THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!A Time To Enjoy + Monitor Your Intake

5 TIPS For HEALTHY AGING, STAY ACTIVE!

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR Before And During Your Visit

Good Health is A Life-Long Process. T H I S S E A S O N , G E T Y O U R F L U S H O T !

PrimeTimeYOUR GUIDE TO HEALTHY LIVING WINTER 2012

2 PrimeTime | WiNTer 2012

Thank you to all our 2012 members enrolled in our plan and a warm welcome to those who have joined the Preferred Care Partners family. As we approach another holiday season, let’s make sure we keep in mind the importance of healthy eating habits. We can indulge in our favorite foods without losing sight of making the right choices.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:

EAT STRATEGICALLYHave a meal before heading out to those long hours of holiday shopping. Pack a portioned bag of mixed nuts or cereal bars, both are healthy and tasty power snacks. It’s a great way to bring fuel with you.STAY HYDRATED In the wintertime months, you might be less thirsty and drink less water. Staying hydrated will help your metabolism run efficiently, help you stay energized and be less likely to mistake thirst for hunger. KEEP YOUR ROUTINE Even though your schedule may fill up with holiday parties, lunches, dinners or buffets, you should do your best to keep a normal schedule. That means continuing to serve and eat healthy meals at your normal time each day.

Overall, select foods that provide the balance and variety which are vital to good health.

As we move into the busy holiday season, it’s important not to lose sight of your well-being and keep your doctor’s appointments. See your primary care physician on a regular basis so that you can communicate any health concerns. He or she is responsible for coordinating all of your health care needs, including specialist visits. Your health is important to us.

Remember, as a member of Preferred Care Partners your flu shot is available to you at no cost. You have until March 2013. Speak to your physician today about getting your annual vaccination.

In addition, we wanted to share some good news. Adventist Health Systems has joined the Preferred Care Partners’ network. This further enhances our commitment to delivering provider network options to our members living in Central Florida, Tampa and Orlando.

As our valued member, we hope that you enjoy this issue of PrimeTime and encourage you to take advantage of the helpful tips provided.

Yours truly,Orlando López-Fernández, M.D. Chief Medical Officer

3 TALKING TO YOUR

PHYSICIAN

FIVE TIPS FOR

HEALTHY EATING

DURING THE HOLIDAYS

REPORT FRAUD, WASTE

AND ABUSE

DEAR MEMBERS,

STAY ACTIVE

TO IMPROVE YOUR

HEALTH

ADVENTIST HEALTH

SYSYTEM JOINS

PREFERRED CARE

PARTNERS!

4

5

6

8

WINTER2012

ISSUE

2

3www.myPreferredCare.com

Talking to Your PhysicianYOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING

ALL OF YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS WITH MEDICAL SPECIALISTS.

He or she knows your medical history, and will make sure that you are getting the proper specialty care when needed. For example, a diabetic patient may need treatment from not only their primary care physician, but from an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, dentist and podiatrist to remain as healthy as possible. It’s important that you know how to communicate with your primary care physician. This can help your physician address any medical concerns either of you may have. Here are some quick tips to help you get the most from your next visit with your primary care physician.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT• Make a list of specific questions you want to ask• Become familiar with your medical history• Keep a diary to track any symptoms or list concerns about your health• Make a list of any prescription or over the counter medications you are taking, and the dosages

DURING YOUR VISIT• Take notes. Bring a friend or family member with you• Stay focused on your main questions and concerns• Let your physician know about any unusual or new symptoms you are experiencing• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand something• Tell your physician about any other health care providers you are seeing

PrimeTime contains educational health information of general interest. All material in the newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or instruction. No publication can replace the advice of medical professionals. This newsletter may also contain general information about plan benefits. Plan benefits vary; for information

about your benefit plan, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage.

4 PrimeTime | WiNTer 2012

HEALTHY EATING CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE,

STROKE & EVEN SOME TYPES OF CANCER. IT MAY ALSO HELP TO

REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & LOWER HIGH CHOLESTEROL.

Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy eating habits during this year’s holiday season.

1. BALANCE YOUR MEALS. Have a little bit of everything and be sure to include

lots of fruits & vegetables. Don’t fill your plate with just rich, high calorie food.

2. GO LIGHT ON SUGARY FOODS. Did you ever notice that eating sugary foods

makes you want to eat even more rich and sugary foods? If you do crave

something sweet, reach for a piece of fruit or a bit of dark chocolate instead.

And if you still want a piece of pie, try reducing the serving size.

3. STOCK UP ON HEALTHY SNACKS. When you go grocery shopping, pick up

some healthy snaking items. Keep plenty of fruits and vegetables on hand,

such as celery, carrots and apples.

4. WATCH YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE. If you drink, try & manage the amount

of alcohol you consume during the holidays. Be careful not to overindulge.

Even wine and beer contain calories. Consider lower-calorie wines and beers

to help you manage liquid caloric intake.

5. EAT BEFORE YOU GO TO A PARTY. Eat well throughout the day before you

get to the party. Otherwise, you risk being so hungry you could lose control

over how much you eat. And remember to drink plenty of water.

Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays

EATING A

WELL-PLANNED,

BALANCED MIX

OF FOODS HAS

MANY BENEFITS.

IT IS ESPECIALLY

IMPORTANT THAT

OLDER ADULTS

REMEMBER TO

EAT WELL

DURING THE

HOLIDAY SEASON.

five

5www.myPreferredCare.com

According to the National Institutes of Health, being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Regular activity can help prevent or delay the onset of disease. Benefits of physical activity include:• Reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke, some cancers & bone loss• Reducing stress levels or anxiety• Building stronger bones and muscles• Lowering blood pressure• Protecting post-menopausal women from bone mass loss

HEALTHY AGINGSTAY ACTIVE TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

HERE ARE 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO SAFELY

BECOME MORE

ACTIVESPeAK WiTH YOUr PHYSiCiAN FirST. He or she will let you know how much physical activity is right for you & which activities will benefit you the most.

FiND THe TYPeS OF ACTiViTeSYOU eNJOY. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you choose activities that fit into your schedule & lifestyle. Select one activity that helps you burn calories (walking or biking) & one that helps you build muscles (weight lifting or machines).

12

STArT SLOWif you walk, set your first goal at 3 ten - minute walks a week. When you reach this goal, increase the number of minutes you walk every time. Then increase the number of times a week you walk if you can.

3

eXerCiSe WiTH A PArTNerThis can make any activity more fun and help you to stay on track.

4remAiN ACTiVe THrOUGHOUTTHe DAY. Take the stairs instead of an elevator if you can. if you drive, park further away from your destination. These extra steps can really add up.

5

ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM JOINS

PREFERRED CARE PARTNERS’ NETWORK

6 PrimeTime | WiNTer 2012

We are pleased to announce the addition of Adventist Health System

to our provider network, including the Florida Hospital

network in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole,

Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties.

The addition of Adventist Health System & Florida Hospital to our provider network further illustrates our commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery options for Medicare beneficiaries living in Central Florida, Tampa, and Orlando. We are particularly proud to be able to offer our members access to a local leader with national recognition, including being ranked the #1 hospital in the Orlando metro area and one of the best hospitals in the nation overall by U.S. News & World Report in 2011 and 2012.Preferred Care Partners’ members are now able to access in-network benefits at the following Florida Hospital locations in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties:

Florida Hospital Waterman Florida Hospital East OrlandoFlorida Hospital ApopkaFlorida Hospital OrlandoFlorida Hospital KissimmeeFlorida Hospital Celebration Health

Florida Hospital ZephyrhillsFlorida Hospital AltamonteFlorida Hospital CarrollwoodFlorida Hospital TampaFlorida Hospital North PinellasFlorida Hospital Wesley Chapel

DON’T FORGET! YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT!The best way to prevent the flu is with a flu vaccine. You can still get a flu shot at any of the following locations – at no additional cost – between NOW and MARCH 31, 2013:

MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD COUNTIES: Costco, CVS, Kmart, Navarro, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Walgreens and Winn-Dixie. IN CENTRAL FLORIDA, ORLANDO AND TAMPA: Albertson’s, Costco, CVS, Kmart, Publix, Sam’s Club, Sweet Bay, Target, Walgreens & Winn-Dixie.Questions? Call Member Services at 1-866-231-7201, TTY 711 toll free, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m to 8 p.m

7www.myPreferredCare.com

The Silver&Fit Program recently announced the launch of a Silver&Fit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SilverandFit. The new Facebook page offers members of

Preferred Care Partners opportunities to connect with Silver&Fit, as well as with other health plan members. Visitors can participate in or view:

Now You Can Enjoy Silver&Fit® Online!

The 2013 Medicare Plan Ratings have been released.

Preferred Care Partners has received a 4-Star Overall

Plan Rating for 2013 based on health plan quality and

performance. This rating represents an above average

rating. Plan performance Star Ratings are assessed each

year and may change from one year to the next.

PREFERRED CARE PARTNERS RECEIVES 4-STAR OVERALL PLAN RATING FOR 2013

• Health challenges• Fun interactive polls and surveys• Health tips and the latest health news• Event news• Fitness facility updates

Silver&Fit is a federally registered trademark of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) and used with permission herein.

PO BOX 56-5748, MIAMI, FL 33256-5748

PRESORT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

MIAMI, FL

PERMIT NO.869

HEALTH AND WELLNESS OR PREVENTION INFORMATION ENCLOSED

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, you can contact Preferred Care Partners’ Special Investigations Unit at:

PHONE: 1-866-678-8822 TTY 711 toll-free or FAX: 1-888-659-0617

EMAIL: reportfraud@mypreferredcare.com

ONLINE: http://www.mypreferredcare.com/en/contact-us/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse.aspx

MAIL: P.O. Box 56-5748, Miami, FL 33256-5748

You may remain anonymous and you are protected from retaliation.

You can also contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),Office of the Inspector General at:

PHONE: 1-800-447-8477 (TTY) 1-800-377-4950 FAX: 1-800-223-8164

EMAIL: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov

MAIL: Office of the Inspector GeneralDepartment of Health and Human ServicesAttn: HOTLINE, P.O. Box 23489Washington, DC 20026

ONLINE: OIG.HHS.gov/fraud/hotline

H1045_PCPMK1010: CMS ACCEPTED 12/05/2012

To contact the Preferred Care Partners Member Services Department, call 1-866-231-7201/TTY 711 toll free.

October 1, 2012 - February 14, 2013 7 days a week from 8 am - 8 pm Eastern.

Beginning February 15, 2013: Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm.

HELP US FIGHT MEDICARE FRAUD Medicare fraud is purposely billing Medicare for services that were never provided or received. Preferred Care Partners encourages you to report matters involving fraud, waste, and abuse in

our health care system.

5 TIPS For HEALTHY AGING, STAY ACTIVE!

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR Before And During Your Visit

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR MEMBERSPreferred Care Partners received a 5-Star Rating for Customer Service for 2013. Preferred Care Partners received a 4-Star Overall Plan Rating for 2013. Plan performance Star Ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next.