Video: Watch How Easily a Hacker Can Access a Company Database

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Do you know how easy it is for a hacker to break into a company’s website? According to the above video from CNN Money, it can take mere seconds for a guileless employee to allow access without them even knowing.

As hackers become more socially intelligent and bold, companies of every size need to take steps to educate their employees to better protect themselves and their company. That’s why ALLtech is now offering access to the Allstate Identity Protection Pro Plus plan, a groundbreaking new approach to online privacy that helps users protect their privacy and manage their personal data.

Your identity is more than your Social Security number and credit score. Allstate Identity Protection Pro Plus helps you look after all your online activity, from financial transactions to what you share on social media. If fraud occurs, the plan’s $1 million identity theft insurance policy has you covered. Protection Pro Plus includes:

  • Identity monitoring
  • Credit monitoring
  • Remediation
  • Reporting

Protection Pro Plus is a non-taxable, non-reportable benefit, meaning employers can deduct any cost of offering this service to their employees, when enrolled as employer paid.

To learn more, download the Allstate Identity Protection brochure or email ALLtech@advprofessionals.com.

ALLtech Sponsors Hike-a-Thon to Support Washington Trails

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For ALLtech, the first day of summer means it’s time for us to start gearing up for Hike-a-Thon! Once again, we will be hitting the trails throughout August to raise money to support the Washington Trails Association.

In addition to forming a fundraising team for this year’s event, ALLtech is proud to also be a sponsor of Hike-a-Thon, along with the following partners:

Our sponsorship supports our belief that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Hike-a-Thon takes place every year throughout the month of August. You can register starting July 1, then start collecting donations through your personal fundraising webpage. Check out the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit for tips on how to get started.

Once you are registered, you can choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

This year, registration is free, and you’ll receive a T-shirt once you’ve raised (or donated) $20. For more information, see the Hike-a-Thon FAQ.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is the Washington Trails Association’s website, wta.org. Use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

We also have a recommendation to get you started in the above video from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myers, which highlights the Lake 22 trail in the North Cascades. We’ll have more tips from him and other resources in the weeks to come, so be sure to follow us on Twitter to keep up on the latest. We’ll see you on the trails!

ALLtech Addresses Substance Use Disorder with Unique Virtual Care Model

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From Regence.com

Addiction, or medically known as a substance use disorder, is a condition that affects far more people than many realize. In fact, more than 21 million people in the U.S. struggle with a substance use disorder, and opioid and alcohol use has risen sharply the past year. In the last 12 months alone, more than 81,000 people have died from a drug overdose – the highest number of fatal overdoses in one year ever recorded in the U.S.

Despite the growing need for treatment, access continues to be a concern. Many people find it difficult to locate nearby treatment centers or providers trained in medication-assisted therapy. Others may not have the time to seek out care, and there’s the stigma that may be associated with visiting a physical clinic in person.

ALLtech medical provider has Regence BlueShield has been working hard to reverse the trend by reducing opioid prescriptions among its membership by 51 percent. This March, it also announced a partnership with Boulder Care that provides ALLtech members with access to virtual substance use disorder treatment.

24/7 Access to Virtual Treatment

Boulder Care offers a unique model that provides access 24/7 nationwide, addressing traditional barriers to treatment caused by geography and time.

In addition to focusing on clinical outcomes, Boulder Care provides support for long-term health and wellness, as well as social determinants of health, like stable housing, employment and financial security. The organization’s model offers comprehensive treatment tailored to each participant’s unique needs, and is based around support provided by a specialized care team:

  • A doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in addiction medicine and can address co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions with wrap-around support
  • A care advocate who can assist with insurance or pharmacy questions, as well as help patients find primary care, mental health and other providers
  • A nationally certified peer coach who has experience with recovery and can help with accessing local resources

Participants can access their dedicated care team through secure messaging, video visits, and 24/7 phone support.

Learn More

To learn more about the state of the opioid epidemic and the benefit of options like Boulder Care, please watch the above video from Regence Behavioral Health Medical Director Dr. Hossam Mahmoud and Boulder Care’s Dr. Alyson Smith.

To learn more about mental health resources and more support available to ALLtech members, see our post on Mental Health Awareness Month.

Highlights from the 2021 Virtual GeekWire Awards

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If you missed last week’s 2021 GeekWire Awards, click the above video to watch the annual event that awards the Pacific Northwest’s leading innovators, entrepreneurs and technologists.

This year, ALLtech was proud to sponsor the HardWare/Gadget of the Year award, which went to Seattle-based Deako, whose “plug and play” light switches allow homebuilders and homeowners to easily swap in high-tech, remotely controlled lighting. Its technology works off a home’s existing wiring and lets homebuilders market their projects as smart homes, without a lot of upfront cost.

“We’re honored to be recognized with this award,” Deako founder and CEO Derek Richardson said in his acceptance speech. “We’re still just growing and expanding. We just did our Series B funding. So we’re just really scaling the company now in a large way, hiring and expanding our product lines.”

Read more from the winners in a recap of the GeekWire Awards, or watch a video round-up of celebrity cameos from Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm, Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks, and “The Office” actor Rainn Wilson, in addition to a run-through (literally) of all the nominees from “The Drunken Tenor.”

Be sure to also click below to watch ALLtech’s own short video that debuted at the 2021 GeekWire Awards highlighting our robust virtual care resources!

ALLtech Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month and Beyond

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As we recognize the start of a second Mental Health Awareness Month this May in the midst of a global pandemic, ALLtech would like to draw attention to how our diverse benefits are focused on keeping your workplace healthy and well – both physically and mentally.

As our medical partner Regence* BlueShield writes in the article Bringing light to mental health: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, 1 in 5 people in the United States experiences a mental illness in a given year, and even more people have needed extra support through the stress of the pandemic.

With help from Regence and our other partners, ALLtech is able to empower members to get the care they needed, from self-guided wellness to virtual therapy. As a member of ALLtech, you have access to:

Online Behavioral Health Therapy

  • MDLive: Virtual care at $0 co-pay on most ALLtech plans includes access to a counselor or psychiatrist for confidential, convenient online therapy, available 24/7 no matter where you are by phone, secure video or via the MDLIVE app.
  • BetterHelp: Behavioral health counseling via phone, video, email or text through ALLtech’s employee assistance program, Wellspring EAP. Members also have access to Wellspring’s robust online platform and other services that are focused on reducing stress and improving members’ quality of life.

Manage Stress with Well-Being Apps

Virtual Therapy for Substance Use Disorders

  • Boulder Care, a virtual provider offering 24/7 care nationwide for treating substance use disorders.

For more information about the robust benefits available through ALLtech, contact us at alltech@advprofessionals.com or fill out our Get a Quote form.

*Asuris Northwest Health services ALLtech members in Asotin, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties.

Video: How Virtual Behavioral Health Visits Work for ALLtech Members

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ALLtech prioritizes convenient access to health care for members, with virtual care available 24/7 at $0 co-pay on most plans through MDLIVE.

In addition to treatment for a range of non-emergency conditions including cold/flu, allergies and headaches, ALLtech members also can talk to a licensed counselor or psychiatrist from their home, office or on the go, to treat issues such as stress, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, and more.

Learn more about How Virtual Behavioral Health Visits Work for ALLtech Members and how easy it is to get care in the above video.

ALLtech offers comprehensive and affordable health and wellness benefits designed specifically to meet the needs of both employers and their employees at growing Washington tech businesses. To learn more, visit our Health Plans section or Request a Quote.

Your Video Guide on the COVID-19 Vaccine from MDLIVE

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ALLtech is thankful to our partners at MDLIVE for sharing Your Guide to the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Video FAQ.

Through its medical providers at Regence BlueShield and Asuris Northwest Health, ALLtech is able to offer 24/7 virtual care at $0 copay on most plans through MDLIVE.

MDLIVE is a valuable option whether you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and want to avoid exposing others, or you’re seeking non-emergency medical care but want to limit your own potential exposure.

Available by phone, secure video or mobile app, MDLIVE offers virtual primary care, psychiatry and counseling therapy, and can be used to treat a range of non-emergency conditions including cold/flu, allergies and headaches. For a list of common ailments, view our MDLIVE pdf.

To learn more about ALLtech or to get a free quote to become a member, fill out our Request a Quote form or call (206) 602-3558.

ALLtech Now Offering $0 Virtual Care Access on Most Plans

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ALLtech celebrates the New Year with a great new update for members enrolled in medical coverage: As of January 1, 2021, access to virtual care through MDLIVE is available at $0 copay on most plans (not subject to deductible).

Available by phone, secure video or mobile app, MDLIVE offers 24/7 access to virtual primary care and more, including psychiatry and counseling therapy.

Through ALLtech, members can talk to a licensed counselor or psychiatrist from their home, office or on the go, to treat issues such as stress, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, and more.

MDLIVE also can treat a range of non-emergency conditions including cold/flu, allergies and headaches. For a list of common ailments, view our MDLIVE pdf.

To learn more about the robust benefits now available to ALLtech members, view our 2021 ALLtech Brochure*. Interested in becoming a member? Fill out our Request a Quote form or call (206) 602-3558.

*For members of Asuris Northwest Health, a subsidiary of Regence BlueShield that services the Asotin, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties, please see the Asuris version of the 2021 ALLtech Brochure.

Get Help During the Holidays and Beyond with ALLtech

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Convenient access to health care has always been a priority for the ALLtech Benefits Trust. During a holiday season that already has stress levels at an all-time high, ALLtech is making access even easier by further expanding its virtual care resources.

The above video from ALLtech medical provider Regence* BlueShield highlights the many virtual offerings available through the health plan, with a focus on mental health resources during this time of potentially prolonged stress.

Read more about how ALLtech’s is enhancing and improving its diverse offerings in the GeekWire article Get Help During the Holidays and Beyond with ALLtech.

Video: Explore Behavioral Health Resources Available Though ALLtech

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Virtual access to health care has always been a valued benefit for ALLtech members, perhaps now more than ever. After months of living in the shadow of a pandemic, ALLtech’s partners continue to add virtual health resources to help members access the care they need from the comfort of their home.

That includes virtual access to behavioral health care, including psychiatry and counseling therapy through MDLIVE, as well as the myStrength self-service and web-based app that offers tools and skills to cope with stress and anxiety.

Starting on January 1, 2021, access to MDLIVE will be even easier with the co-pay decreasing to $0 for most ALLtech members.

Please view the above video to learn more about the resources available to ALLtech members, and please also see our accompanying article in GeekWire: Mental health counseling available via ALLtech as scientists predict tough winter due to COVID surge