Balance Spring Edition 2015

A PUBLICATION OF

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He saved people’s lives for years,

now someone had to save his.

Network Health comes to the rescue for the Maynard Family.

L I F E , H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

life

03

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4

Get Ready to Ride Bike safety tips for spring

E DITORIAL STAFF

President Sheila Jenkins

The Advantage of Having One Main Doctor One main doctor who knows you well is essential

Chief Administrative Penny Ransom

Officer

health

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Publications Jessica Coordinator Thomaschefsky

Understanding Prediabetes Know your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

6

E DITORIAL

Increasing Danger of Alcohol and Drug Addiction More Common Than You Realize

Balance is published quarterly by Network Health. The health information contained in Balance is meant to supplement, not replace, the advice of health care professionals.

The effects and treatment of chlamydia

7

Have You Had Your Annual Blood Test?

06

Requirements for those taking medications for six months or more S T O C O V E R Y

wellness

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12

Is It Allergies or a Cold?

Similar symptoms, different treatment

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Š 2015 Network Health. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without written permission from Network Health.

Finding

Strength and Healing in Each Other Network Health provides continued guidance and support for the Maynard family.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK If you have questions or suggestions or would like to tell us how Network Health improved your life, send us an email at

balance@networkhealth.com.

You can also write to us at: Network Health Attention: Jessica Thomaschefsky 1570 Midway Pl. Menasha, WI 54952

WANT MORE HEALTH TIPS?

The Importance of Immunizations

Check out our blog at copilotwi.com.

We add helpful information about health and well-being every week, so be sure to visit often.

Protect yourself and your family against the spread of disease

Need Help with Advanced Care Planning?

A practical guide through the process

Spring Cleaning 101 - Your Fridge Decrease your risk of food-borne illness

15 How to Read Your

BOARD

Peggy Huss, Dawn Rady, Mark Geiger, Renee Corral, Barb Gore, Chuck Rynearson, Teri Koepke

Health and financial consequences of addiction

6

Graphic Designer Gary Vossekuil

Explanation of Benefits A step-by-step guide for reading your statement

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13 networkhealth.com

life

Information to help you get the most out of your coverage

Get Ready to Ride Bike Safety Tips for Spring

A

ccording to our calendars, spring is officially here. Living in Wisconsin, we know it might take a little longer for the blue skies, green grass and warmer weather to finally reach us. It’s a great time to prepare for your favorite outdoor recreational activities. If biking is your activity of choice, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

While biking can be a fun family activity, it’s also a common culprit of emergency room visits, especially with children.

The most important safety measure you can take is to wear a helmet.

Helmets should be snug fitting with straps that are tight under the chin.

Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Here are a few other safety measures to take before you go out for your first ride of the season.

While out on your ride, make sure to follow the rules of the road and be a defensive rider. Bicycles on the road are, by law, considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles.

Wear the right gear.

Avoid road hazards.

Wear brightly colored clothes. Make sure what you are wearing will not get caught in the bike chain. A few examples include loose pant legs, backpack straps and shoelaces. Wear sneakers to grip the pedals better.

Sandals, flip-flops and shoes with heels are not safe.

Oil your chain.

Potholes, gravel, puddles and broken glass can all cause a crash.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Just because you see a driver, doesn’t mean they can see you. Watch for parked cars, doors opening and cars that are pulling out of a parking space.

Keeping your chain clean and lubricated is one of the best ways to keep your bike working well.

Go with the flow of traffic.

Test your brakes.

Follow road rules.

Make sure they are not sticking and they work properly.

Ride in the same direction as other vehicles.

Obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.

Check your tires.

Looking for a safe alternative to riding on streets and sidewalks?

Make sure your bike is the right size.

Wisconsin has more than a thousand miles of designated bicycle trails. Check the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at dot.wisconsin.gov/travel for maps and routes.

Make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure.

You should be able to straddle the top bar and have both feet flat on the ground. n e t w o r k h e a l t h . c o m

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life { YOUR CARE }

The Advantage of Having

One Main Doctor H

aving a doctor that knows you well is essential. Your primary care provider (sometimes called your PCP for short) gets to know you over a period of time, and he or she begins to realize what is and isn’t normal for you. Your doctor can track and note changes observed, and if needed, work with other specialists to assure you receive the right care. Besides having a trusted partner when it comes to your care, your health records are in one central location and your medication can be better supervised.

Your main doctor gets to know your values, family situation, occupation and health goals. Knowledge of these things provides valuable information as he or she assesses what is troubling you. By preventing health issues before they become serious, you can save yourself from more challenging health conditions and the costs associated with them.

To help your doctor with the best continuity and coordination of your health care, it’s important to share the following information. >> >> >> >>

Emergency room visits Office visits or evaluations by a specialist, including lab work and procedures performed Behavioral health visits Changes in medication, including how much you take, new medications or any time you stop taking a medication >> Diabetic eye exams >> Any admission or discharge from a hospital, rehabilitation facility or nursing home If you don’t currently have one main doctor, visit networkhealth.com and click on Find a Doctor. You can also call our customer service department at 920-720-1300 or 800-826-0940 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Do You Need Help Submitting a Claim?

Most hospitals and doctor offices will submit claims on your behalf. But some out-of-area medical facilities may require that you pay for care at the time it’s given.

To arrange for reimbursement, you must send itemized bills and proof of payment within 90 days to Network Health. You can send these to Attn: Claims Department, P.O. Box 568, Menasha, WI 54952. For more information, contact our customer service department at 800-826-0940 or 920-720-1300.

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networkhealth.com

health

News and tips to help you maintain a healthy and happy life

Understanding Prediabetes Know your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

P

rediabetes is a condition when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes may sometimes be referred to as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 80 million Americans have prediabetes.

There are no obvious symptoms, so some people may have it and not know it. You typically find out you have prediabetes when you are being tested for type 2 diabetes.

What may increase your risk for prediabetes?

Unfortunately, the exact cause is unknown but family history and genetics typically play a big role. Here are a few risk factors.

• • • • • •

Being overweight, with a body mass index above 25 Inactivity Being age 45 or older A family history of type 2 diabetes High blood pressure Being African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American or a Pacific Islander • Developing gestational diabetes when pregnant If any of these apply to you, you may want to check with your doctor to see if a diabetes test is recommended. If left untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Classic symptoms to watch for that would suggest you’ve moved from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision.

How can I prevent type 2 diabetes?

If you have prediabetes, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop type 2 diabetes. For some people, early treatment can actually return blood glucose levels to normal. Even if diabetes runs in your family, choosing a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent prediabetes and its progression. Here’s what you can do.

• Lose at least 7 percent of your body weight • Exercise moderately for 30 minutes a day, five days a week • Eat healthy foods Living a healthier lifestyle can prevent, treat or even reverse prediabetes. By knowing the risk factors and making the necessary lifestyle changes, you will improve your health dramatically.

S AY W H AT ?

Prediabetes – When you have an increased risk for developing diabetes because of higher than normal blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes – When your pancreas does not make enough insulin or your body cannot use the insulin properly, resulting in a buildup of sugar in your blood.

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health

Increasing Danger of Alcohol and Drug Addiction A ddiction is a complex brain disorder in which you have a strong need to have something or do something. We hear people talk about their addiction to a certain television show or the latest trilogy of young adult novels. However, when it comes to drugs and alcohol, addiction becomes something much more serious.

When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they compulsively seek out and use, despite the consequences. The chemical changes that occur in the brain interfere with a person’s ability to think clearly and feel normal when they do not have drugs or alcohol in their system. For many people, addiction becomes a chronic condition with relapses occurring even after a long period of abstinence.

Cost and consequences Addiction crosses all social and economic boundaries, affects every ethnicity and both genders and can affect all aspects of a person’s life.

Long-term use of alcohol and other drugs can cause serious health complications affecting every organ in the body. It damages emotional stability, finances, career and family life. The entire community in which an alcoholic or drug abuser lives is also affected because of the strain on the health care system, the criminal justice system and general public safety.

Where to go for help Stopping addiction is not easy, but it’s important to know you are not alone. Alcoholism and drug dependence are complex problems that should be discussed with a doctor. A doctor should be the first person you reach out to. There are also many community resources available.

• You can call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. 24-hour HOPE LINE at 800-622-2255 or visit ncadd.org.

• Reach out to the health and human services division in the Wisconsin county you live in. Most counties provide crisis hotlines and counseling services.

If you are concerned about your own alcohol or drug use, reaching out for help is just a visit or phone call away.

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More Common Than You Realize

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD). Both men and women can be infected and the highest rates of infection occur in teens and young adults.

Effects on Your Health Because most people do not experience symptoms, the initial damage caused by chlamydia goes unnoticed. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to permanent damage such as the inability to get pregnant or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Treatment and Screening Chlamydia is treatable with a simple antibiotic. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends an annual screening for chlamydial infection for all sexually active women age 24 and younger and for all women who are older than 25 and not pregnant. If you or someone you know has chlamydia, make sure their partner is informed and have them get screened as well. For questions about screening and treatment, contact your primary doctor. For more information, you can also visit the CDC website at cdc.gov and search for chlamydia facts.

networkhealth.com

For a complete list of recent changes to our provider network, go to networkhealth.com/providerchanges.

T Have You Had Your Annual Blood Test?

aking various prescription medications on a daily basis for an extended period of time requires blood testing once a year or more often as directed by your doctor. Here are two reasons why it’s important to make sure you have these blood tests.

1. The medication has potential side effects.

Blood testing helps measure the effects a medication has on your body, including your liver, kidneys, blood and electrolytes.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II (ARBs) and diuretic medications are used to treat high blood pressure and other health problems. These medications can affect your potassium and creatinine levels. Blood testing can ensure these levels stay normal.

If you’re taking any of the medications below, you should have at least one potassium and creatinine blood test per year.

ACE Inhibitors/ARBs Description Prescription ACE Inhibitors

• benazepril • enalapril • captopril • fosinopril

• lisinopril • moexipril

• perindopril • ouinapril

ARBs

• azilsartan • candesartan

• losartan • olmesartan

• telmisartan • valsartan

Diuretics Description

Prescription

Thiazide

• chlorothiazide • hydrochlorothiazide • chlorthalidone • indapamide

Potassium-Sparing

• amiloride • spironolactone • eplerenone • triamterene

Loop

• bumetanide • furosmide • ethacrynic acid • torsemide

• eprosartan • irbesartan

• ramipril • trandolapril

• methyclothiazide • metolazone

SAY WHAT ?

2. The medication has a narrow therapeutic index.

Creatinine – A chemical waste molecule that comes from

This means there is a small range in the amount of medication in your blood where it’s helpful or where it’s unsafe. By having your blood levels checked annually, it will help ensure you are taking the medication properly. An example of this type of medication is digoxin. If you are taking it, you are required to have at least one digoxin level blood test every year.

In addition, those taking digoxin are required to have at least one potassium and creatinine blood test every year.

muscle metabolism. It is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidneys then filter out most of it through urination.

What can I do?

If you are taking any of the medications listed above and do not currently have annual blood tests, you should contact your doctor’s office and arrange to have this lab work completed. n e t w o r k h e a l t h . c o m

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – Drugs that block the activity of an enzyme, which causes blood vessels to narrow.

Angiotensin II (ARB) medications – Drugs that control high blood pressure, treat heart failure and prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Diuretic medications – Drugs that help get rid of salt and water in the body.

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Finding

Strength and Healing in Each Other Dakota Maynard and his father, Jeff, have a very close relationship. Two years ago, when the lives of the Maynard family took an unfortunate turn, they found strength and healing in each other. > > >

By Jessica Thomaschefsky P h o t o g r a p h s b y B e t h D e s J a r d i n , Tr ove P h o t o g r a p hy

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S T O C O V E R Y

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Dakota Maynard is part of a large and loving family mixed with treatment foster children, special needs adults, adopted children and biological children. He has traveled the world with his parents, Peggy and Jeff, and has several interests including volunteering and helping others. One day he even hopes to become a firefighter.

When Dakota was young, his mom noticed certain characteristics that a child his age doesn’t normally have. For instance, as a toddler, he had a very large vocabulary. His fondness for fire trucks and fire stations was more like an obsession. When he was six months old, he started to develop seizures, some lasting longer than an hour. During each seizure, Peggy would call an ambulance and Dakota would then be hospitalized. After the seizure would pass and he regained consciousness, it would take almost a week before he would regain

Asperger’s syndrome is made up of a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of basic skills, including the ability to socialize with others, communicate and use imagination.

Asperger’s is considered to be a form of autism, however, there are important differences. Individuals with Asperger’s usually function better than those with autism. Their intelligence and language development is also higher than those with autism. Dakota is very high-functioning but still has many autistic characteristics that have an impact on his daily life. He sometimes takes things literally and doesn’t understand when someone is joking. This makes social situations difficult as people often have a hard time understanding him. He believes this makes him an easy target for bullying. Luckily for Dakota, he has the support of his family and friends.

Dakota and his father, Jeff, have a very close relationship. In fact, Jeff is a retired firefighter and one day, Dakota hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps. They have also worked together for years to raise funds for charity.

‘‘

My dad has been a firefighter and EMT for 26 years. We were used to him saving lives and now somone had to save his life.

- D A KO TA M AY N A R D

his ability to walk, talk and function properly. He was diagnosed with status epilepticus, a state of persistent, prolonged seizures which is considered life-threatening. The neurologist who had been observing Dakota from the time of his first seizure through his first few years, made the final diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome when Dakota was four years old.

SAY WHAT? Status epilepticus – Epileptic seizure lasting longer than five minutes or more than one seizure within a five-minute period of time. Considered life-threatening, especially if treatment is delayed.

Asperger’s Syndrome – A developmental disorder related to autism and characterized by higher than average intellectual ability along with impaired social skills and restrictive, repetitive patterns of interest and activities.

Pericardial sac – A double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It encloses the pericardial cavity which contains pericardial fluid.

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’’

Every Halloween they turn their backyard into a haunted graveyard with coffins and gravestones. There is always a spot for a free-will donation and the estimated 1,000 people that take the backyard tour donate generously. Over the years, Dakota has raised over $40,000 for local fire stations and various children’s charities, including the Ronald McDonald House and Make-a-Wish.

Two years ago, the lives of the Maynard family took an unfortunate turn. Jeff is no stranger to heart problems. So when he was experiencing excessive jaw pain, he knew something was wrong.

He went to the hospital thinking he would need another stent in his heart. The doctors discovered that he had an infection in the pericardial sac around his heart. This is extremely rare and several delicate surgeries were performed to remove the life-threatening infection. The infection entered his lungs making it extremely difficult to breathe. Jeff was hospitalized for 30 days with a condition doctors considered rare and puzzling. “Rare and puzzling are two words you do not want to hear when your husband is in the hospital,” Peggy said. His doctors called experts in Madison and they didn’t have any answers. They suggested a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

Peggy called Network Health, and at the time, Mayo Clinic was not a covered provider. She was asked to submit an initial outpatient authorization request, a hospital discharge summary and a note from Jeff’s care management coordinator to be presented to Network Health’s medical director for review. This would help determine what could be done to get insurance coverage. While Peggy and Jeff were traveling to Minnesota, she was submitting the forms and n e t w o r k h e a l t h . c o m

‘‘

We are extremely grateful for the services and coverage Network Health has provided and continues to provide for our family.

- P E G GY M AY N A R D

working with Jennifer Topel, Jeff’s care management coordinator at Network Health. She received a call back from Network Health and was told the paperwork was reviewed and it was determined Mayo Clinic was their only option. The services would be covered.

“Everything happened so fast,” Jeff said.

Once they got to the clinic, tests were run and serious complications were discovered. Jeff had a cardiac aneurysm and the bacterial infection in the pericardial sac was still present. Peggy was told that Jeff had about 24 hours to live. They needed to find a surgeon right away that could perform this specific type of surgery.

Despite the short time frame, the Maynard’s were lucky enough to have one of the best surgeons in the world available to operate. He saved Jeff’s life by removing the pericardial sac along with performing two other surgeries. Jeff was on his way to recovery for two days when his kidneys starting failing. He stayed at the Mayo Clinic for one month and had a total of three surgeries during his stay.

Upon returning home, Jeff could not care for himself and needed to be in a nursing home. He was home for four days when he got an infection in his sternum, where the incision was made during his heart surgeries. The Maynard family once again drove back to Mayo Clinic for an emergency surgery.

“I was not only worried about Jeff, but I knew that if anything happened to him, Dakota would be lost without his dad,” Peggy said.

Dakota went to Minnesota to visit his dad every chance he could between work and school. “This was a terrible time for our family but we wouldn’t have made it without the support from our family and friends,” Peggy said. Their daughter and son-in-law moved in to help and Peggy’s mom also stepped in to help take care of Jeff and their foster family. “My dad has been a firefighter and EMT for 26 years. n e t w o r k h e a l t h . c o m

’’

We were used to him saving people’s lives and now someone had to save his life,” Dakota said.

Because of the continuous care that both Dakota and Jeff need, from medications, therapy and doctor visits, the Maynard family is in constant contact with Network Health. “We are extremely grateful for the services and coverage Network Health has provided and continues to provide for our family. We have been through a lot of medical crises and emergencies. Without their support, guidance and immediate assistance, our story would not be as positive,” Peggy said.

Jeff currently takes over 29 pills a day. He goes to numerous doctor appointments and has many tests. He sees his primary doctor on a regular basis, and also visits a rheumatologist, cardiologist, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon and a pulmonologist. Each month his calendar is filled with medical appointments. They include blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density tests, echo cardiograms, stress tests and more. The family is also in constant contact with nurses and doctors.

As for Dakota, he started working for Pierce Manufacturing in November of 2014. He also plans on attending Fox Valley Technical College as a student in the fire protection technician program. He currently travels around Wisconsin speaking about Asperger’s, what it’s like to live with it and how he deals with it. He has spoken to students of all ages, nurses, teachers, and has also worked with the Autism Society Board of Experts. Talking with these different groups is huge for Dakota because he feels satisfaction in helping people.

To learn more about Dakota’s journey or if you know someone who would benefit from hearing his story, contact Peggy Maynard at pmaynard@new.rr.com.

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wellness

Tools to empower your personal health

Is It Allergies or a Cold?

T

he common cold and seasonal allergies share some common symptoms making it hard to determine what you are suffering from. If you tend to get a cold around the same time every year, it’s possible you actually have allergies.

A cold is caused by a virus, while seasonal allergies are an immune system response triggered by exposure to allergens.

How do you determine treatment in the early stages?

Pay close attention to your symptoms and refer to this list.

Allergy Symptoms

Cold Symptoms

• • • • • •

• • • •

Itchy eyes Itchy throat Coughing Congestion Sore throat Sneezing

Coughing Congestion Sore throat Sneezing

Now that you have a good idea what you’re suffering from, here is how you can treat it.

How to Treat Allergies

How to Treat a Cold

• Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants • Avoid the allergens triggering your symptoms • Check pollen rates before heading outside

• Rest • Over-the-counter cold medicine • Zinc. Foods high in zinc include fortified cereal, cashews, spinach, pork and chicken

When to See Your Doctor If you have a fever that won’t go away or your cold or allergy symptoms last longer than ten days, you may be suffering from something more complex. Check with your doctor to figure out what’s going on.

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n e t w o r k h e a l t h . c o m

The Importance of

Immunizations

I

mmunization not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to others. Unfortunately, some babies are too young to be completely vaccinated and some people may not be able to receive certain vaccinations because of severe allergies, weakened immune systems or other reasons. To help keep these individuals safe, it’s important that everyone who is able to get vaccinated does so.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death. Diseases like polio, once considered disabling and often fatal, are no longer a major health concern. There are vaccines available to protect children and adults against at least 17 diseases. These diseases can cause serious conditions such as paralysis, loss of hearing, infertility and even death.

What would happen if we stopped being vaccinated?

Diseases that seem to be under control have not just disappeared. The United States has a very low rate of diseases that are preventable with a vaccine. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in other parts of the world. If we do not continue to be vaccinated, a disease that could start an outbreak is just a plane ride away.

Are vaccines safe?

Before a vaccine is ever approved and licensed, it goes through years of testing for safety and effectiveness.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would not recommend a vaccine that has not passed safety tests.

Most reactions that occur, if any, are mild and short-lived. Redness, pain or swelling at the injection site are the most common side effects.

For more information about immunizations, visit cdc.gov/vaccines or aap.org/immunization.

Need Help with Advanced Care Planning?

Network Health has created a practical guide to assist with advanced care planning.

Advance care documents ensure your wishes are honored when you’re receiving care. To access this guide, visit networkhealth.com and click on Member’s Corner. Go to Resources, click Learn More and scroll down to Advance Care Planning/Power of Attorney for Health Care Form. Make sure to print, complete and then share the form with your doctor.

If you don’t have a computer, call our customer service department at 920-720-1300 or 800-826-0940 for a hard copy.

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wellness

Spring Cleaning 101 - Your Fridge T

his year, add the refrigerator to your spring-cleaning list. Cleaning out your fridge means more than just scrubbing it with soap and water. Food kept past its expiration date or at improper temperatures can become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause illness.

Without knowing it, you could be growing an unexpected science experiment.

According to the American Dietetic Association, only 40 percent of consumers know that eating food stored in refrigerators at a temperature higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit can increase the risk of food-borne illness. If something smells strange or doesn’t look right, throw it out. If you see mold on the surface, there could be other poisons under the surface that you can’t see.

Here are some popular labels to pay attention to when cleaning out your fridge.

Sell-by date.

This is the last day a grocery store can have the item on the shelf for sale. Depending on the food, it might be safe for several days or months after the sell-by date.

Use-by or best if used by date.

If you want to get the best flavor and freshness, use the item by the date listed. This only refers to quality, not safety.

Guaranteed fresh by date.

This is typically found on baked goods. Products are still safe and edible after this date.

Where you store food in the refrigerator is also important. Keep your food lasting longer with these helpful tips.

In the door.

This is the warmest part of the fridge. It’s best for condiments, pickles, salad dressings and other foods with a high acid (think vinegar) content.

The middle of the fridge.

This is the coldest part of the fridge and it’s best for highly perishable foods like fish, deli meats, eggs or dairy.

Bottom drawers.

The fruit and vegetable crispers maintain higher humidity which helps preserve fruits and veggies.

By planning ahead you can avoid food waste, food-borne illness and save a little money. Make a grocery list before heading out to the store.

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Network Health’s Self-Management Workshops

For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call us at 800-236-0208, extension 87150. Or, visit us at networkhealth.com/workshops.

Click Learn More for details about each workshop, and you’ll also find a link to where you can find dates and times for each workshop.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions Designed specifically for anyone with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain or anxiety, this workshop teaches self-management skills and develops a step-by-step plan to achieve specific goals.

The six-week class meets once a week for two and a half hours.

Healthy Living with Diabetes For any adult living with type 2 diabetes, this workshop is designed to help you better manage your diabetes. Classes cover topics like healthy eating choices and habits, the benefits of exercise, other techniques for dealing with symptoms and how to work with health care providers. This six-week workshop meets once a week for two and a half hours.

Stepping On A program for older adults who may have fallen, have a fear of falling or are at risk of falling. This program empowers older adults to step outside of their homes with the confidence to improve their quality of life. This seven-week workshop meets once a week for two hours.

Additional Local Support Groups C.O.P.E. with COPD Education and support to help those with chronic lung disease. For more information, call 920-203-8821 or 920-235-2542.

Better Breathers A community-wide support group for people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases.

For more information call 920-738-2558 or 920-738-5364.

Fox Valley Diabetic Education and Support Group Open to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and/or their loved ones. Classes are free and no registration is needed.

networkhealth.com

How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits A

n Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a statement you get listing health care services you received, the amount billed and payment made.

Network Health issues an EOB after every claim has been processed, whether or not payment is due. It is important to know that this is not a bill you have to pay. Please refer to the example below for locating important information.

1 Service Date This is the date you received health care services.

2

01/16/2015

1

3

2 Paid By Us Network Health paid this amount to the provider.

3 Your Responsibility This is the amount you owe.

4 Provider This is the provider who will be billing you directly.

01/16/2015 01/16/2015

4

5 Benefit Accumulators This is the amount applied toward your deductible as of the date the claim was processed.

5

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01/01/2015

EOBs are also available online.

For instructions on how to access them, go to networkhealth.com/eob.pdf.

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1570 Midway Pl. Menasha, WI 54952

MAILED ON 4/13/15

ENSURING YOUR HEALTH

AT NETWORK HEALTH, WELLNESS IS THE GOAL. By engaging our customers and listening to what they want, we can design unique programs that empower and reward. The results? Better health and lower costs. Maybe that’s why most Network Health customers actually use our wellness programs. That’s what a health insurance plan should do, help ensure your health.

networkhealth.com 800-826-0940 HMO plans underwritten by Network Health Plan. POS plans underwritten by Network Health Insurance Corporation, or Network Health Insurance Corporation and Network Health Plan. Self-funded plans administered by Network Health Plan or Network Health Administrative Services, LLC.

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