New Mexico Health Connections | my connection | Fall 2019

DIABETES Knowing the ABCs can help keep you healthy 2 6001 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 150 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 A PRENATAL CARE VISIT What to expect at this important appointment 3 T aking care of your body becomes more important as you age. If you are 50 or older, one of the best ways you can stay healthy is to focus on preventive healthcare. Some screenings and tests can help your doctor find problems sooner, before they turn into bigger problems. Here are a few: • Colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. When you turn 50, your chance of colon cancer goes up. There are many screening options, so talk to your doctor to learn which is best for you. • Mammogram. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women be- tween ages 50 and 74 have a mammogram every two years. • Blood pressure check. You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) without knowing it. High blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke, and eye and kidney problems. • Cholesterol screening. Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in the U.S. One of its main risk factors is high cho- lesterol (hypercholesterolemia). A simple blood test shows your levels and risk for heart disease. With information from screening tests, you and your doctor can create a plan to improve your health and even extend your healthy years. Most preventive screenings are covered by your health plan, so don’t let the cost keep you from taking care of yourself. Learn more at mynmhc.org/preventive-screenings.aspx . The NMHC member portal offers you easy, secure access from your computer or mobile device to all the important details of your health plan, such as: •   Your ID card. •   Your summary of benefits and coverage. •   Essential health plan documents. •   Claims status. Learn more about the portal and register at mynmhc.org/my-account-login.aspx . While you’re there, download the mobile app from the links at the bottom of the login screen. M E M B E R P O R TA L : S E C U R E A C C E S S O N A N Y D E V I C E Numbers you need to know CUSTOMER SERVICE: 866-668-9002, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. •   Benefits. •   ID cards. •   Billing questions. •   Claims questions, status and reconsiderations. •   Member login help. •   General information. CARE CONNECT NURSE ADVICE LINE: 844-308-2552 OPTUMRX, OUR PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER: 855-577-6550 BRIOVARX ® , OPTUMRX’S SPECIALTY PHARMACY: 866-618-6741 Message from Marlene Marlene C. Baca, CEO of New Mexico Health Connections TIME TO TAKE STOCK T he end of the year is such a busy time, what with the holidays, school activities and exams, and work deadlines. On top of everything else, the federal open enrollment period starts on Nov. 1 and ends at midnight on Dec. 15. This may seem like a long time, but it will pass quickly. I urge you to think about the NMHC health plan you are enrolled in now and consider whether it meets the healthcare needs of you and your covered family members. Don’t wait until the last few days of open enrollment! Sometimes we choose a plan with a lower premium only to find out that the out-of- pocket maximum was too high. As a result, you may have paid a lot of money out of your own pocket if you were seriously ill or had surgery. Other things to think about are whether you or your covered family members take any prescription medications on an ongoing basis or have an illness that requires regular doctor visits. You may decide that another NMHC plan will be a better fit for your needs. You can browse our 2020 plans at mynmhc.org/enroll.aspx . People often get sick this time of year, so wash your hands often and get your flu shot. It’s a covered benefit on your health plan. Just be sure you have your ID card with you and visit a pharmacy that’s in our network—or go to your primary care provider’s office. The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get this vaccine annually to protect yourself. Finally, thank you so much for being an NMHC member. I appreciate every one of you. Take good care of yourself this season. Turning 50? Prioritize your preventive health