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HEALTH ALLIANCE 316 FIFTH ST. WENATCHEE, WA 98801
Health and wellness or prevention information
The Health Alliance Star VOLUME 7
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WINTER 2017
WASHINGTON
Make 2017 Your Year to Get Active Being physically active is important for staying healthy as you age. Physical activity can help you keep doing the things you love and can also help lower your risk for many types of cancer and other diseases. Plus, it helps improve your balance and mental health and helps keep your heart healthy.
Exercise and Fall Prevention Falling can happen any time of year, but winter comes with some major fall risks, like icy and snowy conditions. Along with salting your sidewalk, exercise can help reduce your risk of falling by increasing your strength and balance. Lifting light weights, like water bottles, can help build your strength. And standing on one foot, holding onto a sturdy chair, can help improve your overall balance.
Everyday Ways to Get Active We want you be your healthiest, so our plans give you access to two programs that can help you start exercising or stay on track if you already work out. If you’re not already active, talk to your doctor about an exercise plan.
Be Fit
Rally
Our brand-new Be Fit fitness program gives you the flexibility to get fit at the gym of your choice. We’ll reimburse you for your gym membership or fitness class fees up to $30 per month for a total of up to $360 per year.
Rally®*, our easy-to-use digital health experience, is another helpful fitness tool that’s now included in your plan. Rally uses personalized missions, group challenges, support and rewards to help you with your health in these areas and more.
You can submit receipts monthly, quarterly or at the end of the year. You can learn more and find our reimbursement form at HealthAllianceMedicare.org/Perks. We also included our reimbursement form in your 2017 plan materials. And you can request a form by calling the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
• Exercise • Sleep • Nutrition • Stress management You can learn more or start your Rally experience at HealthAlliance.org/Rally.
Ideas to Get and Stay Active • • • • • • • • •
Be Fit fitness program (HealthAllianceMedicare.org/Perks) Rally (HealthAlliance.org/Rally) Vacuuming Dusting Bowling Going for a walk (can bring a friend for safety and to socialize) Playing a physical game or sport with your grandkids Dance classes in your community Walking the aisles of the grocery store and parking farther away when you shop
Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting a new physical activity plan.
There are lots of ways you can start moving more and increase your physical activity. Some household chores can really get you moving. And playing with your grandkids can also raise your activity level. The list at the bottom of the page gives you some helpful tips and ideas to start moving more. Work with your doctor on your physical activity plan. He or she knows your overall health and can help you make choices to fit your needs.
Exercise and Osteoporosis Osteoporosis makes bones fragile and more likely to fracture. Exercise is a great way to help lower your risk. If you’ve already had a fracture or think you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about a bone density test to find out if you have osteoporosis. You can also talk to your doctor about the best ways to help lower your risk and prevent fractures.
*If you don’t have internet access, health surveys, self-management tools and rewards are also available by mail or phone. To participate, call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
VOLUME 7
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WINTER 2017
Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs Starting this year, Walgreens is a preferred cost-sharing pharmacy, meaning you can get Tier 1 generic drugs for $0 and a 90-day supply of your drug for a two-month copay when you fill your prescriptions there. We have other preferred cost-sharing pharmacies, too. Check your pharmacy directory to find more.
Review Your Meds Your Doctor Know How to with Take Your Meds
In the past, Walmart and Sam’s Club were our preferred costsharing pharmacies. Both are still in-network and are standard costsharing pharmacies for 2017.
Talking to your doctor about your meds during your wellness visit each year helps you stay on the same page. Plus, it gives you a chance to make sure that your prescriptions are up to date and that they’re working for you. Your doctor should make a list of each drug you take that includes the name, dosage, frequency and how to take it. Tell your doctor if you’ve missed doses or haven’t refilled your prescriptions on time. He or she can give you tips for how to stay on top of your meds, like creating a daily alarm on your phone or getting refill reminders from your pharmacy.
Technology and Your Health Care Computers and handheld devices have helped many industries, including health care, operate more accurately and efficiently. Here are just a few of the ways they help doctors give you the best possible care. • Accessing and updating medical records • Checking drug information and interaction guidelines • Requesting preauthorization • Referencing treatment guidelines
Although they are helpful tools, computers and handheld devices might sometimes seem distracting during your visit. If you feel like your doctor’s use of a these devices makes it harder to talk to him or her, say something. Doctors are used to multitasking and might not realize you have an issue with it unless you let them know. Your visit is a time to focus on your health and needs, so it’s OK to ask your doctor to put the device aside while you’re talking. Most doctors will need to use it at some point during your visit, but while you’re voicing concerns or asking questions, it can wait.
Health Alliance Northwest is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health Alliance Medicare depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits and copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-933-2564 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN : Si habla Español, servicios de asistencia lingüística , de forma gratuita , están disponibles para usted. Llame 1-877-933-2564 (TTY: 711).
Mark Your Calendar
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays Toll-free 1-877-750-3350, TTY 711 HealthAllianceMedicare.org
qm-WAStarNewsletter-0117 • H3471_17_52687 Accepted
Downsize & Declutter March 30, 1–2 p.m. | Tumwater Timberland Library | Tumwater
Fraud Prevention May 18, 1–2 p.m. | Tenino Timberland Library Tenino
Fall Prevention April 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Miller Street Conference Room | Wenatchee
Downsize & Declutter June 13, 1–2 p.m. | Tenino Timberland Library Tenino
Advance Directives April 27, 1–2 p.m. | Tumwater Timberland Library | Tumwater
Health Advocacy June 14, 1–2 p.m. | Tumwater Timberland Library Tumwater