Get Ready for Open Season During a Pandemic

(This article first appeared in the November/December 2020 issue of the American Postal Worker magazine)

This Open Season comes with many challenges. Your health and safety is our number one priority. I have two big recommendations for you this Open Season: get your flu shot and, if possible, go virtual! Take your best shot at avoiding the flu this season.

The flu affects millions of people each year and can result in severe illness, hospitalization and even death. A flu shot is your best defense to help to protect yourself and the people around you from seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it is likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall and winter (during Open Season). In this context, if you are able, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. It will not only reduce your risk from flu but also help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. Protect yourself and your family with a flu shot. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months and older (with few exceptions). Getting an annual flu shot is an effective way to:

• Help prevent the seasonal flu,
• Reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu,
• Decrease the risk of hospitalization and possible death,
• Help avoid exposure to COVID-19 virus by going to doctor, urgent care, or emergency room due to severe flu case.

Virtual Health Plan Open Season

Virtual is the new normal. The health industry is using new technology to create virtual platforms for human interaction. The APWU Health Plan continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic within this new reality of people meeting online instead of in person. Open Season information will be communicated virtually this year. The Health Plan has provided new platforms to keep you well informed. See your options below:

Call the Open Season Hotline at 800-PIC-APWU: An APWU HP representative will answer your questions. Please be patient as call volumes may be higher than normal. For shorter wait times, call early during Open Season; don’t wait until the last week.

Email general Open Season questions to virtualopenseason@apwuhp.com: Avoid the wait by emailing your questions! This email box is for general questions about the Health Plan. Do not include personal health information.

Visit the Health Plan’s website at apwuhp.com; click on “Open Season.” The website offers a great source of information – organized in a user-friendly methodology. Find the 2021 premiums, access the provider directory, view the benefits at a glance and watch informational videos and much more!

Join our virtual Open Season Health Fairs every Tuesday and Thursday from November 9 – December 14. These virtual health fairs are live chats, and designed for questions and answers through the Go To Meeting room. You ask the question and the APWU Health Plan will provide an answer!

Visit apwuhp.com for details or register today at: www.apwuhp.com/virtual-open-season-health-fairs.