The
Advantage
WINTER
2017
A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF
M a r t i n ’ s P o i n t G e n e r at i o n s A d va n ta g e
What’s Inside?
••Tips for Medication Safety
••Two Important Preventive
Care Appointments
Ringing in 2017 at Our New
Scarborough Health Care Center
and Community Room
Happy New Year!
If you’re new to Martin’s Point Generations Advantage, welcome!
If you’re a returning member, thank you for continuing with us!
We are honored that you have chosen us for your Medicare
coverage and look forward to providing you with exceptional
service in the year ahead.
The New Year is a great opportunity for a fresh start with caring
for your health. You can depend on us to to work with you to
make sure you get the tests, screenings, and care you need to
be able to enjoy all that 2017 offers.
This month we are also excited to open our brand new Health
Care Center in Scarborough! This beautiful facility features a
Community Room where we will offer programs and events that
promote health and wellness for area seniors. Starting soon we
will host several Town of Scarborough 55+ Programs including
bingo, activity drop-ins, and lunches.
I warmly invite our Scarborough-area members to visit our new
Health Care Center and join in the fun at any of our upcoming
events. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wishing you the best of health in the year ahead,
Rebekah Dube, PharmD
Vice President, Senior Products
Martin’s Point Health Care
••Two Surveys
Coming Soon!
••Ask the Experts
••Brain-Boosting Recipe
••Brain Food Puzzler
••Local Learning
Opportunities for Seniors
••Tai Chi—Gentle
Exercise for All Ages
••Medicine Tracker
••“Refills Made Simple” at
Hannaford Pharmacies
Martin’s Point
Generations Advantage
2017 plans have received
the highest quality
ratings in Maine and
New Hampshire!
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
Following Doctor’s Orders…
One Trip to the Doctor,
Two Important Preventive
Care Appointments!
Tips for Taking Your Medications Correctly
One of the most important things you can do
for good health is to take your prescription
medications as prescribed by your doctor or
provider.
••Talk with
your
doctor or
pharmacist if:
Here are some tips to help you take your
medicine correctly:
•• costs are a challenge
••Know why you are taking each medication.
••Keep your medicines where
•• you have questions about the best
way to take your medicine (for
example, in the morning or evening;
with food or without, etc.)
you will see them.
••Set a daily routine to take your medicine.
••Use a tool to help you remember when to
take your medicine, such as a weekly pill
organizer, a calendar, or a smartphone app.
•• you’re having side effects
Remember…everyone misses a dose of
their medicine from time to time. Develop
a strategy that works best for you!
••Keep a list of your current medicines. The
Generations Advantage covers
both the Medicare Wellness
Visit AND your Annual Physical
Exam at a $0 copay when you
see an in-network provider.
Kick off the New Year in a healthy way by
planning these two important preventive care
visits. For your convenience, ask your doctor to
schedule these visits back-to-back on the same
day. You’ll get comprehensive care in just one
easy trip to the doctor’s office.
It’s important to schedule both of these
appointments each year because they offer
different kinds of preventive services. At your
annual Physical Exam, your doctor performs
a hands-on physical examination. The annual
Medicare Wellness Visit is a time to talk with
your doctor and his or her staff to make a
plan for meeting your health goals. Both are
important parts of getting and staying as
healthy as you can be.
Call your doctor today to schedule both your
annual Physical Exam and your Medicare
Wellness Visit!
Medicine Tracker in this newsletter can help.
Generations Advantage Contact Information
Member Services (for current members) We are available 8 am–8 pm, seven days a week
from October 1 to February 14; and Monday
through Friday the rest of the year.
1-866-544-7504 (TTY: 711)
Interested in becoming a member? Please call.
1-888-640-4423 (TTY: 711)
Generations Advantage Website
www.MartinsPoint.org/Medicare
Medicare Wants to
Hear From YOU—
and So Do We!
If you were a member of a Generations
Advantage plan last year, in the next
few months you may receive two
different surveys in the mail sent on
behalf of Generations Advantage.
••One survey is about your experience
and satisfaction with your health plan.
Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings are calculated each year
and may change from one year to the next. For 2017, all Generations Advantage plans earned 4.5
out of 5 Stars for Overall Plan Rating from CMS. Visit www.Medicare.gov for more information.
Martin’s Point Generations Advantage is a health plan with a Medicare contract offering HMO,
HMO-POS, HMO SNP, and PPO products. Enrollment in a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage
plan depends on contract renewal. Material presented in this newsletter is not intended to replace
your health care provider’s medical advice. If any information in The Advantage newsletter conflicts
with provisions of your health plan’s Evidence of Coverage (your contract), the provisions of your
contract prevail. Martin’s Point Health Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION:
Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le
1-866-544-7504 (ATS :711). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de
asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-544-7504 (TTY: 711).
2
••One survey is about the quality of
the health care you receive.
Medicare requires that all health plans mail
these surveys each year. The surveys help
us understand how well we are meeting our
members’ expectations and show us areas
where we can improve. They are also an
Two Surveys
Coming Soon!
important way for Medicare to hear directly
from you about your health care experiences.
A company named MorPace will conduct the
surveys. Your feedback is anonymous and will
not affect your benefits or your membership
in your Generations Advantage plan.
If you have any questions about the surveys
you receive, please call Member Services.
We know your time is valuable. Thank you, in
advance, for taking the time to let us know
how we are doing!
3
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
Ask the Experts
Brain Food Word Puzzle
We invite you to call Member Services any time
YOU have a question! Here are some answers
to questions members have recently asked:
Q. What is an Ambulatory
Surgical Center (ASC)?
A: ASCs are health care facilities that are
not part of a hospital or a department of
a hospital. In an ASC, doctors perform
surgeries that do not require an overnight
stay. Procedures performed at an ASC
are generally less expensive than those
performed at a hospital. As a result, member
cost share for surgery at an ASC is lower
than the same surgery performed at the
outpatient department of a hospital.
On the Prime plan, a covered procedure
would cost members $175 at an innetwork ASC. The same procedure
would cost $350 if done at a hospital.
Not all procedures can be done at an ASC,
and not all areas have a local ASC. If you
and your PCP are planning a day surgery,
ask if there’s an ASC option for you.
_ _ _ _ _ 1. Black, pinto, garbanzo—these are natural brain boosters.
Jim
Vickie
Q: I take the drug levothyroxine. Why
did it move to Tier 2 in 2017?
A: If your plan includes Medicare prescription
drug coverage (Part D), each January the
cost-sharing tier of certain drugs can change
based on a number of factors, including
manufacturer’s cost. Every year we evaluate
the cost of all of our generic medications to
determine the tier placement. This year the
cost of levothyroxine rose, moving it into Tier 2.
This information is not a complete
description of benefits. Contact the plan
for more information. Benefits, formulary,
pharmacy network, and copayments may
change on January 1 each year. Limitations,
copayments, and restrictions may apply.
For answers,
please see
page 6.
_ _ _ _ 2. This dark leafy green is packed with fiber,
vitamins, minerals, and taste!
_ _ _ _ 3. These crunchy snacks are tasty and rich in antioxidants
and minerals and often found in trail mix.
_ _ _ _ _ _ 4. With or without caffeine, Harvard researchers found
that 3 to 5 cups of this a day may lower your risk of
developing neurological diseases and type 2 diabetes.
_ 5. Foods rich in this vitamin are necessary in
brain and blood vessel health.
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ 6. This kind of olive oil is called “the healthy fat”
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7. This vibrant yellow spice from India is gaining
popularity for its brain-healthy effects.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8. Less sweet than its milky cousin, this bittersweet
bite may help create brain cells.
_ _ _ _ 9. Experts recommend eating this protein at least once
a week for its high omega-3 DHA fatty acid.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10. Brew yourself a cup of hot beverage that’s full of
antioxidants—some call it the healthiest thing to drink!
_ _ _ _ 11. High in protein and low in calories, this breakfast food is a good
source of vitamin D and choline, two brain health nutrients.
12. Unscramble the circled letters above to spell this colorful and nutritious brain superfood.
Tuna, Egg, and Avocado Toast
Try this quick and easy brain-boosting lunch!
••8 oz. can albacore tuna in oil
••1/2 cup chopped celery
••1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
(reserve 1 Tbsp. for garnish)
••2 Tbsp. minced red onion
••2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
••1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
••1/4 tsp. salt
••1/4 tsp. black pepper
••2 hard-cooked, chopped eggs
••4 slices toasted whole-grain bread
••3/4 cup sliced avocado
••1/2 cup baby arugula
4
Combine the first eight ingredients in a
medium bowl. Fold in eggs. Top each toast
slice with about 3 tablespoons avocado, 2
tablespoons of arugula, and 1/4 cup of tuna
mixture. Garnish with basil. Serves four.
Adapted from “Cooking
Light,” November 2016
The Healthy Heart—
Healthy Brain Connection
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that studies show
heart-healthy diets can also help reduce the risk of
dementia diseases. Here are tips from these diets:
••Add fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grains.
••Replace butter with healthy fats, like olive oil.
••Limit red meat, sweets, and salt.
••Eat fish and poultry at least twice a week.
5
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
THE ADVANTAGE | MEMBER NEWSLETTER WINTER 2017
Live and Learn!
Medicine Tracker
Keeping fit means getting your share of
physical AND mental activity. Did you know
many colleges, universities, and municipalities
offer free or inexpensive classes for seniors?
The Maine Senior College Network,
through the University of Southern Maine,
offers learning opportunities across Maine,
including luncheons, science forums, concerts,
movies, and online classes. The Maine
Adult Education Association has over 80
local adult education programs covering
business skills, exercise and outdoor fun,
music and dance, cooking, and more.
Additionally Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin
Colleges, the Maine Community College
System, the University of Maine System, the
Community College System of New Hampshire,
and the University of New Hampshire all offer
low or no cost classes to seniors. Check with
each program for details or any restrictions.
List all medicines I take, including prescriptions, eye drops, inhalers/nebulizers, oxygen, creams and
ointments, etc.
When and how
What do I
Doctor/
Date added
Medication Name
much I take?
take it for?
Prescriber
or changed
Find a list of programs and contact
information at our website at
www.MartinsPoint.org/Medicare or call
Member Services for a printed list.
Sign up today and start flexing
those brain muscles!
Tai Chi: Gentle and Fun Exercise for All Ages
Did you make a New
Year’s resolution to
exercise more? You
may want to consider
tai chi (TIE-CHEE).
often enjoy tai chi together,
both indoors and out.
Tai chi is an ancient
Chinese noncompetitive
martial art known for
its health benefits.
Its gentle and slow
stretching movements
promote strength, balance, and coordination
without straining muscles and bones.
Tai chi is generally safe for all ages and fitness
levels. If you have any safety concerns, check
with your primary care provider before trying
it. Tai chi can be practiced alone, but people
Many local communities
offer tai chi classes. Ask
your town office or library
if there’s one in your area.
You can also find a partial
list on our website at
www.MartinsPoint.org/
Medicare or call Member
Services for a printed list.
There’s a good chance a tai chi
group is having fun and getting great
exercise somewhere near you!
WORD PUZZLE ANSWERS
6
1. Beans
4. Coffee
7. Turmeric
10. Green Tea
2. Kale
5. B
8. Dark Chocolate
11. Eggs
3. Nuts
6. Extra-Virgin
9. Fish
12. Blueberries
Medication Tips
Here are some tips to help you take your
medications correctly—especially if you take
several:
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to
understand what each medication is treating
and why you are taking it.
Here are some questions you might ask:
••What is the name of the medication?
••W
hy am I taking it?
••When and how am I supposed to take it?
••How long am I supposed to take it?
••Should I avoid anything (food, driving,
alcohol, other medications)?
••What are the side effects?
••What happens if I don’t take it or if I miss
a dose?
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Medicines you can buy without a prescription:
(Check all that you use regularly.)
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Allergy medicine, antihistamines
Antacids (for heartburn or stomach)
Aspirin
Cold/cough medicines
Diet pills
Herbals, dietary supplements, hormones
Laxatives
Sleeping pills
Vitamins, minerals
Pain, headache, or fever medicine
Other:
7
The
Advantage
WINTER
2017
A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF
Health and Wellness or Prevention Information
M a r t i n ’ s P o i n t G e n e r at i o n s A d va n ta g e
Flu season is not over!
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet this
season, learn how the flu shot is covered on
your Generations Advantage plan on our
website. Go to www.MartinsPoint.org/Flu
Receive plan
materials by email!
Did you know that Generations Advantage
offers electronic versions of many planrelated materials including this newsletter?
You can choose to receive certain materials
securely through your email instead of
receiving a paper copy in your mailbox.
Learn more at www.MartinsPoint.org/
Paperless
Y0044_2017_315 Martin’s Point
Generations Advantage
PO Box 9746
Portland, Maine 04104
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #186
PORTLAND, ME
Save Trips to the
Pharmacy with “Refills
Made Simple”
Do you make multiple trips
to the pharmacy each month
because your prescriptions
are on different refill cycles?
Hannaford Pharmacy’s “Refills Made Simple”
program coordinates your prescriptions so
they will all be filled and ready for you to pick
up on the date that’s most convenient for you.
If your plan includes Medicare prescription
drug coverage (Part D), you probably know
that Hannaford Pharmacy offers lower prices
on Tier 1 through Tier 4 drugs. Ask your
Hannaford pharmacist how you can add
convenience to cost
savings through their
new refill program.
Accepted: 1/22/17