WPS: Telehealth: a safe way to save time and money

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Corporate Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

Telehealth: a safe way to save time and money

MADISON, Wis.—Aug. 12, 2021—COVID-19 has affected how we do so many things. Getting health care is no different. With the renewed emphasis on safety, telehealth (also known as telemedicine) has exploded in popularity. Technology allows patients to get routine care without ever leaving home—using a mobile device, computer, or phone. Telehealth can save people time and money when they need help for certain minor medical issues.

“When used appropriately, telehealth offers the potential to improve health care access, quality, and cost,” said Dr. Jonah Fox, Medical Director at WPS Health Solutions.  

To be clear, there are instances when going to the emergency room is necessary, such as:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Signs of a stroke, such as numbness or weakness on one side of the body, loss of vision, or trouble speaking
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Major injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma

Going to the ER when emergency care isn’t needed is costly and a drain on medical resources that may be needed to tend to patients with more pressing concerns. Urgent care is a great alternative for nonemergency situations, such as cuts, scrapes, sprains, or muscle strains. But urgent care can put a strain on a person’s wallet, too.

That’s where telehealth comes in. It’s a great way to get treatment for minor conditions such as:

• Allergies
• Arthritis pain
• Bronchitis
• Colds and flu
• Diarrhea
• Headaches/migraines
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Insect bites
• Rashes
• Sinus infections
• Sore throats
• Sprains and strains
• Vomiting

Fox continued, “In addition to enabling care when an in-person visit isn’t necessary or required, telehealth services can also allow a care team to monitor your condition remotely, as well as help facilitate collaboration among providers on the care team.” 

Many health insurance policies, whether individual or group health plans, have access to telehealth services. Some allow patients to talk to a board-certified doctor from anywhere at any time by phone, video, or mobile app within their network. Often, telehealth services offer the opportunity to connect with behavioral therapists or dermatologists. People should check their policy documents for details.

About WPS Health Solutions

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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In-Person Wisconsin Union Theater Events Return With 3rd Annual Black Arts Matter Festival, 102nd Annual Classical Music Series, Jazz and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 3, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-8862

IN-PERSON WISCONSIN UNION THEATER EVENTS RETURN WITH 3RD ANNUAL BLACK ARTS MATTER FESTIVAL, 102ND ANNUAL CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES, JAZZ AND MORE 

Wisconsin Union Theater team releases full 2021-22 season lineup

MADISON – The Wisconsin Union Theater team’s 2021-22 season will include jazz, classical music, R&B music, the return of the Black Arts Matter Festival, and more and will begin in September with in-person performances and some virtual attendance options. 

The Theater team held a mostly virtual 2020-21 season with the exceptions of two outdoor Madison Jazz Festival performances on the Memorial Union Terrace in June 2021. Despite all of the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Theater held more than 30 online events and supported artists, thanks in part to support from donations and patrons’ ticket purchases. 

The Theater team hosted a small number of performers for livestreamed and recorded performances in Shannon Hall, but the rows of patrons’ seats remained empty due to COVID-19.

The team looks forward to its upcoming season during which patrons can again enjoy programming in-person as well as all that Memorial Union offers, including dining at multiple on-site restaurants that guests can enjoy before performances. 

The series includes the return of the Theater’s classical music series, called the Concert Series, and the 3rd annual Black Arts Matter Festival, which builds community around Black culture and art.

The full lineup is as follows:

• Dulcé Sloan, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in Shannon Hall – This free performance is exclusively for UW-Madison students. Seating for this event is available on a first come, first served basis the day of the event. Students must present valid Wiscards for entry.
• Arun Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• Concert Series: Sphinx Virtuosi, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall and online livestream
• ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard featuring the E-Collective & Turtle Island Quartet, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Phony Ppl, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• The Vijay Iyer Trio, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• Concert Series: Gil Shaham with Akira Eguchi, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Third Coast Percussion + Movement Art Is, Jan. 27, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Brentano String Quartet, Feb. 10, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall and online livestream
• Concert Series: Pacho Flores with the University of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, March 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall and online livestream
• Black Arts Matter Festival, March 23-26, 2022, at Shannon Hall, the Play Circle Theater and online livestream
• George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, March 31, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Concert Series: Renée Fleming, April 30, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Shannon Hall
• Summer 2022 programming to be announced in spring 2022

Patrons can currently purchase subscriptions to the Concert Series, including a subscription with or without the Fleming recital as well as a subscription for only fall Concert Series performances. The following are available for subscribers to purchase as discounted add-ons to their purchases: Arun Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Phony Ppl, The Vijay Iyer Trio, and ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard. 

Concert Series subscribers’ benefits include no order fee and the opportunity to be the first to purchase tickets to Fleming’s recital and other Series performances. Additional subscription benefits include the option to be among the first to purchase tickets to Luthra’s Konnakol Jazz Project, Phony Ppl, The Vijay Iyer Trio, and ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard. 

Patrons can purchase single tickets for all 2021-22 Theater season events starting Aug. 24 with the exception of Fleming’s recital. Pending availability, single tickets for Fleming’s performance will go on sale in early 2022.

Patrons can purchase tickets online or in-person at the Memorial Union Box Office. Ticket prices vary by event. University of Wisconsin-Madison students, staff and faculty and Wisconsin Union members are eligible for ticket discounts.  

“We’ve missed our patrons and the opportunities to greet them and witness their enjoyment of performances,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “We enter this new season with excitement and acknowledgment that we’re not going back to how it’s always been. The pre-pandemic ‘normal’ wasn’t great for everyone, and this is a chance to rethink how we do things. Our hybrid model of in-person and livestreamed programming is designed to increase flexibility and accessibility for our audiences. From programming to operations, we’re prioritizing health, safety, and belonging for all.”

The Wisconsin Union Theater began in 1939. The Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a non-profit organization with a vision of serving as the social heart of UW–Madison, where all belong. The Theater team has been committed to artistic excellence throughout its more than 80 years of serving its patrons. It also presents diverse forms of art in its seasons and works to create inclusive spaces. 

This season is made possible in part due to donations. The events featuring Gil Shaham and Akira Eguchi and the Brentano String Quartet are part of the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music series supported by the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Fund. The performance by Fleming is supported in part with gifts from Bob and Linda Graebner and Stephen Morton. The entire season is presented with support from the Wisconsin Arts Board. 

The Wisconsin Union team employs numerous health and safety measures to help provide safe enjoyment of Union experiences, including the frequent cleaning of shared spaces and the providing of hand sanitizer stations.

For more information about the 2021-22 Wisconsin Union Theater season, visit union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater. 

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The Theater hosts performances in multiple locations, including Memorial Union, and has an expansive history of remarkable performances. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and continues to work towards creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for all who engage with the Theater’s programming, events, and activities. The Wisconsin Union Theater is part of the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization that blends learning and leisure to create unique out-of-classroom opportunities. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater. 

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/season-2021-22.

Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin: Opportunity to Empower Local Girls Now Available

Sponsorship opportunities for Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin’s fall season are now available. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires 3-8^th grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. The volunteer-led program brings together groups of 8-15 girls for an 8-week season that encourages personal development, team building, and connection to the community.

This fall, Girls on the Run will be offered at over 50 sites throughout the 8-county South Central Wisconsin territory including Cross Plains, DeForest, Madison, McFarland, Middleton, Milton, Monona Grove, Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona and Waunakee. Each team will meet twice weekly for 90 minutes and participate in lessons that use dynamic discussions and fun running games to teach important life skills. The season will culminate in a 5K event that brings together family, friends, and community members to celebrate the girls’ growth throughout the season. This fall, the 5K event will take place at the Waunakee Community Center on Saturday, November 6^th. The public is welcome.

Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin is proud to share that no girl is ever turned away for an inability to pay for the program. Sponsorships support programming in a number of critical ways. Christine Benedict, Girls on the Run Executive Director, shares “sponsorships help us advance our mission and have a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of local girls who gain confidence and healthy habits through our empowering programming.” Sponsorships underwrite expenses ranging from program supplies to running shoes and help ensure access for participants from high-need communities. Sponsors enjoy a number of benefits including access and exposure to hundreds of local families interested in health, wellness and empowering women and girls. Interested sponsors can reach out to christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org for more information.

Girls on the Run uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage a lifelong appreciation of health and fitness, and help them build confidence through accomplishment. The organization envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

About Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin: Girls on the Run SCWI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering positive youth development programming in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties. Girls on the Run SCWI is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, which included more than 200 councils in the U.S. and Canada. Since 2005, over 15,000 girls at over 100 program sites throughout South Central WI have benefited from Girls on the Run.

For more information about Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin, visit: https://www.girlsontherunscwi.org/

Taliesin: Growing up Wright: Book Signing Event with Lonnie Lovness

Join author Lonnie Lovness in person for a meet and greet and book signing at the Taliesin gift shop. Purchase the book in person or online.

Click here for more information.

WPS Health Insurance teams up with Auxiant for ASO product

MADISON, Wis.—July 20, 2021—WPS Health Insurance announced today that it is working with Auxiant to provide top-tier administrative services for Wisconsin employers that self-fund their group health plans. 

WPS Health Insurance and WPS Health Plan offer Administrative Services Only (ASO) products for employers that self-fund their employee benefit plan. Self-funded plans are typically administered by a third party, like WPS. The services available from WPS can be tailored to each employer to meet specific needs.

“This new partnership adds value to our group health plan product line and allows employers across Wisconsin to continue to choose WPS with confidence,” said Jeremy Ott, Vice President of Health Insurance Economics for WPS Health Insurance. “By partnering with Auxiant, we can help employers administer their self-funded group health plans more effectively than ever before.”

Joseph Holt, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Auxiant, added, “WPS is well respected, and we are confident employer groups will recognize the value of a WPS self-funded product powered by Auxiant. Our data-driven approach will empower companies and organizations to help improve health care quality for group members and lower medical spend through proven cost-containment practices.”

The updated ASO product is available to employers now with effective dates beginning Jan. 1, 2022. Local health insurance agents can assist employers, or employers can contact WPS group sales directly at 866-297-4977 or visit wpshealth.com/aso.

About WPS Health Insurance

As one of the largest health benefits providers in the state, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) remains not-for-profit and offers high-quality health plans to the public and private sectors. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., WPS Health Insurance has more than 3,400 employees. WPS Health Insurance offers Preferred Provider Organization health plans for individuals and groups, third-party administrator services, plus Medicare supplement plans and Medicare prescription drug plans. Visit wpshealth.com for more information.

About WPS Health Plan

WPS Health Plan, Inc. (WPS Health Plan) is a fresh choice in a crowd of big, impersonal, national health insurance giants. Based in Green Bay, Wis., WPS Health Plan continues its tradition of Wisconsin-based service and is always looking for ways to make owning and using health insurance easier. WPS Health Plan offers Health Maintenance Organization and Point-of-Service plans to the group and individual markets in eastern and north-central Wisconsin, plus third-party administrator services. Visit wpshealth.com/healthplan for more information.

About Auxiant

Auxiant is an independent third-party administrator with over 150 full-time employees and offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Madison, Wis., and Milwaukee, Wis. Auxiant has been in business since 1982 and is dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible service.

Auxiant specializes in customization, cost-control, health management, and technological tools for self-funded clients and members. Auxiant is known for its innovation and technology, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its clients.