lifestyle health happiness Issue 1 | 2018 · Before you start your day, try adding 10 minutes of ....

lifestyle • health • happinessIssue 1 | 2018

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Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) • Sunflower Issue 1 | 2 0181

Welcome to the Passport Advantage Newsletter

Letter from the Editor

Hello, members!

In this edition of Sunflower Magazine, we take a closer look at some new ways to stay healthy as the winter fades away into spring! Check out all our favorite tips and tricks for stressing less, eating right, staying active, and more. And remember, Passport Advantage is with you every step of the way!

Thank you for choosing us to handle your healthcare needs in 2018!

Thank You,

Kathleen SosaDirector of OperationsEditor

Better Breathing

Flu & Pneumonia The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for every person aged six months and older.

Coming down with the flu can be serious. It can even be life-threatening for high-risk groups like:

• People ages 65 and older

• Children under the age of 5

• Pregnant women

• People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and lung disease

*The flu can also lead to pneumonia, which can be even more serious for the people listed above. Be sure to ask your doctor if you or your children should get the pneumonia vaccine.

How should I get my flu vaccine?

• Regular flu shots are approved for people ages 6 months and older

• High-dose flu shots are approved for people 65 and older

• The nasal-spray flu vaccine is approved for healthy people ages 2-49 (excluding pregnant women)

Get your flu vaccine now!

You’re getting a new Medicare card!Cards will be mailed between April 2018 – April 2019You asked, and we listened. You’re getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we’ll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.

You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits. You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed.

Here’s how you can get ready: ■ Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

■ Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. We’ll never ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.

■ Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

CMS Product No. 12002 September 2017

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You’re Getting a NEW MEDICARE CARD!The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is preparing a fraud prevention project that removes Social Security Numbers from Medicare cards to fight against identity theft and save taxpayer dollars. The new Medicare card has a new Medicare number unique to you. Medicare will mail new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019.

Don’t worry – the new card won’t change your coverage or benefits, and you’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card arrives.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN GET READY:

• Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

• Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. We’ll never ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.

• Keep your Passport Advantage Card: your Passport Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.

• Understand that mailing everyone new cards will take some time! Don’t worry if your card arrives at a different time than your neighbor’s.

• Go to our website at www.passportadvantage.com/mbi to get more information.

• Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

You’re getting a new Medicare card!Cards will be mailed between April 2018 – April 2019You asked, and we listened. You’re getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we’ll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.

You’ll get a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, and it will only be used for your Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change your coverage or benefits. You’ll get more information from Medicare when your new card is mailed.

Here’s how you can get ready: ■ Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

■ Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. We’ll never ask you to give us personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.

■ Understand that mailing everyone a new card will take some time. Your card might arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.

CMS Product No. 12002 September 2017

MBI Information


Health Monitoring

The Power of PREVENTIONYou may have heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to identifying and treating chronic conditions or preventing illnesses or diseases, there’s no better advice.

Preventative care includes screenings, exams, and immunizations that point out and resolve health problems early so you can keep them from becoming potentially chronic conditions.

Below is a quick review of some of the most common types of preventative care:

Wellness VisitsA wellness visit is your regularly scheduled annual exam with a Primary Care Physician (PCP). These kinds of appointments help you build an ongoing relationship with your doctor so he/she can monitor your health over time and check for early signs of illness. Think of these as yearly maintenance checkups!

ImmunizationsVaccinations aren’t just for kids anymore. Ask your doctor about immunizations recommended for adults, which can protect you from health issues like tetanus, the flu, whooping cough, and more.

Colorectal Cancer ScreeningThis preventative measure checks for colorectal polyps and cancer. It is recommended for men and women ages 50 and older, and colonoscopies are the most common method of

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Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) • Sunflower Issue 1 | 2 018 4

testing.

Breast Cancer ScreeningA mammogram is an x-ray of the breast to look for cancer. It’s recommended that women ages 50 and older get a mammogram once every two years. Women ages 40-49 should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often they should seek mammograms.

Cervical Cancer ScreeningThe most typical test used to look for cervical cancer is a Pap test. It can identify cancerous or pre-cancerous cells on a woman’s cervix. Check with your doctor for screening recommendations.

Obesity Screening & CounselingMaintaining a healthy weight is super important to your overall health. Visit your doctor to get

personalized advice on diet and exercise, and to review your body mass index (BMI).

Type 2 Diabetes ScreeningScreening for Type 2 diabetes is done through a blood glucose test. It requires 8 hours of fasting and a quick finger prick to check your blood sugar. The good news is that, in most cases, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with healthy dieting and regular physical activity, as well

Diabetes is also a leading cause of blindness. You can protect your eyes and avoid vision loss by getting a simple dilated eye exam. Check with your eye care provider or your PCP for an eye exam appointment. The exam will not only check you for eye problems, but it could save your sight! Anyone with diabetes can get diabetic eye disease but with a yearly, dilated eye exam, you can find problems early and lower your risk for vision loss!


Staying Active

STAYING ACTIVE During the Cold MonthsStaying active can be challenging, even for the healthiest person. And as tempting as it may be to stay under the covers, your health should be a top priority.

Inactivity can lead to weak muscles and high blood pressure, among other risks. So, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips for staying active all year round:

Clean the HouseSet a timer for 30 minutes and turn on some energizing music. Then, put some elbow grease into cleaning up your home! If you’re not sure where to begin, try starting with the vacuum. The forward and backward motion of vacuuming is a great workout for your tummy muscles!

Stretch in the Morning and Before BedBefore you start your day, try adding 10 minutes of stretching to your morning routine. It’ll loosen you up and calm your mind before the day begins. Then at the end of the day, try those same stretches before you climb into bed. Not only will it relieve aches from the day, but it’ll help you get more restful sleep.

Work Out in the Living RoomBad weather may keep you from hitting the gym, but that’s no excuse to miss a workout! Pop in a yoga DVD or search for easy exercises on YouTube. Working out in your own home can be convenient and fun!

Light WeightliftingEasy lifting is a great way to keep your muscles moving this season. Don’t have weights? No problem! Try using household items you already have, like cans of soup or a bag of onions.

BEGINNER TIP: Tie a plastic rubber band around any item that feels slippery to prevent yourself from dropping it.


Reducing Stress

5 WAYS to Beat StressWinter can be stressful. And sometimes, the hustle and bustle can take its toll on your health. The good news is that there are lots of easy ways to minimize stress so you can kick off the spring season the right way!

Walk Away From Your WorriesWalking can do wonders for your mind. It may not seem like much, but just walking for 30 minutes, 3 times a week (or more!) can boost your mood all year round.

Next time you’re feeling anxious, try a quick stroll around the block!

Spend Quality Time With Your PillowOne thing that causes major stress is a busy schedule. Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest at night to keep you going through the day. Take naps if you need to, and don’t stay up too late!

Start Eating Fresh Veggies Daily In spring, our bodies naturally crave fresh, crunchy veggies instead of hearty stews. Give in to those cravings and be more mindful of how you eat.

Plan AheadPlanning ahead will reduce anxiety by making you feel in control. Making a list will allow your mind to relax and move on to other things. Of course, you can’t plan for everything, but being prepared will help when you do run into surprises.

Forget Perfection Stop obsessing about making things perfect. Spring is a great time to set new goals for yourself, but keep a level head about them too. Everything is a work in progress!

Prioritizing Primary Care

IMPORTANCE OF THE

Annual PCP Visit As spring approaches, it’s a great reminder to make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). You should be visiting your PCP at least once a year to check in on your overall health.

These kinds of wellness visits can help you stay one step ahead of illnesses and diseases. And they will allow your doctor to flag any early signs of trouble. They usually consist of a blood pressure test, a weight check, and any other tests you may need.

Before your next visit, prepare by doing the following:• Make a list of all your medications

• Make a list of any health concerns you have

• Bring a copy of your medical records and a list of doctors you’ve seen in the past

It’s also a good idea to complete your annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA). An HRA is a free questionnaire that can be completed online or over the phone to estimate your overall personal health. It can help identify any risk factors and tell you what to do to lower your risks in the future.

For all our members, the Passport Advantage HRA may be found on the Passport Advantage website. You may also complete it over the phone by calling our Member Services at 1-844-859-6152 (TTY/TDD users, please call 711).


Healthy Eating

THIS, Not That

Spring Treats Edition

CHOOSE

Spring is known for yummy warm-weather treats. But what do you do if you’re diabetic?

Fear no more! We’ve put together this guide to help you make healthier choices this season.

NOTE: The following items are better for you than regular treats, but still need to be accounted for in your daily eating plan.

Choose sugar-free hard candies Instead of reaching for the regular candy around Easter, try sugar-free hard candies. Not only will you avoid the sugar, but they are longer-lasting treats!

Choose a piece of dark chocolateA piece of dark chocolate is much better for you than a chocolate truffle. And you can have three pieces for just one carb serving instead of only one bakery truffle.

Choose a slice of apple piePies are packed with sugar and carbs. When in doubt, go for a slice of apple pie. You’ll likely cut your calories almost in half!

Choose turkey over red meatIt’s best for diabetics to limit their intake of red meat. Go for a leaner option and make turkey or chicken the protein focus of your meal!


Healthy Living

How to LIGHTEN UPYour Favorite Recipes

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. It also doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. Making a few simple changes to your favorite recipes can make a huge difference to your overall health.

With these easy tricks, you’ll be cutting calories and fat without losing all the flavors you love.

OPT FOR LOW-FAT DAIRYSelecting a lower-fat dairy option is a fast, easy way to lighten something up. Try replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or swapping out regular cream cheese for a reduced-fat variety.

ADD VEGGIESWhenever you can, throw some fresh veggies into the mix! Having a sandwich? Add some lettuce and tomato. Craving pizza? Skip the pepperoni and go for mushrooms or peppers (or both!).

SEASON WISELYTry using about half the amount of salt you normally use to reduce your sodium intake. Instead, flavor your meals with other spices to enrich flavors.

CHOOSE LEANER CUTS OF MEATWhether you’re having a burger or making a meaty soup, be sure to select lean cuts of beef and pork. Go for cuts named loin or round – which means they’re lower in fat. And if you’re cooking with chicken or turkey, remove the skin to instantly slash saturated fat.


Diabetic-Friendly Recipes Great for Unpredictable Spring WeatherSpring is known for having unpredictable weather. But whether it’s raining outside or the sun is shining, these tasty recipes will satisfy your cravings until we’re safely in the summer zone.

CHICKEN A LA KING Makes 4 servings Serving Size: 1-cup chicken mixture and 2 slices toasted bread each

INGREDIENTS• 1 medium potato, peeled and

cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1/2 cup)• 2 cups unsalted chicken stock• 2 cups shredded or chopped

chicken or turkey• 1 14-ounce can sliced carrots• ½ cup fresh or frozen peas

• 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• ½ cup milk• ½ teaspoon salt• ¼ teaspoon black pepper• 8 slices whole wheat bread,

toasted

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, cover the potatoes with water. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.

2. In a large saucepan, heat chicken stock over medium heat just until boiling. Transfer to a blender or food processor. Add potatoes; blend or process 30 to 60 seconds or until smooth. Return to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until simmering. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until the stock resembles thin gravy.

3. Add the chicken, carrots, and peas. Bring to simmering; cook 5 minutes. Stir in spinach, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat through. Serve with 2 slices whole wheat toast.

NUTRITION FACTS PER SERVING:337 calories10 grams total fat (2 grams saturated fat)65 milligrams cholesterol595 milligrams sodium34 grams carbohydrates (6 grams fiber, 9 grams sugar)28 grams protein

Recipes


ORANGE BAKED HAMMakes 35 dinner servings

INGREDIENTS• 1 (14- to 16-pound) fully cooked

smoked ham on the bone• 6 garlic cloves• 8½ ounces orange marmalade or jelly• ½ cup Dijon mustard• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed• 1 orange, zested• ¼ cup orange juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place ham in a heavy roasting pan. Peel garlic cloves

2. Combine garlic, marmalade, mustard, brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a food processor and blend until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture over the ham and bake for 1 hour until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned. Serve hot or at room temperature!

NUTRITION FACTS PER SERVING:275 calories4.5 grams total fat (2 grams saturated fat)43 milligrams cholesterol1,237 milligrams sodium24 grams carbohydrates (8 grams sugar)35 grams protein

Passport Advantage is an HMO Special Needs plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Kentucky Medicaid program. Enrollment in Passport Advantage depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare, and resides in Jefferson, Hardin, Bullitt, or Nelson County. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This premium is covered as long as you remain a full-dual Kentucky Medicaid enrollee. Premium, co-pays, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Passport Advantage (HMO SNP) 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 gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-859-6152 (TTY: 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 1-844-859-6152 (TTY: 711).

Additional Information

At Passport Advantage, we are always here for you and your loved ones.

Let us know what you want to learn about in our next newsletter by calling us at 1-844-859-6152 (TTY/TDD users, please call 711).

We Want to Hear From You!

5100 Commerce Crossings DriveLouisville, KY 40229

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Contact Our Member Services1-844-859-6152 (TTY/TDD users, please call 711)

Available from 8 am to 8 pm EST Monday – Friday from February 15 to September 30 and 7 days a week from October 1 to February 14.

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