About
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SchoolCare was founded in 1995 as the New Hampshire School Health Care Coalition by bringing together associations representing public entity management and labor groups in the state. The Coalition was formed in response to issues of providing employee health care, including quality, choice, cost control and service that public entities were facing. Today, over twenty-five years later, SchoolCare is still a well-regarded resource for public entities facing these same issues.
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Medical
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SchoolCare has partnered with Cigna for many years to deliver comprehensive health care service and claims administration. Our health plans put you in control. We give you the tools to be an informed consumer and find the care options that work best for you.
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Dental
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SchoolCare has partnered with Cigna to bring you quality dental plans at affordable rates. SchoolCare's dental plans match your existing plan summary of benefits, so there's no compromising on coverage in the name of price. There are six standard coverage plans to choose from, offering a variety of costs and coverage options.
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Wellness
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Good For You! is SchoolCare and your employers' commitment to your health and wellness. SchoolCare has collaborated with Cigna to offer best practice, evidence-based, achievable, and fun wellness programs.
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Ancillary Benefits
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As your trusted expert in high quality, cost effective health benefits, SchoolCare knows that life can be uncertain. Ancillary benefits are now available to Members to provide savings, top rated coverage and the kind of high-quality service Members are used to.
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EAP
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As your dedicated provider for health and well-being, SchoolCare recognizes that managing work and life can be difficult. Everyone experiences change and challenges from time to time that can lead to added stress. A large part of managing these life stressors is getting the support you need. SchoolCare has partnered with Cigna to offer the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a resource to help you live a well-balanced life.
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Resources
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SchoolCare offers many value added resources and benefits for its Member Groups. Here you will find more information on those resources as well as helpful webinars, training and dates to remember. Also included in this section are plan documents and enrollment packets for Member Group use.
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The Pulse of SchoolCare, April 2022
Reap the Health Benefits of Planting and Tending a Garden
Published April 12, 2022
Did you know that April is National Garden Month? Whether you are an expert green thumb or new to the hobby and feeling a little green, it’s the perfect time of year to dig into the soil and reap the numerous health benefits of sowing a garden. Don’t have a yard you can dig up? Container gardening is easier-than-ever with options for raised garden beds or table planters if you only have a balcony or very sunny window.
Six Health Benefits of Gardening:
- Find stress relief and improve your mood – Take the time to disconnect from everyday stressors and connect with the earth. According to this study, people who garden for stress relief saw a greater decline in stress and increase in mood than those who chose to read to destress.
- Engage in exercise – It’s true. Gardening can use all your major muscle groups. Digging, tilling, weeding and trimming shrubs uses your legs, back, arms, shoulders, neck, abdomen and glutes. Lifting bags of soil or pushing a wheelbarrow provides some weight training. Weeding and planting helps you stretch. Even watering your garden can provide moderate exercise.
Self-report an hour of gardening as a healthy event and earn $25 with the Good For You! Well-Being Program. - Boost your Vitamin D – Getting out in the sunlight can improve your mood, and the fresh air from extra time outdoors is good for your overall health. Our warm seasons in New Hampshire are short. Maximize your time outdoors while you can!
- Reap bountiful benefits – Do you love fresh veggies during the summer? Are you the kind of person who is cheered by having fresh flowers in your home, classroom or office? Taking the time to plant and maintain a garden provides bountiful rewards.
- Sharpen your mind – Learning a new skill or practicing, honing and even teaching an old one are shown to help improve your memory and form new neural pathways in your brain.
- Get better sleep – Many of the above benefits tie together for one super benefit – improved sleep. Between physical activity, reducing stress, improving your mood, adding some super fresh vegetables and nutrients to your diet, you should sleep like a baby.
Skip The Process, Enjoy The Benefits
If gardening isn’t your thing, consider a couple ways to add fresh local vegetables to your diet by joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) with a local farm or do your fruit and vegetable shopping at a nearby farmstand. Want fresh flowers to brighten your days? Join a monthly flower subscription service or visit your local florists for the freshest blooms they have to offer.
Garden Inspo
Get social and share your garden pics on Facebook or Instagram and tag SchoolCare (@NHSchoolCare). We’ll share photos in our reels or feeds for great garden inspiration from our members!
© 2024 SchoolCare - Health Benefit Plans of the NH School Health Care Coalition
SchoolCare partners with Cigna to offer high-quality medical, prescription drug and dental coverage to school districts, towns and other public entities at affordable rates. Together with Cigna, SchoolCare also offers the Good For You! Well-Being program to help participants engage in and achieve a healthy lifestyle.
