MDwise would like to remind members that 24/7 access to a Registered Nurse is available to MDwise members and can be accessed by calling our toll-free Customer Service at 1-800-356-1204. Members can select option #1, then option #4. In addition to providing access to a Registered Nurse and triage, members can also access an audio library with over 100 topics.

wellnessFALL 2020

steps to

What’s Inside:

Coping During a Pandemic

There are many things that may be causing you stress during this pandemic. Being afraid and having anxiety about what is happening can be overwhelming. It is important to deal with the stress as it comes and focus on what you can control. You may have missed important medical appointments, not been able to see friends and family, and have had to stay at home more than you are used to. Even though doing these things are what is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19, they can cause an increase in stress.Everyone reacts to stress differently. Knowing how you react to stress is part of coping with it. Some may find they can’t sleep. Others may eat more or use more tobacco products or other substances. You may cry more and feel sad.Taking action in areas of your life you can control will help you cope with stress.

• Call and reschedule important medical appointments that you had to previously cancel. Ask the office staff about safety measures and mask wearing.

• Talk to someone about your stress. There are options now that allow you to use telemedicine for therapy services in your home. Call your local mental health provider and see what is available for you.

Continued on page 2.

Coping During a Pandemic ................................ 1–2

Second Opinions .......................................................2

Language Assistance .................................................2

Women’s Health Covered Services ......................3

Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Appointment ............................................4

Transition to Other Care ........................................5

Is it an Emergency? ............................................... 6–7

MDwise Quality Improvement Program .............6

Tobacco Cessation ....................................................7

Protected Health Information Use Disclosure ...8

Find Your Doctor ......................................................8

2 steps to wellness

• Find ways to be social safely. Go for a walk with your family. Call a friend you haven’t talked to lately. Find an online group and make new friends.

• Know the facts about COVID-19 and what to do if you are worried you may have symptoms.

You are not alone if you are feeling stressed because of recent events. Many people are struggling as well and need help. Call your healthcare provider if you find that stress is getting in the way of completing daily activities.Resources to help you:

Stay connected and get your discount phone. For more information, visit MDwise.org/lifeline-discount-mobile-phone-service.Wellness chats are available online. Visit the MDwise events calendar at MDwise.org/events to find events that can help you.HIP Power Account Contribution and Copayments

POWER Account Contribution Payments and copays do not need to be paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. You will receive a 60-day notice in the mail before your next payment is due.

To get immediate help in a crisis:

• Call 911.• Be Well Crisis Helpline: Counselors and resources

are available 24/7 at Indiana 211. Dial 211 for help.• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2

for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663. Or visit samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Also, Lifeline Crisis Chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 or visit thehotline.org.

• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453 or visit childhelp.org/hotline.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org. Also Online Chat at hotline.rainn.org/online.

• The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.

Language Assistance

When you call MDwise customer service we can talk to you in your own language. If we do not have someone who speaks your language, we will get an interpreter on the phone.Many MDwise doctors can talk to you in Spanish or other languages as well. This includes sign language. It is a free service to you.Member information is available in Spanish at MDwise.org. We have some information in Burmese as well. You can also call MDwise customer service to have materials mailed to you. If you do not understand something you get in the mail from us, call customer service. We can help explain what it says.Your member rights and responsibilities include:

Second Opinions

MDwise knows how important it is for our members to know they made the right choices about their

health. You might not be happy with your doctor’s opinion or plan. If not, you can ask for a second opinion. It should be from another doctor in your MDwise network. Call MDwise customer service if you need help. We can help you find another in-network doctor so you can get a second opinion.Call MDwise customer service at 1-800-356-1204 if you need help.

1. Being treated with dignity and respect.

2. Receiving health care that makes you comfortable based on your culture.

3. Being able to make complaints about MDwise, its services, doctors and policies.

If you have trouble with any of the services offered by MDwise, please call MDwise customer service at 1-800-356-1204. We need to know about any problems so that we can help.

steps to wellness 3

Women’s Health Covered Services

Pre-pregnancy care, prenatal care and postpartum care give you a great start towards having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.Pre-pregnancy care is health care that starts before you become pregnant and can promote a healthy pregnancy in the future. You can do this by:

• Increasing your daily folic acid (one of the B vitamins) to at least 400 micrograms.

• Keep your immunizations up to date.• Keep underlying medical conditions up to date

(hypertension, diabetes).• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs.• Maintain a healthy weight.

Prenatal care is health care you get during your pregnancy. Benefits of prenatal care include:

• Reduced risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Reduces the risk of fetus or infant complications.• Can educate you on things to avoid (smoking, alcohol).• Can make sure the medications you are taking are safe

for pregnant women.Postpartum care is health care you get in the six weeks following the delivery of your baby. Postpartum care includes:

• Help with breast-feeding techniques.• Screening for postpartum depression.• Monitoring the newborn's growth and overall health.• Treat childbirth-related complications.

References used:https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/prenatal-care 5/20/16https://www.mhtf.org/topics/postnatal-care/ 6/25/2020

Let Your Plate Be Your Guide

You want to lose weight in a healthy way. You also want to keep it off. Evidence shows that most people need to reduce the amount they eat and improve the quality of their diet. This helps you lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week. It can be difficult to count calories or measure portions accurately. Try using the “plate method.” This helps you control the amount you’re eating. You can use this method when you are trying to lose weight. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight. Here is how it works:

• At least half your plate should be focus on whole fruits and vegetables. • Split the other half evenly with varied lean protein and whole grains. • Try moving to low-fat and fat-free milk and yogurt. • If you go back for seconds, limit yourself to vegetables. • Eat fruit or low-fat dairy for snacks. • Eat less salt and sugared drinks.For more information go to ChooseMyPlate.gov. You will find tips on healthy eating, eating on a budget, exercise and great recipes. Other websites and mobile apps are available for free to track your food, activities and weight. We recommend an internet search for food and activity trackers that are right for you.

Sources: US Department of Agriculture, ChooseMyPlate.gov, American Heart Association

Questions?Go to our website at MDwise.org.

Si quiere que le mandemos esta información en español, favor de llamar a nuestro departamento de servicio al cliente de MDwise. También puede encontrar esta información en español en nuestra página web en MDwise.org. Gracias.

Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Appointment

It is important to make the most out of every visit with your doctor. Adults, teens and children three years old and older should have a preventive care or well-care visit at least once a year. Babies need even more visits from birth through the age of two. Each visit gives you a chance to talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor about your family's health. It also helps to find any health problems early.

4 steps to wellness

Before your appointment:

• First, be sure that you know who your doctor is. You can call MDwise customer service if you are not sure.

• When making the appointment, explain why you need to see the doctor. This helps them to schedule the right amount of time for you.

• It may be your first visit to a clinic or provider. If so, be ready to tell them about diseases that run in your family. Describe your current and past health problems and treatments. Write it all down if that helps.

• Make a list of the medications you are taking. You can also bring in the bottles. Include any over-the-counter medicines. You should also list any vitamins, herbs or supplements you take. Your doctor needs to know the dose and how often you take each medicine.

• Find a friend or relative to go with you to your visit. The doctor may give you a lot of information. It may help to have someone with you to help write things down.

During your appointment:

• Tell your doctor about changes in your health, especially things like: - Unexpected weight loss or

fevers.- Changes in appetite or energy.- New pain or change in

chronic pain.

- Changes in bowel movements or urination.

- Bleeding or bruising.- Chest pain or shortness of

breath.- Changes in the way you walk,

talk or think.• Give them your list of medications. • Tell them how much alcohol,

tobacco or other drugs you use. If you would like help to quit smoking, talk to your health care provider about the different options available to you.

• Talk about changes in your energy level or the amount of sleep you get.

• Don’t forget to tell them about your emotional health. It affects your physical health.

• Ask what health screenings you should get. Depending on your age, you should get screenings for cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and weight. You may also need immunizations (shots).

• Ask your doctor if there any lab tests (blood tests) that you may need. Lab tests are used to help diagnose, screen, or monitor some diseases or conditions. Lead screening is a lab test that is very important for children.

• Repeat instructions your doctor gives you to be sure you heard everything. Ask questions to be sure you understand the instructions.

Before you leave the office:

• Ask if you need to watch for certain warning signs for your condition. Ask what things you need to call about.

• If you received a new prescription, be sure you understand what it is for, how much to take and how often, any side effects to watch for, and when you should call the doctor for concerns.

• Ask how to reach the doctor if you have questions or concerns, what hours are best, and how soon you can expect a response.

• Find out if and when you should return for another visit. Schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary. Don’t leave if you’re uncertain about any instructions about your condition or treatment.

• Ask your doctor if they offer telemedicine appointments. Telemedicine appointments let you have an appointment with your doctor without going into the office.

By having these annual visits, you will be able to manage your overall health and wellness better. You may be able to obtain reward points for screening completed during this visit.

steps to wellness 5

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Transition to Other Care

As your child gets older, help them be responsible for their health. Parents schedule doctor visits, fill out paper work and take care of insurance. You will need to help your child take on these tasks when they become an adult. This includes finding an adult health doctor. If your child sees a family medicine doctor you still need to teach your child to take care of their health.

This new time of life can be hard. MDwise is here to help. Here are some tips:

1. Change to an adult health doctor between 18 to 21 years of age.

2. If your child has special health care needs it is even more important to plan early. Check out Family Voices Indiana for more help.

3. Talk to your child’s doctor – Got Transition has a guide on questions to ask.

4. Call MDwise customer service to find or choose a new doctor at 1-800-356-1204.

5. Talk to your child - Got Transition has a guide for teens on what it means to turn 18.

Find more information at these websites:

• Family Voices Indiana: fvindiana.org

• Got Transition: gottransition.org/youth-and- young-adults

• Indiana State Department of Health Care Coordination Services: in.gov/isdh

• MDwise – For Members: MDwise.org/for-members

Get important health information, tips, and benefit information sent to your phone. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary. Text HELP to 639473 for info. Text STOP to 639473 to cancel. Full terms and conditions can be accessed at MDwise.org/texting-terms.

Sign Up for MDwise Health and Benefits Alerts

6 steps to wellness

SAVEwise

Is it an Emergency?

Medical emergencies can be scary and stressful. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you manage it. The following signs and symptoms are examples of common emergency problems. These are only some examples:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.• Chest pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more.• Upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting two

minutes or more.• Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness.• Sudden changes in vision.• Confusion, changes in mental status, or unusual

behavior.• Bleeding that won’t stop.• Severe vomiting or diarrhea.

This information does not replace the advice of your doctor - your primary doctor knows your health history best. Unless you are sure it is a medical emergency, it is always best to call your doctor first. There are other times when it is best to make an appointment with your MDwise doctor.

Here are some reasons to call your MDwise doctor first:

• If your symptoms come on gradually.• You think your child has an ear infection.• You or your child has cold or flu symptoms.• Rash or insect bites.

If you are still unsure what to do you can call the MDwise NURSEon-call line at 1-800-356-1204. Choose option #4 for NURSEon-call. The nurse can tell you whether to go to the emergency room or wait to see your doctor. NURSEon-call is available 24 hours a day. If you can’t reach your usual doctor and you think you or your family member will have a bad outcome if you don’t get help right away, you may need to go to the emergency room.

MDwise is excited to offer all our members a new program of over 300,000 discounts.

You have the opportunity to take advantage of discounts on items you want and need such as:

The MDwise website is a great resource for members. Do you know what you can find on the

MDwise website? You can find information about your health plan benefits and services, MDwise special programs like WORKwise, and myMDwise. You can also find HELPlink, behavioral health resources, and so much more. Check out MDwise.org today!

Check Out MDwise.org

• Store coupons • WeightWatchers• Globalfit gyms• Car Maintenance and

Repair

• Variety of food, restaurant and food delivery

• Family fun• And More!

To sign up, members just need to log into their myMDwise account and click the SAVEwise link under Quick Links or under My Benefits.

Coming Soon: The SAVEwise mobile app! This notifies you of nearby offers with automatic location updates and alerts.

steps to wellness 7

Tobacco Cessation

Smoking is harmful to your body and organs. Tobacco use leads to many diseases and death. If you are trying to stop, don’t give up! Quitting tobacco use may be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Quitting is hard work. Most who try to quit can’t do it the first time. If you’ve tried to quit before, try something new this time. As a MDwise member you have a lot of options to help you stay quit.

For further advice and support, call Indiana’s Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or go online to quitnowindiana.com. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can get tips for quitting from MDwise’s SMOKE-free program at MDwise.org.If you smoke or use tobacco you can earn MDwiseREWARDS points and gift cards for quitting. HIP members can receive up to 200 points, and HHW members can get up to 50 points! To earn points, you

must complete a cessation program. If you complete a cessation program, ask for a certificate or letter of completion. Then send a copy to MDwise by mail, fax or email to get your points.For more information go to MDwise.org/MDwiseREWARDS and click on your health plan.Attention HIP members: If you use tobacco, your POWER Account contribution payment may have a 50 percent surcharge. For example, if your current POWER Account contribution is $10 a month, your contribution may go up to $15 if you do not stop tobacco use in 12 months of your coverage starting. If your tobacco status changes, or if you feel we have wrong information about your tobacco use, please call MDwise customer service.

Get Your FREE Gift Cards!You don’t have to sign up for MDwiseREWARDS to earn dollars. You are automatically enrolled. Earn dollars for a variety of activities, like going to your doctor appointments. Then shop for gift cards with your dollars. Go to MDwise.org/MDwiseREWARDS to learn more.

MDwise Quality Improvement ProgramAreas in which MDwise improved (Measurement Year 2019):

• Lead screening in children.• Medication management for people with asthma.• Cervical cancer screenings for Healthy Indiana Plan

(HIP) females.• Controlling blood pressure (HIP adults).

For children, MDwise is still working to make improvements in 2020:

• Children and adolescents getting well visits and immunizations.

• All babies having a test for lead poisoning at 12 months of age and again at 24 months.

• Children having an annual dental visit.

For adults, MDwise is also working to improve in the following areas in 2020:

• All members, especially pregnant women, quitting tobacco use.

• Getting adults in for well care and the health screenings they need every year.

• Getting HIP adult members in for a follow-up appointment within 7 days of a mental health inpatient hospital stay.

• Members using the emergency room wisely.• Diabetic members getting the tests they need and

keeping healthy blood sugar levels and blood pressure.• Pregnancy care and care after pregnancy in a timely

manner.

8 steps to wellness

STEPS TO WELLNESS is published for members of MDwise by MDwise, Inc. P.O. Box 441423, Indianapolis, IN 46244-1423, telephone 1-800-356-1204 or 317-630-2831 in the Indianapolis area.MDwise.org.Information in STEPS TO WELLNESS comes from a wide range of medical experts and is not intended to provide specific advice to any one individual. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider.Stock photography is used for all photos and illustrations. Copyright © MDwise, Inc.

Questions? Comments? Complaints?If you need help with anything about MDwise or your doctor, we can help. Please call MDwise customer service at 1-800-356-1204.

MDwise customer service offers language services. Or we might use an interpreter. We also have services for the hearing and speech impaired.

Information in other languages: MDwise.org/Languages Non-Discrimination/Accessibility: MDwise.org/Nondiscrimination

HHW-HIPM0535 (8/20)

Find Your Doctor

You can find information about MDwise doctors at MDwise.org/findadoctor. You can get information including practice locations, phone number, if they are on a bus line, the language they speak and more. You can also call MDwise customer service and we can research providers for you. If you have questions about the quality of MDwise providers, please ask us. Remember, it is better for your health

or your child’s health to stay with one doctor, rather than change doctors often. You can also get quality information about health care facilities, such as hospitals, that are in the MDwise network. You can call customer service and ask about quality information, or you can find this information at MDwise.org/findadoctor. Information is collected nationally by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and statewide by the Indiana Hospital Association.

Details about your health are personal. MDwise does all we can to protect your privacy. We make sure your health records and information about you are kept safe. Only staff who need to see your files to help you can get them. Even then, our staff signs statements promising not to share information about you. Our doctors follow these rules too.

If other people ask us for your records, you must first say it is okay. You have to give that permission in writing. The only time we do not check with you first is when someone has a need and a right to see the files. That’s determined by law. We often review the way we keep your information safe. We want you to have good care and peace of mind.

Our privacy policy is in your member handbook starting on page 61. The most recent version is at MDwise.org.You can also have a copy of our general privacy policy mailed to you. Call MDwise customer service at 1-800-356-1204 if you’d like a copy.

Protected Health Information Use Disclosure