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Renew Spring 2009 2 3 www re new A newsletter from UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions spring into good health Thomas S. Paul Chief Pharmacy Officer UnitedHealthcare, Medicare Programs www.UnitedHealthRx.com | Spring 2009 Discover the benefits of blueberries! Turn to Page 6. S pring is my favorite time of the year. It’s a season of new growth and fresh starts. So it seems the perfect time to introduce Renew, your new UnitedHealth Rx plan member newsletter. Renew builds on the value you received from D brief. Within Renew, you will continue to find valuable information about your plan and tips for staying healthy. And as you renew your commitment to good health, we at UnitedHealthcare renew our commitment to you. Whether it’s eating more fruits and vegetables or managing an ongoing illness, we are here to help you live a healthier life. Also within Renew you will see another name: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions. This describes all the health plans and products offered for people with Medicare. As a member of the UnitedHealth Rx plan, you are part of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions family of plans, too. That means you have even more resources committed to you. Thank you for choosing us to provide your prescription drug coverage. Sincerely,
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Page 1: renew - UnitedHealthcare® · PDF filethe perfect time to introduce Renew, your new UnitedHealth Rx plan member newsletter. Renew builds on the value you received ... warm-up

Renew Spring 20092 3www

renewA newsletter from UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions

spring into good health

Thomas S. Paul Chief Pharmacy Officer UnitedHealthcare, Medicare Programs

www.UnitedHealthRx.com | Spring 2009

Discover the benefits of blueberries!Turn to Page 6.

Spring is my favorite time of the year. It’s a season of new growth and fresh starts. So it seems

the perfect time to introduce Renew, your new UnitedHealth Rx plan member newsletter.

Renew builds on the value you received from D brief. Within Renew, you will continue to find valuable information about your plan and tips for staying healthy. And as you renew your commitment to good health, we at UnitedHealthcare renew our commitment to you. Whether it’s eating more fruits and vegetables or managing an ongoing illness, we are here to help you live a healthier life.

Also within Renew you will see another name: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions. This describes all the health plans and products offered for people with Medicare. As a member of the UnitedHealth Rx plan, you are part of the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions family of plans, too. That means you have even more resources committed to you.

Thank you for choosing us to provide your prescription drug coverage.

Sincerely,

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Renew Spring 20092

inside Spring 2009

avoid springtime back painYou’ve got seeds and a shovel. Now you just need a good warm-up before you start gardening. Springtime activities such as gardening and golfing can lead to an aching back. Try these stretches before beginning physical activity:

Sit on a chair. Prop your heel on a low stool or step. Keep your legs straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for 15 seconds.

Stand up. Lace your fingers together over your head. Lean to one side and then to the other for 10 seconds.

To prevent back pain while you work or play:

Straighten your back when standing. Bend your knees or kneel to reach the ground.

Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must lift, bend your legs and keep your back straight.

As always, consult with your doctor before changing or starting an exercise routine.

When What Why

Every Month You Use Your Coverage

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

This statement tells you how far along you are in your Part D plan benefits and keeps track of your prescription drug purchases.

Throughout the Year

Renew, Member Newsletter

Your member newsletter can help you get more from your prescription drug plan by providing important information about Part D, Medicare, and your general health and well-being.

Customer Care Letters

These letters inform you about important updates to your coverage, including information about billing, enrollment and coverage status.

Savings Mailers These letters or mailers tell you how you could save more with your plan.

E-mails (optional) Get plan updates on topics ranging from the coverage gap to your new health benefits for the upcoming year. You can register online.

October

Annual Notice of Change

This document provides updates to your plan’s benefits and coverage for the upcoming year. You’re automatically enrolled for Medicare Part D coverage each year, but you may change plans between November 15 and December 31.

Evidence of Coverage Details about your plan’s coverage are in this document.

Formulary (Drug List) This is a partial list of drugs covered by your plan.

Throughout the year, UnitedHealthcare will send you important information about your UnitedHealth Rx plan. Here’s some of what you can expect in 2009.

what to expect this year

4 Tobacco and Vascular Disease: A Dangerous Combination

5 Use Your EOB To Manage Costs

7 Meet Members of Our Plans

8 Helpful Tips for Using Your Medicare Benefits

9 Ask Customer Care: Understanding Vaccines and Your Vaccine Coverage

Call Customer Care at 1-866-399-7377, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-730-4203.

www.UnitedHealthRx.com

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stretch your dollar and stay healthy this spring

Economic times may be tough, but that doesn’t mean you have to cut back on healthy activities. There are many things you can do to boost your health while saving money. Here are a few ideas:

Take a walk. It’s one of the easiest ways to get exercise — and it’s free. Consider asking a friend to be your walking buddy. Or, invite your child or grandchild for a stroll to the park.

Plant a garden of fresh veggies. Gardening is great exercise. And growing some of your own food can help you cut back on grocery bills. If you can’t plant a garden, become a regular at your local farmer’s market.

Feel good by helping others. Sign up for a neighborhood planting event in a park or for a trash pick-up.

Check the newspaper for free events. These may include outdoor concerts and plays.

When What Why

Every Month You Use Your Coverage

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

This statement tells you how far along you are in your Part D plan benefits and keeps track of your prescription drug purchases.

Throughout the Year

Renew, Member Newsletter

Your member newsletter can help you get more from your prescription drug plan by providing important information about Part D, Medicare, and your general health and well-being.

Customer Care Letters

These letters inform you about important updates to your coverage, including information about billing, enrollment and coverage status.

Savings Mailers These letters or mailers tell you how you could save more with your plan.

E-mails (optional) Get plan updates on topics ranging from the coverage gap to your new health benefits for the upcoming year. You can register online.

October

Annual Notice of Change

This document provides updates to your plan’s benefits and coverage for the upcoming year. You’re automatically enrolled for Medicare Part D coverage each year, but you may change plans between November 15 and December 31.

Evidence of Coverage Details about your plan’s coverage are in this document.

Formulary (Drug List) This is a partial list of drugs covered by your plan.

You probably know a lot about your UnitedHealth Rx plan. But do you know about the

ways it can help you save money and manage your health care costs? Here are some tips for how you can get more value from your plan.

1. Use lower-cost drugs. Switching to a lower-tier drug can save you more than 40% on your copays.1 In many cases, a lower-tier drug also can decrease your total drug costs. This may help you avoid or delay the coverage gap, if you have one. Ask your doctor if there are any lower-tier drugs that could work for you.

2. Use the Preferred Mail Service through Prescription Solutions.® More than 650,000 members in UnitedHealthcare Part D plans used the Preferred Mail Service in 2008.2 Get a 90-day supply of Tier 1 medications, typically generic drugs, for $0 copay.3 Save up to $15 compared to what you would pay at a network retail pharmacy for a 90-day supply of your Tier 2 and Tier 3 medications.3

3. Use your ID card at a network pharmacy. Show your member ID card every time you visit a network pharmacy. This will help ensure you get the lowest price available.

4. Read plan materials. Throughout the year, your plan sends you savings tips and other ideas on how best to use your benefits.

5. Visit your plan’s Web site at www.UnitedHealthRx.com.• View your Cost and Benefits

Summary. This can help you monitor how close you are to entering or leaving the coverage gap, if you have one.

• Estimate your monthly and annual drug costs.

• Find out which generic and lower-cost drugs are covered.

• Order refills through the Preferred Mail Service Pharmacy.

If you don’t have Internet access, ask an authorized family member or friend to help manage your account online. See Page 10 for more information.

1 The percentage savings you could realize after switching from a Tier 2 or brand-name drug to a Tier 1 or generic drug.2 Report: Mail Service Penetration Report. December 2008.3 The benefit described here applies until the total cost of your drugs (paid by UnitedHealthcare, you and others) reaches $2,700.

five ways to get more value from your plan

Get important plan updates by e-mail. To sign up, register online at www.UnitedHealthRx.com.

Or, call Customer Care.

www.UnitedHealthRx.com

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Renew Spring 2009

Most people know that using tobacco can lead to lung cancer. But the heart and

blood vessels are also affected by tobacco smoke. That makes using tobacco a major risk factor for blood vessel, or “vascular,” diseases.

The vascular system is the body’s network of blood vessels, which include arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood vessels carry blood to and from the heart. When a person uses tobacco, a sticky substance called plaque builds up on vein and artery walls. This slows down the flow of blood, which can lead to serious problems, including the following:

Carotid DiseaseThe carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, face, scalp and neck. Carotid disease occurs when plaque builds up in these arteries. This makes them narrow and weak, making it hard for blood to get to the brain. This can cause a stroke. Carotid disease causes more than half of all strokes in the United States.1

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)PAD affects the vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach and kidneys. Like carotid disease, it is caused by a buildup of plaque along the artery walls, which slows down blood flow. Over time this can cause cramping or tiredness in the lower half of your body. People with PAD often have blockages in arteries in the heart or to the brain. This means they often have an increased risk for heart attack or stroke.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)The aorta carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. AAA occurs when a weak area along the abdominal aorta swells like a balloon and, if not treated, bursts. This leads to bleeding that can cause death.

Quit NowIf you use tobacco, consider quitting. There are many free resources available to help you quit. And many health plans offer services. Ask your doctor for advice.

4

1 Carotid Artery Disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2008.2 Trademarks for drugs listed above are owned by third parties with whom UnitedHealth Rx has no affiliation.

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• Buproban • Bupropion HCI SR

• Chantix® 2 • Nicotine patch

• Nicotrol® Inhaler2 • Nicotrol® NS2

we can help you quitYour UnitedHealth Rx plan covers medications that could help you quit using tobacco, including:

Ask your doctor if any of these could help you quit.

tobacco and vascular disease: a dangerous combination

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Whether you are new to Medicare Part D or have been a member since the benefit started in 2006, the Part D coverage gap can be confusing. To better understand the coverage gap, it helps to know how Medicare Part D works. There are four stages of coverage. In each stage, the amount you pay for your prescription drugs is different.

making sense of the coverage gap

Each month you fill a prescription, you will be mailed an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). The EOB helps you track your coverage.

Reading Your EOBThe EOB shows a summary of your drug costs including:

How much you, the plan and others have paid toward your drug costs.

Which coverage stage you are in.

A full list of the drugs you filled in the prior month.

Your EOB also includes definitions and drug list updates that affect you.

Managing Your CostsYour EOB can help you track and plan for your drug costs, especially if you will be entering the coverage gap. It can also be used as a record of the prescription drugs you are taking. Use your EOB when working with your current or new doctor.

New EOB Feature!For members who don’t get help from Medicare, your EOB’s monthly summary soon will include savings estimates for using the Preferred Mail Service Pharmacy. It also will include estimates for switching to a lower-cost drug.

use your EOB to manage your costs

1 Payments will depend on the level of extra help you are getting from Medicare.2 Total drug costs is the amount paid by you and the plan for prescription drugs, not including premiums.3 True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) is the amount you have paid for prescription drugs since January 1, not including premiums.

Keep track of what stage you are in by reviewing your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement (see box to the right). Or manage your expenses online at www.UnitedHealthRx.com. You can track how close you are to entering or leaving the coverage gap by viewing your Cost and Benefits Summary, including your TrOOP and total drug costs to date.

Coverage Stages

Stage Amount Standard BenefitBenefit with Extra Help from Medicare1

Stage 1Annual Deductible (starts January 1)

Varies by plan. Not all plans have a deductible.

You pay: Nothing; skip to Stage 2. Your plan has no deductible.

You pay: Nothing, or a $60 deductible.

Stage 2Initial Coverage

Up to $2,700 in total drug costs.2

You pay: Copay or coinsurance for each covered prescription drug.

Plan pays: Remainder of costs for each covered prescription drug.

You pay: A copay or 15% coinsurance for each covered prescription drug. Because you get extra help from Medicare, you do not have a coverage gap.

Stage 3Coverage Gap

After $2,700 in total drug costs; up to $4,350 in TrOOP.3

You pay: 100% of your drug costs. Plan-negotiated discounts still apply.

Plan pays: Nothing.

Stage 4Catastrophic Coverage

After $4,350 in TrOOP; no limit.

You pay: A small copay or coinsurance for each covered prescription drug.

Plan pays: Remainder of costs for each covered prescription until the end of the year with no limit.

You pay: Nothing, or a small copay.

www.UnitedHealthRx.com 5

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Renew Spring 2009

berry blast smoothie Start your morning off right with this healthy berry smoothie! Use fresh fruit or frozen berries that have been defrosted. If some types of berries are expensive or out of season, substitute with other berries.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 cup strawberries 1 cup blackberries ½ cup 100% cran-raspberry juice ½ cup low-fat blueberry yogurt 1 cup ice

DirectionsPlace all items into blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Per ServingCalories 100 Sodium 20 mgTotal Fat 1 g Dietary Fiber 6 gSaturated Fat 0 g Sugars 15 gTrans Fat 0 g Protein 2 gCholesterol 0 mg Total Carbohydrate 25 g

Fruits and Veggies — More Matters™: Recipes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, undated.

healthyrecipe

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blueberries: small, but powerful

Blueberries might be small, but don’t be fooled.

This super food has a lot of antioxidants, such

as vitamin C. Antioxidants help fight disease by

protecting against unstable molecules called

free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage.

This might raise a person’s risk for cancer, heart

disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, many factors can affect how you’re feeling. Some, like air quality, are out of your control. But others, like quitting tobacco or eating healthy, are within your control. To help you feel better all year long, “eat well” with these tips.

seven nutrition tips for people with COPD

Lung Treatment of COPD and Asthma. National Lung Health Education Program, August 2006.

“Prospective Study of Dietary Patterns and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among U.S. Men.” R. Varraso et al. Thorax. September 2007, vol. 62, no. 9, pp. 785–90.

Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs and whole grains. Cut back on red meat, sweets, french fries and refined grains, such as white bread and white rice.

Avoid caffeine. It drives too much water out of your body and may interfere with some of your medications. Instead, choose caffeine-free drinks like water, juice and low-fat milk. These fluids help your body digest food better. Liquids also keep your mucus thin and easier to cough up.

Think about your breathing when you eat. Chew slowly and take small bites. Breathe deeply to prevent shortness of breath.

Watch your weight. Being too thin can make you feel weak. But being overweight makes your heart and lungs work harder.

Eat a little at a time. Large meals fill your stomach and make it hard to breathe. Try eating five or six small meals each day instead of three big ones.

Lighten up on salt. Excess salt can keep too much water in your body. That can make breathing harder. Instead, use herbs or no-salt spices to flavor your food.

Limit foods that cause bloating, which may make breathing more difficult. These may include soda, fried and spicy foods and some vegetables, like cabbage or cucumbers.

As always, consult your doctor before making changes to your diet.

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www

One lucky U.S. town may be on its way to gaining 10,000 more years to live. United Health Foundation (UHF) is giving a major grant to the AARP/Blue Zones City Health Makeover. The project will teach life-changing health habits to people who live and work in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The goal: Add an average of two years

to each person’s projected life expectancy. The program goes beyond diet and exercise and is designed around research. It’s focused on making community and individual lifestyle changes, such as serving healthy food at school and teaching people to surround themselves with positive people.

UHF is a private foundation established by UnitedHealth Group (UHG), the parent company for the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions family of plans. It is just one way UHG is living its mission to help people live healthier lives. The makeover began in January and will end in October. Look for updates in future issues of Renew!

United Health Foundation helps give a city a health makeover

fun facts about Part D

70 — The average age of UnitedHealthcare Part D members 8,824 — UnitedHealthcare Part D members older than 100 years Florida — State with the most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D members

Next Generation Policy System, January 2009.

Jo SecureHorizons Medicare AdvantageAARP MedicareComplete plan member Jo, 83, doesn’t let grass grow under her feet. In the past eight years, she’s ridden a camel in Egypt, gone snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe, skydived in California and zip-lined in Hawaii. “I’m always up for something new,” she said.

Despite having surgery for a brain aneurysm in 2004, this great-grandmother hasn’t slowed down one bit. In 2005, she and 19 family members enjoyed a cruise to Mexico. Today, she’s in great health, taking only a statin drug and vitamins.

Carolyn and DavidUnitedHealthcare Medicare Part DCarolyn and David have seemingly boundless energy, even after raising five kids. Now in their late 60s, Carolyn is involved with Habitat for Humanity, and David serves as a

minister at churches and retirement homes. They even helped Mississippi hurricane victims rebuild their homes.

Carolyn had medical insurance but no prescription drug coverage. Because Carolyn has diabetes, the AARP MedicareRx Preferred plan made sense. “I was looking for a plan that would be as reasonably priced as possible,” she said. David signed up, too. “You never know what might happen,” he said.

Margaret EvercareFor many people like Margaret, today’s economy is challenging. But her Evercare At Home™ health plan makes it possible to afford medication and other essentials she needs, like grab bars in her bathroom. Transportation to doctor appointments also is included.

“My care is fantastic,” she said. “I would be lost without it.”

meet members of our plansmember stories

The UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions family of plans includes people from across the nation. Their health plans are helping them live life to the fullest. Read about a few of them here!

www.UnitedHealthRx.com 7

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Renew Spring 2009

know your rights: new Medicare rules about marketing

Congress passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) last July. MIPPA gives insurance companies and agents strict rules about when and how they can contact you. You may still get calls from your current plan. For example, UnitedHealthcare may still call you from time to time to make sure your plan still meets your needs. But the new rules stop other insurance companies from pressuring you to switch plans.

Agents or companies who are not with your current plan cannot:

Call or visit you to talk about your health plan, unless you have asked them to contact you or agreed to let them contact you.

Ask for your Social Security number or bank or credit card information. Be careful of anyone asking for this kind of information.

Approach you in a common area to try to sell you a new plan. This might include a parking lot or your doctor’s office.

If you receive an unexpected call from another health plan, you don’t have to share any information. A quick “no thank you” should do the trick.

helpful tips for using your Medicare benefits

1. Avoid FraudMost health care providers are honest. But some commit fraud by billing Medicare for services you never received. As with other forms of theft, Medicare fraud can lead to higher prices for everyone.

These steps can help you prevent fraud:

Keep your plan ID card safe. Handle it the way you handle credit cards or your Social Security card.

Check the billing paperwork you get in the mail. Make sure you received all the services or supplies for which Medicare was billed.

Be cautious of any provider that:

Offers equipment or services for free.

Tells you that Medicare wants you to have specific services or equipment.

Tries to pressure or scare you into having high-priced services or tests.

2. Be Aware of Your RightsYou have the right to know how your Medicare benefits work. That includes getting information about what services are covered and their costs. You also have the right to an explanation if a service is denied to you.

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You have your Medicare plan for the year. Now, how can you make the most of it? Here are three tips.

If you have questions, call the phone number on your member ID card.

3. Compare Providers If you need medical services or equipment, how do you know where to go? Medicare offers information about the quality of care given by providers in your area to help you make more informed choices. For quality data, visit www.medicare.gov or call the Medicare Helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-486-2048. Before using a provider, check with your plan to make sure the provider accepts your coverage.

{ stay in the know }

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The copay or coinsurance amount for the vaccine. The pharmacy automatically bills the administration fee to your UnitedHealth Rx plan. If the administration fee is more than $20, you pay the difference.

The copay or coinsurance amount for the vaccine drug, plus an administration fee that may be higher than at a retail pharmacy.

You may have to submit a reimbursement form to your UnitedHealth Rx plan for the administration fee. The plan will pay up to $20. You pay the difference. Any administration fee will be included as part of your True Out-of-Pocket costs.

At your doctor’s office.

1. Your doctor writes a prescription. You pick it up at a pharmacy and bring it back to the doctor.

or2. Your doctor writes a prescription and administers it.

or3. Your doctor orders the vaccine from a specialty pharmacy. It is shipped to the doctor’s office.

At a retail pharmacy in your network. (Many states allow pharmacists to administer vaccines in the pharmacy.)

Where and How What You Pay

Q: Where should I get my vaccines?

A: There are several ways to get a vaccine:

Q: There seem to be a lot of vaccines. Which vaccines do I need?

A: Vaccines can prevent serious illness. And they can help save your life. Health experts say it’s important that adults ages 65 and older get vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw). But other vaccines are recommended as well, including the shingles vaccine. Talk with your doctor about which ones are right for you.

Q: Which vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B? Which are covered by Medicare Part D?

A: Medicare Part B fully covers vaccines for hepatitis B (for those at higher risk), the flu and pneumonia. Your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan covers vaccines for meningitis, shingles, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies and more. Depending on where you get them, you may have to pay only a small copay or coinsurance amount. Call Customer Care to see if the vaccine you need is covered.

ask customer care

For the best coverage, UnitedHealthcare recommends that you get vaccines at a network pharmacy, if your state allows it. The administration fee likely will be lower, so it will save you money. If the administration fee is less than $20, all you will have to pay is your copay or coinsurance amount. And you won’t have to fill out a form to get reimbursed. Check your Pharmacy Directory for a list of network pharmacies.

understanding vaccines and your vaccine coverage

To make sure a recommended vaccine is covered or to request a reimbursement form:

Call Customer Care at 1-866-399-7377, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-730-4203.

Or visit us at www.UnitedHealthRx.com to download a reimbursement form.

www.UnitedHealthRx.com

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10 Renew Spring 2009

• If your doctor doesn’t know you’re skipping doses, he or she might think your drug isn’t working and prescribe a different medicine. This could lead to side effects or dangerous interactions.

Tips for Saving on DrugsTaking your medicine as prescribed might save you money. Here are other ways to save:

• Take advantage of savings opportunities through your plan. See Page 3 for details.

• Find out if you qualify for extra help from Medicare to help pay for your prescription drug costs.

• Look for public or private drug assistance programs. Search online or ask your health care team for referrals.

Did you know that your health information is protected by law? This means that only you can call us for information about your Part D coverage, unless you authorize another person to do so. Even your spouse and children can’t call the plan with questions about your coverage without your permission.

To give someone you trust access to your Part D information, you will need to make them an Authorized Representative.

assign an authorized representative

Think skipping pills or taking half-doses can help you save money? You’re not alone.

Doctors recently surveyed Americans with ongoing conditions or recent illnesses. Almost half of them said they didn’t fill a prescription or missed a dose to cut costs.1 But not taking prescribed medication correctly can cost you more in the long run.

The High Price of Missed MedicationsThere are effective ways to manage drug costs. Cutting back on medicine to save money isn’t one of them.

• Finish taking all the antibiotics prescribed, even if you feel better. Otherwise, you might get sick again. Then you may have to pay for another round of medication. And your remaining germs might be resistant to the antibiotic.

• Skipping doses could lead to more health problems later. One study looked at patients with heart disease who didn’t take their prescribed medication. They were twice as likely to die or have a stroke or heart attack.2 Missing doses of heart drugs can cause chest pain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. These conditions can lead to more health care expenses.

don’t skip that dose: better ways to save on medications

1 “In Chronic Condition: Experiences of Patients With Complex Health Care Needs, in Eight Countries, 2008.” C. Schoen et al. Health Affairs. Nov. 13, 2008.2 “Self-Reported Medication Adherence and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease: The Heart and Soul Study.” A.K. Gehi et al. Archives of Internal Medicine. Sept. 10, 2007, vol. 167, no. 16, pp. 1798–1803.

The Medicare Web site offers a list of prescription drug assistance programs offered by drug companies at www.medicare.gov/pap.

goodadvice

To make your friend or family member an Authorized Representative, call Customer Care to request a form at 1-866-399-7377, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-730-4203.

Or visit the Web site at www.UnitedHealthRx.com. Click on “Caregivers and family.” Then click “Become an authorized representative.” Print and complete the “Authorized Representative Form.”

Mail the completed and signed form to:

UnitedHealthcarePO Box 29150Hot Springs, AR 71903-9150

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You are not required to use the plan’s Preferred Mail Service Pharmacy to obtain a supply of your maintenance medications. You have the option of using the Preferred Mail Service Pharmacy, a retail extended day supply pharmacy or non-preferred mail service pharmacy in the network to obtain a supply of maintenance medications.

If you choose a retail extended day supply pharmacy or non-preferred mail service pharmacy, you may see out-of-pocket payment differences when compared to using the Preferred Mail Service Pharmacy. You should experience no out-of-pocket payment differences if choosing between a retail extended day supply pharmacy and a non-preferred mail service pharmacy. Please call Customer Care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for up-to-date information on which pharmacies are in the network.

Your prescriptions should arrive about seven days from the date the completed order is received by Prescription Solutions. If Prescription Solutions needs to contact you or your prescribing physician to clarify information on your order or to request prescriptions from your physician, delivery may take longer. If you prefer rush delivery, medications can be shipped overnight for an additional charge. You should fill your prescriptions locally if you are out of your medications and cannot wait for your mail order prescriptions to arrive. Standard delivery is no charge to U.S. addresses, including U.S. territories.

For copay amounts, drug coverage information or general plan questions, please call Customer Care at 1-866-399-7377, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-730-4203. NOTE: If you are receiving extra help from Medicare, your copays may be lower or you may have no copays.

Prescription Solutions is an affiliate of United HealthCare Insurance Company and United HealthCare Insurance Company of New York.

The family of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions plans includes Part D Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans featuring the UnitedHealth,® AARP,® SecureHorizons,® SecureHorizons® MedicareDirectSM or Evercare® brand names. Plans are insured or covered by an affiliate of UnitedHealthcare, a Medicare Advantage organization and a Prescription Drug Plans sponsor with a Medicare contract.

AARP and its affiliate are not insurance agencies or carriers and do not employ or endorse insurance agents, brokers, representatives or advisors. All plans may not be available in your state/area and for some plans you must reside in the plan’s federally approved service area to obtain health care coverage. Call to receive complete information including benefits, costs, eligibility requirements, exclusions and limitations.

AARP does not make health plan or prescription drug plan recommendations for individuals. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs before choosing a plan.

UnitedHealthcare pays a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP trademark and other services. Amounts paid are used for general purposes of AARP and its members. AARP is not the insurer. AARP and the AARP Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of AARP. The SecureHorizons and MedicareComplete marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of United Healthcare Alliance, LLC and its affiliates. The AARP® MedicareComplete® and AARP® MedicareRx plans are available to all eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including both members and non-members of AARP.

www.UnitedHealthRx.com

1. UBYRLEBER

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2. DREACEMI

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3. ENNDGGIAR

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Word ScrambleSolution

1. Blueberry

2. Medicare

3. Gardening

4. Healthy

5. Exercise

6. Renew Challenge your mind by unscrambling these mixed-up words. Hint: They can all be found in this issue of Renew!

Page 12: renew - UnitedHealthcare® · PDF filethe perfect time to introduce Renew, your new UnitedHealth Rx plan member newsletter. Renew builds on the value you received ... warm-up

GOOD to KNOW

insi

de 3

Stretch Your Dollar This Spring

8 Helpful Tips for Using Medicare

announcing an exciting change!

1

FALL 2008D briefFALL 2008

NEWSLETTER FOR UNITEDHEALTH Rx MEMBERSD briefD brief is now Renew! We’re proud to bring you a new health and wellness newsletter designed with you in mind. Two times a year, you will receive Renew. This newsletter will continue to offer important information about saving money on your prescription drugs and getting more from your Medicare Part D plan. Plus, you’ll get more articles about good health and well-being. Enjoy!

Customer Care 1-866-399-7377,

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-877-730-4203

Preferred Mail Service through Prescription Solutions®

1-877-246-2986, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, TTY 1-866-394-7218

Medicare Helpline1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227),

24 hours a day, 7 days a week,TTY 1-877-486-2048

www.UnitedHealthRx.com

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The family of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions plans includes Part D Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans featuring the UnitedHealth,® AARP,® SecureHorizons,® SecureHorizons® MedicareDirectSM or Evercare® brand names.


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