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January 10, 2013

Pitt Benefits

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Weight Watchers 2013

In response to numerous requests from faculty and staff members, the Benefits Department’s Fitness for Life program will be partnering with Weight Watchers for the third year in a row to offer you the opportunity to participate in their internationally recognized weight loss/weight management program. The highlights for this year’s program include:

Discounted pricing from Weight Watchers and a possible partial reimbursement from the University with the completion of the program.

Pay directly to Weight Watchers by check or credit card for the “At Work” on-campus meetings.

Spouses/partners also may join the program and receive the discounted price, along with a possible partial reimbursement.

More meeting flexibility: Attend meetings “At Work” on campus* or off campus

(* “At Work” meetings require a minimum number of participants and thus may not be held in all requested buildings/locations.)

*

FitnessForLifeThe Fitness for Life-sponsored Weight Watchers program is 12 weeks in duration and begins the week of January 28, 2013. Informational/registration sessions will be held the week of January 22 at various buildings across the Pittsburgh campus.

The total fee for the program is $156 for the 12-week “At Work” on-campus meetings. Registration and payment for the program is made by participants directly to Weight Watchers. The University will provide a partial reimbursement to all those who are eligible to participate in the program if they attend at least 10 of 12 meetings.

Please visit the Fitness for Life Web site for further information about the program, the informational/registration sessions and the partial reimbursement:

https://www2.hr.pitt.edu/fitness/

and click on “2013 Weight Loss Program with Weight Watchers.”

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UPMC’s HealthTrak offers patients secure on-line access to portions of their medical records. It enables you to manage your health – online and on your schedule. With UPMC HealthTrak, you can use the Internet to:

  • Obtain advice securely from your doctor’s office.
  • Review your medical history and test results.
  • Renew prescriptions.
  • Spot problems early by tracking glucose and blood pressure at home.
  • Request appointments.
  • Ask billing questions.

Most patients are able to access all features of UPMC HealthTrak. However, a small number of doctors’ offices currently do not have the technology to access the entire UPMC HealthTrak system, and their patients will not be able to use the full array of UPMC HealthTrak features. In addition, if you currently are a UPMC patient but haven’t had an appointment with your doctor in three years or more, you will need to schedule an appointment and complete an office visit to use all of the UPMC HealthTrak features.

Currently the service is provided at no charge. However you must be:

  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Able to access the Internet.

Apply for HealthTrak Access

You can sign up during a visit to your doctor’s office, or you can go directly to their website to complete an online application:

https://htaccesscode.upmc.com/

After submitting your application, you will be asked a series of questions, provided by a third-party service, to confirm your identity and verify your information. Upon successful verification of your identity, a UPMC HealthTrak access code will be given to you. If you experience difficulties, you can e-mail UPMC at: healthtrak@upmc.edu, or call the UPMC HealthTrak Support Line at 1-866-884-8579.

flu-shotsFlu Shots

Many reports indicate that a very bad flu season is upon us. While it is not too late to obtain a flu shot, you may need to check with your physician’s office, pharmacy or urgent care center to confirm the availability of the vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, how well the flu vaccine works (or its ability to prevent influenza illness) can range widely from season to season and also can vary depending on who is being vaccinated. At least two factors play an important role in determining the likelihood that the influenza vaccine will protect a person from influenza illness: 1) characteristics of the person being vaccinated (such as their age and health), and 2) the similarity or “match” between the influenza viruses in the vaccine and those spreading in the community.

WebMD indicates that Allegheny County and the surrounding areas have been categorized as “severe” for cold and flu symptoms. Consider the flu shot and remember to wash your hands frequently!

Important Vendor Contact Information

Benefits Department

Office hours: 8 am-5 pm EST, 320 Craig Hall

412-624-8160 (Main Line) • 412-624-3485 (Fax)

www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits

Please visit our web site for FAQs, downloadable forms and other benefits information.

Medical

UPMC Health Plan

1-888-499-6885

www.upmchealthplan.com

Dental

United Concordia 1-877-215-3616

www.ucci.com

Vision

Davis Vision 1-800-999-5431

www.davisvision.com

Retirement/Savings

TIAA-CREF 1-800-682-9139

www.tiaa-cref.org/pitt

Vanguard 1-800-523-1188

www.vanguard.com

Flexible Spending Accounts

UPMC

1-888-499-6885

www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits/health-and-wellness/flexible-spending

LifeSolutions

1-866-647-3432

www.hr.pitt.edu/worklife-balance/health-wellness/life

Payroll

412-624-8070

www.bc.pitt.edu/payroll/index.html

Faculty Records

412-624-4232

UPMC HealthPlan


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