Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information MC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Stay healthy with diabetes 2 Mammograms can save lives 8 Your Summer 2026 for Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) and Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) members En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-6060 o al 1-800-797-5343. Start with prevention On hot days, minimize your risk of heat-related illnesses by following these tips for prevention: Stay in an air-conditioned indoor space as much as possible, or take frequent breaks in the shade if outside. Stay hydrated — don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Wear appropriate clothing that’s lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. Check the local news for extreme heat alerts, safety tips, and updates. Signs of heat-related illness If you do have to be out during an extreme heat event, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is key. It could even be lifesaving. You may have heat exhaustion if you experience: • Muscle cramps • Heavy sweating • Pale or cold skin • Weakness and/or confusion • Dizziness • Headache • Nausea or vomiting • Fast heartbeat • Dark-colored urine Heatstroke, the more serious of the two conditions, includes symptoms like: • High temperature of 104 degrees or above • Flushed, red skin • Absence of sweating • Difficulty breathing • Fainting • Seizures — Continued on page 2 Stay cool in extreme heat Summer sun can be a lot of fun. But summertime heat waves — also called extreme heat events — aren’t so fun. They’re uncomfortable and dangerous, sometimes causing illness or even death. Anyone can be harmed by exposure to extreme heat. But some people are especially vulnerable: • Older adults (65+) • Infants and children • People with chronic medical conditions • People without air conditioning • Athletes • Outdoor workers • Pregnant people
2 Taking care of your blood sugar Simple steps to stay healthy with diabetes If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range is very important. Blood sugar that stays too high for too long can lead to health problems like heart disease, kidney issues, and vision loss. The good news is that regular testing and healthy habits can help you stay on track. What is A1C? An A1C test shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Your provider uses this test to see how well your diabetes is being managed. Adults with diabetes should have an A1C test at least once a year. Some people may need it more often. Other important diabetes tests In addition to A1C testing, adults with diabetes should also have: • Kidney tests to check how well your kidneys are working • Eye exams to protect your vision These tests help find problems early, when they are easier to treat. How you can help manage your diabetes You can take small steps each day to improve your health. • Go to regular visits with your healthcare provider. • Take medicines as prescribed. • Eat nourishing foods and stay active. • Ask questions if you don’t understand your care plan. Your provider may also talk with you about medicines that help protect your heart and control cholesterol. Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP) members with diabetes can earn up to $75 ($25 per screening) annually. Earn rewards for getting an A1C test, diabetic retinopathy test, and kidney screening. If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, immediately get to a cool place. If you can’t get to an airconditioned building, at least find some shade. Once there: • Lie down and elevate the legs to get blood flowing to the heart. • Remove tight or extra clothing. • Place cool, wet towels on the skin, or take a cool (not cold) bath to lower internal body temperature. • Take small sips of fluids like water or a sports drink. Don’t drink anything with caffeine or alcohol. Get emergency help if symptoms don’t improve or you still have a fever of 102 degrees after 30 minutes of initial treatment. If you or someone else goes into shock, faints, has seizures, or isn’t breathing, call 911 immediately and begin CPR on the person who isn’t breathing. If you’ve experienced a heat-related illness, be sure to rest and let your body recover. You’ll be more sensitive to heat for about a week afterward. Stay cool, and avoid exercise. Ask your healthcare provider when it’s safe to return to your regular routine. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Emergency Management Agency Stay cool in extreme heat — Continued from front page
www.phs.org/Medicare 3 This reward can be used to purchase groceries and approved over-thecounter items. At-home testing makes it easier PHP offers at-home testing kits for members who need diabetes lab tests. These kits may include: • A1C testing • Kidney health tests You can collect the sample at home and send it to the lab. You will get your results and should share them with your provider. We’re here to help Managing diabetes is a team effort. By working with your provider and using available resources, you can take control of your blood sugar and protect your health. If you have questions or need help scheduling tests, talk to your provider or call the number on the back of your PHP member ID card. Presbyterian Health Plan members with diabetes can earn up to $75 ($25 per screening) annually.
4 Colorectal cancer screening starts at age 45 Your health is our priority. It’s time to begin the safe and important screening for colorectal cancer. If you are between the ages of 45 and 75, the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend you get screened for colorectal cancer, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Presbyterian Health Plan will reward you with $50 for completing your colonoscopy or an at-home testing kit, such as Cologuard or FIT. This reward can be used to purchase groceries and approved over-the-counter items. Preventive healthcare guidelines can help keep you healthy Preventive healthcare guidelines help your providers check for and prevent common health problems. They include regular checkups, screenings, and vaccines that you and your family should get. Having an annual wellness visit every year can help you meet these guidelines. Presbyterian Health Plan creates these guidelines based on expert advice to keep everyone healthy. They follow the Affordable Care Act and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines with an A or B grade. You can find the current preventive healthcare guidelines at www.phs.org/ tools-resources/member/health -wellness-information. This page also has resources about vaccine schedules, pediatric guidelines, and women’s health guidelines. *Home-based screening kits are intended to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer by detecting certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Do not use a screening kit if you have had: • Adenomas • Symptoms such as blood in the stool • History of colon polyps • Inflammatory bowel disease • Certain hereditary syndromes • Personal or family history of colorectal cancer It is important to complete your screening for colorectal cancer, even if you do not have any symptoms. Thank you for considering this important step in your healthcare. Your screening options You have options when it comes to screening for colon cancer, including home-based stool tests and a colonoscopy. Your healthcare provider can discuss the best option for you based on your medical history and preferences. A home-based Cologuard test* is completed every three years. Visit www.cologuard.com to request a Cologuard screening kit. A home-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT)* is completed once a year. Contact your provider to request a FIT screening kit. A colonoscopy is completed every 10 years. It’s the most comprehensive screening. Contact your provider to schedule a colonoscopy.
www.phs.org/Medicare 5 You can also request more information by calling the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at the number on the back of your member ID card. Make taking care of your health a priority. Schedule an appointment with your provider to stay up-to-date on your preventive care.
6 The health perks of choosing KINDNESS Chances are, you’ve heard about the power of kindness — the way a simple act can spread positivity to people around you. Did you know that practicing kindness is actually good for your health — both mentally and physically? It’s true. It can be hard to choose kindness sometimes, especially in a world that doesn’t seem to. But it’s still worth it to try. Here’s why. How healthy is kindness? Practicing acts of kindness is a healthy habit. It boosts your endorphins — the feel-good chemicals in your body — and hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain; elevate your mood; and make you feel happier and more optimistic. Plus, oxytocin triggers the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that may help: • Lower blood pressure • Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke • Protect your brain from dementia • Reduce inflammation • Boost your immune system • Slow aging Research on volunteering has shown that the act of giving back can increase brain power by supporting the learning and memory centers in the area of the brain called the hippocampus. This can help you stay sharper as you age. There’s even a link between choosing kindness and having more self-confidence and a greater sense of purpose in life. This may be because spreading kindness helps build stronger relationships. And by choosing kindness, you’re modeling compassion and gratitude for others, which can inspire them to follow suit.
www.phs.org/Medicare 7 Everyday ways to practice kindness There are many ways to work kindness into your day. The biggest rewards often seem to come when you add social connection and spontaneity into the mix. For example, try asking a neighbor if they need help carrying their groceries. Or invite a new colleague to join you for lunch so you can get to know them better. Kids can get practice leading with kindness too. For instance, when they’re with friends, suggest that they put their phone away so they can interact with intention. Listening, nodding, practicing eye contact, and offering thoughtful feedback all help to spread kindness (and strengthen friendships!). Need more inspiration? Choose kindness in different ways throughout the day. Try things like: • Asking co-workers if they’d like anything during your coffee run • Volunteering at a food bank • Helping someone study • Giving a loved one a hug • Listening to a meditation that’s centered on loving-kindness • Writing someone a note of encouragement Go big or stay small — you can enjoy the health benefits of choosing kindness either way. Helping a friend move or holding the door open for a stranger offers the same wellness perks. So go ahead and choose kindness — and watch how good it makes you feel. Sources: AARP; American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; Boys & Girls Clubs of America
8 Mammograms can save lives PROVIDER LOCATIONS PHONE WEBSITE Assured Imaging Las Cruces and Los Lunas 1-888-233-6121 www.assuredimaging.com RAA (Radiology Associates of Albuquerque) Albuquerque and Rio Rancho (505) 332-5800 www.raaonline.com X-Ray Associates of New Mexico Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Farmington, and Santa Fe (505) 998-5925 www.xranm.com You have options! Take action and schedule your mammogram today. Call an imaging center near you: Routine breast cancer screenings are the best tool for detecting breast cancer early, even before symptoms appear. Women 40 to 74 years old and at average risk for breast cancer should get a mammogram every one to two years. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding with their provider to begin getting mammograms before age 40 and after age 74. Why are mammograms so important? • Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. • Routine screenings give peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to protect your health. • By getting regular mammograms, you empower yourself with knowledge and the ability to make informed decisions about your health. If you need help finding an imaging center, you can call the New Mexico Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at 1-833-525-1811 (toll-free). • Mobile mammography: » Visit www.phs.org/events for a list of mobile mammography events near you. • Contact your provider and request help scheduling a mammogram. » If you don’t have a primary care or women’s care provider, the Presbyterian Customer Service Center is here to help you. Contact us at the number on the back of your member ID card.
www.phs.org/Medicare 9 Take control of your health and well-being with Onward by NeuroFlow Presbyterian Health Plan’s digital wellness tool! Get started and sign up for Onward by NeuroFlow today! Use the QR code below to access Onward by NeuroFlow and sign up, or visit neuroflow.app.link/ PHP123. For assistance with signing up or technical questions, please email Onward by NeuroFlow at support@ neuroflow.com or call 1-855-296-7711. With Onward by NeuroFlow, you will be able to: Receive customized health content on topics such as healthy living, emotional well-being and mental health, recommended screenings, and more Manage your overall health with personalized wellness journeys on topics such as: • Navigating mental health • Lifelong health and wellness • Women’s health • Chronic conditions • Smoking cessation Track and monitor your progress and health patterns in focus areas like: • Mood • Sleep • Stress • Pain Achieve your goals and feel your best through daily tools and activities At Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP), we are committed to supporting your overall health and well-being. Onward by NeuroFlow is a digital wellness tool that connects you to health information, self-guided exercises, tailored resources, and support services. It is available at no cost, easy to use, and offered online or by mobile phone app to eligible PHP members.
10 At the end of each year, we evaluate the QI Program not only to see how we did, but to see what we can do to better serve you the following year. As Mark Twain said, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” In 2025, we learned and implemented many new ways to better serve you that we will take into 2026. Here are a few of our 2025 activities and results: • We improved our Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Model of Care and launched the D-SNP Center of Excellence (COE) for 2026. The COE will have a dedicated team to support members with specific chronic conditions, focusing on early detection, member education, and coordinated care. The COE seeks to enhance health outcomes for all enrolled members. • PHP was ranked first in provider satisfaction among New Mexico health plans, according to the Provider Satisfaction Survey. • In 2025, PHP achieved NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, scoring 100% for all products. • In 2025, our Outreach & Engagement team helped more members get the care they need. We provided new member resources, timely reminders for preventive care, and follow-up support — making care easier to access and improving the overall member experience. Presbyterian’s Quality Improvement Program Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP) is committed to providing quality care and services to our members. We have a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program (QI Program) that evaluates the care and services you receive. Our goal is to work continually to improve your experience with care and services. The QI Program includes: Member experience activities Quality and safety of clinical care Quality of service Annual goals, processes, and activities
www.phs.org/Medicare 11 Our local Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is here to help! We’re available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except holidays) from Oct. 1 through March 31, and Monday through Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through Sept. 30. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO)/(HMO-POS) members call: (505) 923-6060 or 1-800-797-5343, TTY: 711 Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) members call: (505) 923-7675 or 1-855-465-7737, TTY: 711 Other important numbers: PresRN: (505) 923-5573 or 1-888-887-9917, TTY: 711 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 988 or 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS) DentaQuest: 1-888-278-7310 or visit www.dentaquest.com TruHearing: 1-866-202-0110 or visit www.truhearing.com Superior Vision: 1-800-879-6901 or visit www.superiorvision.com (for D-SNP members only) Over-the-Counter Benefit — Healthy Benefits+: 1-866-757-2043 (TTY: 711) Keep these numbers handy Presbyterian Health Plan may ask you to complete a survey at various times throughout the year. We hope you’ll take the time to respond. Learning about your experiences is very important to us. It helps us improve in the ways that are most meaningful to our members and deliver the high-quality care you’ve come to expect from your Presbyterian Health Plan. Your feedback matters: Please take part in surveys! Create an advance directive today An advance directive is an important piece of your healthcare journey. It is a legal document (for members 18 and older) about your healthcare decisions. It gives instructions to your providers if you can’t make your own medical decisions. It’s only used when you can’t speak for yourself. Give a copy to your provider once it’s completed. An advance directive form and additional information is available at www.phs.org/member-rights. Opt out of marketing calls Presbyterian Health Plan (PHP) wants to make you aware of your right to opt out of future marketing calls from its Medicare Sales team. PHP will sometimes market to its members through the phone, but all members have the right to opt out of future calls at any time. This could include calls to discuss Medicare Advantage products that are different from your current Medicare plan, whether you’re new to PHP, aging in to Medicare, or an existing enrollee. If you would like to opt out, please call the number on the back of your ID card and ask to opt out from marketing calls.
Yourstory Your Story is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: Presbyterian Health Plan and Presbyterian Insurance Company, Inc. Managing editor: fluentqc@phs.org A publication of Presbyterian Medicare Advantage Plans. Information in Your Story comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Y0055_MPC022609_ NSR_C_02162026 Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PresHealth Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) is a Medicare Advantage Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) depends on contract renewal. Presbyterian Dual Plus is an HMO Special Needs Plan (SNP) with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State of New Mexico Human Services Department Medicaid program. Enrollment in Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) depends on contract renewal. Based on a Model of Care review, Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) has been approved by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) to operate a Special Needs Plan (SNP) through 2028. Providers featured in articles are representative of our network of practitioners and providers. For an entire list of network practitioners and providers, please contact customer service Monday through Friday (April 1 through Sept. 30) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) Phone: (505) 923-6060 1-800-797-5343 TTY: 711 Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) Phone: (505) 923-7675 1-855-465-7737 TTY: 711 Presbyterian complies with civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of protected status including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation or gender expression. Free language assistance services are available to you. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services to provide information in accessible formats are also available free of charge. Call 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) or speak to your provider. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. También están disponibles de forma gratuita ayuda y servicios auxiliares apropiados para proporcionar información en formatos accesibles. Llame al 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) o hable con su proveedor. SHOOH: Diné bee yáníłti’gogo, saad bee aná’awo’ bee áka’anída’awo’ít’áá jiik’eh ná hóló̜. Bee ahił hane’go bee nida’anishí t’áá ákodaat’éhígíí dóó bee áka’anída’wo’í áko bee baa hane’í bee hadadilyaa bich’į’ ahoot’i’ígíí éí t’áá jiik’eh hóló̜. Kohjį’ 1-855-592-7737 (TTY: 711) hodíilnih doodago nika’análwo’í bich’į’ hanidziih. For more information, visit www.phs.org/nondiscrimination. Creamy broccoli apple salad Makes 8 servings. Ingredients 4 cups broccoli florets 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 1/2 red onion, sliced thin 2 apples, diced 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey Salt and pepper, to taste Directions • In large bowl, combine broccoli, carrots, onion, apples, pecans, and cranberries. • In separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and honey. • Combine yogurt mixture with vegetable mixture and toss well. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. • Chill until ready to serve. Nutrition information Serving size: 1 cup. Amount per serving: 140 calories, 6g total fat (1g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 5mg cholesterol, 20g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 25mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research
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