Act F.A.S.T when someone is having a strokeStroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and can be fatal. However, quick action at the first sign of stroke can help lessen damage to the brain and possibly save a life.The easiest way to identify a person having stroke is to remember [...]
Safely soak in fun in the sun Summer’s around the corner. It’s the time to spend warm days soaking up some sun while sipping on a drink poolside, splashing in a lake, or strolling on a path. Catching some rays has benefits, but it can put your health at risk if [...]
Meet four midwives dedicated to evolving the Black maternal landscape MESSA partner Ovia Health worked with the National Birth Equity Collaborative to compile these four stories of midwife trailblazers. Shafia Monroe: Planting the seeds Shafia Monroe Consulting Portland, Ore. As these spotlights featuring Black doulas and midwives were being prepared, one woman [...]
Midwives can help improve Black maternal landscape For generations, midwives provided care and support to laboring mothers, and often were the only option for working-class, poor communities of color. In the 20th century, however, modern maternal medicine nearly eliminated midwifery from the birthing landscape. “One of the darkest moments in U.S. [...]
Meet your MESSA card MESSA membership has its perks. Your MESSA card grants you access to MESSA’s exceptional health benefits and the largest network of providers in the state. Every MESSA member with a medical plan has two MESSA card options: The plastic card that’s probably nestled in your wallet right [...]
This year, remember your flu and COVID-19 shots This year, be sure to get your flu shot AND get boosted for COVID-19. Flu cases dipped the past two years because people had to wear masks, health experts say. With no mask mandates, cases may rise and experts warn about coinfection — [...]
MESSA ABC 1 deductibles, HSA contribution limits increase for 2023 MESSA members with an ABC 1 plan will see their deductibles and the amount they can contribute to their health savings accounts (HSA) increase in 2023. The IRS announced this year that the minimum deductibles for HSA qualified health plans will increase [...]
Shop online for glasses + contacts with Eyeconic You can now shop online for eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts — and even virtually try on eyewear options — from the comfort of your home with your MESSA vision plan. Eyeconic connects your MESSA vision benefits to the VSP network and allows for [...]
It’s time to get your flu shot Getting your flu shot is always important, but it’s even more critical this year. Health systems are bracing for a possible second wave of COVID-19 cases at the same time that cold and flu season usually heats up. That double whammy could overload local [...]
