Health & Wellness

While aging is part of life, your lifestyle choices may affect how you age. We champion a preventive and holistic approach to health care that encompasses physical, mental, and well-being activities/screenings.

CarePlus rewards our members for taking care of their health. You can earn a $50+ gift card just by completing four qualifying preventive screenings. These screenings include having a wellness visit, getting a flu shot, completing a depression screening, classes to help you learn more about how to manage your blood sugar (diabetes self-management training), and more. Click here for more information about CarePlus Rewards, or call Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711).*

*Please note that preventive care activities are subject to all plan-specific referrals, prior authorization, terms, and provisions. See your Evidence of Coverage for more information. + In accordance with the federal requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), no amount on the gift card shall be redeemable for cash and no amount may be applied toward the purchase of any prescription drug under your plan. Rewards (gift cards) must be earned and redeemed in the same plan year. Rewards not redeemed by 12/31 will be forfeited.

The below resources and information may help you on your healthcare journey. Please see the Physical Well-being section for information about our SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.

Preventive Care

Seeing your primary care physician (PCP) at least once each year may help prevent or identify concerns before they become problems. Your CarePlus plan covers at no cost to you one routine annual physical exam every year. During this exam, talk to your PCP about screenings and medicine you may need, and activities to introduce into your life.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends you discuss with your PCP if one or more of the following services/exams are right for you:


Preventive Services/ Screenings*	Adults	Adults Ages 65+	Additional information	Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity
Physical Exam/Health Guidance Includes: Weight Height Body mass index (BMI)	Annually	Annually	Talk to your doctor about ways to increase physical activity and reduce your risk of falls	Yes
Additional information Talk to your doctor about ways to increase physical activity and reduce your risk of falls Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Cholesterol/Lipid Screening	Every 5 years; more often if you are at risk or have above-normal levels¹	Every 5 years; more often if you are at risk or have above-normal levels¹	9- to 12-hour fast may be required; if you have cardiovascular problems, you may need annual tests	Yes
Additional information 9- to 12-hour fast may be required; if you have cardiovascular problems, you may need annual tests Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Diabetes Screening and Tests	Every 3 years; more often if you are at risk or have above- normal levels²	Every 3 years; more often if you are at risk or have above- normal levels²	If you have diabetes, the following tests are recommended at least annually: A1C, LDL cholesterol, kidney test, and eye exam	Yes
Additional information If you have diabetes, the following tests are recommended at least annually: A1C, LDL cholesterol, kidney test, and eye exam Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Blood Pressure Test	Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if you have high blood pressure or diabetes³	Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if you have high blood pressure or diabetes³	Normal is considered less than 140/90. Ideal is 120/80	No
Additional information Normal is considered less than 140/90. Ideal is 120/80 Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity No
Colorectal Cancer Screening	Depends on screening test⁴ Fecal occult blood test – Annually Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography– Every 5 Years Colonoscopy – Every 10 Years Cologuard test – Every 3 Years	Depends on screening test⁴ Fecal occult blood test – Annually Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography– Every 5 Years Colonoscopy – Every 10 Years Cologuard test – Every 3 Years	Talk to your doctor about your risks and which colorectal cancer screening test(s) and schedule are best for you	Yes
Additional information Talk to your doctor about your risks and which colorectal cancer screening test(s) and schedule are best for you Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Bone Density Test/Osteoporosis Screening	Periodically as directed by your doctor (depending on your risk)	Begin at age 65 and older and periodically as directed by your doctor⁵	Used to detect osteoporosis; may need screening more often after bone fracture and if at high risk for osteoporosis	Yes
Additional information Used to detect osteoporosis; may need screening more often after bone fracture and if at high risk for osteoporosis Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Routine Eye Exam	Every 1-2 years⁶	Every 1-2 years⁶	Test your vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration – two common, often age-related conditions; if you have diabetes, test for diabetic retinopathy annually	Yes
Additional information Test your vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration – two common, often age-related conditions; if you have diabetes, test for diabetic retinopathy annually Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Influenza Virus Vaccine (flu)	Annually⁷	Annually⁷	Annually in the fall or winter	Yes
Additional information Annually in the fall or winter Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes
Pneumococcal Vaccine (pneumonia)	Usually once in a lifetime⁸	Usually once in a lifetime⁸	A booster shot may be recommended after you get the first shot	No
Additional information A booster shot may be recommended after you get the first shot Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity No
Mammogram	Annually⁴	Annually⁴	Talk with a healthcare provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you	Yes
Additional information Talk with a healthcare provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity Yes

This above general health-related information is not a substitute for professional health care. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage for detailed information about the tests and screenings that CarePlus covers.

¹U.S. Preventative Task Force; Lipid Disorders in Adults (Cholesterol, Dyslipidemia): Screening. (http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/lipid-disorders-in-adults-cholesterol-dyslipidemia-screening (link opens in new window)).

²U.S. Preventative Task Force Abnormal Blood Glucose and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Screening. (http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/screening-for-abnormal-blood-glucose-and-type-2-diabetes (link opens in new window)).

³American Heart Association: (www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Heart-HealthScreenings_UCM_428687_Article.jsp#.V8R1ak32bvU (link opens in new window)).

⁴American Cancer Society; American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. (http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/cancerscreeningguidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer (link opens in new window)).

⁵U.S. Preventative Task Force; Osteoporosis: Screening. (https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/osteoporosis-screening1 (link opens in new window)).

⁶American Optometric Association; Recommended Eye Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients and Adults. (http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/comprehensive-eye-and-vision-examination/recommended-examination-frequency-for-pediatric-patients-and-adults?sso=y (link opens in new window)).

⁷Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm (link opens in new window)).

⁸Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Adults: Protect Yourself with Pneumococcal Vaccines. (http://www.cdc.gov/features/adult-pneumococcal/ (link opens in new window)).

Chronic Condition Management

While diabetes can be a serious and potentially deadly disease, proper management can help prevent and/or delay serious complications. Controlling your blood sugar level is key to managing diabetes, but you also should watch for other conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eye diseases, and kidney issues. The most conventional ways of controlling, preventing, and overcoming diabetes and associated complications include:

Self-Test

Measure and track your blood sugar and glucose level on your own.

CarePlus covers and makes available diabetic monitoring supplies (e.g., lancets, blood glucose strips, glucometers, etc.) through your plan’s retail network pharmacies, via your plan’s preferred mail-order pharmacy, or through other pharmacies in our network. Authorization rules may apply. Refer to your Evidence of Coverage for more information.

A1C Test

Measures your average blood glucose level over previous three-month period.
Performed at doctor’s office to help determine if your diabetes care plan is working or needs an adjustment.
Your physician should complete an A1C test at least once per year.

Diet and Exercise

A low-fat diet that is high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the possibility of developing diabetes-related conditions and complications.
Regular exercise and weight loss can help prevent diabetes-related conditions and complications.

CarePlus makes available access to the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, which offers classes geared toward older adults to help improve strength and flexibility. Talk to your doctor before beginning any fitness and/or exercise program. Click here for more information about the SilverSneakers Fitness Program.

Blood Pressure Test

People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, with as many as two in three diabetics reporting some issue with high blood pressure.¹
People with diabetes and high blood pressure have an increased risk for many heart and circulation problems, including stroke and heart failure.²
Your PCP should check your blood pressure at every visit. You also may want to check your blood pressure at home on a regular basis.

Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol comes in two forms: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is considered “bad” cholesterol, can build up in your arteries, and may increase your risk for heart attack.
Your physician can advise you about your target cholesterol goal. Note that the target LDL for people with diabetes is less than 100.³
Diabetes is a known risk factor for heart disease. Your physician should check your cholesterol at least once per year.

Medication Adherence

Medication can play an important role in managing diabetes and potentially in preventing certain complications.
A medication regimen is successful only if you follow your physician’s instructions.

Dilated Retinal Eye Exam

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing several eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can result in vision loss.
Your physician should conduct a dilated retinal eye exam at least once per year.

Nephropathy Screening

High blood sugar levels can damage kidneys and cause nephropathy, which is when kidneys are unable to properly filter waste and extra fluids from blood.
Your doctor should check your kidneys at least once per year.⁴

The above refers to general health-related information and is not a substitute for professional healthcare. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor.

Resources:

Almost 50 percent of American adults suffer from high blood pressure, which can be difficult to detect because it has no obvious symptoms. Undetected high blood pressure can adversely affect your overall health and injure vital organs like your heart, brain, and/or kidneys. You and/or a medical professional should check your blood pressure regularly.


Blood Pressure Category	Systolic Mm Hg (Upper Number)		Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number)
Normal	Less than 120	And	Less than 80
Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number) Less than 80
Elevated	120-129	And	Less than 80
Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number) Less than 80
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Stage 1	130-139	Or	80-89
Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number) 80-89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Stage 2	140 or Higher	Or	90 or Higher
Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number) 90 or Higher
Hypertensive Crisis: CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY	180 or Higher	And/Or	120 or Higher
Diastolic Mm Hg (Lower Number) 120 or Higher

Note: A medical professional must make or confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure, which may vary based on age and diagnosis. The above chart categorizes blood pressure values recognized by the American Heart Association. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, taking medication as prescribed and making adjustments to your lifestyle such as eating healthier and exercising* can help lower the risks associated with high blood pressure.

*The above refers to general health-related information and is not a substitute for professional healthcare. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor.

For more information:

American Heart Association; The Facts About High Blood Pressure: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/
GettheFactsAboutHighBloodPressure/The-Facts-About-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_002050_Article.jsp#.WntVN5WWxIm (link opens in new window)

American Heart Association; Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure (link opens in new window)

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your liver produces and that is found in many foods. Cholesterol plays an important part in keeping our bodies working, but having too much (or high) cholesterol is bad.

Cholesterol 101

Having high cholesterol can clog your blood vessels and increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and/or stroke.
Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure.
The only way to know if your cholesterol is high is to ask your physician to check your cholesterol.

The Three Parts of Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol – Often called “bad” cholesterol¹, LDL cholesterol can cause clots in your blood vessels.
HDL Cholesterol – Often called “good” cholesterol, HDL cholesterol helps keep your blood vessels clean by returning cholesterol to your liver for removal from the body.²
Triglycerides – Another type of fat made by your liver, triglycerides are found in food you eat.

Controlling Cholesterol

High cholesterol is caused by a number of factors, not all of which are under your control, but you can control your lifestyle and habits.³


What You CAN Control:	What You CANNOT Control:
Avoid eating foods high in fat, like pre-packaged baked goods and processed meat (e.g., hot dogs, sausage, bologna, etc.).	Family history – Genetics plays a large role in your health.
Eat healthy food, like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and food high in fiber.	Age – As a person ages, LDL cholesterol levels tend to rise.
Exercise regularly – the American Heart Association recommends between 30 and 45 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least three times every week.

Cholesterol Goals

Lowering your LDL “bad” cholesterol has proven to lower your risk for clogs in your blood^4,5,6.


Cholesterol Levels	Normal/Optimal	Borderline High/Increased	High
Total	<200 mg/dL	200-239 mg/dL	≥ 240 mg/dL
High ≥ 240 mg/dL
Triglycerides	<150 mg/dL	150-200 mg/dL (Mildly increased) 200-499 mg/dL (Moderately increased)	> 500 mg/dL
High > 500 mg/dL
LDL*	<100 mg/dL	100-190 mg/dL	> 190 mg/dL
High > 190 mg/dL
HDL	60 mg/dL or above (the higher the better)	60 mg/dL or above (the higher the better)	60 mg/dL or above (the higher the better)
High 60 mg/dL or above (the higher the better)

* If you have other health problems that may increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and/or stroke, your goal may be less than 70. Talk to your physician about your risk factors and your specific cholesterol goals.

Cholesterol Medication

Taking statins may help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL “good” cholesterol.
Your physician may want you to take the statin (a pill) once a day, usually at night before bedtime, but always follow your physician’s instructions.
If you miss a dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember – but DO NOT take two doses within 12 hours of each other.
Wait at least 2 hours after taking your statin to take an Antacid, if you have to take an Antacid, or a Multivitamin, if you take a Multivitamin.
Before starting any new medication, make sure your doctor has a list of all other medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
Side effects of taking a statin may include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (known as myopathy). Your physician may be able to switch you to a statin with lower risk of side effects, if you experience any side effects.
Your risk for side effects increase if you:
- Take medication that may interact with your statin
- Are of advanced age
- Have kidney problems
- Have low thyroid levels that are not controlled
Contact your physician if:
- You experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that comes on suddenly and/or gets increasingly worse.
- You are more tired than usual, and especially if you have a fever.
- Your doctor told you to stop taking your statin and you continue to experience muscle problems.

References

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “High Blood Cholesterol.” (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-cholesterol (link opens in new window)). Accessed: August 1, 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “LDL and HDL: Bad and Good Cholesterol.”: (www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm (link opens in new window)). Accessed: August 1, 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Know the Facts About High Cholesterol.”: (www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk_factors.htm (link opens in new window)). Accessed August 1, 2018.
American Heart Association. “Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia).”: (www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia (link opens in new window)). Accessed: August 1, 2018
National Cholesterol Education Program. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) Final Report.
American College of Cardiology. “Hypertriglyceridemia Management According to the 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline.” (https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2019/01/11/07/39/hypertriglyceridemia-management-according-to-the-2018-aha-acc-guideline (link opens in new window)). Accessed: April 12, 2019.

Physical Well-being
Lifestyle adjustments such as exercising* may be hard to make, so we offer plan benefits that may help you on your well-being journey. The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is a fitness benefit we include in all of our plans. The program includes classes, fitness events, and social activities at no additional cost.**

SilverSneakers makes it convenient to exercise when, where, and how you want:
- At fitness locations: SilverSneakers gives you unlimited access to 16,000** participating locations nationwide. You can use all the basic amenities and/or take fitness classes taught by certified instructors***. Classes are designed to help active adults to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
- In your favorite neighborhood locations: SilverSneakers FLEX® offers group classes such as tai chi, yoga, dance, and walking groups at local parks, recreation centers, and other places you already may visit.
- Online: The SilverSneakers website allows you to look up fitness locations, find and enroll in FLEX classes, download healthy meal plans and recipes, and interact with the SilverSneakers community.
- At home: For members who prefer or need to exercise at home, SilverSneakers offers on-demand workout videos from certified trainers, plus online health and nutrition tips. At-home exercise kits are available for SilverSneakers members, including those who have a disability, or for those who cannot get to a fitness location due to injury, illness, or fitness center location.
For details, visit SilverSneakers.com (link opens in new window) or call SilverSneakers Customer Service at 1-866-584-7389 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

*It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before participating in any fitness program and/or exercise regimen to ensure amount of physical activity is appropriate based on your individual health status/condition. The above is general health-related information and is not a substitute for professional healthcare. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor.

**Tivity Health and SilverSneakers are registered trademarks or trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. © 2019. All rights reserved.

***Classes and amenities vary by location.
Mental Well-being
Social activities can provide a wealth of benefits to your emotional, physical, and mental health.¹ The emotional benefits may include a brighter mood, increased sense of happiness, and the power of laughter. Research indicates1 that laughter just might be the best medicine for some people and have a range of physiological benefits, including:
- Improved blood flow – Stressed individuals have more restricted blood flow.¹
- Enhanced immune system response – Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response.¹
- Better relaxation and sleep – Laughter serves as a release and makes you feel better, less tense, and better able to wind down.¹
Social activities can also help reduce stress. They work on balancing hormones and increasing the production of the feel-good chemicals in the body.¹ Social activities also decrease stress-related hormones, like adrenaline, that produce cortisol and can affect your physical and emotional well-being.¹

Consider setting a goal for yourself or participating in activities you may enjoy with others.

¹HelpGuide. “Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter.”: (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm (link opens in new window)). Accessed May 28, 2019.

Find a plan near you

Health & Wellness

CarePlus