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1 One Mission: You Blue Bulletin MEMBER NEWSLETTER What s in this issue: Help control your diabetes How to talk to your healthcare provider Dealing with postpartum depression bcidaho.com NATIONAL SUMMER EDITION

2 Welcome It s nice to know that you have someone in your corner when it comes to healthcare. The industry has undergone years of non-stop changes a situation that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. But while the contentious issues continue to play out, there is one thing in the healthcare world that has not, and will not, change: our commitment to you. Regardless of what the future of healthcare coverage brings, we are here to advocate on your behalf, making sure you and your family have access to top-quality healthcare with financial peace of mind. We remain committed to providing you with the support and resources you need, whether it is finding an in-network healthcare provider close to wherever you are, or having our friendly, Idaho-based customer service advocates answer your questions whenever you need a little extra help. We are ready to be your partner. We believe that partnerships are some of the most powerful tools you can have when it comes to maintaining and improving your health. It is why be believe so deeply in the importance of a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP). By building a relationship with a PCP, you get a devoted ally someone who can take a big-picture view of your overall health while truly getting to know you and your needs. It may be an old-fashioned idea, but just like our promise to stand by our members, it is one with lasting value. As a Blue Cross of Idaho member, you can rest assured that these core values will not change. Ultimately, it comes down to one promise we make to you, our members. We have one mission: you. Charlene Maher President and CEO, Blue Cross of Idaho

3 HOUSE CALLS Life Choices, Medications Help Control Diabetes Steve Olson is the director of Pharmacy Management at Blue Cross of Idaho. Steve and his team work with a team of clinicians to ensure we remain at the forefront of changes and innovations that will help improve health and lower costs. By Steve Olson Diabetes continues to be a leading chronic illness in the United States, both in prevalence and cost. It s estimated that 10 percent of the population in the U.S. is diabetic. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, there are more than 1.4 million newly diagnosed cases of diabetes each year. Two reasons for the high cost of care for diabetes are that more people are using medications to help control their diabetes, and the cost of those medications is increasing. There are a couple of key points that can help lower your risk for becoming diabetic, as well as decrease the severity and cost of the disease itself. A healthy diet and regular exercise are some of the most important things you can do to lower your risk and treat high blood sugars. HERE ARE SOME BASICS: Choose more fresh fruits and vegetables Cut down on high sugar products such as candy and soda Buy lower fat meats and dairy products Choose grilled foods instead of fried foods It s well known that being physically active has many positive effects strengthening muscles and bones, relieving stress but it also lowers your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If exercise sounds daunting, remember that it doesn t have to be strenuous. Even walking can help keep your blood sugars in your goal range. Medications continue to be extremely effective tools in controlling diabetes. Generic medications typically provide excellent results at modest prices and help keep costs down. While generic medications have been limited in the treatment of diabetes, more are expected to be introduced each year. Metformin, for example, is an excellent medication for controlling diabetes for many, and is available as a generic. This medication is taken by mouth and is considered a first option for many. Until recently, there has not been an alternative to brand name forms of insulins. Basaglar is a long-acting insulin similar to Lantus, and was recently approved by the FDA. This product will provide additional options and potential savings. With both new generic medication options, as well as some simple healthy choices, you can help take control of your diabetes and keep your costs down. Most importantly, these steps can help you lead a healthier life. These brand-name drugs have recently been released in a generic form. Generics are a safe and effective way to lower the cost of your medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic medicine is right for you. Medication Update Summer 2017 Brand Name Generic Name Drug Use Pristiq desvenlafaxine extended-release tablets Depression Azor amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets Hypertension Sarafem fluoxetine hydrochloride tablets Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Zetia ezetimibe tablets Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia and Sitosterolemia Strattera atomoxetine capsules Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) SUMMER

4 How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Your relationship with your healthcare provider is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining your health, and a key part of that relationship is making sure you communicate well. This isn t just talking, but truly understanding each other so you can get the information you both need to make the best decisions about your health. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT YOUR PROVIDER: 1. Come prepared by knowing what you need to talk about before you get to your appointment. Better yet, write down your questions and concerns in order of importance and ask if you don t understand something. 2. Take notes or ask a friend or family member to take notes for you 3. Make sure your provider is up to date on what has happened in your life since your last visit 4. Request or bring an interpreter if you need one 5. Voice your concerns. Remember, your healthcare providers are there to help. Prior Authorization Changes Did you know that for certain procedures or medications, you need prior authorization before they will be covered by your plan? This prior-authorization process is one of the ways we work to make sure that members are getting the right care, at the right time and at the right place. This helps us ensure you get the best possible outcomes for your overall health. The list of procedures that require this authorization changes on occasion, so it s important to check before you have a procedure done. You can always find an updated list of medical procedures that require prior authorization by logging in to your online member account at members.bcidaho.com. 6. Ask for written materials so you can refer to them later. 2 BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO MEMBER NEWSLETTER

5 Finding Help for Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression sometimes known as baby blues can be tough to deal with for many new mothers, in part because of the stigma around the condition. But today, there is a far greater understanding of what causes postpartum depression, as well as resources to deal with it. Caused by changing hormone levels after birth, a miscarriage or stillbirth, postpartum depression can last a few weeks to a few months. It s a treatable medical condition, not a sign of weakness. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO WATCH FOR IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE SUFFERING FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: Not taking pleasure in everyday things Trouble sleeping Feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or agitated Unable to concentrate Trouble bonding with your baby IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, HERE ARE A FEW STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH IT: Talk to your loved ones as well as your healthcare provider and let them know what you are feeling Join a support group whether it s online or in person and get help from other moms who understand what you are going through. Be good to yourself go for a walk, get a massage or just go out with friends. Get some rest. Sleep deprivation can worsen depression. Set aside time for just you and your partner without your baby Try practicing mindful meditation You can find more information about postpartum depression on our website at members.bcidaho.com. Just log in to your online member account and select the WellConnected logo to find workshops and other resources. SUMMER

6 New Provider Finder As a Blue Cross of Idaho member, you have access to our Find A Doctor feature that allows you to search for nearby doctors and hospitals. This online resource can be found on the member home page at members.bcidaho.com and can be used to search for medical or urgent care, as well as equipment and other medical services. Each category can be narrowed. For instance, if you select medical care, you ll have the choice of primary care, specialists, behavioral healthcare, urgent care and hospitals and other facilities. Each of these categories also leads to more options so you can narrow the search for exactly what you need. Once you select a doctor or other medical provider, you can learn more about them, including their specialty, education, any practice limitations, read reviews from patients and more. If you are logged in or select your Blue Cross of Idaho network, you ll be sure to locate an in-network provider. You can also search by distance, if a provider is accepting new patients, gender and more. You can use this Find A Doctor tool when you are away from home should you need to find medical care when traveling. Simply change your location from the main screen. Specialty Network Gender Member rating Distance from your home or office Location 4 BLUE CROSS OF IDAHO MEMBER NEWSLETTER

7 Understanding Discharge Instructions FREE ONLINE Health Tools Being in the hospital can be stressful and overwhelming, so it s easy to miss some of your doctor s instructions when you are discharged. But understanding and following your discharge instructions is a key part of making sure you have the best outcomes possible. Here are some tips on what to do when you re discharged from the hospital: Ask your doctor about your condition and what you can do to help yourself heal Review a list of all your medication with your doctor, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements Ask if any new medications will interfere with your current medications Find out what type of symptoms to look out for, as well as who to call if you notice any Are there any limits to your activity? Ask if you can get help making follow-up or therapy appointments Find out if there are transportation options to help you get to and from your appointments If you need medical equipment like a wheelchair, ask who can arrange it for you and if your insurance will cover the cost If you have a caregiver, make sure he or she understands your discharge instructions and encourage them to ask questions as well Make sure your caregiver lets your healthcare provider know of any limitations he or she has Ask for any written materials so you can refer to them once you get home You can recover faster and avoid having to go back to the hospital by fully understanding your discharge instructions. A healthier you starts here Did you know that along with easy access to top-quality healthcare, your Blue Cross of Idaho benefits include free access to an array of interactive online health tools? Our online health coaching tools can help you improve your health and wellbeing by reducing stress, improving nutrition, getting fit, losing weight and quitting smoking. They are easy to use, confidential and ready when you are. To use these online health tools, just log in to your member account at members.bcidaho.com, then select the WellConnected logo. You can take a personal health assessment, participate in online coaching or read a variety of health stories from our extensive online library. These online tools are just another way you can take better control of your health, on your terms. SUMMER

8 One Mission: You 3000 E. Pine Ave. Meridian, ID Published by Blue Cross of Idaho by Blue Cross of Idaho, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement not take the place of the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or healthcare regimen. Blue Cross of Idaho makes no endorsements or warranties regarding any of the products and services included in this publication or its articles. Contact Us Moved recently? Don t forget to change your contact information with your human resources department or benefits administrator so you continue to receive important information regarding your health insurance coverage. Have a Question? Website: members.bcidaho.com customerservice@bcidaho.com Access the information on your mobile phone. Call our Customer Service line at the number listed on the back of your member ID card. Healthy Recipe Spring Crisps Nutrient Value: 1 serving, Calories: 289, Protein: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Fiber: 10 g Sugar: 2 g, Fat: 13 g, Sodium: 649 g Ingredients: 2 Crispbread crackers ½ medium avocado 2 slices of tomato 4 slices of cucumbers ½ oz. soft goat cheese ¼ tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. ground black pepper Directions: Cut avocado in half and spoon into a bowl. Add in goat cheese and mash together with a fork. Scoop avocado and cheese mixture onto crackers. Garnish crackers with cucumber and tomato slices or leave on the side for a fresh salad. Sprinkle sea salt and pepper to finish.