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The Fall 2013 issue of Your Advantage, the official Fidelis Care Medicare Advantage member newsletter.
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NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NY
PERMIT 2826
New York State Catholic Health Plan Inc.
A NEWSLETTER EXCLUSIVELY FOR FIDELIS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND FIDELIS DUAL ADVANTAGE MEMBERS your
In this issue...• Time for Your Flu Vaccine • Stay Safe and Healthy Before the Holidays • Learn About Diabetes • Using Your OTC Card
I S S U E 3 • F A L L 2 0 1 3
2014 Medicare Benefit HighlightsThe Benefits You Care About Most...Are Right Here!
480 CrossPoint ParkwayGetzville, N.Y. 14068
As your health plan, we hope you are pleasedwith your benefits for 2014, designed with you in mind.
We want to make sure you understand your coverage, and that you know how to access thecare and services you need.
At any time during the year, your Fidelis CareRepresentative is available to meet with you in thecomfort of your home, or at a convenient locationin the community to answer any questions youhave. Member Services is also here to help bycalling 1-800-860-8707.
Thank you for choosing Fidelis Care for yourMedicare coverage. We look forward to servingyou in the coming year!
Do You Know Someone WhoNeeds Health Insurance?
Have You Had Your Flu Vaccine?For most people, getting the flu means feelingachy and feverish for a week or so, but for thoseage 65 and older, the flu can be much moreserious, with higher risks for severe illness andcomplications.
Studies show that the flu vaccine can provide arange of benefits, including reduced flu illnessand antibiotic use, and fewer doctors’ visits.
The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of heartattack in certain individuals, and can even helpto prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
The most important step you can take is to getvaccinated as soon as possible. The flu vaccineis still the best protection against the flu.
If you have questions about whether the flu vac-cine is right for you, check with your doctor. Asa reminder, free flu vaccines are available fromnetwork pharmacies. To find a pharmacy closeto you, call 1-866-505-6264.
Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance coverage through NY State of Health:The Official Health Plan Marketplace.
We offer some of the lowest monthly premiumsavailable.
If you have a family member, friend, or neighborwho needs health insurance, ask them to call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit our website at fideliscare.org, where they can find the latest tools and resources for choosing thecoverage that’s right for them.
Our representatives can meet them in the comfortof their own homes, or at a convenient location inthe community to answer questions and help withthe enrollment process.
39702_Fidelis_FallMedicareNL1113_06 Feb FIN 11/15/13 10:47 AM Page 1
Get More With Your Over-the-Counter (OTC) Card
Itʼs Like Extra Cash in Your Wallet!
If you are a member of our Dual Advantage or DualAdvantage Flex plans, you have an OTC benefit that we wantto make sure you know about.
Your OTC CardThe OTC card is available to members in the Dual Advantageand Dual Advantage Flex plans for 2014. It allows you to purchase everyday items that are not included with yourMedicare Part B or Part D prescription drug coverage. Use itlike cash at participating pharmacies to pay for a variety ofproducts such as: aspirin, cold and flu medication, allergymedication, ear drops, eye drops, smoking cessation prod-ucts, vitamins, acid controllers, band-aids, contact lens care,sleep aids, sun protection (SPF 15+), toothbrushes, tooth-paste, and more.
Simply swipe your OTC card at the register when you checkout, just like you would a debit card. Purchases for eligibleitems will automatically be deducted from your card balance.There is a maximum amount that can be used every month.Please see your benefit summary and/or your Evidence ofCoverage information.
To activate your card, call 1-888-682-2400, and enter yourOTC card number and Fidelis Care Plan Member ID.
Staying Healthy Beforethe HolidaysWith the holidays fast approaching, it’s impor-tant to take care of your health. In addition to getting your flu shot, Fidelis Careencourages you to keep the following healthtips in mind:
• Always wash your hands carefully. Makesure the water’s hot, use plenty of soap, andwash for at least 30 seconds (the time ittakes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
• Get plenty of sleep. People who get theright amount of sleep have stronger immunityand get ill less often.
• As temperatures drop, people try to findeasy ways to stay warm. Never use gasovens or ranges as heat sources. Theunvented gas could build up and combust.
• When using a space heater, NEVER leave itunattended, and be sure to keep it away fromwalls, curtains, or blankets.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in yourkitchen, and replace batteries in your smokedetector two times a year. Install a carbonmonoxide detector to alert you to this odor-less gas.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Always keep porches, steps and sidewalksclear of fallen leaves, ice, and snow. Slipperysteps and walkways can easily cause a fall.
• Be prepared for sudden changes of weath-er when going outside. Bring along a coat orsweater for unexpected temperature changes.
2 3
Diabetes is a disease in which the body either doesn't makeenough insulin – a hormone the body needs to convert sugar toenergy – or doesn't use it properly. Glucose (sugar) is vital toyour health because it's an important source of energy for thecells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain'smain source of fuel.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, typi-cally appears during childhood or adolescence. About 5 to 10percent of people with diabetes have this type.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age,and is often preventable. If you have diabetes, no matter whattype, it means you have too much glucose in your blood. Toomuch glucose can lead to serious health problems.
Some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
• Frequent need to urinate • Nausea• Extreme thirst or hunger • Blurred vision• Frequent infections • Fatigue• High blood pressure
Treatment for diabetes requires a lifelong commitment to: • Blood sugar monitoring - ask your doctor how often.• Healthy eating - what you eat affects your blood sugar level.Center your diet around high-fiber, low-fat foods such as fruits,vegetables, and whole grains.• Regular exercise - the more active you are, the lower yourblood sugar. With your doctor’s permission, make at least 30 minutes of exercise a part of your daily routine.• Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy - the decisionabout which medications are best depends on many factors,including your blood sugar level and any other health problemsyou have. Your doctor might even combine drugs from differentclasses to help you control your blood sugar in several differentways. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. Together, youcan decide which medication is best for you.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important tolearn all you can. Keep all your doctors’ appointments andmake sure you have an annual checkup and regular eye exams.
Fidelis Care has a new video about diabetes on fideliscare.orgfrom Dr. Sanjiv Shah, Chief Medical Officer. From the Membersection, click on Health Resources, then Diabetes, to learn more!
November is National Diabetes Awareness MonthGuidelines for Prevention and Management
Cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but for olderadults who may have chronic health problems such asdiabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, it’s especially challenging.
If you’re sniffling, sneezing, and stuffed up, you probablyhave a cold. Colds are caused by viruses. This meansthat you cannot expect antibiotics, which fight bacterialinfections, to end your cold. Instead, you may benefitfrom medications that help treat the symptoms of a cold,such as congestion and coughing.
The good news is that colds usually get better withinseven to 10 days. Here are some ways to cope with thecommon cold:
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a saline nose spray to make your nose more comfortable.
• Take a steamy shower. Warm, humid air can helploosen up some of the congestion you’re feeling andease your discomfort.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers to manage pain or a fever.
• Use cold medication wisely. Read the instructions. Ifyou have questions about a medication, ask your phar-macist for help.
Make sure you are not taking too much of certain pain-relieving ingredients that could be in both your coldmedication and your over-the-counter pain reliever. Ifyou are in doubt, show all the medications you are taking to your pharmacist or doctor.
Coping With Cold and Flu Season
39702_Fidelis_FallMedicareNL1113_06 Feb FIN 11/15/13 10:47 AM Page 3
Get More With Your Over-the-Counter (OTC) Card
Itʼs Like Extra Cash in Your Wallet!
If you are a member of our Dual Advantage or DualAdvantage Flex plans, you have an OTC benefit that we wantto make sure you know about.
Your OTC CardThe OTC card is available to members in the Dual Advantageand Dual Advantage Flex plans for 2014. It allows you to purchase everyday items that are not included with yourMedicare Part B or Part D prescription drug coverage. Use itlike cash at participating pharmacies to pay for a variety ofproducts such as: aspirin, cold and flu medication, allergymedication, ear drops, eye drops, smoking cessation prod-ucts, vitamins, acid controllers, band-aids, contact lens care,sleep aids, sun protection (SPF 15+), toothbrushes, tooth-paste, and more.
Simply swipe your OTC card at the register when you checkout, just like you would a debit card. Purchases for eligibleitems will automatically be deducted from your card balance.There is a maximum amount that can be used every month.Please see your benefit summary and/or your Evidence ofCoverage information.
To activate your card, call 1-888-682-2400, and enter yourOTC card number and Fidelis Care Plan Member ID.
Staying Healthy Beforethe HolidaysWith the holidays fast approaching, it’s impor-tant to take care of your health. In addition to getting your flu shot, Fidelis Careencourages you to keep the following healthtips in mind:
• Always wash your hands carefully. Makesure the water’s hot, use plenty of soap, andwash for at least 30 seconds (the time ittakes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
• Get plenty of sleep. People who get theright amount of sleep have stronger immunityand get ill less often.
• As temperatures drop, people try to findeasy ways to stay warm. Never use gasovens or ranges as heat sources. Theunvented gas could build up and combust.
• When using a space heater, NEVER leave itunattended, and be sure to keep it away fromwalls, curtains, or blankets.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in yourkitchen, and replace batteries in your smokedetector two times a year. Install a carbonmonoxide detector to alert you to this odor-less gas.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Always keep porches, steps and sidewalksclear of fallen leaves, ice, and snow. Slipperysteps and walkways can easily cause a fall.
• Be prepared for sudden changes of weath-er when going outside. Bring along a coat orsweater for unexpected temperature changes.
2 3
Diabetes is a disease in which the body either doesn't makeenough insulin – a hormone the body needs to convert sugar toenergy – or doesn't use it properly. Glucose (sugar) is vital toyour health because it's an important source of energy for thecells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain'smain source of fuel.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, typi-cally appears during childhood or adolescence. About 5 to 10percent of people with diabetes have this type.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age,and is often preventable. If you have diabetes, no matter whattype, it means you have too much glucose in your blood. Toomuch glucose can lead to serious health problems.
Some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
• Frequent need to urinate • Nausea• Extreme thirst or hunger • Blurred vision• Frequent infections • Fatigue• High blood pressure
Treatment for diabetes requires a lifelong commitment to: • Blood sugar monitoring - ask your doctor how often.• Healthy eating - what you eat affects your blood sugar level.Center your diet around high-fiber, low-fat foods such as fruits,vegetables, and whole grains.• Regular exercise - the more active you are, the lower yourblood sugar. With your doctor’s permission, make at least 30 minutes of exercise a part of your daily routine.• Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy - the decisionabout which medications are best depends on many factors,including your blood sugar level and any other health problemsyou have. Your doctor might even combine drugs from differentclasses to help you control your blood sugar in several differentways. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. Together, youcan decide which medication is best for you.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important tolearn all you can. Keep all your doctors’ appointments andmake sure you have an annual checkup and regular eye exams.
Fidelis Care has a new video about diabetes on fideliscare.orgfrom Dr. Sanjiv Shah, Chief Medical Officer. From the Membersection, click on Health Resources, then Diabetes, to learn more!
November is National Diabetes Awareness MonthGuidelines for Prevention and Management
Cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but for olderadults who may have chronic health problems such asdiabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, it’s especially challenging.
If you’re sniffling, sneezing, and stuffed up, you probablyhave a cold. Colds are caused by viruses. This meansthat you cannot expect antibiotics, which fight bacterialinfections, to end your cold. Instead, you may benefitfrom medications that help treat the symptoms of a cold,such as congestion and coughing.
The good news is that colds usually get better withinseven to 10 days. Here are some ways to cope with thecommon cold:
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a saline nose spray to make your nose more comfortable.
• Take a steamy shower. Warm, humid air can helploosen up some of the congestion you’re feeling andease your discomfort.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers to manage pain or a fever.
• Use cold medication wisely. Read the instructions. Ifyou have questions about a medication, ask your phar-macist for help.
Make sure you are not taking too much of certain pain-relieving ingredients that could be in both your coldmedication and your over-the-counter pain reliever. Ifyou are in doubt, show all the medications you are taking to your pharmacist or doctor.
Coping With Cold and Flu Season
39702_Fidelis_FallMedicareNL1113_06 Feb FIN 11/15/13 10:47 AM Page 3
NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NY
PERMIT 2826
New York State Catholic Health Plan Inc.
A NEWSLETTER EXCLUSIVELY FOR FIDELIS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND FIDELIS DUAL ADVANTAGE MEMBERS your
In this issue...• Time for Your Flu Vaccine • Stay Safe and Healthy Before the Holidays • Learn About Diabetes • Using Your OTC Card
I S S U E 3 • F A L L 2 0 1 3
2014 Medicare Benefit HighlightsThe Benefits You Care About Most...Are Right Here!
480 CrossPoint ParkwayGetzville, N.Y. 14068
As your health plan, we hope you are pleasedwith your benefits for 2014, designed with you in mind.
We want to make sure you understand your coverage, and that you know how to access thecare and services you need.
At any time during the year, your Fidelis CareRepresentative is available to meet with you in thecomfort of your home, or at a convenient locationin the community to answer any questions youhave. Member Services is also here to help bycalling 1-800-860-8707.
Thank you for choosing Fidelis Care for yourMedicare coverage. We look forward to servingyou in the coming year!
Do You Know Someone WhoNeeds Health Insurance?
Have You Had Your Flu Vaccine?For most people, getting the flu means feelingachy and feverish for a week or so, but for thoseage 65 and older, the flu can be much moreserious, with higher risks for severe illness andcomplications.
Studies show that the flu vaccine can provide arange of benefits, including reduced flu illnessand antibiotic use, and fewer doctors’ visits.
The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of heartattack in certain individuals, and can even helpto prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
The most important step you can take is to getvaccinated as soon as possible. The flu vaccineis still the best protection against the flu.
If you have questions about whether the flu vac-cine is right for you, check with your doctor. Asa reminder, free flu vaccines are available fromnetwork pharmacies. To find a pharmacy closeto you, call 1-866-505-6264.
Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance coverage through NY State of Health:The Official Health Plan Marketplace.
We offer some of the lowest monthly premiumsavailable.
If you have a family member, friend, or neighborwho needs health insurance, ask them to call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit our website at fideliscare.org, where they can find the latest tools and resources for choosing thecoverage that’s right for them.
Our representatives can meet them in the comfortof their own homes, or at a convenient location inthe community to answer questions and help withthe enrollment process.
39702_Fidelis_FallMedicareNL1113_06 Feb FIN 11/15/13 10:47 AM Page 1
