Aetna Better Health® of Virginia

Treasure todayFall 2018

Protect yourself, protect your family — from the fluWe cover flu shots for our members. Get yours today. Every adult and child six months of age and older needs a flu shot every year. Why? The flu virus is always changing. If you got a flu shot last year, it won’t protect you this year.

And remember, you can’t get the flu from a shot, but your chances of getting the flu without a shot are much greater.

It’s easy to get your flu shotJust call your primary care provider (PCP). You may be able to get one with a nurse visit at the PCP office.

Or you can visit aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia for a list of retail pharmacies in our network. Make sure your local pharmacy is giving flu shots before you go. Age restrictions may apply for children getting a flu shot at a pharmacy.

You may need a pneumonia shot tooYou may be at risk for complications from the flu if:• You’re over 65• You have a chronic

condition like asthma,diabetes or lung disease

Ask your doctor about a one-time pneumonia shot. It will give you extra protection during flu season.

Questions? Call Member Services at 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711).

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Do you need heating or cooling assistance?Not being able to heat or cool your home can be dangerous depending on the season. Most at risk are people 65 and older, children younger than two, and those with chronic diseases. There’s help if you need it.

In Virginia, there’s a program that helps eligible low-income households with the costs of heating and cooling their home. There’s even emergency assistance.

To learn more, visit dss.virginia.gov/

benefit/ea. You can also apply for the program online. Visit commonhelp.virginia.gov/access or call 1-855-635-4370.

How to find resources in your community2-1-1 Virginia is a free service that helps residents of Virginia find local resources in their community.

Just dial 211 on your phone to be connected. They can help you find resources for:•  Alzheimer’s assistance•  Child care

referral centers•  Child development•  Consumer counseling•  Crisis intervention•  Disability services•  Domestic

violence programs

•  Education•  Energy and home

heating assistance•  English as a second

language classes•  Family counseling•  Financial assistance•  HIV/AIDS programs•  Home health care•  Homeless services•  Legal assistance•  Maternal and child

health care•  Mentorship

opportunities•  Parenting programs•  Senior services•  Substance abuse•  Suicide prevention•  Transportation•  Volunteer opportunities

You can also do a search on their website. Visit 211virginia.org. Once there, all you need to do is type in your ZIP code and area of need. For example, if you need help finding food, including emergency food, you would type “food.” For help finding financial assistance for child care, type “child care.”

Member rights and responsibilitiesAs an Aetna Better Health member, you have certain rights and duties. You can get a complete copy of your rights and responsibilities at any time. You have more than one option to request this:

•  Call Member Services at 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711).•  Go to aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia.•  Look in your member handbook.

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Helping older loved ones stay independentHome. That’s where most of us want to stay for aslong as we can.

Do you care for an aging parent who feels that way too? If so, you can help your loved one be independent for as long as possible.

Here are some steps you can take:

Make the home safer. This depends on your loved one’s needs. But here are some things you might do:•  Install grab bars

in the tub and remove loose rugs (to prevent falls).

•  Add a wheelchair ramp for the front door.

•  Install faucet or door handles that are easier to use.

Check in on your loved one. Ask other family members if they could help with this. You might offer to:•  Help with chores

such as laundry or cleaning.

•  Bring over a hot meal a few times a week.

•  Take your loved one grocery shopping and on other errands.

See about services. Some local programs may help seniors who live on their own. For instance, they may bring hot meals. And you may want to hire a home health aide to help with some of your loved one’s personal or medical care.

Have a plan for emergencies. Ask your loved one for permission to talk to his or her doctorabout health care issues. Your loved one may want to give you power of

attorney to make medical decisions in an emergency.

Sources: National Institute on Aging; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Visit eldercare.gov to find out about services for seniors. Or call 1-800-677-1116.

Consumer-directed services member responsibilityAetna believes that the best care for our members is delivered through a collaborative approach. Core Aetna behaviors include listening and respecting others. We support consumer-directed services to highlight the member’s right to choose a caregiver, to have flexibility in their care, to promote member accountability, and to self-direct their needs and preferences for quality care.

As a beneficiary of consumer directed services, you are empowered to participate in your care by reporting fraud, waste or abuse.

Ways to avoid fraud, waste or abuse are:•  When you are in the hospital or a

rehab facility and not being cared for in your home, timesheet approval should stop until you return home.

•  Educate your caregiver on

timesheet expectations.•  There should be caregiver

timesheet approval for only the hours approved and worked by the caregiver.

•  Ensure that your caregiver is performing services agreed upon before approving timesheets.

To report fraud, waste or abuse, please call PPL Customer Service at 1-866-259-3009 or email PPL at pplva@pcgus.com.

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Cell phone service at no cost to you!See if you’re eligible for Assurance Wireless Lifeline cell service plus an AndroidTM smartphone.

We know how important it is to stay connected to healthcare, jobs, emergency services, and family. That’s why Aetna Better Health of Virginia is partnering with Assurance Wireless Lifeline service to offer eligible members an Android smartphone. Plus, each month eligible Assurance Wireless customers receive, at no cost: •  Data•  Unlimited Texts•  Voice Minutes

You may qualify for Assurance Wireless Lifeline service if you are on certain public assistance programs, like Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

To apply now or learn more, visit aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia.

When you apply, you’ll be able to receive health extras from Aetna:•  Health tips and reminders by texts•  One-on-one texting with your health care team•  Unlimited calls with our Member Services team

Already have Lifeline? It’s easy to switch to AssuranceWireless and receive Aetna health extras at no cost.

To learn more, go to aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia.

Speak upIf you think you may be depressed, let your doctor knowAll of us feel sad now and then. But have you found that things you once enjoyed no longer make you happy? Do you find yourself crying very easily?

These are signs of depression. And if you are depressed, the sooner you get treatment, the better. Depression is very

treatable. Counseling or medicine — or both — can help you feel like yourself again. Treatment can also help you manage depression.

So tell your doctor right away if you think you’re depressed. And depression doesn’t always feel like sadness.

You may:•  Feel guilty or worthless•  Feel hopeless•  Feel very tired all

the time•  Get irritated and

angry easily•  Have aches and pains

that don’t get better with treatment

•  Have trouble thinking or making decisions

•  Sleep too much or have trouble sleeping

•  Eat more than usual or less than usual

•  Lose weight without trying or gain weight

And remember: Depression is an illness. It’s not a personal failing. You can get better, and your doctor can help.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association; American Academy of Family Physicians

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Fast and easy self-service is hereNow you can get the information you need — anytime you need it.

Interactive voice response (IVR) is here. Just check your member ID card for your ID number. With 24/7 IVR self-service, all you need is your member ID number to:• Check your eligibility for services• Request an ID card or

a handbook• Review answers to common

questions about your benefits

No worries if you can’t check your ID number because you don’t have your ID card. Just go

through the IVR prompts until you hear the option to speak with a representative. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711). With some simple information, we can find your ID number for you.

No need to check hours In the past, you had to call during certain hours to check eligibility or request information. Now it’s faster and easier to get the information you need anytime, day or night.

No need to wait in a queueIn a hurry? No need to speak with a representative or wait in a queue. You can do it all with self-service.

No trouble connecting with a real personNow you have the information you need at your fingertips, faster and easier than before. And don’t worry. You can still talk with a real person when you need. Questions? We’re here to help. Just call 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711) to learn more.

Strength in numbers while fighting cancerThe power of support groupsHaving cancer can make you feel alone, if you don’t have someone to talk to.

Family and friends may be there for you, but they may not really know what going through cancer is like for you. That’s one reason why some people join a support group.

Support groups for people with cancer can have many benefits. These include:

Emotional support. A support group can help you cope with fear, anger or other emotions that often come with a cancer diagnosis. It’s a chance to share your feelings with others who have cancer — they’ve been there too. This may help you feel less stressed and alone.

Knowledge. You may learn helpful tips about coping with cancer and its treatments. For instance, you might get ideas on how to manage side effects.

Better mental health. Support groups may help reduce anxiety and depression.

Not sure where to start? Ask your health care team or a local

hospital how to find a support group in your area. Check out the National Cancer Institute too: supportorgs.cancer.gov.

Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Wondering which medications are

covered a nd where your closest pharmacy is? Visit aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia for our updated formulary, pharmacy locations and latest member handbook. For a printed copy of anything on our website, just call 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Non-discrimination noticeAetna complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Aetna does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Aetna:•  Provides free aids and services

to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:-Qualified sign language

interpreters-Written information in other

formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats)

•  Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:-Qualified interpreters- Information written in

other languages

If you need a qualified interpreter, written information in other formats, translation or other services, call the number on your ID card or 1-800-385-4104.

If you believe that Aetna has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex, you can file a grievance with our Civil Rights Coordinator at:

Address: Attn: Civil Rights Coordinator 4500 E. Cotton Center Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85040

Telephone: 1-888-234-7358, TTY: 711

Email: MedicaidCRCoordinator@aetna.com

You can file a grievance in person or by mail or email. If you need help filing a grievance, our Civil

Rights Coordinator is available to help you.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201, 1-800-368-1019, 1-800-537-7697 (TDD).

Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/ file/index.html.

Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company, and its affiliates.

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Multi-language Interpreter Services

ENGLISH: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call the number on the back of your ID card or 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

SPANISH: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al número que aparece en el reverso de su tarjeta de identificación o al 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

KOREAN: 주의: 한국어를 사용하시는 경우, 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. 귀하의 ID 카드 뒷면에 있는 번호로나 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711) 번으로 연락해 주십시오.

VIETNAMESE: CHÚ Ý: nếu bạn nói tiếng việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Hãy gọi số có ở mặt sau thẻ id của bạn hoặc 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

CHINESE: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電您的 ID 卡背面的電話號碼或 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711)。

TAGALOG: PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng wikang Tagalog, mayroon kang magagamit na mga libreng serbisyo para sa tulong sa wika. Tumawag sa numero na nasa likod ng iyong ID card o sa 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

AMHARIC: ማሳሰቢያ፦ አማርኛ የሚናገሩ ከሆነ ያለ ምንም ክፍያ የቋንቋ ድጋፍ አገልግሎቶችን ማግኘት ይችላሉ። በእርስዎ አይዲ ካርድ ጀርባ ወዳለው ስልክ ቁጥር ወይም በስልክ ቁጥር 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711) ይደውሉ።.

FRENCH: ATTENTION: si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le numéro indiqué au verso de votre carte d’identité ou le 1-800-385-4104 (ATS : 711).

VA-16-09-02

RUSSIAN: ВНИМАНИЕ: если вы говорите на русском языке, вам могут предоставить бесплатные услуги перевода. Позвоните по номеру, указанному на обратной стороне вашей идентификационной карточки, или по номеру 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

GERMAN: ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie deutschen sprechen, können Sie unseren kostenlosen Sprachservice nutzen. Rufen Sie die Nummer auf der Rückseite Ihrer ID-Karte oder 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711) an.

KRU: TÛ DƐ NÂ JIE BÒ: ɛ yemâ wlu bɛɛ n a po Klào Win, nee â-a win kwa cɛtiyɔ+ ne-la, i bɛle-o bi ma-o mû bò ko putu bò. Da nɔbâ ne ɛ nea-o n-a ji e jipolê kate h jɛ na kpoh, mɔɔ 1-800-385-4104 )TTY: 711).

IGBO (IBO): NRỤBAMA: Ọ bụrụ na ị na asụ Igbo, ọrụ enyemaka asụsụ, n’efu, dịịrị gị. Kpọọ nọmba dị n’azụ nke kaadị ID gị ma ọ bụ 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

YORUBA: ÀKÍYÈSÍ: Tí o bá sọ èdè Yorùbá, àwọn olùrànlọwọ ìpèsè èdè ti wá ní lẹ fún ọ lọfẹẹ, pe nọńbà tí ó wà lẹyìn káàdì ìdánimọ rẹ tàbí 1-800-385-4104 (TTY: 711).

Pumpkin stewMakes 4 servings

Ingredients1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin (curry

powder may be substituted)

1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin (2 cups fresh may be substituted)

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, no salt added, drained

1 (15-ounce) can yellow corn kernels, no salt added, drained (1 to 11⁄2 cups fresh or frozen may be substituted)

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, no salt added

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (vegetable may be substituted)

1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste1⁄4 cup plain, low-fat yogurt, optional

Directions•  In large saucepan, warm oil over

medium heat. •  Stir in peppers, onion and garlic and

sauté about 6 minutes, until peppers and onion soften.

•  Stir in cumin, and continue to cook 1 to 2 minutes.

•  Pour in pumpkin, beans, corn, tomatoes and broth. Add 1 teaspoon cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

•  Bring to boil; then reduce heat. Cover, and simmer 25 minutes.

•  Divide stew among 4 bowls and garnish with cilantro and yogurt, if desired.

Nutrition informationServing size: 2 cups. Amount per serving: 301 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated fat), 57g carbohydrates, 14g protein, 14g dietary fiber, 307mg sodium.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

No Virginian hungryAlmost 12 percent of Virginians battle food insecurity on a daily basis. Food insecurity means a lack of available financial resources to put food on the table at any given time. There is help available. Visit feedingamerica.org/ find-your-local -foodbank. You can search by ZIP code to find an area food bank near you. If you do not have Internet access, call Member Services at 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711). We can do a search for you.

Contact us 1-855-652-8249 (TTY: 711)

This newsletter is published as a community service for the friends andmembers of Aetna Better Health® of Virginia, 9881 Mayland Drive, Richmond,

VA 23233-1458. This is general health information and should not replace the advice or care you get from your provider. Always ask your provider about your own health care needs. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.

2018 © Aetna, Inc. and Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.VA-18-08-03

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