Welcome to our latest quarterly member newsletter, with information, tips, and resources to help you stay healthy and get the most from your CHPW Individual & Family Plan. Our team is here to support you in every part of your health journey.
In this issue: |
Stay healthy and save this summer
Ahh, the joys of summer! Here are tips to enjoy the season safely and affordably.
Health tips
Stay safe in the sun
Protect your skin by using sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) and be mindful of signs of heat illness. Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, dizziness, cramps, and cool, clammy skin—treat it with shade, cool cloths, and water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by confusion, a rapid pulse, and hot, red skin; call 911 and cool the person quickly.
Stay safe in the water
Whether you’re on the lake, river, or sound, always wear a life jacket when boating or floating. Never swim alone and keep an eye on children around water. Learn more: Safe swimming tips in Washington
Stay hydrated
Hot temperatures make you sweat more and lose water fast. Drink water regularly throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—that could be an early sign of dehydration.
Protect against bugs and ticks
Ticks and mosquitoes are active in Washington during the summer, especially in brushy areas. Western Washington forests have ticks that can transmit Lyme disease, though cases are rare. Eastern and Central Washington see higher risks for mosquito-borne West Nile virus.
To stay safe, consider these precautions while out in nature:
- Use repellent (look for EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus)
- Wear long sleeve and long pant clothing
- Avoid tall grass and standing water
- Check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors
Affordable summer tips
Enjoy the season with these fun, budget-friendly options—whether you’re on your own or with your family.
Free museum and park passes:
Libraries across the state—including Spokane County, King County, and Pierce County—offer free passes to museums and parks.
Explore the outdoors:
Washington is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with scores of state parks, historic sites, and trails to explore at little or no cost. Find a park near you. Many libraries take part in the Check Out Washington program, where you can borrow Discover Passes to visit state parks for free.
Farmers markets:
Browse local markets for fresh produce, free samples, and community events.
Bonus tip: You can often find the best budget-friendly deals right before closing time!
Community events:
Many cities host free summer concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals. Check your local city website, parks department, or library calendar for a schedule of neighborhood fun.
Need extra support?
From food banks to utility assistance, CHPW’s Findhelp Tool can connect you with free or low-cost resources right in your neighborhood. Just search by ZIP code.
CHPW’s Community Support Services team can also help you get the support you need.
MemberFirst™ Rewards
Last year, we launched a program that lets you earn gift cards for completing key preventive cancer screenings.
In this issue, we want to highlight the importance of routine breast cancer screenings. Women age 40 and over are at a greater risk for breast cancer, so it’s important to get screened regularly.
Mammograms can find breast cancer early, often well before you or your doctor can feel a lump or notice any symptoms. Early detection gives you more treatment options and a much better chance of successful care.
Routine breast cancer screenings are 100% covered by your CHPW plan when you see a network provider. You pay $0 out of pocket.
Plus, with MemberFirst Rewards, you can earn a $50 gift card (choose from Amazon, Safeway/Albertsons, or Target) after completing a routine breast cancer screening and submitting a short online claim form.
WATCH: Let’s talk about mammograms!
Hard to find time for an appointment? Mobile mammogram vans often come to neighborhoods near you—making it easier than ever to get screened. CHPW frequently partners with local organizations, such as Fred Hutch Cancer Center, to bring mobile mammogram vans directly into communities across Washington.
If you’re in Western Washington, check to see if Fred Hutch’s Mammogram Van will be visiting your area.
You can also check with your doctor, Community Health Center clinic, or local hospital to see if there’s a mobile screening unit coming to your area.
Premium payment tips and FAQs
Paying your bills isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do, and we get that. We want to make it as simple and stress‑free as possible. Below are answers to the questions our members ask most often about their monthly bill.
When is my monthly premium payment due?
Premium payments are due on the 23rd day of every month for the following month’s coverage.
How do I pay?
You have three ways to pay your bills: online (E-Bill Express), by phone, or by mail.
How do I set up automatic payments online?
After logging in to E-Bill Express, select “Create New Recurring Payment.” Follow the prompts. At the end, Review and click “Finish.”
Is there a specific web browser I should use for online payments?
E-Bill Express works best on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. If you are experiencing technical glitches or spinning screens while trying to log in or pay, switching to Chrome or Edge usually resolves the issue.
How far in advance should I schedule my online payment?
To ensure your payment is fully processed by the due date, we recommend scheduling your online payment at least 3 business days before the 23rd.
For more info, visit our Pay Your Bills webpage.
That’s all for now. Until next time, be safe and be well.
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