US Family Health Plan eNews 2021 Issue 2
Posted 05/10/21
For more of eNews Member Newsletter
IN THIS EDITION:
Spotlight on Women’s and Children’s Health
We’ve recently added featured sections on our website to highlight how your US Family Health Plan supports your and your family’s health and wellness. Learn about women’s health topics and how to keep your child as healthy as possible, from birth through adolescence. We’re here for you every step of the way! Check it out at the links below:
Prevent a Readmission after a Hospital Stay
A hospitalization is a major and sometimes life-changing event. The 30-day period following the release from the hospital can be hard—physically and emotionally. Studies have shown that, after hospitalization, nearly half of discharged patients will experience at least one issue that could lead to a readmission within 30 days.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent a readmission from happening to you:
- Attend follow-up visits with your primary care provider and specialists soon after discharge to review your treatment plan and medications.
- Create a list of questions to be addressed at the appointment(s).
- If you are on several medications, write down the names, dosages and frequency or bring the medications with you to the appointment.
- Pick up all new medications and take them as prescribed. Keep taking medications prescribed before your admission and continued after discharge. Discontinue any no longer on your list.
- Be aware of warning signs and symptoms related to your health condition so you can alert your doctor sooner rather than later. Ask for additional education and guidance.
- Follow any orders for physical or occupational therapy to gain strength and endurance.
- If there is a delay in getting needed medical equipment, let your primary care provider know. It may be important to your recovery.
- If you have family or friends who can help, accept their support until you begin to feel better. It may take time to heal.
- Pay close attention to how you feel and communicate anything concerning to your primary care provider or specialist.
If you need added support coordinating your care after discharge, Martin’s Point offers a “transitions of care” program that can help! Feel free to call 1-877-659-2403.
Keep Your Military ID and DEERS Information Up to Date
As a member of the Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan, we issue you an insurance identification card; however, it is still important to keep your demographic information current in the DEERS database and your Military ID card up to date.
Your address in DEERS determines your eligibility for all TRICARE® plans, so be sure to update that information anytime you move.
To update your information, go to MillConnect https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ or call DEERS directly at 1-800-538-9552. Please be sure to update every eligible family member as their information is kept separately within the DEERS database underneath the military sponsor.
Military ID cards should always be kept up to date. If your card expires, you should contact your local Military ID card office or RAPID site to make an appointment. You can search for your nearest ID card office here https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/. To obtain a new Military ID card, you must bring two forms of unexpired identification and one must be a state- or government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. You should contact your local ID office prior to your appointment to ensure you have all the required documentation.
If you are a military retiree or an eligible family member turning 65, you must obtain a new Military ID. It is important to bring your Medicare card that proves you have Medicare Parts A and B if you obtained that coverage. For questions on turning 65 and your status with the US Family Health Plan, please contact Member Services at 1-888-674-8734.
Guard Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card from Scammers
After you get your COVID-19 vaccine, keep your vaccination card safe — scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to try to steal your personal information. Don't share a photo of your COVID-19 vaccination card online or on social media. Scammers can use content you post, like your date of birth, health care details, or other personal information to steal your identity.
You should get a COVID-19 vaccination card at your first vaccine appointment. If you didn't, contact the provider site where you got vaccinated or your state health department to find out how to get a card.
If someone contacts you to buy or sell a vaccination card, it's a scam.
If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it online or call 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477) TTY users can call 1-800-377-4950.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has put out an alert about this scam. For more information, visit their website here.
Tips for Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP or hypertension) is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high. Nearly half of Americans over age 2 have HBP, and many don’t even know it. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and is dangerous if left untreated.
To ensure early detection and treatment, it’s important to have regular blood pressure checks. It’s also important that your blood pressure readings are as accurate as possible.
Here are a few tips on what you can do to help improve the accuracy of your blood pressure readings:
- Don’t smoke, exercise, have caffeine or alcohol within 30 minutes of blood pressure reading.
- Be sure your bladder is empty.
- Sit calmly for at least five minutes with your arm resting comfortably on a flat surface at heart level before your blood pressure is taken.
- Do not talk while your blood pressure is being taken.
- Try to relax and sit still with your feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your sleeve so the blood pressure cuff is on your bare arm.
- Be sure the bottom of the blood pressure cuff is above the bend of your elbow. If your first reading is over 140/90, ask your provider to take it again at the end of your visit.
Starting Over: How Gretchen Evans found strength and purpose after a life-altering injury
US Family Health Plan member Gretchen Evans had reached incredible heights and was still on her way up when a combat injury slammed the door on a 27-year military career. But by turning despair into drive, she rebuilt her world—and committed to helping others do the same.
With the weather warming up and people venturing out to public places to enjoy the company of friends and family, we encourage you to do so safely!
If you haven’t yet received your vaccine, we urge you to do so as soon as possible. As medical professionals, we believe in the power of vaccines to provide effective protection against COVID-19 to our members and our communities. TRICARE® covers COVID-19 vaccines for members of the US Family Health Plan. For information on the distribution and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit your state's CDC website.
For the most up-to-date information, go to: https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/HealthyLiving/Coronavirus/COVID-vaccine
