A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2015

partners in health

FREE Diabetes

Screenings

ReminderPage 7

In a FoodRut? Howto Wake UpYour MealsSpring ExerciseRoutine That’s Easyon Your Knees 6 Doctor Secrets forImproving Your Visits

Simple. Affordable. Personal.Your local health plan

2 Partners in Health

contentsSpring 2015

HealtH brIefSFollow the ABCS to protect your heart Page 4

lIVIng HealtHY 6 doctor secrets for making your office visits better Page 6

POSt & SaVe Important diabetes tests to schedule Page 7

Tired of eating the same old thing? Try these tips to tackle food boredom Page 8

gaMe Name that exotic food Page 9

PreVentIOnClearing up new cholesterol guidelines Page 10

Spring exercise routine that’s easy on your knees Page 11

MeMber centerFree program helps you stay on track with your meds Page 12

Traveling soon? Know how your coverage works away from home Page 14

Free is good—especially when it comes to health care services. Through Medicare and your plan, you enjoy many free or discounted services and benefits. By taking advantage of these services, you can improve your health and well-being and save money.

PreVentIVe ScreenIngSYour plan covers a host of preventive services, free of charge. Some of the free screenings test for conditions that you need to protect against, including: • Diabetes• Colorectal cancer • Breast and cervical cancer• High blood pressure• Depression• High cholesterol• Osteoporosis• HIV

Medicare covers yearly screenings in most cases. Some screenings qualify for coverage only when you meet certain requirements. For details about the screenings and tests that Medicare covers and how coverage works, call our Customer Service team or visit www.medicare.gov.

HearIng teStS anD SaVIngS On HearIng aIDSYour plan’s Hearing Health Program through Hearing Care Solutions offers you an annual hearing exam at no charge. You can also get:• A two-year supply of batteries at no charge and a three-year

comprehensive warranty that includes loss and damage • Fixed, discounted pricing on hearing aids from major

manufacturers • No-interest, free financing for up to 12 months

for qualified applicants

To schedule your free hearing exam, call 1-866-344-7756 or visit www.hearingcaresolutions.com.

BENE

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ht are You Missing Out on

free Health care Services?

Is your EmaIl up to DatE? Don’t miss out on important plan alerts. Make sure we have your email on file. Just call us at 1-866-789-7747 (ttY users should call 711). or sign up at www.SoundpathHealth.com.

STAY IN TOUCH

In SeaSOn

It’s Time to Conquer ClutterYour home is your safe haven. it’s a place to relax and unwind. But living in a constant state of disorganization can be stressful. You’re more on edge when you can’t find keys, cellphones and important papers. there’s also a greater risk for falls when your home has too much clutter.

Spring into action to preserve your safe haven. take steps to put away, discard, recycle, donate or sell things that are getting in your way. these questions can make it easier to decide what to keep, discard or donate:• WhenwasthelasttimeIusedit?• DoIstilllikeit?• Doesitworkorneedrepair?• DoIhaveotherslikethis?Ifso,howmanydoIneed?

Many local thrift stores and charities welcome donations. Check with a few in the area to see whether they may need items you’re looking to discard.

IS tHe JOb tOO bIg?Ask yourself the following question: Do i get stressed out by the thought ofcleaningoutmyhome?Iftheanswer is yes, then the job might be too big for you. get assistance from family or friends. the best helpers are people who are:• Patientandnonjudgmental• Availabletohelpuntilyouritems

are gone• Easytoworkwellwith

SPRING 2015 3

You can also seek help from a professional organizer. he or she can get you headed in the right direction when you:• Don’tknowwheretobegin• Haveashortdeadlinetomeet• Needsometipsfororganizing

your space

WHen HOarDIng IS an ISSueExcessivecluttercanbeasymptomof compulsive hoarding. people with this problem often hang on to common household items such as mail, newspapers, books, clothing and plastic bags, among other things. it can be difficult to move around in a hoarder’s home. hoarding is often linked with a mental health condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder. it can be treated with therapy. treatment also builds skills that helps people organize and discard items in their homes. licensed therapists can offer assistance when hoarding is a concern.

Don’t toss your unwanted items out in the trash. Donate them instead. For details on local places that take goods like furniture, clothing and books, check out the new issue of Partners in Health online. It’s at HealthyLiving.SoundpathHealth.com.

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lOW blOOD PreSSure nOW MaY bOOSt braInPOWer laterMost people think memory loss is inevitable as we age. but researchers at Johns Hopkins university found that some memory loss might be avoided by making healthy choices in midlife. Specifically, the researchers found that adults who had lower blood pressure between ages 48 and 67 had higher thinking and learning scores 20 years later. Whatever your age, you can take steps now to keep your blood pressure healthy. remember to get regular blood pressure checks. Knowing your numbers can help you control them.

follow the abcS to Protect Your HeartSoundpath Health encourages you to sign the Million Hearts® pledge at www.millionhearts.hhs.gov. By doing so, you’re committing to understanding heart risks and making healthy choices, including exercising, eating healthfully and following your doctor’s instructions.

The Million Hearts initiative also stresses the importance of knowing and following the ABCS to keep your heart healthy:

aPPrOPrIate aSPIrIn tHeraPYAspirin can help some individuals

who have suffered a heart attack, and it may even help prevent cardiovascular conditions. Ask your doctor if aspirin can reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

blOOD PreSSure cOntrOlHigh blood pressure doesn’t just

raise the risk for heart disease and heart attack. It also increases your chances of having a stroke and heart failure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. A healthy level is lower than 120/80. Take steps to control your blood pressure if it’s high.

cHOleSterOl ManageMentManaging cholesterol levels can

slow, decrease or even stop plaque buildup in arteries, which lowers cardiovascular risks. Talk to your doctor about cholesterol and how to lower your bad cholesterol if it’s too high.

SMOKIng ceSSatIOn

You can reap many health benefits by quitting smoking. Work with your doctor to decide which strategies are right for you.

Colon Screenings Save Lives in 2 Ways Many screenings spot cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But colonoscopies have another lifesaving benefit.

Most colorectal cancers begin as growths called polyps. If your doctor sees polyps during your colonoscopy, he or she can remove them right then and there.* And according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, this reduces your risk of dying from the disease by half.

So not only can colonoscopies catch cancer, they also can catch growths before they become cancer.

Most people should get colonoscopies beginning at age 50. Talk with your doctor about the right timing for you. You may need to start earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other risk factors.

tIPS fOr SettIng HealtH gOalSDo you have a goal to start living healthier? That’s a pretty big goal. But you can achieve this long-term goal by setting smaller, short-term ones that are easily achievable. One way to make goals you can reach is to make them S-M-a-r-t. It stands for goals that are:

S — specific M — measurable a — attainable r — realistic t — time-based

An example of a short-term SMART goal for becoming more active is, “I will walk for 20 minutes a day, three days a week, for the next month.”

to help you meet your goals:• Find a friend who wants to set healthy goals.• After you write your goals down, place them where you’ll

see them often, like on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator.• Build in rewards for meeting your goals.• Move on and get back on track after lapses.

*If polyps are identified and removed during a colorectal cancer screening, the procedure may be considered diagnostic and result in an outpatient surgery copay. The outpatient surgery copay also applies when a colonoscopy is ordered based on personal or family history of cancer.

burn extra calOrIeS Calculate how many calories you burn during common activities to help you manage your weight. HealthyLiving. SoundpathHealth.com/FitCalculator

can tHe MeDIterranean DIet SlOW agIng?

MayisNationalMediterranean Diet

Month. our podcast explains how the diet helps you feel great and improves your health. plus get tips for adopting the

diet. HealthyLiving.SoundpathHealth.com/

MedDiet

SuPPleMent SafetYMillions take a daily dietary supplement—vitamin, mineral or herbal. Are youone?Takethis quiz to know if you’re using it right. HealthyLiving.SoundpathHealth.com/DietSup

the wellspot

What’s hot @ SoundpathHealth.com’s Wellness Resources

SPRING 2015 5

6 Partners in Health

lIVIng HealtHY

Keeping up with regular visits to your doctor is an important part of living well with a health condition. here are the best tips collected from health experts about how to make each appointment as productive as possible.

➊ PrePare befOreHanD. Writeout a list of questions you want

to ask so that you remember them during your appointment.

➋ KeeP a HealtH recOrD betWeen VISItS anD SHare

IMPOrtant DetaIlS. tell your doctor how you have been since your last visit. Be specific. For example, instead of telling your doctor that you “aren’t yourself,” describe the exact symptoms, such as “my legs ache during the night.” if needed, bring copies of past health information, such as discharge summaries from previous hospitalizations.

➌ uPDate YOur DOctOr On YOur MeDIcatIOnS. Bring a

current list of every prescription, over-the-counter medication and supplement you take.

➍ be uPfrOnt. if you have a question about a delicate

topic, such as sexual function or bowel movements, be honest when communicating with your doctor. Also, always ask questions if you don’t understand something or need more

information. Speak up about any concerns you have.

➎ be PrOactIVe. For example, the American Diabetes

Association recommends that patients remove their socks and shoes during an exam to remind the provider to check their feet.

➏ taKe aDVantage Of tecHnOlOgY. Ask your doctor

whether his or her office uses email. Messaging between appointments can help make your visits more efficient. Ask if you can use a digital recordertotapeyourconversation.Norecorder?Noproblem.Invitearelativeor friend to accompany you. he or she can help you remember details later.

6 Doctor-approved tips for Making the Most of Your Visits

COMMON MeDICAl TerMS TO KNOwThe Medical Library Association has a list of “medspeak” terms you may hear from health providers. Keep this list of common terms handy to help you understand what they’re saying and help you talk with them about health issues.• acute—indicates a

condition that requires immediate medical attention

• benign—not cancerous• cardio—heart• cHD—coronary heart disease• edema—excessive buildup

of fluid in an organ or under the skin

• embolism—blockage of a blood vessel from a blood clot or other foreign object

• gastri or gastro—stomach• Hem, hema, hemo—blood• Hyper—too much• Hypo—too little• In vitro—done in the

laboratory• Malignant—likely to spread

rapidly; closely associated with some cancers

• Metastasis—a cancer that is spreading

• noninvasive—a test or treatment that does not enter the body; for example, an X-ray

• rhinitis—nasal symptoms caused by allergies or a cold

• Sepsis—infected• topical—on the skin

! The American Heart Association recommends that you follow the PACe Guide to ensure that your medical appointments are well spent. what is PACe? Download the guide to find out. It’s at Partners in Health online at HealthyLiving.SoundpathHealth.com.

SPRING 2015 7

lIVIng HealtHY

COMPREHENSIVE FOOT EXAMINATIONHow often: once a yearWhy: Regular exams and proper foot care help prevent amputations.

URINE TESTHow often: once a yearWhy: This test measures protein levels in your urine. Small increases of one protein are a sign that your kidneys aren’t functioning properly.

HEMOGLOBIN A1C (Hb A1c)How often: at least twice a yearWhy: This test, which requires a blood sample, shows how well blood sugar was controlled for the previous two to three months. Goal: A test result of less than 7.

BLOOD PRESSUREHow often: every doctor’s visitWhy: High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes, and it raises your risk for complications such as heart disease. Goal: If you are diabetic your blood pressure should be no higher than 140/90 mm Hg.

DILATED EYE EXAMINATIONHow often: once a yearWhy: An ophthalmologist or optometrist checks for damage to blood vessels in the retina. This condition, called diabetic retinopathy, can cause severe vision loss or blindness.

LDL AND HDL CHOLESTEROLHow often: at least once a yearWhy: People with diabetes are more likely to have unhealthy cholesterol levels, which contributes to heart disease. Goal: LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, should be below 100, the American Diabetes Association says. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, should be above 40 for men and above 50 for women.

Daily blood sugar monitoring may be the first thing you think of when it comes to keeping tabs on your diabetes. But although this is an important measure of how you’re managing your condition, diabetes is complicated—it affects major organs throughout your body. Periodically you’ll need these tests to find out how diabetes is affecting your overall health:

DIABETES CONTROL: Get the Tests You Need*

*Diagnostic tests may be subject to member cost sharing.

POST & SAVE

like any habit, eating the same dishes night after night is an easy one to fall into. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to break out of a diet rut by adding a variety of new ingredients and recipes to your repertoire.Whilethere’sacertain

comfort and ease to preparing and enjoying the

same foods every week, breaking out of a food rut has definite advantages, not the least of which is relief from boredom.

First among them is better health. Because even if your go-to recipes are on the healthy side, by restricting yourself to the same fruits, vegetables, grains and protein sources day after day, you’re depriving your body of a wide range of nutrients that other ingredient choices can provide.

in addition, eating the same foods week after week can increase your exposure to pesticides and other toxins that tend to accumulate in certain ingredients but not in others.

the following suggestions can help you break out of a food rut and improve your health and enjoyment of food.

gO SeaSOnalSpring provides a perfect opportunity to expand your meal horizons by taking advantage of local seasonal produce available at select supermarkets, community gardens and farmers markets. Finding a farmers market shouldn’t be difficult—there are dozens of them across the state.

get Out Of

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See the back page for a fresh taco idea. For more inspiring meal ideas, check out the recipes in Wellness Resources at HealthyLiving.SoundpathHealth.com. Select Healthy Living, then Healthy Recipes.

going to a farmers market gives you the ability to speak with the food producers themselves. they are uniquely qualified to advise you on how to prepare their offerings in new and different ways.

cHange uP YOur SHOPPIng lIStif your grocery list contains the same items every week, it’s time to add some variety. instead of your usual standbys, every week pick up one or two ingredients that you’ve never used before. then look online for recipes that appeal to you.

Vegetables Bok choy is rich in folate and vitaminsAandC.Enjoyshreddedbok choy by adding 1 cup of it to green salads, stir-fries and soup. Other vegetables to try: collard greens, jicama and okra

Fruitspapaya is a good source of folate and potassium and an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Add a half-cup of diced papaya to fruit, chicken, tuna or shrimp salad. Other fruits to try: pomegranate, dates and boysenberries

Beans Black-eyed peas are a good source of fiber. Add a half-cup of them to salads and stews.Other beans to try: cannellini and garbanzo

Whole Grains Amaranth has more calcium and protein than other grains, is high in magnesium and is a good source of iron. Cooked or dried amaranth can be added to cookies, salads or soups.Other grains to try: barley and buckwheat

Seasonings parsley is one way you can add more flavor to your dish. Sprinkle some onto salads or into sandwiches. Other seasonings to try: cardamom, cumin, curry and tamari

QuIcK anD eaSY cHangeSDietary change doesn’t have to entail a major overhaul. in fact, making small changes that you can stick with is just fine. try these on for size: • Changeupyourproteinby

preparing more chicken, fish and beans in place of red meat.

• Seasondisheswithfreshordriedherbs and lemon or lime juice.

• Gomeatlessatleastonceaweek. For instance, try spinach lasagna, portabella mushroom burgers, fresh vegetable fajitas or whole wheat pasta topped with grilled vegetables.

• Changeupyoursaladrecipesbyadding a variety of vegetables instead of just one or two.

• Boostyourfiberintakeby including beans, peas, raspberries and whole-grain foods in your daily diet.

• Trymeatsubstitutessuchastofu in salad and soup.

Take a look at these produce photos. They’re not your run-of-the mill fruits and veggies! See if you can guess what they are. Consider picking up one next time you’re at the store to liven up your diet and reap its health benefits.

ANSwer KeY:1. Kohlrabi: Low in calories and high in

fiber, this veggie can be eaten raw or cooked.

2. Pummelo (or pomelo): A close relative of the orange and grapefruit, this large member of the citrus family is also chock-full of vitamin C. eat it like a grapefruit.

3. Pomegranate: Potassium and folate are both abundant in this fruit. Try it as a juice or add to tea or ginger ale.

4. artichoke: This veggie is fat-free and cholesterol-free. Coat it with olive oil, season with herbs and bake or grill for an easy side dish.

Can You Name That Fruit or Vegetable?

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PreVentIOn

Since the American heart Association (AhA) and the American College of Cardiology released new heart disease and stroke prevention guidelines more than a year ago, there’s been a lot of confusion.

the guidelines have left many people unsure about what cholesterol levels are considered healthy. Some people are also worried that the guidelines are going to cause their doctors to give them unnecessary cholesterol medications.

Are you also wondering what the new cholesterol guidelines mean andhowtheyaffectyou?Here’swhat you need to know so that you can best manage your heart health.

WHat leVelS are cOnSIDereD HealtHY Or HIgH?there’s no doubt that high hDl, or “good” cholesterol, can help protect against heart disease. According to the guidelines, “good” cholesterol levels vary from person to person depending on risk factors. For hDl levels, less than 40 mg/dl is low for men. less

Making Sense of the New Cholesterol Guidelines

! Medicare Coverage for Stop-Smoking Programs If you have been diagnosed with an illness that smoking

causes or can make worse, Medicare may cover counseling to help you quit. To get more details, talk to your Primary Care Provider or call our Customer Service team at the phone number on your ID card.

than 50 mg/dl is low for women. For most people, 60 mg/dl and above is optimal.

the AhA no longer recommends targeting specific ranges for lDl, or “bad” cholesterol. triglyceride levels less than 150 mg/dl are still considered normal for most people. WHen IS MeDIcatIOn neeDeD tO HelP lOWer cHOleSterOl?the guidelines suggest that people with a high risk for heart disease and stroke may benefit from taking safe and effective cholesterol-lowering medications called statins. they advise doctors to take into consideration factors like your age, overall health, lifestyle habits and cholesterol levels to determine your risk. it’s important to keep in mind, though, that lifestyle changes are always necessary to help protect

against heart disease and stroke. Medication doesn’t replace a healthy lifestyle.

WHat HabItS HelP KeeP cHOleSterOl leVelS HealtHY? the healthy behaviors mentioned in the guidelines are similar to the ones supported by other experts and backed by research. the following steps can increase good cholesterol, control blood sugar, lower blood pressure and help to maintain a healthy body weight:• Getatleast30to40minutesof

exercise on most weekdays.• Eatmorefruits,vegetablesand

whole-grains.• Quitsmoking.

Also remember to have cholesterol screenings as often as your doctor recommends.

SPRING 2015 11

Spring’s warm weather often inspires us to get out and get moving. if you have arthritis, this is one of the best moves you can make. Studies showthatstayingactiveiskeytolivingwellwitharthritis.Exercisecan help you boost your flexibility, physical function, aerobic capacity, strength and overall sense of well-being. Avoidance of physical activity could double your risk of being unable to do everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, bathing and cooking.Whatkindofexerciseisbest?Expertsrecommendwalking,

swimming and bike riding. here are some tips that can make these activities easy to start and enjoy.

To Your Health!

find a Spring exercise routine that’s easy on Your Knees

SWIMMIngSwimming provides an overall whole-body workout. plus, water holds up your body. this takes stress off bones and joints and decreases the risk forinjury.Evenif you know how to swim, always swim with a partner. it’s more fun and safe. Know your limits—do only as much as is comfortable. Do not go in water that is so deep that you cannot touch the bottom if you need to take a break. to make water workouts more effective, vary your routine by alternating laps of crawl with laps of breast, side or backstroke. Make use of kickboards, hand paddles and buoyant barbells.

Ze’ev Young, MDChief Medical Officer Soundpath Health

bIKe rIDIngWhenyouhavearthritis,it’simportanttochooseabikeand accessories that will make the ride more comfortable on your joints. to protect joints from road bumps, choose a mountain bike with fat tires and a suspension system. A padded, well-fitting seat adjusted to the right position is key to easy riding. Consider wearing padded bike shortsformorecushion.Also,getahelmet.Whenyou’rereadytoride,startslowly,with15-to30-minuterides.then, gradually increase your riding time each week.

WalKIngWalkingisoneofthebestactivities for you, and it’s also the simplest and most convenient. All you really need is a good, supportive pair of walking shoes. Start at a slow pace. Spend about four minutes moving at about half the speed you intendtogo.Next,stopandstretchthefrontsandbacksofyour upper and lower legs. then go a comfortable distance. increase your mileage by no more than 10 percent per week. Don’t worry about speed. A daily walk is a good exercise goal for most people.

The National Institute on Aging offers helpful exercise instructions and videos for seniors. You can find them at http://go4life.nia.nih.gov.

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12 Partners in Health

SteP 6Receive summary of the Medication Review, a Medication Action Plan and a Personal Medication List

Spend less time worrying about your medications and more time enjoying life with the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program. We have partnered with OutcomesMTM™ to provide this free service for eligible Part D members through local pharmacies.

WHat IS MtM?The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program is a free, personalized service offered as part of the Medicare Part D program to our plan members. The MTM program is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is designed to optimize your health outcomes by having community pharmacists work directly with you and your doctors.

Medication Management Program Helps You Stay on track

SteP 5Review your medications with the pharmacist

SteP 4Set up appointment with local pharmacist

SteP 3Receive call from MTM partner

SteP 2Receive enrollment letter

SteP 1Qualify for MTM

How Does the Program Work?Enrolling in the MTM program is easy. In six steps, you’ll be on your way to better medication management.

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by Kat Wolf, PharmDDirector of Pharmacy Services Soundpath Health

SPRING 2015 13

To qualify for the MTM program, you must meet the following three criteria:• You have at least two of the following conditions

or diseases:> Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis> Chronic heart failure (CHF)> Diabetes> High cholesterol> end-stage renal disease (eSrD)> High blood pressure> Depression> Asthma, chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD)> Anemia> Cancer> Chronic noncancer pain> Chronic alcohol or other drug dependence> Hepatitis C> Multiple sclerosis

• You take at least six covered Part D medications.• You are likely to have medication costs of covered Part D medications greater than or equal to $3,138 per year.

If you meet these criteria, you will be invited to participate in the program. We will send you a letter with information

about the program, including how to access it. You will also get a call from our MTM program partner

explaining that you are enrolled. You may also receive a phone call from your pharmacy or another local pharmacy who is our partner in providing you this service.

Your enrollment in MTM is voluntary and does not affect coverage for drugs covered under

Medicare Part D. You will have the option to not join the program. Your participation is up to you.

Who Qualifies for the MTM Program?

The purpose of the program is to:• Address safety concerns regarding your

medications, such as allergies, side effects and drug interactions

• Help you find medications that may cost less than those that you’re currently taking so that you can discuss options with your doctors

• Help you take your medications as prescribed and improve your health

To take part in this program, you must meet certain criteria established by CMS (see at right).

WHat SerVIceS are OffereD tHrOugH tHe MtM PrOgraM?If you qualify for the MTM program, you will have the opportunity to meet with a pharmacist to discuss and review your medication(s) at no charge to you. The review can be in person or over the phone. During this review, you will:• Talk about side effects that may make it hard to

take your medicine• Get suggestions for the best ways to take your

medicine• Ask any questions you may have regarding your

medications

You will get a written summary of this Comprehensive Medication review (CMr) to help you get the most from your medications. You can take this summary with you when you talk with your doctors. Additional information offered to both you and your doctors to support improvements in your health includes: • A Medication Action

Plan with tips on how to take your medications

• A Personal Medication List that details all your medications

?If you have questions about

the MTM program, call Customer Service at the

number on the back of your ID card.

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14 Partners in Health

Warmerweatherinspiresmany of us to get up and out. if you’re planning a spring or summer getaway, you probably have questions about how your coverage works when you’re out of town. here are the basics to make sure your plan is working for you even when you’re on vacation.

1. VISItS tO urgent care centerS are cOVereD. Urgent care centers are a convenient choice when you’re out of town and need care right away, but it’s not an emergency. they are often open nights and weekends. Medicare will cover urgent care visits.

2. VISItS tO eMergencY rOOMS are cOVereD. You have coverage for emergency care. that means you may go to any emergency room when you’re experiencing a life-threatening situation, and you’ll be covered

for the visit. You will have to pay a copayment. But the copayment is waived if you’re admitted to the hospital within 24 hours for the condition you came in about.

OtHer tHIngS tO KeeP In MInDYour benefits are designed to be easy to use when you need them. it’s no different when you travel. to help keep things as simple as possible, follow these other tips:• PackyourIDcard.YourID

card holds key phone numbers and your personal coverage information. Showing it when you need care helps claims get

paid properly. presenting it at pharmacies also helps you get the right price for prescriptions.

• Checkwithyourdoctorfirstifyou think you need care while on the road. he or she might be able to help coordinate your care and provide authorizations or referrals. if you can’t call your doctor before you receive treatment, check in with your doctor within 24 hours to help him or her stay in tune with your health needs.

• Keepacopyofyourbillincaseyou need to be reimbursed for any covered care.

taking a trip? Take Your Medicare Coverage with You

If you are planning a trip and have questions

about your specific coverage, copayments or cost-sharing, contact us!

!

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Don’t mIss mEDIcarE monDays EveryMondayonFacebook,wesharetipstohelpyounavigatetheMedicaremaze.You’llalsofind important news and reminders about enrollment. Don’t miss another Monday—like us at www.facebook.com/SoundpathHealth.

SPRING 2015 15

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What are five tips you have for members? 1. Communicate with us. if there are any

changes to your information, mailing address or primary doctor selection, we ask that you callus.Wecanupdateyourinformationinoursystem. this communication with Soundpath health is vital; it allows us to provide you with current information and member materials.

2. We keep your information confidential.Wetake precautions to keep all your member information confidential. one step we take is to ask questions that verify your identity when youcallus.Wemayaskfordateofbirthandaddress.Weappreciateyourcooperationwithkeeping your information secure.

3. Review all Soundpath Health documents. if you have questions about the information you receive, contact Customer Service; we’ll be happy to review and explain the items.

4. We can help you.Wecanprovideyouwithinformation on doctors and facilities and where you can go for medical attention. however, we are not doctors and cannot give you medical advice.

5. We enjoy talking to you! Wetrulyappreciateour members and strive to provide you with a positive Customer Service experience. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be here to help answeryourquestions.Wearealsoopento your suggestions on ways to assist and communicate with you.

Q&acustomer Service Spotlight with representative cynthia McHughSoundpath Health

You may receive a survey this spring. Share your feedback—your opinion matters!

Your participation in Medicare member surveys is very important to us. If you receive the following surveys, we hope that you will answer them. Your responses can help improve care and service. Both surveys are conducted by The Myers Group, a CMS-approved research company.

MeDIcare SatISfactIOn SurVeY Every year, random Soundpath Health members are asked to participate in the Medicare Satisfaction Survey. If you’re selected, you’ll be asked questions about your satisfaction with your health and drug plan. The survey also asks about the care and services you receive from your doctors. There are also questions about how well Soundpath Health meets your needs when you call us to get questions answered about health care services.

The survey may come in the mail, or you may receive a phone call asking you to participate. Based on your responses, we may be able to change or improve our processes to make it easier for you to get care or service.

MeDIcare HealtH OutcOMeS SurVeY During the next few months, you may also receive a survey called the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. The survey is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The survey helps CMS monitor the quality of care that Medicare health plans provide. It asks Medicare plan members about their physical and mental health and how it has changed over time.

Your time and effort on this survey makes a difference. Your knowledge and experiences could help other people with Medicare make more informed health care choices.

We Need YoU!

Printed on Recyclable Paper

Avocado Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

InGReDIentStacos:nonstick cooking spray2 large green bell peppers,

julienned2 large red bell peppers,

julienned1 medium onion, julienned1 cup fresh cilantro,

finely chopped1 ripe avocado, peeled

and seeded12 whole wheat tortillas1½ cups fresh tomato

salsa (see at right)

Fresh tomato Salsa:1 cup diced tomatoes⅓ cup diced onions½ clove garlic, minced2 teaspoons cilantro⅓ teaspoon chopped

jalapeño peppers½ teaspoon lime juicePinch of cumin

nuMBeR OF SeRVInGS: 12. each serving provides: 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 501 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 7 g protein.

InStRuCtIOnS:1. Mix together all salsa ingredients and refrigerate in

advance.2. Spray a skillet with cooking spray. Lightly sauté bell

peppers and onion. 3. Mince cilantro and cut avocado into 12 slices. 4. Warm tortillas in oven and fill with peppers, onions,

cilantro, avocado slices and salsa. Fold tortillas and serve.

Substituting avocados for meat can turn an old standby into

something brand-new. Plus, you’ll benefit from the nutrients that

avocados provide. they’re a great source of monounsaturated

fat, which can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL

(“good”) cholesterol. Looking

for ways to beat food

boredom? see Page 8.

Health or wellness prevention information

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