curtis pond, near Maple Corner, to play curling with reused plastic jugs filled with frozen water. Some people may not know the rules, or even what they’re doing, but the spirit of curling—to play an honorable game—continues today.

Good curling!

Links of interest: Curling clubsVermont curling clubsGreen Mountain Curling ClubHome ice: Bedford Curling Club, Bedford, Quebec greenmountaincurlingclub.org fb.me/GreenMountainCurlingClub

Rutland Rocks Curling ClubHome ice: Giorgetti Arena, Rutland rutlandrocks.com fb.me/RutlandRocksCurlingClub

Upper Valley Curling (aka: Woodstock Curling Club)Home ice: Union Arena Community Center, Woodstock uppervalleycurling.org fb.me/UpperValleyCurling

Equinox Curling ClubHome ice: Giorgetti Arena, Rutland bit.ly/EQXcc

Nearby curling clubsPetersham Curling Club (MA)250 N Main St, Petersham, MA petershamcurling.org

Plymouth Rocks Curling Club (NH)Plymouth State University’s Hanaway Ice Arena, Plymouth, NH plymouthrocksccorg. wordpress.com

Albany Curling Club (NY)117 W McKown Rd, Albany, NY albanycurlingclub.net

Schenectady Curling Club (NY)1084 Balltown Rd, Schenectady, NY schenectadycurlingclub.us

Club de Curling Lacolle (QC)7 rue du Curling, Lacolle, Quebec fb.me/CurlingLacolle

Bedford Curling Club (QC)15 Rue Marziali, Bedford, QC fb.me/curlingbedford

Sutton Curling Club (QC)26 Rue Pleasant, Sutton, QC +1 (450) 538‑3226

Border Curling Club (QC)26 Rue Principale, Stanstead, QC bordercurling.com

Curling OrganizationsGrand National Curling Club(Eastern USA) gncc.org

USA Curlingteamusa.org/USA-Curling

World Curling Federationworldcurling.org

Urgent care center When you have a condition or illness that is not an emergency, but still needs quick attention, you could seek urgent care services. Urgent care could include treatment for:

� minor cuts � minor back pain � broken bones

Emergency roomIn an emergency, you need care right away. Emergencies might include:

� chest pains � head injury with fainting � injury to spine

If you have an emergency at home or away, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest doctor or emergency department. You should call an ambulance if necessary.

Primary care providerYou should contact your regular provider for most urgent care and common health issues during office hours. Some examples are:

� infections � cough � digestive issues

TelemedicineYou can access a clinician remotely for diagnosis and treatment via phone, video or other technologies. Commonly treated conditions:

� pink eye � rash � flu symptoms

KNOWGOBEFORE

YOU

Make the right care choice.Be informed now so that you can choose the appropriate care for your situation. Understanding all your options may save you time and money.

(Please note: prior approval requirements and member benefits vary according to the member’s group or individual plan.Before receiving services, please check your benefits as outlined in your member materials or by calling the number on the back of your ID card.)

Get more information! Go to: www.bcbsvt.com/knowbeforeyougo

Winter 2017–2018

Vigor

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Importance notice: understanding your pharmacy benefitsBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) now offers two formulary choices for its members—the “BCBSVT Open Formulary” and our new “National Preferred Formulary (NPF).” As such, we will no longer be printing the drug list in our Vigor newsletter.

How do I know which formulary I have? Your ID card will help you determine which formulary applies to you. A formulary lists the prescription drugs covered under your pharmacy benefit.

Please note: some members do not get pharmacy benefits through us.

How can I find the most up-to-date drug list information? Members with either formulary should go online to view the most up‑to‑date drug list information.

If you have the BCBSVT Open Formulary, please visit www.bcbsvt.com/open-rx for the applicable drug lists, information, tools and resources.

If you have the National Preferred Formulary (NPF), please visit www.bcbsvt.com/npf-rx for the applicable drug lists, information, tools and resources.

Should I do anything if I’ve moved from the BCBSVT Open Formulary to the new National Preferred Formulary? In the fall of 2017, we contacted impacted members and their providers to explain the formulary change, and if necessary, provide lower‑cost drug alternatives.

If you haven’t heard from us or haven’t had the opportunity to speak with your provider, be proactive and research whether the National Preferred Formulary (NPF) will cover your current medications in 2018. If you discover that the NPF will no longer cover your current drug, we suggest you schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss an appropriate lower‑cost alternative.

We encourage all members to contact us with any questions they may have about their pharmacy benefits. Please call us using the number on the back of your ID card.

Suicide and crisis support in Vermont According to the Vermont Department of Mental Health’s website, Vermont has the highest rate of deaths by suicide in New England, and the seventh highest suicide rate in the nation. Further, over the last decade, the rate of suicide in Vermont is rising.

The Vermont Department of Mental Health is part of the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition—a broader group dedicated to reversing these statistics, created by the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center (VTSPC) and The Leadership Group.

If you or someone you know is depressed or suicidal, please know that there are many resources available that can help. In fact, help is only a text away using the Crisis Text Line.

The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential 24/7 support line for anyone in crisis in Vermont. Texting VT to 741741 will connect a person anywhere in Vermont with a trained crisis counselor. Once the person in crisis sends a text, a crisis counselor responds within five minutes. The counselor uses active listening to help the person to

calm down and develop a positive plan for a next step. If the texter is confirmed to be at imminent risk, the counselor takes appropriate steps for an active rescue.

In addition to the Crisis Text Line, there are various hotlines, services and programs available to help Vermonters in need. Visit the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center’s website at vtspc.org to learn more about other suicide prevention efforts and resources.

Source: http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/suicide-prevention

BCBSVT Open Formulary National Preferred Formulary

Subscriber:John SubscriberID: ZIAV88888888000

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of VermontP.O. Box 186Montpelier, VT 05601-0186An Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

34

Refer to your Contract for complete information. Prior approval is necessary for certain procedures and prescription drugs. Visit www.bcbsvt.com or call customer service for the list and instructions for requesting prior approval.

Providers outside Vermont should file claims with their local Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont provides administrative services and does not assume any financial risk for claims.

www.bcbsvt.comcustomerservice@bcbsvt.comCustomer Service: (888) 344-6690Provider Service: (800) 924-3494 Outside-of-Area: (800) 810-2583Prior Approval Review/Inpatient Pre Admission: (800) 922-8778Nurse Hotline: (866) 612-0285

Pharmacy benefits manager

PREVENTIVE OFFICE $0OFFICE VISIT $15SPECIALIST $25EMERGENCY ROOM $150

Group Number: 123456789BC/BS PLAN: 415/915Effective Date: mm/dd/yyyy

Member 03Jane SmithPrimary Care Physician:J Q Careprovider

Vermont Health

Partnership

BCBSVT Vermont Health Partnership (ASO)

No "Formulary" on ID card

Subscriber:John SubscriberID: ZIAV88888888000

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of VermontP.O. Box 186Montpelier, VT 05601-0186An Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

40

Refer to your Contract for complete information. Prior approval is necessary for certain procedures and prescription drugs. Visit www.bcbsvt.com or call customer service for the list and instructions for requesting prior approval.

Providers outside Vermont should file claims with their local Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont provides administrative services and does not assume any financial risk for claims.

www.bcbsvt.comcustomerservice@bcbsvt.comCustomer Service: (888) 344-6690Provider Service: (800) 924-3494 Outside-of-Area: (800) 810-2583Prior Approval Review/Inpatient Pre Admission: (800) 922-8778Nurse Hotline: (866) 612-0285

Pharmacy benefits manager

PREVENTIVE OFFICE $0OFFICE VISIT $15SPECIALIST $25EMERGENCY ROOM $150

Group Number: 123456789BC/BS PLAN: 415/915Rx Group: VT7AFormulary: NPFEffective Date: mm/dd/yyyy

Member 03Jane SmithPrimary Care Physician:J Q Careprovider

Vermont Health

Partnership

BCBSVT Vermont Health Partnership (ASO)

"Formulary: NPF" displays on ID card

www.bcbsvt.com

Vigor

Butternut Squash RisottoThis hearty winter meal has become a favorite in our family. Serve with a simple salad, sautéed greens or roasted broccoli.

Servings: 8

Ingredients1 large butternut squash (about 2 to 3 pounds), cut into ¾ inch cubes (6 cups total)2 tablespoons olive oilSalt and pepper 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth6 tablespoons unsalted butter4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced½ cup yellow onion, diced 1 ½ cups pearled barley ½ cup dry white wine1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Freshly chopped rosemary, sage and/or thyme (optional)

Recipe from Emily Piazza, MS, RDN, CD

Emily Piazza is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. She provides nutrition counseling for people of all ages and backgrounds in many areas of health, wellness and disease management. Emily loves to grow her own food and create delicious meals with the bounty.

Directions1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Peel the squash, cut in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and cut into ¾ inch cubes. Place squash on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once. Set aside.

3. While squash is roasting, heat vegetable broth in a small covered pan.

4. In a large heavy‑bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms and onion on medium‑low heat for about 10 minutes, until onions are translucent but not brown. Add the barley and stir to coat in the butter. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes.

5. Add 1‑2 cups of vegetable broth to the barley, stir and simmer until absorbed, about 5‑10 minutes. Continue this process until the barley is cooked through, about 30 minutes.

6. Turn off the heat, add the squash and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and serve. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition FactsServings: 8

AMOUNT PER SERVING

Calories: 428

% DAILY VALUE

Total fat: 26 g 41%

Saturated fat: 15 g 74%

Monosaturated fat: 9 g

Polyunsaturated fat: 1 g

Trans fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 59 mg 20%

Sodium: 954 mg 40%

Potassium: 511 mg 15%

Total carbohydrate: 25 g 8%

Dietary fiber: 4 g 15%

Sugars: 4 g

Protein: 21 g 42%

Vitamin A 235%

Vitamin C 37%

Calcium 68%

Iron 9%

Find the hidden symbol and win a prizeJust find the symbol shown at left hidden somewhere in this publication and send us a letter telling us where you found it. Use the address found

on the mailing panel. We’ll draw four lucky reader’s names from the correct responses; each will receive a gift card to Amazon.com.

Last issue’s hidden symbol (i.e. sun) was hidden on page 5 on the man’s shirt. Thanks for playing and congrats to our winners: Roy, Patty, Shaun, Jennifer and Meg.

Special challenge: Because of all the creative and unique responses (e.g. postcards, artwork, poems and notes) we've received over the years, we now present an additional winner with a gift card for the most creative entry for that issue's contest.

Electronic option: In an effort to be “green,” we will accept your hidden symbol contest entry via email. Just email hiddensymbol@bcbsvt.com and we’ll number your entry and enter you into the drawing!

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Vigor®

Inside:Community calendar • President's message • Amwell: a faster, easier way to see a provider • Curling: a healthy way to have fun • Know before you go Understanding your pharmac y benef i ts • Suic ide and cr is is suppor t in Vermont • Vermont recipe feature

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