Ageless magazine SPRING 2020 issue (WEB)

FEEL GOOD STAY ACTIVE WE’LL HELP
Ageless
SPRING 2020
COVID-19
What you need to know
Stressed?
It’s OK
COVID-19
benefit changes
Wear
a mask
pg. 3 pg. 4 pg. 6

y
CRESHELLE R. NASH,
M.D., MPH
COVID-19: Some answers to your questions
We are all in this new
normal together.
When the World Health
Organization declared that
COVID-19 was a pandemic
on March 11, life drastically
changed. You may not be able
to visit your primary care
physician like you normally
do. You may not be able to
hug your grandchildren. Even
going to the grocery store, if
you go at all, can be a difficult
challenge.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), older adults
(65+) and people of any age
who have serious underlying
medical conditions may be at
higher risk for more serious
complications from COVID-19.
These conditions include:
• Chronic lung disease or
moderate to severe asthma
• A history of smoking
• Heart conditions
• Conditions affecting
the immune system,
including cancer treatment,
bone marrow or organ
transplantation, poorly
controlled HIV or AIDS, and
prolonged use of immuneweakening
medications like
corticosteroids
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease
2 Ageless SPRING 2020
Being overweight with a body
mass index [BMI] of 40 or
higher also puts a person at risk.
While the unknowns about
COVID-19 can be frightening and
overwhelming, some commonsense
practices can minimize the
virus’ impact:
• Wash your hands often with
soap and water for at least
20 seconds – especially after
coming in contact with people
or items others might have
handled.
• If soap and water aren’t
available, use a hand
sanitizer that contains
at least 60% alcohol.
• When in public, wear a cloth
face covering that covers your
mouth and nose.
• Avoid touching your eyes,
nose and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Limit trips to only those that
are essential, like for food
or medicine. Try to have
essential needs delivered,
if possible.
• Practice social distancing
by keeping at least 6 feet
from people outside your
immediate family (those who
live in the house with you).
• Sanitize counters, door
handles, light switches,
desks, sinks, cell phones and
surfaces frequently.
• Stay home if you are sick.
Wash your
hands
frequently
• Keep track of what trusted
health officials are saying.
The CDC and your local
health department will have
the latest information and
advisories.
It’s important that everyone
follow this advice. These
simple steps can go a long
way to fighting COVID-19 until
a vaccine is developed. If you
feel ill with a cough, fever, and
difficulty breathing, call your
primary care doctor before
visiting the clinic, an urgent care
clinic or the emergency room.
As always, we are here to
answer any questions you
may have. We want you to
be your healthy best today
and in the future.
In good health,
Creshelle

Stressed? Anxious? Depressed?
IT’S OKAY!
Are you feeling off-kilter? You’re
not alone. Most of us are these
days because we have never
lived during a global pandemic.
The hourly news can be
overwhelming and grim.
Additionally, you may be
worried about your retirement
savings one minute, your
children and grandchildren’s
health the next and an hour
later be worried about your
toilet paper supply. You may be
fearful you will become ill with
COVID-19, and you may also be
lonely and depressed. Even a
cloudy day may make you feel
grumpier than normal.
Stress reactions are completely normal during
these times. You or loved loves may feel:
• Overwhelmed or helpless • Lonely or isolated
• Anxious or fearful • Irritable
• Numb
• Angry
You may also have physical symptoms, too:
• Rapid or erratic heart rate • Low energy
• Upset stomach
• Hyper energy
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
COVID-19 won’t vanish with a swift wave of a magic wand. This extended period of upheaval is likely to
continue for many months as officials work to control the virus’ spread and develop vaccines and medicines.
What do you do to manage your feelings?
The best thing you can do is cope with your feelings and manage them.
Easier said than done, right? Here are some tips to help you:
Speak up
Talk about your feelings with family and
friends who you trust. Chances are they
are having similar feelings. Finding support
from one another is good for everyone’s
emotional health.
Stick to your routine
Even if you’re retired, you probably have a
schedule. Stick to it – now more than ever! It’s
easy to just want to pull the covers of your head
because you have no place to go. But you do
have things to do – taking your medicine and
supplements on time, planning meals, eating at
regular times, getting fresh hair and exercising.
Practice good hygiene
You may not make a quick run to the grocery or
attend church these days, but that doesn’t mean
you shouldn’t take a shower, brush your teeth
and wear makeup. Practicing good hygiene and
self-care can help during these uncertain times
because you will feel more in control of your life.
Stay connected
You may not be able to see your children or
grandchildren, but stay in touch with them. Calling,
texting, emailing or videoconferencing can help you
maintain connections with your support system. Be
there for each other. You need them, and they need you!
Tune out
Turn off the television and log off social media.
Hearing about the pandemic continuously can be
stressful. Go for a walk, meditate, play with your
pet, try a new recipe or connect with a friend.
If you can’t seem to shake your anxiety
or depressive feelings or don’t feel like
yourself, talk to your doctor. If you need
help finding a doctor or are unsure which
way to turn, please call to talk to one
of our case managers at 800-225-1891.
Ageless SPRING 2020 3

COVID -19
Coverage Information
We are committed to your health, safety and
well-being. We are working closely with the
state and federal government during the novel
coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) to ensure you
get the information and care you need.
Coverage changes
The following services are covered for
COVID-19 and any related health issues for
our Medicare Advantage members:
• Waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 tests
• Removing prior authorizations and
referral requirements for COVID-19 tests
• Waiving prescription refill limits for
specific prescriptions for managing
chronic conditions
Virtual health
In response to the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19) outbreak, we’re temporarily
expanding virtual health benefits for our
Medicare Advantage members. From March
10, 2020, through at least May 15, 2020, (to
be re-evaluated as we get closer to that date)
we’re waiving member out-of-pocket costs for
virtual health visits. This temporary coverage
expansion includes online video and audioonly
consultations. Check the Arkansas Blue
Cross website at arkansasbluecross.com for
the most current information.
You can use virtual health services at no cost
to you for:
• Routine primary care visits
• Preventive health screenings
• Urgent care visits
• COVID-19 screenings
• Behavioral/mental health
counseling, and more
Taking care of your health
It is important that you feel safe and secure
knowing you can pursue the proper care and
testing you need to protect your health during
this time of concern. Arkansas Blue Cross and
Health Advantage are here for you.
If you are experiencing symptoms or
have questions about your health,
contact your primary care doctor.
Still have
Feel free to call our customer service team. Just call the number
4 Ageless SPRING 2020

Virtual health 101
What is virtual health?
Also known as telehealth or telemedicine,
virtual health is healthcare delivered remotely
over a device such as a smart phone, tablet
or computer. With virtual health powered
by MDLIVE, you can have a virtual visit with
your doctor in a live, two-way audio-visual
communication. It’s basically the same if you
use FaceTime or a similar app to talk to your
family, but instead you are talking to your
doctor about your health.
What types of services does
virtual health cover?
• Common office visits
• Mental health counseling
• Preventive health screenings
Why should you use virtual health services?
You can visit with a doctor from your own home
without visiting a doctor’s office or hospital,
which might put you at risk for infection.
It also helps doctors and nurses treat more
people who need to be seen in-person.
Virtual health can assist with:
Acne • Allergies • Common cold
Constipation • Cough • Diarrhea
Ear problems • Fever • Flu • Headache
Insect bites • Nausea • Pink eye • Rash
Urinary problems • Vomiting ... and more!
What equipment do I need to use
virtual health services?
You can use telehealth services on any device
that has audio and video capabilities that
are used for two-way, real-time interactive
communication. Examples of these devices
questions?
on the back of your member ID card. We are here to help.
VIRTUAL
HEALTH
is not for
emergencies
include desktop or laptop computers with
video cameras and microphones, smart
phones and tablets.
If you have a broken bone, excessive
bleeding, dangerously high fever, bad burn,
symptoms of heart attack or stroke, etc., call
your primary care provider’s clinic after-hours
number or 911 before going to an emergency
room during the COVID-19 outbreak.
How do I use virtual health?
You can visit with a doctor from your own home
without visiting a doctor’s office or hospital,
which might put you at risk for infection.
It also helps doctors and nurses treat more
people who need to be seen in-person.
• Register for My Blueprint
– If you’re not registered for My Blueprint,
getting registered is the first step. If you
already have a My Blueprint account, sign
in to get started on the arkbluecross.com
website.
• Activate your Virtual Health account
– Once you’re signed in to My Blueprint,
select the Virtual Health link.
– Then follow the prompts to create your
virtual health username, password and
security question. (You only need to do
this once.)
• Select a doctor
– Choose from a large network of
state-licensed, board-certified
doctors (including pediatricians).
– Start your virtual health visit
Disclaimer: Arkansas law requires your first call to be a video
call. Have your health information handy (conditions you have
and medicines you take). And be prepared to pay a copayment,
coinsurance or deductible amount, if your health plan requires it.
If you have questions, please call the number on the back of your
member ID card.
Ageless SPRING 2020
5

DON’T FORGET
YOUR MASK!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends everyone wear either a
simple mask or other face covering (such as
a bandana) when in public (along with social
distancing) to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
We now know some COVID-19 infected individuals
are asymptomatic, which means they show no
symptoms before they become sick. In fact, they
may not even get sick. If everyone wears a mask
in public, the spread of the virus by asymptomatic
people can be minimized.
That’s because any coughs and sneezes are
“caught” inside the mask.
Even a simple cotton mask adds another layer of
protection for you, your family and those who are at
high risk – the immunocompromised and the elderly.
You probably have the supplies you need for a mask
in your home right now, like a T-shirt or a bandana
that can be easily folded with a coffee filter and held
in place with two ponytail holders. Yes, seriously.
If you feel stressed or unsafe going out, stay in. Your
risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19
may increase in crowded, closed-in settings if there
are people in the crowd who are sick.
You know your health – physical and mental –
better than anyone else. Although some businesses
may re-open soon, don’t feel pressured to return to
REMEMBER,
MASKS SHOULD
Fit snugly but
comfortably against
the side of the face
Be secured with ties
or ear loops
Include multiple
layers of fabric
Allow for breathing
without restriction
Be able to be washed
and machine dried
without damage or
change to the shape
Illustrations
from CDC.com
business as usual. If that means staying
inside for a few more weeks, give yourself
permission to do that.
But if you should decide to go out,
don’t forget to wear a mask.
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Ageless SPRING 2020

CASE
MANAGEMENT
Our Medi-Pak Advantage Nurse Case
Management team is always here for
you! We can help you with a variety of
situations, questions or concerns you
may have about COVID-19.
We want to know because we may be able to help:
Do you have
adequate food,
clothing or
shelter?
Are you having
trouble getting food
or have unreliable
transportation?
Do you have
difficulties regarding
job loss or reduced
work hours?
Do you have
enough medication?
If not, can you have
your medicine
delivered in order
to stay inside?
Do you have
sleeping problems
because you’re
worrying about the
future, paying bills
or watching too
much TV?
Do you need to visit
a doctor and can’t
because of COVID-19
closures? Do you
have questions
about telehealth?
We can discuss life situations affecting you and your family. Our case
managers always encourage, assist and support our members. We also
work closely with members to promote chronic disease management.
Ultimately, we want you to have the best healthcare experience possible.
To reach a case manager, please call 800-225-1891, extension 51109.
Ageless SPRING 2020
7

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
P.O. Box 2181
Little Rock, AR 72203-2181
Please note: This newsletter is for health education purposes only. We do not offer medical advice or
services. Always consult your treating physician(s) for any medical advice or services you may need.
Ageless
A publication for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Medicare Advantage members.
MPI 9311 4/20 HEALTH AND WELLNESS OR PREVENTION INFORMATION
Scammers love to take advantage of a
situation, and that’s true in times like
we are in now with the current outbreak
of COVID-19. You may see the following
advertisements or solicitations on the
internet, by email or in person:
• Advertisements for vaccinations,
medications or ineffective health
products (herbal teas, supplements,
oils or ointments) to treat coronavirus.
• Unexplained or unauthorized laboratory
tests or prescriptions appearing on your
Explanation of Benefits statement. This
could be caused by identity theft or
medical fraud.
• Emails about coronavirus that can
contain computer viruses (don’t open
attachments from unknown senders).
• Phone calls asking for your member
ID/bank account information for free
testing/services.
• Door to door solicitation for testing
and prescribing.
Don’t take the bait. Pay attention to local and
federal authorities. Watch the news. If you think
a message could be a scam, it probably is. If
someone says they are from Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield, hang up and call our
customer service number on the back of your
member ID card. If the call did come from one of
our customer service representatives, we should
have a record of the call.