spring/summer 2019 ......4 healthstyles • spring/summer 2019 for your benefit stay healthy by...

Y0042_C7109_C

Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-SNP, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal.

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM

Earn a reward for being healthy

See page 2.

STATINS CAN HELP HEART HEALTH

Download Brook to help you better manage your health

HEALTHY OPTIONS CELEBRATES MILESTONE

2 HEALTHSTYLES • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

INSIDE this issue

As we embrace the warmer, sunnier days ahead, let them inspire you to improve your health! We offer many tools and programs to help you reach your health goals and make the most of your benefits. Our Premier Wellness Package, part of our Medicare Advantage plans, offers several great benefits and services to help you stay active and healthy (see page 4). Don’t forget to check out all the ways you can save money just by being a member of Independent Health (see page 7). Before you head out for vacation this season, make sure you understand how your coverage works away from home (see page 12).

BEN

EFIT

SP

OT

LIG

HT

Sometimes we all need a little help staying on the right path. When it comes to your health, Independent Health’s FitWorks® Medicare* program is designed to keep you motivated and on track to wellness with the help of an annual reward.

Through this unique wellness program, you can earn points for engaging in your health and completing different FitWorks Medicare challenges between January 1 and December 31. Upon earning 100 points during your plan year, you will automatically receive a $50 gift card to TOPS Friendly Markets.

Here are the FitWorks Medicare challenges you can choose from this year:• Completing an Enhanced Annual Wellness Visit (30

points). Visit your doctor each year to maintain good health. (See page 4.)

• Completing preventive services (10 points each), such as a colonoscopy, mammogram and flu shot. Independent Health covers more than 25 services at no cost to you.

• Completing a routine vision exam (10 points) to protect your eye health. You must use an EyeMed provider. Copayments may vary by plan.

• Completing a dental exam (10 points) to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy. You must use a HealthPlex provider. Copayments may vary by plan.

Plus, we’ve made it easy for you to participate in FitWorks Medicare. You do not have to fill out any paperwork. Instead, we automatically track your activity and record the points for you.

To learn more about this program, visit www.independent health.com/FitWorks.

*Benefits vary by plan. Benefits, rewards and incentives may change on January 1 of each year. Excludes Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice® HMO-SNP.

EARN A REWARD BY COMPLETING FITWORKS® MEDICARE CHALLENGES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

6 Zipongo® is the easy way to eat well

7 Take part in community initiatives

9 5 ways to protect your bone health

11 Program helps members manage their medications

WWW.INDEPENDENTHEALTH.COM 3

plan information

New for 2019: Independent Health now offers chronic condition special needs plan

Plus, the plan covers prescription drugs to treat most medical conditions, including the medications that are frequently used to treat chronic heart failure and diabetes.

Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for Independent Health’s Assure Advantage® HMO-SNP plan, it’s important that you meet all of the following criteria:• Reside in Erie County• Have chronic heart failure and

diabetes• Must be entitled to or enrolled

in Medicare Parts A and B• Cannot currently have end stage

renal disease (ESRD). This does not apply if you are currently enrolled in another Independent Health plan.


Independent Health has added a new chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP) to our Medicare Advantage product portfolio for 2019. Assure Advantage is specifically developed to provide additional health benefits for eligible Medicare beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with both diabetes and chronic heart failure and reside in Erie County.

Members enrolled in Assure Advantage get benefits specially tailored to their unique needs and have all their care coordinated through our plan. They work with a network of providers who specialize in chronic heart failure and diabetes and receive additional assistance from community health programs.

EASY TO ENROLL! Individuals are able to enroll in Assure Advantage year-round. Enrollment into this plan will automatically disenroll a person from any other Medicare Advantage plan.

If you believe you may be eligible for the Assure Advantage plan or would like more information, you can speak with an Independent Health representative by calling (716) 635-4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405 (TTY users call 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

THANK YOU! Hundreds attend special member appreciation eventsAt Independent Health, we’re proud in knowing more people choose us than any other Medicare Advantage plan in Western New York.* As a way to show our thanks, we hosted special member appreciation events earlier this year. These events were held at five locations throughout Western New York, including our Medicare Information Centers** in Cheektowaga/Depew, Orchard Park and Lakewood.

Members who attended were able to enjoy refreshments while learning how to make the most of their plan benefits, as well as

about opportunities and programs available to them, both through Independent Health and community organizations. In addition, Buffalo broadcasting legend Danny Neaverth from WECK Radio was on hand to help members take a spin at the prize wheel. Harold Haug of Orchard Park was the grand prize winner of an iPad (see photo).

Again, we greatly appreciate your membership and want to remind you that our experienced and knowledgeable RedShirtsSM are always here to help you. Please be on the lookout for information on other special member initiatives in the near future!

*Per CMS WNY enrollment data 4/19. **A salesperson will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405 (TTY users call 711).

This plan requires the use of participating providers, except in the case of emergency care, urgent care or out-of-area renal dialysis. This information is not a complete description of benefits.


for your benefit

Stay healthy by using our Premier Wellness PackageAs a Medicare 4.5-Star rated plan* for 2019, Independent Health does more to keep our members healthy. For example, our Medicare Advantage plans come with our exclusive Premier Wellness Package, which consists of benefits and services that help our members maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Our Premier Wellness Package includes:

Healthy Benefits fitness programThrough Healthy Benefits, you receive a fitness membership at any of the more than 100 participating facilities located throughout Western New York. To begin using this benefit, you simply present your Member ID card at the participating facility of your choice and activate your membership. New for 2019, you are no longer required to pay a $20 activation fee when you join a facility or renew with one.

Preventive dental benefitMost of our Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive dental coverage, which includes:• Oral examinations (two per

calendar year)• Routine cleanings (two per

calendar year) • Bitewing X-rays (two per

calendar year)• Full-mouth X-rays (once in a

36-month period)

Routine vision benefitRoutine vision coverage is provided through EyeMed with all our Medicare Advantage plans and includes both a routine ($0 copay) and post-cataract eye exam, as well as routine and post-cataract eyewear.

Hearing aid benefit Most of our plans cover hearing aids when purchased through TruHearing, as well as a hearing aid evaluation exam. TruHearing Flyte hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to fit your needs.

Telemedicine benefit When you are traveling, need care after hours or can’t reach your primary care physician, our telemedicine benefit, provided through Teladoc®, gets you the care you need for a low copay. Speak by phone to a U.S. doctor anytime, anywhere, for common medical issues, such as cold and flu symptoms, bronchitis, allergies, poison ivy, pink eye, sinus problems, ear infections and more. To learn more, visit www.independenthealth.com/telemedicine.

Enhanced Annual Wellness VisitThis $0 preventive service encourages members to meet with their doctor each year so that they can receive a detailed exam and create a personalized health plan.

FitWorks® MedicareEarn a $50 TOPS gift card for living healthy through this wellness program. See your doctor, get screenings and get rewarded! (See page 2.)

To find a participating Healthy Benefits fitness facility, dental provider and vision provider, visit the “Find a Medicare Provider” section at www.independenthealth.com/medicare. To take advantage of the hearing aid benefit by scheduling a hearing exam, call TruHearing toll-free at 1 (844) 211-1723 (TTY users call 1 (800) 975-2674).

*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. This article describes the benefits for all our HMO and PPO plans. This article does not include our Special Needs Plans. Benefits vary by plan. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Applicable copays may apply for these benefits. Refer to the Evidence of Coverage for complete details. Member must use EyeMed, HealthPlex or TruHearing providers in order to take advantage of these benefits.


good to know

Brook Health Companion features new capabilitiesBrook, a leading digital health platform for chronic disease management, has made it easier for Independent Health members to self-manage their care and make the best decisions about their overall health by expanding the capabilities of the Brook Personal Health Companion for smartphones.

Originally designed to assist those with diabetes, this personal health digital service now also offers a variety of features that can specifically help those with high blood pressure/hypertension understand and control their disease better, as well as provide general health and wellness management support for everyone.

Free to Independent Health members, the Brook Health Companion can be used to log and monitor important individual health information at any time from anywhere, while also quickly connecting you with a health expert who will provide you with personalized guidance and advice when you need it the most.

*NEW* Brook’s Hypertension Experience• The Brook Health Companion

now offers a wide range of hypertension-based skills, including blood pressure protocols, medication support, specific dietary needs and recommendations for increasing cardiovascular health.

• Users can easily and conveniently measure, log and track their blood pressure over time.

• Brook experts provide the full spectrum of hypertension support customized to each user’s personal needs.

*NEW* Brook’s General Health Experience• All users of the Brook Health

Companion can now track their exercise, nutrition, medication and sleep pattern information on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

• Brook analyzes the data to deliver personalized health and wellness recommendations for each user.

• Brook’s team of experts, including nutritionists and registered dietitians, work with each user to set personal goals and develop strategies for accountability to achieve them.

• Brook experts offer professional guidance for creating healthy habits, such as fitting more activity into busy days and planning balanced meals.

TO DOWNLOAD BROOK FOR FREE, visit www .independenthealth.com/brook and have your member ID card handy!

Receive important plan information electronically

Independent Health is required to provide our Medicare members an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and an Evidence of Coverage (EOC) each September. These large documents give an overview of the upcoming changes to your current plan, including the premium rate, benefits and cost share.

If you wish, you can access your ANOC and EOC on any computer or tablet with internet access. Just follow these easy steps:1. Log in at www.independent

health.com/login.2. Click “View Document

preferences” on the Account Home screen under “Documents.”

3. Choose the “electronic” preference, then click “Save preferences.”

Advantages of going paperless• You will have access to your

documents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• If you travel, you will have access to these documents wherever you are.

• You will not have to store these large documents each year.

• This option is voluntary and can be changed at any time.

If you choose to go paperless, you will receive an email notification when a new version of your ANOC and EOC are posted with instructions on how to view them.


eat right

More than 250 local restaurants and food trucks currently participate with Healthy Options to provide heart-healthy food options for their customers. The program also offers monthly cooking classes and a website that features a list of participating restaurants, weekly blog posts, healthy recipes and much more.

Where you can find Healthy Options • With the help of the Healthy

Options program, all food trucks participating in Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square are once again required to offer a healthy menu item this year. The weekly community event, which features nearly 45 food trucks, takes place every Tuesday from

5 to 8 p.m. through October 1. • For the past 13 years, the

Independent Health Foundation has partnered with the Taste of Buffalo to require each restaurant to serve a Healthy Option. The Taste was the first food festival in the United States with this menu requirement. This year’s event will be held July 13 and 14.

• Healthy Options are available at Buffalo RiverWorks, the Erie County Fair and at concession stands throughout New Era Field during Buffalo Bills games.

• The Healthy Options program offers a variety of monthly cooking classes featuring local restaurant chefs and their healthy dishes. All Independent Health members receive a $5 discount off the cost of each class.

Celebrating 15 years of Healthy OptionsSince 2004, the Independent Health Foundation has been helping Western New Yorkers make wiser decisions when dining out and cooking at home through its Healthy Options program.

MAKE SURE YOU VISIT www.healthyoptionsbuffalo .com to view a list of all Healthy Options participating restaurants and food trucks, register for Healthy Options Cooking Classes, download healthy recipes and learn tips for making healthier choices when dining out.

All Independent Health Foundation programs are proudly supported by Adpro Sports, Cave Consulting Group Inc., Conning Inc., Cowden Associates Inc., Crown Benefits Group Inc., Gelia, Global Exel, Hilltop Technologies LLC, Kenmore Family Medicine, Opus MedStrategies and Rl Dotton & Associates Inc.

At Independent Health, we understand that a healthy diet is the foundation for better personal health and a healthier community. That’s why we’re proud to offer Zipongo®, a free digital nutrition platform that makes it easier for our members to select, purchase and prepare healthy foods from home or on the go.

Through Zipongo, you can receive recipes and meal plans highly personalized to your tastes, dietary preferences, restrictions and medical needs, including recommendations for quick and healthy meals.

You also have access to comprehensive nutritional information and coaching, as well as drag-and-drop meal planners, smart grocery lists, and discounts and grocery ordering options on high-quality foods at regional grocery chains. Plus, Zipongo can connect you with third-party providers who can provide you with insight to help you achieve your optimal diet.

To start using Zipongo, log in to yourIndependent Health online member account and click the Zipongo logo. Or download the Zipongo app for your smartphone.

Zipongo® is the easy way to eat well


in the community

Improving the health of WNY through community initiatives

Independent Health partners with nearly 800 local organizations, providers and community partners to offer discounts for our members on a wide range of goods and health and wellness services. Simply show your member ID card and start saving—some discounts offer a savings of 30% or more!

Here are just some of the exclusive member discounts you are eligible for:• Alternative therapies—Receive 20% off

services for acupuncture and massage therapy at select practitioners.

• Buffalo Bills Store—Get 20% off a purchase of $50 or more (excluding jerseys) when shopping at the Bills store at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Show your ID card to take advantage of exclusive member discounts

• Buffalo Museum of Science—Save 10% on a museum membership, which you can use to check out Explore YOU, a health science studio presented by Independent Health.

• Buffalo RiverWorks—Enjoy discounts for many of the health and wellness-related activities RiverWorks hosts during the year, such as paddle boarding, kayaking, pickleball, open skate and learning to curl.

• D’Avolio Olive Oils and Vinegars—Receive 10% off all products except prepared food, plus an additional 30% on seasonings.

TO VIEW THE LATEST SELECTIONS of wellness discounts and participating locations, visit www.independenthealth.com/discounts.

Independent Health is excited to partner with a variety of local organizations to help Western New York get healthy and have fun at the same time. Here are just some of the ways we’re working to make our community healthier:

• Independent Health and the Buffalo Bills are currently offering their 10th Health & Wellness Challenge, a six-week initiative that encourages physical activity and healthy eating. By meeting daily goals and completing challenges, participants have the opportunity to win more than 40 prizes, including a $5,000 cash grand prize. You can still register for this spring’s Challenge, which runs through June 9, at www .buffalobills.com/thechallenge.

• As the official health and wellness partner of Outer Harbor Buffalo, Independent Health invites you to join us at the NEW bike park opening this spring. You can also walk the Independent Health Wellness Trail to Wilkeson Pointe for kayaking, paddle boarding and free fitness classes. Learn more at www.outerharborbuffalo.com.

• Independent Health has teamed up with Shared Mobility, Inc. to bring 250 GPS-enabled bicycles to the streets of Buffalo for short-term, shared use through the Reddy Bikeshare program. Plus, coming this summer, more than 100 Reddy bikes will also be available to residents and visitors of Niagara Falls. To view prices and a map of bike stations, visit www.reddybikeshare.com.

• Independent Health is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Slow Roll Buffalo. See Buffalo by bike every Monday night, now through October, with our free community bike ride. View the full schedule at www .slowrollbuffalo.org.

• In conjunction with YMCA Buffalo Niagara, Independent Health will soon launch the eighth season of Fitness in the Parks. Participants will be able to enjoy hundreds of free outdoor fitness classes taught by YMCA-certified instructors at nearly 25 parks throughout Western New York. View the full schedule and find free giveaway days at www .independenthealth.com/fitpark.


wise choices

Share your wishes by completing a Health Care Proxy form

Independent Health encourages you, if you haven’t done so, to have the conversation about your end-of-life wishes and complete a Health Care Proxy. This is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as your health care agent. This person would be responsible for making health care decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself (e.g., if you’re severely injured or ill).

You can also use the Health Care Proxy to cite what types of treatments you would or would not want (e.g., “If I am in a coma with no hope of recovery, I do not want to receive artificial nutrition provided by feeding tubes”). Without this

document, family members may disagree about the type of care you should receive. A proxy can prevent confusion and help your family and friends make the right health care decisions for you during an already stressful time.

When choosing your health care agent, be sure to select someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Talk with them to make sure they are willing to take on this responsibility. If they agree, share with them your thoughts, beliefs and preferences about how you would want to be treated for the remainder of your life.

Health Care Proxy forms are available at most doctor offices and

at hospitals. You can also download a copy of the form by visiting the “Frequently Used Forms” section at www.independenthealth.com. Once your form is signed, keep the original and give copies to your doctor(s) and your health care agent.

Sleep is vital to one’s health and well-being. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that U.S. adults receive, on average, seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Here are five easy things you can do to improve your sleeping habits:1. Don’t take naps after 3 p.m. Naps can boost your

brain power, but late afternoon naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Also, keep naps to less than an hour.

2. Create a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music—begin an hour or more before the time you expect to fall asleep.

3. Make sure your bed is comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV or listening to music.

For your health’s sake, get a good night’s sleep

4. Avoid physical activity, eating large meals, drinking too many fluids, caffeine, alcoholic drinks and nicotine close to bedtime as they may interfere with sleep.

5. Don’t lie in bed awake. If you find yourself still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and do some relaxing activity until you feel sleepy.

It’s important to practice these habits, but if your sleep problems persist or interfere with how you feel or function during the day, you should speak with your doctor.


take charge

Your risk of getting osteoporosis increases with age. The condition is particularly common in older women. Long-term use of certain medicines, such as steroids and some anti-seizure medications, can also raise your risk. So does having certain chronic conditions, illnesses and/or disabilities that keep you from being physically active for a long time.

But taking good care of your bones can help them stay stronger. Here’s what to do: • Get a bone density test. This

test is painless, similar to having an X-ray. Women ages 65 years and older should have their bone density checked. Some men or women younger than age 65 may also be candidates for bone density testing if they have risks for osteoporosis. This type of testing is typically repeated every two years (or more often, if necessary).

• Consume calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk and dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, sardines, and calcium-fortified juices and cereals. Vitamin D is found in fortified milk, saltwater fish and egg yolks.

• Engage in weight-bearing exercise. Examples include walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, playing tennis and weight training.

5 ways to protect your bone health


Keeping you safeand healthy is veryimportant to usIndependent Health has an organization-wide approach to member safety. Member safety is improved by creating and maintaining processes and structures whose application reduces the probability of adverse events resulting from exposure to the health care system.

Independent Health’s Patient Safety Subcommittee is a clearinghouse for the collection of safety activities across the organization. This committee has responsibilities to organize reporting on existing patient safety activities and to screen for and report opportunities/initiatives to support members, providers and internal staff with member safety efforts.

We also encourage you to visit the “Healthy Living Tips and Guidelines” page under the “My Health” section at www.independenthealth .com to learn how you can protect your health and well-being. There you will find a variety of resources on preventive health, immunizations, chronic diseases, behavioral health, smoking cessation and more. It’s just another way we’re helping you get healthy and stay healthy.

You might think of your bones as solid inside. But they’re actually filled with lots of little holes like a honeycomb. Over time, the holes get bigger, making the bones less dense. Osteoporosis occurs when you lose so much bone density that your bones become weak and break easily.


• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Long-term heavy drinking may cause bone loss. Smoking raises the risk of breaking a bone.

• Discuss medicine with your doctor. Several medicines are available to help prevent or treat osteoporosis. But not everyone needs them. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.

If you’ve broken a bone recently, it’s especially important to talk with your doctor. Discuss whether you would benefit from a bone density test or should do more to prevent osteoporosis. Remember, it’s never too early to bone up on your bone health.

medications

However, the American Diabetes Association now recommends that health care providers prescribe a moderate-intensity statin for patients with diabetes ages 40 to 75. Depending on specific risk factors, some diabetes patients younger than 40 may benefit from statins, too.

How to get started on a statinYou should speak with your doctor about whether using a statin would be beneficial for you. There are currently several different generic statins available on the U.S. market.

Although it’s rare, certain statins may cause muscle aches and related side effects. Therefore, you may need to try more than one statin to find what works best for you.It’s important to keep in mind, though, that medication doesn’t substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A good diet, healthy weight and regular exercise will lower your cholesterol and keep your blood sugar stable.

Prescription drug coverage can play a big role in your decision process when choosing which Medicare Advantage plan will work best for you. With Independent Health, you not only receive comprehensive prescription coverage, you are also covered both locally and nationally with our extensive pharmacy network.

To see what medications are covered under your plan and where our participating pharmacies are located, visit www.independenthealth .com/medicare, go to the “Prescription Coverage” section and then click on “Formularies & Pharmacies.” Please note: Our formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.

If you have any questions about your prescription coverage, call our Member Services Department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY users can call 711.


Lowering your cholesterol can help prevent these problems from happening. If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to control your levels, your health care provider may also prescribe statin medications. According to the American Heart Association, statins are the only cholesterol-lowering drug that can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How can statins help?Statins lower the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. They also reduce the risk of fatty cholesterol plaques breaking off from the walls of blood vessels, which can cause a blood clot and lead to a heart attack or stroke.

At one time, few people with diabetes were put on statins unless they had high levels of low-density lipoprotein—LDL, the “bad” cholesterol that is the main cause of fatty deposits in the arteries.

For people living with diabetes, damage to blood vessels (specifically the arteries) can be a major problem. Substances from fatty and sugar-based foods can easily build up inside vessels, restricting blood flow. As a result, it’s very common for people with type 2 diabetes to also develop blocked arteries, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Learn more aboutyour prescriptiondrug coverage

Statins can help people with diabetes avoid heart issues


here for you

Program helps our members manage their medications

• You have at least three of the following chronic conditions: asthma, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, hyperlipidemia or rheumatoid arthritis.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be notified by mail and/or by telephone. You will then be able to speak with an experienced Independent Health pharmacist who will provide a comprehensive review of all your medications. Through this review, we can:• Help keep you safe by checking

all your medications for interactions

• Identify any possible side effects you may be experiencing

• Ensure you’re getting the best value from your prescriptions

• Provide answers to your unique questions and concerns about your prescriptions

Independent Health offers a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program to eligible Medicare Advantage plan members with prescription drug coverage who need to manage multiple medications for chronic conditions.

This free and voluntary program is designed to help prevent medication-related problems and improve health outcomes by improving the way our members take their medications.

Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:• You are likely to meet a specified

annual cost threshold for all your covered prescription drugs. For 2019, the annual cost threshold is $4,044.

• You have received eight or more distinct prescriptions for chronic conditions.

How to schedule a reviewYou will need to call to make an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Your review can be conducted either over the telephone or in person at our Customer Service Center in Williamsville.

English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711). Independent Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711). Independent Health cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Chinese: 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 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711). Independent Health 遵守適用的聯邦民權法律規定，不因種族、膚色、民族血統、年齡、殘障或性別而歧視任何人。

FOR MORE INFORMATION about MTM or to schedule an appointment, call (716) 250-4436 or 1 (800) 247-1466 ext. 4436 (TTY users call 711), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or email [email protected].

Printed on Recyclable Paper 532M

511 Farber Lakes Drive Buffalo, NY 14221

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PA I D Independent

HealthThe Wellness Magazine for Independent Health Members

KEITH PAGE Editor

Material published in HealthStyles® is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Consult your physician before making changes in your health care regimen. Benefits discussed in HealthStyles® may vary by plan. Developed by StayWell.

© 2019

For more ways to keep yourself healthy, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

As an Independent Health Medicare Advantage plan member, you are eligible to receive worldwide urgent care coverage at urgent care centers or walk-in clinics, worldwide emergency care and medically necessary ambulance services when you are outside of the United States and its territories.* These services are subject to a combined annual plan limit of up to $10,000. Medical costs in excess of this amount will likely be your responsibility. That’s because Original Medicare only provides coverage outside of the country in very rare circumstances.

Buy travel insuranceBefore going on a trip outside of the U.S., you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical costs. There are many varieties of travel insurance, some of which cover medical expenses that are in excess of your $10,000

Health and wellness or prevention information

combined plan limit, as well as transportation back to the U.S. should you require continuing medical treatments. This type of transportation is not covered under your $10,000 plan limit or by Original Medicare.

Helpful tips and reminders• When traveling abroad, bring a

list of the medications you take and a letter from your doctor describing any chronic conditions or medication allergies you may have.

• Carry your Independent Health member ID card with you at all times.

• Part D drugs are not covered when purchased outside of the U.S., even in an emergency.

• If you receive urgent or emergent care outside of the U.S., it’s likely

you will need to pay for these services first and then bill Independent Health for reimbursement. Be sure that you get a receipt for any money you spend on medically necessary services. If possible, ask for the receipts and any medical records in English. This will help speed up the reimbursement process.

• If you are planning to take a cruise, check the ship’s registry before you board. Getting on a cruise ship in a U.S. port does not guarantee that it is registered in this country.

If you have any questions about your plan benefits, review your Evidence of Coverage or call our Member Services Department at (716) 250-4401 or 1 (800) 665-1502 (TTY users call 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*Benefits vary by plan. See your Evidence of Coverage (EOC).

Nothing can disrupt a vacation quite like getting sick, but a little planning ahead can save you time, money and frustration.

Know how your coverage works before traveling