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 Protect your hearing health 4 Freedom on your fitness journey 6 Your Summer 2025 for Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS), Presbyterian UltraFlex (HMO-POS), and Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) members Summer is a great time for relaxation and to enjoy the weather. However, for older adults it can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. It is crucial to take care of your mental health, as feelings of loneliness can increase the risk of other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment by as much as 30 percent. Here are seven effective approaches to help combat loneliness. Connecting with nature: Summer is a great time to connect with nature. Getting outside and going for a short walk can boost your mood. Being able to see the different plants blooming and just taking a second to admire nature can help you ease your mind and soul. Exploring new hobbies: Summer is an excellent time to try new hobbies, such as planting a garden; learning new skills, languages, or instruments; or getting involved in other interests. Staying socially engaged: Summer is a perfect time for social engagement, such as meeting up with friends or new people at events around your community. A quick online search can show you local events. Joining fitness classes can also help you stay socially engaged and help with physical health. Adopting technology: Accepting the use of technology can be beneficial. Talking with family and friends through text, calling/video calling, and emailing can help you stay connected. Also, you can join social clubs online for interests such as books, sports, theater, shopping, etc., all of which help you stay connected. Practicing self-care: Self- care is essential for general wellness. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting adequate exercise, getting enough sleep, and attending medical appointments. Volunteering: With extra downtime, volunteering can help you reconnect with community and provide mental and spiritual fulfillment. Look within your community for what volunteering options are available. Speaking with a medical expert: When navigating difficult feelings like loneliness, it may be easier speaking with healthcare providers, such as a therapist or mental health specialist. Speaking with a mental health provider may improve your mental health and wellness and provide coping mechanisms for lonely moments. Seven ways to combat summer loneliness En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-6060 o al 1-800-797-5343.
2 Check to protect Keeping good skin health is important throughout the year, but especially in the summer months when you may be outside more. Protecting your skin every day will help lower your risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is a disease that causes cells in the skin to grow out of control. Protect your skin from the sun anytime you are outside by: • Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher • Wearing sunglasses • Using an umbrella or a hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck • Avoiding indoor tanning beds or sunlamps Skin changes that need to be checked include: • Changes in the color, size, or shape of a spot or mole • Spots or moles that itch or bleed • Unusual spots that look different from other spots • A spot that becomes raised or looks shiny • A new spot that appears suddenly If you notice a change, you can make a dermatology appointment. Presbyterian offers Virtual Dermatology for both adults and children. Appointments are typically available within two weeks. Virtual Dermatology appointments are $0 for Medicare members. Virtual Dermatology makes it easy to get care for skin, hair, and nails. You can talk to a provider over video from wherever you are in New Mexico. Not all conditions can be treated over video. If necessary, the provider may refer you for in-person care. Conditions you can talk about through video include: • Warts — small, rough bumps on skin • Acne — clogged pores or hair roots • Hair loss • Vitiligo — loss of color in certain areas of skin • Scars or rashes — raised or flat areas of healed skin • Rosacea — visible blood vessels • Psoriasis — itchy, scaly patches • Eczema — itching, pain, or skin rashes • Contact dermatitis — a red, itchy rash • Moles or suspicious spots — raised or flat areas of skin that are darker than the rest of the skin For more information about scheduling a Presbyterian virtual visit, go to www.phs.org/ virtualcare.
www.phs.org/Medicare 3 Helping protect from falls It is important to protect yourself from falls, which can lead to broken bones that can potentially cause long-term disability or hospitalization, putting you at an increased risk of other illnesses. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are common among adults 65 years old and older and can be costly, but they are often preventable. Here are nine useful tips to help you prevent falls. Falls are a serious concern for overall health; however, they can be prevented. It’s important to follow the tips on this page and stay active safely. If you have any questions or concerns, please bring them up with your provider. Talk with your providers • Talk with your provider if you feel unsteadiness when walking or standing, have a fear of falling, or have experienced a fall. • Ask your provider or pharmacist to look over your medications, as medication interactions can increase the risk of falling. • Have your eyes checked at least once a year by your provider or optometrist, and keep up to date with correct lenses. • If you are experiencing foot pain or issues, tell your provider. Ensure that your surroundings are safe • Remove any trip hazards around the house, and keep the floor clear of clutter. • Install grab bars in the restroom (toilet safety rail). • Install lighting and handrails on every stairway. • Engage in safe physical exercise that can help strengthen your legs and balance, such as tai chi. • Make sure footwear (both shoes and slippers) are safe to walk in and fit correctly.
4 How often do you check your hearing? If you’re like most people, it’s not as often as it should be. Hearing health is a key part of overall wellness, but many neglect it until a big issue comes up. When hearing health gets overlooked, serious issues can go unnoticed for years, which can create bigger problems. If you experience constant ringing or buzzing in your ears or have trouble understanding conversations, don’t wait another day to take action. Catch hearing issues before they create bigger health
www.phs.org/Medicare 5 Don’t wait until it becomes an unavoidable issue By focusing on your hearing today, you can ensure a healthier, more connected tomorrow. Your health is in your hands, so use this month as a reminder to take care of your hearing. As a Medicare Advantage Presbyterian Health Plan member, you have access to hearing care through TruHearing®. Check your plan to see your hearing aids benefit. To learn more or to schedule a hearing exam with a provider near you, start by calling TruHearing at 1-866-202-0110, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. problems Get regular hearing checks Just like scheduling your annual physical and eye exam, make hearing checks a routine part of your healthcare. Catching issues early can prevent further deterioration and related health risks. Check your hearing and see how easy the journey to better hearing health is by visiting www.TruHearing.com/how-it-works. 1 Stay informed Learn about the risks and signs of hearing loss. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to take early steps to protect your hearing health. 2 Advocate for awareness Share information with your friends and family about the importance of hearing health. By spreading the word, you can help break down stigmas and encourage others to prioritize their hearing. 3 Three steps to better hearing health Hearing aids could easily change your life and the lives of those you love for the better — from mental well-being to a better social life — so it’s important to understand when you need them.
6 SilverSneakers® is a proud community of millions of adults who are staying active and living longer, healthier, happier lives. Connect with others from around the country with SilverSneakers LIVE. Included with your SilverSneakers membership, these live online classes help you along your fitness journey, on your schedule. Move how you want, when you want! SilverSneakers instructors are trained specifically in senior fitness and lead each LIVE class via Zoom.1 With easy-to-use search filters, you can find a workout that fits your interests, desired skill level, and schedule. From the comfort of your own home or on the go, with SilverSneakers LIVE you have access to: • More than 250 classes each week — yoga, conditioning, strength, and more • Classes varying in interests, level, and ability, with beginner to advanced workouts • Workout sessions ranging from 15-minute express classes to 60 minutes This year, take some time to focus on the importance of heart health and muscle strength. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen your heart; improve endurance; and reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.1 Plus, by keeping your heart in shape, you’ll have more stamina for the activities you love. Building muscle strength also plays a big role. Strength training not only improves your overall fitness but also helps support bone health and helps manage weight.2 Here are a few tips to keep your heart and muscles in top form: • Start slowly. Begin with low-impact activities, like water aerobics, yoga, or tai chi, and increase intensity as your fitness improves. • Exercise daily. Incorporate both cardio (jogging, walking, swimming, biking) and strength training to improve heart function and build muscle. • Stay motivated. Set realistic goals, and track your progress. Choose activities you enjoy, and mix up your routine. SilverSneakers LIVE gives you freedom to work out from the comfort of your own home Do more of what you
www.phs.org/Medicare 7 • Flexible schedule, with classes seven days a week — morning, afternoon, and evening Check out the Tools.SilverSneakers.com/Search/ OnlineClasses schedule to get started today! If you don’t have a SilverSneakers account already, create one for free at www.SilverSneakers.com. To participate in SilverSneakers LIVE classes, you must be signed in to your member account. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. 1Zoom is a third-party provider and is not owned or operated by Tivity Health or its affiliates. Users who access SilverSneakers LOVE Get started on your fitness goals with SilverSneakers SilverSneakers® is more than a traditional fitness program — it’s a way of life. It provides an opportunity to get physically active, focus on your health and wellness, and work toward achieving your personal goals. SilverSneakers is there for you, every step of the way, designed specifically for seniors, and it’s included with your Presbyterian Health Plan at no additional cost. With SilverSneakers, you get access to: • A nationwide network of participating locations,3 with group fitness classes4 at select locations • SilverSneakers LIVE online classes and workshops taught seven days a week by instructors specially trained in senior fitness • SilverSneakers On-Demand library with 200-plus online workout videos • SilverSneakers GO mobile app with digital workout programs • SilverSneakers community classes offered in neighborhood locations outside of the gym • Various articles to help you along your journey If you haven’t already, activate your free online account today at Tools.SilverSneakers.com/Eligibility/ StartHere. 1www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellnessand-prevention/exercise-and-the-heart 2www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/ fitness-basics/strength-and-resistancetraining-exercise 3Participating locations (“PL”) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc., or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities is limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL. 4Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some locations offer members additional classes. Classes vary by location. LIVE classes subject to Zoom’s terms and conditions. User must have internet service to access LIVE classes. Internet service charges are responsibility of user. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. The SilverSneakers simplified flair shoe logotype is a trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. SSFP8411_1224
8 Virtual care, also called telehealth or telemedicine, makes it easy to get the care you need. You simply schedule an appointment and talk with a provider over video from your home or anywhere in New Mexico. If transportation or health issues prevent you from visiting a provider in person, Presbyterian’s virtual care may be able to help. Don’t have a primary care provider (PCP) or need to find a new one? Virtual Primary Care lets you establish and build a relationship with an online provider, just like you would in person. You can be seen for: • Preventive and general care to help with your long-term health • Diagnosis and management of chronic care conditions • Medication management and review • Prescription orders and refills • Lab and radiology orders • Referrals to specialists and in-person primary care, when necessary If you believe your condition will require a physical exam, we recommend that you schedule an in-person appointment. Have an urgent need? Use Virtual Urgent Care to get help with minor illnesses and injuries. You can discuss your symptoms with an online provider and get a care plan for many urgent issues, such as: • Coughs and colds • Allergies and sinus issues • Heartburn or acid reflux • Migraines and headaches • Female bladder and yeast infections • Sprains and strains If you need help learning about how to obtain a cellphone, there are resources that can help. You may be eligible to receive free government phone service and a phone based on income or if you participate in qualifying government programs. Please visit www.phspartner.link/ AssuranceWireless to learn more. Presbyterian virtual care is a convenient way to access healthcare
www.phs.org/Medicare 9 Get help with digital tools You can use your phone, tablet, or computer for just about anything these days, including your healthcare. From telehealth visits to wellness apps and more, there are many benefits to using telehealth and digital tools to help take charge of your health and well-being. Here are some ways telehealth and digital tools can help you. • Telehealth visits are a convenient way for you to get in touch with your provider and engage with your healthcare team. Go to www.phs.org/virtualcare to get started with a Virtual Primary Care, Virtual Urgent Care, or Virtual Behavioral Health visit. • You can get access to care when an in-person visit may not be needed, which also reduces time and the hassle of transportation. • It’s not only virtual visits — there are many other ways to digitally engage with your healthcare needs: » Pay bills online » Check test results » Make follow-up appointments » Access your electronic health record » Communicate electronically with your healthcare team » Recognize reliable online health information » Use health and wellness apps However, sometimes navigating technology can feel overwhelming. If it does, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help. Here are some resources to get you started. • Even if you’re not tech-savvy, resources at www.digitallearn.org are designed with you in mind. • Sign up for myPRES, our secure member portal that offers even more tools to help you take charge of your health. Learn more at www.phs.org/myPRES. • Visit one of our Health Plan Place locations in Albuquerque to learn how to: » Schedule an in-person or video appointment with a provider » See the status of your health insurance claims » Access our wellness library and tools » Learn how to use wearable health devices » And more! We also offer Virtual Dermatology and Virtual Behavioral Health options. Visit www.phs.org/virtualcare to make an appointment and learn more.
10 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, are aging in to Medicare, or are 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 of marketing calls. Get started today — sign up for NeuroFlow! Download NeuroFlow today to work on your overall well-being! Use the QR code below to access NeuroFlow and sign up, or visit neuroflow.app.link/ PHP123. For assistance with signing up or technical questions, please email NeuroFlow at support@ neuroflow.com, or call 1-855296-7711. At Presbyterian Health Plan, we are committed to supporting your overall health and well-being. Discover NeuroFlow, a digital 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 Presbyterian Health Plan members. NeuroFlow users 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 » Pregnancy » 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. Your feedback matters: Please take part in surveys! 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. Take charge of your health and well-being with NeuroFlow SURVEY
www.phs.org/Medicare 11 Presbyterian must protect the privacy of your personal health information Your personal health information (PHI) includes the personal information you gave us when you enrolled in your Presbyterian Health Plan, as well as your medical records and other medical and health information. You have rights related to your information and controlling how your health information is used. We give you a written notice, called a Notice of Privacy Practices, that tells about these rights and explains how we protect the privacy of your health information. We gave you a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices when you enrolled, and we share this reminder with you every year. If you want to read it again, you can find the most current copy online at www.phs.org/medicare/ privacy-notice. If you want a paper copy, you can contact customer service at (505) 923-6060 or 1-800-797-5343, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to request one. Our local Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is here to help! We’re available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays), from April 1 through September 30 and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except holidays), from October 1 through March 31. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO)/(HMO-POS) and Presbyterian UltraFlex (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): 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 — Nations OTC: 1-833-746-7682 or visit www.nationsotc.com Keep these numbers handy
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. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Y0055_MPC022508_ Approved_M_02192025 Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PresHealth Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) and Presbyterian UltraFlex (HMOPOS) are Medicare Advantage Plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) and Presbyterian UltraFlex (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 2025. 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 September 30) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO/HMO-POS) and Presbyterian UltraFlex (HMO-POS) plan 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. Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 2 cups frozen corn, thawed 1 cup canned, diced tomatoes, low-sodium ½ can (4 ounces) green chiles ½ tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice) 1 tablespoon lime juice ⅓ cup green onion, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Directions • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. • Mix well. Nutrition information Serving size: 1/4 of recipe. Amount per serving: 105 calories, 2g total fat (0g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 21g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 199mg sodium. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Corn and green chile salad
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