L I F E , H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F
SUMMER 2015
See how member John K. has improved his health and quality of life with Breathe at Ease.
inside LIFE
The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer
HEALTH
Make Your Medications Work
WELLNESS
Eating Healthy at Summer Cookouts
WHAT’S NEW The Latest Updates Related to Your Health Plan
Want to
Win a $15 gas gift card?
See how on page 15.
Exclusive Reduced Rate for Network Health Medicare Advantage Members
Kinky Boots
Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. Prices range from $28-$53 Discount is available until midnight July 26. With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Log on to foxcitiespac.com/onlineoffers, click the Network Health logo, select Find Tickets and type MEDICARE in the promo code field. Then purchase your tickets by following the simple instructions that follow. This offer is only valid for Network Health Medicare members and their families. Not valid on previously purchased tickets, while supplies last. C
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life 3 Do’s and Don’ts of Summer 4 Finding Air How to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5 Tips for Kicking the Habit 6 Four Ways to Avoid Going Back to the Hospital
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Leave Your Worries at Home Coverage that travels with you Self-Management Workshops Make Your Medications Work The importance of taking your medications as prescribed
9 Preventive Care Services that are good for your health and wallet FEATURE 10 Better Breathing, Better Health How Network Health’s program, Breathe at Ease, helps one member improve his health and quality of life.
wellness 13 Network Health at the Fox Cities Marathon 14 Join Us at the Senior Games 15 Go Paperless and Sign Up For Email BACK COVER Meet Jeremy Kroll, Medicare Concierge
Y0108_585_061515 Accepted 06282015 EDITORIAL STAFF President and CEO Sheila Jenkins Chief Administrative Officer Penny Ransom Marketing Coordinator Cassie Ashman Graphic Designer Gary Vossekuil EDITORIAL BOARD Marcia Broeren, Renee Corral, Colleen Davison, Sarah Dencker, Melanie Draheim, Jessica Fischer, Mark Geiger, Natalie Knaack, Teri Koepke, Joan Merwin, Barbara Ott, Dawn Rady, Chuck Rynearson and Jeanne Skinner Concierge is published quarterly by Network Health. The health information contained in Concierge is meant to supplement, not replace, the advice of health care professionals. 2 | C oncierge
© 2015 Network Health Insurance Corporation. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without written permission from Network Health Insurance Corporation. Network Health Medicare Advantage Plans are MSA and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. NetworkCares is a PPO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Forward Health Wisconsin Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Network Health Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/ coinsurance may change January 1 of each year. NetworkHealthMedicare.com
life The
Do’s and Don’ts of Summer S
ummer is one of the best times to live in Wisconsin. The weather finally allows us to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. But, you’ll need to take precautions. Winter isn’t the only season that can cause health concerns. When the mercury on the thermometer rises, so does your risk for dehydration and heat exhaustion. Read the tips below to enjoy fun in the sun while avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor.
Summer Do’s Put on sunscreen. While the sun may feel great on your skin at first, bad burns can sneak up on you quickly. Even cloudy days can result in tomato-red skin. Protect yourself against skin cancer by putting on sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply throughout the day. Drink lots of water. When it’s hot outside, dehydration becomes a concern. For older adults it’s especially serious and can even be life threatening. Stay safe by drinking plenty of fluids (but avoiding alcohol and caffeine) and eating fruits and vegetables. Get active. Summer is a great time to try water activities. Take advantage of community pools to get your exercise in without overheating. Take part in community programs. The nicer weather makes it a perfect time to get out and volunteer. Many organizations are looking for help—try participating in summer reading programs for children, help out at the local animal shelter or find what interests you most. NetworkHealthMedicare.com
Summer Don’ts Go outdoors in extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates every year 300 people die from excessive heat exposure. Older adults are at an increased risk. To avoid heat-related conditions, stay in air-conditioned buildings during extreme heat. If you don’t have air-conditioning in your own home, visit a shopping mall or museum during the hottest part of the day. Forget about food safety. Summer often means cookouts and barbeques. Getting together with family and friends is always fun, but make sure your next picnic doesn’t have contaminated food. Remember—never let perishable food like meat, eggs, cut fruits and vegetables sit at room temperature. Overdress. In the summer, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate clothing. Wear light colors and choose clothing that is breathable and loose fitting. And, don’t forget a brimmed hat and sunglasses.
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life
Finding Air D
o you often feel as though you’re struggling for breath? Or do you have trouble with a persistent cough? You may want to talk to your doctor about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
How can I manage my COPD? Once you’ve been diagnosed, it’s more important than ever to take steps to improve your health. Read the following to learn helpful self-management techniques. Avoid air pollutants. Make sure to steer clear of fumes from paint, perfume, cleaning products or traffic. Pay attention to pollution alerts and stay in air-conditioned rooms on days that are hot and humid. Prevent infection. Flu and pneumonia are the top causes of breathing difficulty and hospitalization for people with COPD. Get vaccinated to help reduce your risk of getting infected. If you haven’t already, make sure to talk to your doctor about these vaccines. And remember to wash your hands often, especially when you are out in public. Take your medications. Make sure you understand your doctor’s instructions regarding rescue medications. This will help you control or prevent symptoms. Closely following your treatment plan can help prevent COPD flare-ups (or a worsening of symptoms). Know what makes your COPD symptoms worse. Common factors include cold weather, strong fumes and smoking or secondhand smoke. Consider keeping a journal of your flare-ups to help you identify what your triggers are and how to avoid them. It’s not always possible to avoid a COPD flare-up. But, you can identify the warning signs so you know when to take action. Be on the lookout for the following flare-up signs. • Your cough is getting worse. • You have increased shortness of breath. • You are coughing up more mucus, or the mucus is a green or yellow color. 4 | C oncierge
What is COPD? It’s a condition that affects your lungs and restricts airways. People who suffer from COPD may have airways that are swollen, blocked and mucus production can increase.
Do you want to learn more about how to manage COPD? Visit GoEmmi.com and enter code NetworkCOPD to get started. As a Network Health member this online learning program is available to you at no cost.
Are you the caregiver for someone with COPD? Help your loved one better manage their condition by doing the following. • Offer to attend doctor visits. • Keep tobacco smoke and other air pollutants out of your home. • Learn more about COPD—you can start by visiting the American Lung Association at lung.org.
If you’re experiencing the signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss COPD. NetworkHealthMedicare.com
Tips for Kicking the Habit
There are lots of great reasons to quit smoking—you’ll save money, improve your health and have better breath. But when you experience an intense nicotine craving, none of that matters nearly as much as satisfying your urge. We know quitting is difficult. The following tips can help. 1 Set a quit date. Pick a date roughly two weeks out and begin to mentally prepare yourself. You should also tell your family and friends about your quit date so they can offer support. 2 Avoid your triggers. Triggers are what bring on your cravings and they should be avoided when possible. For many people, this means limiting coffee and alcohol intake. 3 Write down your reasons for quitting and keep them visible. You’re more likely to achieve your goals after writing them down. Seeing your reasons will help keep you determined. 4 Keep busy. The first two weeks will be the hardest, so make sure to keep your schedule full during this period. Spend time with friends and family, take in a movie, dine out or go shopping. By avoiding down time you can help limit your cravings. 5 Monitor your mood. Some people give up because the nicotine withdrawals make them frustrated and angry. Be alert to your bad moods and distract yourself by doing something you enjoy.
Trying to Quit?
Need help getting motivated? Here are some of the short and long-term benefits to quitting according to the American Cancer Society. 20 minutes after quitting • Your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Two weeks to nine months after quitting • You can breathe easier. • You cough less. • Your circulation improves and your lung function increases. • Your risk of infection reduces. Five years after quitting • Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder are cut in half. • Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. • Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after two to five years. 10 years after quitting • The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. • The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a difficult task to achieve, and it may take several tries before you are successful. But once you are smoke free for two weeks, your cravings will start to subside and your goal will seem more attainable.
One of the best things you can do for your lung health is to stop smoking. Network Health covers tobacco cessation counseling sessions twice per calendar year. To learn more, call your health care concierge.
NetworkHealthMedicare.com
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life
Four Ways to Avoid Going Back to the Hospital D
espite excellent advances in care and service, most people would rather not be in the hospital. Still, recent studies show nearly one in five Medicare patients return to the hospital within 30 days of leaving. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 90 percent of readmissions are unplanned.
The good news? If you have a hospital stay, there’s plenty you can do to help your recovery. 1. Ask questions. Good communication is key. When you’re sitting down with your hospital discharge planner, take lots of notes and get instructions in writing. Ask about any changes to medications, diet or activity restrictions. It’s also helpful to have a friend or family member there so they can hear the instructions too.
3. Have someone help out. Many people recover best in their own home, but you might need assistance from family, friends or others. Depending on your needs and situation, you may be eligible for home health care. Call your health care concierge to learn more.
2. Know your meds. Do you understand all of your prescriptions? Medication problems are one of the top reasons people need to be re-hospitalized. Your instructions may change while you’re in the hospital, so make sure to work with your doctor and pharmacist to understand when and how to take your prescriptions.
4. Make and keep follow-up appointments. Don’t skip appointments made to follow up on how you’re doing. And after a hospital stay, you should always call your doctor. To help with your recovery planning, he or she will need to know about your recent change of health.
Learn more about what happens after you go home from the hospital. Visit GoEmmi.com and enter code NetworkAfterHospital. As a Network Health member, this online learning program is available to you at no cost.
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NetworkHealthMedicare.com
health Self-Management Workshops
If you’d like help finding a workshop or support group near you, call us at 800-769-3186, extension 87160. Living Well with Chronic Conditions Designed specifically for anyone with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain or anxiety, this workshop teaches self-management skills and develops a step-by-step plan to achieve specific goals. The six-week class meets once a week for two and a half hours.
Stepping On This is a program for older adults who may have fallen, have a fear of falling or are at risk of falling. This program empowers older adults to step outside of their homes with the confidence to improve their quality of life. This seven-week workshop meets once a week for two hours.
Healthy Living with Diabetes For any adult living with type 2 diabetes, this workshop is designed to help you better manage it. Classes cover topics like healthy eating choices and habits, the benefits of exercise, techniques for dealing with symptoms and how to work with health care providers. This six-week workshop meets once a week for two and a half hours.
Better Breathers A community-wide support group for people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. For more information call 920-738-2558 or 920-738-5364. Fox Valley Diabetic Education and Support Group Open to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and/or their loved ones. Classes are free and no registration is needed.
Local Support Groups
Leave Your Worries at Home
Coverage That Travels with You
Traveling can be one of the great joys of summer. Checking out new places and meeting new people is exciting. But, trips can also be stressful—especially if you need medical care. When you’re traveling outside Wisconsin (but still in the United States), you can rest easy knowing you’re covered. As a Network Health Medicare Advantage (PPO) member, your medical services will cost the same as if you were in Wisconsin. Just make sure to show your Network Health ID card—this will help with the billing process. And when you’re outside the United States, you’re still covered for emergency care. If you’re on our NetworkPrime (MSA) plan, there’s no such thing as in and out-of-network, and any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare should accept your NetworkPrime coverage. If you have questions about your travel benefit, call your health care concierge or 800-378-5234, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (TTY 800-947-3529). NetworkHealthMedicare.com
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health
Make Your Medications Work A
lmost 70 percent of Americans take at least one prescription medication, and more than half take at least two, according to a study by researchers at the Mayo Clinic. When you take your medication, how much you take and how often can have a big impact on whether or not it works. It may seem OK to change your medicine, but you should never do so without talking to your doctor first.
How can you make sure you’re doing things right? Start with this list of questions and tips. Understand If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask your doctor for instructions. • Why am I taking this drug? • How and when should I take it? • How should I store it? • What are the possible effects? Organize • If you take multiple medications, create a list of all of them to help remember the instructions for each. • Use a pill box or organizer to keep all your medications in order. • Make a list of any and all questions you have about your medications and bring the list to your next doctor appointment. Avoid • Don’t take your medication for any symptoms it wasn’t prescribed for. • Don’t take more or less of a medication unless your doctor says so. • Don’t take someone else’s medications and don’t give your medication away. Prescriptions are specific for each person’s health and wellness. 8 | C oncierge
Do you want extra help with medications? Visit GoEmmi.com and enter code NetworkMedicationSafety. As a Network Health member, this online learning program is available to you at no cost.
NetworkHealthMedicare.com
Preventive Care Good for Your Health and Wallet A
s health care costs rise, many people try to avoid visiting their doctor. Unfortunately, this can actually lead to an increase in your out-of-pocket expenses. Why? Because certain screenings, shots and vaccines can help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides recommendations for such preventive care measures. You can view these guidelines by visiting the Member’s Corner page at NetworkHealthMedicare.com (scroll down to the Clinical and Preventive Guidelines link under Resources). Or, call us at 800-378-5234, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (TTY 800-947-3529) if you’d like a hard copy. If you’re on one of our Medicare Advantage PPO plans, we’ve also created a Preventive Health Checklist so you can easily see what’s covered by Medicare and your Network Health plan.
Preventive Health Checklist
To help you be and stay healthy, use the checklist below to make sure you are receiving these important preventive services. Every service with a 3 is $0 in-network with a Network Health Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan.
3 q 3 3
$0 in-network Preventive Service Annual flu shot Recommended for everyone Pneumonia vaccine Recommended for everyone
3 3 3 3
3
3 3 3
Mammogram screening Recommended for women ages 40-75 Colorectal screening Recommended for men and women ages 50-75
Date Completed When will I need it again? You’ll need the shot every year. Most people only need this shot once in their lifetime, but ask your doctor for specific recommendations. Ask your doctor. Medicare will cover the test once a year (11 full months must pass before the test is covered again). Ask your doctor. For people with a high risk of cancer, Medicare will cover it once every two years.
Glaucoma screening Recommended for everyone
Ask your doctor. For people with a high risk of glaucoma, Medicare will cover it once a year.
Bone density test Recommended for those at an increased risk for broken bones. This test is especially important for women who recently had a fracture. Annual doctor visit Recommended for everyone At the visit, make sure to ask your doctor about the following. • How can I maintain or improve my physical health? • How is my blood pressure? • What is the best way to monitor my physical activity? • What steps do I need to take to maintain or improve my mental health? • After an injury or fall, what steps should I take to protect my bone health? Cardiovascular screening This screening should include tests for cholesterol, lipid and triglycerides.
Ask your doctor. Medicare will cover it at least once every two years (or more often, if medically necessary).
Cervical and vaginal cancer screening Recommended for all women Prostate cancer screening Recommended for men
One preventive visit is recommended and covered every year.
Ask your doctor. Medicare will cover it once every five years (or more often if medically necessary). Ask your doctor. Medicare will cover it at least once every two years (or more often if medically necessary). Ask your doctor. Medicare will cover once a year.
To get the checklist, follow these steps. 1. Visit NetworkHealthMedicare.com and click Member’s Corner. 2. Click the blue Benefits for Better Health box 3. Click the Preventive Health Checklist link under Preventive Care. You can print this helpful checklist and use it to keep track of your annual services and screenings. C oncierge | 9
COVER STORY
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I can’t say enough good things about it; I would strongly urge anyone to do it. That program was one of the best things to come my way.
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BETTER Breathing, BETTER Health How Network Health’s program, Breathe at Ease, helps one member improve his health and quality of life.
D
id you know the average person can go nearly 30 days without eating and still survive? And, if you had to go without water for a day or two, it would be uncomfortable, but you would make it. However, most people would not survive being deprived of oxygen for more than seven minutes. The most important nutrient your body needs is oxygen and most of us take it for granted. Network Health member John K. of Oshkosh is an exception. He understands exactly how important oxygen is after being diagnosed with emphysema. In the year 2000, John had suspected something was wrong. At work, he often felt short of breath, though he tried to hide it. When his doctor told him he had emphysema and that he would need to be on oxygen, he had a hard time accepting it. He admits the first few weeks following the diagnosis were a struggle for him. He was lucky to have his wife Carol to help him put it in perspective. At first John didn’t want to go out in public—being seen with an oxygen tank was hard for him. But Carol made him realize that he needed to “get up and get going.” He wasn’t going to just live the rest of his life at home while Carol was out enjoying hers. Although it was tough, John knew he needed to try and have a more positive outlook. After being diagnosed, John knew he would have to retire. He and Carol decided they wanted to trade in Wisconsin winters for a more accommodating climate.
They packed up, sold their home and moved to Florida. People often dream of spending their golden years on a beach somewhere, but John and Carol’s experience turned out a little different than they had planned. Because of John’s diagnosis, it was very important to him to have quality health insurance coverage. Unfortunately, this coverage was also very expensive. He and Carol were paying nearly $1,000 a month in premiums. This was a financial burden that would be hard on anyone—especially someone who was pushed into early retirement because of a chronic condition. John was also having trouble finding a doctor he connected with while living in Florida. Although John had accepted his diagnosis, he also knew it was important to actively manage his condition. Unfortunately the doctor he was seeing didn’t offer any extra help. He simply checked his lungs every three months and sent John on his way. Then in 2004, Hurricane Charley hit. After being evacuated from their home, John and Carol decided it was time to come back to Wisconsin. Again, they packed up their belongings but this time headed north. As they were traveling back, Hurricane Ivan seemed to be chasing them out of Florida and they were confident they made the right decision. John and Carol settled in Oshkosh. Soon after moving back, Carol found part-time work and John found providers that helped him manage his condition.
By Cassie Ashman Photography by Beth DesJardin, Trove Photography NetworkHealthMedicare.com
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COVER STORY
After moving back, John and Carol also became Network Health members. One day John received an invitation in the mail from Network Health to join their new program called Breathe at Ease. Breathe at Ease is a health management program Network Health offers to members at no cost. Members who participate in Breathe at Ease receive a thorough assessment from a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and develop an individualized action plan to follow at home. Members also receive education on medication and proper use of inhalers and rescue inhalers. Their RRT calls them monthly to follow up, track their progress and address any new issues. John was surprised to learn about Breathe at Ease. Even though he had been diagnosed nearly fourteen years earlier, none of his doctors had ever suggested a breathing program. With the encouragement of his wife Carol, and his RRT, Robyn West, John has made a lot of progress on managing his condition. Both Robyn and Carol play an important part in keeping John motivated to stay in good health and avoid using a wheelchair. He jokes, “I have one but I hardly ever use it. It’s out in the garage—save that for the old people.” Robyn is very impressed with the steps John has taken to improve his breathing and quality of life. “John is a great
Did You Know? 12 | C oncierge
example for others,” she says. “He demonstrates that when you are willing to make small changes in your life, you will receive a huge return. I’m so proud of him. When we first met, he told me that he would do anything asked to improve his life and he made those changes himself. I just made sure he stayed on the right track. We developed a plan and he has stuck with it to a tee.”
John and Carol have been married nearly 45 years. John has had great success with the program. “I can’t say enough good things about it; I would strongly urge anyone to do it. That program was one of the best things to come my way.”
Breathe at Ease is offered in the outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation department at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and Calumet Medical Center. To join Breathe at Ease at St. Elizabeth Hospital or Mercy Medical Center, call Robyn West, RRT, at 920-831-1498 or 920-738-2558. To join at Calumet Medical Center, call Peggy Nolan, RRT, at 920-849-1816. NetworkHealthMedicare.com
wellness Network Health at the Fox Cities Marathon
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ur mission at Network Health is to enhance the life, health and wellness of the people we serve. That’s why we are the third-time sponsor of the Fox Cities Marathon Health & Wellness Expo.
The Health & Wellness Expo is located at the University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley Field House and Communication Arts Center. There will be plenty to do after you register and pick up your race bib. The event provides race participants, as well as their friends and family, with the opportunity to attend numerous educational seminars and shop the latest in fitness gear and healthy lifestyle products. Network Health will also be participating in the events on race day. Want to join our team? Sign up for the Network Health team by August 7 and receive a free t-shirt. Please select Team Network Health when you register.
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Sunday, September 20
Network Health Health & Wellness Expo Guardian Kids Fun Run
Network Health Health & Wellness Expo 5K Run/Walk
Half Marathon Full Marathon
Visit networkhealth.com/news for more information.
Eating Healthy at Summer Cookouts
It’s easier than you think.
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ummer is finally here and that means backyard cookouts, picnics and potlucks. Don’t let the stress of overindulging ruin your fun. Making healthy choices at get-togethers is easier than you may think. Before leaving for the party, enjoy a healthy snack so you don’t arrive on an empty stomach. When at the party, survey the food choices and follow these tips to choose a meal that’s light and delicious. Choose a lean cut of meat. Instead of a high-fat hamburger, try one of the following for protein. • Skinless chicken breast • Turkey or veggie burger • Fresh fish • Lean cut of beef such as top sirloin or filet mignon NetworkHealthMedicare.com
Load your plate with vegetables. Veggies are crisp, crunchy and one of the healthiest things you can eat. They will satisfy your urge for something crunchy, such as potato chips. Contrary to popular belief, potato chips are not a vegetable even though made from potatoes. Avoid desserts filled with sugar. No doubt the dessert table is filled with delicious-looking baked goods. However, when you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, those baked goods can easily throw you off course. Instead, select fresh fruit—it’s sweet enough to take the edge off that sugar craving. If you don’t have the willpower to pass up the dessert table, pick your favorite and enjoy a small portion.
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What’s NEW
Join Us at the Senior Games
Tuesday, August 12 I 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. I Pierce Park in Appleton Join us, meet friends and get active at the Senior Games, sponsored by Network Health. There will be carnival style games and fun workshops to participate in. You’ll also receive a chicken dinner and a T-shirt. You must register for this event. All registrations must be received by July 30. Cost: $8 on or before July 18, or $10 after July 18
Registration forms available at: Appleton Parks and Recreation Ridgeview Highlands Business Office Neenah Park and Recreation Department Highlands at Mahler Park The Thompson Community Center ThedaCare At Home All YMCA of the Fox Cities locations The Menasha Senior Center
Did You Know?
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etwork Health evaluates new technologies and applications of existing technologies on a regular basis. This includes evaluating medical procedures, drugs and devices. New technologies are reviewed by a group of participating physicians and health plan staff who make recommendations for inclusion as a covered benefit. The review process also includes the evaluation of information from government regulatory bodies and published scientific evidence.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game As a member, enjoy a special Network Health ticket price for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers games below.
July 28 ............ 7:05 p.m. July 30 ..........12:05 p.m.
August 11...... 7:05 p.m. August 25 .....12:05 p.m.
$13.50/includes box seat ticket, brat or hot dog and beverage
Offer valid in-person only at Fox Cities Stadium. Just ask for the Network Health ticket at the ticket window. 14 | C oncierge
NetworkHealthMedicare.com
The Latest UPDATES Related to Your Health Plan
Sign Up for Email for a Chance to Win
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ll Network Health Medicare Advantage members have the option to sign up to receive their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) materials by email. We offer this because many members have told us they don’t need hard copies, and that they’d rather receive their material at their email address. Plus, you could win a $15 gas gift card.
Takes Less Than Five Minutes – Sign Up Today
1. Have your Network Health member ID card handy (you’ll need your member ID number). 2. Go to NetworkHealthOptions.com. 3. Type in your last name, date of birth and member ID number. 4. Follow the instructions on the next screen and choose email. 5. Approve your selection, and you’ll get a thank you message and a confirmation email. If you already signed up for email, you don’t have to sign up again. All members who sign up by September 1 will automatically be entered into a no-obligation free drawing for one of five $15 gas gift cards. WHAT’S THAT?
Annual Notice of Change – The packet of materials you receive in September that tells you what’s changing for January 1.
Here’s what’s included.
• Annual Notice of Change (a table showing changes to your plan) • Evidence of Coverage (your plan policy that outlines all the details about your plan) • Provider Changes (a list of added and removed in-network providers) • Pharmacy Directory (list of pharmacies) and Formulary (list of drugs), if you have drug coverage
Less Mail for Members Who Live Together
If multiple members live in your household (for example, husband and wife), and you are on the same Network Health Medicare Advantage plan, you can choose to receive one packet of ANOC materials, instead of two. Many members who live together told us they don’t need two copies, so we offer this option. To sign up for this option, called householding, each member in your household will need to sign in at NetworkHealthOptions.com to make this selection. You’ll each need to sign in separately. Follow the instructions that appear to choose print and householding.
NetworkHealthMedicare.com
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1570 Midway Pl. Menasha, WI 54952 Health or Wellness or Prevention Information
Meet
Jeremy Kroll
T
o help you get to know the health care concierges a little better, watch for a feature on a different concierge in each issue of our newsletter.
How did Jeremy begin his career as a health care concierge? What does Jeremy enjoy most about his job?
Are there any challenges as a health care concierge? What does Jeremy like to do in his free time?
How is Network Health different from other places Jeremy has worked?
Jeremy started as a health care concierge in 2012. He had recently graduated from college and wanted to work in a career that allowed him to help people. A friend referred him to Network Health, where he has the opportunity to assist people every day. “It’s about more than resolving problems. My job allows me to empower people.” Jeremy understands how tough financial stress can be for individuals. And as a health care concierge, Jeremy can help his members by researching different programs or opportunities to make sure they get the assistance they need. “Giving people the resources to take care of future concerns is very rewarding.” “Staying current is probably the biggest challenge. Medicare is rapidly evolving and it can be tough to try and explain to my members what has changed and why the change was necessary.”
“I enjoy spending time with my son, Gavin. When the weather is nice, we get out and go hiking, kayaking and camping.” Jeremy is also an ordained minister so many of his weekends are spent officiating weddings. He explains it’s nice to spend one of the happiest days of a person’s life with them—plus you can’t beat the free cake. “Network Health is different because I am able to put the member’s needs first.” Jeremy explains it is nice to work for a company that puts a lot of emphasis on member satisfaction. “I’m also given a lot of freedom about the best way to approach a problem, which enables me to find unique solutions for my member’s concerns. And for people on Medicare and Medicaid, the extra help means the world.”