A Magazine For Blue Cross Complete Of Michigan Members
SPRING 2017
IN THIS ISSUE:
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Managing
springtime
asthma triggers
Helping moms
and babies stay
healthy
Healthy cooking
with Chef Paul
Australian chef Paul Penney has become well known
in Michigan’s cooking scene with his personal chef
service called Aussie in the Kitchen.
He presents and teaches for Lunch and Learn
cooking programs at businesses throughout Southeast
Michigan. He has appeared on many U.S. TV segments
for his clients. He is also a regular on the Fox 2 Detroit morning show with Deena
Centofanti. On the show, he demonstrates healthy alternative recipes.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, he now lives in Canton with his wife,
Sandy, and daughter Emma.
Heidi Chan
Market President
Donald S. Beam, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Laura J. Mutz
Editor, Communications and Marketing
Editorial Board
Mary Dooley
Julia Griffith, L.L.P., L.P.C.
Ramia Kaji
Paul A. Loffreda
Michele Lundberg
Carl E. Pate Jr., M.S.F., J.D.
Miriam Twardon-Bielski
CLIP AND
SAVE THIS
RECIPE
Contact us
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
Suite 210
100 Galleria Officentre
Southfield, MI 48034
1-800-228-8554
TTY users: 1-888-987-5832
24 hours a day, seven days a week
We welcome your letters
Editor, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
My Blue Health
Suite 210
100 Galleria Officentre
Southfield, MI 48034
Our website is MiBlueCrossComplete.com.
While website addresses for other
organizations are provided in My Blue Health
for reference, Blue Cross Complete does not
control these sites and is not responsible for
their content.
The Healthy Michigan Plan is a health care
program from the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services. Blue Cross
Complete administers Healthy Michigan Plan
benefits to eligible members.
This publication is provided to help you
learn about your health condition. It is not
to take the place of your doctor. If you have
questions, talk with your doctor. If you think
you need to see your doctor because of
something you have read in this information,
please contact your doctor. Never stop or
wait to get medical attention because of
something you have read in this material.
VEGETARIAN CABBAGE SOUP
Yield: 15 (approximately 2-cup servings)
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tablespoons oil (coconut, canola,
olive or vegetable)
• 1½ cups roughly chopped carrots
• 1½ cups diced onion
• 3 cups chopped celery
• 1½ cups of ½-inch diced potato
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups roughly chopped
green cabbage
• 2–3 dried or fresh bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
(or more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 46 ounces low-sodium tomato or
vegetable juice
Final additions to soup:
• 1–2 14.5-ounce cans garbanzo or
any type (pinto, great northern) of
canned beans, rinsed
• 1½ cups chopped green pepper
• 2–3 cups water
• 1 cup dried small pasta — whole
grain if possible (ditalini, orzo, mini
shells) — or cooked whole grains
(farro, brown rice, barley, quinoa)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large hot
soup pot, add
oil, carrots,
onion, celery
and potato and
sauté for three to four
minutes.
2. Add garlic and sauté for an
additional three to four minutes.
3. Add cabbage, bay leaves, paprika,
ground pepper, tomatoes and
tomato/vegetable juice, and
combine well.
4. Cover and cook on medium heat
for two to four hours, or until
vegetables are al dente in texture.
5. Add canned beans, green
peppers, pasta and water.
6. Cook for at least eight minutes
until pasta is cooked.
7. Remove bay leaves prior
to serving.
8. Add salt and pepper if
required for taste.
9. Soup may be stored in
refrigerator for up to one
week or in the freezer for
up to three months.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Per serving (~2 cups): 185 calories; 2.8 g fat; <1 g saturated fat;
8 mg cholesterol; 95 mg sodium; 35 g carbohydrates;
7 g sugar; 12 g fiber; 9 g protein
Balancing a
healthy diet
with exercise
Americans must do more to fight obesity
and prevent chronic disease. In response to this
need, the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans from the Office of Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion focuses on how
important it is to eat well and live
an active lifestyle.
Specific guidelines include
the following:
• Focus on fresh, canned or frozen
fruits. A 2,000-calorie diet should
include 2 cups of fruit every day. For
example, in a day you could eat one
orange, one small banana and a
½ cup of dried apricots or peaches.
• Vary your vegetables. A
2,000-calorie diet should include
2½ cups, or three servings, of
vegetables per day. Reach for a
variety of colors, including dark
green veggies such as broccoli.
• Eat calcium-rich foods. Aim for
3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk or an
equivalent portion of yogurt or lowfat cheese. As a guide, 1½ ounces of
cheese equals 1 cup of milk.
• Target whole grains. Eat at least
3 ounces (or three servings) of whole
grains, such as 1½ cups of cooked rice,
pasta or cereal; 3 ounces of dry cereal;
or three slices of bread each day.
• Use lean protein. Bake, grill or boil
lean meats and poultry. And choose
a variety of protein sources, such as
beans, peas, nuts, seeds and fish.
• Limit salt. Older adults, AfricanAmericans and people with high
blood pressure should eat 1,500 mg
or less of sodium each day. Other
adults should aim for 2,300 mg or less.
Step up activity level
The guidelines stress that at least
30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity
five days per week can help lower your
risk for chronic diseases. This includes
Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high
blood pressure and certain cancers.
Children and teenagers should be
physically active for 60 minutes on most
days. Adults seeking to manage their
weight should also get 60 minutes of
moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity
on most days of the week, without
going over the required calorie intake.
Talk with your doctor about setting up
an exercise program that is right for you.
Diet advice on the go
The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans can now be
downloaded on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Get this resource
to help you stay on track by visiting health.gov/dietaryguidelines.
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Know your
numbers:
Cholesterol
and BMI
Body mass index
Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure
of how much body fat you have. It uses
your weight and height to come up
with a BMI number. Using this number,
you and your doctor can tell if you
might have a weight problem. Carrying
extra weight increases your risk for
health problems such as heart disease,
hypertension and diabetes. If your
doctor says your BMI is too high, take
steps to lower it, such as eating healthy,
exercising and getting enough rest.
If you’re a parent, it’s important that
you know your child’s BMI percentile.
This information helps you see how
your child compares with other children
of the same age. Your child’s doctor will
give you advice about healthy eating
and activity that’s right for your child.
Cholesterol
Men should receive a fasting
lipoprotein profile, which tests your
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”)
cholesterol, total cholesterol and
triglycerides every five years, starting
at age 35. Women should ask their
doctors how often to be screened
after age 20. Depending on your risk
factors, your doctor may recommend
that you have your cholesterol
checked more often.
High cholesterol increases your
risk for heart disease and stroke.
Reducing the amount of saturated fat
and trans fat in your diet can lower
your cholesterol and keep your
heart healthy.
Spring 2017 | 5
Health
Managing springtime
asthma triggers
By the time spring arrives, gardens in bloom are a welcome sight for winter-weary eyes. Along with flowers and
grass, however, come seasonal allergens such as pollen and mold. These and other allergens may make asthma
symptoms worse. Find out what triggers your asthma in the spring. By avoiding seasonal allergens, you’ll worry
less and enjoy the spring more.
Talk with your doctor
Breathing clean air is necessary for
healthy lungs. For people with asthma,
it’s especially important. Tobacco
smoke is one trigger that makes asthma
symptoms hard to control.
People with mild to moderate asthma
who smoke have worse symptoms than
those who don’t smoke. Medicine for
asthma flare-ups doesn’t work as well in
people who smoke.
Secondhand smoke can also bring on
asthma symptoms. Try to avoid places
with secondhand smoke. If you have
asthma, here are some other ways to
limit your exposure:
• Ask visitors not to smoke in your
home or car.
• Avoid places where smokers gather.
• If your state allows smoking in public
spaces, choose restaurants with a
no-smoking policy.
• Be a role model. Don’t smoke.
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing
you can do to manage asthma and live a
healthier life. Quitting is hard, but worth
it. Talk with your doctor about stopping.
Your doctor can help you make a plan
to quit and give you information to help
you succeed. Blue Cross Complete
offers a free tobacco quit program to
help you quit smoking. To enroll in our
4 | MyBlueHealth
program, call 1-800-480-7848, 8 a.m.
to 1 a.m. seven days a week. (TTY users
should call 1-888-229-2182.)
Avoid outdoor triggers
Springtime brings an increase in outdoor
allergens, which may make your asthma
symptoms worse. Mold spores and
pollen from blooming flowers are two
common allergens that may trigger a
flare-up. These small particles travel
through the air and cause allergy
symptoms when breathed in. Tree pollen
is often the culprit in early spring and
grass pollen in later spring. Outside,
mold can be found in soil, plants and
rotting wood. More mold spores are
released into the air as the weather
warms up.
Limit your exposure
Plan ahead for ways to avoid or reduce
your exposure to outdoor allergens. For
instance, keep the windows rolled up
when traveling by car, and dry clothes
and linens in the dryer instead of outside
on a clothesline.
Check your local forecast for airquality alerts before going out. When
mold and pollen counts are highest
during the day, try to:
• Stay inside
• Keep doors and windows closed
• Use an air conditioner
If you have to go out, when you return,
take a shower, wash your hair and put on
clean clothes.
For information on your local
air quality, visit the American Lung
Association at stateoftheair.org.
Talk with your doctor if you don’t have
good control of your spring asthma
symptoms. Allergy testing is one way to
find out what triggers to avoid.
Garden right
Springtime triggers don’t mean doing
yard work is off-limits. Follow these tips
to garden safely:
• Keep pollen and mold spores off your
body by wearing gloves and a mask,
and showering immediately upon
coming inside
• Choose flowering plants known to
be better for people with allergies,
such as dahlias, snapdragons, tulips
and roses
• Leave the mowing and raking to
someone else
Plan your outdoor gardening activities
when mold and pollen counts are the
lowest. The best times are on rainy,
cloudy and windless days.
The American Lung Association has
more helpful tips for ways to garden
at lung.org.
Health
Spring-cleaning safely
Many Americans say goodbye to winter with
spring-cleaning. It’s a good idea to have a clean
home because it can help keep mold and other
triggers from cropping up, but many cleaning
products that contain harsh chemicals can
cause your asthma symptoms to worsen.
To clean without irritating your lungs, it may
help to:
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and
dirt sensor
• Dust with a damp cloth to keep dirt from
becoming airborne
• Wear gloves and a facial mask
• Mix ¾ cup bleach and 1 gallon water to
remove mold from window frames and sills
• Wash walls with vinegar
Heavily scented products are known asthma
triggers. Check the labels on your cleaning
products and make sure they are fragrancefree. If you are unsure how to read a label
or identify a safe cleaning product, visit the
Environmental Protection Agency’s website
at epa.gov/dfe.
Rethink bug spray
Bugs can carry diseases, so keeping them off
your body is a good idea, but using bug spray
could trigger asthma symptoms. If you’re going
to use bug spray, opt for unscented lotions
instead of aerosol sprays.
Other ways to prevent bug bites that don’t
involve bug spray include:
• Wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants
and socks
• Emptying containers of standing water, like
flower-pot liners
• Staying indoors at dawn or dusk, when bugs
are most active
When using heavily scented candles, such as
citronella, stay several feet away. The smell (and
smoke) are known triggers.
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Spring 2017 | 5
Health
Blue Cross Complete offers disease
management and complex care programs
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan offers two special
programs to help you stay healthy: Disease Management
and Complex Care Management.
• Disease Management: As a member of Blue Cross
Complete, you’re automatically enrolled in our Disease
Management Program if you have one of these
conditions:
>Asthma
> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
>Diabetes
> Heart disease
As a part of this program, you’ll receive educational
information in the mail. And you can request a care
manager to help you manage your health care needs.
• Complex Care Management: If you have a serious
health condition or multiple medical issues, you
may be enrolled in our Complex Care Management
Program. This program provides you with more
extensive care to better manage your specific needs.
Alfreda (left) and
Donulae (right)
Our programs help you better understand your
condition, and you don’t need a referral for either of
these programs.
Don’t forget that a care manager is available to help
coordinate your care. We can also send you information
about your specific medical needs.
You should also talk with your primary care physician,
specialist or health care provider about your needs.
If you would like to work with a care manager, or if you
have questions:
• Call Customer Service at 1-800-228-8554, 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. (TTY users should call
1-888-987-5832.)
• Write to us at:
Member Services
100 Galleria Officentre, Suite 210
Southfield, MI 48034
If you don’t want to be a part of these programs,
please let us know. It won’t change your benefits, and
it won’t change the way Blue
Cross Complete or the Michigan
Department of Health and Human
Services treats you.
“It’s important
that insurance plans offer
Disease Management/Complex
Care programs for its members.
As a care manager, I strive to
EMPOWER members and caregivers. I Embrace and Motivate them,
and inform them of our Purpose. I also strive for positive Outcomes
and recognize Wisdom and the great choices they can, do or will
make. I Educate them, and I completely Respect them.
Every day, care is the heart of my work.
— Donulae, pediatric/CSHCS registered nurse
care manager, Blue Cross Complete
”
6 | MyBlueHealth
“
My care manager [Donulae]
reminds me of what needs to be
done to reach my grandson’s health
goals. She encourages me to take the steps
needed so that I can do better for him. She
always points me in the right direction and
is there to help me if I get stuck and don’t
know how to move forward.
— Alfreda, guardian of a Blue Cross
Complete member
”
Health
Make a habit of seeing
your doctor every year
Even when you’re feeling well, it’s important to see your
primary care doctor regularly.
During a well visit, your doctor will check
your overall health. Your doctor will also
screen you for common health issues,
such as diabetes.
While you may worry that the doctor
will find an illness, remember that it’s
better to know early, when problems
are easier to treat. Some conditions,
such as high blood pressure, may not
have symptoms at first, which is why it’s
important to be checked regularly.
How your doctor can help
Adults and children should have a
well visit once a year. These visits are
important because your doctor will let
you know which health screenings you
need. These tests can help prevent or
find illnesses early. Your doctor will also
tell you if you’re due for any vaccines.
To get the most out of your
appointment, take a list of notes or
questions with you. For instance, if
you have any new symptoms or body
changes, make a note to talk about them.
Your doctor can also help you set
goals, track your progress and adjust your
medicines or treatments, if needed. If you
get sick, your doctor can treat you or refer
you to a specialist for care.
Attention Healthy Michigan Plan members:
Update your HRA once each year
Remember to work with your doctor to
update your health risk assessment. You
can earn rewards such as a $50 Target®
gift card or a 50 to 100 percent discount
on your cost-sharing contribution,
depending on your income.
Just complete a Health Risk
Assessment form with your doctor.
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Then, commit to making healthy
choices, such as quitting smoking,
losing weight or lowering your blood
pressure or cholesterol.
We mail the form to our members
annually. It’s also on our website at
MiBlueCrossComplete.com. Learn
more by calling Customer Service
Changing your primary care doctor
If you would like to change your doctor,
please call the Customer Service
number on the back of your member ID
card. Customer Service can explain how
it works and help you find a doctor in
our network. Your primary care doctor
change will take effect as soon as you
select a new doctor. Here are the steps
involved:
• Visit our website
MiBlueCrossComplete.com and
click on Find a Doctor to search by
provider type or your location
• Call the Customer Service number on
the back of your member ID card and
tell us the name of your new doctor
• Schedule a checkup with your doctor
so that you can get to know your
doctor and he or she can understand
your health
Build a relationship with your doctor
Try to keep seeing the same doctor.
When your doctor gets to know you,
he or she can keep better track of your
health. This can help you avoid an
unneeded trip to the emergency room.
If it’s after hours or you can’t get in to
see your doctor, go to an urgent care
center. In a life-threatening emergency,
go to the nearest emergency room or
call 911.
at 1-800-228-8554, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Remember to stay current with
your MI Health account. Make your
payments before the due date on your
statement. If you don’t stay up to date
with your payments, you won’t qualify
for this incentive. If you have questions
about your MI Health account, call
the Michigan Beneficiary Help Line at
1-800-642-3195.
Spring 2017 | 7
Health
Spring ahead,
check your medicines
Medicine that is past the
expiration date may not be
safe to use or work as it’s
meant to. To help you
remember to check the
expiration date, link the
act with changing your
clocks for daylight saving
time. These dates are often
printed on the medicine label
or stamped on the bottle. You
might see the dates set off by the letters EXP,
which is short for “expiration.”
If your medicine has expired, call your
doctor to see whether it should be renewed.
By telling yourself, “Spring ahead, check your
meds,” you’ll never miss this important step.
SPRING-CLEANING:
Don’t forget the medicine cabinet
When you make your spring-cleaning to-do list, don’t
forget the medicine cabinet. That means properly
disposing of unused or expired medicine.
Medicine cabinet
must-haves
For life’s little emergencies, consider always
having these medicine-cabinet essentials
on hand. (Blue Cross Complete covers most
over-the-counter products as long as they
are prescribed by a doctor.)
•Hydrogen peroxide for wounds
•Antibiotic ointment
•Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze pads
•An oral thermometer
•Pain reliever, such as
acetaminophen,
for headaches
Why proper disposal?
Some medicine is harmful if a child or animal gets into it. And disposing
of old medicines reduces the risk for unintentional use, overdose and
illegal abuse. Plus, many prescription drugs have been found in lakes,
streams, rivers and drinking water supplies due to people flushing them
down the toilet.
How do I throw away medicine?
Follow the instructions on the patient information that comes with your
medicine. If you don’t have this, throw the medicine in the trash. But be
sure to follow these tips first:
• Take the medicine out of its original container. To protect your
privacy, scratch off any personal information on the label.
• Mix the medicine with something that makes it unappealing, like kitty
litter or used coffee grounds.
• Put the mixture in a container or a plastic bag and place it in your trash.
and other aches
and pains
•Sunscreen
•Antidiarrhea
medicine
•Cough medicine
•Cold and flu medicine
8 | MyBlueHealth
What about flushing?
Only about 12 drugs should be flushed down the sink or toilet. For a list
of these drugs, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at
fda.gov and search for “disposal by flushing.”
Talk with your pharmacist if you have questions about how to throw
away your medicine. Your pharmacist may also be able to tell you about
any drug “take back” programs in your area.
Benefits
News for our Healthy Michigan Plan members
LOOK ONLINE FOR DRUG CHANGES
The current drug list is available on our website. When
TO FIND THE CHANGES:
changes are made to the drug list, we’ll post the updates
• Go to MiBlueCrossComplete.com
at least every three months. You can search the document
• Select the Pharmacy tab at the top
online or print it out.
•Choose Preferred Drug List (PDF)
The document of changes will show past and pending
changes to the drug list.
You can also find this information in the member portal by
viewing the member handbook.
Small increase to Healthy Michigan Plan copays
Beginning April 1, 2017, there will be a small
increase to some copays for Healthy Michigan
Plan beneficiaries. Refer to the chart at right for
your copay amounts. Your doctor’s office can
tell you which copay amount will appear on
your MI Health statements.
If your income is more than 100 percent of
the federal poverty level, there will be a $1 to $2
increase for office visits. This includes dental and
vision office visits. Pharmacy copays for preferred
medicines and emergency room visits will also
have a small increase. Inpatient hospital stays will
increase from $50 to $100 per visit.
Your copay amounts are sent to you through
your MI Health account. Every three months
you will get a MI Health bill. You’ll be directly
notified of these increases through the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services.
There are no copays for:
• Family-planning products and services
• Any pregnancy-related products
or services
• Services related to preventive care
• Services related to chronic conditions such
as diabetes and heart disease
• Services received at a Federally Qualified
Health Center
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Covered services
Copay*
Income less than
or equal to
100% FPL
Copay*
Income more
than 100% FPL
Physician office visit
(including freestanding
urgent care centers)
$2
$4
$1 preferred
$3 non-preferred
$4 preferred
$8 non-preferred
Vision care visits
$2
$2
Dental care visits
$3
$4
$3 per aid
$3 per aid
Chiropractic visits
$1
$3
Podiatry visits
$2
$4
Emergency room visit for
non-emergencies (no
copay for emergency
services)
$3
$8
Outpatient hospital visit
$1
$4
Inpatient hospital visit
(does not apply to
emergent admissions)
$50
$100
Pharmacy
Hearing aids
*Copay amounts subject to change.
Spring 2017 | 9
Benefits
Postpartum
rewards
Every new mother needs to see
a doctor regularly after her baby
is born. These visits are just as
important as prenatal visits. A
postpartum visit should occur 21 to
56 days after you deliver your baby.
Your body changes after
pregnancy. Your doctor will help if
you’re not sleeping well or having
any pain. He or she can help if
you are worried or feeling sad.
This is also a great time to ask any
questions, even if you feel well.
Blue Cross Complete will send
you a $50 Target® gift card if
you have your postpartum visit
within three to eight weeks after
delivery. And did you know?
Blue Cross Complete now covers
breast pumps for all new moms.
Plus, you may also qualify for
free diapers. We’ll send a free
pack of Cuties™ diapers to
women and children who have
these services this year:
• Postpartum visit: New moms
must have this visit 21 to 56
days after the delivery date.
• Well visits for children 0 to 15
months: Take your child for
six well visits before he or she is
15 months old.
Once you have these visits, we’ll
send you an order form for your
diapers. Simply pick the diaper
size you want and return the card.
Call our Outreach Team at
1-888-288-1722 for
more information
about rewards for
postpartum visits.
10 | MyBlueHealth
Helping moms and
babies stay healthy
Help is available for you and your
baby if you’re enrolled in a Medicaid
health plan. The Maternal Infant Health
Program can help you have a healthy
pregnancy and delivery. Once you join,
this free program will support you during
your pregnancy. The program will help
make sure your baby develops into a
healthy, full-term baby.
Program services include:
• Classes about childbirth
and parenting
• Free rides to and from your doctor’s
office, hospital or classes
• Checkups for baby and mother
• Visits to your home to answer
questions about being pregnant,
caring for your baby and birth control
During in-home visits, the health
professional can also help you with other
matters that may affect your pregnancy,
such as:
•Asthma
• Depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
•Smoking
• Alcohol or drug use
• Concerns about abuse or violence
• Needing food or a place to live
To find out more about MIHP, call Customer Service at
1-800-228-8554. (TTY users should call 1-888-987-5832.)
Benefits
We can help you
quit smoking
Ready to kick the habit or starting to think about it? Our free
tobacco quit program can help. It’s a phone-based support
program. On each call, your personal nurse health coach can
help you resist the urge to use tobacco.
The program will help you create a plan to quit smoking or
chewing tobacco. Your coach will help guide and encourage
you to stick to your plan. Medicines to help you quit are also
covered. These include over-the-counter products (such as
gums, patches and lozenges) and prescription medicines.
To enroll, call 1-800-480-7848, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days
a week. (TTY users should call 1-888-229-2182.)
Many people experience these health
benefits after quitting smoking:
20 Minutes
20 minutes after you stop smoking:
Your heart rate drops.
3
3 months after you stop smoking:
Circulation and lung function improve.
1
1 year after you stop smoking:
Your risk for coronary heart disease is
half that of a smoker.
Months
Year
5
Years
5 years after you stop smoking:
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of
someone who has never smoked.
PREGNANT?
Don’t smoke
Smoking is bad for everyone. But it’s especially
bad when pregnant women smoke. Smoking while
pregnant can increase your baby’s risk for problems
such as:
• Low birth weight. This is when a baby weighs less
than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
• Premature birth. Most babies with low birth
weight are born premature, or too soon. Due to
their small size, these babies are more likely to be
sick and have a longer hospital stay.
• Birth defects. Some examples include cleft palate
or cleft lip. This is when your baby’s mouth or lip
doesn’t form properly.
Women who smoke during pregnancy are also at
higher risk of losing their baby.
Benefits to quitting
Need more reasons to quit smoking? Think about
these benefits of quitting:
• More oxygen for your baby, which helps his or her
little body grow
• Better chance your baby will come home with you
from the hospital
• More likely you’ll live to watch your child grow up
Remember, we can help you quit. Join our free
tobacco quit program to get started. You’ll be
proud of yourself and the decision you made to help
yourself and your family.
Need a ride?
Do you need to go to the doctor for a covered medical service
but don’t have a way to get there? Blue Cross Complete will
pick you up and get you there safely and on time. At no charge.
We also provide gas reimbursement.
Schedule at least 48 hours in advance to make sure your ride
will be available. Call 1-888-803-4947 Monday through Friday.
(TTY users should call 711.)
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
To cancel a ride, please call at least
four hours in advance. If this happens
often and you don’t cancel your rides, your ride
services may be temporarily suspended.
To give feedback about your ride, you can call either the ride
service or Blue Cross Complete Customer Service. To reach us,
call 1-800-228-8554.
Spring 2017 | 11
Benefits
Resources to help
you manage diabetes
Did you know that programs are available to help you better manage
your diabetes? It’s called Diabetes Self-Management Education. Diabetes
educators will help you make a plan to improve your health and reduce
diabetes complications.
These helpful professionals will find out what your needs and goals are. Then,
they will help design a plan of action to help you meet your goals. Next, they
will give you the tools and information you need to take care of your diabetes.
They’ll also be available for support as you work to manage your diabetes on
your own.
You might be eligible for DSME if:
• You are newly diagnosed with diabetes
• Your condition or treatment changed
• You’ve never had self-management education before
For a list of certified locations near you, visit michigan.gov/documents/mdch/
dsme-publicListNET_424828_7.pdf.
To learn more about the DSME program, visit michigan.gov, search for
“diabetes self-management education” and click on the first result.
QUICK GUIDE TO DIABETES TESTS
How often
What
Why
Every doctor visit
•Blood pressure
check
•Quick foot exam
•To detect high
blood pressure
•To check for foot sores
•A1C blood test
•To measure average
blood glucose level over
the past few months
Every three months
At least twice a year
•Dental checkup
•To detect gum and
mouth disease
At least once a year
•Blood lipids test
•Complete foot exam
•Dilated eye exam
•Kidney function test
(blood and urine)
•To measure cholesterol
and triglyceride levels
•To check for problems
with foot circulation
and nerves
•To detect eye disease
•To detect
kidney disease
12 | MyBlueHealth
Diabetes
monitoring
If you have diabetes and need
to monitor your blood sugar, ask
your doctor to prescribe a blood
sugar monitor (glucometer) from
our “pharmacy glucometers
list.” This is a list of glucometers
that are covered by your
insurance. You can receive these
covered items at your local
pharmacy with a prescription.
Visit MiBlueCrossComplete.com
for the list of covered monitors
and supplies. The list also shows
how often you can get each item
per year.
Benefits
Help fight Medicaid
fraud, waste and abuse
Fraud, waste and abuse take money away
from adults and children in Michigan who
need health care. Fraud, waste and abuse
describe misuse of Medicaid resources.
Fraud is purposefully misrepresenting
facts. Waste is carelessly or ineffectively
using resources. Abuse is excessively or
improperly using those resources. Help us
fight fraud, waste and abuse.
Blue Cross Complete works to detect,
investigate and prevent health care fraud.
You can help. Know what to look for when
you receive health care services.
To do your part in preventing fraud,
waste and abuse:
• Never give personal information,
such as your Blue Cross Complete or
mihealth card number, to someone you
don’t know.
• Take a close look at your explanation of
benefits statements. Look for charges
for services or items you didn’t get or
your doctor didn’t order. Make sure you
haven’t been billed twice for the same
service.
• Call your health care provider if you
don’t understand the charges. Also call
if you think a service wasn’t needed.
• Contact Blue Cross Complete to report
a concern:
>Call 1-855-MI-FRAUD
(1-855-232-7640)
>Email [email protected]
>Write us at
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
Special Investigations Unit
P.O. Box 018
Essington, PA 19029
Minimizing fraud, waste and abuse means
Michigan can provide more care to more
people and make the Medicaid program
even stronger. Together, all of us can work to
find, report and end fraud, waste and abuse.
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
At home and on the go: Access
your account anytime online
Member portal benefits
Managing your health is as easy as
going online. Just visit our website
at MiBlueCrossComplete.com and
log in to your online account. Be sure
to register for quick access to all your
health plan information. Through our
member portal, you can:
• See a summary of your recent
medical visits
• See a list of your medicines
• Find a pharmacy in your area
• See if you’re due for any
health screenings, vaccines or
office visits
• See a list of Blue365® discounts
available to you
• Get the name, address and
phone number for your
primary care doctor
• Request a member ID card
Once on our website, you can also:
• Read the member handbook
• Review our privacy policy
• Take our health risk assessment
• View the approved drug list
Mobile app
And remember, you can access
your account anytime, anywhere,
using your mobile device. The
new Blue Cross Complete mobile
app keeps you up to date on your
health care information.
On the app, you can:
• See your virtual member ID card
• Call Customer Service and our
24-hour Nurse Helpline
• Find doctors and hospitals
• Get directions to doctor’s offices
• Update your account information
The mobile app is available for
iPhone and Android smartphones.
Once in the Google™ Play or Apple
App® Store, type “BCCMI” in the
search bar. It’s free to download.
For iPhone users, your phone must
run iOS 7.1.2 or better. For Android
users, your phone must run version
5.0 or better.
For more information, please call
Blue Cross Complete Customer
Service at 1-800-228-8554, 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. (TTY users
should call 1-888-987-5832.)
The Blue 365 program is brought to you by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated
Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Blue 365 offers access to savings on items that members
may purchase directly from independent vendors, which are different from items that are
covered under health care plan policies with Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, its contracts
with Medicaid or any other applicable federal health care program. Neither Blue Cross
Complete nor the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recommends, endorses, warrants or
guarantees any specific vendor or item.
Spring 2017
| 13
Benefits
Discrimination is against
the law
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan complies with applicable
federal civil rights laws and doesn’t discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, disability or gender. Blue
Cross Complete of Michigan doesn’t exclude people or treat
them differently because of race, color, national origin, age,
disability or gender.
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan:
• Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities
to communicate effectively with us, such as:
> Qualified sign language interpreters
> Information in other formats (large print, audio,
accessible electronic formats)
• Provides free (no cost) language services to people whose
primary language is not English, such as:
> Qualified interpreters
> Information written in other languages
If you need these services, call Blue Cross Complete
of Michigan 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at
1-800-228-8554. (TTY users should call 1-888-987-5832.)
If you believe that Blue Cross Complete of Michigan has
failed to provide these services or discriminated in another
way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability
or gender, you can file a grievance with:
• Blue Cross Complete of Michigan Member Grievances
P.O. Box 41789
North Charleston, SC 29423
1-800-228-8554 (TTY: 1-888-987-5832)
• If you need help filing a grievance, Blue Cross Complete of
Michigan Customer Service is available to help you
You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil
Rights, through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal,
available at ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by
mail or phone at:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., SW Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, DC 20201
1-800-368-1019 (TTY: 1-800-537-7697)
Complaint forms are available at
hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
Blue Cross Complete protects your privacy
Blue Cross Complete’s Notice of Privacy Practices
is our policy for how we handle your private
information, including your protected health
information. We’re allowed to use and disclose your
protected health information only as stated in our
notice. We updated it on September 3, 2015.
Visit MiBlueCrossComplete.com to read our
privacy policy. You can also ask Customer Service
for a copy by calling 1-800-228-8554. We value your
membership. We take our responsibility to protect
the privacy and security of your health information
very seriously.
14 | MyBlueHealth
We want to hear from you!
Your opinion counts! At My Blue Health, we
think there’s no better way to inspire our
readers than by having other members
share their real stories. Is there a benefit
that has helped you and your family
be healthier? What motivates you
to live a healthier life? Send us
your story by writing to My
Blue Health at the editor’s
address on page 2. You can
also contact us online at
MiBlueCrossComplete.com.
Benefits
Multi-language
interpreter services
Multi-language interpreter services
DID YOU
KNOW
Special health care services for children
Did you know that if your child sees a specialist for a chronic medical condition,
he or she may be eligible for additional services and benefits? To learn more, call us at
1-800-228-8554, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (TTY users should call 1-888-987-5832.)
BCC-16214
www.mibluecrosscomplete.com
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Spring 2017
| 15
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 372
LONG PRAIRIE, MN
Suite 210
100 Galleria Officentre
Southfield, MI 48034
APPLY NOW
for summer camp
scholarship
The Family Center for Children and
Youth with Special Health Care Needs
is excited to let you know about a
summer camp scholarship opportunity.
Starting now, families may apply to
receive a summer camp scholarship up
to $250. The scholarship helps families
send their child with special health
care needs to a summer camp of their
choice. Applications are being accepted
through the end of March 2017.
Families must submit a completed
application along with the Attendance
Confirmation Form. This form needs to
be filled out by the camp director.
To apply, families may request the
forms through the Family Phone Line at
1-800-359-3722. Funding is limited, so
call now to apply.
CC-06/Rev1/26/17
CE-01232017-0070
FEB 2017
11037M
Take your health online
At MiBlueCrossComplete.com, you can
read your member handbook to learn
more about:
• Your benefits and health coverage
• Copays and any charges you may be
responsible for (not all members
have copays)
• Submitting a claim or reimbursement
request for covered services
• Getting help with translations and
other language services
• Using in- and out-of-network doctors
and getting care
• Getting care when you’re outside
of the state
• Getting emergency and afterhours care
• Submitting a complaint or appeal
• Prescription drug coverage,
including restrictions
• How we add new services to
your benefit
The National
Committee for Quality
Assurance is a private,
nonprofit organization
dedicated to improving
health care quality.
You can also learn about:
• Our privacy policy
• Your rights and responsibilities
• How to identify, prevent and report
fraud, waste or abuse
We can also send you a handbook.
To request one, call Customer Service
at 1-800-228-8554, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Online drug search
Our online drug search includes all the
medicines we cover. The drug search
lists our guidelines for these drugs,
such as any quantity limits, if prior
authorization is needed, if the medicine
is a generic or brand drug and more.
We can also send you this information.
Call Pharmacy Customer Service at
1-888-288-3231, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday.