FAMILY CHOICE SUMMER/FALL IN THIS ISSUE uu. D.C. Healthy Families/ D.C. Healthcare Alliance

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1 MEDSTAR FAMILY CHOICE SUMMER/FALL 2016 D.C. Healthy Families/ D.C. Healthcare Alliance IN THIS ISSUE uu Zika Virus... 2 Antiretroviral Drugs... 2 Why High Blood Pressure Matters... 2 The Importance of Keeping Your Dental Appointment... 3 Quit Smoking. Live Longer... 4 What You Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine... 4 Case Management... 5 Upcoming MedStar Family Choice Events and Education Classes... 6 No Shots, No School Get Your Preteen/Teen Ready for School... 7 Join Our Consumer Advisory Board... 7 Notice for MedStar Family Choice Alliance Members... 8 Cinco de Mayo... 8 See page 7 for important information on No Shots No School See page 8 for Alliance member pharmacy benefit change WE ARE WASHINGTON DC

2 SUMMER/FALL 2016 Antiretroviral drugs Zika Virus The Zika virus (ZIKV) is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and it is a health emergency due to its rapid spread and possible link to birth defects. Many people infected with Zika won t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headaches. How Zika Spreads Mosquito bites Sex with a man infected with Zika From a pregnant woman to her fetus (unborn baby) during pregnancy or around the time of birth Protect Yourself From Zika Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home. If you don t have air conditioning or screens in windows and doors, use a mosquito bed net. You can also use the net to cover your baby in carriers and strollers. Use insect repellents (bug spray) like deet as directed. These kinds are safer for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not use repellents (bug sprays) on babies younger than two months old. Use condoms or do not have sex. 2 We have important news to tell you about how to get HIV antiretroviral drugs for members living with HIV/AIDS. Starting on April 30, 2016, D.C. Healthy Families members (not Alliance members) may get their HIV medications from any pharmacy that fills D.C. Medicaid prescriptions. D.C. Medicaid and MedStar Family Choice have worked together to make this a smooth change. We are excited to provide even more pharmacies for all members living with HIV/AIDS, in the effort to help them get their HIV medications. If you have any questions or need more information, please call our Member Services department at Why High Blood Pressure Matters By Edith Tran, RN Uncontrolled blood pressure, also called hypertension, is called the silent killer because the symptoms are not immediate. Most people suffer a heart attack or a stroke. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause serious health problems by damaging your heart, brain, kidneys, arteries, and other organs in the body. This can lead to heart failure. Heart failure is when the heart is no longer strong enough to move the blood around the body. A person with heart failure can end up being dependent on oxygen or may need surgery to put in a pacemaker or defibrillator (devices that help the heart beat properly). High blood pressure can damage kidneys, resulting in a person having to receive dialysis to clean the blood of the by-products of our normal cell functions. Some people think those with high blood pressure are tense, nervous or hyperactive. You can be a calm, relaxed person and still have high blood pressure. It is important to understand the risk factors leading to high blood pressure. Family history, obesity, high salt intake, and stress could increase your chances of high blood pressure. The most important step to take is to be seen by a doctor. Schedule your annual checkup and ask your doctor about your blood pressure status.

3 MEDSTAR FAMILY CHOICE The Importance of Keeping Your Dental Appointment You plan on making it to your dentist appointment. Then something happens you can t find a ride, you get sick or you forgot you even made the appointment. It happens. We want to help you to make it to the appointment. You forgot. Here are some tips to help you remember: Your dentist may send you a postcard to remind you of the appointment. Write it on your calendar right away, or enter it in your cell phone calendar. Put the card on your refrigerator, so you see it. It s best to use only one calendar, so you can keep track of all of your appointments. If you do have another calendar, write it on that, too. If you need to find a babysitter or get a ride, do it right away. Then you don t have to worry about scrambling at the last minute. Call to schedule your transportation to your dental visit. You were nervous about the appointment. Lots of people are afraid to go to the dentist. Here are some tips to put you at ease: Find a dentist that you like and trust. Call for the names of dentists in your area. Seeing a dentist regularly prevents the need for complex cleanings or procedures in the future. If the noises scare you, take music along. Relax. Breathe slowly in and out. Think of something that makes you happy; a favorite place or a good memory. Worried about pain? Dentists have lots of new ways to work on your mouth there is very little pain now with anything the dentist does. Tell the dentist that you are afraid. The dentist will work with you on that. Don t forget to call the dentist if something changes and you can t go to the appointment. That way you can reschedule and someone else can see the dentist during appointment time you cancelled. Here are some times that you need to call the dentist: If you are sick. Let the office know you can t make your appointment. If you are going to be late. Let the dentist s office know they might be able to see you a little later the same day. If your car breaks down. Let the dentist s office know you can t get there for your appointment. If you can t leave work. You planned on leaving work but now your boss says you can t or you ve got a big project you need to finish. Call the dentist s office and let them know you can t make it. On the day of the appointment, take the dentist office phone number with you. Then, if you re going to be late you can let the office know. A final word about trying hard to keep the appointment you schedule. When you miss an appointment, it doesn t cost you anything, but there are costs to others. The dentist has to pay rent on the office and dental equipment and the dentist holds time for you. The dental hygienist and other staff are there for you. The dentist and staff have chosen to see you. Make sure you choose to keep your appointment whenever possible. Remember, a healthy mouth and teeth are important parts of a healthy body. 3

4 SUMMER/FALL 2016 Quit Smoking. Live Longer. No matter how old you are or how long you ve smoked, quitting can help you live longer and be healthier. People who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half compared to those who keep smoking. Ex-smokers have fewer illnesses like colds and the flu, lower rates of bronchitis and pneumonia, and feel healthier than people who still smoke. Why quit smoking now? Quitting smoking has major health benefits for men and women of all ages. Ex-smokers live longer than people who keep smoking. If you stop smoking, you lower the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease. Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or during the first three to four months of pregnancy lower their risk of having a baby with lower birthweight than that of women who never smoked. If you want more information on how to quit smoking or want to attend one of our Smoking Cessation Classes this fall, please contact us at (press 112). What You Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 6 million new genital HPV disease cases in the United States each year. An estimated 74 percent of them occur in 15- to 24-year-olds. That means 12,000 teens and young adults each day are newly infected. That s why it is very important that your son or daughter get the vaccine, which can help protect him/her from the virus. HPV can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, cervix, vulva, and vagina (in women) and penis (in men). The HPV virus is passed from one person to another by skin-to-skin sexual contact. Parents can protect their preteen son/daughter from HPV by getting them vaccinated. Girls can start getting vaccinated at the age of 9. Boys can be vaccinated by age 10. Both boys and girls can receive vaccinations through 26 years of age if they are under their parent s insurance plans. In Washington D.C., it is required that every child enrolled in DCPS get the vaccine for HPV, unless it is against his/her religious beliefs, is not medically needed or the parent or guardian has signed an opt-out form. Resources CDC.gov/Vaccines/VPD-Vac/HPV/Downloads/ Dis-HPV-Color-Office.pdf CDC.gov/Vaccines/HCP/Vis/Vis-Statements/ HPV-Cervarix.pdf CDC.gov/Vaccines/HCP/Vis/Vis-Statemen.0ts/ HPV-Gardasil.pdf 4

5 MEDSTAR FAMILY CHOICE Case Management Case Management is available for members who need help with diseases such as: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Asthma/COPD Diabetes HIV/AIDS High-risk pregnancy Transplants Catastrophic conditions (trauma, cancer, etc.) Special needs populations Substance abuse and/or behavioral health needs Call the MedStar Family Choice Transportation Provider at for scheduling transportation to and from your appointment. Transportation to routine medical visits must be made at least three business days in advance (does not include the weekends). Getting care with your primary care physician (PCP)/primary care doctor To stay healthy, it is important to schedule routine or well visits regularly with your doctor. Your doctor will provide the care and services you need to manage any existing health conditions. It s important to know and talk with your doctor to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ways to make an appointment with your doctor (PCP): 1. Call your doctor s office number located on the front of your member ID card. Have a pen and paper ready for notes. 2. You can also find your doctor s number online at MedStarFamilyChoice.com. 3. You can schedule an appointment online at MedStarFamilyChoice.com. 4. For assistance making an appointment with your doctor, call Member Services at between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Getting care when your doctor s office is closed: Call the Nurse Advice Line at to speak with a professional nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nurse will answer your healthcare questions so you can take care of yourself or your family. If you need medical treatment, the nurse will advise you of how to seek care quickly, as well as provide information on the healthcare facilities available to you. MedStar PromptCare (urgent care) Do not wait too long to get medical care. If your problem is not life-threatening and/or you are not at risk of disability, but you are worried and you cannot see your doctor soon enough, go to one of our MedStar Prompt Care clinics. They are located in Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill. If you are not sure what you should do, you can call our 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at for help. It is so much better to go to your doctor or an urgent care clinic instead of the Emergency room. Your doctor has your records and knows you best. Plus, your wait time will be shorter and it s a nicer environment, more like an office setting. PCP referral Your primary care physician (PCP) will provide a referral to a specialist in the event you have symptoms he or she cannot treat. If you need surgery, you will need approval from your PCP before you can go! This approval is important because it helps ensure that the care is needed and right for you. Medically necessary services or supplies are things that are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and are accepted standards of medical practice. For further information on your benefits as a MedStar Family Choice member, please check your Member Handbook or call Member Services at

6 SUMMER/FALL 2016 Upcoming MedStar Family Choice Events and Education Classes We invite you to attend these upcoming education classes and Family Fun Days: Topic Dates Time Location Edgewood Community Health and Public Safety Fair and Backpack Giveaway Aug :00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Edgewood Community 600 Evarts St., NE Washington, DC Funky Fitness Fridays Sept. 2 Oct. 7 Nov. 4 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ward 4 Takoma Recreation Center 300 Van Buren St., NW Washington, DC Ward 3 Wilson Recreation Center 4551 Fort Dr., NW Washington, DC Ward 2 Jellef Recreation Center 3265 S St., NW Washington, DC New Member Orientation Sept. 21 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fairmont Apartments Community Room 1401 Fairmont St., NW Washington, DC Special Smoking Cessation Event with the American Lung Association Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair Breast Health 101 Classes and Free Mammogram Screenings Sept. 21 3:00 p.m. p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For event details and information on quitting smoking, call Sept :00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rita Bright Family & Youth Center th St. NW Washington, DC Call on Sept. 1 for more details and to RSVP. October TBD Call on Oct. 1 for details on date and location. Please check our website at MedStarFamilyChoice.com for updates on date, location and times of all our community education classes and events. Seating is limited. RSVP is required. Gift card drawings: Winners must be present to win. Children s activities will be available during the meeting. FREE food will be provided during each class. 6 For more information and to RSVP, call (press 112). D.C. Healthy Families: For transportation, call

7 MEDSTAR FAMILY CHOICE Family Fitness and Asthma Awareness Family Fun Day Event No Shots, No School Get Your Preteen/Teen Ready For School All students attending Washington, D.C., public, charter, private and parochial schools must have all required immunizations before the next school year begins. It is very important for your preteen/teen to get their annual physical exam. Your preteen/teen s annual physical exam will make sure they are healthy and up-to-date with all requirements. A physical exam by your child s primary care provider (PCP) will look for any physical, mental or developmental health problems. During a physical, the doctor will do a variety of screenings, including: Developmental screening Mental health screening Vision screening Hearing screening You can always ask your child s PCP if your child is due for any vaccines during any type of visit: check-up, sick visit, school physical, or sports physical. Your child s doctor will also talk with your son or daughter about certain behaviors or safety issues, such as peer pressure, sexual activity, bullying, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, and the dangers of trying alcohol and drugs. MedStar Family Choice knows the importance of your preteen/teen receiving his or her physical exam. After having their annual physical, each member will receive a $25 gift card. If you need assistance in getting your child s physical scheduled or if you have any questions, please call our Outreach department at (press 112). Join Our Consumer Advisory Board We want to hear from you: Improve the quality of health care. Understand and resolve member questions and issues. Help us make a difference in our member s health care. Refreshments are provided. Transportation is provided, if needed. To find out more information, contact our Community Relations or Outreach staff at

8 SUMMER/FALL 2016 MEDSTAR FAMILY CHOICE Notice for MedStar Family Choice Alliance Members Effective July 1, 2016, changes were made to the pharmacy benefits for Alliance members. If you are an Alliance member, we sent you a letter explaining this change. Summary of the Alliance pharmacy benefit change: The list of drugs that are now covered through D.C. Healthcare Alliance is now the same as the list of drugs covered for our D.C. Healthy Families Plan. Most people will not need to switch their medications as a result of this change. MedStar Family Choice will let you and your doctor know if a change is needed. You can now fill your prescriptions at more pharmacies. You may fill your prescriptions at pharmacies located in your D.C. neighborhood such as CVS, Giant, Harris Teeter, Rite Aid, Safeway, and Target. Nearly all historical ADAP pharmacies are still in the network. All ADAP pharmacies will be in network soon. Members who are on antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection will still need to apply and qualify for ADAP services, but they will be able to fill their HIV prescriptions at this wider range of pharmacies. This change for antiretroviral medications began on May 1, Please call if you have questions regarding this change. Medstar Family Choice Out in the Community Cinco De Mayo Join us next year on May 5, 2017! The MedStar Family Choice member newsletter is a publication of MedStar Family Choice. Submit new items for the next issue to arion.k.long@medstar.net. 901 D St., SW, Suite 1050 Washington, DC PHONE MedStarFamilyChoice.com This program is funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance. Kenneth Samet MedStar Health CEO Arion Long Editor/Copywriter Tallulah Anderson Managing Editor David Finkel President Cyd Campbell, MD Medical Director Leslie Lyles Smith Executive Director 16-MFCDC