VPSB Wellness Department
 

NEW WELLNESS BENEFIT FOR THOSE VPSB MEMBERS INSURED THROUGH UNITEDHEALTHCARE

Benefit effective May 1, 2008

(2008-2009 Policy Year)

AS A WELLNESS SCREENING,

100% OF THE 1^ST ROUTINE COLONOSCOPY SCHEDULED FOR THOSE AGE 50 AND ABOVE WILL BE COVERED AT IN-NETWORK PROVIDERS.

• Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.  The good news is there are steps you can take that may help prevent it, or improve your chances of beating it.

• GET SCREENED

Colorectal cancer first develops as colorectal polyps.  These growths in the colon or rectum may become cancerous over time.  Regular screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing the polyps before they develop into cancer.  More than 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured when caught early.

• WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER SCREENING?

For most Americans, screening should begin at age 50.

Talk with your doctor if you or anyone in your family has had colorectal cancer, polyps or other hereditary colon conditions.  Your doctor will tell you how often you should be screened, as well as which testing method is preferred for your situation.

The wellness screening benefit covers ONE routine colonoscopy beginning May 1, 2008 (2008-2009 policy year).  If an insured individual needs a 2^nd colonoscopy for a medically necessary condition, the 2^nd one and all others are covered at current plan benefits.  ONLY the 1^st routine colonoscopy at an In-Network provider is paid at 100% (waiving the deductible, co-payment and coinsurance for colonoscopy procedures).