too hot to handle - SCAN Health Plan

JULY/AUGUST 2012
scanclub
A N E W S L E T T E R F O R S C A N M E M B E R S
too hot to handle
I N S I D E
3 35 years of SCAN
4 The long and short of medications
5 Vision matters
6 Get the most out of Healthy Rewards from SCAN
7 Energy help is at hand
(Continued on Page 2)

too hot to handle
(Continued from Front Cover)
Tip: Make sure you always have a bottle of water
with you: in your car and/or in your purse. That
way if your car breaks down or your ride is
running late you can stay hydrated.
2. Keep eating. Heat causes some people to lose
their appetites. Make a point of eating healthy
foods, like lean proteins, fresh produce and whole
grains. Low-fat cottage cheese with fresh summer
fruit is a great hot-weather snack or light meal.
Keep in mind that your body needs water to digest,
so if you are already dehydrated eating can make
it worse.
3. Be careful outdoors. If you plan to exercise
outside, do it early in the morning, before the sun
is high and the roads get hot. Find shade whenever
possible. And remember your sunscreen. Apply it to
all exposed areas, including balding spots, top of
ears and back of neck.
4. Stay safe indoors. When the heat peaks, stay
inside, preferably in air-conditioning. If you don’t
have air, head somewhere that does. Try the
library, senior center, mall, or movie theater. Most
communities in hot climates have cooling centers or
“heat-relief shelters” just for this purpose. Call your
local health department to find the one closest to
you.
Tip: According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, electric fans alone are not enough
when temperatures are in the high 90s. If you don’t
have or can’t get to air conditioning, take a cool
shower or bath.
5. Dress cool. Avoid tight T-shirts and choose lightcolored,
loose-fitting items. Natural fabrics like
cotton and linen are best.
6. Start a buddy system. Heat-induced illness can
cause confusion and even lead to unconsciousness,
so make contact with others at least twice a day.
Check in with friends or neighbors to make sure
they are okay – and to let them know if you need
anything.
Heat-related Illness
The warning signs of heat stroke and heat
exhaustion include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
Both are serious, but heat stroke needs
immediate medical attention. Here’s how
to tell the difference:
• If it’s heat stroke, the pulse will be fast
and strong and the skin will be hot and
dry.
• If it’s heat exhaustion, the pulse will be
fast and weak and the skin will be cool
and moist.
With heat stroke, the body’s temperature
can rise to 103° or even higher. While
you’re waiting for medical attention to
arrive, do what you can to cool the person
down. If the symptoms of heat exhaustion
don’t improve in one hour, call the doctor
or head to the urgent care center.
2

35 Years of SCAN
A Message from Chris Wing
SCAN is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year
and I recently had lunch with someone who was
there in 1977, when the organization that eventually
became the Senior Care Action Network (SCAN)
was formed. Mike Markley was CEO of the Board of
Directors in those early days and remained an active
member until just a few years ago. So when Mike
and his wife, Nancy, decided the time was right to
join a Medicare Advantage health plan this year, do
you think they automatically
signed up for SCAN? Well, no,
they didn’t. First they did their
homework. They researched
all their options. And then they
joined SCAN!
I’m also celebrating a SCAN
anniversary. I’ve now been
here for a full year and I can honestly say that
SCAN is living up to my high expectations. Every
SCAN employee knows that we are here to keep
our members healthy and living independently for
as long as possible. It’s not just a motto on a wall or
something we say, it’s something we do. Every day.
alone, but she was
lonely. There isn’t
a lot we can do for
the dementia, but
we were still able to
make a huge difference in this member’s life. With
her approval, we contacted a local volunteer agency
that was able to find the perfect “friendly visitor”
for her. When I say perfect, I mean it – they have
become fast friends.
Every SCAN employee knows that
we are here to keep our members
healthy and living independently
for as long as possible.
Making that connection
has brought this member
joy, love, and a sense of
purpose. That’s a great
thing. I’m so pleased to
be part of an organization
that knows that good
health is more than the right medical care. That
the personal touch, whether from a caring SCAN
representative or a friendly visitor, can make all the
difference. In closing, I hope you will celebrate many
anniversaries with SCAN, and allow us to serve you
for years to come.
Here’s an example. One of our long-time members
suddenly began calling SCAN for all sorts of
reasons. It didn’t take long for Member Services
to realize something wasn’t quite right, so they
got Care Management involved. One of our Care
Management nurses got to know this member,
gained her trust, and learned she’d been diagnosed
with early dementia. Not only did this member live
With appreciation,
Chris Wing
President & CEO
member services questions answered!
I’ve been using my computer for more and more things lately. Is it possible to
get my SCAN information sent electronically?
Certainly! There are many benefits to receiving your
information online. For one, you don’t have to find
a place to store the different booklets and member
materials you receive. And it’s convenient. If the
information is online it’s always at your fingertips.
To receive your SCAN materials online, go to our
website: www.scanhealthplan.com/online. Then follow
the simple directions. You may still receive some
updates or special mailings from us by standard mail.
Otherwise, when your annual benefit information or
next issue of the SCAN Club newsletter is ready, you’ll
receive an email telling you the information is now
online. You will either log in to view it or, in the case of
the newsletter, just click on the link provided.
SCAN Member Services
1-800-559-3500
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week
TTY: 1-800-735-2929
G7041 07/12 (CA)
Y0057_SCAN_7334_2012F File & Use 07102012
3

Remember to Refill
Getting refills is a challenge
for many people. See if one or
more of these tips will work for
you:
• Plan to refill your medication
a week before you run out.
• Mark the refill date on your
calendar.
the long and short
of medications
• Ask your pharmacy if they
have an auto-refill program.
This is the best solution
because the pharmacy can
automatically refill your
prescription, then let you
know when it’s ready for
pick-up. Some programs
can even ship it directly to
your home.
Some medications are meant to be taken short-term
and others are to be taken long-term. Both types of
prescription medications play an important role in
helping you get and stay healthy. Do you know how you
are supposed to take each of your medications? If not,
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain. You can also
check the label on the bottle or refer to the papers that
came with the medication.
Medications for Short-Term Conditions
Certain conditions last for a short period of time and
need just a short course of treatment. A bacterial
infection is a common short-term condition – and you
would take an antibiotic to clear it up. Short-term
medications like antibiotics usually do not have refills.
Other reasons you might need to take a medication on
a short-term basis are for insomnia, anxiety or allergies.
Here are some questions to ask when you get a new
prescription:
• Do I need to finish the bottle or can I stop taking this
medication once I feel better?
• Will I need to get a refill?
Medications for Long-Term Conditions
Examples of long-term or “chronic” conditions include
high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol,
or glaucoma. These conditions can get worse if you
don’t take your medication regularly – even though you
may feel the same whether you take the medication or
not. That’s why you still need to take these medications
even if you feel “fine.” You will also need to refill these
medications on time, before you run out, so that you
don’t miss a dose.
Help Prevent Medicare Fraud
SCAN works hard with our government and business partners to fight fraud, waste & abuse in the health
care industry and protect your valuable benefits. You can help by letting us know if you see something that
just doesn’t seem right. For example, if you:
• Receive a bill for services that were not performed or supplies that were not delivered.
• Receive an explanation of benefits for drugs you did not receive.
• Suspect that your SCAN ID card, your Medicare card, or personal information was misused to get
benefits.
To report possible fraud, waste or abuse:
Toll-free 24-hour Hotline: 1-877-863-3362
E-mail: FraudWaste&AbuseProg@scanhealthplan.com
Online: www.scanhealthplan.com. Click on the green “Current Members” box, and then “Report Medicare
Fraud” at the top left side of the page. This webpage has more information about fraud, waste and abuse,
along with a form you can fill out to submit a report online.
4

vision matters
“The eyes are the first to go” is the common saying.
There’s some truth to that. Changes in vision are
very common as we age. Even if you haven’t been
diagnosed with vision problems, you probably know
someone who has – you may even have been their
“designated driver” after a dilated eye exam or eye
surgery left them unable to drive for a time.
The most important thing you can do to save your
sight is to get regular eye exams, which are covered
for SCAN members. Below are the eye conditions
that commonly affect seniors.
Cataracts
Simply getting older can cause cataracts, as can
too much sun or certain diseases, like diabetes. A
cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens, which
eventually makes it difficult to see clearly. If you’re
getting regular exams, your doctor may detect a
cataract before you do. Symptoms include:
• Cloudy, filmy or fuzzy vision
• Decreased night vision
• Spots or halos around lights
• Problems with glare or double vision
Once a cataract does start to affect your vision
to the point that it impacts your life, you’ll want
to discuss having it surgically removed. In this
procedure your clouded lens will be replaced with
an artificial lens.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a buildup of fluid inside the eye that
causes pressure, which then damages the optic
nerve. “Open-angle” glaucoma is the most common
form. It usually develops gradually and painlessly so
that by the time you notice a change in your vision,
the damage is permanent.
Symptoms include:
• Frequent changes in your eyeglasses prescription
• Blurred or double vision that develops slowly
• Problems with glare during the day and at night
• Tunnel vision
Call your doctor
right away if you:
• Have severe eye pain, or
• Have a sudden change in your vision,
such as flashes of light, partial blindness
or shadows
Treatment can stop further damage by lowering the
pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is usually treated
with eye drops. Be sure to follow a daily schedule
for your eye drops so that they work the way they
should. You may also need laser treatment or
surgery.
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is when the
“macula” of your eye is damaged. The macula is
what provides your central vision. Symptoms include:
• Dim or blurry central vision
• Blind spot in your central vision
• Straight lines that appear curved
There is no treatment, but there are many products
and aids that can help boost your vision. To start,
make sure your eyeglasses are up-to-date and use
good, bright lighting.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinopathy is when the small blood vessels on your
retina (the lining on the back of your eye) swell and
become weak. As the disease continues, the blood
vessels leak and cause the retina itself to swell. This
is when vision loss occurs. If it continues, it can lead
to complete loss of vision.
Your risk for diabetic retinopathy depends largely
on two things: how long you have had diabetes
and whether or not you have kept good control of
your blood sugar. Keeping your blood sugar levels
within an appropriate range can reduce your risk for
diabetic retinopathy and can slow the progression of
the disease if it has already started.
5

your annual wellness
guidebook
a resource to help you stay
healthy and independent
©2005 Entertainment Publications, Inc. Printed in U.S.A. xxxxxxxx
Get the most out of Healthy Rewards from SCAN
You’ve probably received your Healthy Rewards
from SCAN packet in the mail – it includes the
Wellness Guidebook (pictured above) and handy
green “wallet.” Here are answers to some of the
questions members have asked about the program.
I had my Annual Wellness Visit before I received
the Wellness Guidebook. Do I have to have
another one? No – you are covered for one
Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. So if you
had yours before you received the guidebook,
just have your doctor or a member of his/her
staff sign the form the next time you’re in (be
sure to put the date you had the AWV, not
the date you’re having the form signed).
Note: If you are in your first year of Medicare,
you will not have an Annual Wellness Visit.
Instead, you will have a “Welcome to Medicare”
visit (your doctor may know it as an Initial
Preventive Physical Exam, or IPPE). You can
still use the AWV form for this visit and it will
count for your reward when you return it.
Coupons for pizza and fast food? Do you really
want your members eating that? We realize not
all the coupons work for everyone – that’s why
there’s such a variety. But fast food is low-cost
and convenient and it’s possible to eat healthy
at a fast food restaurant (see tips below). But
here’s an idea: give away those coupons you
won’t use. Give the pet care coupons to a friend
with dogs; fast food to a grandchild or the young
neighbor who helps with your yard work. Or
offer them to the staff at your doctor’s office.
Does this program affect my SCAN benefits? No, it
does not affect your benefits at all. It is an optional
program. The goal is to remind our members
about the preventive care they need. And then
to reward you when you do get needed care.
Healthy Fast Food Options
Chain restaurants are now required to provide nutrition information. Ask for it and use it as a
guide to make healthy choices even when you eat out. As with all meals, watch your portion
size. Here are some guidelines:
Pizza:
• Order “easy cheese” and skip the meat
• Get whole wheat crust if it’s an option
• Load up on veggies
Sandwich shops:
• Choose whole grain bread
• Skip the cheese – or ask for just 1 slice
• Pick lean meats (chicken breast, roast beef
or lean ham)
• Skip the mayonnaise
• Pile on the veggies
Mexican food:
• Skip cheesy items (cheese enchiladas,
quesadillas)
• Avoid sour cream
• Easy on guacamole (high in fat, but it's a
“good” fat)
• Use all the salsa you like
• Choose whole beans over refried
• Go “soft shell” – avoid deep-fried shells
and chips
6

meant running the air conditioner
more often than they had in years
past. So when their first utility bill
of the summer arrived, they were
stunned. They were on a fixed
income that was already tight. A
higher energy bill meant less money
for other necessities.
Luckily, help was right there on their
bill. Jeff called their utility company,
explained their situation and found
out about the different programs
the company offered. In Jeff and
Susan’s case, they qualified for three
programs:
energy help
is at hand
Jeff and his wife, Susan, have had a difficult few
months, with extra expenses and new health
challenges. Their old refrigerator finally broke
down for good, leaving them no choice but to
replace it. Susan was now on oxygen, so it was
just easier to stay home. And during the hot
summer months, staying comfortable at home
• One-time rebate on their new
energy-efficient refrigerator
• Monthly medical discount
• Monthly discount based on their
income
While specific programs vary, all
utility companies are committed to
helping their customers who are in
need. So if you or someone you know is having
trouble making ends meet, call your utility provider.
In addition, let them know if someone in your home
is seriously ill or disabled, and any special energy
needs you have (like medical equipment that runs
on electricity).
Top 6 ways to
improve your health
At SCAN, we’ve found that the main things you
can do to improve your health fall into one of 6
categories. We’ll shine a spotlight on one in each
issue. You’ve heard these 6 tips before, of course,
but we will try to share a new idea or approach that
you can use.
1 Stay current on your care
2 Sleep—for seniors, quantity counts
3 Focus on brain fitness
4 Have fun
5 Eat right
6 Move your body
3
Focus on Brain Fitness
Keeping your brain fit starts with a healthy lifestyle: eat right, exercise, moderate drinking
and no smoking. Beyond that, studies have shown that exercising your mind can improve its
function. One of the best – and most interesting – ways to “exercise” your mind is to keep learning
new skills.
Already play mahjong? Try a new version of this ancient Chinese board game. A wiz at crossword
puzzles? Try Sudoku. Play an instrument? Learn another. Even doing everyday things differently can
help. To that end, brush your teeth with your “other” hand. Do your regular walk route backwards.
And here’s a fun suggestion: borrow a math book from a student and see if you are, as the TV show
asks, “Smarter Than a 5th Grader.”
7

Need Assistance? SCAN is here to help.
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1-800-915-7226
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7 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days per week
1-800-735-2929
Member Services
7 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days per week
1-800-559-3500
SCAN OnCall ®
1-800-793-1717
24-hour Access to Medical Information
Visit our web site
www.scanhealthplan.com
This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact our Customer Service number at
1-800-559-3500 for additional information. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas.
Comuníquese a nuestro número de Servicio al Cliente al 1-800-559-3500 para obtener más información.
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1-800-559-3500 để biết thêm thông tin.
What’s Inside:
• Too hot to handle
• Taking medications correctly
• Healthy fast food options
• How to get less mail from SCAN
• Reporting Medicare fraud
Computer Calling? If it’s SCAN, please pick up! SCAN will sometimes use computerized phone
calls to get important messages out to a large number of members in a short amount of time. If you hear
a not-quite-live voice say it is calling with an important message from SCAN, please listen. If you have
caller ID, you will see the SCAN name before you pick up.
3800 Kilroy Airport Way
Suite 100, P.O. Box 22616
Long Beach, CA 90806-5616
www.scanhealthplan.com
N o n P r o f i t
Organization
U.S.POSTAGE
P A I D
santa ana, CA
Permit No. 522
SCAN Health Plan is a Medicare
Advantage Organization with
a Medicare Contract. SCAN
also contracts with the California
Department of Health Care Services
(DHCS) for Medicare/Medi-Cal
eligible beneficiaries. For more
information please contact SCAN
or visit www.scanhealthplan.com.
G7041 07/12 (CA)
Y0057_SCAN_7334_2012F File & Use 07102012