October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and help those affected through early detection, education and support. Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:

Average-risk women who are 50 to 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years.
Average-risk women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.

Benefits Provider Breast Cancer Resources & Services

The DC Department of Human Resources is dedicated to ensuring employees have access to the highest quality health care available. Please see below for additional information on programs by carrier.

Aetna
Kaiser Permanente
UnitedHealthcare
Aflac Indemnity Plans
Inova Employee Assistance Program

Aetna

Aetna has programs and resources to help women through every stage of life -- including a breast cancer diagnosis. Learn more about staying on top of breast health and screenings.

Getting a Mammogram

Mammograms are covered at 100 percent with no copay when using participating providers. Members will receive a script from their primary care provider (PCP) or

OB-GYN; however, no referrals are necessary. Find a health care provider through Aetna.

Additional Tools & Resources

Aetna Website. Visit www.aetna.com and search "breast cancer" to learn more about services and treatment.
Online Directory. Not sure where to look for a health professional in your area? Visit www.aetna.com to find oncologists, counselors and more.
Secure Member Website. Register for your member website at www.aetna.com. Then log in to manage your benefits, claims and costs. "Ask Ann" is our virtual assistant on the website. And she's available 24/7 to provide help.

Kaiser Permanente

Your best defense against breast cancer is early detection. With regular screenings and cutting-edge technologies, Kaiser Permanente can help prevent, detect and treat cancers early to save lives. When breast cancer is found, our entire care team of highly qualified specialists will get you the excellent care you need. Learn more about breast cancer and related services on Kaiser Permanente's website.

Getting a Mammogram

Most preventive care screenings will be covered with no cost sharing. This means that you won't have to pay copayments, coinsurance, or deductible payments for some preventive services. Make a mammogram appointment.

Breast Cancer Resources

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare knows that a healthy lifestyle is an important way to prevent breast cancer. But you're still at risk even if you do all the right things. That's why early detection is so important. When cancer is found and treated early, you have a better chance of healing. Learn more about breast cancer on UHC's website.

Getting a Mammogram

Routine mammograms are considered a preventive care measures that help you manage and maintain your health. Mammograms are generally covered at 100 percent by most health plans. UnitedHealthcare also covers other routine services that may require a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Always refer to your plan documents for your specific coverage. Members can link from myuhc.com to find breast cancer service providers.

Aflac Indemnity Plans

Aflac understands preventative care is essential to overall health and well being, which is why many Aflac insurance policies include an annual wellness benefit. Employees can take advantage of Aflac's annual Wellness Benefit paid each year when a covered person receives a wellness procedure that includes mammography. The individual plans for DC Government employees that include a wellness benefit are Accident Advantage and Cancer Indemnity.

For more information, contact your DC Government Aflac representative at 202.442.9718 or [email protected].

Inova Employee Assistance Program

The Inova Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a comprehensive, top-ranked employee assistance services provider that offers practical, real-world solutions to employee life issues that may derail productivity and satisfaction.
Inova's 24/7 EAP hotline and convenient online resources provide employees with easy, confidential access to professionals and resources, including:

Confidential Counseling. Services are available for you and your dependents to help resolve personal and family challenges related to chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Work Life Referral Services. Inova Work Life Referral Services make finding resources easy. During an extensive telephone interview, research specialists determine your specific needs and do the legwork. You get a customized list of providers that meet your criteria, complete with contact information.

District employees can log onto the Inova Employee Assistance member site to access their Inova EAP and Work Life services web portal.

Username: DCGOV
Password: DCGOV
Phone: 800.346.0110

For more information, please visit DCHR online or email [email protected].

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