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Don’t dehydrate
It’s essential for everyone, but especially the elderly, to have 64 ounces of water a day. Water moves nutrients and medication through the body. Joints, organs and bodily temperature rely on adequate water intake. Many consider iced tea a substitute for water, but tea is caffeinated and acts as a mild diuretic resulting in fluid loss. Dehydration can lead to severe medical complications. Make water your beverage of choice:
- Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
- Hydrate before, during and after excursions.
- Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Buy a pair of shoes on us
Need a new pair of walking sneakers? When you take the easy-to-do Health Risk Assessment for the first time and authorize its release to BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, BCBSTX will send you a $50 gift card to Academy. If you live outside Texas, the gift card will be for Sports Authority.
It’s simple to do:
- Log on to www.bcbstx.com and Blue Access for Members.
- Click on the Personal Health Manager.
- Click on Take the Health Risk Assessment.
- Agree to all terms and conditions.
- Complete the HRA.
- Look for your gift card in the mail within eight weeks.
Use your gift card for a pair of shoes or other exercise tool. Then get out there and move toward a healthier you.
You can complete the HRA each year, but the gift card is available only the first time you take it.
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Allergy relief
The city’s medical plans cover allergy testing and injections as indicated below.
|
HMO |
PPO
In-network |
PPO
Out-of-network |
Aetna
PPFS |
Texas
Health-
Spring |
Texan-
Plus |
Primary Care Physician Office Visit |
50% copayment |
$30 copayment |
40% after annual deductible |
$15
copayment |
$10
copayment |
$10
copayment |
Specialist Office Visit |
50% copayment |
$50 copayment |
40% after annual deductible |
$15
copayment |
$25
copayment |
$25
copayment |
Note: PPO in-network co-payment without an office visit is 20 percent after annual deductible. For more information, contact your health plan.
Medicare Advantage plan enrollment guide correction
The Medicare B Drug benefit was incorrectly stated for the Medicare Advantage plans in the 2007 Enrollment Guide you received in March. This chart shows the correct Medicare B Drug benefit.
Medicare Part B Drugs Coverage |
Aetna PPFS |
Texas HealthSpring |
TexanPlus |
Medicare Part B Drugs are the drugs used to treat cancer, organ transplant therapy, some injectables, and durable medical equipment supply drugs. |
Covered at 100% |
Member pays 15% to $1,000. After $1,000, Part B drugs are covered 100%. |
Member pays 20% to $1,500. After $1,500, Part B drugs are covered 100%. |
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