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Open Enrollment

August 10, 2014

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Medicare is October 15 thru December 7. This is a time when Medicare eligible individuals can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

There are many different options and choosing the plan that is best for you can be a confusing and often overwhelming decision. To help, Optum Medical Network will post a Medicare update every Monday throughout OEP to help answer some of your questions about Medicare and Open Enrollment.

If you’d like to talk to an agent about your Medicare Health Plan options, please call us at 877-901-4985.

MEDICARE MONDAY’S

9/29/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That open enrollment period for #Medicare starts in 3 weeks on Wednesday, October 15? The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a time when Medicare eligible individuals can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. During this time you can also add prescription drug coverage or switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan. If a person is satisfied with their plan, they don’t need to do anything. Keep in mind that OEP ends December 7th.

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Information on Utilization Management

August 7, 2014

Affirmative Statement Regarding Incentives

OptumTM Medical Network’s core values of integrity and compassion dictate that we deliver the most effective care possible to every patient. This principle should be the guiding force behind all the decisions we make when it comes to patient care, including those surrounding utilization management.

Therefore, we are sharing this Affirmative Statement about incentives (specifically relating to Utilization Management).

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Prevent Falling

July 11, 2014

Prevent Falling

Did you know that accidental falls are a contributing factor in 40 percent of admissions to nursing homes? One in three people in the 65+ age groups will take a tumble each year and 20 to 30 percent will suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce their mobility and independence. These injuries can make it difficult to lead an active, healthy life. That’s why it’s important to take action to prevent falls.

The first step is to talk to your doctor about to prevent falling. This includes talking about your medications and side effects, like dizziness, that may make a fall more likely.

Have you fallen before but weren’t injured? If so, tell your doctor. With your doctor’s permission, stay active. Take part in activities like walking or exercise classes to improve your strength and balance. Wear shoes that lace up or stay securely fastened to your feet. Make sure your shoes have good traction.

Around the house, be sure to move boxes, electrical cords, loose rugs, or anything that may cause a fall. Place low furniture, such as coffee tables or magazine racks, away from high-traffic areas. If you have stairs, make sure they are well lit and have a strong handrail for stability.

Lower Your Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk

May 11, 2014

Tu Salud: Lower Your Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk

Latino seniors are at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. Here’s why and tips on what to do about it.

By Geri K. Metzger, Contributing Writer

In Latino families, tradition tends to run deep. Many seniors pride themselves on passing down family values and beliefs. Family dinners, favorite pastimes and celebrations keep family ties strong.

If you’re Latino, there’s one thing you don’t want to pass down. That’s a risk of diabetes and heart disease. Start a new family tradition of health to lower your and your family’s risk of these health problems. Statistics show:

  • 1. More than one in 10 Latino Americans has diabetes.
  • 2. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes.
  • 3. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Latinos in the U.S.
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