MORE

FROM

LIFE®

A magazine from Cigna-HealthSpring

FALL 2015

Y0036_15_32056 Accepted 08112015

A NEW WAY TO MEASURE BODY FATAll you need is a piece of string page 13

FUN WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSUREEat chocolate, turn up the tunes and more! page 10

HEALTHY RECIPEMushroom penne pastapage 16

QUESTIONS?

CALL 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week

Cigna-HealthSpring customers:

1-800-668-3813Not yet a customer?

1-888-284-0270By calling the number above, you will be directed to a licensed benefit advisor.

TTY: 711

EMAIL LetUsHelpYou@HealthSpring.com

WEB CignaHealthSpring.com

FEATURES

4 “Patrick Saved My Life” One customer’s story

5 EOBs…Explained It’s a statement, not a bill

6 Juggling Multiple Meds? Cigna-HealthSpring can help

7 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Breaking up a troublesome twosome

10 Non-Medicine Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Start with chocolate

12 Avoid the Flu This year’s vaccine is new and improved!

13 A New Way to Measure Body Fat All you need is a piece of string

14 Getting Ready for 2016 Review your new coverage

COLUMNS

3 From Our Founder and President

8 Safety First

9 Puzzle

15 Ask the Doc

16 Healthy Recipe

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FROM OUR FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Dear Cigna-HealthSpring friends:

It’s a simple, yet brilliant, saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, flu shots, mammograms, colonoscopies and other important health

screenings can help you prevent or detect problems early — when they’re less troublesome and most treatable. And they’re covered by your Medicare plan with no cost to you.

I encourage you to spread the word to your friends and family about Cigna-HealthSpring’s commitment to good health. If they want to enjoy the same benefits you do by becoming a Cigna-HealthSpring customer, simply give them the enclosed postage-paid referral card. The Medicare Annual

Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7.

Soon you’ll receive your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Please look over these documents and don’t hesitate to call Customer Service if you have questions. Regardless of any changes to your plan for the upcoming year, rest assured you’ll continue to receive the same quality care from our network providers that you’re accustomed to.

Thank you for choosing Cigna-HealthSpring. See you next issue!

Sincerely,

Herb Fritch President, Cigna-HealthSpring

MORE FROM CIGNA-HEALTHSPRING

Cigna-HealthSpring customers get lots of extras. We call them “value-added services,” and they offer you savings on many popular products and services.

All Cigna-HealthSpring plans include:

> Extra help for many health conditions, including depression, diabetes, congestive heart failure and COPD

> Free nurse line available 24/7 at 1-866-576-8773

> Diabetes supplies, including a free blood glucose meter and test strips

> Discounts on many other items

But that’s not all! You get even more discounts through the Cigna-HealthSpring Healthy Rewards® program. Save on acupuncture, chiropractic,

massage therapy, Lasik vision correction, weight management programs, tobacco cessation classes and much more.

Visit CignaHealthSpring.com/valueadded, click Customer Tools, then Plan Extras.

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Cigna-HealthSpring customer Crystal Jones wasn’t getting better. Following a hospital visit for asthma-related respiratory problems, Crystal’s breathing problems continued to worsen. She needed help, and that help came in the form of Patrick Drummond, a Cigna-HealthSpring Respiratory Therapist.

There was just one problem: Crystal lives in Baltimore and Patrick works in Philadelphia, so their conversations had to take place over the phone.

“I kept thinking, ‘What’s he going to do for me over the phone?’” she says. “I also thought it would be a one-time thing.

“When Patrick called the first time, I could barely talk,” Crystal continues. “He asked if I was doing my breathing treatments and I said yes, but something wasn’t working — I was getting worse. So he said, ‘Dump all your medical breathing equipment on the floor and tell me what you see.’”

It didn’t take long for Patrick to realize she was missing a piece of her nebulizer, a device that changes medicine from a liquid to a mist so it can be inhaled into the lungs.

“He said, ‘No wonder you can’t breathe,’” Crystal says.

Patrick called the pharmacy and arranged to have the piece delivered to her. Very quickly, Crystal began to gain control of her asthma. But that didn’t mean Patrick was out of the picture.

“He had to keep explaining things to me,” she says. “For example, I got a rash from the steroids I was taking, and he explained why it happened and how to treat it. Similar to the situation with the nebulizer piece, he gave me information I didn’t have before.”

“I’ll take all the time necessary to help our customers,” says Patrick. “I work for them. I’m here to provide the best care possible and help them understand all their options — that’s my goal.”

Continued

Patrick Drummond Cigna-HealthSpring Respiratory Therapist

“PATRICK SAVED MY LIFE!”

How one man made a big difference

Patrick advocated for me when I needed it most. I want to meet him and give him a hug.

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“It was just amazing,” Crystal says. “He called me every day, sometimes twice a day. In the mornings, he’d ask how my previous night went. He also let me know I was using my CPAP nighttime breathing device wrong. I felt silly, but he told me it wasn’t my fault I didn’t know how to use it.”

“It’s not a customer’s fault if they’re doing something wrong that they were only taught for five minutes,” Patrick says. “I may have to spend half an hour talking about a piece of equipment they don’t understand, but it’s my job to translate that for them.”

Crystal continues to improve and Patrick still follows up with her. She now wants to meet the man she credits with saving her life.

“He advocated for me when I needed it most,” she says. “I can’t wait to meet him face to face and give him a hug.”

Crystal previously had coverage with a different company and just joined Cigna-HealthSpring in January. She wasn’t happy about the change at first, and was uncertain about her new coverage and what it would provide.

“I didn’t want to change insurance companies, but it turned out to be a great decision,” she says. “I’ve gotten so much empathy, understanding and information from Cigna-HealthSpring. And Patrick Drummond saved my life!”

EOBs…EXPLAINEDIt’s a statement, not a bill

After each medical service you receive, Cigna-HealthSpring will mail you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). An EOB is not a bill; it’s a statement describing the services you received and how much your insurance has paid.

If you owe any money after a visit, you’ll receive a bill directly from your doctor or pharmacy. The amount on the bill should match the amount listed as “Your share” on your EOB. It’s a good idea to match any bills with an EOB before you pay them.

If you have questions about a bill you’ve received, first call the sender of the bill. If you still need help knowing what you owe, call Cigna-HealthSpring Customer Service.

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Do you know what all your medicines are supposed to do? Are you aware of possible side effects and what to do if they occur? What if you miss a dose or accidentally take more than you should?

If you have chronic conditions, take several medicines or see multiple doctors, you’re at higher risk for medication errors. With more than 10,000 prescription medications available in the U.S., mistakes can happen. And they’re often preventable.

Cigna-HealthSpring’s Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program can help you lower the risk of those errors. If you qualify for the program, licensed pharmacists will review all your medicines and help you understand how they help manage your conditions. The MTM team may also contact your doctors to address any potential medicine-related problems.

To qualify for the program, customers must have at least three of the following medical conditions and take at least seven medicines to treat them:

> Diabetes

> High cholesterol

> High blood pressure

> Congestive heart failure

> Bone disease (osteoporosis)

Customers must also have yearly prescription costs that meet a certain

threshold. If you qualify, you’ll receive a welcome packet from Cigna-HealthSpring and automatically be enrolled in the MTM program. You’ll have a chance to opt out if you don’t want to participate.

There’s no cost to participate in the MTM program; it’s a part of all Cigna-HealthSpring plans. Our goal is to help you improve your overall health and lower your risk for medication problems, hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

For more information, call Cigna-HealthSpring’s MTM program representatives at 1-800-625-9432, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Sources: Mayo Clinic; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

JUGGLING MULTIPLE MEDS?

We can help!

Need help remembering to take your meds? Find solutions to this and other medication-related problems at Cigna.com/sites/SeniorMomentum/864935_SM_MedicalProblems_v4.pdf.

Nearly one-third of U.S. adults take five or more medications.

ENDING AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP A diabetes and high blood pressure breakup

Untreated high blood pressure can create lots of health problems. Coupled with diabetes, as it often is, it causes even more issues. Read the Q&A below to learn more about their relationship and what you can do to break up this troublesome twosome.

What’s the relationship between diabetes and high blood pressure?

These two conditions often go hand in hand and develop for many of the same reasons: carrying excess weight, eating poorly and not exercising. Over time, high blood sugar can cause arteries to narrow, increasing your risk for high blood pressure.

What can happen if I don’t control my blood pressure?

When your blood pressure is uncontrolled, your heart has to work harder. That puts you at much higher risk for heart disease and stroke — the top causes of death in people with diabetes. It’s also thought to be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.

Having diabetes and high blood pressure also increases your chances of developing kidney disease and eye disease, which can lead to blindness.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Two out of three people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, but many don’t realize it. That’s because high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms. Regular visits to your doctor are the best way to diagnose and track it.

What should my blood pressure reading be?

If you have diabetes, you should aim for blood pressure of 140/90 or lower.

How is high blood pressure treated?

There are some non-medicine things you can do to reduce your blood pressure (see the article on page 10). Eating the right foods, exercising and not smoking can also help lower it. Your doctor can advise you on the things you can do to reduce your levels and let you know if you need to take medicine.

Sources: American Heart Association; American Diabetes Association; 2014 Evidence-based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure: Report from the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)

For some practical tips on controlling diabetes, check out Cigna.com/sites/SeniorMomentum/diabetes.pdf.

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SAFETY FIRST

BE ALERT!As Georgia* left the store and walked toward the back of the dim parking garage, she felt uneasy, as if someone was watching her. As it turned out, someone was. Just before she reached her car, a man darted out of the shadows and grabbed the purse hanging from her shoulder. She tried to hold on to it but fell and lost her grip. The thief got away with her purse and its contents.

Criminals target older adults because they’re often less able to protect themselves. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe in public:

> Have your keys in your hand and finger on the alarm button as you walk to your car.

> Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get distracted by looking at your phone or digging through your purse.

> Find safety in numbers. When possible, take friends or family along on outings.

> Keep your cash and credit cards close. Carry only what you need, and keep them in a pocket instead of your wallet whenever possible.

> Check your front and back seats before getting in your car.

> Keep your belongings in your lap or between your feet when traveling by bus or train.

POP QUIZ What are some common-sense things Georgia could have done to make it more difficult for the robber?

A. Parked closer to the garage entrance or in a better-lit, more public area

B. Carried her purse close to her body, not by the shoulder strap

C. Let go of her purse when the thief grabbed it

D. All of the above

If you answered “All of the above,” you’re correct.

* Fictitious character for illustrative purposes

Source: National Crime Prevention Council

DOWN1 Washer cycle

2 Mexican money

3 Popped up

4 Greek letter

5 Understood

6 Grime

7 Extended family

8 Puerto ___

9 Stir up

10 Female rabbit

11 Blunder

16 Smallest

20 Explode

22 “Ain’t ___ Sweet”

25 Caviar

26 Barbie’s beau

28 Banana oil, e.g.

30 High card

31 Guy’s date

32 Large wardrobe

34 Pub order

35 Aquarium fish

38 Clothing line

40 Fishing gear

42 Tot watcher

43 Make amends

45 Plumbing problem

47 Domain

48 Stitch up

49 Itsy-bitsy

51 Tell a whopper

52 Suffix with west

ACROSS1 Jacuzzi

4 Bird-to-be

7 Swap

12 Pay-___-view

13 Rocky hill

14 Hardship

15 Set apart

17 More frigid

18 Sniffer

19 Monastery head

21 Neptune’s realm

23 Take to court

24 Biblical boat

27 Gauze-like

29 Little piggy

30 Playing marbles

33 Shiny cotton

fabric

36 Garage contents

37 Deed

39 Shade tree

40 Ballpoint, e.g.

41 Sicilian volcano

44 Bouquets

46 Pro ___

48 Eddy

50 A Roosevelt

53 Spooky

54 Balloon filler

55 Opposite SSW

56 Blubbers

57 Game pieces

58 Vote of support

Copyright © 2015 PuzzleJunction.com

Find the answers to this puzzle on page 11.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17

18 19 15 19 20

22 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 27 28 29 29

30 31 32 33 34 35

36 39 37 38 42

39 43 40 41 42 43

46 47 44 45 44 49 46 47

48 49 50 51 52

53 54 60 55

56 57 63 58

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Get ready for possibly the best blood-pressure lowering news you’ll ever hear: Eating half an ounce of dark chocolate daily can help improve blood pressure numbers. That’s because it contains an ingredient that can make blood vessels more elastic. To get the most benefit, be sure the chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa.

That’s not all! Here are six more natural, non-medicine things you can do to help control your blood pressure.*

TUNE UP WITH MUSICA group of adults taking blood pressure medicine were asked to listen to soothing music 30 minutes a day, while breathing deeply. After just one week, participants reduced their average blood pressure readings by more than three points. After a month, levels were down more than four points.

WANT LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE?

Natural ways to reduce your numbers

TAKE TIME FOR TEATufts University researchers discovered that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea a day for six weeks can reduce blood pressure by as much as

seven points. They believe chemicals that occur naturally in plants — called phytochemicals — are responsible for the reduction.

FIND A FIDO OR A FELINEStudies show that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and less stress than people who don’t have animals. One reason: They’re more likely to exercise by regularly walking their dogs. A Utah study found that

cat owners were 60% less likely to die of heart disease. And a study of stockbrokers with high blood pressure revealed reduced blood pressure levels after adopting a cat or dog.

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Puzzle solution from page 9

* The methods listed above are meant to complement blood pressure medicine, not replace it. Don’t stop taking any medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Sources: Prevention.com; American Heart Association; British Heart Foundation

DRINK DECAFThree cups of caffeinated coffee a day can increase blood pressure by up to three points, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers. Caffeine causes blood vessels to tighten, which can boost blood pressure numbers. Consider switching to decaf.

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TAKE A HIKEBrisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day can decrease blood pressure numbers by up to nine points. But if you can’t do that, something’s better than nothing: Even ten minutes of walking a day can make a difference.

GO BANANASPotassium-rich foods like bananas can help control the fluid balance in your body, which helps lower blood pressure. Other high-potassium food sources include nuts, seeds, milk and fish.

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YOUR BEST SHOT AT AVOIDING THE FLUThis year’s vaccine is new and improved!

Did you or someone you know get a flu shot last year but still got the flu? If so, you weren’t alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that last year’s shot was only about 23% effective in preventing the flu — half a million Americans who got the shot still got sick.

WHY DIDN’T IT WORK?

Each year, health experts choose which flu strains the vaccine will guard against during the upcoming season. Last year, the strains they chose began to change after it was too late to adjust the vaccine. People got sick because the changed virus didn’t respond to the vaccine.

SHOULD I GET A SHOT THIS YEAR?

Yes! Don’t let last year’s track record discourage you. You should get a flu shot this and every year. Even though last year’s vaccine didn’t work as planned, it still helped make symptoms milder for people who got sick.

WHY DO I HAVE TO GET A FLU SHOT EVERY YEAR?

The flu is a serious illness. It can lead to hospitalization, even death. During a regular flu season — October to May — about 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people age 65 and older.

Because flu viruses constantly change, the flu shot formula must be adjusted from year to year. And the previous year’s shot wears off.

WHERE CAN I GET MY SHOT?

Your annual shot is free from your Cigna-HealthSpring network doctor or pharmacy, and other locations that accept Medicare, like your local drugstore or clinic. To find a network pharmacy, visit CignaHealthSpring.com and choose Customer Tools, then Find a Pharmacy. Or visit flu.gov and enter your ZIP code in the flu vaccine finder search box.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Your flu shot is FREE! Medicare covers the cost of a flu vaccination once a year.

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For details about the importance of getting pneumonia shots, take a look at last issue’s Ask the Doc column. Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/CignaHealthSpring. Click the More from Life tab and select the summer 2015 issue. Or visit Cigna.com/medicare/ faqs/tools-videos.

WHAT A PIECE OF STRING CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT

A new way to measure BMI

Body mass index, or BMI, has long been the go-to method of measuring how much body fat you carry. BMI is based on your weight and height, and categorizes you as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. These categories are thought to predict health risks like heart disease and diabetes.

BMI can still be a helpful tool for tracking your weight, but try the string method too and see how the two measures compare. To calculate your BMI, visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website at nhlbi.nih.gov and enter “BMI calculator” in the search box.

Source: BMC Medicine

The problem: A new solution:

BMI doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. So a muscular person might be considered overweight on the BMI scale.

Researchers now believe waist-to-height ratio may be a better way to tell if you’re at a healthy weight. Here’s how it works:

1. Take a piece of string and cut it to your height.

2. Fold the string in half and wrap it around your waist.

3. If it fits comfortably, you’re at a healthy weight. If it’s tight or doesn’t go around you, you’re likely overweight.

Have you had both your pneumonia shots? That’s right. There are now two shots that guard against pneumonia and other serious infections like meningitis: PCV13 and PPSV23. Adults age 65 and older are advised to have both. If you haven’t had your shots, or can’t remember if you have, talk to your doctor.

Don’t forget your pneumonia shot … times two

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GETTING READY FOR 2016Review your new coverage

As a Cigna-HealthSpring customer, you will soon receive two important documents in your mailbox (or email inbox if you requested electronic documents):

Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which lets you know of any changes to your current health plan for 2016

Evidence of Coverage (EOC), which explains what your health plan covers how much you pay for health care services and more. See Chapter 4 of your EOC for your plan’s important benefit details.

These documents will be sent to you no later than September 30. If you have any questions when you receive them (yes, we admit there’s a lot of information!), give us a call at 1-800-668-3813, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Our Customer Service Representatives are here to help make sure your questions are answered.

And be on the lookout for your member packet from Cigna-HealthSpring. It will include:

> 2016 calendar

> 2016 Customer Handbook detailing how to access your benefits

Then you’ll be all set for your 2016 plan coverage to begin January 1. Thank you for choosing Cigna-HealthSpring!

Tell a friend!

Now is a good time to remind your Medicare-eligible friends and family to check us out. When they return the enclosed referral card or call us at 1-888-284-0270, we’ll help them get started enjoying the same benefits you do!

Life has its ups and downs. Difficult times can lead to feeling sad, left out and blue. How do you know whether those feelings are truly depression or simply a reaction to tough circumstances? Cigna-HealthSpring Senior Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Pritchett discusses how to tell the difference.

What is depression?Depression is not a natural part of growing older or a sign of weakness. It’s a serious health condition that can affect your physical health as well as your emotions and thinking. It can make it harder to treat other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

How do I know if I have depression?Like other conditions, your body and mind give you warning signs that something is not right. And as you would go to your doctor if you have an unusual pain, cough or cold that won’t go away, you should visit your doctor if you have warning signs of depression.

If you’re sad or have a blue mood lasting for two weeks or more, watch for these other warning signs:

> Sadness lasting most of the day, nearly every day

> Changes in eating patterns, or weight gain or loss

> Changes in sleep

> Loss of interest in most activities

> Irritable or agitated mood

> A feeling of moving slow

> Difficult or fuzzy thinking, with poor concentration

> Feeling guilty or worthless

What can my doctor do?Your doctor can make certain there are no physical health problems affecting your mood. He or she will ask you some questions and let you know if you have depression. If you’re diagnosed with it, your doctor can treat it with prescription medications, suggest lifestyle changes and even refer you for counseling.

Where can I find help?Cigna-HealthSpring’s Depression Disease Management program staff will work with your doctor to help treat your depression. It’s an educational program delivered to you via mail and telephone. Best of all, it’s FREE. Ask your doctor to refer you or call 1-866-780-8546, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday- Friday for more information.

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ASK THE DOC

This column is intended only as general interest and does not in any way create a doctor-patient relationship. As with all information contained in this magazine, you should discuss any health concerns with your doctor or caregiver. If you have any immediate health care needs, contact your doctor immediately. The information in this column is not intended to serve as medical advice.

If you ever have thoughts of

hurting or killing yourself, call

your doctor right away, tell

someone you trust and/or go to

the nearest emergency room.

Dr. Elizabeth Pritchett

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All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Customer Service number at 1-800-668-3813 (TTY 711), 8 a.m.-8 p.m, 7 days a week. Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Por favor, llame a nuestro servicio al cliente al 1-800-668-3813, 7 dias de la semana, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Los usuarios de TTY deben llamar al 711.

Cigna-HealthSpring is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna-HealthSpring depends on contract renewal. © 2015 Cigna

CIGNA-HEALTHSPRING CUSTOMER SERVICE

8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week

1-800-668-3813Not yet a customer?

1-888-284-0270

TTY: 711

MUSHROOM PENNE If you like mushrooms, you’ll love this healthy pasta dish!

Directions

Cook pasta for about 8 minutes. While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook in oil for 5 minutes. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to mushrooms. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wine. Cook and stir to loosen browned bits and mix into sauce. Stir in chicken broth, salt, pepper and thyme. Drain pasta, stir into mushroom mixture. Continue simmering mixture until moisture is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 1 1/4 cup servings

Per serving: 418 calories; 10 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 436 mg sodium; 4 g total fiber; 9 g protein; 26 g carbohydrates; 70 mg potassium

Recipe is from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website at nhlbi.nih.gov

Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces white mushrooms, rinsed and sliced

1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon garlic, minced or pressed (about 2–3 cloves)

6 tablespoons dry red wine

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese