Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

A N E W S L E T T E R F O R H I G H M A R K H E A LT H O P T I O N S M E M B E R S

Highmark Health Options

NEWSLETTER IN OTHER FORMATS

We are committed to providing outstanding services to our applicants and

members. If you need printed materials from the website, including this
newsletter, call Member Services at 1-844-325-6251. If you require these
materials in an alternate format, including large print, Braille, or in another
language, please call us at 1-844-325-6251 to request these free services.

TTY/TDD Users phone (711) or 1-800-232-5460.

Weather changes come fast and Highmark Health Options would like to make sure our members
know how to prepare for an emergency.
Make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Think about where you live
and your needs. Consider having a large kit at home, and smaller kit that you can take with you
in the car or your workplace.
Think of food, water, safety, hygiene, and medical supplies. Remember to pack your medications.

Don’t forget to think about infants, elderly, pets, or any family members with special needs!
For a detailed Emergency Supply Kit checklist visit the FEMA website:

Highmark Health Options is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

Lifestyle Management Program

Having a chronic health problem doesn’t mean you can’t live an active life. We’re here
to help! Highmark Health Options welcomes you to participate in the Lifestyle
Management Program. Participation in our programs is voluntary and at no additional
cost.

What do our programs offer?

• You may get health information through the mail.
• You may get a call from care managers who will help you better understand your
condition.
• Highmark Health Options has a free nurse line available 24 hours a day at
1-844-325-6251. A nurse can help answer your questions and concerns.

Asthma For members Learn about:

age 2 or • How a controller medicine is different from a
older. rescue inhaler.
• How to identify and avoid your asthma triggers.
• How to use an asthma action plan. This plan
can help you when you are sick.

Cardiac For members Learn about:

age 21 or • Simple ways to take care of your heart that will
older. help you to live better.
• Better choices with diet and activity.
• Why certain medications are ordered and how
they help you.

COPD For members Learn about:

age 21 or • How you can manage your COPD.
older. • How diet and exercise can help your breathing.
• How to use your inhaler correctly.

Diabetes For members Learn about:

of all ages. • How to keep blood sugars under control to help
prevent diabetic complications like heart
disease, blindness, amputations, and kidney
problems.
• How taking your medications and testing your
blood sugar as recommended by your doctor
can help you stay on top of your diabetes.
 • How getting the following tests every year may
catch problems even before you have
symptoms.
Urine test
A1C- (blood sugar)
LDL-C (cholesterol)
Dilated Retinal Eye Exam
Pregnancy For pregnant In the MOM Options® program learn about:
members
• How we can get you in touch with community
services.
• Signs of preterm labor.
• How we can get a nurse to visit you in your
home before or after your baby is born.

If you would like more information about a Lifestyle

Management program call 1-844-325-6251. TDD/TTY 711
or 1-800-232-5460. Care Coordinators are available
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Be Wise, Immunize
Influenza, or the “flu” is a contagious respiratory illness. It can
cause mild to severe illness, and at times can even be fatal.

This flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) recommends that everyone six months old and above,
including those with chronic health conditions, get a yearly flu
vaccine.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you should take

preventive steps to stay healthy. Stay away from individuals
who are sick and wash your hands to reduce the spread of the
flu germs.

Take Good Care of Yourself

If you have flu symptoms, call your physician. If you have any

questions about where to go for your flu vaccine, or how to be
reimbursed if you paid for your vaccine, call Member Services
at 1-844-325-6251.
Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

Preventing Cervical Cancer

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Most new
HPV infections occur in 15 to 24 year olds. In most cases people clear the virus on their
own. But for those who don’t, it can cause cancers in both women and men.

The HPV vaccine is for both girls and boys, and protects against cervical cancer and
other HPV-related cancers. To get the most protection, 2 doses of the vaccine are
recommended around the age of 11 or 12. Older adolescents and young adults may also
get the HPV vaccine.

Regular screening is also important for preventing cervical cancer. Most women
21 to 64 years old should get a Pap test every 3 years.

The Pap test is different from a pelvic exam that your doctor may do during a check-up.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about cervical cancer screening to make sure that you
are up to date.
 Birth Control: What is LARC?
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are types of
birth control that provide strong protection from pregnancy
for a long period of time.
How useful are LARC methods?
The IUD and the implant are the most effective forms of
reversible birth control available. Over the long term, LARC
methods are 20 times more effective than birth control pills,
the patch, or the ring.
What is the intrauterine device (IUD)?
The IUD is a small, T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted
into and left inside the uterus. Only your doctor can insert
and remove the IUD. The device works by preventing
fertilization of the egg by the sperm.
What is the birth control implant?
The birth control implant is a single flexible rod about the
size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin in the
upper arm. It releases progestin into the body. It protects
against pregnancy for up to 3 years.
To find out if LARC methods are right for you, talk with
your doctor. A list of these and other types of reliable
birth control methods are available at Planned Parenthood.
News You Can Use
Have you read your Member Handbook?
It’s a great source of news. Click here to
read more information about:
• Hospital Discharge Planning
• Member Rights and Responsibilities
• Notice of Privacy Habits and HIPAA
• What Highmark Health Options Does
With Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Prior Authorization
• Tips on How to Quit Smoking and
Tobacco Cessation Counseling
To request a printed copy of these topics or a
copy of the Member Handbook, call Member
Services at 1-844-325-6251 (TTY 711).
Search our new Community Repository!
This list can help you find local services for
wellness, screenings, food banks,
housing, legal aid, you name it.
Really – you can make suggestions! Go to
https://www.highmarkhealthoptions.com/Com-
munityRepository and check out the helpful
resources around the state, or around the
corner.
 Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

Complex Case Management

Highmark Health Options provides a Complex Case Management program for eligible
members. A Care Coordinator can help you to better understand your health condition,
your benefits, and can also help to coordinate your health care services by talking with
your doctor. A Care Coordinator can tell you about community organizations and
resources that may meet your needs.

Eligible members may include:

• Members with multiple medical conditions
• Members with a complex medical history
• Members that need assistance to become more
self-reliant in managing their health care

Participation in this program is voluntary. To make a referral, please call:

1-844-325- 6251. Highmark Health Options will review the request for enrollment
and make the final decision for inclusion in the program.

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Makes: 6 Muffins

Buy apples while they are in season and on sale and make batches to put in the freezer for later. You can
also substitute whole wheat flour to make your muffins healthier.

Ingredients
1/2 cup milk, non-fat
1/3 cup applesauce
1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
(uncooked)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 apple (tart, cored & chopped)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Place 6 cupcake holders in baking tin.
3. In a mixing bowl, add milk and applesauce. Stir until blended.
4. Stir in flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until moistened (do not over mix).
5. Gently stir in the chopped apples.
6. Spoon into cupcake holders.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan 5 minutes before serving. Store unused portions in an airtight container.

Learn more about the benefits of apples and other healthy fall recipes at the USDA’s “What’s Cooking”
website at www.whatscooking.fns.usda.gov.
5 — Try to eat at least 5 veggies and fruits each day

Try to eat veggies at least 3 times a day, and eat at least 2 fruits a day.
Fruits and veggies are high in nutrients and low in calories, giving energy
throughout your day.

2 — Cut down on TV watching and other screen time

Work toward a goal of no more than 2 hours a day of TV watching. Avoid

snacking and try to be as active as possible while watching TV.

1 — Try to get at least 1 hour a day of physical activity

All children should get at least 1 hour per day of physical activity, at least
five days a week. This is a good goal for adults as well, especially if you
are overweight.

Almost None — Avoid all sugar-sweetened beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas, sweet tea and fruit-flavored drinks,
are high in calories and sugar and contain almost no nutrients.
…………………………………………………………………………….

A Healthier You is just one click away

For more of these nutrition and exercise tips, visit the Healthy Delaware website
at www.healthydelaware.org

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI measures your weight in
relation to your height. BMI is one way to tell if you are at a healthy weight,
overweight, or obese. To learn how to measure your BMI, visit our website at
https://highmarkhealthoptions.com/sites/default/files/Diabetes_BMI.pdf.
Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center?

When deciding whether or not you need to seek emergency treatment or urgent care,
keep in mind a few things. Emergencies are considered life threatening events such as
severe chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, poisoning, or severe head, neck,
or back injury.

An urgent care center can save you time from waiting hours in an ER, and takes care of
things that are less serious such as sprains, strains, and minor fractures (broken bones),
urinary tract infections, severe sore throat, cough, and fever. The staff of an urgent care
center is made up of doctors, nurse practitioners, doctor assistants, and nurses.

If you do go to an urgent care and a doctor decides that more care is needed, you will
be sent to the ER for further treatment. For a listing of participating urgent care
centers, please call Member Services center at 1-844-325-6251, or visit our website
at www.highmarkhealthoptions.com.

LTSS Reminder

Some members have long-term care needs, including some who may qualify for
Health Options Diamond State Health Plan Plus (DSHP Plus) or Long-Term Services
and Supports (LTSS). To find out if you qualify for long-term care benefits, please call
the DMMA Central Intake Unit (CIU) at 1-866-940-8693.
 Understanding Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives

• Women should have a mammogram starting at age 50, or earlier if requested by

your doctor.
• Regardless of age, during your yearly gynecological exam, your healthcare
provider should do a clinical breast exam to check for lumps or changes in breast
tissue and underarms.
• You should perform a breast self-exam every month to check for changes in
breast tissue.

Did you know?

Highmark Health Options continues to make it easy for you to get the care you need.
Female members may self-refer for a mammogram. We do not require a script for an
annual mammogram screening. However, some radiology facilities may still request a
script. Ask if a script is required when you call to schedule your visit. Please take your
member ID card with you on the day of your visit.

Speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have. For more resources and
news, call the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition at 1-866-312-3222 or go to
www.debreastcancer.org.
Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017

Discrimination is Against the Law

Highmark Health Options complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Highmark Health
Options does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin,
age, disability, or sex. Highmark Health Options offers:

• Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with
us, such as:
– Qualified sign language interpreters

– Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other
formats)
• Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
– Qualified interpreters

– Information written in other languages

If you need these services, contact the Civil Rights Coordinator.
If you believe that Highmark Health Options has failed to provide these services or
discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex,
you can file a grievance with: Civil Rights Coordinator, P.O. Box 22278, Pittsburgh, PA 15222,
Phone: 1-844-207-0336, TTY: 711, Fax: 412- 255-4503. You can file a grievance in person, by
mail, or fax. If you need help filing a grievance, the Civil Rights Coordinator 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 electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal,
available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200

Independence Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-800-368-1019,
800-537-7697 (TDD)

Complaint forms are available at

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
Highmark Health Options is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Highmark Health Options Newsletter | FALL 2017
 Resource Corner

Join the Highmark Health Options Member Advisory Council. It’s your health
plan. Let your voice be heard!
Call the Member Advocate phone number at 1-855-430-9852.

HIGHMARK HEALTH OPTIONS PHONE NUMBERS

MEMBER SERVICES (M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m.) 1-844-325-6251
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) 1-844-325-6251
HEALTH OPTIONS FRAUD AND ABUSE HOTLINE 1-844-325-6256

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

CARE MANAGEMENT (M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) 1-844-325-6251

PHARMACY 1-844-325-6251
NURSE LINE 1-844-325-6251

NON-HIGHMARK HEALTH OPTIONS NUMBERS

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES

Northern Delaware (serving New Castle County and greater Smyrna in Northern Kent County) 1-800-652-2929
Southern Delaware (serving Sussex County and Kent County south of greater Smyrna) 1-800-345-6785
LOGISTICARE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES – NON-EMERGENCY 1-866-412-3778
Transportation Where’s My Ride? Hotline 1-866-896-7211
LANGUAGE SERVICES 1-800-444-6627, Pin # 4367-6488
HEALTH BENEFIT MANAGER – ENROLLMENT 1-800-996-9969

OUTSIDE RESOURCES

DELAWARE TOBACCO QUITLINE (Stop Smoking) 1-866-409-1858

STATE OF DELAWARE DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES – Customer Relations 1-800-372-2022

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-7233
OPERATOR FOR DEAF MEMBERS TTY LINE 711 or 1-800-232-5460

Highmark Health Options is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.