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Health and 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 eligible activities. 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).

‡ 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 below 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 one routine annual physical exam every year at no additional cost. During this exam, talk to your PCP about screenings and medicine you may need, as well as activities to introduce into your life.

    Use the list of recommended screenings and vaccinations below as your guide to preventive health. Discuss with your PCP if one or more of the following services/exams are right for you:

    Preventive Services/ Screenings* Frequency Who should be screened? Additional information Qualifying CarePlus Rewards Preventive Care Activity
    Annual wellness visit Once per year* Adults age 65 and older

    During this appointment, talk to your healthcare provider about:

    A personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors

    Diet and exercise

    How to reduce your risk of falls

    Your mental and emotional health

    		 Yes
    Cholesterol1 Every 4–6 years; more often if directed by your healthcare provider Most healthy adults You may be required to fast for 9–12 hours. Yes
    Diabetes (blood glucose)2 Every 3 years; more often if you are at risk or have above- normal levels Adults age 40–70 who are overweight or obese If you have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about additional testing you may need. Yes
    Blood Pressure3 Once per year; more often if directed by your healthcare provider Adults age 18 years and older Talk to your healthcare provider to learn your target blood pressure range. No
    Abdominal aortic aneurysm4 Once in a lifetime Men age 65–75 who have ever smoked Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm uses an ultrasound to look for swelling in a part of the big blood vessel (aorta) running through your abdomen. No
    Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis Screening)5 Periodically, as directed by your healthcare provider Women age 65 and older

    or

    Women at an increased risk of osteoporosis     		You may need to be screened more often if you are at a high risk of osteoporosis or after breaking a bone. Yes
    Routine Eye Exam6 Every 1-2 years Adults age 18 years and older 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
    Influenza (flu) Vaccine7 Once per year, during flu season Adults age 18 and older The flu vaccine is often given in the fall to coincide with the beginning of flu season. Yes
    Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia)8 Once after age 65, even if already vaccinated Adults age 65 and older Two vaccines help prevent pneumonia: PCV13 and PPSV23.

    It is recommended that you get PCV13 first, followed by a dose of PPSV23 at another visit.     		No
    Shingles Vaccine9 Once in two doses separated by 2 to 6 months Healthy adults 50 years and older You should get the shingles vaccine even if you have already gotten shingles No
    Tdap Vaccine9 One dose with a TD booster every 10 years Adults age 18 and older This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. No
    Breast Cancer Screening (Routine Mammogram)10 Mammogram once every 2 years Women age 50–74

    After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened    		 Women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer or an ancestry associated with the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation may benefit from genetic counseling and/or testing. Yes
    Colorectal Cancer Screening10 Colonoscopy every 10 years or

    CT colonography every 5 years or

    Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or

    gFOBT (guiac Fecal Occult Blood Test) every year or

    FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) every year or

    Cologuard® every 3 years     		Adults beginning at age 45

    After age 75, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be screened.     		These recommendations are for normal-risk individuals only, so it's important that your provider knows about your family history.

    Talk to your healthcare provider about which screening approach to take. The best screening is the one you’re willing to do     		Yes
    Cervical cancer10 Every 3 years with cervical cytology (Pap test) alone

    or every 5 years with high- risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone

    or every 5 years with hrHPV testing in combination with cervical cytology (Pap test)     		Women age 21–65 Talk to your healthcare provider to find out whether or not you should be screened, especially if you have had a hysterectomy or are 65 years or older. No
    Prostate cancer10 Discuss with your healthcare provider to discuss whether or not you should be screened and, if so, how often Men age 55–69 should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of being screened The decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer should be a shared decision between you and your healthcare provider. Consider your family history and other risk factors. No
    Lung cancer10 Once per year Only people who are between age 50–80 and:
    • Have a history of heavy smoking
    • Who smoke now or have quit smoking within the past 15 years
    		 Talk to your healthcare provider about potential screening methods, including low-dose computed tomography (CT scan). No
    Depression As directed by your healthcare provider Adults age 18 and older, regardless of risk factors A common screening test for depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ).

    Talking about mental health concerns may be difficult, but if you have been feeling sad or hopeless or have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, talk to your healthcare provider     		Yes

    *CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans cover a preventive physical exam annually. Original Medicare does not, and coverage by other plans may vary.

    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.

    References

    1Getting Your Cholesterol Checked. (2020, September 8). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from Centers for disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm (link opens in new window)

    2Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Screening. (2021, August 24). Retrieved February 8, 2022, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-for-prediabetes-and-type-2-diabetes (link opens in new window)

    3Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. (2016, October 31). Retrieved February 2, 2022, from American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings (link opens in new window)

    4Recommendation: Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Screening. (2019, December 10). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from rom United States Preventive Services Taskforce,https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening(link opens in new window)

    5Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures: Screening. (2018, June 16). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/osteoporosis-screening (link opens in new window)

    6Recommended Eye Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients and Adults. (2020). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from American Optometric Association, 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)

    7Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (2019, September 13). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm (link opens in new window)

    8Pneumococcal Vaccination. (2022, January 27). Retrieved February 8, 2022, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccination.html (link opens in new window)

    9Adult immunization schedule by vaccine and age group. (2020, February 6). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html (link opens in new window)

    10American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer. (2020, July 30). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html (link opens in new window)

    11Recommendation: Depression in adults: Screening. (2016, January 26). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from United States Preventive Services Taskforce, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/depression-in-adults-screening (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.
    • Complete an A1C test at least once per year with your physician.

    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 plans include 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.

    References

    1Diabetes Complications: Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. (2020). Retrieved February 8, 2022, from American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org/diabetes/high-blood-pressure (link opens in new window)

    2Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. (2019, May 18). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/high-blood-pressure (link opens in new window)

    3Diabetes complications and risks. (2021, May 4). Retrieved May 21, 2021, from American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks (link opens in new window)

    4What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? (2021, May 14). Retrieved May 21, 2021 from WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/tc/diabetic-nephropathy-topic-overview (link opens in new window)

    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
    Elevated 120-129 And Less than 80
    High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Stage 1 130-139 Or 80-89
    High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Stage 2 140 or Higher Or 90 or Higher
    Hypertensive Crisis: CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY 180 or Higher And/Or 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.

    References:

    Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure. (2017, November 30). Retrieved May 21, 2021, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure (link opens in new window)

    The Facts About High Blood Pressure. (2017, November 30). Retrieved May 21, 2021, American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/
    GettheFactsAboutHighBloodPressure/The-Facts-About-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_002050_Article.jsp#.WntVN5WWxIm (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 blood4,5,6.

    Cholesterol Levels Normal/Optimal Borderline High/Increased High
    Total <200 mg/dL 200-239 mg/dL ≥ 240 mg/dL
    Triglycerides <150 mg/dL

    150-200 mg/dL (Mildly increased)

    200-499 mg/dL (Moderately increased)

    		 > 500 mg/dL
    LDL* <100 mg/dL 100-190 mg/dL > 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)

    * 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 doctor 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

    1. LDL and HDL: “Bad” and “Good” Cholesterol. (2020, January 31). Retrieved June 1, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm (link opens in new window)

    2. Knowing Your Risk for High Cholesterol. (2020, January 31). Retrieved June 1, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk_factors.htm (link opens in new window))

    3. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia). (2017, April 30). Retrieved June 2, 2020, from American Heart Association, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia (link opens in new window)

    4. 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.

    5. Hypertriglyceridemia Management According to the 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline. (2019, January 11). Retrieved June 2, 2020, from American College of Cardiology, 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)

    6. Cholesterol Numbers; What Do They Mean. (2018, June 28). Retrieved June 2, 2020, from Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean (link opens in new window)

    7. Cholesterol Medications. (2018, November 10) Retrieved June 2, 2020, from American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications (link opens in new window)

  • 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 thousands of 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. You can also access workout programs that can be tailored to your fitness level on a fitness app, SilverSneakers GO™. You can modify the exercises to make them easier or harder with just one click. Download the app at the Apple or Google stores today.
    • At home: For members who prefer or need to exercise at home, SilverSneakers offers a variety of virtual workouts to you at no additional cost:

    For details, visit SilverSneakers.com (link opens in new window) or call SilverSneakers Customer Service at 1-866-584-7389 (TTY: 711), Monday - 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.

    **SilverSneakers and the SilverSneakers shoe logotype are registered trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2021 Tivity Health, Inc. 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. The emotional benefits may include happiness, laughter, and a boost to your mood. Research indicates that laughter just might be the best medicine for some people. It has a range of physiological benefits, including:

    1. Improved blood flow – Stressed individuals have more restricted blood flow.1
    2. Enhanced immune system response – Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response.1
    3. 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.

    Stay connected:

    There are plenty of ways you can stay connected, be active, and maintain meaningful relationships with others. Here are a few suggestions.

    1. Call and text with friends, family, and neighbors
    2. Video chat with others from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone using Facetime, Skype or other video chat technologies
    3. Perform using video chat, like playing an instrument for friends or reading a bedtime story to a child
    4. Use social media, like Facebook or Instagram, to connect with old friends and share pictures with others

    Source

    1Laughter is the Best Medicine (2020, October) Retrieved May 20, 2021, from HelpGuide, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm (link opens in new window)

  • Advance Care Planning

    An advance care plan captures your wishes in case you become ill

    This might be a good time to begin putting your preferences, goals and values of care into writing. An advance care plan, or ACP, can make sure your voice is heard in the event you unexpectedly become too ill to speak for yourself.

    CarePlus has teamed up with MyDirectives®, a digital advance care plan that can be accessed anywhere in the world at any time. MyDirectives allows you to create a digital ACP online, or if you prefer, to upload existing paper documents. You can also identify the individuals you would like to speak on your behalf if it comes to that.

    MyDirectives offers video tutorials, a printable conversation guide for family discussions and a wallet card to print, complete with a Quick Response (QR) code to make it easy for your providers to find your plan. If you have an Apple device, you can download the MyDirectives mobile app and take pictures of paper documents to upload or record a video message to your family and/or providers.

    Examples of preferences covered in an ACP

    In emergencies, doctors have a variety of treatment options. Near the end of life, they can sometimes use artificial or mechanical ways to keep someone alive, or they can focus more on relief of pain and anxiety, depending on the patient’s wishes. With an ACP, you can make your feelings known in advance on such questions as:

    • Who you would like to designate to participate in healthcare decisions on your behalf
    • Whether to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use a ventilator or provide artificial nutrition
    • How religious or personal preferences might affect your treatment
    • Whether to request medical care focusing on comfort care, i.e., relief of pain and anxiety 1,2

    You may be familiar with a POLST—a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment. This is also an important document—but it is not an ACP. A POLST is more focused on the very end of life and is completed by a doctor. On the other hand, an ACP is completed by you and captures details you consider important regarding your care. It is appropriate for everyone over the age of 18 and can be easily updated as your health status or perspectives change.

    Important things to know about CarePlus and MyDirectives

    • Only you, your healthcare agents, authorized representative(s) and your providers will know what’s in your ACP. Neither CarePlus nor Medicare will be aware of what’s in your plan.
    • You are the one who decides who can see your goals, values and preferences for care.
    • You can update your ACP at any time, at no additional cost to you.

    Creating your MyDirectives plan helps ensure your wishes will be known when you cannot speak for yourself—and it provides peace of mind for your family that your wishes are being honored.

    Sign up and complete a MyDirectives plan online today(link opens in new window)

    If you are a CarePlus member enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (SNP), such as CareNeeds PLUS (HMO D-SNP), you may also contact your CarePlus Case Manager to create an advance care plan (ACP).

    Please keep your advance care planning documents in a safe, secure, and accessible location. If you have an Apple device, you can download the MyDirectives mobile app and take pictures of paper documents to upload or record a video message to your family and providers.

    Sources

    1 “Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Directives,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed April 22, 2020, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning-healthcare-directives (link opens in new window)

    2 “Providing Care and Comfort at the End of Life,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed April 22, 2020, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/providing-comfort-end-life (link opens in new window)