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Awareness Benefits Health Options Program Medical Prevention

Practice Self-Care This Year

The Health Options Program has something for every member—you don’t have to be a benefit expert to make the most of your coverage!

The HOP Administration Unit, customer service teams, program advocates, and case managers are especially trained on Health Options Program benefits. They are here to support you when you have a serious health issue, a hospital admission, or want to focus on your wellbeing.

Elder Care Program

Get connected with general wellness resources to improve your overall wellbeing. Give the Elder Care Program a call if you need help with or want to learn about:

  • Local transportation
  • Utilities
  • Prescription drug delivery
  • Nutrition
  • Condition-specific support
  • Discount programs

Call the Elder Care Program at 866-794-0685 and ask to speak to an advocate.

Health Care Management

If you are going through a more serious health condition or treatment, a representative from the Health Care Management program will reach out to offer assistance. You might receive a call if you have a planned hospital stay or need skilled nursing care.

Want some help? Don’t wait for a call. Contact the Health Care Management team at 800-480-6658.

SilverSneakers

SilverSneakers can help you live a healthier, more active life through fitness and social connection. If you are enrolled in the HOP Medical Plan or HOP Pre-65 Medical Plan, you have access to SilverSneakers instructors who lead specially designed group exercise classes.

Take classes and use exercise equipment and other location-based amenities. Additionally, SilverSneakers FLEX®, SilverSneakers Live, SilverSneakers On-DemandTM and the mobile app, provide options to get active outside of traditional gyms.

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Benefits Diabetes Prevention

Take Control of Your Health

Take small steps to lead a healthier lifestyle can make a big different in lowering your risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the amount of insulin a person’s body produces. You can prevent or lower your risk of diabetes by making healthier food choices, increasing your physical activity, losing weight, quit smoking or reducing your alcohol intake.

Diabetes prevention is especially important if you are overweight or have a family history of the disease. It’s important to visit your doctor for regular glucose screenings if you fall into one of these categories. Early detection can also help you avoid serious health complications of diabetes down the road.

Learn more about diabetes at diabetes.org.

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Benefits Health Options Program Prescription Drugs

Are You Taking Multiple Medications? Get Assistance.

The Health Options Program offers the Medication Therapy Management Program (MTMP) to help you understand how to properly take your medications, and any adverse drug interactions that could occur.

If you or any of your dependents are eligible for the MTMP, you may receive a call from OptumRx, the administrator for the Medicare Prescription Drug Options. OptumRx representatives will call from 855-773-8254 or 866-352-5305.

If you qualify for the program and do not opt out, you will be automatically enrolled in the program. There is no additional cost for you to enroll. The brochure sent in the mail explains how you can opt-out of the MTMP. The services available help to better manage multiple conditions by:

  • Ensuring medications are taken correctly
  • Improving medication adherence
  • Detecting potentially harmful medication uses or combinations of medications
  • Educating members and health care providers

Learn more about the MTMP and how it works.

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Annual Enrollment Benefits Health Options Program Materials Option Selection Period OSP PSERS

Return Your OSP Survey Card!

Each year we include a survey in the Option Selection Period (OSP) materials. We ask that members fill out this survey and drop it in the mail. We review all the surveys and use them to determine how the Health Options Program is meeting the needs of our members—and if we need to make any changes to improve our service to you!

If you have not returned your survey card, please do so as soon as possible. In 2020, we received over 5,000 responses! Your voice matters—let us know what you think

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Annual Enrollment Health Options Program PSERS

Open Enrollment Starts Now

Even if you declined coverage in the past, you have another opportunity to enroll in benefits this fall. That’s because the usual Option Selection Period has been expanded to an open enrollment. This means you can enroll in medical, prescription drug, and dental and vision coverage without a Qualifying Event. Some plans include a wellness benefit through SilverSneakers. You can add your spouse and/or eligible dependents to your coverage, as needed.

Open enrollment runs from early October through November 15, 2021. If you want to join us, visit the Open Enrollment webpage. You’ll need to complete and submit an application before the November 15 deadline.

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Health Options Program PSERS

Individual Phone Consultants: Fall 2021

You can schedule a 30-minute individual telephone consultation (not a group meeting) with a staff member of the Health Options Program by following the steps below:

  • Call the HOP Administration Unit at 1-800-773-7725.
  • Let the representative know you want to schedule an individual telephone consultation.
  • After you make your appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email with the date and time.
  • As it gets closer to your appointment, you'll receive a reminder email.
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Health Options Program PSERS Statements

Are You Almost 65?

If you’re a PSERS retiree about to turn age 65, we’re eager to tell you about the benefits of joining HOP. We’ll take a number of steps to make sure you understand how the program works.

First, we’ll send you a package of information from four to nine months before your 65th birthday. We mail these twice a year—in the fall for people turning age 65 during the first six months of the following year and in the spring for people turning age 65 in the second half of the year. The package contains a description of the medical and prescription drug benefits available under the Health Options Program—plus a personalized statement that has information specific to you—including your monthly premiums for all your coverage options.

In addition, we conduct virtual group meetings multiple times a year where you can learn about the Health Options Program and ask questions. If you’re unable to attend a live virtual group meeting, you can watch one of the recorded sessions. The live meeting schedule is posted to our website.

Also, if you register on this website, you’ll find a personalized statement with all the same information as the printed statement you receive in the mail. Plus, if you misplace or want another copy of your statement, a printer-friendly version is available.

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Health Health Options Program Medical PSERS

Get Care Anytime, Anywhere

You can save time and hassle by scheduling a virtual visit with a doctor for minor medical concerns. Telehealth, also called telemedicine, provides access to a board-certified doctor from anywhere via telephone or live, online video. These virtual visits are secure and confidential. You’ll just need access to the internet and a computer, tablet, or smart phone device.

Medicare will cover a telehealth visit as long as you have had a prior in-person office visit with the health care provider or another provider in the same office. To make appointment, contact your doctor to find out what your telehealth options are.

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Health Options Program Prescription Drugs Prevention PSERS Safety

Triggers for Drug Interactions

A drug interaction happens when something you eat or drink—such as certain foods, drinks, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, nutritional supplements, or another drug—changes the intended action of a medication. Interactions can range from relatively minor to something more serious that sends you to the hospital.

Does your medication put you at risk for a fall? Some medications that treat depression (Sinequan or Paxil), high blood pressure (Capoten or Vasotec), and bacterial infections (Cipro or Zithromax) can cause dizziness. 

Knowing the potential triggers for the medications you take will make sure they work as intended and help you feel better faster. Be sure to speak with your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or supplements you are taking. You can also ask your pharmacist about any known interactions when you pick up your prescription.

Not registered? Sign up today for personalized information.