Author: matrixsuperadmin

Categories
Benefits Health Options Program Medicare Medicare Advantage Medicare Supplement PSERS

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.

Categories
Benefits Health Health Options Program Medical Prevention Safety

Healthy Start to the New Year

Flu season is here. If you haven’t already, schedule your flu shot before the season is in full swing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu shots because the flu virus is always changing and the vaccine is updated each year to better match circulating influenza viruses. The flu generally peaks in January or February and can still be around through May.

Categories
Benefits Health Options Program PSERS Safety

When You Need Extra Support

The Health Options Program is here for you when you need a little extra support. The programs listed below provide our members with home care services, self-care and home safety tips, and an online exercise community. If you have questions about getting started with one of these programs, contact the HOP Administration Unit at 1-800-773-7725.

The Elder Care Program. This Program connects members with resources to assist with overall wellbeing. The program can provide local meal delivery, transportation, utility assistance, or prescription drug delivery and discount programs. The Elder Care Program is available to members enrolled in the HOP Medical Plan, Value Medical Plan, or HOP Pre-65 Medical Plan.

CareKitOnline. For members enrolled in the Health Options Program, these self-care guides are accessible by logging in to your account. The self-care guides cover a variety of health topics as well as home safety and emergency preparedness.

Telehealth services. If you can’t make it to the doctor’s office, telehealth provides access to providers using an interactive two-way telecommunications system (like real-time audio and video). To get started, call your doctor to find out what your telehealth options are. Medicare will cover a telehealth consultation the same way it covers an in-person office visit.

Virtual exercise programs. While gym sessions or in-person workout classes might not be an option, SilverSneakers® members can enjoy full-length, live classes and workshops directly through the SilverSneakers website. SilverSneakers is available to members enrolled in the HOP Medical Plan or HOP Pre-65 Medical Plan. Health Options Program members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may also have access to a wellness program. Contact the Medicare Advantage plan directly, or visit SilverSneakers.com for more information.

Categories
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 meet the below criteria, you can enroll in the MTMP for FREE as part of your Medicare coverage:

  • Filled eight or more chronic Part D medications; and
  • Have at least three of the following ten chronic conditions:
    • High Blood Pressure
    • High Cholesterol
    • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
    • Diabetes
    • Depression
    • Osteoporosis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Asthma
    • COPD
    • HIV
  • Be likely to incur annual costs of $4,376 for all covered chronic Part D medications.

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

Learn more about the MTMP and how it works.

Categories
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 2019, we received over 5,000 responses! We used the feedback on those survey cards to create the MetLife Dental and EyeMed Vision Option for 2021. Your voice matters—let us know what you think.

Categories
Awareness Prevention

Make Preventive Care a Priority

While COVID-19 (coronavirus) was at its peak earlier this year, many doctor offices closed for non-emergency care. Now that most places have reopened, it’s a good time to consider getting the preventive care you might have put on hold.

A few hours is all it takes to set yourself up for long-term health success. Preventive screenings help your physician identify health concerns before they become real problems—saving you time, money, and pain in the future. For many diseases and conditions that cause serious illness, early detection is important for treatment. For example:

  • Medical: Monitoring your health on a regular basis helps set a baseline. This way, if something changes, it’s easier for your doctor to determine your risk level and next steps.
  • Dental: If left untreated, gum disease can allow bacteria to enter your blood stream and lead to other health complications. Scientific studies show a connection between gum disease and heart disease.
  • Vision: In addition to vision changes, regular eye exams can detect early warning signs for glaucoma, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Categories
Health Options Program

SilverSneakers: Improving Lives through Fitness

The SilverSneakers® fitness program, available at no additional cost to members enrolled in the HOP Medical Plan or the HOP Pre-65 Medical Plan, provides great options for maintaining your health and wellbeing. You can visit a gym, take online classes from home, or find a workout group in a nearby park or recreation center.

With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting many gym-goers, SilverSneakers expanded their online offerings. Here’s what some SilverSneakers members have to save about the new online classes:

  • “Thank you for having this available. It was a good class and I enjoyed getting back to exercising…I have missed going to the YMCA. Again, thank you very much.” – Mildred
  • “I’m loving the live classes…Love the modifications and moving really helps. I must say that the class yesterday with Jenny was my favorite. Just enough pushing. Good workout. I’ve signed up for five classes this week so I’m looking forward to those too.” – Nancy
  • “Love the classes. Hope that they will continue on Zoom after the pandemic. I like being scheduled with a particular time to attend.” – Nomi
  • “Without these daily sessions I would have been lost in self-pity. Can’t wait to get back to the gym and see friends again. Great service and thanks from a 76 year old!” – Calvin

2020 Swanson Award Winner

The Swanson Award honors a SilverSneakers member who has improved his or her own life through a healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity while inspiring and motivating others along the way.

The 2020 Swanson Award winner was Lloyd Black, a 92-year old retired teacher. Lloyd made the decision to improve his personal fitness by becoming a member of Anytime Fitness at the age of 90. Since then he has been working out at least three times a week building his strength by walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes and doing muscle strength training. He says everyday chores like yard work are now easier for him to do.

Visit the Swanson Award page for more information and to watch an inspiring video about Lloyd’s fitness journey.

Categories
Health Options Program Medicare Advantage Medicare Supplement Option Selection Period OSP PSERS

Attention Health Options Program Members: Mark Your Calendar

The Option Selection Period—the time when individuals currently enrolled in the Health Options Program can make changes to their coverage for 2021—runs through November 16. If you’re a current enrollee, this is a great time to evaluate your options and decide if you want to make any changes to your Health Options Program coverage for 2021.

Watch your mail for more information. You’ll receive your Option Selection Period materials explaining what’s new for 2021 and the coverage options available. Consider these materials carefully, particularly if you have moved, or are about to move, to a new area. If you’re currently enrolled in the Enhanced, Basic or Value Medicare Rx Option, the package will also include information about these plans. Unless you notify us otherwise during the Option Selection Period, your current medical and/or prescription drug or dental coverage will continue in 2021.

Don’t delay! The Option Selection Period ends November 15, 2020, so be sure to review all the information and submit all necessary forms before then. If you have any questions about the coverage options available to you, call the HOP Administration Unit at 1-800-773-7725.

Note: These mailings are exclusively for members currently enrolled in the Health Options Program. If you are not enrolled in health coverage under the Health Options Program, you will not receive the materials described above. If you are not enrolled in the Health Options Program, you may enroll if you experience a Qualifying Event (i.e., turning 65 or losing employer-sponsored coverage).

Categories
Health Options Program Medical Medicare PSERS

Individual Consultations: Fall 2020

Individual Consultations

You can schedule a 30-minute telephone appointment (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.

Health Options Program Webinars

Throughout the year we host live webinars (group meetings online) about the Health Options Program. You can view the recorded webinars if you are unable to attend a live webinar or there is none currently scheduled.

Not registered? Sign up today for personalized information.