renew You can t predict if you will get lower your cancer risk Learn about screenings for colon cancer. See Page 5. Fall

Transcription

1 renew A newsletter from UnitedHealthcare lower your cancer risk You can t predict if you will get cancer. But, fortunately, you can take steps to lower your risk. Follow these tips from the American Cancer Society to help: Load up on healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables. Don t smoke, and limit alcohol. If you do smoke, quit. Work exercise into your routine and stay at a healthy weight. Know your family history and your risk factors. See your doctor for regular checkups and cancer screening tests. The Medical Benefits Chart (the what is covered chart) in your member handbook (Evidence of Coverage) shows how often you should get screened for colorectal cancer and breast cancer. You can also discuss these tests with your doctor. Do you need help finding a doctor? Call Customer Service at the number on the back of your member ID card. Learn about screenings for colon cancer. See Page 5. Fall

2 don t let diabetes take your sight If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease. The most common diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy. 1 Diabetic retinopathy means there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This can cause vision loss or even blindness. The good news is, with early detection and treatment, diabetic eye disease can be controlled. That s why getting a dilated eye exam at least once a year is important. There are no early warning signs for diabetic retinopathy. A dilated eye exam can help your eye doctor see early signs of the disease so you can be treated. This can help you reduce your risk for vision loss and blindness. schedule your exam today. If you have not had a dilated eye exam in the last year, please talk with your doctor as soon as possible. Need help finding an eye doctor? Customer Service can give you a list of eye doctors in the UnitedHealthcare network. Call one today and make an appointment. And, as always, it is important to talk with your doctor about diabetes self-care. 1 National Eye Institute, October medication checkup When you see your doctor, you may get a prescription. Remind your doctor to use the list of UnitedHealthcare s covered drugs. This will save both of you time. Remember that you can ask your pharmacist about the risk for side effects and if there s a safer drug choice. If there is a safer drug choice, talk with your doctor. To get the most up-to-date information on your prescription drug coverage, visit or call Customer Service, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week, at the number on the back of your member ID card. 2 Renew Fall 2011

3 what to expect from your plan in 2012 Each year changes may occur to your plan. These changes may affect your coverage or what you pay. UnitedHealthcare will notify you of any changes for 2012 in the Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) by September 30, In a few areas of the country, plans may not be available in If this is the case, you will not get an ANOC. UnitedHealthcare will send you a plan closing letter by October 2, We will be here to help you find the right plan for you for Please know that you can call Customer Service at the number listed on the back of your member ID card, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week, if you have any questions. Our representative will be happy to help you. Plan information will also be available on our website at If you receive an ANOC, you do not have to do anything to continue with your plan coverage for You will automatically be enrolled unless you decide to change plans. we re here for you UnitedHealthcare Customer Service is here for you from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. We can answer your questions about: How your plan works Covered services Covered prescription drugs Finding network doctors and pharmacies in the UnitedHealthcare network Whether you need information in another language or even documents in larger print, we can help! 3

4 how to prevent falls Certain conditions and medications can increase your risk for falls. Simple things in your home, such as carpets, stairs and flooring, can increase the risk of falling. Falls are the leading cause of injury to older adults in the United States but can be dangerous at any age. 2 The good news is, many falls can be prevented by making some simple changes. These tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can help reduce your risk of falling: Stay active and get regular exercise. It makes you stronger and improves your balance. Have your doctor look at your medications. Some medications, or combinations of medications, can make you drowsy or light-headed. This can cause you to fall. Have your vision checked. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Improve lighting in your home. Remove things you can trip over, such as papers, books, clothes and shoes, from stairs and places where you walk. Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Make sure all handrails in your home are sturdy. Wear shoes that have good support and thin, nonslip soles. Use grab bars next to your toilet and the tub or shower. Put nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower. Be very careful when you re on a porch or steps during icy weather. learn more watch a free podcast on fall prevention. It s easy. Just visit Click on the Search tab and search falls to get started. 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December Renew Fall 2011

5 what to know before your colonoscopy Everyone ages 50 to 75 should get a colonoscopy. Have you gotten yours? A colonoscopy helps your doctor see inside your colon and rectum. This catches colon cancer early, when it s easier to treat. The test might sound scary or unpleasant. But it usually only lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. And you may not even remember it because of medication you may take. Usually they can be removed during the colonoscopy. Most polyps aren t cancer. But most cancers start as polyps, so removing them can help prevent the disease. After the Screening The medication will leave you drowsy, so you ll need a ride home. If your results are normal, you probably won t need another test for 10 years. If your doctor sees something unusual, he or she will tell you what to do next. Preparing for the Test Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do prior to the colonoscopy. Usually, you ll stop eating the day before. You ll drink only clear liquids, like water and broth. You might also take medication to clean your bowels. During Your Appointment You ll lie down on your side. Usually, you ll take medication to help you relax and ease discomfort. Your doctor will insert a thin, long tube into your rectum. This scope has a camera on the end so your doctor can see inside. You may feel slight pressure or cramping. Sometimes, your doctor will find small growths called polyps. did you know? Medicare covers one colonoscopy every 10 years. However, the test may be covered more often by your plan or if you re at high risk. For details, visit Click on Manage Your Health and then Preventive Services. 5

6 have you had your annual checkup? It s important to see your doctor at least once a year for a checkup. It can help prevent or reduce the impact of diseases and ongoing conditions. If you haven t seen your doctor yet this year, make an appointment before the end of the year. Remember, Medicare now covers an annual wellness exam. Check your plan and ask your doctor about the following tests and screenings: Eye exam: Get a complete eye exam for glaucoma. If you have diabetes, get screened for diabetic eye disease. These eye diseases can lead to blindness. If you are at high risk for glaucoma, you should be screened once a year. You are at high risk if you have a family history of glaucoma or diabetes. You are also at high risk if you are over age 60 and African-American or Latino. Osteoporosis: Women should get a bone density test beginning at age 65 and men should have one beginning at age 70. Your doctor may recommend you be screened earlier if you have certain risk factors. 6 Renew Fall 2011

7 Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Cholesterol: Get yours checked every five years starting at age 20. Blood pressure: Get yours checked at least every two years. You have high blood pressure if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. Diabetes: Get a blood test to screen for diabetes if you are overweight or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also get screened if you have a family history of diabetes. Colon cancer: Get tested starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. Breast cancer: Get a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Immunizations: Get a flu shot every year. Get a pneumonia shot once after age 65. Prostate cancer screening (PSA): Get screened for prostate cancer if you are a man 50 or older. Your doctor may recommend you get screened earlier if you are at high risk for prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about screenings for any condition, not just the ones listed above. And always tell your doctor about changes in your health. If you have symptoms or are at risk for a disease, you may need other services or need to have screenings more often. make an appointment today. Call your doctor today to schedule your appointment. If you need help finding a physician, call Customer Service at the number on the back of your member ID card. checkups needed for ongoing conditions To stay healthy, it is important to see your doctor regularly. This is especially true if you have an ongoing health condition. If you have one of these conditions, ask your doctor about these simple ways to check your health: Diabetes: You will need an eye exam, blood pressure check and annual blood work. Heart disease: Ask your doctor about ongoing treatment. It might include medications or lifestyle changes to improve your health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Ask your doctor about spirometry to check your COPD. High blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked and, if needed, take medication to control your blood pressure. 7

8 inside GOOD to KNOW Customer Service Call the number listed on the back of your member ID card, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. This publication is for informational purposes only and does not replace the care or advice of a doctor. Always talk with a doctor before beginning any exercise program, therapy or medication. OVMEX _000 Y0066_110829_ File & Use Please recycle Health or wellness or prevention information. 2 Don t Let Diabetes Take Your Sight 4 How To Prevent Falls 5 What To Know Before Your Colonoscopy 6 Have You Had Your Annual Checkup? Remember to get your flu shot this season!