Inter Valley Member:

JOHN PRUITT JR

Inside this Issue:Why a Wellness Visit is Vital to your Health

Flu Season Continues through April: We’ve got you covered

Talk to a Registered Nurse 24/7

Improve the Quality of Your Life with Better Hearing

Watch for Your Member Survey in the Mail

The Education of John Pruitt

2

A resident of Chino for forty years, John Pruitt, Jr. grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and earned a BA in psychology and

sociology from the University of Memphis. While enjoying the rigors of college life — he also reaped the rewards of being a very successful poker player. He wisely invested his poker game winnings into his future — by paying cash for his college tuition, books, car, and clothes. As a senior in college, he took a career placement assessment; and was surprised the test results indicated he would make a good salesman.

Upon graduating, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to work in the corporate office of East Texas Motor Freight (ETMF), where he was the first African-American in management — in the company’s 50-year history. After several years, John finally decided to follow the college career assessment. He was recruited into Prudential Insurance’s highly competitive Sales Management Trainee (SMT) program in Parsippany, New Jersey. While in the SMT program, Pruitt was one of the two individuals who earned the top sales records — that record still stands as a benchmark 40 years later.

The Importance of Learning Family Health History

Pruitt has always been aware of how important it is to know his family’s health history. “After my father died of prostate cancer at the age of 73 — his doctor warned me that I would also get prostate cancer. He said I was a three striker: I was over 40, Afro-American and had a family history of prostate cancer.” Pruitt thought he had many years before cancer would be a concern (he was 47 years old when his father, age 68, was diagnosed with cancer). He continued to stay on top of his annual cancer

screenings and was surprised to get diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 50. Fortunately, his cancer was diagnosed in the early stage. Pruitt added, “I asked a lot of questions so I could understand my options and make a decision about my treatment plan.” He completed his treatment and at this time, is cancer-free. He continues to keep up with his annual prostate screening.

Diabetes also runs through his family health history. Both of his parents were diagnosed with diabetes by age 55 (his father required insulin shots.) Pruitt educated himself by reading and taking classes to learn how to manage his pre-diabetes — to avoid a diabetic diagnosis as long as possible.

He only recently was diagnosed as diabetic at the age of 69. “I beat my parents (diagnosis) by over 10 years. I hate needles, I am so grateful I don’t need insulin shots,” he said. He manages his diabetes through diet, exercise and medication. “I spend a lot of time reading labels,” quipped Pruitt.

An Active Retirement

In 2009, at age 59, Pruitt chose to retire and never looked back. He gives a chilling reason for his early retirement. “I based my decision for early retirement on the fact that no male in my family has lived past the age of 62, due to diabetes and heart problems,” he said, adding that, “My father was the only male who lived past 62.” He spends his time being active in his church, exercising regularly, visiting with family and pursuing his passion for the Washington Redskins. Over the last ten years, he has been walking 3 miles, five days a week. Pruitt and his friends, Mark Harris and Preston Carr, joke and laugh the entire three miles which makes

The Education of John Pruitt

3

the daily routine fun. “We like to start walking at 4:30 in the morning so that we can get our exercise out of the way,” says Pruitt, adding, “there is no excuse to miss our walk and we have the entire day ahead of us.”

A Legacy of Love and Learning

Pruitt has passed down his passion for the Redskins to his children and grandchildren, too. “All of my family are die-hard Redskin fans, we have followed the Redskins to see them play in Oakland, Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville and Los Angeles.” And he is very proud of his two children and three grandchildren. “I wanted a better future for my children, each generation should move ahead of the other” said Pruitt. He strongly believes in higher education and set an example by earning his Master’s degree in Management and Human Relations, from Abilene Christian University. And he planted the seed for higher education in his children at an early age. “Since the day they came home from the hospital as newborns. Each day, seven days a week, I asked my children three questions,” Pruitt laughs and says proudly, “where’s my hug? where’s my kiss? and where are you going to college?” His three questions have paid off. His daughter, Rosalyn, has a Master’s degree and teaches advanced chemistry in a charter high school; and his son, Joseph, has a Doctorate degree; and is an optometrist.

Pruitt (R) on his morning walk with Mark Harris (L)

I have a headache and I am not sure if I should be more concerned?

I woke up with a cough and fever, can I treat this myself at home?

Can you help me prepare for an upcoming doctor’s office visit? I need help with what type of questions to ask.

I’m feeling sick, my doctor’s office is closed and I’m not sure what to do.

I’ve twisted my ankle and need some guidance on next steps.

I have an ongoing health condition, like asthma or diabetes, and a new symptom has appeared.

My back is hurting, what can I do to help with the pain?

4

Telephone Access to Nurse Advice 24/7

The Nurse Advice Line is a free service with a toll-free number you can call to speak with a registered nurse anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week — even holidays. You can call anytime with questions about your health or if you could use some assistance with treatment

options. Nurses are available to help with health-related questions such as:

Important Inter Valley Plan

2019 Member Evidence of Coverage at your

fingertipsNeed to know specifics about your healthcare

coverage? Your Evidence of Coverage is located on our website visit www.ivhp.com/

memberdocuments.

Our caring staff of nurses will provide you with the latest clinical information and help determine if you should wait to see your doctor, go to an urgent care clinic, or need to visit the hospital emergency room (ER).

If you have a need that would benefit from working with other Inter Valley Health Plan departments, like Care Management, Member Care Team, Pharmacy Care Specialist or Social Services we can also direct you to the right resources for assistance.

And, if you prefer to discuss your questions in a language other than English, we also have nurses that speak Spanish — or if you prefer a different language — we can do that, too. We have language interpreters on staff.

To contact the Nurse Advice Line call 888-463-9220, or for hearing impaired use TTY/TDD 711. The Advice Line serves to provide member assistance with non-

emergency health issues. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local emergency services department.

5

Millions of people — of all ages — improve the quality of their lives every day by using hearing aids. On the retail market, hearing aids can cost

$2,000–3,000 per hearing aid. The good news is that your hearing benefit (offered through TruHearing) covers up to two hearing aids per year for a low copay of $999 for each TruHearing Premium 19 hearing aid or $699 for each TruHearing Advanced 19 hearing aid.

These TruHearing 19 hearing aids are high-quality, digital hearing aids featuring the latest advances in hearing technology.

In addition to a great discounted price on hearing aids, your hearing benefit also includes:

Initial hearing exam with a TruHearing provider ($0 initial exam copay)

Three follow-up visits for hearing aid fitting and adjustments

Three-year manufacturer warranty for repairs and one-time loss/damage replacement

45-day risk-free trial

Non-rechargeable models include 48 batteries per hearing aid

To schedule a hearing exam with a TruHearing provider in your area, or for more information, call TruHearing at 1-844-394-5389 or TTY/TDD 711, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Improve the Quality of your Life with Better Hearing through TruHearing

InformationTake the Hassle Out of Getting Your Lab Tests

Make an appointment online! Many laboratories

offer online services such as making appointments, listing convenient locations, providing business hours, and access to test results. You will need to go to the laboratory your Primary Care Physician(PCP) /Specialist sends you to. If you go to a different laboratory, you may be liable for costs for using an out-of-network laboratory. If your PCP/Specialist contracts with LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics — you can find them at www.LabCorp.com or www.QuestDiagnostics.com.

Managing your health care is easy through our Member Portal

Inter Valley members can manage their healthcare

information by logging in to their Member Portal to access their Evidence of Benefits (EOB), history of Primary Care Physician/Specialist visits, the checklist for preventive services, and so much more. Go to www.memberportal.ivhp.com to register. Keeping track of your health care just got easier.

SMART STUFF

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Recognizes Inter Valley for Pre-Diabetes Program Success

Following the success of the first “I’m in Control” program (to educate members to manage their diabetes) a second program evolved in 2015 — for members diagnosed with pre-diabetes. The pre-diabetes 16-week program follows the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) successful Pre-

diabetes Prevention Program curriculum. This 16-week program uses proven lifestyle changes that can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes and is taught by an Inter Valley nurse facilitator. Inter Valley Health Plan is the only Medicare Advantage HMO in California to offer the successful CDC approved program.

“Since the launch of Pre-Diabetes program, more than 80 percent of the I’m In Control class attendees have increased their activity and lost weight. In addition to an improvement in overall well-being, they have also been able to reduce their blood pressure and pre-diabetes medications. We couldn’t be more thrilled at the results thus far,” notes Kenneth E. Smith, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Inter Valley Health Plan.

Sign up for Free I’m In Control Programs that help Members

Manage Pre-Diabetes or Diabetes

Inter Valley Health Plan’s I’m In Control program is offered exclusively to our members for FREE.

Whether you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, we have a program tailored to help you manage your condition and feel better.

PRE-DIABETES This program for pre-diabetes is a 16-week program that includes lifestyle education and group support. To register for the Pre-Diabetes

program, please call 800-251-8191, or TTY/TDD 711, and ask for Robert Ceja, x495.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE: The next 16-week pre-diabetes program begins Monday, April 15. For more information please visit: www.ivhp.com/CareManagementPre-Diabetic.

DIABETES MANAGEMENTThis program for Diabetes Management consists of two

classes. Seating is limited, to register call 800-251-8191 or TTY/TDD 711, and ask for Theresa Weaver, x431.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE: April 2 & 16.For more information please visit: www.ivhp.com/CareManagementDiabeticProgram

6

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Recognizes Inter Valley for Pre-Diabetes Program Success

7

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

The American Lung Association defines Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to

breathe. COPD is chronic, that means it never goes away and you live with it every day. It also isn’t just one condition, it can be emphysema or chronic bronchitis — or varying combinations of both.

What are the symptoms of COPD?In most cases, COPD happens very slowly. One of the first things you may notice is that you become out of breath easily. You might be tempted to brush it off as a sign of getting older. Don’t. Shortness of breath is never normal. Other telltale signs of COPD:

A cough that won’t go away Wheezing

Coughing up a lot of gunk (doctors call it “phlegm” or “sputum”)

Fatigue (extreme tiredness) most or all of the time

Causes of COPD? There are many factors that can cause COPD such as long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes. However, smoking is the main cause of COPD — along with second-hand smoke. So, even if you aren’t a smoker, you can still get COPD just from breathing someone else’s smoke (second-hand).

Treatment of COPDAlthough COPD can cause serious long-term disability and even early death, there are however, ways of stopping or slowing the rate of progression. That’s where your partnership with your doctor is important. After your doctor assesses the severity of COPD symptoms based on your spirometry results, the chances that your COPD will get worse and the presence of other health conditions. Then, based on your unique health conditions/risks your doctor will design a COPD management program that will best suit your condition.

The important thing to remember is — you are the most important part of the management of your COPD.

Inter Valley Health Plan continues their partnership with Conversio Health.If you have a chronic breathing

condition such as asthma or COPD, we have a program that can provide you with an alternative medication for free, and without having to drive to the drug store. If you currently use a prescription inhaler such as Advair, Dulera or Symbicort, Conversio Health Pharmacy can create (compound) a liquid medication for you to use with a nebulizer machine, if your doctor approves of this change.

A custom-made medication that is designed to replace your prescription inhaler; there is no copayment required, and it is delivered directly to your home.

Access to a team of experts who can answer any questions you have about your chronic breathing problem or the medicine; they will also coordinate with your doctor.

The ability to order through your preferred method whether by phone, online, email or text message.

Convenient refill reminders and notifications when your order ships

To learn more, contact Conversio Health pharmacy directly. Call Conversio Health’s Customer Care toll-free at 866-239-3784 users call (TTY/TDD 711), Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Or go online to conversiohealth.com. You also may call Inter Valley Health Plan’s Pharmacy Department at 1-800-523-3142.

Free Help for Members with Breathing Problems

Make an Appointment for Your Wellness Visit

The Annual Wellness Visit is so much more than an annual exam — because it includes the preventative and wellness care needed to

stay healthy and lead a productive life. Inter Valley Health Plan members have access to a complete no cost Annual Wellness Visit when services are performed through a health provider contracted with us.

Unlike a standard examination, the Annual Wellness Visit can be performed by a physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP) or your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and performed in your doctors’s office or through your medical group’s Wellness Clinic.

The Annual Wellness Visit includes the following FREE services:

A complete standard examination

Routine measurements, such as your height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI)

Your vital signs are checked

Review of your medical history as well as that of your family

Review of the medications, supplements and vitamins that you are taking

Discussion of the care you are currently receiving from other health care providers

Review of your functional ability and level of safety (for example, your risk of falling at home), including a screening for symptoms of depression

Personalized health advice that takes into account your specific health conditions or needs, including weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation and nutrition

Discussion and review of advance directives

You and your healthcare professional will work together to develop a custom plan to meet your health and wellness goals. Some Medical groups offer a Wellness Clinic. If you receive your annual wellness visit by one of these clinics, your physician will receive a copy of your results and will discuss any follow-up care at your next appointment. Any follow-up care you may need for treatment of chronic illnesses will be addressed during this visit.

Start your New Year with good health. Call your doctor’s office and ask to make an appointment for your Annual Wellness Visit.

8

The Benefits of an Annual Wellness Visit

Need Member Services Assistance? Please call the Member Care Team at 800-251-8191, or for hearing impaired, TTY/TDD 711.

OCTOBER 1 TO MARCH 31: Seven days a week, 8 am to 8 pm

APRIL 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30: Monday through Friday 8 am to 8 pm

Or send us an email with your questions or concerns any time at info@ivhp.com.

Make an Appointment for Your Wellness VisitWe Need Your Feedback: Your Opinion Matters

We’re always looking at ways to improve the quality of your healthcare experience. We have added new benefits to expand your healthcare coverage. Some of the new benefits for 2019 include transportation, 24/7 Nurseline advice, chronic condition support programs and hearing services. Your Member Care Team is here to assist you in anyway we can.

Medicare Survey Needs your FeedbackDuring the months of March and April, you may be a part of a select group of members who receive a survey from Medicare asking about your healthcare experience.

Let Us Know How We are DoingYou don’t have to wait for a survey to give us feedback on our service, we would like to hear from you to let us know how we are doing. Don’t wait — you can call us now. Please call the Member Care Team at 800-251-8191, or for hearing impaired TTY/TDD 711 from October 1 to March 31, 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm and April 1 to September 30, Monday – Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. You can also email us anytime at info@ivhp.com. We want to know how we can serve you better.

9

Michael A. Nelson has been appointed as President and

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inter Valley Health Plan. Nelson comes to Inter Valley Health Plan with plenty of business experience and health care knowledge.

Nelson has worked for 39 years at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) and is the Executive Vice President at this organization. During his tenure with PVHMC Nelson also served as Acting President and CEO of Inter Valley Health Plan for 8 years—from 1998 to 2006.

He has served on the Plan’s Board of Directors for 33 years, from 1985 to present. He also serves as Board member for Community Senior Services (Claremont) and Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH). His experience will make for a smooth transition to his position as the Plan’s President and CEO.

In addition to PVHMC and Inter Valley Health Plan, Nelson also worked as Controller at West Anaheim Community Hospital, Senior Accountant at Arthur Young & Company and served as an Artillery Officer, with the United States Marine Corps.

He holds an MBA in Accounting from Cal State University, Los Angeles, and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California.

Inter Valley’s previous President and CEO, Ronald H. Bolding, retired in November 2018.

INTER VALLEY NAMES A NEW PRESIDENT & CEO

Immunization Protects All of UsFlu

10

Do You Have Questions about Prescription or OTC Coverage?

The flu season will continue through April and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “getting vaccinated later (in the season) can still be beneficial.” It takes about

two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so don’t delay to get vaccinated to protect yourself and loved ones.

We’ve got you covered! Inter Valley Members can get flu shots at NO COST through these locations: your Primary Care Physician’s office, Hendrick’s Pharmacy (Claremont) or

a Walgreen’s Pharmacy in our service area. To find a Walgreen’s near you visit their website at walgreens.com. Just show your Inter Valley member ID card when you get your flu shot.

Visit us online for the most up-to-date list of medications covered for 2019 at ivhp.com/PrescriptionDrugSearch, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our you can call our Pharmacy Care

Team at 800-523-3142 for additional information. TTY/TDD users should call 711. The Pharmacy Care Team is available October 1 to March 31, 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. And April 1 to September 30, 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday. Note: We are closed on most federal holidays. When we are closed you have an option to leave a message. Messages received will be returned within one business day

Have you considered signing up as an organ donor, but just haven’t gotten around to it? Recent statistics show that more than 57,000 people are on the

waiting lists for organ transplants. To become an organ donor or obtain a donor card, visit www.

organdonor.gov or call your local California State Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also call the Southern California Organ Procurement Center at 800-786-4077.

Don’t wait. Vaccinate!

Organ Donation: Make the Choice to Save Lives

Contest questions: Don’t Wait! Vaccinate!

1. The flu season will continue through the end of _________________ and according to the Centers for

Disease Control (CDC), “getting _________________ later (in the season) can still be ___________________ .”

2. It takes about ______ weeks after vaccination for ________________ that protect against flu to

______________ in the body, so don’t delay to get vaccinated to protect ______________ and loved _______.

3. Inter Valley Members can get _____ shots at NO COST through these locations: your Primary ________

Physician’s office, Hendrick’s Pharmacy (Claremont) or a Walgreen’s _______________ in our ___________

area. To find a Walgreen’s near you, visit their website @ _____________.com. Just show your _________

___________ member ID card when you get your flu __________.

Contest Winners from last issue: Frances S. Helgeson, Claremont, Danielle M. McDonald, Lake Elsinore, and Gwendolyn Tucker, Riverside

* By entering this contest, you give Inter Valley Health Plan permission to publish your name and city in this magazine, should you win.

11

Enter to Win a Flu Season Pack

The Flu Season Pack is a handy (and portable) way to store items that will keep you comfortable while dealing with cold or flu symptoms. The adjustable fanny pack

has two zippered pockets and contains a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, cough drops, lip balm, tissues, and there’s still more room for tucking some more items. As an Inter Valley member you can enter our contest* by filling in the blanks below and sending us your entry by Monday, March 22, 2019.

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO: Inter Valley Health Plan, Attention: Communications Dept InterView contest, PO Box 6002 Pomona, CA 91769-6002

The Flu Season Pack is a handy (and portable) way to store items that will keep you comfortable while dealing with cold or flu symptoms. The adjustable fanny pack

has two zippered pockets and contains a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, cough drops, lip balm, tissues, and there’s still more room for tucking some more items. As an Inter Valley member you can enter our contest* by filling in the blanks below and sending us your entry by Monday, March 22, 2019.

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO: Inter Valley Health Plan, Attention: Communications Dept InterView contest, PO Box 6002 Pomona, CA 91769-6002

INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN’S COMPANY OBSERVED HOLIDAYS

Our offices will be closed:

Memorial Day .............................. Monday, May 27, 2019

To become a member of any of our Plan programs call 800-500-7018 or TTY/TDD 711 for the hearing impaired.

Have you moved? Please contact the Member Care Team if you have recently moved. It is important that we have your correct address on file.

We are here for you! If you have questions, concerns or any problems getting access to your health care needs, we want to hear from you. Call the Member Care Team at 800-251-8191 or TTY/TDD 711 for the hearing impaired. Our hours of operation are: October 1 through March 31, 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm and April 1 through September 30, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm.

This publication is printed with soy-based ink.

Inter Valley Health Plan is a not-for-profit HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Inter Valley Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Inter Valley Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitosde asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-251-8191 (TTY/TDD 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-251-8191 (TTY/TDD 711)

INTER VALLEY HEALTH PLAN300 South Park Avenue

PO Box 6002Pomona CA 91769-6002

Health/Wellness/Prevention Information

Address Service Requested

Marion Schmid, EditorFor article information, or additional

copies, please call the Editor at 909-784-3400, ext 477.