Celebrating 10 years of Healthy Optionsvisit yOur dOCtOr On an annual basis

a dental plan tHat will make yOu smile

www.independenthealth.com

Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

Preventive care services

at $0See page 8.

Y0042_C5069 Accepted 05042014

Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-SNP, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Independent Health’s Dual Difference is a HMO-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY Medicaid program. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal.

2 HealtHStyleS • Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

inSide this issue

welcome to the 2014 spring/summer issue of HealthStyles.

HealthStyles delivers the latest information about your plan, Medicare and how to stay fit and healthy. Now, we’re doing it with more “style” than ever before! Flip through our redesigned magazine to see what we’ve got in store for you. Find out how the Healthy Options program is helping to expand the menus at local events on page 4. Learn how our Dual Difference plan provides an additional level of care on page 5. And, head over to page 10 for tips on keeping high blood pressure in check.

alsO in tHis issue

6 making sure your medication works

7 healthelinK enhances patient care

9 Visiting your doctor on an annual basis BE

NEf

It s

pO

tli

gH

tstay aCtive and fit witH HealtHy benefits

through independent health’s healthy Benefits Fitness program, our medicare advantage plan members receive a membership at a participating fitness location of their choice at no additional cost to their monthly plan premium. this membership is good for the current calendar year and includes access to all the amenities of each participating facility—treadmills, free weights, fitness classes and more.

as of January 1, 2014, you can now simply present your 2014 independent health member id card when renewing or enrolling at a participating fitness facility. You will still be required to pay a $20 activation fee when you renew with your current fitness facility or join a new facility in 2014.

find a faCility. to locate a participating healthy Benefits fitness facility, please visit the “Fitness, dental & Vision” section at www.independenthealth.com/medicare. if you have any questions, please call our member Services department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ttY users should call 1 (800) 432-1110.

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 may change on January 1 of each year.

www.independenthealth.com 3

good to know

independent Health remains a 4.5-star-rated medicare plan

System, with five being the highest-rated plan and one being the lowest-rated plan, the Medicare Star Ratings program rates the quality and performance of all Medicare Advantage health plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

The key components that plans are rated on include:• Screenings, tests and vaccines• Managing chronic (long-term)

conditions

• Customer service• Patient safety and accurate

drug pricing• Member experience• Member complaints, access and

improvement

Through our 4.5-Star Medicare Rating, Independent Health continues to demonstrate the value of our Medicare Advantage plans and also to provide assurance to our Medicare members on the quality and value of their coverage.

For the fourth consecutive year, Independent Health has been recognized as a 4.5-Star-Rated Medicare Plan* by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The Star Ratings are designed to help Medicare beneficiaries choose a plan in their area that will meet their needs and provide quality care and service.

The Medicare Star Ratings program was created in 2007 as a way for CMS and Medicare beneficiaries to assess the quality of Medicare Advantage Plans throughout the country on an annual basis. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that CMS began to assign an overall rating.

Using a Five-Star Quality Rating

HOw did we dO it? Find out what it takes to earn our level of excellence. Visit www.independenthealth.com, select “medicare” and then “Star ratings.”

a dental plan that will make you smile

Members ages 55 and older can now sign up for Independent Health’s 55+ Dental Plan, one of the most comprehensive dental insurance plans in Western New York.

We have partnered with Delta Dental to offer you this stand-alone individual plan. Delta Dental is currently accepted at more than 750 locations in Western New York.

Our 55+ Dental Plan has two different options, giving you the flexibility to select coverage that best meets your needs. Dental Option 1 has an annual deductible of $100,

with an annual maximum coverage of $1,500. Dental Option 2 has an annual deductible of $100 with an annual maximum coverage of $1,000.

If you are interested in enrolling in our 55+ Dental Plan, please call our Member Services Department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY users call 1 (800) 432-1110.

This is only a brief summary of the plan benefits. This plan is not a Medicare Advantage benefit. An additional premium will apply.

take Care. untreated gum disease could cost you more than your teeth. the chronic inflammation it causes can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health issues. For helpful dental tips, visit the “oral health” section at www.deltadental.com.

the results are in. Independent Health is again recognized for the quality and value we bring to our members.

*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. The star ratings measurements are as of 2013. CMS has the right to change how these services are measured.

partnering with the taste of BuffaloIn addition, the Healthy Options program is once again partnering with the Taste of Buffalo to require that all participating restaurants serve a healthy food item at this year’s event, which is scheduled for July 12 and 13, on Delaware Avenue, in Downtown Buffalo.

The Healthy Options program was integrated into the Taste of Buffalo in 2007, making it the only food festival in the United States to require that all participating restaurants offer a healthy option item. Last year, more than 50 restaurants offered a variety of healthy options, from lemon strawberry sorbet to seafood gumbo.

Celebrating 10 years of Healthy Optionseat healthy at larkin Square and the taste of Buffalo

Food trucks now serving healthy options at larkin Square Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square will have a healthy twist this year. With help from the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options program, all food trucks participating in the weekly community events will be required to offer a Healthy Options menu item.

The Independent Health Foundation created the Healthy Options Buffalo program in 2004 to help the community make more informed decisions when dining out and cooking at home. Through Healthy Options, the Independent Health Foundation works with more than 100 local restaurants to offer heart-healthy food options for their customers, and now food trucks have

joined the program. Every food truck will use Healthy Options

stickers to identify their healthy menu items.

Food Truck Tuesdays run from 5 to 8 p.m., now through October, at Larkin Square, where people can also enjoy live music and fun

outdoor activities. For more information, visit www.larkinsquare.com.

food truck tuesdays5 to 8 p.m.

larkin Square

taste of buffaloSaturday, July 12

and Sunday, July 13

for the past decade, the Independent Health foundation has been helping the Western New York community make wise decisions when dining out and cooking at home through its Healthy Options program.

community programs

Help fOr HealtHier eating. the healthy options program also offers monthly cooking classes and a website that features a list of participating restaurants, weekly blog posts, healthy recipes and much more. Visit www.healthyoptionsbuffalo.com.

4 HealtHStyleS • Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

www.independenthealth.com 5

plan information

Independent Health’s Dual Difference HMO-SNP plan was created for people who are eligible for Medicaid or receive extra help paying for their Medicare Part B premiums and prescription drug costs. The focus of this plan is to make sure our members have access to the covered services they need to better manage their health.

If you are eligible for this plan, you can enroll at any time of the year. Some Dual Difference benefits* include:• Personalized attention from a

care and/or service coordinator who will help you make the most of all the benefits available to you

COntaCt us. if you have questions or wish to enroll in this plan, please call us at (716) 635-4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405, monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ttY users call 1 (888) 357-9167.

Independent Health is a Coordinated Care Plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Medicaid program. *Benefits vary by plan. Coinsurance may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. This plan is available to anyone who has both medical assistance from the state and Medicare. Members must reside in Erie or Niagara County. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network and premiums and/or copayments/coinsurances may change on January 1 of each year. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. You must maintain your eligibility for Medicaid as well as be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Part B premiums are covered for full dual members.

(based on your level of need)• No monthly plan premium• $0 copayment for office visits• $0 copayment for inpatient

hospital care• Vision coverage• Routine dental coverage• A one-year gym membership at a

participating location ($20 one-time activation fee required)

For additional information on the Dual Difference plan, please refer to the Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage at www.independenthealth.com/medicare.

Keeping you safe and healthy is important to usIndependent Health has an organization-wide approach to member safety. Member safety is improved by creating and maintaining processes and structures whose application reduces the probability of adverse events resulting from exposure to the health care system.

Independent Health’s Patient Safety Subcommittee is a clearinghouse for the collection of safety activities across the organization. This committee has responsibilities to organize reporting on existing patient safety activities and to screen for and report opportunities/initiatives to support members, providers and internal staff with member safety efforts.

By visiting the “Healthy Living Tips and Guidelines” page at www.independenthealth.com, you can learn some of the ways you can protect your own health and live a healthier life.

dual difference plan provides additional level of care

mediCare dualeligible

mediCaid

6 HealtHStyleS • Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

expect. Call your doctor if you experience unexpected or troubling side effects.

• Never change the way you take a medication without first discussing it with your doctor. A medication will provide little benefit if you skip doses or you abruptly stop taking it because you feel better.

To help make sure your medications accomplish what they are intended to, here are a few steps you should take:• Always follow the directions given

to you by your doctor or pharmacist. You should know how often you need to take your medication, what the proper dosage is and what side effects to

epic program increases income eligibility levelsthe new York State department of health offers the elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage (epic) program as a way to provide medicare beneficiaries with copayment assistance for their medicare part d covered prescription drugs.

on april 1, 2014, changes were made to the income eligibility guidelines for the epic deductible plan, with the annual maximum income level increasing from $35,000 to $75,000 for individuals and from $50,000 to $100,000 for

married couples. as a result of these changes, if you are currently not enrolled in epic, you may now qualify for the epic deductible plan. there is no additional cost to enroll in the program.

if you currently receive assistance through epic, these changes do not impact you. to learn more, visit www.health.ny.gov (click on “epic for Seniors”) or call the epic helpline at 1 (800) 332-3742, monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ttY users: 1 (800) 290-9138.

it’s important to make sure your medication works

• Know whether your medication should be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach. There also may be certain types of foods or liquids you should avoid while taking a particular medication.

• Remember to fill prescriptions ahead of time to avoid missing a dose. You may want to order refills one week in advance in case there are problems in getting the medications.

having trouble remembering to take your medication?There are many helpful ways to remember to take medication. One easy way is to use a pillbox.

It may also help to store your medicine next to something you are near each day, like a coffeepot or toothpaste. Another useful tool may be using an alarm or a calendar to keep track of when you take a dose.

The reality is that while you may not always be able to feel your medication working, your body can really tell the difference when you’re taking it as prescribed. Developing a goal and a plan with your doctor or pharmacist will help minimize any roadblocks.

taking your medication properly is one way to decrease your health care costs. Every year, thousands of people end up in the hospital, fail to get better and spend more money than they have to because they didn’t take their medication properly.

medications

www.independenthealth.com 7

for your benefit

enhancing patient care and safety through HealtHelink

Independent Health has teamed up with several local doctors, hospitals and insurance organizations to establish HEALTHeLINK™, an online clinical information exchange used by health care providers as well as payers to securely view and share patients’ EMRs and other medical information.

HEALTHeLINK allows the physicians treating you to work together and better coordinate your

Imagine you are lying unconscious in the emergency room and the attending physician has no knowledge of your medical history. In an instant, your electronic medical record (EMR) becomes your voice as the doctor is able to access your clinical information and quickly treat you, avoiding harmful drug interactions or other complications. An EMR is simply a patient’s health record that is stored in a secure electronic form rather than a paper file.

get linked tOday! if you want health care providers to have access to your emr, you must first sign a consent form. at your next doctor’s appointment, ask for a healthelinK consent form or download one at www.getlinkedwny.com, where you can also learn more about the patient consent process.

care. For example, when you visit your primary care provider, he or she is able to immediately access any radiology reports, lab results or medications that may have been ordered by a specialist. In addition, with instant access to recent results, your doctor may not need to send you for additional tests, saving time, money and potentially unnecessary radiation exposure.

advance planning makes end-of-life decisions easier

People who plan for care at the end of life are more likely to get the medical treatment they want, and their family members experience less stress, anxiety and depression, according to research. Preparing a health care proxy is one way to communicate your choices and help doctors and loved ones decide on your care.

If your loved ones do not know what your wishes are should you become incapacitated, Independent Health encourages you to have the conversation with them and complete a health care proxy form. Plan ahead with four easy steps:• Think about what is

important to you and how you want to receive care.

• Select a person (health care agent) to speak for you if you are unable to speak for yourself. You may choose an alternate agent to speak for you if your primary agent is not available.

• Talk about your health care wishes.

• Put your health care choices in writing using the New York State Health Care Proxy Form.

free sample. health care proxy forms are available from your doctor and at hospitals. in addition, you can download a form by visiting the "Frequently used Forms” section located at www.independenthealth.com.

8 HealtHStyleS • Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

your health care

Did you know that you may be eligible to receive nearly 50 preventive care services* and screenings at a $0 copayment when performed by an in-network health care provider? these services include mammograms, cholesterol screenings, colonoscopies, annual exams (see page 9) and immunizations.

register now to receive your plan information online

Independent Health is committed to ensuring we have the best possible technology and tools to serve the needs of our members. With this in mind, we now offer a more convenient and environmentally friendly way for you to review your important plan documents.

You can view your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Physician/Provider Directory online by following these easy steps:• Visit our website at

www.independenthealth.com.• Enroll in your own secure

account by clicking on the “Register” button in the “Log In” box, which is located in the upper left-hand corner of our website, and then follow the directions.

• Click on “Manage Document Preferences” to choose the preference to view your important documents online only.

This option is voluntary, so you may change your selection at any time.

anoc and eoc reminderEach September, we are required to send our members an ANOC and EOC. This large packet of information provides our members with an overview of the upcoming changes to their current plan. We encourage you to read this information thoroughly and review all the changes, as it will help prepare you for the Medicare open enrollment period.

take advantage of $0 preventive care services

Preventive care is the most important step you can take to manage your health. Preventive services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and can lower your risk of getting certain diseases.

Please note that if you visit your doctor for a preventive service, any non-preventive service rendered as part of your visit is subject to your plan’s applicable office visit copayment. For example, if your physician determines that an EKG is required during your routine physical, you would be responsible for the applicable copayment based on your plan option for that test.

Wellness visits that turn into sick visits also are subject to the

office visit copayment. For example, during a routine physical, you mention to your doctor that you’ve been experiencing some discomfort in your ear and, upon examination, you’re diagnosed with an ear infection. This would be considered a sick visit.

A complete list of preventive services that have a $0 copayment can be accessed on the “2014 Medicare Plans” page of the “Medicare” section at www.independenthealth.com. Make sure you are up-to-date on your preventive care by talking with your doctor.

*Not all preventive services are medically appropriate every year.

wise choices

your health care

visit your doctor on an annual basis

them all in a paper bag to show your doctor. Bring the name and phone number of your pharmacy.

• talk about any changes you’re experiencing. Mention any new sensations, signs or symptoms that you’ve been having. If you’re having problems with daily activities for any reason, such as pain in your joints, memory problems, unsteady balance or difficulty seeing or hearing, let your doctor know.

• ask about your numbers. This is a good time to check in on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, weight, body mass index and heart rate. Ask what you need to do to keep these measurements in healthy ranges.

• ask about screenings. Certain health screenings, such as those for the prostate, breast and colon, are recommended for older adults. If your doctor doesn’t mention them, ask whether you should be screened during this visit or in the next few years.

• get needed immunizations. You should be vaccinated against the flu every year. The shingles and pneumonia vaccines may also be on your preventive health list. Updating your tetanus booster every 10 years is important. Ask your doctor about these vaccinations.

lOOking fOr a dOCtOr? Searching for one is easy at www.independenthealth.com. click on “Find a doctor” to get started.

Here’s how to make sure you are prepared when you arrive at the office:• write down your questions in

advance. This ensures that you don’t forget to mention something important.

• Bring a digital recorder. Ask your doctor whether it’s OK to record the visit. It can be helpful to go back and listen again to the doctor’s recommendations when you have time to think more clearly.

• Bring someone with you. You can ask a loved one to sit in on the visit with you. Your friend or family member may have questions or observations that can help you get the best medical care.

• Be sure you can hear what your doctor or nurse is saying. Ask your doctor or nurse to speak more loudly or slowly if you are uncertain about what was said.

• Bring your health records. This is especially important if this is your first visit or if it’s been a while since you saw this doctor. Let your doctor know about any other health care providers you see. You might also want to bring information about the health of your close family members.

• Bring a list of your medications. Let your doctor know what medicines you take each day. Make sure to include vitamins and supplements. If it’s too much for you to write down, bring

Recent changes in health care laws allow people who have Medicare to have a free wellness visit each year. Your annual wellness visit is the ideal time to check in with your doctor about the best ways to take care of your health.

www.independenthealth.com 9

10 HealtHStyleS • Spring ⁄ Summer 2014

the dangers of high blood pressure

Independent Health’s Quality Management approach is guided by the knowledge of and commitment to our principles, which incorporate a “continual improvement” methodology. Quality is a way of thinking, a way of acting and a way of understanding the data generated by our processes. It’s more than graphs and numbers. It’s our ability to understand the messages contained in our data.

Quality repOrt. if you would like to receive a complete paper copy of independent health’s Quality management program, which includes our patient Safety program, please call our Servicing department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ttY users: 1 (800) 432-1110.

take charge

If not controlled, high blood pressure can cause: • heart damage. High blood

pressure causes the heart to work harder. Over time, this can lead to heart failure.

• atherosclerosis. High blood pressure is one cause of initial damage to the inner walls of the arteries, which leads to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can lead to a heart attack.

• Kidney damage. Narrowing of the arteries caused by high blood pressure can cause kidney problems.

• Strokes. High blood pressure can lead to strokes by causing atherosclerosis of the arteries that feed blood to the brain.

Be proactiveAlmost anyone with high blood pressure can manage the condition. By making the following lifestyle

changes, you can feel better and live longer:• Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke

makes your blood pressure rise dramatically.

• eat healthy. Add fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet, while decreasing cholesterol and saturated and trans fat.

• limit your salt intake. A diet too high in sodium may cause the

body to retain water, which increases the volume of blood in circulation and the pressure in the arteries. Adults shouldn’t consume more than 2,400 mg (1 tsp.) of sodium (salt) per day.

• drink alcohol in moderation. Regular consumption of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically.

• learn to cope with stress. Meditate or do relaxation exercises daily. Stressed people often have high blood pressure.

• exercise regularly. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Regular exercise helps your heart and keeps your blood pressure low. Consult your doctor about exercises that are right for you.

time fOr a CHange? our health coaches can help you achieve better health. to learn more, call 1 (800) 501-3439, monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and ask to speak with a health coach. ttY users should call 1 (800) 432-1110.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage your health in many ways. that’s why it’s so important to work with your doctor to develop a lifestyle and medication plan that is safe and effective.

we want to make sure you’re receiving quality care

www.independenthealth.com 11

your breathing muscles to tense up, increasing breathlessness.

Shopping, cooking and eatingBuy foods that you can prepare quickly and eat easily, such as casseroles, soups and cooked vegetables. Cook when you feel good and freeze leftovers for later. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid having your stomach expand, putting pressure on your lungs. Relax before eating and dine sitting upright with your elbows on the table.

take charge

Make things easier on yourself by managing your energy levels and simplifying your habits. Here’s your around-the-clock guide.

get ready for your dayInvest in some tools that make grooming easier. For instance, rails, a shower bench and handheld showerhead can help you bathe with less energy. Use a terry-cloth robe to dry off easily. Stay seated while shaving, brushing your hair or doing your makeup. Dress in loose-fitting clothing, especially if you plan to exercise.

pace yourself Focus on the most important tasks. Take time to relax using meditation or another technique. Stress causes

free resOurCes. For more information about copd, visit www.lungusa.org or call independent health at 1 (800) 501-3439, monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and ask to speak with a health coach. ttY users: 1 (800) 432-1110.

When you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), the daily patterns of life can seem anything but routine. Some days, you feel good. On others, breathlessness and fatigue interfere with even the most mundane of activities.

around the houseKeep items that you use frequently within easy reach. Use a cart with wheels for complex tasks, such as laundry and dishes. Plan these for the time of day you tend to feel best—often the morning.

out and aboutHaving COPD doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. If breathlessness or fatigue makes walking difficult, consider using a mobility device, such as a cane, walker or rolling walker. For long distances, some use a motorized scooter. Talk with your doctor about the possibilities—for many people, they make life easier and a lot more enjoyable. Join a COPD support group, such as the local Better Breathers Club.

time for bedMany factors can interfere with your sleep, including coughing and medications. To get a good night’s rest, cut back on caffeine. If you have ongoing trouble breathing during sleep, tell your doctor. This can be caused by COPD but may have other causes, such as sleep apnea, an important chronic condition that interferes with normal breathing during the night. Treatment can help you rest easy.

Support is available to youEven though there’s no cure for COPD, managing your symptoms and asking for support from others can help make living with the condition easier and less stressful.

managing your COpd day by day

Printed on Recyclable Paper 532M

511 farber Lakes Drive Buffalo, NY 14221

PRSRt StD US POStAgE

PA I D Independent

Health

the Wellness Magazine for Independent Health Members

daVid courtneYVice President, Servicing and Wellness

Keith page Editor

Material published in HealthStyles® is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Consult your physician before making changes in your health care regimen. Benefits discussed in HealthStyles® may vary by plan.

© 2014

For more ways to keep yourself healthy, follow us on Facebook and twitter!

Fortunately, balance-building exercises protect you from taking a tumble. And even if you do trip or slip, the same routines reduce your risk of hurting yourself, a new research review shows.

Doing a few specific exercises three days a week can go a long way in preventing falls and injuries. Start by consulting with your doctor or physical therapist, and then work these moves into your routine. Once the beginner’s move feels easy, progress to the advanced level.

Single-leg StandBeginning: Start behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. Lift one leg off the floor. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.advanced: Try holding on with one hand and then one finger. Eventually let go of the chair.

heel-to-toe walkBeginning: Stand near a wall with the heel of one foot just in front of the other toe. Raise your arms to your sides at shoulder height. Step forward, continuing to place your heel directly in front of your toe. Continue for 20 steps, touching the wall for support if you need to.advanced: Once you’re steady, move farther away from the wall. Or try walking with your eyes closed.

Balance walkBeginning: Stand tall and raise your arms to your sides at shoulder height. Focus on a spot ahead of you and walk in a straight line toward that spot. With each step, as you bring your back leg forward, hold it in the air for one second before stepping forward. Travel 20 paces as you do this.

3 moves to boost balance

advanced: Look from side to side as you walk. However, stay at the beginning level if you have inner-ear problems.

You can find group balance-training sessions at many senior or community centers. Or look for a tai chi class. This ancient Chinese martial art form also improves balance, research shows.

Changes to your eyes, ears and muscles as you age can make you less steady on your feet. In fact, as many as 45% of otherwise healthy older adults fall each year. Many break a bone or sustain another serious injury.

Health or wellness or prevention information this is an advertisement