US Family Health Plan eNews 2022 Issue 1

For more of eNews Member Newsletter

IN THIS EDITION:

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month  

Testing for colorectal cancer can save your life. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Talk to your doctor and screen for life.

Four Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings

1) A colonoscopy is the most complete colorectal cancer screening. During this exam, a doctor detects changes or abnormalities in the entire colon and rectum, looking for both colorectal polyps and cancer. If found, the doctor can remove most polyps and some cancers. For most people, a colonoscopy should be done every 10 years. 

2) A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam is when a doctor examines the lower third of the colon with a short flexible lighted tube. This exam should be done every 5 years. 

3) An at-home DNA-based test, such as Cologuard^®, detects changed DNA and microscopic blood cells in stool. It can detect some precancerous polyps. A Cologuard test should be done every 3 years. 

4) An at-home fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) look for hidden blood in stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. These tests should be done each year.

As your partner in health, we want to help ensure you get timely preventive care. If you are between 50 and 75 years of age and are due for a colorectal screening, you may be contacted by our Health Plan Quality team throughout the year. 

For more information, visit the the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests page.

COVID-19 Test Coverage under Your Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan

With recent news of changes to coverage by some health plans for at-home COVID-19 tests, we wanted to keep you informed of how COVID-19 testing is currently covered under your US Family Health Plan. The US Family Health Plan follows TRICARE^® benefits regarding COVID-related coverage. Below, you’ll find coverage details:

• Over-the-Counter, At-Home Tests: At this time, at-home COVID-19 tests are not a TRICARE-covered benefit and costs for these tests are not reimbursable through your plan. President Biden’s administration has purchased 500 million over-the-counter, at-home tests to be distributed for free with four free tests per household made available through the US Postal Service. For information on ordering these free tests, you may visit this website: https://special.usps.com/testkits
• Provider-Ordered Tests: TRICARE covers COVID-19 tests at no cost when ordered by a TRICARE-authorized provider or a provider at a military hospital or clinic for members with COVID-19 symptoms or with no symptoms but prolonged exposure.
• The test must be FDA-approved (including emergency use authorization).

NOTE: Testing that is not primarily intended for diagnosis and/or treatment of COVID-19 (for example, for employment or travel) is not a covered benefit

For more information about TRICARE benefits for COVID-19 related services, please refer to their website at: https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/HealthyLiving/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-Testing
As you know, testing is one part of protecting your health and the health of our community.

We urge all our US Family Health Plan members to get fully vaccinated and boosted against the COVID-19 virus, as well as to continue to mask and social distance appropriately. Thank you for doing your part to beat this pandemic.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot!

Staying healthy this winter is more important than ever as health care providers and hospitals face the challenges of providing care during this high-demand season. Even with widespread mask wearing and social distancing, spread of the seasonal flu is still a very real concern. If you’ve already had your flu shot, thanks for taking care of yourself. If you haven’t, please consider doing so as soon as possible. By getting a flu shot, you’re helping protect yourself, your loved ones, and your greater community.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccination every season. This is especially important for those people at high risk or who have chronic health conditions. TRICARE^® covers the flu vaccine. For information on the flu shot, and how you can get it, please visit the TRICARE information page on flu vaccine coverage.

Please Complete the Upcoming Survey

Over the next few months, you may receive a survey in the mail sent on behalf of the US Family Health Plan. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS^®) survey asks questions about your experience and satisfaction with the care you receive. All health plans are required to mail this survey each year. Please complete the survey if you receive it. The survey helps us understand how well we are meeting our members’ expectations and shows areas where we can improve. If you have any questions about the survey, please call Member Services. We know your time is valuable. Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to let us know how we are doing!